Governor Wes Moore to Deliver University of Maryland's 2024 Commencement Address

The University of Maryland announced that Governor Wes Moore will deliver the university's commencement address on Monday, May 20, 2024. Moore will address summer 2023, winter 2023 and spring 2024 graduates, family and friends during the ceremony at SECU Stadium.

"Governor Wes Moore's remarkable story is nothing short of inspirational and aspirational," said UMD President Darryll J. Pines. "I am honored that our graduates will have the opportunity to learn from his journey, beginning from his Takoma Park roots to becoming Maryland's first Black Governor in the state's 246-year history."

A distinguished military veteran, author and Maryland native, Governor Wes Moore is the third African American elected Governor in the history of the United States. Honored as a Rhodes Scholar (the first Black Rhodes Scholar at Johns Hopkins University), Moore's exceptional academic work and fearless service earned him a spot as a White House Fellow, advising on issues of national security and international relations. As an entrepreneur, Moore's work has encompassed forging success in higher education for underserved students via his company, BridgeEDU and exploring race, equity and opportunities in his published works, "The Other Wes Moore" and "Five Days."

"The University of Maryland is the pride of our state," said Gov. Moore. "I look forward to sharing reflections on life and service with this year's graduates. But more importantly, I look forward to speaking with our students. In a moment of profound consequence for our state, nation, and world, these graduates won't just be our inspirations -- they will be our guides."

The University of Maryland Welcomes Its First African American President

Dr. Darryll J. Pines began his role as the University of Maryland’s 34th president on July 1. Previously the Nariman Farvardin Professor of Engineering and the dean of the A. James Clark School of Engineering, he’s the university’s first African American president.

“I understand the symbolism that it represents to the African American community and to the community at large here at the University of Maryland and what it represents at these times of uncertainty and social justice,” Pines said.

He began his role by announcing twelve new initiatives, including increasing the university’s mental health staff; hiring a coordinator for immigrant and undocumented student life; naming new residence halls after figures who contributed to University of Maryland’s diversity; and establishing a taskforce on campus policing.

“Excellence and diversity, equity and inclusion for me are synonymous with greatness,” Pines said. “And that’s what I intend to do for this university.”

[SOURCE:DIVERSE EDUCATION]

Congressman honors Lt. Richard Collins something Trump has yet to do

On May 24, Congressman Anthony Brown (Dem-MD) spoke on the House floor about the life and death of Lieutenant Richard Collins III. Collins' murder was a hate crime, and the latest in string of racist and hate-filled incidents across the country at college campuses. Trump has yet to honor this fallen American soldier.

Watch his comments below:

When is Pres. Trump going to honor Lt. Richard Collins