University of Maryland Celebrates Winter 2020 Graduates in Virtual Ceremony

COLLEGE PARK, Md. - The University of Maryland honored winter graduates in a virtual commencement ceremony on December 20, 2020. Thousands of viewers tuned into the main ceremony, which streamed on multiple platforms.

President Darryll J. Pines presided over his first commencement since his presidency began, offering words of encouragement to more than 3,400 graduates who earned bachelor's, master’s and doctoral degrees from various programs.

“You graduate today into a limitless future -- a future marked with urgent and critical issues like climate change, poverty, hunger and racial justice,” said Pines during the virtual ceremony. “I believe that we hold the power in our hands to address these grand challenges, but only with the strength and fortitude of our resilience and our connectedness.”

The commencement address was delivered by Olympic gold medalist and three-time Olympic gymnast Dominique Dawes. The Dominique Dawes Gymnastics Academy owner and Terp alumna urged students to use the challenges we are all collectively facing to find ways to change the world together.

“Each and every one of you graduates has the ability to use your time, your talents and your treasure to impact the world around you,” Dawes told graduates. “No matter if you become rich and famous and super successful, I want you to recognize that your fellow man and those around you need your guidance and they need your support.”

Student speaker Luke Teresi ‘20, a psychology major, addressed fellow graduates, encouraging them to take the values of diversity, equity and inclusion gained at Maryland and remain committed to learning from others. Additional remarks were made by Maryland Governor Larry Hogan and University System of Maryland Regent Geoff Gonella. Graduates and families were also treated to musical performances by the UMD Chamber Singers and the Mighty Sound of Maryland.

Ahead of the ceremony, graduates were mailed a care package, which included a turtle pin, posters, a commencement program and, for undergraduates, a cap and tassel. All graduates were encouraged to use these items and more to share their UMD memories. More than 300 Terps submitted more than 800 photos and videos, many of which were featured in the ceremony.

Individual colleges and schools also hosted their own virtual commencement ceremonies on December 20, featuring remarks from deans, displaying the names of every graduate.

To view the full ceremony, visit commencement.umd.edu.