2026 Spring UMES Commencement FINAL

UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND EASTERN SHORE

139th Spring Commencement Friday, the Fifteenth of May Two Thousand Twenty-Six Ten o'clock in the morning William P. Hytche Athletic Center University of Maryland Eastern Shore Princess Anne, Maryland

Together in Excellence We Will Affirm Our Mission

Facta Non Verba

Historical Overview The University of Maryland Eastern Shore (UMES) has been known by a series of names reflective of its location, evolving role and mission over a period spanning three centuries.

It opened September 13, 1886 under the auspices of the Delaware Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Benjamin and Portia Bird welcomed nine students that first day to a converted farmhouse on 16 acres at what was envisioned to be a feeder school for Baltimore’s Centenary Biblical Institute, which in 1890 became Morgan College.

Thirty-seven students were enrolled in the Delaware Conference Academy at the end of the first year.

African-Americans of that era could not enroll in the Maryland Agricultural College in College Park, which offered advanced instruction in farming techniques and related trades commonplace in the 19th century. So when Congress enacted the Second Morrill Act of 1890 committing funds to historically black colleges and universities, the state of Maryland formalized a partnership with Morgan to help pay for “land-grant” education for African-Americans studying in Princess Anne.

By the turn of the 20th century, the school was widely known as Princess Anne Academy, although in some circles it also was referred to informally as Morgan’s “Industrial Branch.” The unique public-private partnership between the state and Morgan inspired yet another change in nomenclature, at least according to state government archives: the Eastern Shore Branch of Maryland Agricultural College.

In the midst of the Great Depression, Maryland courts directed the state to admit qualified African-American applicants to its publicly funded law school in Baltimore, a ruling historians believe hastened Princess Anne Academy’s transition to becoming a public institution.

Fifty years after it opened, the school formally passed from Maryland Episcopal Church control to state ownership with the first of four $25,000 installment payments – just as it was evolving into a baccalaureate degree-granting college. Maryland’s flagship campus in College Park was responsible for administrative oversight. In 1948, the Eastern Shore branch of the University of Maryland, alternately known as Princess Anne College, was renamed Maryland State College, a division of the University of Maryland.

Maryland State College became the University of Maryland Eastern Shore on July 1, 1970. By an act of Maryland’s legislature in 1988, UMES joined the 12-institution University System of Maryland, and today is a vibrant, “high-research activity” doctoral university on 1,138-acres preparing its graduates for the 21st century.

University Presidents

Heidi M. Anderson 2018 - Present

Mickey L. Burnim 2018

Juliette B. Bell 2012-2018

Mortimer H. Neufville 2011-2012

Thelma B. Thompson 2002-2011

Jackie Thomas 2001-2002

Delores Margaret R. Spikes 1997-2001

William Percy Hytche, Sr. 1975-1997

Archie Lee Buffkins 1971-1975

Howard Emery Wright 1970-1971

John Taylor Williams 1947-1970

Robert Alexander Grigsby 1936-1947

Thoams Henry Kiah 1910-1936

Frank J. Trigg, Jr. 1902-1910

Pezavia O’Connell 1900-1902

Portia E. Lovett Bird 1897-1899

Benjamin Oliver Bird 1886-1897

Guest Speaker Cory McCray is a Maryland State Senator representing the 45th Legislative District in Baltimore City, where he is committed to expanding opportunity, strengthening communities, and delivering real results for working families.

A proud son of Baltimore, Senator McCray began his career as an electrical apprentice and now stands as a journeyman electrician—bringing a working-class perspective to public service that is rare in legislative spaces. He is the only member of the Maryland General Assembly to have completed a registered apprenticeship, and his lived experience continues to shape his work in workforce development, education, and economic mobility.

In the Senate, he serves on the Budget and Taxation Committee and chairs the Health and Human Services Subcommittee, where he plays a key role in shaping the State’s budget and advancing policies that impact some of Maryland’s most vulnerable communities.

Senator McCray is also the author of The Apprenticeship That Saved My Life, a guidebook and call to action that highlights apprenticeship as a powerful pathway to success. Through his work in the legislature and in the community, he continues to advocate for systems that provide real access, real exposure, and real opportunity —especially for young people who are too often overlooked.

He is a devoted husband to his wife, Demetria, and a proud father to his four children—Kennedy, Reagan, CJ, and Bryson—who continue to inspire his work and commitment to building a better future for the next generation.

Born and raised in Baltimore City, Sen. McCray attended Fairmount-Harford High School in East Baltimore.

He credits his mother, who encouraged him to join the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW), with changing the trajectory of his future. After completing a five-year apprenticeship with the IBEW, Cory attended Baltimore City Community College, where he proudly earned an associate degree in business administration.

Commencement Program PRELUDE PROCESSIONAL

Triumphal March from Aida Giuseppe Verdi University Marshals Erinn D. Tucker-Oluwole PhD, MBA, MS, Chief Marshal Rondall Allen, Pharm.D., General Marshal D. Jamar Simmons, Ph.D., CSAEd, CSAEd-SC, Student Marshal Reginald Garcon, Ed.D., Student Marshal Lily Chi-Fang Tsai, Ph.D., Faculty Marshal Phillip Broussard, Flag of Nations Marshal

THE NATIONAL ANTHEM

The Star Spangled Banner Francis Scott Key Lift Ev’ry Voice and Sing James Weldon Johnson John Rosamond Johnson

INVOCATION

OPENING PROCLAMATION AND REMARKS GREETINGS

UMES Gospel Choir Preston Gross II UMES Choir Director

Rev. Adrienne Dillard Pastor Metropolitan United Methodist Church

Dr. Heidi M. Anderson President University of Maryland Eastern Shore

Video Message from The Honorable Wes Moore Governor of Maryland Yvette Lewis Board of Regents, University System of Maryland Latina L. Wilson University of Maryland Eastern Shore, Board of Visitors

STUDENT COMMENTARY

David O’daniel Martin Spring 2026 Graduate Candidate

Commencement Program MUSICAL SELECTION

Perfect Peace Walt Whitman & The Soul Children of Chicago

UMES Gospel Choir Preston Gross II UMES Choir Director

INTRODUCTION OF COMMENCEMENT SPEAKER

Armani Dukes President UMES Student Government Association

COMMENCEMENT ADDRESS

The Honorable Cory McCray Maryland State Senator, 45th District

CONFERRING OF DEGREES

Dr. Heidi M. Anderson President University of Maryland Eastern Shore Dr. Rondall E. Allen Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs University of Maryland Eastern Shore

Teonna Wallop, 00 President UMES National Alumni Association

THE ALUMNI OATH

THE ALMA MATER

Daniel Lyman Ridout

Rev. Adrienne Dillard Pastor Metropolitan United Methodist Church

BENEDICTION

RECESSIONAL

UMES Gospel Choir Preston Gross II UMES Choir Director

Pomp and Circumstance Sir Edward Elgar

To ensure order and safety, The University will restrict guests leaving their seats to take video or still photography. The audience is requested to remain seated during the Recessional.

Doctoral and Masters Graduates SCHOOL OF GRADUATE STUDIES LaKeisha L. Harris, Ph.D. Dean DOCTOR OF PHILSOPHY IN FOOD AND AGRICULTURAL SCIENCE

John M. Ithiru, Ruiru, Kenya

Euyeon Noh, Salisbury, MD

Dissertation: Strategies for Successful Chenopodium Quinoa Cultivation in Low-Altitude and HeatStressed Areas of Maryland’s Eastern Shore

Dissertation: Alkali-Hydrolyzed Corn Dried Distillers Grains with Solubles as a Promising Alternatives to Antibiotic Growth Promoters in Broiler Production and Meat Quality

DOCTOR OF PHILSOPHY IN ORGANIZATIONAL LEADERSHIP

Edward Joesph Brink III, Newark, MD

Latoya Jenkins, Queens, NY

Dissertation:An Examination of Intergroup Leadership, Intergroup Relational Identity, and Collaboration Moderated

by Authentic Leadership in an Airline in the Northeastern U.S. Practicing Safety Management System Collaborations

Dissertation: An Examination of the Relationship Between Strategic Leadership and Organizational Commitment Mediated by Psychological Safety at a Historically Black University in the North Atlantic Region

Kelly Carey, Easton, MD

Aleksandra Manolova, Princess Anne, MD

Dissertation: A Qualitative Study of Truck Drivers’ Experiences with Dispatcher Interactions and Their Roles in Voluntary Turnover Decisions

Dissertation: Cross-cultural Exploration: A Multiple Case Study of International Student-Athletes’ Psychological Well-Being in NCAA Division I Universities

Jean Goblinger, Salisbury, MD Dissertation: The Role of Authentic Leadership in Adjunct Faculty Engagement: The Mediating Effect of Trust and the Influence of Organizational Identification DOCTOR OF EDUCATION IN EDUCATION LEADERSHIP

Jonas Beaubrun, Hyattsville, MD

Shelton Jamesnell Handy, Princess Anne, MD

Dissertation: Learning, Education, Wisdom, Intuition, and Success: The L.E.W.I.S. Model: A Holistic Student Educational Model

Dissertation: The Mindsets of Teachers in Secondary Education on PBIS Implementation and Positive Reinforcement

Jason Capobianco, Salisbury, MD

Tracee Threet-Harvey, East Orange, NJ

Dissertation: Perceptions Among New Special Education Teachers of a District-Based Induction Model

Dissertation: An Exploration of Teachers' and Parents' Perceptions of Early Childhood Education and Kindergarten Readiness

Doctoral and Masters Graduates MASTER OF SCIENCE IN APPLIED COMPUTER SCIENCE

Arya Sankar Das, Delmar, MD Iyad Eldin M. Elfadil, Fruitland, MD

Yixiao Ma, Gaithersburg, MD

MASTER OF ARTS IN TEACHING

Alexis Ann Kagan, Pocomoke City, MD MASTER OF EDUCATION IN CAREER AND TECHNOLOGY EDUCATION

Sharhonda L. Whitfield, Pikesville, MD

Gerald Kirk, Ijamsville, MD

MASTER OF SCIENCE IN CHEMISTRY

Ezra Elton Cable, Tyaskin, MD Husham A. Joda, Princess Anne, MD

Sara Elizabeth Lahoff, Crownsville, MD

MASTER OF EDUCATION IN COUNSELOR EDUCATION

Nicole L. Gale, Princess Anne, MD

Molly Elizabeth McCormick, Bishopville, MD

MASTER OF SCIENCE IN CRIMINOLOGY AND CRIMINAL JUSTICE

Lawrence Foreman, Windsor, CT MASTER OF SCIENCE IN CYBERSECURITY ENGINEERING TECHNOLOGY

Mouaye Bryan Atchimon, Wheaton, MD Adrian Scott Dula, Hampton, VA Badreldin Mohamed Ahmed Elhaj, Princess Anne, MD Tesfay Brhane Gebremedhn, Silver Spring, MD Rhamad Hawkins-McNeil, Waldorf, MD

Nakia LaShawn Maxie-Hill, Washington, DC Nadine Stéphanie Laure Rikam Moudji, Glenn Dale, MD Daniel Segay, Columbia, MD Tyler Allen Washington, La Plata, MD

MASTER OF SCIENCE IN DATA SCIENCE AND ANALYTICS ENGINEERING

Manal Makawi Yaoub, Odenton, MD MASTER OF SCIENCE IN ELECTRICAL AND MECHATRONICS ENGINEERING

Tamunoene Eugene Bamson, Manassas Park, VA

Tassnim Wagiealla Abdalla Mohamed, Fruitland, MD

MASTER OF SCIENCE IN FOOD & AGRICULTURAL SCIENCE

Sandesh Chapagain, Princess Anne, MD Jordan Earl Frazier, Springdale, MD Raksha Khadka, Princess Anne, MD

Rumita Limbu Sanwa, Princess Anne, MD Elmahi Elamin Elmahi Mohammed, Princess Anne, MD

Doctoral and Masters Graduates MASTER OF SCIENCE IN MARINE ESTUARINE ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE

Isabella Alexandra Beasley, Walls, MS

Christopher Alan Kenny Robinson, Belcamp, MD

MASTER OF SCIENCE IN REHABILITATION COUNSELING

Charity Uzezi Akpovino, Lagos, Nigeria Jonathan M. Drone, Elkton, MD Chaniqwa Rena Gilliam, Chesapeake, VA Mahogany Latrice Lester, Virginia Beach, VA

Chinenye Elizabeth Oluoba, Lagos, Nigeria Audrey Shayla Spence, Princess Anne, MD Jazmine H. Thomas, Washington, DC

MASTER OF EDUCATION IN SPECIAL EDUCATION

Grace Godfrey, Salisbury, MD Tyra B. Oliver, Salisbury, MD

Ada B. Rogers, Salisbury, MD

MASTER OF MEDICAL SCIENCE IN PHYSICIAN ASSISTANT STUDIES

Christopher Jordan Baptiste, Middleburg, FL

Alexis Layton, Delmar, DE

SCHOOL OF PHARMACY AND HEALTH PROFESSIONS T. Sean Vasaitis, Ph.D. Dean

DOCTOR OF PHARMACY

Lillian Alison Allen, Hurlock, MD Emily Darby Carew, Hebron, MD Jackeline Chavez, Silver Spring, MD Deva Cheny, Gaithersburg, MD Joseph Cheshu, Lanham, MD Brianna Dawn Domenick, Delmar, MD Tasneem S. Elbashir, Princess Anne, MD Muhanad Kamal Elhussein, Fruitland, MD Priscilla Jessie Hounkponou, Montgomery Village, MD Sarah Emily Lewis, Cambridge, MD

David C. Maduako, Silver Spring, MD Marwa Mustafa, Princess Anne, MD Eva Nganga, Olney, MD Oluwatimilehin Rachel Olaitan, Kettering, MD Alicia Chanea Rowe, Hyattsville, MD Kurt David Seymour, Mount Airy, MD Naushin Siddiqui, Mechanicsburg, PA Steve Romaric Toe, Laurel, MD Morgan Ung, Silver Spring, MD Adamari Villafuerte-Vieyra, Marion Station, MD

Bachelor’s Graduates SCHOOL OF BUSINESS, ENGINEERING, APPLIED SCIENCES, TECHNOLOGY, AND TOURISM MANAGEMENT Derrek Dunn, Ph.D. Dean BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN ACCOUNTING

Afi Marcelline Eleanor Amenofe, Bladensburg, MD** Zeena Sheree Hollingsworth-Hayes, Washington, DC***

Malik Evan Rogers, Bowie, MD***#

BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN AVIATION SCIENCE

David Thomas Keffer, Owings, MD Salim Laakira, Montgomery Village, MD Lean Andre Macatangay Madarang, Bowie, MD*** Wyatt Edward McWilliams, Salisbury, MD* Owen Patrick Mielnik, Salisbury, MD Matthew J. Miller, Little Rock, AR Farah Alecia Mitchell, Quantico, MD

Patrick Alan Mooney, Crofton, MD** Nicholas John Oechsler, Denton, MD**# Alijah Maleek Perry, Washington, DC*** Emmanuel Adebowale Sanni, Delmar, MD* Shanell R. Simms, St. Catherine, Jamaica Kensington Veatch, Pikesville, MD***# Alexis Paris Wilkin, Salisbury, MD

BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION

Lainey A. Allen, Plymouth Meeting, PA Shamary Lucius Anthony, Baltimore, MD Darren Dwight Bennett, Glen Burnie, MD Gregory Jamal Cook, Bowie, MD** Joshua Gibbons, Baltimore, MD*# Chloe Savannah Harris, Waldorf, MD*# ArBria Michele Keller, Baltimore, MD Mya K. Lawson, White Plains, MD*#

Brandon Littleton, Onancock, VA Ebony Marlene Martin, Baltimore, MD Daniya Terry, Hyattsville, MD** Rashad Seacry Wallace, Fruitland, MD Asani Kyree Warren, Waldorf, MD Cade Wesley Williams, Salisbury, MD Kelly-Anne Judah Wilson, Capitol Heights, MD**#

BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN COMPUTER SCIENCE

Chyna Adams, Salisbury, MD Joshua Ajayi, Bowie, MD Ali Albana, Pearland, TX Sami A. Ali, Princess Anne, MD* Munachimso Nicholas Ani, Enugu Ngwo, Nigeria***# Sopuruchukwu Mac-Anthony Ani, Hyattsville, MD***# Isaac Kwadwo Aniakwa, Laurel, MD Yanet Yayu Assefa, Hyattsville, MD Somuadina Egbulam, Clinton, MD#

Carlus Flowers II, Waldorf, MD Paul Foster, Accokeek, MD Mustafa Hassan, Salisbury, MD Fortune N. Kalu, Abia State, Nigeria***# Immanuel Maina, Baltimore, MD Israt Fatama Mithila, Elkton, MD Success Emmanuel Myers, Columbia, MD Moses Nwakwuo, Tallahassee, FL* Cody Thomas Phippin, Hebron, MD*#

Bachelor’s Graduates BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT TECHNOLOGY

Nitara S.E. Bento, Sandys, Bermuda Wilder Lopez Escalante, Takoma Park, MD Enrique Isaac Mendez, Germantown, MD Gabrielle Bekele Mustafa, Columbia, MD Percy Nemi, Rockville, MD

Christopher Shawn Smith, Baltimore, MD Miguel Angel Vasquez Velasco, Gaithersburg, MD Eric Wang, Ellicott City, MD Joseph Randall Wright, Bristol, PA

BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN ENGINEERING

Ralphael Agodo, Germantown, MD*# Brian L. Butler, Pocomoke, MD Yahia Dweekat, Delmar, DE Mitra Elizabeth English, New Church, VA

Davonte Jordan Mayo, Washington, DC Oreoluwa Emmanuel Olajide, Columbia, MD Danny-Joe Donghla Puwo Tameko, Silver Spring, MD**# Darian Waddell, Baltimore, MD

BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN ENGINEERING TECHNOLOGY

Elom Joshua Z. Klu, Smyrna, DE# Ashley L. Lindo, Upper Marlboro, MD***#

Jonathan Spencer, Salisbury, MD

BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN FINANCE

Toluwalase Israel Adeyeye, Upper Marlboro, MD Hasanatou Barry, Baltimore, MD***#

Edwin Eberechukwu Udenkwo, Laurel, MD

BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN HOSPITALITY AND TOURISM MANAGEMENT

Celia Bull, Germantown, MD Loye A. Daniel, Baltimore, MD John C. Fogler, Elkton MD

Monica R. Jones, Baltimore, MD** Aurelia E. Keels, Upper Marlboro, MD Russell Benjamin White Jr., Shady Side, MD** BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN MARKETING

Ella Rose Falcetti, Odenton, MD Dev'vonna Morris, Baltimore, MD

Mya Joy M. Reeves, Wilmington, DE Curtis R. Smith Jr., Edgewood, MD

Bachelor’s Graduates SCHOOL OF AGRICULTURAL AND NATURAL SCIENCES Moses Kairo, Ph.D. Dean BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN AGRIBUSINESS MANAGEMENT

Mason Reid Genga, Delmar, MD Glenn Eric Jones, Silver Spring, MD

Nicholas I. Sharp, Hyattsville, MD

BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN BIOCHEMISTRY

Logan Nyla Prince-Thomas, Bowie, MD

Dalaney Hill, Vienna, MD

BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN BIOLOGY

Brianna Abrahams, Nassau, Bahamas Jadia Sky Barber-Boyd, Philadelphia, PA Trinity Zion Hermani Bomar, Baltimore, MD***# Zanobea Amira Boyde, Washington, DC* Victoria Casteel, Port Tobacco, MD**# Clinton Kamsi Chibuzo Uwahemu, Silver Spring, MD Alex Nicole Conway, Queens, NY*# Ehimwenma Pearl Ehana, Brunswick, MD Liyah English, Dearborn Heights, MI Malia Imani Fontaine, Accokeek, MD***# Amber Maria Gray, Hurlock, MD

Aniya Taylor Hood, Baltimore, MD Alisha Khurram, Salisbury, MD** Alaynah K. Martin, Mardela Springs, MD Jeremy Musa, Uniondale, NY Maggie Emenkia Nana, Upper Marlboro, MD** Jade Reid, Plantation, FL***# Makayla Stesha Roberts, Indian Head, MD**# Krystin Lynette Rogers, Chicago, IL Sanaa Alexandra Pearl Talley, Odenton, MD Komi P. Welete, Bowie, MD***#

BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN CHEMISTRY

Mardocha F. Dolce, Salisbury, MD**

Jeffrey Wawaya Zialo, New Carrollton, MD

BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE

Kevin Luther Armstrong II, Bowie, MD**# Daryl Bullock, Upper Marlboro, MD Derek Trenard Cherry, Baltimore, MD***

Megan Grace Gandy, Princess Anne, MD*** Kayla Bryana Winn, Laurel, MD#

BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN GENERAL AGRICULTURE

Conner Glenn Ains, Salisbury, MD Dylan Adin Clarke, Bowie, MD** Susan Kathleen Dernowski, Bivalve, MD*** Diamond R. Drayton, Aquasco, MD Emma G. Dykes, Princess Anne, MD* Jalil Green, Baltimore, MD London Nicole Harris, Clinton, MD** Mouhamed Kaba, East Orange, NJ

Makayla Imani Lovelace, Phoenix, AZ**# Jared C. Mimms, Brandywine, MD Eris Milaana Owens, Baltimore, MD**# Mercedes Lillian Rabb, Baltimore, MD* Tyler S. Simmons, Brandywine, MD Kaila Tyree-Castro, Bowie, MD** Clement A. Woods, Baltimore, MD

Bachelor’s Graduates BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN HUMAN ECOLOGY

Salma A. Abdelmoutal, Princess Anne, MD Patrice Brettany Dolloway, Silver Spring, MD Malaysia L. Hall, Baltimore, MD Mia Nicole Parsons, Baltimore, MD*# Dana Sherelle Smith, Cape Charles, VA Trecia A. Spencer Stewart, Baltimore, MD

Breanna L. Terry, New Windsor, MD Terra LeAnn Thomas, Cumberland, MD April L. Victor, Salisbury, MD*** Tiyana Ranell Walker, Temple Hills, MD Cierra Mikhail-Ranee Wilson, Hanover, MD*

BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN URBAN FORESTRY

Khadeejah Kamaria Lynnae Jones, Winston-Salem, NC BACHELOR OF GENERAL STUDIES

Lloyd L. Dunbar, Owings Mills, MD

SCHOOL OF EDUCATION, SOCIAL SCIENCES, AND THE ARTS Christopher J. Harrington, MFA Dean BACHELOR OF ARTS IN APPLIED DESIGN

Darnese Jessica Elliott, Fairmount Heights, MD Ava Kathryn Hudson, Mardela Springs, MD***# Zai Kimber, Odenton, MD** Donyell Antonio Lyons, Edgewood, MD*

Matthew Pattison, Salisbury, MD***# Paige N. Perkins, Ledyard, CT*** Akaysa Smith, Washington, DC Jonah Joshua Stepner, San Diego, CA

BACHELOR OF ARTS IN ART EDUCATION

Tatum Ayers, Seaford, DE*** Monique L. Pettigrew, Baltimore, MD*

Kayla Cheyenne Wilkerson, Salisbury, MD***#

BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN CRIMINAL JUSTICE

Brianna Barnes, Bronx, NY* Melony Meshia Thorpe Congleton, Williamstown, NJ Paulina Emmah Conteh, Greenbelt, MD**# Shaniya Dance-Johnson, Hyattsville, MD Samreen Elmahdy, Princess Anne, MD Aris Kalena Henry, Baltimore, MD* Aniya Peggy Judd, Hyattsville, MD Irelle Jinia Lowery, New Haven, CT

Londin Marshall, Silver Spring, MD* Anjola C. Omolewa, Laurel, MD Myesha Corneila Palmer, Bridgeport, CT Anthony Marquel Price, Brandywine, MD**# Javontae D. Taylor, Fort Washington, MD Mekedes M. Tefera, Silver Spring, MD Ta'nyah Marie Washington, Drayden, MD

Bachelor’s Graduates BACHELOR OF ARTS IN DIGITAL MEDIA STUDIES

Logan M. Forrest, Columbia, MD*# Lennard E. Johnson, Crisfield, MD***# Aajaylah D. Lemons, Fort Washington, MD Timothy J. Moore, White Plains, MD

Dorrian Robinson, Camp Springs, MD Sydney M. Rutledge-Smith, Towson, MD Micaiah Smith, Capitol Heights, MD* Adan Myrick Thomas-Mason, Quantico, MD

BACHELOR OF ARTS IN ENGLISH

Kassandra S. Turnbull, St. Mary, Jamaica**# BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN MATHEMATICS

Ejlal A. Osman, Princess Anne, MD**

BACHELOR OF ARTS IN SOCIOLOGY

Tyler Nicole Allen, Los Angeles, CA Harrison Bradley, Pocomoke, MD** Ansel Carson, El Cerrito, CA Rhian Dior Coates, Annapolis, MD Michael De Angelis, Plainview, NY

Kamyah Michelle Gammon, Landover, MD Cayla Jackson, Cambridge, MD** Ismail Shakur Ibn Abdul Kareem, Baltimore, MD* Tola T. Maczka, Minsk Mazowiecki, Poland

BACHELOR OF ARTS IN SOCIOLOGY AND SOCIAL WORK

Sean E. Bushee, Baltimore, MD! Briana Shantae Copes, Salisbury, MD**!

Kimberley Andrea Robinson, Mount Vernon, NY*!#

BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN SPECIAL EDUCATION

Ryane Amera Angela Curtis, Baltimore, MD**# Jamel Johnson, Brooklyn, NY

Tykara Cameron Short, Salisbury, MD Rebecca R. Trivitt, Snow Hill, MD**

BACHELOR OF GENERAL STUDIES

Justin Roland Braswell, Fort Washington, MD Byron Verselle Day, Baltimore, MD*

Joseph Peter Locandro, Mount Waverley, Australia

Bachelor’s Graduates SCHOOL OF PHARMACY AND HEALTH PROFESSIONS T. Sean Vasaitis, Ph.D. Dean BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN EXERCISE SCIENCE

Saige Booker, Essex, MD Brooklin Nicole Davis, Hebron, MD Tia N. Dixon, White Plains, MD Iyana Raynelle Dodson, Capitol Heights, MD Kaitlyn Nicole Eaton, Denton, MD** Emily Elizabeth Gunther, Centreville, MD

Ashanti L. Lynch, Kinston, NC David O’daniel Martin, St. Elizabeth, Jamaica**# Amiaya M. Morgan, Sicklerville, NY Jonysha Siera Prucien, Salisbury, MD Marc A. J. Taylor, Gwynn Oak, MD

BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN REHABILITATION PSYCHOLOGY

Aniya Zahira Broussard, Denton, MD Destiny E. Emuze, Ontario, Canada*** Jamia Celeste Gray, Springdale, MD* Danaizja J. Green, Bradley, IL* Devonnya Deor Leonard, Severn, MD La'Teasha Sha'Nise Macer, Cambridge, MD Chesney Jayele Martinez, Las Vegas, NV

Bayyinah B. Newton, Philadelphia, PA* Mar'Shay F. Robinson, Edgewood, MD Princaya Brendan Sanders, Baltimore City, MD Mariana Santos Rivero, Valle del Cauca, Colombia Sydnee D. Thomas, Houston, TX*** Angelica Maria Vilorio Rosa, Canovanas, Puerto Rico**# Shockerio T. Watt, Jamaica

BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN REHABILITATION SERVICES

Aiat Allah Baeza, Casablanca, Morocco Chelsea Summer Burrell, Pikesville, MD** Camille A. Greaves, Baltimore, MD

Nkemjika Ikemefuna, Richmond, TX* Cassidy Jon Johnson, Houston, TX* Tina N. Taylor, Salisbury, MD

BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN SPORTS MANAGEMENT

Josiah Brown, Laurel, MD Keyon L. Mitchell, Randallstown, MD

Dakieran Andree Turner, Annapolis, MD*

BACHELOR OF GENERAL STUDIES

Krystal Harrison, Millersville, MD

Honors Graduates Distinguished undergraduates receiving recognition will be wearing braided cords as a part of the academic regalia.

Summa Cum Laude: Gold Braided Cord

* ** ***

Cum Laude Magna Cum Laude Summa Cum Laude

# !

Magna Cum Laude: Silver Braided Cord

Cum Laude: White Braided Cord

Richard A. Henson Honors Program Dual Degree

SUMMA CUM LAUDE (Cumulative grade-point average of 3.75 to 4.00)

Munachimso Ani Sopuruchukwu Ani Hasanatou Barry Tatum Ayers Trinity Bomar Derek Cherry Susan Dernowski Destiny Emuze Malia Fontaine

Megan Gandy Zeena Hollingsworth-Hayes Ava Hudson Lennard Johnson Fortune Kalu Ashley Lindo Lean Andre Madarang Matthew Pattison Alijah Perry

Paige Perkins Jade Reid Malik Rogers Sydnee Thomas April Victor Kensington Veatch Komi Welete Kayla Wilkerson

MAGNA CUM LAUDE (Cumulative grade-point average of 3.50 to 3.74)

Afi Amenofe Kevin Armstrong Harrison Bradley Chelsea Burrell Victoria Casteel Dylan Clarke Paulina Conteh Gregory Cook Briana Copes Ryane Curtis Mardocha Dolce

Kaitlyn Eaton London Harris Cayla Jackson Monica Jones Alisha Khurram Zai Kimber Makayla Lovelace David Martin Patrick Mooney Maggie Nana Nicholas Oechsler

Ejlal Osman Eris Owens Anthony Price Makayla Roberts Daniya Terry Kassandra Turnbull Rebecca Trivitt Kayla Tyree-Castro Angelica Vilorio Rosa Russell White Alexis Wilkin Kelly-Anne Wilson

Honors Graduates CUM LAUDE (Cumulative grade-point average of 3.30 to 3.49)

Ralphael Agodo Sami Ali Brianna Barnes Zanobea Boyde Alex Conway Byron Day Emma Dykes Logan Forrest Joshua Gibbons Jamia Gray Danaizja Green Chloe Harris

Aris Henry Nkemjika Ikemefuna Cassidy Johnson Mya Lawson Donyell Lyons Londin Marshall Wyatt McWilliams Bayyinah Newton Moses Nwakwuo Mia Parsons Monique Pettigrew

Cody Phippin Danny-Joe Puwo Tameko Mercedes Rabb Kimberley Robinson Emmanuel Sanni Mariana Santos Rivero Ismail Shakur Micaiah Smith Sydnee Thomas Dakieran Turner Cierra Wilson

RICHARD A. HENSON HONORS PROGRAM Degree Candidates Enrolled in the Richard A. Henson Honors Program

Ralphael Agodo Munachimso Ani Sopuruchukwu Ani Kevin Armstrong Hasanatou Barry Trinity Bomar Victoria Casteel Alex Conway Paulina Conteh Ryane Curtis Somuadina Egbulam Malia Fontaine Logan Forrest Joshua Gibbons

Chloe Harris Ava Hudson Lennard Johnson Fortune Kalu Elom Klu Mya Lawson Ashley Lindo Makayla Lovelace David Martin Eris Owens Mia Parsons Matthew Pattison Cody Phippin Anthony Price

Danny-Joe Puwo Tameko Jade Reid Makayla Roberts Malik Rogers Kimberley Robinson Kassandra Turnbull Kensington Veatch Angelica Vilorio Rosa Kelly-Anne Wilson Kayla Wilkerson Kayla Winn Komi Welete Nicholas Oechsler

Administrative Information UNIVERSITY SYSTEM OF MARYLAND Dr. Jay A. Perman Chancellor

UNIVERSITY SYSTEM OF MARYLAND BOARD OF REGENTS Linda Gooden, Chair Geoff J. Gonell, Vice Chair Kevin Atticks, ex officio Sherri N. Blout Michelle A. Gourdine Anwer Hasan Robert K. Hur Isiah “Ike” Leggett Yvette Lewis, Assistant Secretary

William T. “Bill” Wood, Treasurer Ellen R. Fish, Assistant Treasurer Harry Coker, Jr., ex officio Charles. T. McMillen Andy Smarick, Secretary Michele Speaks Dana B. Stebbins, Esq. Dhruvak Mirani, Student Regent Rayne Rivera-Forbes, Student Regent

UNIVERSITY SYSTEM OF MARYLAND EASTERN SHORE ADMINISTRATION Heidi M. Anderson, Ph.D., FAPhA, President Latoya Jenkins, M.B.A., Chief of Staff and Vice President for Presidential Initiatives Rondall Allen, Pharm.D., Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Wade Henley, M.B.A., Vice President for Administration and Finance David Balcom, M.A., Vice President for University Relations Robert Vickers, M.A., Vice President for Strategic Communications and Marketing Tara Owens, M.Ed., Vice President of Athletics and Recreation Matthew Taylor, J.D., General Counsel

UNIVERSITY MARSHALS Erinn D. Tucker-Oluwole PhD, MBA, MS, Chief Marshal Rondall Allen, Pharm.D., General Marshal D. Jamar Simmons, Ph.D., CSAEd, CSAEd-SC, Student Marshal Reginald Garcon, Ed.D., Student Marshal Lily Chi-Fang Tsai, Ph.D., Faculty Marshal Phillip Broussard, Flag of Nations Marshal

Commencement Information READERS FOR PRESENTATION OF DEGREE CANDIDATES Dr. Donna M. Long Director and Associate Professor Child and Family Development Center

Dr. Michael E. Lane Director Richard A. Henson Honors Program

SIGN LANGUAGE INTERPRETERS Taylor-El Interpreting

SPRING COMMENCEMENT STEERING COMMITTEE Latoya Jenkins, chair Jason S. Barthman Justice A. Brown Phillip Broussard Jessica Chittams Dr. Tiara T. Cornelius Crystal M. Drayton Joseph Frank Dr. Reginald Garcon Preston Gross Julia Guerrero De La Cruz Dr. LaKeisha Harris Charmagne Helton Earl D. Holland Jicola R. Joynes-Sturgis Dr. April Johnson Dr. Michael E. Lane Dr. Donna M. Long

Rob A. Lopez Dr. George Ojie-Ahamiojie Monique Potter Jenni L. Price Dr. D. Jamar Simmons Donald J. Sydnor Dr. Leesa Thomas-Banks Tamarra Tilghman Jeremy W. Townsend Dr. Kadeem C. Turnbull Dr. Erinn D. Tucker-Oluwole Dr. Chi-Fang Tsai Yolanda C. Tull Mark A. Tyler Robert Vickers Dr. Lamar Waul-Branson Teonna Wallop

Commencement Information UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND EASTERN SHORE FLAGS OF NATIONS FORMATION The Commencement Day flag parade is an opportunity for our students to represent and celebrate the different countries of our diverse and global student body, faculty and staff here at the University of Maryland Eastern Shore (UMES). Our graduating students have guests attending from across the United States and the world who feel welcomed by the familiar sight of their flag.

Argentina Australia Bahamas Bangladesh Barbados Belgium Bermuda Brazil Bulgaria Cameroon

Canada China Colombia Côte d’Ivoire Dominican Republic Ethiopia Fiji France Ghana Guinea

Hong Kong India Iran Jamaica Jordan Kenya Nigeria Pakistan Philippines Poland

Republic of Korea Romania Saint Lucia South Africa Sri Lanka Sudan Taiwan Ukraine United Kingdom

THE ACADEMIC COSTUME The black caps and gowns worn by the students and faculty in the academic procession are of ancient origin. They have been the traditional costume of the scholar since medieval times and probably represent an adaptation of the ecclesiastical dress since many of the scholars of the period were members of the monastic orders.

An intercollegiate commission, in 1893, drafted a uniform code for costumes which has since been adopted by the majority of colleges and universities in the United States. Each of the three academic degrees – bachelor, master, and doctor – has its own distinctive gown and hood. The bachelor’s gown is distinguished by its long point sleeve. The master’s gown has a long, narrow, closed sleeve, extending below the knee; the arm is passed through a slit at the elbow. In contrast, the doctor’s gown has a full, bell-shaped sleeve with three bars of velvet.

The opening of this gown is faced with wide velvet bands. The velvet trim may be black or of a color indicating the general field of learning of the wearer; for example, blue for philosophy, green for medicine, or purple for law.

The most colorful and distinctive item of the academic costume is the hood, which passes around the neck and extends down the back. The doctor’s is the largest of the hoods and the bachelor’s the smallest. The bachelor’s hood is often omitted. The color of the velvet edging indicates the field of learning.

Alma Mater Verse I To Thee, dear Alma Mater We raise our grateful song And through Thy noble teachings, Thou hast made thy children strong.

And thousands still shall praise thee.

All earth shall hear their swell, and Bind our hearts yet closer To thee we love so well.

Refrain

Maryland, Maryland, home of the Maroon and Gray, Maryland, Maryland, thee we will love always, All hail to thee fair Maryland, all glory be to thee!

Grow thou in strength and honor through all eternity!

Verse II We love thy spacious campus, We love thy tow’ring walls, And noble are thy teachings We’ve learn’d within thy halls.

Stand thou forever glorious.

Full-rob’d in living green, shine Thou in endless splendor Beneath thy trees serene.

Refrain

Maryland, Maryland, home of the Maroon and Gray, Maryland, Maryland, thee we will love always, All hail to thee fair Maryland, all glory be to thee!

Grow thou in strength and honor through all eternity!

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