DISCOVER DISCOVER
FALL 2025 AT UMES
THIS PAST SEMESTER AT THE UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND EASTERN SHORE (UMES) WAS A MEMORABLE ONE THERE WERE NEW CELEBRATIONS THAT WERE INITIATED THAT WILL HOPEFULLY BECOME NEW SCHOOL-WIDE TRADITIONS IN THE FUTURE OUR SEMESTER TYPICALLY BEGINS IN AUGUST AND KEEPS ON ROLLING UNTIL THE CALENDAR STRIKES MID-DECEMBER HOWEVER, WE HAD SOME OTHER BEHIND-THESCENES EVENTS THAT JUMP-STARTED ALL OF OUR NEW HAWKS FOR THE FALL SEMESTER, WHETHER THAT BE THE NEW HAWKS OR NEW POSITION HOLDERS ON OUR STUDENT IMPERIAL COURT WE SAW CAMPUS INVOLVEMENT, COMMUNITY, AND ABOVE ALL SCHOOL SCHOOL-WIDE HAWK PRIDE WHAT WENT ON THIS SEMESTER THAT BROUGHT SO MUCH JOY AND ENLIGHTENMENT TO THE STUDENTS HEARTS? TO REPORT THOSE EVENTS, WE ARE GOING TO REWIND TIME ALL THE WAY BACK TO JULY 19 2025 NEW HAWK DAY TH ON JULY 19 , NEW HAWK DAY IS WHERE IT ALL BEGAN... TH
THE STUDENTS AND THE PARENTS WERE ABLE TO SET THEMSELVES UP FOR SUCCESS WITH AN INTRODUCTION TO ALL THE STUDENTS' NEEDS 1
WELCOME HOME HAWKS WELCOME HOME HAWKS
Written by: Masarrah McDade
At New Hawk Day, students were able to meet their advisors to double check with them on their class schedule. This is critical for the starting path of our students. Setting them up to conquer the fall semester and making sure they are on the right track in their major. While some students were meeting with the advisors. Others received a guided campus tour, that allowed the New Hawks to discover important landmarks, buildings, and hot campus spots that will be crucial to their success. While on this tour, students were able to meet with university leaders, learn some of the history of UMES, and learn some of the locations of where their classes will be held. New Hawk Day also presented the ability for both parents and students to meet with different influential departments like financial aid, residence life, and the student affairs office. At the end of the of New Hawk Day experience the attendees left feeling confident and prepared for their start at UMES.
HAWK PRIDE BEYOND THE SHORE!
July was the kickoff of a busy semester for our hawks. While our new students are getting acquainted with the campus, our returning students were away in no other than New Orleans, Louisiana, representing our school with elegance and grace. In 2025 on July 24-27 the University Of Maryland Eastern Shore student Imperial Court attended the official HBCU Kings and Queens Conference. At this conference, they were taught how to be poised and pristine kings and queens. They learned leadership, etiquette, and professional development, rounding out each king and queen to give them more confidence on wearing the crown at their illustrious HBCU. Our UMES Imperial court came to learn at this conference but left serving nothing but professional poise, elegance, and intelligence.
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The Imperial Court that represented us so well this past July are members, Anthony Price – Mister UMES, Mia Parsons – Miss UMES, Hasana Barry –Miss 1886, Dreyden Wilson – Mister 1886, Brookie Chaney – Miss Maroon and Grey, and Ryan Mattox – Mister Maroon and Grey.
THE IMPERIAL COURT THE IMPERIAL COURT
As New Hawk week ended, it was time to welcome our returning Hawks back to the nest, and the start of the fall semester has officially begun. On August 25 2025, class was in session. Making the students one step closer to achieving their goal. Graduating and earning their degree here at the University of Maryland Eastern Shore. Even though it was their first day of learning, our students had their first day of serving at an HBCU. Dress to Impress was put to shame while so many different styles of first day fashion flourished around campus. As they debuted their new hawk spirit full and recharged after summer break. Anticipation filled the air, students eager to find out what this semester had in store for them since this first day was only the beginning of firsts this semester th
FIRST DAY IN THE
NEST
As a student leader myself, I got the inside scoop from the New Hawk Move in day experience. One of my personal main takeaways was, “man that day was a hot one.” Seeing all kinds of families from little brothers and sisters to even great grandpas moving in their dear children was one of the most heart-warming experiences you could ever witness. Community truly came together trying to help the new admitted students with moving into their new homes for the fall semester. Our student leaders, campus ambassadors, and residence life assistants made sure to welcome our new hawk's home as every car pulled through. Chanting, cheering, and comforting all the new hawk's home. It may not be known to most people that “New Hawk Move in Day” is not the original name for newly registered students at UMES. The old name was formally known as “Freshman Move in Day”. Although it is a very minor detail, its lasting effects helped most of the students connect easier with one another than most may think. On move in day we had a plethora of students, from different ages and classifications. Making the students feel welcomed, no matter if they were a freshman or not.
After our new students were settled into their spaces for the semester, it was time to celebrate. Becoming a new student is no easy feat, so students deserve to have some fun and to be congratulated for making it into college From August 18 to August 22 there were week-long activities for the newly admitted students to get to know each other and our campus. With the aid of the student leaders, each day the students would attend a morning session learning essential facts they will need to know about the school They were separated into two groups: Maroon and Grey, where they participated in both fun activities and UMES informational’s. Outside of that, the Campus Activities Board showed up and showed out with a plethora of events for the New Hawks to enjoy The most popular event in the bunch being the “Hytche Heist” where our newly admitted students were separated by dormitory and battled against each other in a plethora of relay games th nd,
STARTING THE SEMESTER RIGHT STARTING THE SEMESTER RIGHT
A SEMESTER TO REMEMBER A SEMESTER TO REMEMBER
Written by: Rihanna Wheeler
On September 19, 2025, UMES students attended a special “Meet the Dean of Students” event designed to introduce them to key leaders in the Division of Enrollment Management and Student Experience. The program focused on building relationships, increasing awareness of student support resources, and creating an open space for dialogue with campus leadership. Students had the opportunity to connect directly with Dr. Jamar “Dr. J” Simmons, Dean of Students, who serves as a central advocate for the student body and campus life. Attendees were also encouraged to follow up and stay connected with Vernajh Pinder, a key student-focused contact who helps link students to programs, services, and engagement opportunities.
The event helped new and returning Hawks learn where to go for help with academics, housing, involvement, and personal support, reinforcing UMES’s culture of care and accountability. Through informal conversations, students were able to ask questions, share their experiences, and hear directly how the Dean of Students’ office works to remove barriers to success and enhance the overall student experience. Students who missed the event are encouraged to stay tuned to UMES communications and media for future opportunities to engage with the Dean of Students. For any questions or to connect with leadership, students can reach out to Dr. Simmons or Vernajh Pinder to learn more about resources, programming, and ways to get involved across campus.
DEAN
MEET THE DEAN MEET THE
Sankofa African American Museum on Wheels
OnOctober6,2025,theUniversityofMarylandEasternShorewelcomedthe SankofaAfricanAmericanMuseumonWheelsforadayofculturalimmersion andhistoricalexploration Thistravelingmuseumoffersaunique,interactive journey through African American history, featuring significant artifacts, memorabilia, and art spanning from 1860 to the present Visitors at UMES experiencedaprofoundeducationalopportunitytoengagewiththerichheritage andcontributionsofAfricanAmericansthroughthismobileexhibit Themuseum providesadynamicwaytoconnectwithhistorybybringingitdirectlytothe community,inspiringbothreflectionandlearning
The Sankofa African American Museum on Wheels continues its mission to educate and celebrate African American history and culture, making stops at variouslocationstosharetheseimportantstoriesandartifacts UMESthanks everyonewhoparticipatedinthismeaningfuleventandencouragesthecampus community to stay engaged with upcoming cultural programs that highlight diversityandheritage
HOMECOMING 2025
UNITING HAWKS PAST, PRESENT, AND FUTURE
Homecoming Week 2025 at the University of Maryland Eastern Shore, themed “Hawkcoming After Next,” brought the campus community together for a week of tradition, celebration, and Hawk pride from November 2 to 9. The festivities began on Sunday, November 2, with HBCU Made Day as the UMES Women’s Volleyball team faced Howard University, drawing a spirited crowd and alumni supporters. Throughout the week, events provided opportunities for students, alumni, and friends to reconnect through social mixers, networking sessions, and spirit days celebrating campus unity. Students and organizations embraced the chance to display their creativity by hosting a variety of themed activities that sparked Hawk pride and encouraged a sense of community and generosity through philanthropic efforts.
ROYALTY RISES AT UMES
The2025UniversityofMarylandEasternShorecoronationceremony,heldonNovember5attheEllaFitzgeraldPerformingArtsCenter, wasamemorableeveningfulloftradition,pageantry,andcommunityspirit TheeventbeganwithvibrantperformancesfromAmbiance DanceCompany,UMESMuses,andthenewlycrownedcampusKingsandQueens AllcampusMistersandMissesgracedthestage,each representing their on-campus organization with pride and elegance Attendees witnessed the official introduction of all class representatives,followedbythespecialrecognitionofMisterandMiss1886,aswellasMisterandMissMaroon&Grey
TheclimaxofthenightfeaturedthecrowningofUMES’s30thMisterand50thMissUniversityofMarylandEasternShore,marking significantmilestonesintheuniversity’slongstandinghistoryofroyaltradition Aftertheformalceremony,guestsenjoyedalivelydinner partyattheStudentServiceCenterballroom,wheremusic,dancing,andopportunitiesforthenewroyalstoconnectwiththestudentbody roundedouttheexperience Thecelebrationemphasizedunity,Hawkpride,andthewelcomingofnewstudentleadersintotheirpivotal campusrolesThecoronationremainsoneofUMES’smostanticipatedevents,displayingexcellence,elegance,andthevibrantspiritofthe Hawkcommunity
RHYTHM, SPIRIT, AND HAWK PRIDE
On Saturday, November 8, the Homecoming Parade—Destination 1886— featured performances near Tawes Gym, Trigg Hall, and J.T. Williams Hall, welcoming visitors and alumni to campus while showcasing the talents of students and local organizations. Students, staff, and alumni joined campus leaders in a lively procession, reflecting the diversity and tradition of the Hawk family. Saturday night concluded with Homecoming parties and socials, including a Hawkcoming dance at Brew River in Salisbury, where alumni and students mingled and celebrated well into the night. Homecoming Week 2025 built lasting memories, strengthened alumni ties, and energized students for another successful year ahead. The “Hawkcoming After Next” theme reinforced the campus commitment to honoring legacy while creating new traditions for tomorrow’s leaders. UMES Homecoming 2025 was a resounding success, bringing together Hawks young and old in celebration of campus spirit, heritage, and connection.
FEEL
UMES SGA Fall 2025 Semester Wrap-Up
TheUniversityofMarylandEasternShore’sStudentGovernmentAssociation(SGA)closedoutanactiveandimpactfulFall2025 semester,celebratingstudentleadership,engagement,andaccomplishmentacrosscampus.ThesemesterwaspackedwithdynamicSGAledinitiatives,includingsuccessfulentertainmenteventsandleadershipworkshopsthatempoweredtheHawkcommunitytogetinvolved. Flyersandeventpromotionscapturedtheenergyoftheseason,showcasingeverythingfromcandidatespeechestoelectioninstructions andsnapshotsofopenpositionswithintheSGAstructure
TheFallwrap-upfeaturedaphotocollageofeventflyers,candidmomentsfromSGAactivities,andgroupshotsofstudentleadersin action ThisvisualsummaryservesasatestamenttoactivestudentparticipationandtheSGA’sroleasthevoiceandadvocateforUMES studentsStudentsareencouragedtolookaheadtoSpring2026fornewleadershipopportunitiesandtofollowallSGAupdatesforongoing initiatives,elections,andcampusevents
Credits Credits
Writers
Masarrah McDade
Rihanna Wheeler
Photography
Aniya Hughes
Graphic Design
Nyles Burton
