Discover Newsletter Fall 2025

DISCOVER

DISCOVER FALL 2025 AT UMES

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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 19TH 2025 NEW HAWK DAY.

ON JULY 19TH, NEW HAWK DAY IS WHERE IT ALL BEGAN...

THE STUDENTS AND THE PARENTS WERE ABLE TO SET THEMSELVES UP FOR SUCCESS WITH AN INTRODUCTION TO ALL THE STUDENTS' NEEDS.

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WELCOME HOME WELCOME HOME HAWKS 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 24-27th 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.

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 THE IMPERIAL COURT 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 25th 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

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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 18th to August 22nd, 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

STARTING THE STARTING THE SEMESTER SEMESTER RIGHT RIGHT 3

AA SEMESTER SEMESTER TO TO REMEMBER 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.

MEET THE MEET THE DEAN DEAN

Sankofa African American Museum on Wheels On October 6, 2025, the University of Maryland Eastern Shore welcomed the Sankofa African American Museum on Wheels for a day of cultural immersion and historical exploration. This traveling museum offers a unique, interactive journey through African American history, featuring significant artifacts, memorabilia, and art spanning from 1860 to the present. Visitors at UMES experienced a profound educational opportunity to engage with the rich heritage and contributions of African Americans through this mobile exhibit. The museum provides a dynamic way to connect with history by bringing it directly to the community, inspiring both reflection and learning.

The Sankofa African American Museum on Wheels continues its mission to educate and celebrate African American history and culture, making stops at various locations to share these important stories and artifacts. UMES thanks everyone who participated in this meaningful event and encourages the campus community to stay engaged with upcoming cultural programs that highlight diversity and heritage.

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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

The 2025 University of Maryland Eastern Shore coronation ceremony, held on November 5 at the Ella Fitzgerald Performing Arts Center, was a memorable evening full of tradition, pageantry, and community spirit. The event began with vibrant performances from Ambiance Dance Company, UMES Muses, and the newly crowned campus Kings and Queens. All campus Misters and Misses graced the stage, each representing their on-campus organization with pride and elegance. Attendees witnessed the official introduction of all class representatives, followed by the special recognition of Mister and Miss 1886, as well as Mister and Miss Maroon & Grey.

The climax of the night featured the crowning of UMES’s 30th Mister and 50th Miss University of Maryland Eastern Shore, marking significant milestones in the university’s longstanding history of royal tradition. After the formal ceremony, guests enjoyed a lively dinner party at the Student Service Center ballroom, where music, dancing, and opportunities for the new royals to connect with the student body rounded out the experience. The celebration emphasized unity, Hawk pride, and the welcoming of new student leaders into their pivotal campus roles. The coronation remains one of UMES’s most anticipated events, displaying excellence, elegance, and the vibrant spirit of the Hawk community.

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 THE FEEL THE MUSIC MUSIC

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UMES SGA Fall 2025 Semester Wrap-Up The University of Maryland Eastern Shore’s Student Government Association (SGA) closed out an active and impactful Fall 2025 semester, celebrating student leadership, engagement, and accomplishment across campus. The semester was packed with dynamic SGAled initiatives, including successful entertainment events and leadership workshops that empowered the Hawk community to get involved.

Flyers and event promotions captured the energy of the season, showcasing everything from candidate speeches to election instructions and snapshots of open positions within the SGA structure.

The Fall wrap-up featured a photo collage of event flyers, candid moments from SGA activities, and group shots of student leaders in action. This visual summary serves as a testament to active student participation and the SGA’s role as the voice and advocate for UMES students. Students are encouraged to look ahead to Spring 2026 for new leadership opportunities and to follow all SGA updates for ongoing initiatives, elections, and campus events.

Credits

Credits Writers Masarrah McDade Rihanna Wheeler

Photography Aniya Hughes

Graphic Design Nyles Burton

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