UMBC is proud
of all of our graduates.

On May 20 and 23, the University awards nearly 1,550 bachelor’s, master’s and Ph.D. degrees at its Graduate School and Undergraduate Commencement ceremonies. Meet a few of our exceptional students and find out where the Class of 2011 is headed.

Valedictorian

Alexandria Virginia Volkening

Plans: Ph.D., Applied Mathematics, Brown University

B.S., Mathematics
Summa Cum Laude
Hometown: Boonsboro, Maryland

“UMBC's greatest strength is the community of people it brings together. The support network here is incredible—from the faculty, to the police, to the dining hall workers who smile when they serve you dinner. The UMBC community is behind its students. The student body is extremely diverse, and the diversity enriches the UMBC experience. I have been fortunate to be part of this community.”

Salutatorian

Phillip Fitzgerald

Plans: M.D./Ph.D., Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine

B.S., Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
Summa Cum Laude
Hometown: District Heights, Maryland

“UMBC has provided me with countless resources that have allowed me to develop greatly as both a scholar and scientist. My social and academic interests are much more diverse as a result of my experiences at UMBC.”

Salwa Barhumi

Plans: Applying to graduate programs incorporating technology and innovation in teaching

B.A., Psychology; Certificate in Elementary Education
Summa Cum Laude
Hometown: Chicago, Illinois

“I have never seen a group of professors more welcoming, helpful, motivating and engaging than the ones at UMBC. I have learned to appreciate research through my experiences in both the lab and the classroom.”

Christina Gray Briscoe

Plans: Graduate work in the Portuguese language, University of Wisconsin-Madison and U.S. Student Fulbright Program, Full Research Grant, Brazil

B.A., Interdisciplinary Studies: Public Health in the Latino Community
Summa Cum Laude
Hometown: Yorktown, Virginia

“By providing opportunities for creativity, international experience and enthusiastic academic support, UMBC helped developed my passions for knowledge and service. It has truly been the work of a marvelous and multicultural group of people (staff, professors and peers from a host of different backgrounds) that has made my UMBC experience as empowering and meaningful as it has been.”

Frances DeAnna Carter

Plans: Education Research Associate with Westat, Inc.

Ph.D., Public Policy
Hometown: Sardis, Mississippi

“UMBC's innovative and interdisciplinary community of scholars supported my successful transition from natural to social science, which provided the opportunity for me to combine my interests and contribute to both fields. I look forward to using the training I have received at UMBC for a fulfilling career in research, evaluation and policy, with an emphasis on STEM education.”

Geoffrey Clapp

Plans: Ph.D., Applied Mathematics with Concentration in Mathematical Biology, University of Maryland College Park

B.S., Mathematics; B.S., Computer Science
Summa Cum Laude
Hometown: Elkridge, Maryland

“My experiences at UMBC have helped to reaffirm and strengthen my passion for mathematics. My courses and research have introduced me to applications of mathematics that I did not know were possible. Thanks to the support and opportunities I have received through UMBC, I will begin graduate school in the fall with a definite sense of direction and purpose.”

Brian Mathew Courson

Plans: Advocate on behalf of individuals with disabilities; pursue a graduate degree in public health or law

B.A., Political Science
Hometown: McGehee, Arizona

“Looking past graduation, I hope to have a career where I can advocate on behalf of those who are going through troubled times. My first reaction after my accident was to get back on my feet. My second reaction was to use this accident to make an impact on this world and help others.”

Mitchell Donovan

Plans: M.S., Geography and Environmental Systems, UMBC; Hydrologic technician at the United States Geological Survey

B.S., Environmental Science
Cum Laude
Hometown: Ellicott City, Maryland

“UMBC made my success possible through its geography and environmental systems department and connections with surrounding job opportunities. Athletics provided me with great resources and networks to expand myself physically and mentally.”

Keilan Geoffrey Freeman

Plans: Ph.D., Mechanical Engineering (Propulsion Systems), Stanford University

B.S., Mechanical Engineering
Summa Cum Laude
Hometown: Calgary, Alberta, Canada

“My undergraduate experience at UMBC has been exceptional. Although I have many fond memories, I can best describe my time here in two words: finding balance. I am sad to be leaving, but I will always cherish the memories, friends, learning and life lessons I have gained.”

Gregory Scott Gautney, Jr.

Plans: U.S. Student Fulbright Program, Teaching Award, Basse-Normandie, France

B.A., Modern Languages, Linguistics and Intercultural Communication: French
Magna Cum Laude
Hometown: Thurmont, Maryland

“As I approach the end of my career here, I realize how prepared I am to enter post-undergraduate life. Through my classes, research, internships and service learning activities, I have built a strong base of professional and academic contacts. I look forward to pursuing my future educational and professional goals with this continued support base.”

Haifeng Geng

Plans: Post-doctoral fellow at Johns Hopkins University

Ph.D., Marine Biotechnology
Hometown: Jiangsu, China

“UMBC helped me to learn everything I needed to know to achieve success in my courses.”

Yasmin Karimian

Plans: J.D., Georgetown University

B.A., Political Science
Magna Cum Laude
Hometown: Monkton, Maryland

“I leave UMBC knowing that I am a better world citizen than I was when I entered. From opening my eyes to diversity that exists in the world to helping me become a critical thinker and problem-solver, much of the person I have become is attributed to my time at UMBC and the wonderful people of this community.”

Sunaina Khandelwal

Plans: M.D./Ph.D., Immunology, Washington University in St. Louis

B.S., Biochemistry and Molecular biology
Summa Cum Laude
Hometown: Severna Park, Maryland

“UMBC has given me a safe home for the past four years as I've tried to grow as an individual, a student and a researcher. Without the guidance and mentorship of the faculty and staff at UMBC and the collaborative spirit of the community, finding my career path would have been impossible.”

Nate Kim

Plans: Ph.D., Organic Chemistry, Columbia University

B.S., Chemistry; B.A., Political Science
Summa Cum Laude
Hometown: Bowie, Maryland

“My time at UMBC has been the most rewarding and dynamic four years I could have ever asked for. I was surrounded by a great support system where I could thrive as a student, as a scientist and as a campus-changer. The most important thing I've learned at UMBC is that you need to appreciate the people around you, your family, your friends and even the moment itself.”

Julianna Marie Kuhn

Plans: M.A., Geography, George Washington University

B.A., Geography; B.A., Political Science
Magna Cum Laude
Hometown: Huntingtown, Maryland

“UMBC has fulfilled every promise that was made to me during my visit day four years ago. I have been supported in every aspect of my social, academic and professional growth. My compassion has deepened, my leadership has strengthened and my mind has been ignited by more ideas than I could hope to explore in this lifetime.”

Jonathan David Lehtonen

Plans: Ph.D., English Literature, Pennsylvania State University

B.A., English
Summa Cum Laude
Hometown: Columbia, Maryland

“It has been a powerful experience to build friendships with all kinds of people on our highly diverse campus, and especially to hear what life is like around the world from international students. I have also benefited greatly from professors who dedicate their time and energy to us students above and beyond what I would expect.”

Galina Krassimiroff Madjaroff

Plans: Ph.D., Language, Literacy and Culture, UMBC; Erickson School Undergraduate Program Director and Lecturer

M.A., Management of Aging Services
Cum Laude
Hometown: Sofia, Bulgaria

“This university has not only helped me, it has transformed me. As a student who emigrated from another country, spoke a different language and had different culture, UMBC provided me with the tools and the safe, welcoming atmosphere that I needed to thrive.”

Megan Angela Mahon

Plans: To pursue a teaching artist position in the Baltimore area

B.F.A., Acting
Magna Cum Laude
Hometown: Perry Hall, Maryland

“UMBC provided me with the ability to pursue a bachelor of fine arts and receive a conservatory style education within a liberal arts college, something that is not offered anywhere else in Maryland. I was able to not only pursue my passion for acting, but my interest in academics as well.”

Laura Marshallsay

Plans: To pursue museum work in Baltimore

M.A., Historical Studies, Public History Track
Summa Cum Laude
Hometown: Baltimore, Maryland

“Whenever I came to campus to see friends, history professor James Grubb always managed to ‘bump into’ us and join us for lunch. Inevitably, he would start talking about grad school. After a few months, he convinced me. Needless to say, if it hadn't been for him I wouldn't be graduating in few weeks time and going into a profession I am absolutely passionate about.”

Christine Osazuwa

Plans: Project Manager for Mission Media

B.A., Interdisciplinary Studies: Music Journalism and Entrepreneurship
MBA Preparatory Certificate
Hometown: Rosedale, Maryland

“I love this school and wish more people acknowledged it for everything it has to offer. I think our school is quirky and incredibly accepting. I especially love interdisciplinary studies. I feel that our major gives students the most flexibility.”

Shane Parks

Plans: M.F.A., Musical Theatre Writing, New York University's Tisch School of the Arts

B.A., Music Composition
Cum laude
Hometown: Bowie, Maryland

“UMBC is small enough that I felt like I could make an impact in my four years, but large enough to have the resources to help me achieve my goals. UMBC hasexposed me to art that will continue to influence me as a musician and writer as well as given me a broad background in all disciplines. The campus has grown so much in my past four years; I'm proud to graduate from a school that refuses to settle.”

Katrin Patterson

Plans: U.S. Student Fulbright program, Full Research Grant, Gaborone, Botswana

B.A., Anthropology; B.A., Gender and Women’s Studies
Cum Laude
Hometown: Silver Spring, Maryland

“I can't imagine having attended any other university! The opportunities that I had at UMBC have opened the world for me, and I am always proud to say where I earned my undergraduate degrees.”

Emily Plitt

Plans: M.A. in Security Studies

B.A., Political Science
Magna Cum Laude
Hometown: Catonsville, Maryland

“I have benefited immensely from studying at an institution that values academic achievement as well as personal growth. My professors had a contagious enthusiasm for their own research, which propelled my own interest in research projects and internship opportunities. My involvement in UMBC's Equestrian Team provided the perfect balance between academics and athletics.”

Jeddalyn Puzon

Plans: Business Analyst for PNC Technology in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

B.S., Information Systems
Hometown: Columbia, Maryland

“UMBC has helped me grow intellectually and socially. Not only did I discover my passion in business, but I also found my home away from home.”

Michael Rahimi

Plans: Information Security Consultant for Accenture

B.S., Information Systems
Cum Laude
Hometown: Gaithersburg, Maryland

“I've had many great experiences and valuable opportunities to improve my leadership ability. I've pursued leadership roles on information systems projects, internships, student organizations and in life.”

Courtney Ring

Plans: Ph.D., History, University of Pennsylvania

B.A., Economics; B.A., History
Summa Cum Laudee
Hometown: Hanover, Maryland

“The faculty mentors have far and away been the most important factor in the shaping of my academic career at UMBC. The mentoring I have received has sustained my love for learning and given me a solid foundation for continuing to learn in the future, whether in a university setting or outside of it.”

Maria Satyshur

Plans: Full time position at dlr|marketing, inc. in Towson, MD

B.A., Media and Communication Studies; Minors in Journalism and Music
Hometown: Crofton, Maryland

“I was able to have a full college experience and develop relationships with professors who find every excuse to send opportunities my way. I have grown so much as a student and as a person during my time at UMBC because of the diverse opportunities I have been given.”

Caroline Esther Scheck

Plans: Ph.D., Mechanical Engineering, UMBC; Mechanical engineer at the Naval Surface Warfare Center

M.S., Mechanical Engineering
Hometown: Scaggsville, Maryland

“UMBC's beautiful campus, focus on research and academics and ideal location struck me upon my first visit. Thanks to support I have received from faculty members, staff and my fellow students, I have been able to excel beyond the classroom in capacities I would not have thought possible before coming here.”

Onajite Shemi

Plans: Ph.D., Chemical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor

B.S., Chemical Engineering
Cum Laude
Hometown: Effurun, Nigeria

“I have grown beyond my own expectations. I have been challenged, I have been cared for and I have been given many useful skills that will hopefully lead to great success in the future. It is inspiring to hear about the accomplishments of my peers and to be able to say that I was part of the class of 2011.”

Marcus Alonzo Simmons

Plans: Graduate Studies in Opera Performance, Miami University in Ohio

B.A., Music: Voice Performance and Choral Education
Magna Cum Laude
Hometown: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

“The richness of my experiences and exposures have engrossed me in research and pushed me to my highest possible level of performance both in the classroom and on stage.”

Anthony Simms

Plans: Ph.D., Computational and Applied Mathematics, Rice University

B.S., Mathematics
Summa Cum Laude
Hometown: Clinton, Maryland

“UMBC is an amazing place and I am proud to say I've spent my undergraduate years here. The diversity on this campus has allowed me to enjoy [my university experience]. The faculty has been very supportive and has helped find my way into graduate school.”

Andrea Thomson

Plans: Masters in Public Administration, University of Pennsylvania's Fels Institute of Government

B.A., Political Science; B.A., Economics; Minor, Journalism
Magna Cum Laude
Hometown: Germantown, Maryland

"My professors have encouraged me to look for ways in which disparate classes are connected, mesh what I'm learning from one class into another and then finally apply classroom concepts to real world (and vice versa). UMBC has made learning a very enjoyable process for me.”

Rolando Vargas Rodríguez

Plans: Return to Colombia as an independent artist as part of the Fulbright program

M.F.A., Digital and Imaging Arts
Summa Cum Laude
Hometown: Bogotá, Colombia

“My experience at UMBC and as a Fulbright scholar has given me an expanded, more complex, less isolated view of the visual arts field in the present. This experience has also shown me the complex relationship between Latin America and the U.S. I believe that my work in the visual arts during this experience at UMBC has helped promote the mutual understanding between the two cultures.”

Donna Viola

Plans: Ph.D., Planetary Sciences, University of Arizona

B.S., Interdisciplinary Studies: Astrobiology
Summa Cum Laude
Hometown: Massapequa Park, New York

“As a part of the interdisciplinary studies program here at UMBC, I have been able to explore my unique interests and develop a course of study to fit them. Moreover, my extracurricular activities have enabled me to interact with students from across the university, and working as a chemistry tutor allowed me to make a difference and help other students to succeed.”

Carrington Rice Wendell

Plans: Post-doctoral fellowship in the Department of Radiology at the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine

Ph.D., Human Services Psychology, Clinical Psychology and Behavioral Medicine Tracks
Magna Cum Laude
Hometown: Virginia Beach, Virginia

“I am enormously grateful to UMBC, and especially to my primary mentor, Dr. Shari Waldstein, for preparing me to enter my post-graduate career with confidence and aspirations of continued success.”

Michael Young

Plans: M.Phil, Cambridge University as a Gates Cambridge scholar

B.A., Philosophy
Summa Cum Laude
Hometown: Baltimore, Maryland

“UMBC offers a vast array of resources that affords each student the capacity to reach his or her potential. Here, I have been able to develop a strong foothold in the humanities while remaining steeped in the insights of science. Ultimately, this dialogue between disciplines can greatly enrich one's perspectives, guide one to ask the right questions and prepare one to solve problems in creative ways.”

Marc Zerfas

Plans: Operations Analyst at Morgan Stanley

B.A., Statistics and Financial Economics
Cum Laude
Hometown: LaGrangeville, New York

“UMBC has provided me the chance to expand and explore my interests, and given the incredible chance to work with world renowned cartoonist Kevin Kallaugher on US Democrazy. It is this variety of experiences that has made UMBC so wonderful.”