We're talking about what tomorrow's learners will need, as they set off into great careers, add to their skill sets, and demonstrate leadership in entirely new fields of study. While it's true that the future is unwritten, UBalt will be there as that first draft takes shape.
The University of Baltimore will finish its year-long celebration of its 100th anniversary with a historic event on Thursday, Nov. 13, inviting students, alumni, supporters and more for a festive evening of both looking back and gazing into the future—of education, opportunity, and the unique way that the University serves the people and institutions of greater Baltimore. The Centennial Grand Celebration will take place at the M&T Bank Exchange, 401 W. Fayette St., with doors for this ticketed event opening at 6 p.m., and an exclusive early access option starting at 5 p.m. for premium ticket holders.
University of Baltimore President Kurt L. Schmoke says the celebration is the culmination of years of insights into how the University came to be, how it has changed (and stayed the same) during the past 100 years, and what it is doing now to meet the needs of its students in the decades ahead.
"We've learned so much about where we've been, especially in UBalt's early days as a school for adults who wanted to learn practical things about business and the law," he says. "Access to higher education was in the thinking of our founders. We've stayed that course, while also broadening our outlook as society changed and grew. Nowadays, we're talking a lot about what tomorrow's learners will need, as they set off into great careers, add to their skill sets, and demonstrate leadership in entirely new fields of study. While it's true that the future is unwritten, UBalt will be there as that first draft takes shape."
To help elevate the event, a subcommittee of faculty and staff were tasked with looking to the future of the University and, according to subcommittee chair and Assistant Provost for Sponsored Research Magui Cardona, "create a vision for the University that captures our core strengths and carries them into the next 100 years, while emphasizing community engagement and UBalt's direct impact on the city, the region and beyond."
This vision will come to life at the Centennial Grand Celebration through a series of engaging exhibits and activities that showcase innovative projects from around the University, including interactive artificial intelligence and augmented reality experiences.
One of the lead exhibit designers, Megan Rhee, assistant professor in the Integrated Design program, shared: "Each exhibit is meant to be a visual representation of the story of UBalt—tracing our proud past, celebrating our vibrant present, and envisioning a bright future. Each unique exhibit ties to a theme that represents an aspect of our mission, vision and core values."
Alongside these exhibits, the Centennial Grand Celebration will span all three levels of the Exchange where attendees will enjoy:
Additionally, those who purchase a 1925 Experience Premium Ticket will be able to join the celebration an hour early for a speakeasy-style pre-reception with President Schmoke, which includes a special toast with the UBalt 100 signature cocktail from Centennial sponsor Baltimore Spirits Company, and an elevated food experience. Guests can also enjoy early entry to all exhibits and activities and will head home with an exclusive Centennial gift.
"We hope to see many of our alumni returning for a 'reunion with a difference,'" Schmoke says, "We're looking to inspire those who earned their degrees, either recently or years ago, and to remind them that what they worked so hard for is still in the UBalt DNA today. There's a timelessness to what we do for our students and our community, and it's easy to imagine that that will continue to be true even 100 years from now. We invite you to come on out, toast to that future, and enjoy a little bit of that special University of Baltimore feeling."
To learn more about UBalt's Centennial Grand Celebration, including information on tickets and event highlights, visit this page.
Sponsors for the University's Centennial and Grand Celebration include Centennial Sponsor, Whiting Turner; an Anonymous Eubie Sponsor; Poe Sponsor, the University System of Maryland Foundation; Beverage Sponsors, Baltimore Spirits Company, Wet City Brewing and Zeke's Coffee; and Media Partner, WBAL-TV 11 News.