May 21, 2025

Graduates share proudest moments, best memories

The best thing I learned at UBalt is unity. What I experienced is reaching my goal and chasing my dreams.
A collage of graduate portraits from 2025 and over the past 100 years
100 years of graduates of The University of Baltimore

Looking Back and Forward

Today’s commencement stands as both a milestone and a remarkable moment in history. Our newest graduates not only stand on the shoulders of their mentors and family members but also one hundred years of fellow hard-working professionals who pursued the same dream to earn the college degree.

For 75 years, The University of Baltimore had a yearbook that paid tribute to the graduating classes with photos, stories and quotes.

This year, in honor of The University of Baltimore’s Centennial celebrations, we asked some of our new graduates to imagine their own yearbook page and sum their legacy in a quote that might inspire new generations. Here’s what they told us.

Graduating means… 

 

“I did it. I came back for everything I left and I made it.”

TASHERA SAVAGE

B.A. in Policy, Politics and International Affairs

 

"I stuck with my goal and made it happen."

ARION LOMAX

B.S. in Cyber Forensics

Criminal Justice and Forensic Science Society

 

“I proved my brothers wrong.”

Casey Corbin

MPA

National Society of Leadership and Success

 

“Moving forward!”

LISA HRESKO

B.A. in Arts Production and Management

Helen P. Denit Honors Program

 

Graduating means dropping out of school and returning to receive my GED, A.A., B.A. and now my M.S. I'm so grateful and excited.
RONALD CHANEY M.S. in Human Services Administration; History Club 

“Attaining my goals in every way possible. Thank you for everything, UBalt.”

LARAE BROWN  

MBA, Cybersecurity and Organizational Resilience Specialization              

 

“Growing!”

DIVYADHARSHINI SASEENDRANATH

M.S. in Counseling Psychology

Women of Color Student Association, National Society of Leadership and Success, graduate assistant in Office of Student Support

 

“Being first in my family to graduate. Also, a new stepping stone.”

JOANNA JUSTO 

B.S. in Criminal Justice

 

“I get to apply everything learned here and convert them to values I can add to corporate and personal brands, spending more time with family, and a call to building and maintaining friendships started at UBalt.”

JAMES OYEBANJI 

M.A. in Integrated Design        

National Society of Leadership and Success

 

A student's entry in the 1940 yearbook includes his name, Calvin Ellwood Studevant, LLB, his nickname "Judge", his high school, Baltimore City College, and a quote: "A little work, a little fun; Our day is done"
In his 1940 Yearbook entry, Calvin Ellwood Sturdevant, LL.B., shared a quote summarizing his college experience and life motto: "A little work, a little fun; Our day is done."

"Graduating means finally accomplishing a goal 11 years in the making."
DANIEL REBER
B.S. in Simulation and Game Design

“I have accomplished a milestone for me. Also, made my parents so proud even though they aren't here (only in spirit).”

CARLA ADAMS 

B.S. in Business Administration, Human Resources Management specialization

 

“Becoming a valuable asset to my community.”

BRANDON UEBEL

B.A. in Psychology

Omicron Kappa Delta, National Society of Leadership and Success, Denit Honors        

 

“Making new generational patterns.”

REBEKAH OPHER

B.A. in Interdisciplinary Studies—Criminal Justice, Psychology and Business Administration with a Real Estate and Economic Development Specialization

Women of Color Student Association, Student Events Board, Omicron Kappa Delta, National Society of Leadership and Success, Phi Theta Kappa Alumni Chapter, Real Estate and Economic Development Association, History Club, Nonprofit Management and Social Entrepreneurship Student Organization, Helen P. Denit Honors Program, NextGen Leaders Program

Graduating means I can accomplish anything I set my mind to, and my mom gets to see me walk across the stage.
AMBER ELLERBEE  B.S. in Business Administration

What was the best thing you learned or experienced here at UBalt?

 

“Being open to experiences and seizing opportunities.”

NATALIA GLINSKI

M.S. in Industrial-Organizational Psychology

Schaefer Center for Public Policy      

 

“Designing the labels for The University of Baltimore Centennial celebration beers.”

MATTHEW LAUMANN

MFA in Integrated Design

The 1971 yearbook entry for a student named Ronald Mack, B.S. in Industry Management graduate. The entry includes information about his involvement, including: Student Press (Circulation Manager 3), AMA (3), SAM (3), Teacher Evaluation Committee (3), Urban Affairs Committee (3), Young Democrats (4), Election Board Committee (4)
Ronald Mack's 1971 yearbook entry shows he was involved in several organizations during most of his time at The University of Baltimore.

“I learned the value of perseverance by raising my GPA from 2.5 to 3.7. My experience also helped me grow professionally by exposing me to leadership opportunities.”

MALIHA JAVAID 

B.S. in Business Administration, Marketing Specialization

Mu Kappa Tau, Omicron Kappa Delta, National Society of Leadership and Success

 

“The value of paying it forward and inspiring the next generation of public servants.”

ARIELLE FORREST 

MPA

 

“Anything is possible, and keep track of the moments before you know it, they will become a memory!”

NIKKI YEBOAH

M.S. in Counseling Psychology            

The best thing I learned at UBalt is unity. What I experienced is reaching my goal and chasing my dreams.
Deborah Thompson B.S. in Criminal Justice

“The chance to study abroad.”

BECKY DAWSON

M.S. in Industrial-Organizational Psychology

Queerly, SGA, Psi Chi                  

 

“Working with the Second Chance program. Shout out to the students! Thank you for all you've taught me.”

AMBER ZANDER

M.S. in Criminal Justice

National Society of Leadership and Success

Two images, one of a woman and another of that same woman piloting a plane, book end a summary featured in the 1941 yearbook. It reads: Evelyn M. Williams, LL.B. Here we have one of those persons whose ability to do so much leaves the average person in a state of amazement. As a member of the University Players, Evelyn showed rare talent. During the year of '41 she has divided her time between aiding the allies, the law class, and getting her pilots license. A truly remarkable girl is "Parachute."
One student's entry in UBalt's 1941 yearbook praises her time as a pilot as well as a member of the theater.

“I really learned how to use my computer skills beyond I ever dreamed.”

CHERISE BASDEN

M.S. in Cyber Forensics

 

“Building relationships with my professors.”

SABRINA NOBLE PEREIRA

B.A. in Legal Studies

Student Government Association, International Student Association, History Club, Mock Trial, Ethics Bowl, Phi Theta Kappa        

 

“The sense of community that I've never experienced before.”

ASJAH BENSON

M.S. in Criminal Justice

I learned that with faculty support and encouragement, students are destined to succeed and reach their highest potential.
Shauna Hurd M.S. in Counseling Psychology
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