Congratulations, Fall Class of 2023!
With the traditional pomp and circumstance and some extra surprises, The University of Baltimore celebrated its newest graduates during the fall 2023 commencement on Monday, Dec. 18 at The Lyric Baltimore.
Maryland Gov. Wes Moore served as the keynote speaker, inspiring the graduates to work together to make a better future, to use their unique perspectives to fight for and pursue their goals, and to never waver when the work gets hard.
"We know that for many of you, you defied odds that frankly a lot of your peers did not. We know that for many of you, you have beaten expectations that other people might not have had for you, but you did it. Still you rise," Moore told graduates.
"And there's a beautiful power in that, in coming from UBalt because this institution that has a long legacy of creating pathways and opportunities for many people who have gone on to do remarkable things and I, also, I want to be very clear: I am the 63rd governor of this state, but I also know I'm just keeping seating warm for some of y'all."
Moore also shared his gratitude to UBalt's President Kurt L. Schmoke. When Schmoke was mayor of Baltimore, he hired Moore as an intern and encouraged him throughout his education and career.
"Kurt Schmoke was able to give me an opportunity that others did not. Kurt Schmoke was able to see me in ways that other people did not."
During his speech, Moore gave a shout out to the day's student speaker, Thomas Anderson, who came to UBalt through its Second Chance College Program and earned his B.S. in Business Administration at the ceremony.
Anderson, 55, acknowledged the hard road he had to travel to get to the Lyric stage and his graduation day.
"I am a living testament of the redemptive power of a second chance woven through the fabric of education," he said, opening his remarks to his fellow graduates.
Anderson was given a life sentence in Jessup Correctional Institute, but found a passion for education when the opportunity arose. Through the Second Chance College Program, Anderson found a path toward a bachelor's degree and UBalt. When he was released from prison, after 22 and a half years, he continued his studies at the University, this time as a business major with a focus on real estate.
"I want to express my deepest gratitude to the University of Baltimore, for believing in second chances for providing a platform for individuals like me to be able to write our narrative," Anderson said in his speech.
The commencement ceremony also included remarks from Schmoke, University System of Maryland Board of Regents member William T. Wood, and Ralph Mueller, UBalt's senior vice president for academic affairs and provost.
As he neared the end of his remarks, Gov. Moore encouraged the graduates to push through challenges and earn the reward of overcoming them.
"There are going to be days that are going to be challenging, but the thing I ask you is this: even when there are, do not let anyone define you or limit you, especially when they have not earned the right to even have a conversation with you," Moore said.
"You're the survivors, you're the scholars, you're the winners, you're the conquerors. Today is core evidence that you deserve to be in any room that you are in."
Learn more about UBalt's commencements.