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A Message to Winter 2021 Graduates

December 17, 2021 American Studies | Art History and Archaeology | Art | Classics | Communication | English | History | Linguistics | Joseph and Rebecca Meyerhoff Program and Center for Jewish Studies | School of Languages, Literatures, and Cultures | School of Music | School of Theatre, Dance, and Performance Studies | The Harriet Tubman Department of Women, Gender, and Sexuality Studies

2 graduating students throw their caps in the air

Dean Bonnie Thornton Dill addresses graduating students.

 

image of Dean Bonnie Thornton Dill

Dear Graduates,

Like you, I am sad and disappointed that we will not gather together in person with you, your family and friends to celebrate your accomplishments in the face of the challenges of the last few years. Nevertheless, I want to extend my warmest congratulations on earning your degree from the University of Maryland. 

Commencements mark a significant rite of passage in your life and without a ceremony it is difficult to mark the moment, yet I hope you will pause, reflect and celebrate this tremendous milestone with family and loved ones in a way that feels special—and safe. Please return to campus on May 18-20 to participate in the Spring 2022 Campuswide and College Commencement Ceremonies. 

I am so impressed that you have completed your degree in light of so many challenges. You have persevered through unimaginable circumstances for the past 21 months and have adapted despite sustained uncertainty and stress. I hope you always remember how you persisted and persevered with creativity and grace. 

As graduates of the College of Arts and Humanities you are READY—WORLDREADY. Throughout your studies you have worked hard to acquire new knowledge and skills; to write well, read critically, listen actively, communicate effectively and think creatively. You are culturally aware and linguistically adept. You are WORLDWISE! 

student blowing glitter into the air

I am also pleased to welcome you into the family of proud Terp alumni—a global network, over 300,000 strong that we hope you will stay connected to and involved with always. 

On behalf of the entire ARHU community, I am delighted to recognize the graduates listed *here. Please take the time to reach out to those whom you know and congratulate them. 

Sincerely, 

Bonnie Thornton Dill
Professor & Dean
University of Maryland, College of Arts & Humanities 

*For questions about the information contained in the PDF above, please contact 301.405.2108.