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St. Mary’s College of Maryland is pleased to announce that Baltimore Mayor and St. Mary’s College alumnus Brandon Scott ’06 will deliver the keynote address at the 2026 Commencement ceremony Saturday, May 16, on the campus’ Townhouse Green.
Scott is the 52nd mayor of Baltimore. First elected mayor in 2020, Scott made history in 2024 when he became the first Baltimore mayor in 20 years to win re-election.
During his first term, Scott spearheaded historic reductions in violence through Baltimore’s first-ever Comprehensive Violence Prevention Plan. The city also saw an 18% decrease in vacant properties, reaching the lowest number in two decades.
This is Scott’s second time addressing St. Mary’s College graduates as he was the commencement speaker for the 2021 virtual ceremony.
Scott’s administration has been guided by five core pillars: building public safety, prioritizing youth, clean and healthy communities, equitable neighborhood development, and responsible stewardship of city resources.
Before becoming mayor in 2020, Scott was unanimously elected president of the Baltimore City Council by his colleagues after serving on the city council for eight years, representing Baltimore’s 2nd District. He was one of the youngest people ever elected to the council.
During his time at St. Mary’s College of Maryland, Scott was an active member of the Black Student Union (BSU) and a leader in student government. Outside of classroom and student leadership responsibilities, Scott would DJ events both on and off campus. “Scott was deeply engaged in the life of the college, experiences he often credits with helping him find his voice and setting him on a path toward public service,” said Assistant Vice President of Alumni Relations David Sushinsky '02.
Earlier this year, Scott participated in a leadership panel hosted by the College’s BSU. After the event, Brandon wrote on social media, “I would not be the man or public servant I am today without my time at St. Mary’s. For that reason, I will always pay it forward to the school or any Seahawk.”
Scott has emerged as a political leader known for his authentic, straightforward approach. He serves as co-chair of Mayors Against Illegal Guns and as president of the African American Mayors Association.
He is often sought after as an adviser and policy expert on violence reduction strategies by organizations and other elected officials, including the White House Office of Gun Violence Prevention under former President Joe Biden. He previously chaired the National League of Cities, Large Cities Council.
A proud Baltimorean and lifelong resident, Scott is a graduate of MERVO High School and St. Mary’s College of Maryland. He resides in the Westfield neighborhood of Northeast Baltimore with his wife, Hana, and their children, Ceron, Charm and Camden. Visit us online for more information on the 2026 Commencement.
