Dear Parents & Families,
The end of the academic year is upon us as your Seahawks take their final classes, prepare for final exams and contemplate what the summer - or life after graduation - has in store for them.
The National Public Honors College on the National Stage
In collaboration with two of higher education’s most authoritative voices, the Chronicle of Higher Education and Inside Higher Ed, the College has published two stories on the Learning Through Experiential and Applied Discovery (LEAD) initiative and its role in preparing your students for life beyond St. Mary’s College. Even if you’re familiar with LEAD, the two pieces provide a fresh perspective with President Tuajuanda C. Jordan explaining how it enables SMCM students to take full advantage of their liberal arts education to help them succeed in today’s workforce.
Commencement
For the Class of 2024, the big day will be Saturday, May 11. Congressman Steny H. Hoyer (D-MD 5th), a longtime member of the SMCM Board of Trustees and our area’s representative, will deliver the keynote address. A wealth of information is available on the 2024 Commencement website, including the full schedule of events leading up to and including the big ceremony, details for families on attending Commencement, how to obtain professional photos and more.
There will also be a special Grad Walk ceremony for graduating student athletes who may be competing in post-season competitions; that will be held at 9 a.m. on Thursday, May 9. Multiple teams are in post-season contention!
Need a unique gift idea for a graduating senior? Honor their legacy on campus with an engraved plaque on an auditorium seat or stadium locker.
For more information or to inscribe multiple plaques, contact Miranda Pontarelli, annual giving officer, at (240) 895-2122 or mjpontarelli@smcm.edu.
Awards Convocation
The 2024 Awards Convocation was held on April 12, with dozens of students, faculty and staff being recognized. Visit the convocation website for a complete list of awardees and a photo album.
JED Campus Update
SMCM partnered with the JED Foundation in 2022 to promote health and wellness on campus. The JED Campus Steering Committee recently produced an update on our first year of implementing changes to help promote student mental health and well-being.
Earth Day Wellness Fair
Speaking of well-being, the Wellness Center held a Student Wellness Fair on Earth Day, April 22. The center’s dedicated staff put together a fun atmosphere featuring student clubs, arts and crafts, door prizes, vendors, food, community and campus partners and lots of freebies. Local favorite, the Salted Scoop ice cream truck, was on hand with treats and there were even baby goats.
Middle States Reaffirmation of Accreditation
Fifty students, faculty and staff turned out for the all-campus town hall on April 19 to hear updates on the progress of the self-study and provide additional feedback. Learn more about the self-study and how it fits into the reaffirmation of accreditation process on the Middle States website.
River Concert Series Returns for 26th Season!
A staple of Southern Maryland summers for more than a quarter century, the River Concert Series returns once again to the Townhouse Green. The Chesapeake Orchestra, under the baton of our own Professor Jeffrey Silberschlag will perform every Friday evening this summer from June 21 through July 19. Fireworks will follow the July 5 concert - weather permitting! Check the River Concert website soon for details on this season's program.
Advice and Quality Time During Breaks
Office of Student Success Services (OS3)
Your student will soon be returning home for the summer. They are not the same person they were when you dropped them off at SMCM last August! How can you reconnect with them and have a pleasant summer living under the same roof with this newly emerging, independent adult?
We have some advice for you. Click here to read the full article.
News & Events
President Jordan Interviewed for “Voices from the Field” Series
SMCM President Tuajuanda C. Jordan was one of five women college & university presidents interviewed by the American Council on Education’s “Voices from the Field” series. The five women were asked about their respective career paths, pivotal mentors and development as leaders over the course of their presidencies.
Vice President for Equity & Strategic Initiatives Dereck Rovaris to Retire
President Jordan announced the retirement, effective May 31, of Vice President for Equity & Strategic Initiatives Dereck J. Rovaris Sr. Rovaris steps down after a 42-year career in higher education, the last two at the National Public Honors College.