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BirckheadÌýLed All National Guard Troops Deployed at the U.S. Capitol During the Presidential Inauguration and HeadsÌýMarylandÌýGovernorÌýLarryÌýHogan’s Vaccine Equity Task Force

Adelphi, Md. (AprilÌý27, 2021)—University of Maryland Global Campus (UMGC), the nation’s largest online public university,Ìýwill hostÌýa virtual commencement ceremony on May 15Ìýat noon.Ìý

Brig. Gen. JaneenÌýL.ÌýBirckhead,Ìýassistant adjutant general andÌýcommander of the Maryland Army National GuardÌýand a graduate of UMGC,Ìýwill provide theÌýcommencementÌýkeynoteÌýaddress.ÌýBrig. Gen. BirckheadÌýhas a distinguished 30-year military career, including recentlyÌýleadingÌýall National Guard troopsÌýdeployedÌýat the U.S. Capitol following theÌýfailed insurrectionÌýon January 6 and forÌýtheÌýJanuary 20Ìýpresidential inauguration.ÌýShe wasÌýalsoÌýselectedÌýbyÌýMarylandÌýGovernor Larry Hogan to lead the state’s vaccine equity task force.Ìý

Raymond Fisher,ÌýaÌýU.S.ÌýMarine CorpsÌýveteran who traces his family historyÌýon his mother’s sideÌýtoÌýaÌýslaveÌýownedÌýby George WashingtonÌýandÌýwho earned aÌýBachelorÌýofÌýScienceÌýdegree in information systemsÌýmanagementÌýafter a 25-year journey,Ìýwill give an address on behalf ofÌýtheÌýgraduating class.Ìý

TheÌýcommencementÌýwebsiteÌýalso includesÌýthe conferral of degrees by UMGC President Gregory W.ÌýFowlerÌýandÌýa virtual greeting from Governor Hogan. In addition,Ìýthe site featuresÌýa section comprising the namesÌýofÌýgraduatesÌýwith their photos and inspirational messagesÌýandÌýmessages of congratulations from UMGC faculty, staff members andÌýfriends.Ìý

UMGC holds separate commencement ceremonies annually in Europe and Asia, to accommodate graduates who are serving in the military overseas.Ìý

Here is a snapshot ofÌýUMGCÌýgraduates for 2020-21:

Total number of graduates worldwide:Ìý13,171Ìý

Location of our graduates:Ìý All 50 U.S. states, the District of Columbia, and 32 countries and territories.Ìý

Youngest graduate:Ìý17ÌýyearsÌýoldÌý

Oldest graduate:ÌýÌý78Ìýyears oldÌý

Average age:Ìý35Ìýyears oldÌý

About University of Maryland Global Campus

University of Maryland Global Campus (formerly University of Maryland University College) is a world leader in innovative educational models, with award-winning online programs in disciplines including biotechnology, cybersecurity, data analytics, and information technology that are in high demand in today’s increasingly technical, global workplace.ÌýÌý

With an enrollment of some 90,000 students, UMGC offers open access with a global footprint and a specific mission—to meet the learning needs of students whose responsibilities may include jobs, family, and military service. The university offers both undergraduate and graduate degree and certificate programs, including doctoral programs.ÌýÌý

A pioneer in distance education since 1947, ÐÒ¸£±¦µ¼º½ today is harnessing the power of learning science and technology to deliver high quality, low cost, accessible higher education.ÌýÌý

In 1949, UMGC became the first institution to send faculty overseas to teach active-duty military personnel at installations in Europe. The university expanded overseas operations to Asia in 1956 and to the Middle East in 2005. UMGC faculty have taught in the war zones of Vietnam, Kosovo, Kuwait, Afghanistan and Iraq.ÌýÌý

UMGC now offers classes to military service personnel and their families at more than 175 locations in more than 20 countries. Today, more than half of the university’s students are active-duty military personnel and their families, members of the National Guard and veterans.Ìý

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