Announcing our 2026 commencement speaker
April 08, 2026
My fellow Terrapins,
Each year, I have the great pleasure of announcing our commencement speaker—someone whose story we hope will stay with our graduates long after they turn their tassels.
This year, I am proud to welcome a Terp whose journey has taken her from College Park to the International Space Station. An aerospace engineer, former CIA intelligence officer, NASA astronaut and proud UMD alumna, she has built a career defined by exploration, discovery and breaking barriers.
Please join me in welcoming Dr. Jeanette Epps!
Dr. Epps’ life is driven by fearless determination, and there is no better role model for our graduating class as they step boldly into their futures. It is a true honor to welcome her back to Maryland, where so much of her remarkable journey began.
Commencement ceremonies
I look forward to celebrating our graduates from summer 2025, fall 2025 and spring 2026 at SECU Stadium on Wednesday, May 20, 2026, at 6 p.m. for the campus commencement ceremony.
Individual school and college ceremonies will be held on Tuesday, May 19, Wednesday, May 20 and Thursday, May 21. The commencement website has additional information about tickets, ceremony schedules, regalia and answers to frequently asked questions.
Go Terps!
Darryll J. Pines
President, University of Maryland
He/Him/His
X: @President_Pines
Instagram: @President_Pines