Community / April 29, 2014

Smith to Tailor Three Ceremonies for Graduates

Facebook voters will select best-decorated caps

Decorated mortarboards and keynote remarks from a Wall Street veteran will highlight the Robert H. Smith School of Business undergraduate and PhD commencement on May 23, 2014, while MBA and other graduate students celebrate one day earlier in separate ceremonies.

Hosting three commencements instead of one, the norm in previous years, will allow the school to shorten each ceremony and create a more intimate atmosphere for each group.

Bachelor’s degree candidates who decorate their caps can show off their flair and win prizes in the Graduation Cap Challenge.

Entrants must share photographs of their caps on Instagram or Twitter before May 14, 2014, using the tag @UMDSmithEvents and the hashtag #SmithCapChallenge. They also must select one of three contest categories: #MostCreative, #BestGroupCaps or #TerpPride.

Submissions will be posted at Facebook.com/SmithBusinessSchool, where voting will continue through May 22. Learn more about the Graduation Cap Challenge on Twitter.

Bruce Richards, who worked on Wall Street for 15 years before founding Marathon Asset Management, will deliver the keynote address during the undergraduate and PhD commencement from 9 to 11 a.m. at Comcast Center. Richards is CEO & co-managing partner of the New York-based investment management firm.

The keynote speaker for the May 22 ceremonies will be Smith Dean Alex Triantis. The graduation for Master of Science in Business Management and Master of Finance programs will be from 2:30 to 4 p.m. in the Comcast Center, and the MBA event will follow at the same venue from 5:30 to 7 p.m.

Overall, the Smith School will award about 1,300 diplomas, including about 800 undergraduate degrees, 220 Master of Science degrees, 250 MBAs and 12 PhDs.

Although tickets are not needed for the Smith ceremonies, the University of Maryland requires tickets for the campuswide commencement. A parking and transit guide is available for graduation guests who intend to drive their own vehicles.

Can't make it? Watch live online at http://www.rhsmith.umd.edu/WatchMeGraduate

Media Contact

Greg Muraski
Media Relations Manager
301-405-5283  
301-892-0973 Mobile
gmuraski@umd.edu 

About the University of Maryland's Robert H. Smith School of Business

The Robert H. Smith School of Business is an internationally recognized leader in management education and research. One of 12 colleges and schools at the University of Maryland, College Park, the Smith School offers undergraduate, full-time and flex MBA, executive MBA, online MBA, business master’s, PhD and executive education programs, as well as outreach services to the corporate community. The school offers its degree, custom and certification programs in learning locations in North America and Asia.

Back to Top