Explore Our World: Maryland Day 2011

Maryland Day celebrates its thirteenth anniversary April 30 from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. Now one of the top annual events in the state of Maryland, the University of Maryland welcomes the entire Washington, D.C. region to have fun, learn and explore over Maryland's 1,250 acre campus.

"I'm very excited about attending my first Maryland Day here at the University of Maryland," said University President Wallace Loh. "One of the things that attracted me to UMD is the breadth of fascinating programs here. I understand that there will be more than 400 events across campus this year, all of them offering learning and fun for all ages. I am especially proud that we have 8,000 faculty, staff and student volunteers who come out to make it a wonderful day for all of our visitors. Maryland Day has become a model for other schools and one of the premier annual events in the State."

Special Maryland Day guests include Alumna Joy Bauer - who is best known as The Today Show's nutrition and health expert. She will be at the Cooking Stage in Hornbake Plaza and Dining Services will be cooking up some of her best recipes and samples are free! She'll also be providing health talks and book signings.

Two popular children's book authors will also be part of Maryland Day - on the Big Top stage. Alumnus Jeff Kinney, author of the popular series Diary of a Wimpy Kid will speak and then do a book signing. He'll be followed by Laura Duksta. She will share her applauded school program "Self-Esteem through Love: Empowering Our Children to Shine!"

Maryland sports fans can head over to Comcast Center for autographs with their favorite Terp men and women's basketball players. Terp gear will also be on sale. The men's football team - including new coach Randy Edsall - will be signing autographs at Byrd Stadium before suiting up for the annual Red and White Football Scrimmage at 3:30 p.m.

Visitors can pet animals at the campus farm, instruments at the Clarice Smith Performing Arts Center and insects in the Plant Sciences Building. Explore majors and college financing, talk to our deans, be part of an archeological dig or get blown away in our famous wind tunnel. Alumni find Maryland Day is a great way to reconnect with campus.

Don't miss a scoop of Maryland ice cream at the Dairy - the express line means quicker service! Admission and parking are free, and there will be free shuttle buses to and from the College Park Metro and on campus.

Be sure to stop by the Smith School’s tent on McKeldin Mall for information on b-school programs and to get a free gift! Smith faculty and staff interested in volunteering should e-mail tdrake@rhsmith.umd.edu. 

Find out more at: www.marylandday.umd.edu.