A weeklong celebration starting today of innovations, accomplishments and new ambitions at the University of Maryland will herald the inauguration of Darryll J. Pines as its 34th president.
A mix of in-person and virtual events—from insightful talks about the "grand challenges" of our time and fetes of outstanding Terps to the return of Maryland Day—the lineup will showcase Pines' vision for the institution in learning, research, service and the arts.
At the heart of the schedule will be Thursday's formal investiture ceremony for Pines, who has served as president since July 1. He also holds the title of Glenn L. Martin Professor of Engineering and has served the university for 26 years, including 11 as dean of the A. James Clark School of Engineering
The events of the week will intensify excitement about the future of the University of Maryland, one in which students, faculty and staff will continue to pursue their fearless ideas, said Brodie Remington, vice president for university relations.
"We are energized by Pines' leadership and a future full of promise for advancing the well-being of humankind," he said.
See the schedule of official events below:
Monday, April 19, 5 p.m.
The Art of Humanizing Grand Challenges
A panel of arts and humanities experts, moderated by Washington Post personal financial columnist Michelle Singletary '84, provides insights on some of today's grand challenges from historical, cultural and artistic perspectives.
Tuesday, April 20, 7 p.m.
The Life and Legacy of David C. Driskell
Pines joins Driskell Center Director Curlee R. Holton to reflect on the life and legacy of the late artist, scholar, curator and distinguished university professor emeritus.
Wednesday, April 21, 4-6 p.m.
President Pines on Parade
Students, faculty and staff can meet Pines and Mrs. Sylvia Pines, their children, Kalala and Donovan Pines, and Rocky the dog at one of three locations on campus. Take a photo, receive a presidential turtle pin and taste the newest Maryland Dairy ice cream flavor, named in his honor.
Wednesday, April 21, 7 p.m.
Innovate Maryland 2021
A celebration of the university's innovators, entrepreneurs, inventors and creatives, this signature event recognizes the transformational impact made by our faculty, students and alumni, including awards for Invention and Startup of the Year and Student Entrepreneur and Mentor of the Year (the Rudy Awards). Pines will host a Q&A, too.
Thursday, April 22, 11 a.m.
Official Investiture Ceremony
Pines is officially installed as president and shares his vision for UMD. The ceremony will include a performance by alum Chelsey Green and the Green Project, as well as a poem from Ileana Y. Lozano '22.
Thursday, April 22, 7 p.m.
Moving Maryland Forward: A Celebration of the Inauguration of Darryll J. Pines
This evening celebration features a series of Grand Challenges lightning talks, performances and remarks from special guests, including Pines.
Friday, April 23, 1:30 to 3 p.m.
Forward With Hope: Never Shall We Forget
The annual Social Justice Alliance Spring Symposium brings together the Bowie State University and the University of Maryland communities to forge solutions out of tragedy, specifically focused on hate crime legislation and race relations on campus. It will feature Dawn and Richard Collins, the parents of 1st Lt. Richard W. Collins III, a Bowie State student who was killed on UMD's campus in 2017, the presidents of both institutions, and a panel on racism and antiracism featuring faculty and students as well as the Anti-Defamation League and Southern Poverty Law Center.
Friday, April 23, 7 p.m.
A Celebration of Terps: Featuring the Maryland Awards
This annual awards ceremony from the UMD Alumni Association will honor the achievements of six outstanding Terps from the worlds of government, business, community development, entertainment and sports.
Saturday, April 24, 10 a.m.
Maryland Day
The UMD tradition closes out inauguration festivities. Enjoy a day of learning, fun and discovery, all online.
–This article originally appeared in Maryland Today and is republished with permission.
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