2025 Spring Commencement: Stephen M. Schanwald ’77 and Honorable Ryan D. McCarthy, MBA ’13
The Robert H. Smith School of Business honored 2,105 graduates on May 22, 2025. Speakers emphasized resilience, leadership and ambition, including Stephen Schanwald ’77, Hon. Ryan McCarthy, MBA ’13, and student leaders Abigail Manga ’25 and Janeil Birch, MS Accounting ’25.
Stephen M. Schanwald and Hon. Ryan D. McCarthy, MBA, to Speak at 2025 Commencement
Stephen M. Schanwald ’77 and Hon. Ryan D. McCarthy, MBA ’13, will deliver keynote addresses at the 2025 Smith Undergraduate and Graduate Commencement ceremonies, honoring decades of leadership in sports marketing, military service, defense policy, and public service.
Why I Give: A Game-Changing Gift
Bill Boyle ’81 has donated $1M to fund a virtual teaching studio at Smith School, aiming to enhance global learning with advanced tech. Boyle previously launched the Terp Startup Fellows program to support student entrepreneurs.
2024 Spring Commencement: Bill Boyle ’81 and Wendy Sanhai, MBA ’09
New Smith School graduates heard keynote speakers highlight technology’s potential for positive change and shared wisdom on leading a fulfilling life. The ceremony honored 2,074 graduates, emphasizing resilience, the importance of truth, and the power of mentorship and service.
Distinguished Alumni Bill Boyle ’81 and Dr. Wendy R. Sanhai, MBA ’09, Announced as 2024 Smith School Commencement Speakers
Distinguished alumni Bill Boyle ’81 and Dr. Wendy R. Sanhai, MBA ’09, are the 2024 Smith School Commencement speakers. Boyle, founder of FiberGate Inc., emphasizes entrepreneurship and innovation, while Dr. Sanhai, is a healthcare leader with expertise in biomedical research and business strategy.
2023 Spring Commencement: Robert G. Hisaoka ’79 and Vishal Khera, MBA ’00
New graduates of the University of Maryland’s Robert H. Smith School of Business heard keynote testimonials on overcoming adversity and the life-changing benefits of a Smith degree during commencement exercises on May 24 at the XFINITY Center in College Park. The ceremony recognized 1,191 undergraduate students, 1,065 business master’s and MBA students, 10 PhD students and 32 EMBA students.
Robert Hisaoka and Vishal Khera to Speak at Spring 2023 Commencement Ceremonies
The Smith School is pleased to announce that two distinguished alumni will be keynote speakers for the Spring 2023 Commencement ceremonies. Undergraduate Commencement Robert G. Hisaoka ’79 will deliver the keynote address at the Undergraduate Commencement ceremony on May 24. Hisaoka is the chairman and CEO of RGH Capital and the founder and event chairman of the Joan Hisaoka “Make A Difference” Gala Assisting Those Living with Cancer. He is also the chairman of the Inova Health Foundation.
Spring 2022 Commencement: A ‘Formula for Luck’
To graduate means to reap the successes of hard work and dedication along a difficult journey – and maybe a little bit of luck too. During Wednesday’s spring commencement ceremony held at the XFINITY Center, the University of Maryland’s Robert H. Smith School of Business recognized graduates across its programs – 857 undergraduate students, 190 business master’s students, 147 MBA students, 15 PhD students, 41 EMBA students. Fall 2021 graduates were also invited to participate in the ceremony, Smith’s first in-person commencement since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Winter Graduates Recognized in Virtual Ceremony
Commencement, no matter its form, is a moment of pride, accomplishment and celebration. It’s a moment, in the words of undergraduate student speaker Juliet Jack, to see opportunity.