UMBC Alumni

On Wednesday, September 16, UMBC G.O.L.D. graduates in the greater Baltimore area came together for some friendly competition, networking, and fun at the inaugural G.O.L.D. Gathering at Topgolf ⛳

Want to join us at the next one? Learn more about the G.O.L.D promise, check out upcoming G.O.L.D. Gatherings, and stay connected with UMBC by visiting: umbc.edu/alumni/2026-gold-gatherings

From breaking ground on 432 acres of farmland in 1966 to thriving as an R1 powerhouse today, UMBC was built brick by brick by community members like you. 🐾 60 years later, we’re honoring the foundation laid before us while continuing to push boundaries together.

🖤💛 Here’s to our legacy, our momentum, and the next 60 years of Retriever pride!

📷 Albin O. Kuhn, Homer Schamp, and Guy Chisholm at the UMBC groundbreaking, next to large construction equipment. (University Archives. Special Collections, University of Maryland, Baltimore County)

🎉 Please join us in celebrating the generosity of Akshay Java, M.S. ’03, Ph.D. ’08, computer science, and the Java-Rijhwani family, who recently established the COEIT Computing for Social Good Award, to be given annually to one or more students in the College of Engineering and Information Technology (COEIT) who have conducted substantial research with the goal of harnessing technology to make positive social change.

Read more at umbc.edu/stories/computing-for-social-good-award.

“You Belong Here”—New And Returning Retrievers Are Welcomed To Campus For Fall 2026 - UMBC: University Of Maryland, Baltimore County As fall 2026’s first full week of classes wrap up, Retrievers across campus—newly minted and returning—are finding their place to belong.

"I decided to switch majors from Russian to history while doing research in Professor Melissa Blair‘s 'The History of Baltimore' class," says Finley Bandy ’26, history. "It inspired me to pivot and focus my work on Maryland’s transportation history. I think Baltimore is a very unique city with a rich history that is often ignored by the historical record."

Read more about Finley at umbc.edu/stories/finley-bandy-finds-a-future-in-history

📸 1 - Finley Bandy ’26, history. (Brad Ziegler/UMBC)
📸 2 - UMBC’s proximity to Camden Yards makes for a great trip to cheer on the Orioles! (Image courtesy of Bandy)
📸 3 - Bandy presents her research at the 2026 Undergraduate Research and Creative Achievement Day. (Image courtesy of King.)
📸 4 - Students from Nicole King’s class, “Preserving Spaces, Making Spaces in Baltimore,” participated in a Community Archiving Day event. (l-r) Em Schumacher, a geography and environmental systems senior, Bandy, Tristan Diaz ’25, cultural anthropology and sociology, and Bandy’s fiancé, Max Taylor (who is not a UMBC student). (Image courtesy of King)

In February 2020, Carter Gerhardt ’26, computer engineering, visited the UMBC campus as a newly admitted student. Six years later, he attended the same event, this time as a senior computer engineering student answering questions about his experience. During his time at UMBC Gerhardt faced the challenge of virtual learning during the COVID pandemic and doubt over whether his math skills were strong enough to pursue a major he was interested in. Supportive friends and faculty encouraged him and this May he will walk across the stage with a degree he was close to giving up on. “I’m getting a degree that I originally thought that I couldn’t do,” he says. “I’m proud of that.”

📷 Gerhardt in front of the UMBC pond. (Brad Ziegler/UMBC)
📷 In 2021, Carter Gerhardt was part of the UMBC Baja Racing team. Team members, from left to right are Manny Conrad, Carter Gerhardt, Emilie Shoff, Nick Myers, Michael O’Connor, Peter Stein, Alec Atwell, Zachary Love, and Alex Povodyrev. (Image courtesy of Gerhardt)

Congratulations, Carter 🎓

Read more of Carter's story: https://umbc.edu/stories/carter-gerhardt-2026/

🌊 Our donors are hitting the beach in style this summer!

Check out Anita Jackson '80 showing off her new UMBC beach towel – a token of our appreciation for her consecutive giving. Share your photos with .

Kayla Nemirovsky ’26 has followed her curiosity around the world. After earning dual degrees in mathematics and financial economics—and visiting more than 30 countries—this Sondheim Scholar is staying at UMBC to pursue a master’s in teaching and prepare for a career in math education, curriculum, and policy.

Meet Kayla and learn how mentorship helped her chart her path.

Kayla Nemirovsky ’26—Math Plus Financial Economics Major With Equal Passion For Numbers And Travel - UMBC: University Of Maryland, Baltimore County If senior Kayla Nemirovsky’s passport could talk, the first thing it would likely say is, “I’m tired.” Despite having local roots, first attending...