UMD Hosts Commencement Ceremonies for Computer Science Graduates

Every year, the University of Maryland honors its students with ceremonies that celebrate the culmination of their academic journeys. These events, marked by pomp and circumstance, bring together graduates, faculty and families to recognize the students' hard work and dedication.

The Department of Computer Science participated in two commencement ceremonies, recognizing the achievements of its graduate and undergraduate students in a year filled with extensive academic progress and faculty support. The graduate commencement took place on May 20 at the Chapel, followed by the undergraduate ceremony on May 21 at the Xfinity Center. A total of 61 graduate students and 809 undergraduate students received their degrees.

At the graduate ceremony, Ph.D. student speaker Tahseen Rabbani emphasized the graduates' responsibility to shape the field's future, underscoring their role in advancing society. The undergraduate ceremony featured a keynote address from NASA Chief Scientist and Department of Computer Science alum Katherine Calvin and a speech by student speaker Joshua Kalampanayil. Both highlighted the evolving landscape of technology and the significant roles that new graduates will play in shaping the future.

Graduates expressed gratitude for the department's support and encouragement, highlighting the invaluable assistance faculty and departmental programs provided throughout their academic journey.

"It was a challenging major for me, but I pulled through with the department's support," said Mosimiloluwa Ojeyomi, an undergraduate student. "The complexity put us on a different pedestal with high expectations and knowledge requirements. The computer science department fulfilled these to a reputable level. My major support came from the diversity and inclusion unit for technical computing, which provided tutors outside of class when TAs were busy. This made a huge difference for me."

Echoing similar sentiments, Snehesh Shrestha, a Ph.D. student, highlighted the importance of faculty mentorship.

“Every graduate knows the path to success was rarely a straight line,” Shrestha shared. “I'm thankful to my faculty advisors and mentors. They let me get lost so I could find my way, but they never abandoned me. I want to thank them for mentoring and challenging me so I can dig deeper and reach a bit further. They supported and encouraged me so I could get up when the line turned downwards. They were a huge part of this journey, and I am truly thankful.”

The department ranks No. 10 among public institutions and No. 17 overall in the 2024 edition of U.S. News & World Report's “Best Graduate Schools,” maintaining its position from last year. Additionally, the undergraduate program ranks 18th in the nation and 9th among public institutions. The year also saw the introduction of the Artificial Intelligence Interdisciplinary Institute at Maryland (AIM), further expanding the opportunities for students to engage in cutting-edge research and innovation.

The graduate and undergraduate ceremonies culminated in a year of extensive engagement designed to support and enhance the students’ educational experiences.

Department Chair Matthias Zwicker praised the significance of their accomplishments and the opportunities that lie ahead.

“We are incredibly proud of our graduates,” said Zwicker, the Elizabeth Iribe Chair for Innovation and the Phillip H. and Catherine C. Horvitz Professor. “Their dedication, hard work and resilience have paid off, and seeing their progress is inspiring. We are thrilled to send everyone our heartiest congratulations and best wishes!"

—Story by Samuel Malede Zewdu, CS Communications 

—Photo credit: Mark Sherwood