The University of Maryland Eastern Shore takes great pride in the perseverance and dedication demonstrated by our graduating students. This milestone signifies not only their unwavering commitment to academic excellence but also the invaluable support of their mentors, families, and peers. Their success is a testament to their diligence, resilience, and the guidance of those who have helped shape their journey.
The commencement ceremony serves as a distinguished occasion to celebrate their achievements and formally recognize their transition from students to alumni. We invite you to join us in honoring their dedication and witnessing the newest graduates of UMES as they embark on their future endeavors with confidence and purpose.
- Friday, May 16, 2025 | 10:00am – 12:00pm
- William P. Hytche Arena
Commencement Photographs
Keynote Speaker
Maryland Governor Wes Moore
Wes Moore is the 63rd Governor of Maryland and the state’s first Black governor. A bestselling author, combat veteran, and former CEO of the Robin Hood Foundation, Moore has dedicated his career to public service and economic opportunity
Livestream
View a live stream of the 2025 Spring Commencement below.
Program Book
Graduates Spotlight
Get to know some of the University of Maryland Eastern Shore’s incredible graduates. See the preview below and visit the full Graduate Spotlight page for more inspiring stories.
Kenesha Deshields
Administrative Assistant in the Office of Leadership and Engagement, she’s also a dual enrollment student at UMES and Salisbury University, earning degrees in Sociology and Social Work. After first attending UMES in 2003, she returned to work at the university in 2020 and re-enrolled a year later. Driven by her compassion and love for helping others, she says her major “chose her.”
Quinton Smith
Quinton Smith, from Newark, New Jersey, became the youngest Mr. UMES in just his second year and co-founded Men Achieving their Dreams in Education (MADE), a mentoring group for young Black and brown men. A first-generation college graduate, he plans to pursue a master’s degree in education to continue shaping and supporting young minds.
Kaleigha Hayes
A Computer Science major with a focus in data analytics from Calvert County, Maryland. Inspired by her father’s love for building and fixing things, she found her passion in tech. A memorable UMES campus tour led her to become a tour guide herself. In summer 2023, she interned with the Department of Homeland Security and was selected to attend DEF CON as a delegate. Kaleigha is also a member of Sigma Gamma Rho, the National Society of Black Engineers, Women of Distinction, WORTH, and served as Ms. Iota Phi Theta 24-25.
