Monday, December 5, 2016
PRINCESS ANNE, MD – (Dec. 5, 2016) – Three retired University of Maryland Eastern Shore educators with nearly a century of combined service will be among those singled out for recognition during winter commencement exercises Dec. 16.
John Lamkin (music), Howard Rebach (social sciences) and Karen Verbeke (education) join the exclusive ranks of UMES faculty emeriti during graduation ceremonies at the Hytche Athletic Center that begin at 10 a.m.
Verbeke led UMES’ education department for 25 years before retiring in 2015, while Rebach joined the UMES faculty in 1972 and over a 43 year career became a colorful institution himself in the social sciences department, where he still dabbles as a part-time lecturer.
Lamkin was perhaps the most visible instructor of the three, teaching as well as playing his magical trumpet alongside generations of students who came under his tutelage over a span of three decades.
One of the 325 degree candidates in the audience who will witness the three faculty members being honored will be Lamkin’s grandson, John R. Lamkin IV, an accounting major.
DaMisha Vonyé Helene Brown, an English major from Wilmington, Del., will deliver the student commentary on behalf of the Class of 2016.
Brown and her classmates will hear from commencement speaker Tinisha Agramonte, a Civil Rights champion and federal senior executive service member. Agramonte, whose life experiences inspired her personal and professional mission “to advance equitable opportunities for all,” has worked with historically black institutions to strengthen their capacity to provide the highest quality education and to increase their access to federal funds and programs.
Robert Caret will be attending his first UMES graduation as the University System of Maryland’s chancellor.
Those planning to attend the Dec. 16 commencement must present a ticket provided by a degree candidate. Guests are advised to be seated by 9:45 a.m., when the doors will remain closed for the duration of the ceremony.
UMES Office of Public Relations, (410) 651-2355
