The Honorable Cory McCray of the Maryland State Senate will address the University of Maryland Eastern Shore’s 2026 graduating class during the spring commencement ceremony on May 15 at 10 a.m. in the university’s William P. Hytche Athletic Center.
“The UMES community is honored to have the Honorable Cory McCray as commencement speaker for our graduates entering the world,” said UMES President Heidi M. Anderson. “He is proof that hard work, perseverance, and education pay off. Sen. McCray is a great example as he continues to advocate for the future of our youth.”
Sen. McCray — representing District 45 and the former acting chair of the Maryland Democratic Party — is no stranger to HBCUs such as UMES. He, along with his wife Demetria, established a scholarship fund for aspiring educators at Baltimore’s Coppin State University.
As a young man growing up in Baltimore, the senator, who is completing his second term, credits education through apprenticeship as the foundation of his career as a professional electrician. He went on to earn an Associate of Science Degree from Baltimore City Community College and a Bachelor of Arts degree from National College.
Those early experiences are what he says continues to shape his commitment to workforce development, education and economic mobility for constituents in his district and across the state of Maryland.
“The Apprenticeship That Saved My Life,” authored by Sen. McCray, is described as a guidebook and call to action that highlights apprenticeship as a powerful pathway to success. In it, he demonstrates the possibilities of access and opportunities for underserved young people.
Sen. McCray credits his wife and children for his commitment to building a better opportunity for the next generation. He was first elected to the General Assembly as a delegate in 2014.
