University of Maryland School of Public Policy

05/30/2026

🎓 "But the problems that have ailed humanity are not new ones—even if they come in new forms. For everyone who’s tried to end poverty and oppression, there’s always someone out there who tries to justify it or explain it away.

But, we know better, we know that real change means impact. That words cannot replace the truth—if people are not living better, we can’t ignore that." -Gavin Neubauer, undergraduate speaker

🌎 Change the world. It's our policy. 🌍

05/29/2026

🎓 "We are a distinguished group from such diverse backgrounds, and that is what makes our policy group so special. We are driving the change we want to see because of the inequities we have experienced first hand." -Kianna Big Crow, graduate speaker

🌏 Change the world. It's our policy. 🌍

05/28/2026

"The world needs thoughtful people. It needs ethical leadership. It needs people capable of combining evidence with judgment, principle with pragmatism, and ambition with humility.

It needs people willing to do the difficult work of building, improving, and serving. And that work now belongs to your generation.

Congratulations, School of Public Policy Class of 2026." -Gustavo Flores-Macías, Dean

05/27/2026

Thanks to everyone who helped our graduates during their time at ! 🐢

🌍 Change the world. It's our policy.

05/27/2026

"The people before us were dreamers, imagining a world that could heal old wounds and better itself. And we build on great predecessors and their work to address today’s failures for a better future. But without our action, there is no change—your work can be the difference between a better future and the status quo, knowing what you know and being capable of bringing people together to make the case that tomorrow could be different.

But the problems that have ailed humanity are not new ones—even if they come in new forms. For everyone who’s tried to end poverty and oppression, there’s always someone out there who tries to justify it or explain it away.

But, we know better, we know that real change means impact. That words cannot replace the truth—if people are not living better, we can’t ignore that.

So with all your talent, capability, and knowledge, that we’re here to celebrate today, channel the hope of everyone who trusts us to heal the world. Even if it feels like now, that dreaming so big is impossible.

There is something special about you; that is why you chose Policy and this school to learn it—I see it in everything we do. Imagine what you can do for our communities to make good on all the dreams of our parents, teachers, and all the people we’ll never know.

Remember, as we march into the world, your values, your passion, your integrity, and you can do anything.

The next chapter of this great big story of humanity is yours to write, and I can’t wait to see what you do with it. Thank you." -Gavin Neubauer, Undergraduate Speaker 🌎

05/26/2026

🎓 Congratulations to the Class of 2026! More photos can be found on our Flickr page (link below) but keep your eyes peeled on your emails for your official portraits from Grad Images.

Good luck on your next chapter, and we hope you stay connected with us at future events!

https://www.flickr.com/photos/marylandpublicpolicy/albums

05/20/2026

From international development in Ukraine to serving as a diplomat in Turkmenistan, Diana Nalyvanna has seen firsthand how differently governments operate and how deeply those differences shape daily lives.

Now a graduate student at the School of Public Policy, Diana is bringing that unique global perspective to a new frontier: technology and governance. She’s diving into how artificial intelligence is reshaping public decision-making, looking closely at how institutions, communities, and incentives interact as AI becomes embedded in public life. Learn more about her research ⬇️

https://spp.umd.edu/news/mpm-student-bridges-diplomacy-and-data

05/20/2026

Graduate student Kimberley Osias is studying gaps in how public systems provide access to basic resources. She recently brought that work to the School of Public Policy, organizing an event that connected students and community partners with young people from Washington, DC.

The event, developed through her initiative “Woman in Me,” included interactive workshops that explored topics like self-awareness, emotional expression and confidence-building, and a community clothing closet for at-risk youth. The program, in partnership with the DC Housing Authority, responded to gaps in youth services that followed budget cuts and maintained access to support.

Osias said her coursework at the School has shaped how she understands those challenges, particularly how policies affect access to housing, food and health services. Applying those ideas outside the classroom has been central to her work as a student, including through the Do Good Institute's Accelerator Fellowship, which influenced how she approaches the organizational side of that work. Learn more ⬇️

https://spp.umd.edu/news/policy-student-empowers-young-women-through-community-and-policy

05/19/2026

Please note that this change has no affect on our school's commencement ceremony on Thursday, May 21, 9:00am.

Students, please arrive and check-in no later than 8:00am in Thurgood Marshall Hall. For more day-of information for students, families, and friends attending ⬇️

https://spp.umd.edu/commencement

Due to the forecast for severe weather on May 20, the main Commencement ceremony will move to its planned alternative date on Thursday, May 21, 2026. This change does not affect individual school and college ceremonies.

We understand that this change may be disruptive, but know that we have made this decision to prioritize safety and to provide the best possible experience for graduates and guests.

More information and the ceremony live stream will be available at commencement.umd.edu. We look forward to celebrating our Terrapin graduates!

05/11/2026

Dear Policy Terps,

As the semester concludes, I want to take a moment to celebrate all that you have accomplished. From engaging in thoughtful discussions in the classroom to creating meaningful change in your communities, you have shown what it means to lead with purpose and passion.

As you head into finals, I wish you focus, confidence and success—trust in the work you have put in and give it your very best.

Whether you are completing your first semester or preparing to graduate, you have strengthened the spirit and impact of our Policy Terp community through your dedication to making a difference. Thank you for bringing your curiosity and drive to the School of Public Policy.

Wishing you a joyful summer filled with well-deserved rest and new opportunities. I look forward to seeing all that you will accomplish in the year ahead.

Best Regards,

Gustavo A. Flores-Macías
Dean, UMD School of Public Policy

📸 John T. Consoli //