COLLEGE PARK, MD. — On March 4, 2026, the University of Maryland united its entire community—faculty, staff, parents, friends, alumni, and students—for its annual campus-wide Giving Day, the largest single day of giving in support of the university’s mission.For College Park Scholars, the day became one for the record books: nearly $182,000 raised from over 100 donors, the most successful fundraising effort in the program’s history. Powering that milestone was a transformational $50,000 matching gift and endowment from alumni Melissa and Hart Rossman—a contribution that doubled every dollar donated and permanently established a new scholarship fund to support future generations of Scholars.

Nearly 60 freshmen presented posters outlining service projects and discussed their experience with a crowd of faculty, staff, peers and supporters on April 24 at the Civic Engagement for Social Good (CESG) First-Year Student Service Showcase. Held in the Edward St. John Learning and Teaching Center, the event featured lively discussions and the opportunity to collaborate on future work. 

In the parking lot of the First United Methodist Church in Hyattsville, Md., on a pleasant April morning, one vehicle stood out among the usual cars and SUVs. One of the two doors on a small silver trailer, with the slogan “Serve humbly. Encourage faithfully. Renew dignity” emblazoned on the back, swung open, and a man stepped outside.Founded by Public Leadership Scholars and UMD alum Omolayo Adebayo ’11, the Neighborhood Well sets up at the church from 9 a.m.-noon every second and fourth Saturday of the month, weather permitting, to offer not only showers, but also food, clothes, toiletries and a welcoming environment.

The University of Maryland Golf Course is transforming into a living laboratory, providing students with hands-on experience in environmental science and conservation.Environment, Technology and Economy Scholars Mario Dajani, a sophomore studying physics and math, and Preston Jackman, a second-year environmental science and policy student, took on the challenge of fixing a rain garden on the course.Watch the video below for the full story from WMAR2:

For our invited students and families who are unable to meet us in person during admissions season, College Park Scholars is hosting a virtual Admitted Student Open House experience.

For as long as she can remember, Kaia Ungerer (B.S. ’23, chemistry) has been obsessed with beauty products, from skin creams and serums to shampoos and conditioners, each with its own unique combination of ingredients, textures and fragrances.