Four Global Public Health Scholars and a Science, Discovery and the Universe Scholar were among the students honored last month during the annual College Park Scholars citation and awards ceremony.

Outstanding graduating seniors at the University of Maryland have analyzed drought patterns, researched diabetes and tutored elementary school students in math. One plans to be an eye surgeon; another, a human rights attorney.

When the Citation class of 2023 entered the University of Maryland, they were already adjusting to a rapidly changing world being constantly reshaped by the Covid-19 global pandemic. One thing that didn’t change – their commitment to excellence in the classroom. All who successfully completed the requirements of their respective Scholars program received their official Scholars citation. But there were some that went above and beyond the expectations, leaving a lasting impact on the community.

The University of Maryland School of Public Health will kick off its Global Health Film Series on Wednesday with a screening of a film about the U.S. Public Health Service Commissioned Corps that features the school’s dean, Boris D. Lushniak, a member of the uniformed service branch for 27 years.   In partnership with the College Park Scholars’ Global Public Health program and Public Health Beyond Borders, the one-hour PBS documentary “Invisible Corps” will be shown at 7 p.m. in the Stamp Student Union Grand Ballroom.

Global and Public Health Scholar Kelly Biglin was recently interviewed for a Maryland Today article highlighting the benefits of enrolling in a Spanish for Health Professions class at UMD.

Incoming students often hear about the various experiences that Scholars take on in their practica–the capstone project or culminating hands-on learning all College Park Scholars are required to complete in their second year. Though specific practicum requirements vary by Scholars program, students are commonly able to meet program needs by engaging in an internship, doing service-learning or conducting research. 

Students in College Park Scholars’s Citation Class of 2022 began their University of Maryland (UMD) careers in the fall of 2020, under the shadow of the COVID-19 pandemic. They spent their first year almost entirely online: Some Zoomed into their program colloquium from their double-turned-single dorm rooms; others attended virtually from their families’ homes, away from campus.

The University of Maryland has announced its senior marshals for Spring Commencement, slated for Friday, May 20. Six College Park Scholars alumni number among the 60 graduating seniors serving as marshals:

Four Scholars alumni are among the handful of graduating seniors recognized this month with some of the University of Maryland’s most prestigious awards. Gabriela Winter, an alum of the Public Leadership Scholars program, received the Wilson H. Elkins Citizenship Awards, presented each year to one of the top students in the graduating class who has displayed outstanding involvement and leadership in campus activities.

Dr. Lis Maring (middle), director of the Global Public Health Scholars program, poses with Dean William Cohen, associate provost and dean for Undergraduate Studies, and Samantha Miller, one of the students who nominated her for the Donna B. Hamilton Teaching Award for Excellence in Undergraduate Studies. PHOTO: Thai Nguyen Dr.