As May approaches, college campuses across Montgomery County and the broader Maryland area come alive with the buzz of graduation celebrations. Students, faculty, and families gather to honor the achievements of graduates at various commencement ceremonies.
Baltimore City and its neighboring counties are home to a rich array of historic academic institutions, catering to diverse fields of study and learning approaches.
In this article, we offer a glimpse into some of the notable speakers set to deliver inspiring addresses during commencement ceremonies.
Bowie State University
Friday, May 22, 2026
A prominent figure in discussions about culture, race, religion, and politics, Dyson is a distinguished university professor at Vanderbilt University. He holds dual roles in the College of Arts & Science and the Divinity School, where he is a NEH Centennial chair. His research focuses on the intricate relationships among history, faith, social justice, and popular culture. As an acclaimed author with over 25 titles to his name, Dyson has seen seven of his works make The New York Times bestseller list. His accolades include the 2020 Langston Hughes Medal, an American Book Award, a Southern Book Award, and two NAACP Image Awards for nonfiction.
Coppin State University
U.S. SEN. ANGELA ALSOBROOKS (D-Maryland)
Friday, May 22, 2026
Senator Angela Alsobrooks is a lifelong Maryland resident who was elected to the U.S. Senate in 2024. Her extensive background in public service is focused on improving safety and opportunities for working families and their communities. Recognized for her work advocating for children and their families, Alsobrooks was the first full-time Assistant State’s Attorney to handle domestic violence cases in Prince George’s County. She made history as the youngest and first woman to become Prince George’s County State’s Attorney, where she significantly reduced violent crime by 50%. Since being elected Prince George’s County Executive in 2018, she has been a leading job creator in Maryland. Alsobrooks is the first African American woman to be elected as a senator from any U.S. state, the second woman overall to represent Maryland in the Senate, and the fourth African American woman in U.S. Senate history.
Goucher College
U.S. REP. JAMIE RASKIN (Md – 8th District)
Sunday, May 17, 2026
Prior to his tenure in Congress, Raskin was a constitutional law professor at American University’s Washington College of Law for 25 years. He previously served as a three-term State Senator in Maryland, where he played a critical role in advancing marriage equality, abolishing the death penalty, restoring voting rights to former prisoners, and endorsing the National Popular Vote Interstate Compact. Elected alongside Donald Trump in 2016, he became the lead impeachment manager for Trump’s second impeachment trial in 2021, relating to inciting insurrection against the Constitution. Raskin was also part of the Select Committee investigating the January 6, 2021, attack on Capitol Hill. He has authored several books covering family, democracy, and law, and has faced unique challenges, including a lifetime ban from Russia, imposed by President Vladimir Putin.
Johns Hopkins University
Thursday, May 21, 2026
Karikó, a Nobel Prize-winning scientist, is renowned for her groundbreaking mRNA research, which proved pivotal in the development of life-saving COVID-19 vaccines. Her journey began at just 13 years old when she traveled across Hungary to attend a selective science summer camp. A year later, she competed nationally in a biology competition, finishing third. After earning her Ph.D. in biochemistry in 1982, she emigrated to the U.S. with her family and began researching at the University of Pennsylvania. Despite early setbacks, her collaboration with Drew Weissman led to a crucial breakthrough in 2005 that would later become vital during the COVID-19 pandemic, forming the foundation for vaccines that saved countless lives. More on Karikó can be found in this Baltimore Fishbowl article.
Loyola University Maryland
Saturday, May 17, 2026
As the founder and CEO of Mission Partners, a strategic communications firm owned by women, Fox focuses on guiding high-potential nonprofits, foundations, and socially responsible companies to maximize their social impact. Her work prioritizes community engagement, social justice, sustainability, children’s health, and higher education, along with workforce development. Notably, she has been instrumental in campaigns aimed at reforming the foster care system, advancing fuel-efficient vehicle innovations, and producing a celebrated podcast featuring prominent journalists and philanthropic leaders.
McDaniel College
Saturday, May 23, 2026
Pick serves as the executive vice president and chief information officer for Tokio Marine North America, while also holding a position on the McDaniel College Board of Trustees. He has a 16-year background in major media and telecommunications before joining Tokio Marine in 2014, including significant time at Conde Nast and PricewaterhouseCoopers. At Tokio Marine North America, he oversees a team that offers comprehensive digital and technology services. In addition, he serves as the global deputy chief information officer for the Tokio Marine Group, which operates in 57 countries and generates $50 billion in annual revenue. Pick is also a published author and frequently shares insights on insurance trends and cybersecurity at conferences and on podcasts.
Morgan State University
Saturday, May 16, 2026
As a distinguished human rights attorney and the founder of the Equal Justice Initiative, Stevenson has dedicated his life to ending mass incarceration and excessive punishment in the U.S. He continuously confronts poverty and racial injustice while advocating for basic human rights for the vulnerable. His legal career includes pivotal Supreme Court cases, such as one in 2012 that abolished mandatory life sentences for juveniles and another in 2019 that prohibited executing individuals with dementia. Recognized for his contributions to society, he has received honors including the MacArthur Foundation “Genius” Grant, the American Bar Association Medal, and the National Humanities Medal.
Notre Dame of Maryland University
Tuesday, May 19, 2026
Koch, an Emmy Award-winning anchor with over 40 years of experience at WJZ CBS News Baltimore, stands as the longest-serving anchor in the city. She began her career in 1982 as a lifestyle and entertainment reporter before progressing to weekend anchor and then main evening anchor. Throughout her tenure, she has reported on significant events, including the 9/11 attacks and the Baltimore community’s response following the death of Freddie Gray. In addition to her journalism, Koch contributes to various boards, including TurnAround and the Howard County Arts Council, and has received numerous accolades, including an Edward R. Murrow Award and the Governor’s Award for her esteemed reporting.
Peabody Conservatory
Wednesday, May 20, 2026
Machover, the faculty director of the MIT Media Lab, is celebrated as a visionary in the field of music. His extensive experience includes serving as the inaugural director of musical research at Pierre Boulez’s Institute for Research and Coordination in Acoustics and Music in Paris. He is currently a visiting professor of composition at London’s Royal Academy of Music. The recipient of numerous honors from prestigious musical organizations globally, Machover is known for blending music and artificial intelligence, creating innovative performances that engage both live and online audiences. He is to be awarded the George Peabody Medal for Outstanding Contributions to Music and Dance in America, an honor shared with illustrious artists like Stevie Wonder and Leonard Bernstein.
University of Maryland, Baltimore County
College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences, Erickson School, and School of Social Work
Thursday, May 21, 2026
Heyward is currently the musical director of the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra, having assumed this role in 2023, which makes him the youngest director in the orchestra’s history at the age of 31. His contract was recently extended through the 2030-31 season, and he is in high demand internationally, holding engagements with various prestigious orchestras. He has also delved into opera, leading notable performances and initiatives, including a four-year “Verdi Opera Initiative” with the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra, emphasizing community outreach and music education.
College of Engineering & Information Technology, College of Natural and Mathematical Sciences, and Individualized Study Program
Thursday, May 21, 2026
Thorp serves as editor-in-chief of the “Science” family of journals since 2019. Previously, he was a provost and professor at Washington University and currently holds a professorship in chemistry and medicine at George Washington University while on leave for his editorial role. An accomplished professional, he co-founded Viamet Pharmaceuticals, which developed the FDA-approved VIVJOA, and he is actively involved in advisory positions for numerous organizations, including PBS. In 2026, he received the Live Long and Prosper Tribute Award from the Nimoy-Knight Foundation for his contributions to science and education.
University of Maryland, College Park
Wednesday, May 20, 2026
Dr. Epps returns to the University of Maryland, having transcended geographical limits as a NASA astronaut. In 2024, she completed nearly eight months aboard the International Space Station, where she played critical roles in various research projects. Epps’s career path began at Ford Motor Company, where she earned patents for her innovations, later spending seven years with the CIA before triumphantly becoming part of NASA’s astronaut program in 2009. After rigorous training, she is now set for the Space X Dragon capsule mission as part of NASA’s Crew-8 mission to the ISS.
