Skip Navigation

 

35 Years of Connection: Alumni Brunch Celebrates Rich Legacy While Charting a Path Forward

For thirty-five years, the University of Maryland Global Campus (UMGC) Alumni Association has fostered and perpetuated lifelong relationships between the global alumni community with the university. Over the years, the mission has endured - to support, enhance and promote UMGC and its community of alumni, students, faculty, and staff 

worldwide. On July 26, 2025, current and past members of the Alumni Association Advisory Board gathered to reconnect and share stories from the first 35 years while chartering a path for the future.  

“Anniversaries are a time to reflect and reconnect.,” said master of ceremonies UMGC Associate Vice President of Alumni Relations Nikki Sandoval. “Each of you have dedicated your time and talent helping to shape the Association into what it is today, and for that, we thank you.”  

UMGC President Gregory Fowler also provided remarks honoring the 35 years of work by the UMGC Alumni Association, while providing attendees an opportunity to learn about the future of the university. 

“We are so grateful that you have chosen to remain connected to your alma mater, and so proud of all you have accomplished,” said President Fowler. “You, and countless others like you, remind us every day of the importance and impact of our mission, and we thank you.”  

President Fowler addressed with the attendees how the alumni community has been a driving force behind UMGC’s growth and evolution, and how today they are part of a global community of leaders, innovators, and change makers that is 312,000 alumni strong and growing.  

“That is so much more than a number. It is a testament to the power of education to transform lives and to your role in building something truly extraordinary,” said President Fowler. “Because of you, our world is better and brighter for this generation and for generations to come.”

The Founding Years

The program introduced alumni guest speakers representing different eras of the UMUC Alumni Association. UMUC Alumni Advisory Board 2000-2001 Past President Joseph Bowen ’84, ’95 shared a story of the founding years, a time that started in 1989, when UMUC appointed Brigadier General Edward A. Parnell to serve as chairperson of a steering committee to explore founding an alumni association to serve the university’s 40,000 alumni.  

The next year, a structural and foundational roadmap was established creating the Alumni Association’s mission and volunteer structure, and forming an association that was free with an emphasis on community and connection.  From the establishment of the Alumni Association Scholarship Fund in 1992 ,to creating an alumni telephone hotline for information, launching the Alumni Resource Network for mentoring, and board members attending student open houses inspiring them to continue their studies, these are just a few reasons the UMUC Alumni Association was created—to connect and support the alumni community.  

The Digital Era

UMUC Alumni Association 2024 – 2005 Past President Alumna Debra Young ‘88 shared a memory over the next decade when the Alumni Association embraced the digital era. At this time in history, technology played a large role in setting the course for the Alumni Association. With the introduction of the internet coupled with the alumni community growing rapidly to 100,000 by 2004, the need for adopting and leveraging communications to stay connected with both the university and each other was imminent.  

The internet transformed the way in which the university engaged with alumni. During this time, the first alumni website was created and the launch of UMUCStart.com, a shopping mall that provided exclusive discounts to community members. The UMUC Alumni Association was able to connect with alumni via email and social media launching the first alumni email newsletters and social media presence expanding its reach.  

Innovation and Impact

Moving into the next decade, from 2010 to 2020, the association fostered innovation and impact.  UMGC Alumni Advisory Board 2017 – 2019 Past President Philip Callahan ’66 shared a story of why his time serving the Alumni Association was so important to him. During this time, data helped shape our path. Digital tools were introduced to guide the strategy and uncovered shifting demographics and changing needs to support a younger, non-military affiliated community.  

Programs were introduced accommodating online-only learners to gain a sense of belonging. Programs such as the MyVolunteerProgram (MVP), the Virtual Book Club, and the Alumni Student Business Directory were created along with the first Homecoming celebration offering both virtual and in-person activities in the USA, Europe and Asia.  

Also instrumental to history is the change of the University’s name in 2019. While UMUC represents the University’s rich history, UMGC represents its growing global footprint.  The alumni community during this decade made lasting impacts directly supporting student success and access to higher education by funding scholarships and the Student Aid for Emergency Relief Fund (SAFER). During this time, the Alumni Career Mentor program launched and more than 45,000 alumni have registered on CareerQuest—the career portal to access lifetime free career tools—and the UMGC Alumni Association social media channels have reached more than 120,000 followers sharing the university with their networks elevating the value of a UMGC education.

Today's Impact, Tomorrow's Legacy

UMGC 2023 – 2025 board member Bernetta Reese ‘21 shared a special memory from 2020 to present day.  Today, the UMGC Alumni Association is providing a sense of community in a digital-first, lifelong-learning world through deliberate and consistent communications, 24/7 access to benefits and career resources, and virtual activities fostering networking and impact through volunteerism.  

Serving a community of 312,000 alumni strong—and growing—with 113,000 alumni residing in Maryland and 25,000 living or serving overseas, the Association continues to evolve with the university, with a global footprint spanning 175 locations and a local impact as the state of Maryland’s largest provider of postsecondary education. Additionally, as part of UMGC’s rich more than 75-year history, continues to be the premier provider of education services to the U.S. military around the world.    

“As we reflect back on what we have heard today, it is clear the values that have shaped the Association - commitment, service, and community, and how each of you have contributed to the vibrant alumni network we see today,” said Sandoval. “I invite each of you to help shape what comes next.”

Additional information can be found on UMGC 35th Alumni Association Anniversary. Relive the moments of the 35th Alumni Association Anniversary Brunch by accessing the Photo Gallery.