USMH Celebrates the Class of 2026 at Annual Graduation Celebration
The University System of Maryland at Hagerstown (USMH) proudly celebrated the accomplishments of the Class of 2026 during its annual Graduation Celebration held on Saturday, May 16, 2026, at the USMH Hospitality Center.
Graduates from partner institutions including Frostburg State University, Salisbury University, and University of Maryland Global Campus were recognized for their academic achievements and dedication to their educational journeys. The ceremony honored students completing undergraduate and graduate degrees in fields such as education, psychology, social work, physician assistant studies, cybersecurity technology, and liberal studies.
The event featured welcoming remarks from Dr. Jacob Ashby, Executive Director of USMH, and Dr. Maulik Joshi, Chief Executive Officer of Meritus Health and Chair of the USMH Board of Advisors.
Student speaker Haley Himes, a Frostburg State University graduate earning a Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood/Elementary Education, addressed fellow graduates during the ceremony. Himes maintained a 4.0 GPA throughout her college career and has accepted a teaching position with Washington County Public Schools following graduation.
During the celebration, USMH also recognized students receiving the Leadership & Service Award and the Academic Achievement Award for their outstanding contributions both inside and outside the classroom.
The Student Leadership and Service Award recognizes graduates for their leadership, service, involvement, and dedication to the student experience within their program and the larger community at USMH. Students are nominated by faculty in their respective programs.
Leadership and Service Award Recipients:
Hailee Long - B.S. Early Childhood/Elementary Education - Frostburg State University
Kiana Del Cid - B.S. Psychology - Frostburg State University
Taylor Campbell - MMS in Physician Assistant Studies - Frostburg State University
Alicia Divens - Bachelor of Arts in Social Work - Salisbury University
Billie Jo Weaver - Master of Social Work - Salisbury University
The Student Academic Achievement Award recognizes outstanding graduates for their excellence in academics and contributions to their program of study. Students are nominated by faculty in their respective programs.
Academic Achievement Award Recipients:
Madison Giles - B.S. Early Childhood/Elementary Education - Frostburg State University
McKenzie Pope - MMS in Physician Assistant Studies - Frostburg State University
Jenn Cleary - Bachelor of Arts in Social Work - Salisbury University
Anastasia Jordan - Master of Social Work - Salisbury University
This year’s graduates represent the 21st graduating class from the institutions participating in USMH, continuing the regional center’s mission of providing accessible, affordable, and high-quality education opportunities close to home.
“Today is more than a ceremony—it is a milestone that reflects the full journey each graduate has taken to arrive here,” shared USMH Executive Director Dr. Jacob Ashby in his remarks to the graduates. “Behind this moment are the challenges you have overcome, the support systems that have carried you, and the determination you have continued to show. As you move forward, that same resilience will continue to shape your next chapter.”
Since 2005, USMH has served students across the region by offering the same degrees, faculty, and curriculum available on participating universities’ main campuses — allowing students to live, work, and study within their community.
USMH congratulates all graduates and wishes them continued success in their careers, future education, and service to the community.
Ready for your next step? Learn more about our partner universities and programs offered in Hagerstown at USMH, visit hagerstown.usmd.edu.
