The University of Maryland Eastern Shore recognized more than 1,000 students for their academic achievements during its 73rd Honors Convocation held at the Ella Fitzgerald Center for the Performing Arts on April 2.
The ceremony celebrated students who made the dean’s list with a grade point average of 3.5 or higher, received departmental distinction or honors, and those awarded “Awards of Excellence” from their respective schools during the spring and fall semesters of 2025.
UMES President Heidi M. Anderson addressed the honorees by saying, “Your consistency in your academics is a true mark of excellence. Excellence produces more than outcomes and results. It shapes your character. We encourage you to continue to safeguard your character and embrace challenges with the same focus and purpose that you have already demonstrated.”
Keynote speaker Dr. Yasmine Roye, a UMES graduate from 2020 who is now a research scientist at Arkansas Children’s Hospital and Research Institute, encouraged students to take ownership of their accomplishments. “You’ve got to tell your own story. Don’t let anyone write it for you,” she said. “When it’s all said and done, I want you to remember the nitty-gritty details of all your hard work. You have truly earned it and no one can take that away from you.”
Four undergraduate students were named Awards of Excellence winners: junior Gilbert Pinkett (School of Business, Engineering, Applied Sciences, Technology and Tourism Management), senior Destiny Emuze (School of Pharmacy & Health Professions), senior Kayla Wilkerson (School of Education, Social Sciences, and the Arts), and junior Sarah Rawlinson (School of Agricultural and Natural Sciences). These awards were based on leadership abilities; academic performance; communication skills; potential for continued scholarly work; and overcoming obstacles.
Pinkett said he was surprised by his recognition: “There are times when a lot of the things you do behind the scenes can sometimes go unrecognized,” he said. “But when that moment comes that you finally get recognized, it shows that you have to be patient and wait.” Rawlinson reflected on her unexpected honor as well: “I thought that this award was given to the person with the highest GPA in the department… I am really active… so that may have played a role in that.” Wilkerson noted her involvement across departments contributed to her selection: “I’m constantly interacting with them… which was likely a huge reason.” Emuze expressed gratitude for faculty support: “To be acknowledged like this is something I’m very appreciative of.”
The event highlighted both individual achievements as well as ongoing support from faculty members within each school.
