Brig. Gen. Janeen L Birckhead to UMGC Class of 2021: “Think Critically and Act Intentionally”
Brig. Gen. Janeen L. Birckhead,commander of the Maryland Army National Guard,called on University of Maryland Global Campus graduates tohelp others,pursue self-improvement,andfocus on solutionsinherkeynoteaddressat the university’s2021VirtualSpringStatesideCommencement.Herself a UMGC alumna, Birckhead commanded the National Guard troops that protected the U.S. Capitol and presidential inauguration following the failed insurrection of January 6.
Keynote Speaker Brig. Gen. Janeen L. Birckhead
“There is no lack of talent for identifying problems,”Birckheadsaidin herkeynote.“However, fewer people can identify solutions, and even fewer are prepared and able to take action on that solution. Use what you have learned, and the relationships you have built through the UMGC programto think critically and act intentionally.”
Birckheadsaid graduates should “stay grounded and help others. We all stand on the shoulders of giants who have gone before us. Be a giant in the life of someone who wants to be a solution finder, not a divider.”Sheadded,“Commit to spending time every day in the pursuit ofself-improvement, andactuating your plan. This will change you. This will change how you see the world, and it will change how the world sees you.”
The2021 virtualcommencement websitealsofeaturesthe complete commencement program,includingthe conferral of degrees by UMGC President Gregory W. Fowler,amessagefromMarylandGovernorLarryHogan,a roll call ofgraduates—including theirphotos andquotes—aswell ascongratulatorymessagesfrom UMGC faculty, staffand friends.
UMGC President Gregory Fowler
The sitewas visited by more than 14,000 unique viewers on Saturday, May 15, and messages on social media garneredmore than55,000 views.The ceremony willremainavailable for on-demand viewingthrough October15, 2021.
Raymond Fisher, a U.S. Marine Corps veteran,spoke on behalf of the graduating class. Fisher,who traces hislineageto a slave owned by George Washington,earned a Bachelor of Science degree in information systems management after a 25-year journey.
A native Washingtonian, Fisher was the youngest of six children andorphanedby the time he was 11. Yet three of the six children nowholdUMGC degrees. Aftergraduating fromhigh school andattending Anne Arundel Community College, Fisher joined the Marines,servingtwocombattours.
Heattended Purdue Universitybutleft toworkas a junior engineer,rising to a software programmer and tester in thedot-com era. Oftenthe only person of color in his office,Fisher acknowledged that he“dealt with the challenges that came with that.”
Student Speaker Raymond Fisher
Six years ago,hedecided it was time to finish his bachelor’s degree,“with all of the early mornings, late nights and family time that had to be managed, not sacrificed.It tookall ofthe courage, self-discipline and integrity thatIdeveloped growing up and solidified in theMarines,where I became a man.”
Hefacedan inner journey, as well,acknowledging that“I have a little boy, trapped deep inside of me, who is so afraid to fail. So, he hides. But in this journey, I had to open the door within me. Take him by the hand and say,Weneed to step outside, outside of the comfort zone to the limitlesspossibilitieslife has to offer.’”
Noting that he and his fellow graduates were tested by having to complete their degrees during thecoronaviruspandemic, Fishersaid:“It did not shake our resolve. Instead, it brought us closer together,more determined than ever, even as we mourn those who have fallen to this illness. At the start of spring semester, I had two classmates become ill with the virus. But our professors showedcompassion and empathy, extending deadlines, and allowing my classmates to focus on their health. It made a huge difference.They botharegraduatingwith us today.”
“We—the class of 2021—collectively say,Herewe are,” Fisher concluded.“We’re fierce, confident,and ready for any challenge, shaped by the academic crucible of this institution of excellence.”
GovernorHoganalso highlighted the perseverance of the graduates completing their programs during the pandemic.
“Normal life came to a screeching halt over the past year, and it forced all of us to pause and reflect on the things that truly matter,” Hogan said. “Staying apart from friends and family reminded us how much we depend on and need each other to get through the hard times. We were reminded that each day is precious.”
With the end of the pandemic in sight,Hoganchallenged the graduates to “remember that each of us can make the days ahead count that much more.”
In special remarks tograduates who areactive-dutymilitary servicemembers andveterans,UMGC’ssenior vice president for Global Military Operations, Maj. Gen. Lloyd “Milo” Miles (U.S. Army, Ret.),praisedtheirachievementsandurged them to “acknowledge all of those who have helped them along the long path to get to this day.
“There were probably parents, mentors and children and close personal friends who encouraged you to keep it up[and]press on,”said Miles.He continued,“When you were tired:press on. When you were sick or discouraged:press on. When you didn’t think you could do any more:press on.Wherever they are, you owe them a debt of gratitude. Please take some time today to reach out and thank them.”
From the perspective ofadistinguished32-yearmilitarycareer, Miles said that“what truly matters in life is not the amount of education a person has or his race or his economic background or station in life. What matters is how you treat others. It’s about your heart and your commitment to your fellow man. It’s about sacrifice and honor and loyalty.”
UMGC Graduate Mariya Wasti’s winning entry in the ɫֱȫ cap decorating contest.
Vivian Mojica, another2021graduate,sangtheuniversity’s alma materat the conclusion of the ceremony.Mojicaearned aBachelor ofSciencein Social Science.
Mariya Wasti, who earned aBachelorofScience inHealthServicesManagement, received the most votes inacap decorating contest that included more than100entries.Her winningcapfeaturedtheArabic phrase“Alhamdulillah”—which means“thank God”—ingold lettering surrounded by white and pink beads and aturquoisefabricboarder.Wasti said her faith “kept her motivated and determined on achieving my life goals. I also believe God always has betterplans for us.”
Snapshot of UMGC graduates for 2020-21:
- UMGC heldseparate commencement ceremonies inAsia(April 24)and Europe (May 1)to accommodate graduates who are serving in the military overseas.
- Total number of graduates worldwide: 13,171
- Locationsof our graduates: All 50 U.S. states, the District of Columbia, and 32 countries and territories.
- Youngest graduate: 17 years
- Oldest graduate: 78 years
- Average age: 35 years