NASA Astronaut Jeanette Epps to Speak at UMD's 2026 Graduation Ceremony

Jeanette Epps Announced as Commencement Speaker for UMD's Graduation Ceremony

The University of Maryland (UMD) has celebrated a significant announcement regarding its upcoming graduation ceremony slated for May 20, 2026. Jeanette Epps, a distinguished astronaut and aerospace engineer who is also a proud alumna of UMD, will take the stage to deliver the commencement address. This momentous event will honor the graduates from Summer 2025, Winter 2025, and Spring 2026, along with their families and friends, during the ceremony held at SECU Stadium.

President Darryll J. Pines of UMD expressed his enthusiasm about Epps returning to the university, recognizing her as a compelling role model for the graduating class. He stated, "Dr. Jeanette Epps' life is driven by fearless determination, and there is no better role model for our graduating class as they step boldly into their futures. It's a true honor to welcome her back to Maryland, where so much of her remarkable journey began."

Born in Syracuse, New York, Epps pursued a bachelor's degree in physics from Le Moyne College before earning both her master's and doctorate in aerospace engineering from UMD. Her educational journey at Maryland honed her skills in rotorcraft research, ultimately leading to opportunities at Ford Motor Company and a role as a technical intelligence officer with the CIA.

In 2009, Epps marked the beginning of her NASA adventure as one of 14 candidates selected for the 20th class of NASA astronauts. Her most notable mission came in 2024, when she spent nearly eight months in space as part of NASA's Expedition 71 on SpaceX Crew-8. During her time aboard the International Space Station, she served as a flight engineer and contributed to numerous groundbreaking scientific research projects. Her illustrious career with NASA came to a close in 2025 after nearly 16 years of dedicated service.

Expressing her eagerness to return to UMD, Epps remarked, "I'm honored to return to the University of Maryland for such a milestone moment. My time as a Terp helped shape my path, and I look forward to celebrating this year's graduating class as they take their next steps toward making an impact in the world and, maybe, beyond."

The ceremony promises to resonate deeply with graduates and attendees, showcasing the inspirational narrative of Epps's journey from a student to an accomplished astronaut, paving the way for future generations.

For more information about the commencement ceremony, attendees can visit commencement.umd.edu.

About the University of Maryland

The University of Maryland stands as the state's flagship university, cultivating a community of over 50,000 ambitious Terrapins. Renowned as a leading research institution and consistently ranked among the top 20 public universities, UMD's commitment to excellence and community impact marks its significance in academia. With a robust research enterprise amounting to $1.4 billion, UMD proudly positions itself as the nation's first "Do Good" campus. The university is situated in the National Capital Region, offering an unparalleled student experience filled with a multitude of academic programs, federal internship opportunities, and influential living-learning experiences, backed by a renowned faculty that includes Nobel laureates and Pulitzer Prize winners.