It’s a tradition 18 years in the making. Maryland Day is the largest single-day event held on the University of Maryland campus. This year, the university expects more than 100,000 people to attend.
“If you think of homecoming, that’s built into almost every college schedule, so Maryland Day is it for us,” said associate director of marketing and communications for University of Maryland, Cheryl Plainte.
The entire campus gets involved. Plainte says it’s a great way to highlight all of the work that students, faculty and staff have been working on for the previous year.
This year, the university will celebrate the groundbreaking of the Brendan Iribe Center for Computer Science and Innovation. The Brendan Iribe Center brings together the university’s top-ranked Department of Computer Science and Institute for Advanced Computer Studies.
Iribe, a University of Maryland grad, donated the founding gift of $30 million toward the project. He wants to give students the space to learn, socialize with peers, make new hardware and develop new software.
“I want [The Iribe Center] to feel like Silicon Valley just hit College Park,” he said.
The School of Public Health is also celebrating a brand-new endeavor this year. You’ll find a comprehensive health fair that encompasses everything that the school and the students do on La Plata Beach.
Plainte said that the school does a lot of individual health events, but the students and faculty really wanted to get together for a big event.
“It was really important to pull everyone together and highlight what they’ve been doing in one area,” she said.
Head football coach DJ Durkin will also be in attendance for his first Maryland Day. Coach Durkin and several players will be on the main stage available for autographs and questions.
Prospective students and parents have an opportunity to interact with current students, faculty and staff. The admissions team and financial aid counselors will also be available.
But it’s not just for students. There are also plenty of family-friendly games and activities.
“It’s a great day for families to come and check out University of Maryland and take a look at our campus,” Plainte said. “We have family-friendly events for kids - carnivals, balloon artists and face painting.”
Plus, Terps mascot Testudo will be out and about ready to take photos.
With more than 430 events throughout the day, Plainte says there’s something for everyone, even those that don’t have ties to the university.
“It’s a great day to see the campus in action,” Plainte said. “Take a look at everything that a major research institution is all about.”
Maryland Day is Saturday, April 30 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Parking is free everywhere on campus. Click here for a full list of events.
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