Recognition & Honors

College of Natural and Mathematical Sciences Awards and Recognition Day

Friday, May 8, 2026, from 3-5 p.m. in the University Center Ballroom

The full program for this event can be found here

Dean LaCourse's photo - man in a suit and wearing glasses

As Dean of the College of Natural and Mathematical Sciences, I welcome you to our CNMS Awards and Recognition Day. This event acknowledges the deep and inextricable connection between teaching, mentoring, and student success. The bonds between faculty, staff and students are forged together under the pressures of a rigorous education. Whether in the classroom or research laboratory, dedicated and compassionate instructors ask our students to rise to the level of exceptionalism that each holds within. Through grit, determination and hard work, both faculty and students achieve greatness. Today, we honor their achievements in our CNMS Awards and Recognition Day.

We also use this opportunity to recognize our world-class faculty and staff for their invaluable service in teaching, mentoring, and guiding our students. The college will be presenting several new awards to salute those faculty members who have shined in their continued pursuit of excellence for the benefit of our students, the college, and society. 

Many of the undergraduates receiving awards today will be graduating at the end of the semester and will go on to study at graduate or professional schools, or to begin rewarding careers in the scientific workforce or maybe even start their own businesses.

While we will miss them when they leave us, we are confident that they received an exceptional educational experience here at UMBC. We look forward to hearing about their many successes in the future, and we are proud that they will become the next generation of alumni of this special place called UMBC. 

William R. LaCourse, Ph.D.

Located in the University Center Ballroom, UMBC main campus

3:00 p.m.  – Welcome Remarks

3:10 p.m. – Presentation of the 2026 Carl S. Weber Award for Faculty Excellence in Teaching

Presentation of the Faculty and Staff Excellence Awards

Dr. William R. LaCourse, Dean, College of Natural and Mathematical Sciences

3:30 p.m. – Presentation of Student Awards

Department of Naval Science ROTC, Captain Jenna Weiner, Marine Officer Instructor

Department of Military Science Army ROTC, SCF Brian Reiley, Instructor

Department of Marine Biotechnology, Dr. Yonathan Zohar, Chair

UMBC at the Universities at Shady Grove: Translational Life Science Technology, James Sniezek Jr , Associate Dean for Shady Grove Affairs, Biotechnology Programs at Shady Grove

Department of Physics, Dr. Matthew Pelton, Department Chair

Department of Mathematics and Statistics, Dr. Andrei Draganescu, Department Chair

Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Dr. Brian Cullum, Department Chair

Department of Biological Sciences, Dr. Michelle Starz-Gaiano, Department Chair

4:30 p.m. – Recognition of Special Groups and Closing Remarks
Dr. William R. LaCourse, Dean, College of Natural and Mathematical Sciences

Reception and Photobooth Immediately Following the Conclusion of the Ceremony

Parking is available in Lot 22 (located on Hilltop Road).  Additional visitor-metered parking is also available.

Click here for directions to Free Parking Lot 22

 

Paid parking options around the campus

Passport Parking App and Park Mobile App


 

Parking map of UMBC Campus

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Public Transportation

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Parking Services link

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Browse programs from past Recognition Days