President’s Letter

In my fourth year as Towson University’s president, I’ve come to excitedly anticipate a few constants from our commencement ceremonies.

One is a feeling of awe and inspiration that the accomplishments of our talented graduates bring to the entire campus community. I so look forward to the outpouring of cheers (and often tears) from family and friends beaming with pride as their beloved graduates cross the SECU Arena stage. I get to see firsthand and smile as high-fives and hugs are shared by faculty and students throughout the commencement celebration.

There are some very special moments that make that large arena seem so personal for everyone—such as last year when one of our newest doctoral degree recipients, while being hooded and recognized on stage, could not hold back the tears as her dissertation title was read and she was introduced, for the first time, as “Doctor.”

We know that the lives of each of our graduates have been transformed during their studies at Towson University. Almost 80 percent of TU graduates have completed an internship that advances their career goals, conducted research with a faculty mentor, studied abroad in one of TU’s dozens of international programs, or participated in some other experiential learning that augmented and integrated their classroom studies. Over 88 percent of TU graduates crossing the commencement stage have already accepted jobs with leading regional and national firms or have earned admission to prestigious graduate schools to further their academic careers.

Our richly diverse graduating class comes from all corners of the globe, bound together by the shared goal of earning a nationally renowned TU degree. Their excitement about what they have achieved and what comes next is evident on all their faces. It’s in their broad smiles, their exaggerated fist bumps and their barely contained shouts of joy. They know they have completed their TU education and earned a TU degree that will positively impact the rest of their lives. Their celebration and exuberance are truly wonderful to share.

Whatever the future holds for Towson University’s class of 2019, I know they are fully prepared by the remarkable array of experiences afforded by their TU education: enriching mentorship and research, diverse conversations and debates, affirming community service opportunities and eye-opening study abroad semesters. Our proud graduates have all the ingredients for a vibrant career and a meaningful life. Now, they get to go out and create it. 

Kim Schatzel
Towson University President