UMSSW Welcomes Senator Ben Cardin as Convocation Keynote Speaker: A Testament to Shared Values and Vision for Change
Media Contact:
Brittney Brookins, bbrookins@umaryland.edu
(443) 934-7770
Baltimore, MD – The University of Maryland School of Social Work (UMSSW) is thrilled to announce United States Senator Ben Cardin of Maryland as the keynote speaker at its convocation ceremony, set to take place on May 17, 2024, at 1:00 PM at the Lyric Opera House. Senator Cardin's extensive public service career, underscored by his unwavering commitment to social justice, health equity, and community empowerment, mirrors the core values and mission of UMSSW, making his presence at the ceremony especially meaningful.
A life-long Marylander with a profound dedication to his constituents, Senator Cardin has been a formidable force in the U.S. Senate since 2006, currently serving as Chair of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. His leadership extends across vital areas such as healthcare reform, retirement security, environmental stewardship, and fiscal responsibility. Senator Cardin's legislative achievements and advocacy align closely with UMSSW's commitment to fostering an equitable, healthy, and sustainable society.
Senator Cardin's tireless work in civil rights and equity, particularly his efforts to end discriminatory practices and enhance the fairness of our legal and social systems, reflects the School's dedication to advancing social justice and human rights. His initiatives to restore voting rights, combat racial and religious profiling, and support the Equal Rights Amendment resonate deeply with UMSSW's values of inclusivity and equality.
In the realm of healthcare, Senator Cardin has championed policies that parallel UMSSW's vision for accessible and comprehensive care for all, particularly the most vulnerable populations. His advocacy for strengthening Medicare and Social Security, removing barriers to telehealth, and improving access to preventive services exemplifies a shared commitment to improving the well-being of individuals and communities.
As an alumnus of the University of Maryland School of Law, Senator Cardin's deep roots in the Maryland educational community and his ongoing engagement with local issues make his keynote address a particularly poignant moment for the graduates, faculty, and the broader UMSSW community. His career is a testament to the power of dedicated public service in effecting positive change, serving as an inspiration to our graduates as they prepare to embark on their professional journeys.
The UMSSW is honored to have Senator Cardin share his insights and experiences at this year's graduation ceremony, further cementing the bonds between the institution and the broader efforts to create a more just and equitable society. The event promises to be a momentous occasion, celebrating the shared values and aspirations of the UMSSW community and its esteemed speaker.
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About the University of Maryland School of Social Work
The University of Maryland School of Social Work develops practitioners, leaders and scholars to advance the well-being of populations and communities and to promote social justice. As national leaders, we create and use knowledge for education, service innovation, and policy development. Ranked by U.S. News and World Report among the top 10% of best schools for social work, the University of Maryland School of Social Work educates the majority of social workers throughout the state of Maryland with a strong focus on community-based programs in Baltimore and surrounding community. As an anchor institution in Maryland accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education, our unique macro-level programming combined with our clinical focus in social work, has set the path for change-making policy in the state and nationally.
About the University of Maryland, Baltimore
The University of Maryland, Baltimore (UMB) was founded in 1807 as the Maryland College of Medicine, which now stands as the nation’s oldest public medical school. In response to growing social and cultural needs, UMB’s mission has evolved and grown tremendously. Widely recognized as a preeminent institution, UMB serves as the academic health, law, and social work university of the University System of Maryland, and is guided by a mission of excellence in education, research, clinical care, and public service.
UMB is a thriving academic health center combining cutting-edge biomedical research, exceptional patient care, and nationally ranked academic programs. With extramural funding totaling $654 million in Fiscal Year 2022, each tenured/tenure-track faculty member generates an average of $1.5 million in research grants each year. More than 3,100 faculty members conduct leading-edge research and develop solutions and technologies that impact human health locally and around the world. World-class facilities and cores, as well as interprofessional centers and institutes, allow faculty to investigate pressing questions in a highly collaborative fashion. As a result, the more than 7,000 students, postdocs, and trainees directly benefit from working and learning alongside leading experts as they push the boundaries of their fields. For a listing of the organized research centers and institutes, visit: https://www.umaryland.edu/research/umb- research-profile/research-centers-and-institutions/