On May 21, the University of Maryland School of Public Policy held its commencement ceremony at Reckord Armory. The Class of 2026, made up of 221 graduates, celebrated academic achievements and their readiness to lead in a rapidly changing world shaped by questions of public service, leadership and institutional responsibility.
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In his remarks, Dean Gustavo Flores-Macías emphasized the global and domestic challenges graduates will face as they enter a world shaped by political polarization, technological change, economic uncertainty and declining trust in institutions. He encouraged graduates to approach those challenges with intellectual curiosity, humility and a commitment to constructive leadership. “The world needs thoughtful people. It needs ethical leadership,” said Flores-Macías. “It needs people capable of combining evidence with judgment, principle with pragmatism and ambition with humility.”
Flores-Macías also encouraged students to see uncertainty as a call to leadership and service. “Difficult moments are also moments of need,” he said. “They create a demand for leadership, judgment and public service.”
Graduate student speaker Kianna Big Crow MPP ’26 reflected on the power of community and the diverse experiences that shaped the graduating class. Speaking about her own experiences and the importance of supporting one another through moments of uncertainty, she encouraged graduates to continue building relationships and fostering collaboration throughout their careers. “Our greatest strength, as a class, is the identity intersectionality that shapes our program and vision,” said Big Crow. “We are driving the change we want to see because of the inequities we have experienced first hand.”
Undergraduate student speaker Gavin Neubauer ’26 spoke about the responsibility graduates carry as future policymakers and leaders. Reflecting on the hopes placed in the graduating class by mentors, families and communities, he urged graduates to use their education to pursue meaningful change. “When our parents and mentors task us to change the world, they put their hope in our hands and ask us to act on it,” Neubauer said. He closed by encouraging graduates to carry forward their values, integrity and sense of purpose as they move into careers in public service, policy and leadership. “The next chapter of this great big story of humanity is yours to write,” he said. “And I can’t wait to see what you do with it.”
Commencement speaker Damon Wilson, president and CEO of the National Endowment for Democracy, delivered remarks focused on democracy, freedom and public service in a time of global uncertainty. Drawing on his experiences working with democratic movements and civil society leaders around the world, Wilson encouraged graduates to see public service as broader than government alone and to remain engaged in strengthening democratic institutions and communities. “The future is not pre-determined,” Wilson said. “Democratic change today is being driven by curious, courageous people, especially young people.”
The world needs principled leaders. It needs people who can bridge divides instead of deepening them.Damon Wilson President and CEO, National Endowment for Democracy
Wilson also emphasized the importance of integrity and ethical leadership, encouraging graduates to remain committed to serving something larger than themselves. “The world needs principled leaders,” he said. “It needs people who can bridge divides instead of deepening them. People who combine technical expertise with moral clarity.”
In closing, Wilson encouraged graduates to approach public service with courage, integrity and a commitment to democratic values. He reminded graduates that democracy and freedom depend on people willing to sustain and strengthen them over time. “Liberty endures only when people are willing to renew it, defend it and invest in it, generation after generation,” Wilson said. “And now, that responsibility belongs to you.”