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About Academics Admissions & Aid Student Life
4 dancers backlit in orange
The Arts

UMD is home to a vibrant arts community

 Research

Main Commencement Ceremony Rescheduled to Thursday, May 21, 2026

Due to safety concerns related to the forecast for severe weather on Wednesday, May 20, 2026, the main Commencement ceremony will move to its planned alternative date on Thursday, May 21, 2026. The time of the processional and program will remain the same.

This change does not affect individual school and college ceremonies.

We understand that this change may be disruptive, but know that we have made this decision to prioritize safety and to provide the best possible experience for graduates and guests.

Main Commencement Ceremony
Thomas B. Symons

Thomas B. Symons

Home Traditions & History University Presidents

Thomas B. Symons

1954

Acting President

Thomas B. Symons (1880-1970) was acting president of the university in 1954, four years after his retirement as dean of agriculture and director of the  Agricultural Experiment Station.

During his brief tenure, his major accomplishment was to remodel the Rossborough Inn into a faculty club.

A building on campus, constructed in 1940, was named after Symons in 1954. Symons Hall is home to the Department of Agricultural and Resource Economics, the Department of Entomology, other parts of the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources and the College of Computer, Mathematical, and Natural Sciences, and several other programs and offices.