University of Maryland University College (UMUC) was honored today by the Maryland legislature with resolutions recognizing the institution’s 70th anniversary. President Javier Miyares attended ceremonies in both chambers to accept the proclamations on behalf of the university.

The Senate and House of Delegates resolutions, signed by Thomas V. “Mike” Miller, Jr., president of the Senate, and Michael E. Busch, speaker of the House, respectively, stated: “Be it hereby known to all that the [Senate of Maryland and House of Delegates] offers its sincerest congratulations to University of Maryland University College in recognition of 70 years of distinguished service educating adult learners in Maryland and the U.S. Armed Forces around the world. The entire membership extends its best wishes on this memorable occasion and directs this resolution be presented on this 22nd day of March 2017.”

Senator James Rosapepe (21st District) (pictured above with President Miyares) introduced the resolution in the Senate by saying, "President Miyares leads an institution that, frankly, doesn't get as much attention as it should. Sometimes people think the public sector is a little less innovative than the private sector--and sometimes that's true--but UMUC became the first institution of higher education to serve the military around the world. Today, you go to military bases in Germany, Korea or Japan, and many other places around the world and in Maryland and you will find UMUC students.

"[Today], online education is taken for granted, but 20 years ago UMUC was the leader in the U.S. and the world in bringing online instruction to higher education, and they still are major players and continue to innovate. A bill we passed this year--that my colleagues all voted for--was about textbook cost savings. This came from UMUC, which became the first educational institution in Maryland" to eliminate publisher textbooks in virtually all classes and make content from open sources available to students at no cost. "It's an honor to be here today to congratulate this distinguished institution today," Rosapepe said.

UMUC was established in 1947 as the College of Special and Continuation Studies within the University of Maryland specifically to serve adult students outside the College Park campus. Many of those students were veterans returning home from World War II, who had full-time jobs and families. UMUC’s public mission, which is written in state statute, has remained the same: to serve the education needs of working adults in Maryland, the U.S., and beyond.