Thousands of visitors roamed the University of Maryland (UMD) campus on April 25 for the 28th annual Maryland Day.
Cynthia Martinez, senior director of brand marketing for UMD, called the event “a campuswide open house.”
“We welcome everyone from the community to come and understand what it is that kind of happens here at the university,” Martinez said.
More than 400 free events and activities occurred all over the campus from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The university’s various colleges staffed tents on McKeldin Mall that featured activities relevant to their schools’ specialties.
For example, the College Park Scholars Media, Self and Society program invited visitors to spin a media wellness wheel to learn about how to use media mindfully.
“Don’t feed the trolls, and control your scroll,” lecturer Alison Burns, the program’s director, said.
Elsewhere on the Mall, the UMD Drumline performed with the university’s mascot, Testudo, while Terrapins soccer players signed autographs. The Clarice Smith Performing Arts Center held percussion performances and dance classes for children.
Stations for games like chess, checkers and cornhole lined the Mall. Children fished for red-and-gold plastic turtles in the Mall’s pool.
Kyle Robb, a resident of College Park’s Old Town neighborhood, was at the pool with his 4-year-old son.
“It’s just a day you can … come see the whole university,” Robb said. “They have all these tents out here, all the different departments have fun little exhibits out.”
The UMD Police Department, the College Park Arts Exchange, the Discovery District and the City of College Park also had booths at Maryland Day.
College Park City Councilmember Jacob Hernandez (District 1) said the event offers a chance for residents to learn about the resources and programs of both the university and the city where it’s located.
“We’re out here sharing a little bit more about what the city of College Park does for the residents of the community,” Hernandez said. “And this is a good platform for residents to go learn about the different schools and programs that the University of Maryland offers and partners with.”
Hyattsville City Councilmember Kareem Redmond (Ward 3) said the annual Maryland Day is a way for Marylanders to show their pride.
“If you have Maryland pride, you’re coming here to celebrate,” Redmond said.
UMD President Darryll Pines said the event connects the school to College Park by sharing everything the university does for the community.
“We invite the community to come onto campus to see how they can benefit from all of the educational activities, the research activities and the athletic activities that go on,” Pines said.