University of Maryland Announces Graduation Speaker

From a news release:

Maryland Governor Martin O’Malley will address the University of Maryland graduates at spring commencement on Thursday, May 22, the campus announced Tuesday.

Students announced the second-term governor would be speaking by posting a photo on social media of O’Malley with Testudo, the university's mascot.

“Nothing creates opportunity like a quality education  -- that’s why we’ve made record investments in Maryland schools. Those investments have helped us earn the No. 1 ranked schools for five years in a row, and have enabled us to do more than any other state in the nation to hold down the cost of tuition,” said O’Malley. “The talented young men and women of the class of 2014 will propel our state and our nation forward, and I’m incredibly honored to participate in their commencement ceremonies."

University of Maryland President Wallace Loh echoed enthusiasm for the governor’s address.

"Governor O'Malley's steadfast support of excellence and affordability in higher education has made him a national leader and role model," says Loh. "He has helped our students, and they want him to share his vision, insight and leadership as they start a new chapter." 

Quickly shared and retweeted on social media, students spread the word of the announcement. Amber Ferguson, a senior history major, helped select Governor O’Malley.

“As I prepare to head into the workforce, it was important to me that we heard from someone who values the years of studying we have just completed, and who has a strong desire to see us move forward to accomplish great things in the state of Maryland and all over the world,” said Ferguson. “It means a lot to be addressed by the leader of our state, as we prepare to become leaders ourselves.” 

Governor O’Malley received his bachelor’s degree from Catholic University and his law degree from the University of Maryland. Martin and his wife, Katie, a District Court judge, have two daughters, Grace and Tara, and two sons, William and Jack. They are members of St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church.