Forward Campaign Launch Week

Forward in Motion

From a special evening at Reckord Armory to the "Traveling Letters" that made their way to all corners of campus, Launch Week showcased the momentum we have as we
accelerate towards our $2.5 billion goal.

See More Launch Event Photos

Two large banners in the red, white, black, and gold design of the Maryland state flag are draped above an audience inside a large building with pitched ceiling.

Large, red letters spelling the word "forward" are lit up under a night time sky. In the background is a white building with columns, also illuminated in red lighting.

People wearing black shirts and pants and gold ties play steel drums in front of a stage lit with red hues.

Sun rays shine through a tree outside of a brick building with white columns. In the foreground are people walking on sidewalks in front of large, red letters that spell Forward.

University of Maryland Provost Jennifer Rice gestures while speaking on a stage with a large video board that shows a person's hand holding a small computer chip.

A group of people stand in various poses among large, red letters that are about the same height as the people. The letters spell out the word Forward.

People wearing white clothing dance on a stage that is lit with blue-tinted lighting.

A dog on a leash, sitting on brick pavers, with large, red letters that spell out the word Forward in the background.

Large banners meant to reflect the color and design of the Maryland state flag are stretched out over a large audience inside a building with a pitched ceiling.

People wearing red University of Maryland apparel stand between large red letters that spell out the word Forward.

University of Maryland president Darryll J. Pines gestures while speaking on a stage, with a red video board behind him displaying the words "Arts for All."

Two people pose for a selfie, smiling in front of large, red letters.

A person stands in between large, red letters, placing a hand on the side of the letter "O" and smiling as a person outside of the image takes their picture.

Bright orange and yellow leaves on a tree are out of focus in the foreground, a student walks in front of large, red letters that spell the word Forward in the background.

What Does Forward Mean to You?

Terps across campus snapped photos of themselves with our "Traveling Letters," telling us what Forward means to them as we set off to transform life and lives across our campus, our state and our world——together."

Girl with two twists ang black headphones holding up a peace sign in front of the bright red FORWARD letters.

Kaya Eam

"Forward reminds me that UMD has a desire to help and encourage its students to continue their education with support from the faculty and donors."

Class of 2028

Wesley Lau

"It feels special to be part of the biggest fundraising effort and to know I’m a part of UMD history. I’m proud and excited to be here during such a defining moment in shaping UMD’s future."

Class of 2028

Girl in a green sweatshirt next to the bright red FORWARD letters. A friend with brown hair, looking down at her phone stands next to her.

Alice Michigan

"Forward means fighting for every student's right to an education regardless of where they come from or their financial status."

Class of 2028

Student in a gray quarter zip hold a paper in front of the FORWARD letters

Mariam Sanni

Class of 2028

"Forward means an opportunity to move in the direction I want, free from restrictions that stop me from living the life I want."

Young man in a beige sweatshirt holding up a thumbs up in front of the bright red FORWARD letters.

Nathaniel Sorto

"To me, Forward means to improve the lives of not just ourselves, but of those around us. When one person does well, it can spark them to make others do well, and the effect keeps going."

Class of 2028

A student taking a selfie, wearing a black shirt, with large, red letters behind her that spell out the word "Forward."

Alayna Vidmar

"Forward means growth for me. I was recently diagnosed with cancer and I lost my hair in the treatment process. But thanks to the advanced treatment plan ... I am now in remission. This mission focuses on providing excellent teaching and research ... so the next girl like me, can keep her hair and get a very fast and efficient treatment. A treatment where she can look and feel like herself."

Class of 2027

Voices That Move Us Forward

These featured speakers helped introduce the Forward campaign at its public launch, sharing what it means to them and the impact they believe it will have on the University of Maryland and beyond. Their voices reflect the promise of Forward—advancing opportunity, innovation and change that reaches far beyond campus.