Commencement Speaker Richard Arnold

The University of Maryland welcomed Astronaut and UMD Alumnus Richard "Ricky" Arnold II as the December, 2011 Commencement Speaker. His message was one of hope - that by working together, there is no challenge that can't be overcome: "Folks, I have hope! If this "Turtle" from Bowie can fly along side the ISS (International Space Station) with the Earth passing beneath his feet - there is no limit to what each of you can do. And while this planet is small and our challenges are big - we we work together - 'WE' and I mean the collective 'WE.' 'WE' - the collective global 'WE' - we can accomplish absolutely anything."