2025 Immigrant Appreciation Day

Celebrate our immigrant communities at UMBC – A Day of Community, Art, and Storytelling

Join us on Thursday, May 1st for a vibrant, day-long celebration honoring the contributions of our immigrant communities at UMBC and beyond.

Morning Kickoff

Start the day by showing appreciation for our custodial staff—many of whom are immigrants—for their essential role in creating a welcoming and thriving campus environment.
Breakfast: 9:30 AM - 10:30 AM | Sports Zone

Keynote Speaker: Jessy DeSantis
Raised in a Nicaraguan household in Miami and now based in Baltimore, Jessy DeSantis is a self-taught artist whose bold, colorful paintings explore themes of identity, culture, and connection. Drawing inspiration from nature, food, family, and their Central American roots, Jessy will share their powerful story navigating culture, identity, and the art world.
Keynote: 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM | Sports Zone
Learn more about Jessy at:www.jdesantisart.com

"Share Your Story" Artwork Activity
Contribute to our community storytelling project! Students, faculty, and staff are invited to showcase where they're from and reflect on their own or their family’s journeys. Help us build a visual "global tapestry" of UMBC.
12:00 PM - 2:00 PM | Commons Terrace

Let’s come together to recognize, uplift, and celebrate the vibrant, diverse experiences that make up our UMBC community. No matter where you’re from or what language you speak, you belong here.

Thank you to our sponsors: PROMISE, COEIT, Latinx and Hispanic Faculty Association, Black Faculty and Staff Association, Asian & Asian American Faculty & Staff Council, Student Belonging (Division of Student Affairs), and  Student Affairs Success Initiatives.

This event is open for full participation by all individuals regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, or any other protected category under applicable federal law, state law, and the University'snondiscrimination policy. 

• Attached Flyer for 2025 Immigrant Appreciation Day