Press Release

October 14, 2014
Cardin Showcases Worldwide Educational Opportunities Available at University of Maryland University College
Hybrid tour, meeting with students in person and by videoconference, mirrors the flexible educational experiences available at UMUC

LARGO, Md. – U.S. Senator Ben Cardin (D-Md.) today visited with students at the University of Maryland University College Academic Center at Largo, home of the largest public university in the nation that is helping to make a four-year education more affordable, especially for our military members and their families. UMUC encourages hybrid education, which mixes classroom and online courses, as students’ schedules allow. While at the Academic Center at Largo, Senator Cardin participated in a videoconference with UMUC students – active duty, veterans and military family – who were in Germany, Turkey, Bahrain, and at Joint Base Andrews in Maryland.

“UMUC is a great state asset but also a national treasure. They are providing a quality education to our heroes, and the families of our heroes. UMUC’s flexible program allows students to work full time, take care of their families and go to school without the huge financial burden of many other colleges. This is exactly the type of program that we want for our military families,” said Senator Cardin. “Cost can be a burden and an obstacle to higher education. I’m proud to represent UMUC, a school that is filling a need and making a four-year degree more affordable. Students I’ve talked with share the pride of earning a degree from the University of Maryland University College.”

“Senator Ben Cardin is a loyal friend to UMUC, to students across Maryland and to all of higher education. We were proud to welcome him to our Academic Center at Largo, and it was a particular honor for our students on military bases in Germany, Turkey, and Bahrain, as well as at Joint Base Andrews here in Maryland, to share their stories with him via web conference,” UMUC President Javier Miyares added. “His keen interest in and understanding of the unique challenges facing adult learners have long positioned him as a champion for our students. Senator Cardin is an indispensable ally in our quest to continue to provide affordable, accessible and valued higher education that strengthens our economy and broadens career horizons at home and abroad.”

UMUC is the largest public, online university in the nation and for 65 years has excelled in tailoring education for busy professionals. UMUC also provides quality educational experiences to the U.S. military, with divisions in Asia and Europe. The school has worked with DOD and DHS, along with other employers, to shape studies to match the current and future job needs. Currently over 7,000 students at UMUC are engaged in cybersecurity studies, helping to solidify Maryland’s position as the epicenter of cybersecurity activity and learning in the United States.

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ABOVE: Senator Cardin greets members of UMUC’s world champion Cyber Padawans team, which just returned from winning the 2014 CyberLympics competition in Spain.

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ABOVE: UMUC Associate Vice President Lisa Henkel leads a tour of UMUC’s Academic Center at Largo for Senator Ben Cardin.

BELOW: Senator Cardin, along with UMUC President Javier Miyares (left) and Vice President James Cronin (right), participates in a videoconference with UMUC students at military installations in Germany, Turkey, Bahrain and Joint Base Andrews in Maryland.

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