University of Maryland

University of Maryland

Motto	Fatti maschii, parole femine
Motto in English	Manly deeds, womanly words
Type	Public university
Established	1856
Endowment	$1.3 billion
President	Darryll J. Pines
Students	41,200
Undergraduates	30,762
Postgraduates	10,438
Location	College Park , Maryland , United States
Campus	Suburban, 1,340 acres
Colors	Red, White, Black, and Gold
Nickname	Terrapins
Affiliations	Association of American Universities, Big Ten Conference
Mascot	Testudo
Website	www.umd.edu

The University of Maryland, College Park (UMD or UMCP) is a public research university located in College Park, Maryland. Established in 1856, it is the flagship institution of the University System of Maryland. Known for its large number of research programs and its proximity to the nation's capital, the university engages in significant academic and research collaborations with federal agencies and private sector entities.

History

The University of Maryland was founded in 1856 as the Maryland Agricultural College. It became a public institution in 1916 and was renamed the University of Maryland in 1920 to reflect its broader scope of academic pursuits. The university played a crucial role during World War II, contributing to research in support of the war effort. In 1988, it became a founding member of the Association of American Universities.

Campus

The main campus in College Park, which covers over 1,340 acres, features a blend of historic and modern architecture. Notable facilities include the McKeldin Library, the Clarice Smith Performing Arts Center, and the Xfinity Center. The campus is known for its sustainable initiatives and has been recognized for its efforts in environmental conservation.

Academics

UMD offers more than 200 degree programs through its 12 colleges and schools. These include the A. James Clark School of Engineering, the College of Computer, Mathematical, and Natural Sciences, and the Robert H. Smith School of Business. The university is renowned for its research output and maintains a high level of research activity.

Research

The University of Maryland is a leader in research and innovation, with key strengths in engineering, computer science, public policy, and the biological sciences. It hosts several research centers and institutes, including the Institute for Advanced Computer Studies and the Earth System Science Interdisciplinary Center.

Student life

Student life at UMD is vibrant, with over 800 student organizations including academic clubs, sports teams, and cultural groups. The university's sports teams, known as the Terrapins, compete in the NCAA Division I Big Ten Conference. The mascot, Testudo, is a beloved figure on campus.

Notable alumni

UMD has produced a number of prominent alumni, including Google co-founder Sergey Brin, House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer, and Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Carl Bernstein.

External links

www.umd.edu