UMBC's 40th anniversary celebration and slogan, "Exceptional by Example," provide a wonderful opportunity for the UMBC community to take pride in our values and achievements and for others to learn how we've accomplished so much in just 40 years. The "Exceptional by Example" slogan is the outcome of a collaborative planning process among students, faculty, staff, alumni and retired faculty.

An Honors University with the teaching and student support values of a small liberal arts college, UMBC has become one of the fastest-growing and most diverse research universities in the nation. We stand out among American research universities in our deep commitment to both undergraduate education and graduate education and research. In achieving both excellence and diversity, we are a new model for American higher education.

Exceptional examples surround us at UMBC. For example, Taryn M. Bayles, professor of the practice of chemical and biochemical engineering, and Julia M. Ross, associate professor of chemical and biochemical engineering, are recipients of the USM Regents' Faculty Award for Excellence for Collaboration in Public Service. Our 2006 Presidential Faculty and Staff Award Winners also have made outstanding contributions to the University. In addition, Professor of History Sandra Herbert was recently asked to be the "Distinguished Visiting Scholar" at Christ's College, University of Cambridge, for 2006-07. In this role, she also will participate in the planning for the celebration of the 200th anniversary of Darwin's birth and the 800th anniversary of the University of Cambridge in 2009.

Read more about the UMBC community and its achievements at our About UMBC and UMBC Watch sites.