UMBC Valedictorian, Graduate 2006, Social Work and Economics
Currently working as a school social worker through Catholic Charities in Camden, NJ.

Amber came to UMBC with a plan to become a social worker after graduation. Through her study in the second semester Public Affairs Seminar, she realized the impact of economics on communities and decided on a double major as the best way to help make change. She also met her husband, Colin McGuigan (2005, History) in the Sondheim Program!

Amber was an active member of UMBC's Habitat for Humanity chapter, which works with Sandtown Habitat for Humanity in West Baltimore. Studying about the Sandtown Area for her Metropolitan Baltimore geography class, Amber learned a great deal about the policy issues affecting the area where she served. She participated in the nation-wide "Sleep Out" where she and other volunteers slept outside for four days in cardboard boxes to raise awareness about poverty and to raise money to purchase the chapter's second house for renovation.

Amber McGuigan was a national finalist for the prestigious Harry S. Truman Fellowship for outstanding students committed to careers in public service. She received the Samuel I. Rosenberg Citizenship Award from UMBC's Shriver Center for her work with the House of Ruth Maryland Children's Program and an Outstanding Graduate Award in Social Work. McGuigan also completed an independent study in the history of economic thought with Professor of Economics Mike Bradley. Her husband, Colin McGuigan, was UMBC's Class of 2005 co-salutatorian.

Having completed Catholic University's National Catholic School of Social Service, Advanced Standing Master's Program, Amber is currently a school social worker in Camden, NJ.