UMD Notable Alumni

The University of Maryland (System), a prestigious public university system with campuses across Maryland, has a storied legacy of academic excellence and innovation. Its alumni have made significant contributions across diverse fields such as politics, science, business, and academia, shaping policies, advancing research, and leading global enterprises. With a commitment to fostering talent and leadership, UMD alumni continue to impact society on both local and international stages.

Notable Alumni:

• Ben Cardin - U.S. Senator from Maryland, influential in foreign policy and healthcare reform.
• Steny Hoyer - Long-serving U.S. Representative and House Majority Leader, shaping national legislation.
• Sergey Brin - Co-founder of Google, revolutionized internet search and technology innovation globally.
• Carly Fiorina - Former CEO of Hewlett-Packard, prominent business leader and political figure.
• Herbert Hauptman - Nobel Prize-winning mathematician, pioneered methods in X-ray crystallography.
• George Dantzig - Mathematician known for developing the simplex algorithm, foundational in optimization theory.
• Judith Resnik - NASA astronaut and engineer, tragically lost in the Challenger disaster.
• Thomas Schelling - Nobel Prize-winning economist, known for game theory and conflict resolution studies.
• Robert H. Smith - Real estate magnate and philanthropist, major donor to UMD’s business school.
• Millard Tydings - Former U.S. Senator, key figure in New Deal policies and Maryland politics.
• Connie Chung - Pioneering broadcast journalist, first Asian American woman to anchor national news.
• Jim Henson - Creator of The Muppets, transformed puppetry and children’s entertainment worldwide.
• Kevin Plank - Founder of Under Armour, revolutionized athletic apparel with innovative designs.
• Charles Fefferman - Fields Medal-winning mathematician, contributed to partial differential equations research.

Famous People Who Attended University of Maryland (System):

• Jim Henson - Iconic puppeteer and creator of Sesame Street characters.
• Connie Chung - Trailblazing television journalist and news anchor.
• Scott Van Pelt - Popular ESPN sportscaster and host of SportsCenter.
• Dominique Dawes - Olympic gold medalist gymnast, known as “Awesome Dawesome.”
• Boomer Esiason - NFL quarterback and sports commentator for CBS.
• Len Bias - Legendary college basketball player, tragically passed before NBA career.
• Michael Ealy - Acclaimed actor known for roles in film and television.

The impact of University of Maryland (System) alumni resonates far beyond the state’s borders, influencing global technology through innovators like Sergey Brin, shaping U.S. policy through leaders like Ben Cardin and Steny Hoyer, and inspiring generations through cultural icons like Jim Henson. Locally, their contributions bolster Maryland’s economy and community development, while globally, they drive advancements in science, business, and entertainment. While this list highlights prominent figures, comprehensive alumni data may be limited; for further details, refer to the official University of Maryland website for verified records and additional notable graduates.