A Message from the President

December 19, 2017

Honorary Degree Awarded to Second Lt. Richard Collins III

I want to share news with the Bowie State University community about a special recognition for our slain student, Second Lt. Richard Collins III, whose life was cut short in a senseless act of violence. Later this evening, the University of Maryland, College Park will posthumously confer an honorary Bachelor of Humane Letters degree on Lt. Collins at its December Commencement. The degree will be presented to his parents. I am pleased to be a part of the ceremony to make remarks about Lt. Collins and his impact on the Bowie State University community. The awarding of this degree is just another way for UMD to celebrate his life and keep his memory alive in the hearts and minds of our two university communities. Lt. Collins was a bright light in the Bowie State community and had a bright future ahead of him. We miss him dearly and stand with the University of Maryland in support of bestowing this most worthy honor on him. We will continue to keep his family in our thoughts and prayers.