As Dean of the College of Natural and Mathematical Sciences, I welcome you to our CNMS Awards and Recognition Day. This event acknowledges the deep and inextricable connection between teaching, mentoring, and student success. The bonds between faculty, staff and students are forged together under the pressures of a rigorous education. Whether in the classroom or research laboratory, dedicated and compassionate instructors ask our students to rise to the level of exceptionalism that each holds within. Through grit, determination and hard work, both faculty and students achieve greatness. Today, we honor their achievements in our CNMS Awards and Recognition Day.
 

We also use this opportunity to recognize our world-class faculty and staff for their invaluable service in teaching, mentoring, and guiding our students. The college will be presenting several new awards to salute those faculty members who have shined in their continued pursuit of excellence for the benefit of our students, the college, and society. 

 Many of the undergraduates receiving awards today will be graduating at the end of the semester and will go on to study at graduate or professional schools, or to begin rewarding careers in the scientific workforce or maybe even start their own businesses.

While we will miss them when they leave us, we are confident that they received an exceptional educational experience here at UMBC. We look forward to hearing about their many successes in the future, and we are proud that they will become the next generation of alumni of this special place called UMBC. 

William R. LaCourse, Ph.D.