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2026 ARHU Dean's Lecture Series with Angélique Kidjo

'Africa’s premier diva' to discuss music, cultural fluency and global advocacy with Dean Stephanie Shonekan.

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Philosophy

UMD Launches Bachelor’s Degree to Explore Human Dimensions of AI

New major aims to ethically advance AI tech, prepare students to address its societal impact.

Read More about UMD Launches Bachelor’s Degree to Explore Human Dimensions of AI

Whatever your interests and aspirations, ARHU is committed to providing the knowledge, skills and opportunities all our students need to write their own stories and chart their own paths.

"The openness and friendliness of the faculty and staff have been a major driving force in my success as a student and professional. Their willingness to provide resources has opened up exciting opportunities and given me a substantial launching pad for my professional development."

David T. Obajemu ’25, Immersive media design

“I love the community here. The university offers a ton of resources and opportunities to get involved, while the arts and humanities provide an intimate community to grow and learn alongside faculty and students. I feel supported and challenged by my professors and peers.”

Keegan Perry '27 Theatre; Women, gender, & sexuality studies

“I feel supported by my professors as I prepare for a future museum career in American art. I’m taking theories from class and applying them in the art galleries on campus and as a fellow at The Phillips Collection in D.C. In my roles, I give tours, help with outreach and research the collections.”

Trinitee Tatum '26 Art history; American studies

"I applied both of my majors and experienced diplomacy by interning at the Embassy of Mexico. Studying abroad in Barcelona gave me another opportunity to use my Spanish and deepen my cultural immersion. UMD has provided the skills, resources and experiences needed for my future career."

Aidan Lash ’27 Spanish; International relations

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Happening at ARHU

The Frederick Douglass Center For Leadership Through The Humanities has a new space! We're so excited for all the future gatherings and conversations that will take place here.
Watch as "Brighter Future" comes to life on the walls of the Herbert Rabin Technology Advancement Building. Painted by Maria Soboleva, a 2023 graduate of UMD's Studio Art program, the mural follows a budding engineer's journey to commencement and beyond, framed by McKeldin Library and a ribbon of red and gold light. The mural was commissioned through a competitive process led by undergraduate students in Professor Abigail McEwen's "Public Art" class, with support from xFoundry, the College of Arts and Humanities, and the Department of Art History and Archaeology. 📍 Join us for the official unveiling Monday, Sept. 14, at 4 p.m. at the Herbert Rabin Technology Advancement Building, Room 1100, part of NextNOW Fest. Free and open to all. 🔗 Link in profile to register.
2026 ARHU Dean’s Lecture Series with Angélique Kidjo Monday, October 5, 2026 6:30-7:30 p.m. Dekelboum Concert Hall, The Clarice Smith Performing Arts Center Five-time Grammy Award winner and humanitarian Angélique Kidjo sits down with College of Arts and Humanities Dean Stephanie Shonekan for a poignant conversation about music, cultural fluency and global advocacy. Named by Time as one of the 100 most influential people in the world and “Africa’s premier diva,” Kidjo hails from Benin and blends musical traditions from West Africa and around the globe while incorporating multiple languages, including her own personal musical language. During this special evening, Dean Shonekan and Kidjo will explore the artist’s music and how the singer has used her fame as a platform for humanitarian work as an ambassador for both Oxfam and UNICEF and a founder of the Batonga Foundation, which is dedicated to advancing girls’ education across Africa. This event will feature performances by UMD students. Free, get your tickets today! Link in Profile.

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