The AOK Library's Spotlight! Symposium will host a hybrid public symposium titled Are You Good? Checking In With Maryland's Young Adults on Wednesday, March 25th, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m in the Library Gallery and online.
This long-standing symposium is a themed conversation in which invited speakers discuss their research and experience on a selected topic – the lives of young adults in Maryland. The Symposium supports the University's vision of creating an inclusive culture that connects innovative teaching and learning, research across disciplines, and civic engagement.
The goal of the symposium is to highlight the research of our community, but also the library collections and the subject expertise of our librarians.
The guest speakers will include UMBC faculty, alumni, students, and external community members. We've established a connection with community members of the Charlestown Assisted Living community to integrate them in the symposium, not only as guests but as speakers. The speakers, topic, and language are inclusive and intentionally highlight the voices and concerns of the marginalized and underrepresented.
With the help of our attendees, we aim to critically examine the current factors impacting Maryland's young adults aged 18-25. We hope to acknowledge the many challenges young adults are facing, as well as the glimmers of hope on the horizon for our emerging adults.
Accompanying the speakers will be a librarian-curated reading guide that spotlights the collection of the Library related to the topic. The reading guide was crafted by our subject expert librarian, Katy Sullivan.
Light refreshments will be provided. We hope to see you at the event!
SCHEDULE
9:00-9:15 am Welcoming remarks from Provost Manfred H. M. van Dulmen
9:15-10:00 am Danielle Locke (UMBC, Graduate Assistant and PhD Candidate)
Behind the Screens of Young Adult Romantic Relationships
10:00-10:45 am Donna Martin + Ellyn Loy (Charlestown Senior Living Community)
Bridging the Gap: A Conversation with Community Seniors
15min BREAK
11:00-11:45 am Katy Sullivan (UMBC, Head of Reference & Instruction/Spotlight Librarian)
(Being) Young in America: A Panel Discussion with UMBC students
11:45-12:30 pm Dr. Kate Drabinski (UMBC, Gender, Women's, + Sexuality Studies)
Disability and Accessibility at UMBC: Student and faculty perspectives
