The University of Maryland held its 2008 Winter Commencement on Saturday, December 20, 2008 at the Comcast Center. President Mote conferred the degrees after Nobel Prize winner and Adjunct Professor of Physics, Dr. John C. Mather gave the address.

The College of Computer, Mathematical and Physical Sciences held a Recognition Ceremony on December 21, 2008 in the Clarice Smith Performing Arts Center. Mr. Richard Thomas, Senior Vice President, Chief Underwriting Officer American International Group, Inc. (AIG), was the guest speaker and Ms. Jumana Laura Rogers, an undergraduate Mathematics major, was the student speaker.