National scholarships recognize two UMGC adult learners
Dwight R. Smith was at a crossroads. He had a productive, yet predictable career in grocery retail. But for a man who prided himself on living an engaging and authentic life, he was ready for a new challenge.
“Three years ago, I was a decade removed from my high school graduation and realized I needed to make big changes to start seeing change,” said Smith. “One of the biggest decisions was going back to school.”
In 2023, Smith enrolled at University of Maryland Global Campus (UMGC) as a marketing major and a communications minor. Since enrolling, he has become active as a scholar and student leader at t Â鶹´«Ă˝. He expects to graduate in December 2026.
Joseph Fischer had spent years working in mechanical trades when he realized he wanted to make a broader impact. In January 2023, Fischer enrolled in UMGC, pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Health and Safety. He has maintained a 4.0 GPA while balancing work and family responsibilities and expects to graduate in 2027.
“Returning to school as an adult has been one of the most rewarding decisions I've ever made and has reinforced my commitment to lifelong learning and public service,” said Fischer.Ěý
“UMGC made my goals possible. The flexibility of the online program allowed me to continue working full-time while raising my daughter and pursuing a degree. It gave me an opportunity to earn a quality education without putting my family or career on hold.”
Joseph Fischer UMGC student
Smith and Fischer are both members of UMGC’s Alpha Sigma Lambda (ASL) , a national honor society for adult learners. This year, both students received the honor society’s national scholarship awarded to adult undergraduate and master's students attending institutions with active chapters.
“Receiving national recognition through Alpha Sigma Lambda is something I'll always be proud of,” said Fischer. “I know there are many outstanding adult learners across the country, so being selected for a national scholarship was both humbling and validating. It reinforced that the hard work, long hours, and sacrifices I've made over the past several years have been recognized by others.”
ASL a total of $62,000 in scholarships to 25 adult learners in the United States for the 2026–27 academic year. The scholarship is exclusive to adult students, and each chapter may recommend only two applicants for national consideration annually.
Balancing work, family, and education
As ASL honor society members, both Fischer and Smith have displayed the requisite commitment to academic excellence. They are also both family men, balancing the responsibilities of fatherhood with full-time jobs and college courses.Ěý
“My daughter has been my biggest motivation throughout this journey and reminds me every day why earning this degree is so important,” said Fischer. “I hope she grows up knowing that it's never too late to challenge yourself, pursue new goals, and work hard for something meaningful.”
Smith seeks to embody the same lessons, for the same reasons.
“I love my children so much. They’re incredible. I want to show them that they can lead a fun and fulfilling life. One where they are happy and being true to who they are and what they want to be,” said Smith.Ěý
Leadership beyond the classroom
UMGC isn’t the only university important to Fischer. He works at University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC)—another University System of MarylandĚýschool—as a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) mechanic, maintaining and repairing campus mechanical systems that thousands of students, faculty, and staff rely on. He also serves as a shop steward for the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) Local 1459, where he advocates for safer working conditions and helps address workplace safety concerns. He says he hopes to one day use his UMGC degree to help create safer workplaces and healthier communities throughout Maryland.Ěý
Despite his busy schedule, Fischer, a Maryland resident, makes time to volunteer with UMBC's Office of Sustainability on environmental initiatives around the campus. There he assists with stream cleanups, invasive species removal, and native planting projects.
“Volunteering has given me the opportunity to contribute directly to improving the local environment while working alongside people who share a passion for conservation. Those experiences complement what I'm learning in the classroom and reinforce why I chose this career path,” said Fischer.Ěý
Smith works as a community outreach coordinator at the nonprofit organ procurement organization and is active in community service efforts, working with the National Capital Optimist Club, the Playmakers Program, and the Hugh O’Brian Youth (HOBY) Leadership Program.Ěý
He credits HOBY with helping him embrace his outgoing, eclectic personality after first attending the as a 10th grader in 2011. His focus is on relationship-building, public speaking, and building partnerships that support community initiatives. Smith, currently a Maryland resident, is especially passionate about giving back to his hometown of Washington, D.C.
At t Â鶹´«Ă˝, Smith also serves as president of the American Marketing Association (AMA) UMGC Chapter. Involvement with AMA allows Smith to connect his academic work with professional interests, while holding a student leadership role.ĚýĚý
That same instinct for leadership is what drew him to ASL. The honor society appealed to him because it aligned with his values.
“I haven’t accepted all honor societies I’ve been invited to join,” said Smith. “I did my research. Alpha Sigma Lambda aligned with the leadership values that matter to me, and I felt that they recognized the leadership qualities in me. I even looked up what the society logo meant, and leadership was a key aspect. I connected with that.”
Joseph Fischer UMGC student
Advice for fellow adult learners
For UMGC students interested in applying for the next ASL scholarship cycle, Shelley Hintz has some advice. As UMGC's director of student engagement and counselor for ASL's Tau Chapter, Hintz works closely with students pursuing similar opportunities.
“UMGC has a community of support, so don't be afraid to ask. It’s easy to assume that because UMGC is an online school, it's harder to find those resources, but they're available,” said Hintz. “We have the Effective Writing Center. Students utilize the Writing Center for their assignments, but they can also use it to help when applying for scholarships and receive unbiased feedback.”
Both Smith and Fischer have advice of their own for other UMGC students who want to apply for scholarships or join honor societies.
For Smith, the advice starts with being seen and being authentic.Ěý
“It’s very important that you network. The more you get out there and the more you show your face, especially if it’s virtual, your name begins to circulate more. Make your presence known,” said Smith. “And when it comes to the scholarship essay portion, make it as unique as possible. Take time to reflect and think about what you’ve accomplished. Don’t sell yourself short. Don’t be generic.”
Fischer's advice is quieter, but no less direct: don't quit before you start.
“If my experience shows anything, it's that perseverance and consistency can open doors you never expected,” said Fischer. “Don't let your age or responsibilities convince you that it's too late to go back to school. Adult learners bring valuable life and professional experience into the classroom, and that perspective is a strength. Apply for scholarships even if you think the odds are against you, don't overlook honor societies, and build relationships with your professors.”
For both Fischer and Smith, 2023 marked a turning point. Returning to the classroom didn’t mean starting over. It meant building on their experiences, pursuing new goals, and creating new opportunities for themselves and their families.
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Students can learn more about honor societies and opportunities for involvement on the UMGC website.