When UMD Was the Center of the Internet

Please join the Division of IT, Division of Research, and College of Computer, Mathematical, and Natural Sciences for a special event:

When UMD Was the Center of the Internet

Exploring the University of Maryland’s role in establishing the early foundations of the internet

Wednesday, October 21, 2026

Pre-Event Reception: 4-4:30 p.m.

Event Begins: 4:30 p.m.

Edward St. John Learning & Teaching Center, Rm. 0202

Forty years ago, UMD became the first university in the world to be fully connected by Internet protocols and the first to link with other universities, establishing the first regional academic computer network.

UMD also established the world’s first Internet exchange point in College Park, a bridge between existing commercial, government, and academic computer networks that birthed the global Internet.

This discussion will explore these pioneering efforts through the perspectives of the individuals who helped initiate these transformative advancements in College Park.

Featuring:

Glenn Ricart (Ph.D. ‘80, computer science), Former Head of Academic Computing and Networking at UMD

Jeffrey Hollingsworth, Vice President and Chief Information Officer at UMD

Introductory remarks from USM Chancellor Emeritus and Former UMD President William "Brit" Kirwan

Register by October 19, 2026