The photos to remember 2021 at Towson University

Towson University photographers share their favorite photos from the past year

By Lauren Castellana, Alex Wright, Nick Sibol & Japhet Chukwuma on January 2, 2022

Photographers in studio
Alex Wright ’18 and Lauren Castellana ’13

At the start of 2021, much of the Towson University community was working and studying remotely. But not Towson University’s Photographic Services team, which has been a constant presence on campus as they documented everything that’s happened over the past year.

Emotional commencement ceremonies, students returning in the fall, groundbreakings, ribbon cuttings and everything in between, TU’s photographers have been there with their cameras and their keen eyes.

Director of Photographic Services Lauren Castellana ’13, Assistant Director of Photographic Services Alexander Wright ’18 and student photographers Nicholas Sibol ’23 and Japhet Chukwuma ’24 shared their favorite photos from the past year with us.

For more from the Photographic Services team, follow them on Instagram.


On the Frontlines of the Pandemic 

Many Towson University students, faculty and alumni found themselves on the frontlines of the COVID-19 pandemic. From providing care, administering tests, or giving vaccines, members of the TU community were ready to help. 

Black and white portrait
Photo: Lauren Castellana
Side by side images of vaccination
Photos: Lauren Castellana
Portrait of person with computer monitors
Photo: Alex Wright

Winter Wonderland

Sledding and icicles
Photos: Nick Sibol (left) and Lauren Castellana
Dog in front of snowy sign
Photo: Alex Wright

Celebrating the Classes of 2020 and 2021

Towson University completed an unforgettable week of commencement ceremonies—10 in all—May 17 through May 21 at Johnny Unitas® Stadium. Classes from 2020 and 2021 returned to campus to be honored by TU’s leadership for their dedication and achievement.

Graduate in cap and gown
Photo: Lauren Castellana
Two images side by side of commencement
Photo: Nick Sibol (left) Alex Wright
Graduate student commencement
Photo: Alex Wright

A Bug’s Life

After waiting 17 years, the cicadas returned! With a constant humming throughout campus, cicadas took over not only Towson University, but most of the Mid-Atlantic region.

Close-up of cicada on hand
Photo: Lauren Castellana
Cicadas on leaves
Photo: Lauren Castellana

Tigers take the Stage

Through Towson University’s College of Fine Arts and Communication, TU community members are able to showcase their talents. From acting, music, photography to design and more, TU is producing the next generation of artists.

Portrait at piano
Photo: Lauren Castellana
Man in auditorium and dancers images
Photos: Lauren Castellana
Portrait with camera lens
Photo: Lauren Castellana
Arts portraits
Photos: Alex Wright

Campus Life

Portrait of woman in front of Stephens Hall
Photo: Lauren Castellana
Side by side portraits of students
Photo: Nick Sibol (left) Alex Wright
Student in front of Burdick Hall with sunset
Photo: Japhet Chukwuma

Putting in the Work

Whether it was in the lab or out in the field, Towson University students and faculty conducted research for the common good.

Portrait of three women in lab
Photo: Alex Wright
Woman in field holding shovel
Photo: Lauren Castellana

The Towson Tigers

Football player mid-jump portrait
Photo: Lauren Castellana
Portraits athletics
Photo: Lauren Castellana (left) Alex Wright
Crowd at football game
Photo: Alex Wright
Lacrosse and football helmets
Photos: Lauren Castellana (left) Alex Wright

Momentum Continues at Maryland’s Fastest Growing University

Towson University’s campus continues to grow, with the openings of the new Science Complex, the StarTUp at the Armory, an updated University Union and the Dean Chapman Quadrangle. TU also broke ground on the new College of Health Professions building, which will open in the summer 2024.

People on stairway from above
Photo: Lauren Castellana
Ribbon cutting image and groundbreaking image
Photos: Lauren Castellana
People embrace next to bust statue
Photo: Alex Wright

Fall into TU

Aerial view of campus in fall
Photo: Lauren Castellana
Science Complex image and Burdick Hall image
Photo: Lauren Castellana (left) Alex Wright
Stephens Hall aerial
Photo: Alex Wright