From orientations to arts festivals, camps and more, summer brings a new rhythm to TU’s campus. Read on for a few of the highlights of summer 2026 so far.

Sold-out performances

the cast of "1776: The Musical" performing in TU's center for the arts

TU’s Summer at the Center is bringing plays, concerts, art exhibitions, workshops, films and more to the campus community with events continuing through July 11. This year’s festival draws inspiration from the 250th anniversary of the founding of America with an exhibition exploring what it means to be in—or from—the U.S., plus two sold-out performances of “1776: The Musical,” which reimagines the signing of the Declaration of Independence through a bold, contemporary lens.

Special Olympics triumphs

cheerleaders competing at the Special Olympics Maryland summer games at Towson University

More than 1,200 athletes and unified teammates from across the state came to TU for the Special Olympics Maryland summer games this June. Athletes competed in softball, swimming, cheerleading, track & field and bocce, bringing the joy and accomplishment of sport to SECU Arena, Unitas Stadium and Burdick Hall.  TU has hosted the games for more than 50 years.

Camps galore

campers in the art gallery at towson university's center for the arts

TU’s campus serves as home to nearly a dozen summer camps attracting local kids of all ages for enrichment and enjoyment in the arts, athletics, academics and more. While some campers learn coding, practice baseball or explore future careers, others hone their drawing, painting, sculpture and writing skills. The first and second graders above took in the Eye Spy exhibition in TU’s Holtzman Gallery before creating artwork for the gallery’s Hide and Seek community art project.

Pride on display

marchers with the towson university group at the baltimore pride parade

Tigers from all backgrounds celebrated joy, love and expression alongside thousands of Marylanders at the Baltimore Pride Parade on June 13. The Center for Student Diversity led a contingent of more than 50 students, faculty, staff and loved ones who marched, waved flags and celebrated with locals lined up along the parade route.

New Tigers in town

incoming tigers gather outside the union during summer orientation

More than 3,100 new Tigers are getting their formal introduction to campus at summer orientation sessions happening June 15 to July 24. The day-long sessions enable students and their families to meet with academic advisers, tour their colleges, get to know fellow students and learn about housing, parking, dining, safety and more. Dedicated orientation leaders help prepare them with the info they need, plus a few new friends and a few less jitters before move-in day.

Improvements underway

construction progress on towson university's smith hall as of june 2026

Facilities crews put the summer months to good use implementing improvements to campus buildings and spaces. They are currently working on the exterior of the Smith Hall renovation, scheduled to open in 2027, and are in the final stages of installing the energy-efficient geothermal wells in front of Stephens Lawn. The lawn is expected to fully reopen this fall. Campus dining venues are also getting updates to accommodate new food options launching this year. Stay tuned to TU Today and TU News for details.

Celebrations to remember

the secu arena screenboard welcoming guests to a high school graduation

In addition to hosting seven of our own Commencement ceremonies, TU made graduation special for more than 8,000 students from 24 Baltimore County public high schools. With the help of 30 Event and Conference Services staff making the events run smoothly, the ceremonies filled SECU Arena with friends, family and a celebratory atmosphere for two straight weeks. The campus setting served as an apt transition for many graduating seniors who will attend TU in the fall.