Celebrating a Legend: Matt Scassero's Retirement Event

The University of Maryland (UMD) MATRIX Lab’s fearless leader Matt Scassero is now retired after a dedicated and impactful career spanning military, nonprofit, and academia. He helped grow teams and entire organizations, all while staying connected to his communities.

To recognize all the great work he’s done, the lab hosted a retirement celebration for Matt on Wednesday, June 11, 2025, at the USMSM SMART Building.

“We are eternally grateful for all Matt has done for the MATRIX Lab, the university, the state of Maryland, and the country as a whole,” said Reza Ghodssi, Distinguished University Professor and Executive Director of the MATRIX Lab. “His tireless efforts and positive attitude are an inspiration to everyone who’s had the privilege to work with him. Thank you to Matt, his family, and his friends and peers for celebrating with us.”

The event featured thoughtful speeches and gifts from those who knew Matt at various points in his career.

Jay Perman, Chancellor of the University System of Maryland, joked that out of all the speakers, he probably “knows the least about what Matt actually does,” but credited Matt for spearheading the world-changing organ delivery via a drone in 2019 and highlighted Matt’s legacies, including the SMART Building and those who have had the honor to work with him.

“Matt is what I call a true believer. He can gather people together around an idea, a project, a scheme, like few people I’ve ever met. And I think that’s because Matt is not just one of the smartest people in any room, he’s the most joyous. And his enthusiasm catches fire, I’ve seen it. I’ve felt it,” said Dr. Perman.

Darryll Pines, President of the University of Maryland, congratulated Matt and says his work has been defined by excellence.

“Matt, I just want to thank you on a personal note. You and I started the UAS Operations Center together by being at a meeting in which our higher ups made an unpaid and unfunded mandate for us to work together. It’s been a joy to work with you for all of these years and thank you for helping us connect to Southern Maryland and deliver excellence,” Dr. Pines said.

University of Maryland Clark School of Engineering Dean Sam Graham shares message for Matt Scassero during Matt's retirement celebration

Sam Graham, Dean of the Clark School of Engineering at UMD, compared Matt to professional ice hockey player and local legend Alex Ovechkin, saying the two share the values of working hard and never settling.

“[Matt] worked harder and harder to make our school, profession, and society better. He pushed himself to become a great engineer, educator, and partner. He improved the teams and programs with which he worked. And he raised the quality of life for the residents of our state and beyond,” Dr. Graham said. “Matt, thank you for your service - to our school and country. Please know that your legacy of service will continue.”

Attendees also heard from Dale Moore, President of the Southern Maryland Navy Alliance; Bonnie Green, Executive Director of the Patuxent Partnership; Kellie Hinkle, Deputy Director of St. Mary’s County Economic Development; Anthony Malatesta, Director of Engineering Education and Research Partnerships for the NAWCAD Strategic Education Office (SEO); Stephanie Gleason, Director of the NAWCAD SEO; Sybol Anderson, Executive Director of Leadership Southern Maryland; John Bohanan, Principal of Cornerstone Government Affairs; and John Baras, UMD Distinguished University Professor.

SMNA President Dale Moore presents Matt Scassero with embroidered jacket

Many people also presented gifts to Matt, which included appreciation statements from Governor Wes Moore and Representative Steny Hoyer, commendations from St. Mary’s County Commissioner President Randy Guy and Commissioner Michael Hewitt, an embroidered jacket, and a picture collage signed by those who attended the celebration.

Lastly, attendees heard from the guest of honor, Matt himself. He gave shout outs to those he’s worked with and thanked his family for standing by him. After the party, when asked what message he had for everyone he’s worked with, especially those able to attend the retirement celebration, Matt had this to say:

Matt Scassero's family at his retirement event

“I am definitely one of those people who has ‘not worked a day in his life.’ I have enjoyed every position I have ever held, somewhat due to what I was doing, but always and completely due to who I was doing it with. Whether young Sailors and Marines, dedicated non-profit colleagues, or my UMD Terrapin and community teammates… staff, students, faculty, southern Marylanders… the people are what I miss the most and hope to keep fresh in various ways in my retirement. Having those folks come out from the UMD and Southern Maryland community for my retirement event was a memorable experience for me and my family and meant a lot to me. Thank you!”

We thank Matt for his years of service and the positive influence he’s had on the lives he’s touched.

To read more from Matt on his past career and future retirement plans, see our next story “Celebrating a Legend: Musings from Matt Scassero.”

Published June 26, 2025