Kihei Resident Earns Master’s Degree from University of Maryland Global Campus

ADELPHI, MD – Anthony Kaimanu Cavalieri of Kihei, Hawaiʻi, completed the requirements for a Master of Science in Cloud Computing Systems from the University of Maryland Global Campus (UMGC) in the fall of 2025. The achievement places Cavalieri among over 6,400 students globally who earned degrees from UMGC during that term.

Cavalieri’s degree signifies a growing trend: the increasing demand for professionals skilled in cloud computing. This field has become foundational to modern IT infrastructure, enabling scalable, on-demand access to computing resources – a departure from traditional, locally-hosted systems. Cloud computing encompasses a wide range of services, from infrastructure as a service (IaaS) providing virtualized hardware, to platform as a service (PaaS) offering development environments, and software as a service (SaaS) delivering applications over the internet.

UMGC, as the largest provider of postsecondary education in Maryland, has positioned itself as a key player in delivering these skills to a diverse student body. The university’s model, emphasizing online and hybrid courses alongside a network of over 175 locations worldwide, caters to working professionals and students seeking flexible learning options. The breadth of UMGC’s offerings – exceeding 135 degrees and certificates – reflects the evolving needs of the technology landscape.

The choice of a Master of Science in Cloud Computing Systems is particularly relevant given the current trajectory of enterprise IT. Organizations are increasingly migrating workloads to the cloud to reduce costs, improve agility, and enhance scalability. This shift necessitates a workforce capable of designing, deploying, and managing these complex cloud environments. Skills in areas like virtualization, containerization (using technologies like Docker and Kubernetes), cloud security, and automation are highly sought after.

While the specific curriculum of UMGC’s program isn’t detailed in the available information, a typical Master of Science in Cloud Computing Systems would likely cover topics such as cloud architecture, distributed systems, data storage and management in the cloud, cloud security protocols, and the practical application of cloud services offered by major providers like Amazon Web Services (AWS), Microsoft Azure, and Google Cloud Platform (GCP). The program likely incorporates hands-on labs and projects to provide students with practical experience.

The University of Maryland Global Campus offers a wide array of other master’s degrees, including options in Business Administration (MBA), Cybersecurity, Data Analytics, and IT Project Management. The availability of these programs underscores the university’s commitment to providing education in high-demand fields. Notably, UMGC extends tuition savings to eligible active-duty military personnel, reservists, and their families, offering a 30 percent discount on many master’s programs.

The broader context of higher education in Hawaiʻi also highlights the importance of accessible graduate programs. The University of Hawaiʻi system, as evidenced by testimony before the Board of Regents in September 2024, collaborates with institutions like UMGC to provide students with pathways to advanced degrees. This collaboration is crucial for developing a skilled workforce capable of supporting Hawaiʻi’s growing technology sector and addressing the state’s unique challenges.

Recent news from Hawaiʻi further illustrates the economic and social landscape in which Cavalieri is pursuing his education. Matson’s expanded support for the Hawaiʻi Foodbank demonstrates a commitment to addressing food insecurity on the islands. Meanwhile, the slight increase in gas prices, while remaining near a four-year low, reflects the ongoing economic pressures faced by residents. These factors underscore the importance of educational opportunities that can lead to stable, well-paying careers.

Cavalieri’s achievement is also noteworthy in light of the ongoing Kaiser healthcare worker strikes in California, a reminder of the importance of skilled labor and fair compensation. The demand for qualified professionals extends across all sectors, and a Master of Science in Cloud Computing Systems positions Cavalieri to contribute to a rapidly evolving technological landscape.

The completion of this degree represents a significant milestone for Cavalieri and a positive indicator of the growing talent pool in cloud computing. As organizations continue to embrace cloud technologies, the demand for professionals with expertise in this field will only increase, making this degree a valuable asset for Cavalieri’s future career.