UMBC Rugby players past and present joined together for the first UMBC Rugby Day of Service, partnering with Habitat for Humanity of the Chesapeake and Habitat for Humanity Sandtown to demolish and clean up one site, and to build a new home on another. Close to 30 players from the men’s and women’s club participated.

“As an organization, we were looking for an event that would allow us to bring all of the teams together, past and present, to do something positive in the greater Baltimore community,” said Tracy Williams, Jr. ’06, who helped organize the event and who hopes to make this an annual event. “We were able to leverage our extensive alumni and current player network to make a long lasting difference in the lives of families in need.”

Sandtown Habitat: Back Row L-R: Tyler Tippett, Colin McGrath, Jeremy Boyer ’07, Karl Shuey, Robert Duvall ’06, Richie Campbell, Brendan McQueeny, Amha Sertsu. Front Row: Joe Letts, Hieu Truong ’05, Candice Simmons, Jasmine Cashin, Allie Alton, Soheyl Soltani-Nia, Matt Zvitkovitz, Jackson Sparrow Drury

Habitat Chesapeake: Back Row L-R: Mikhail Hershfield, Joe Bieberich ’12, James Park, Arya Koolaee, Tracy Williams ’06, Phillip Zwaig. Front Row: Andrew Gaither ’94, James Nardei, Josh Herring ’08,’11, Ricky Raccoon, Erik Anderson

For Caitlynn, a biology major, one family emergency nearly meant having to leave UMBC. Thankfully, she’s now on track to finish what she started — fulfilling her dream not only of helping people as a radiology assistant, but being the first in her family to graduate from college.

Imagine working and studying hard for years, then losing it all because you can’t quite make one tuition bill payment. Imagine having to pay off years of student debt without a degree to show for it.

Sadly, hundreds of UMBC students experience need that isn’t fulfilled by scholarships or financial aid. Many of them work two or more jobs while attending school – and sometimes, that still isn’t enough. Those are the times when they need you most.

When students have the scholarship support they need, they can do AMAZING things. And during the month of June, we’re showcasing students who are doing just that — making the most of their time at UMBC, and changing the world for the better, with the aid of scholarships. Our aim? To raise enough money to award 30 scholarships of $1,000. It’s a big goal, but you can help us reach it, and when you do, you’ll be helping students in need.

>> Make your gift to support students today

While Caitlynn was fortunate enough to receive support that enabled her to stay at UMBC, there are many students who still need your help. That’s why your support is more important this month than ever before. Please, make a gift today and help us raise the funds for 30 scholarships in 30 days.

Every so often, we highlight the importance of student scholarships by introducing you to the very students they help to succeed. Today, we’re speaking with Liz Winters, a senior psychology major who is also a Charlotte W. Newcombe Foundation Scholarship recipient. This scholarship is given to returning female students over the age of 25. If you’re interested in learning more about the Returning Women’s meetings or scholarships, contact the Women’s Center at womens.center@umbc.edu.

Name: Liz Winters, married mom of 2
Grad Year/Major:  Psychology major, senior year
Affiliations: Student Veteran’s Association, Health Leads, Psi Chi

Q:  Tell us about yourself!

A:  I’m Liz Winters, a senior Psychology major. This year I have been part of the Student Veteran’s Association, Health Leads and Psi Chi, among other organizations. I’m a married mom of 2, a veteran, a triathlete, and an aspiring marathoner. I plan on being a nurse one day soon.

Q:  What benefits have you experienced as a Newcombe Scholar?

A:  Being a Newcombe Scholar has helped me to foster a lasting connection to the Women’s Center community that helps support me in academic and personal growth endeavors. My support network includes grad students, undergrads, and staff & faculty mentors in all reaches of campus. The group is comprised of people, like me, who want to succeed and finish strong in various areas of academic study. The tone is overwhelmingly positive, even when we are in the thick of deadlines and coursework pressures. These benefits are invaluable to making my UMBC experience overwhelmingly positive.

Q:  What do you wish traditional students knew about being a non-traditional student?

A:  We have more in common than you might think. We may be older, but we can certainly relate to the daily life of a traditional student. We feel the pressure to do well in classes. We wish we had more time to participate in all of the fun campus activities. We want to get out there and enjoy the nice weather. We want to relax and enjoy the weekend, too. Don’t let our age be the thing that stops you from getting to know us.

Q:  What do you wish the University and professors knew about being a non-traditional student?

A:  We don’t expect preferential treatment based on age or previous professional experience. We may often keep our non-traditional status to ourselves to keep the playing field even. When we chat with you after class about things we might have in common, we are doing it to make connections, not gain favor. Always give us the opportunity to rise to the challenge. Please be willing to mentor and teach us knowing that we will put forth our best effort in order to be better in our studies.

Q:  What is one piece of advice you would offer to new non-traditional students at UMBC?

A:  Make UMBC your own, don’t be a bystander. Get to know the other students in your classes. They are very smart and talented in the subject matter of your courses, even if they lack confidence sometimes. Get involved on campus in academic organizations and clubs, these connections will be valuable to getting you through to graduation. If you are a parent, your time spent volunteering on campus will be the one of the best examples you can give your kids that will make them see college as something they want to do, too. Have fun, and try not to stress out! When you do get overwhelmed stop by the Women’s Center for some tea or yoga, or go to the RAC and do some ZUMBA- do anything! Just be active and get involved!

Five students in UMBC’s College of Engineering and Information Technology have been selected for major scholarships to pursue studies in cybersecurity-related fields under UMBC’s participation in the National Science Foundation’s (NSF) Scholarship for Service (SFS) Federal CyberCorps program.

As SFS Scholars, students receive full tuition, fees, annual reimbursement of professional development expenses ($3,000), a nine-month stipend ($20,000 for undergraduates, $25,000 for MS/MPS students, and $30,000 for PhD students) for up to two years (three years for Ph.D.), and assistance with federal cybersecurity internships and career placement.

The awardees for academic year 2013-14 are:

• Nathan Price, MS (CMPE)
• Punlada Muangrat, BS (IS)
• Shannon Mcpherson, MPS (CYBR)
• Alex Cooke, BS (IS)
• Denis Danilin, MS (IS)

These new awardees will join existing UMBC SFS Scholars Oliver Kubik (BS, CMSC), Mary Mathews (PhD, CMSC), Brendan Masiar (MPS, CYBR) and Brandyn Schult (MPS, CYBR).

The CyberCorps program produces highly-qualified professionals to meet the United States government’s increasing need to protect American’s cyber infrastructure. While in the program at UMBC, SFS CyberCorps Scholars participate in special SFS program activities, have opportunities to engage in mentored research opportunities both at UMBC and its partners from industry and government, and must complete a paid summer internship for the federal government. Upon graduation, each student must work for the government (for pay) for one year for each year of scholarship received. CSEE Drs. Alan Sherman and Richard Forno direct the program under a five-year $2.5 million NSF grant received in 2012.

This post originally appeared in UMBC Insights.

UMBC’s Physics Department recently honored one of its founding faculty members with the seventh annual Joseph Mulligan Memorial Lecture, which focuses on a topic related to the history of physics.

This year’s lecture — which is presented by the winner of the Joseph F. Mulligan Award and is based on a gift by Eleanor Mulligan in memory of her husband — was given by student Diana Marcu, who spoke on the topic “Neutrinos: History and their Role in Astrophysics.”

> > VIDEO: View the full lecture here.

Dr. Mulligan joined the newly-founded UMBC in 1968. He served as the UMBC Dean for Graduate Studies and Research from 1968 to 1982, and as acting Chair of the UMBC Physics Dept from 1987-1988. In 1989 he was made Professor Emeritus of Physics at UMBC. His personal interest in the history of physics is what inspired the lecture that memorializes him today.

He stated: “For many years I have had an interest in the history of physics and the history of ideas, and during my teaching career read many biographies of physicists and occasional articles and book reviews in Isis. I used some of this material in my physics lectures, and found that liberal arts students are anxious to know more about the lives of famous physicists, and respond with interest and enthusiasm when such topics are introduced into physics classes.”

> > Read more about Dr. Mulligan, his life, and work here.

Hilltop Society members James and Sandy Geest ’72 pose with Dr. Hrabowski at the reception.

Members of UMBC’s Hilltop Society gathered this month in the Black Box Theatre of the new Performing Arts and Humanities Building to celebrate their commitment to UMBC.

Established in 2012, The Hilltop Society recognizes the many friends, corporations, and foundations who contribute $1,000 or more annually to UMBC. Members of The Hilltop Society have chosen to make UMBC one of their philanthropic priorities, and we are grateful for this show of support. These donors are critical to the success of the University, creating unique educational opportunities for our students and enhancing UMBC’s reputation as a research institution.

Thank you to all of our Hilltop Society Members for all you do to make UMBC amazing!  Learn more about the Hilltop Society here.

Dean John Jeffries is retiring at the end of June after forty years of service to UMBC. In recognition of his profound impact on UMBC, we are delighted to announce the establishment of the John Jeffries International Fellowship.

The Fellowship fund honors John’s commitment to building a strong and distinctive undergraduate curriculum and to educating students to become informed and engaged global citizens.  The Fellowship will provide faculty with resources to create, or redesign, and teach a course in their fields in order to add or enhance an explicit international or transnational focus. Our expectation is that the resulting courses will be taught regularly and will broaden the intellectual scope of the curriculum in the College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences.

In a matter of weeks, current and former Department Chairs, Program Directors, and Associate Deans in the College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences, and other members of the UMBC community have contributed more than $25,000 to endow the John Jeffries Fellowship.  Since then, others have contributed towards the goal of $200,000, which will enable the campus to support two Jeffries Fellows each year.

If you are interested in making a gift to the John Jeffries International Fellowship Program, click here and list “John Jeffries Fellowship” as the “other designation.”

Every so often, we highlight the importance of student scholarships by introducing you to the very students they help to succeed. Today, we’re speaking with Nicole Shah, a senior social work major who is also a Charlotte W. Newcombe Foundation Scholarship recipient. This scholarship is given to returning female students over the age of 25. If you’re interested in learning more about the Returning Women’s meetings or scholarships, contact the Women’s Center at womens.center@umbc.edu.

Name: Nicole Shah, married mom of 4
Grad Year/Major:  Social Work major, senior year
Affiliations:  Mosaic Center DEI Fall 2012, Conversation Partner ELI Spring 2012

Q:  What benefits have you experienced as a Newcombe Scholar?

A:  Formal connection to the Women’s Center and all of the support the center offers. Monthly returning student’s meetings and having a network of students similar to me in my age and life situation(s) to lean on for support.

Q:  What do you wish traditional students knew about being a non-traditional student?

A:  That age ain’t nothing but a number. Younger students and mature students have a lot to offer one another, don’t be hesitant to reach out in class and on campus. The common denominator is that we are all students at UMBC so choose to focus on that. Once we graduate, we will be working with diverse groups of people so take advantage of learning how to do that now while in college.

Q:  What do you wish the University and Professors knew about being a non-traditional student?

A:  That returning students do not want special treatment, if we choose to tell you some of our extra responsibilities outside of campus it is because we need your support not your pity. There is a difference. No two people are alike therefore keep in mind no two students are alike; there is not a one-size-fits-all approach.

Q:  What is one piece of advice you would offer to new non-traditional students at UMBC?

A:  It is in your best interest to get involved on campus. With families and work responsibilities it does make it more challenging, but it is possible. Campus involvement definitely made my time at UMBC more rich and enjoyable.

Read more about the Charlotte W. Newcombe Scholarship here.

This interview originally appeared on the UMBC Women’s Center website.

UMBC is a community that gives. Nearly each day in the breezeway next to The Commons, one might stroll by multiple tables occupied by students raising money for this charity or that. Our faculty and staff give annually in support of UMBC and organizations supported through the Maryland Charities Campaign. And, of course, alumni dedication to UMBC spans decades — starting with the first graduating class, in fact.

In a guest post on UMBC’s Breaking Ground blog, UMBC archivist Lindsey Loeper ’04, American studies, recently uncovered evidence of a truly momentous philanthropic action made by the Class of 1970:

The first senior project that I can locate in UMBC’s history is from 1970. The class of 1970 is often referred to as the Founding Class, because the graduates were the first group to complete all four years of their degree at UMBC. As in the origin stories of many of our campus traditions, UMBC students decided to forge their own path. During the Spring 1970 semester, a group of seniors organized to collect donations from the UMBC community as well as area businesses. Their goal was to establish a campus fund to assist students that were having trouble paying their full tuition bill.

According to the 1970 edition of Skipjack, the early UMBC student yearbook, the final total collected was $13,000, which is equivalent to more $75,000 today! For in-state students in 1970, a year of tuition at UMBC cost just $506, so a $13,000 emergency fund would have helped quite a few of them continue taking classes and working toward their degrees.

We’re so happy to see the celebration of student philanthropy on the Breaking Ground site not only because it was a truly generous moment shared by the Class of 1970, but because it signifies a spirit of giving that continues to live in our current students. And, it serves as an excellent segue to a new initiative that will be launched soon to help current students use the most modern online techniques to raise money for UMBC-based projects. Stay tuned for more on that!

Meanwhile, please enjoy Lindsey’s full post here.

UMBC’s giving office is very happy to welcome new Phonathon Coordinator Logan Wern. In this position, Logan manages the nearly 40 UMBC students whose job it is to chat up alumni and parents throughout the year. It’s an important job, but also fun, with Logan serving as a sort of motivator-in-chief for this lively office.

We sat down with Logan, who earned her master’s degree in higher education administration and student personnel from Kent State University, for a few minutes to learn a little more about who she is and what she brings to the table…er, telephone.

Q: Tell us a little bit more about what your job entails.

A: Well, what I really do is manage the Call Center where students call alumni or parents of current or past students and ask them to give to the Annual Fund or more specific departmental funds. I’m really excited to be here…I like it already!

Q: Part of your job involves getting to know UMBC really well so you can help your students as they talk with alums and parents. So, what’s the coolest thing you’ve learned so far about UMBC?

A: Wow, a lot of things. But, I think the thing that most impresses me is what an innovative campus UMBC is. And that’s one of the things that attracted me to accepting this position, because it’s such a young campus — which to some could be seen as not having the traditions and structure — but it’s really more of a good thing when you’re trying to grow programs like the Annual Fund. I think it’s a really exciting place to be because it is so new and young.

Q: How would you describe the atmosphere of the Call Center when it’s filled with students chatting merrily on the phones?

A: Well, on a busy night it’s a really exciting place to be with all the students on the phones talking to alumni or talking to parents and making connections. And since I’ve been here, I’ve started a game with a sort of meter to see how much money we raise for UMBC each night, and it’s kind of based on the theme of “making it rain,” so it’s like “April Showers Bring May Flowers.”  I have a little display on my wall and every time a student gets a pledge they fill out a rain drop and stick it on the wall. So, it’s starting to pour because the students are doing really well. The students kind of made fun of me for it at first, but I think it’s working!