FROM: Freeman Hrabowski, President, and Philip Rous, Provost
TO: The UMBC Community
RE: New Grants from the Hrabowski Fund for Innovation

We are delighted to announce the second set of projects to receive grants from the Hrabowski Fund for Innovation. These projects build on the strong commitment of our faculty to continually reimagine our students’ learning experiences.

The selection committee received a number of outstanding applications. The grant recipients were chosen by a committee comprised of faculty from each college, teaching award winners, and representatives from the Provost’s Office, Graduate School, and Office of Undergraduate Education. In selecting projects to fund, the committee sought initiatives that would address multiple courses or disciplines, respond broadly to student needs, affect student success or retention, and be sustainable.

Implementation and research grants

• Modeling as a Pedagogical Tool for the Life Sciences Curriculum– Led by Mauricio Bustos, associate professor of biological sciences, the team will use computer simulations of lab experiments to allow students in the biological sciences to focus on critical biology concepts rather than rote lab procedures. By removing the beakers, pipettes, and other distractions of the lab, the team hopes to enhance student focus on experiment design, observation, and interpretation.
• Enhancing Hands-On Problem-Solving across the Chemical Engineering Curriculum – A team led by Joshua Enszer, lecturer in chemical and biochemical engineering, will create a series of hands-on activities to connect a five-semester sequence of required courses in chemical engineering. The goal of the project is to show students how these separate courses are related, and enable them to see how the concepts they are learning in the classroom relate to the laboratory.

Seed grants

• Metacognitive Activity Promotions (MAPs) in Chemical Engineering Thinking – A team led by Mariajose Castellanos, assistant professor of chemical and biochemical engineering, will use sociological principles to examine the effect of written reflection exercises on students’ understanding of their chemical engineering coursework.

These projects join our first round of grant recipients in building on our strong history of finding novel approaches to teaching and scholarship. Established with major grants from the Carnegie Corporation of New York and the Heinz Awards, the Innovation Fund has also benefited from substantial support from alumni and friends, the local community and businesses, and state and national leaders. This support is a testament to the work we’ve already done and a vote of confidence for the national model we’re continuing to build.

The competition for the next round of Innovation Fund grants will be announced later this summer with a due date in fall. We want to thank everyone who has submitted a proposal, and encourage those whose proposals could not be funded in this round to apply again.

We are truly inspired by the creative ideas we hear each day and are delighted to be able to support more of them through this fund.

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!

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.

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!

Dr. Hrabowski speaks at TED2013. Photo by TED2013.

It’s all too easy to take successes for granted, especially when you see them every day around campus. At UMBC, the concept of pushing students of all backgrounds and academic levels to succeed is such a part of campus culture, we sometimes forget that’s not necessarily standard practice at other schools.

So when UMBC President Dr. Freeman Hrabowski, III, challenged audiences at the TED2013 conference in California last month to set higher expectations for all students at all levels of education, we were delighted — but not at all surprised. During his session — which fell within a grouping of talks based around the idea “The Spark” — Hrabowski explained how setting high standards for all students lets many who might otherwise be left behind excel. Case in point, he told the group:

“What makes our story especially important is that we have learned so much from students who are typically not at the top of the academic ladder.”

Read the TED blog’s take on Dr. Hrabowski’s talk.

UMBC sets incredibly high standards for its students. Professors and students know it will take a lot of hard work, but the results speak volumes. Our students and alumni are better for being pushed. Dr. Hrabowski touches on a few such examples in his talk.

Just as we sometimes take successes for granted, it’s also easy for forget that without the financial backing of UMBC’s donors, our efforts would be futile. Thank you for believing in Dr. Hrabowski’s message, and for supporting UMBC’s students!

FROM: Freeman Hrabowski, President, and Philip Rous, Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs
TO: The UMBC Community
RE: Inaugural Grants from the Hrabowski Fund for Innovation

We are delighted to announce the projects receiving inaugural grants from this fund. These projects build on our faculty’s strong track record of, and commitment to, reimagining what it means to teach and learn. We received a large number of outstanding applications and, unfortunately, could not fund all of the projects. Those selected for awards represent each of our colleges and a wide range of disciplines, and many of them take an interdisciplinary approach to their work.

IMPLEMENTATION AND RESEARCH GRANTS

The Math Gym – A team led by Nagaraj Neerchal, professor and chair of mathematics and statistics, will develop The Math Gym, which will feature “conditioning coaches” and “personal trainers” who will help students keep their foundational math skills in good working order. Moreover, the gym will promote healthy math habits among all our students, drawing a clear analogy between the regular work outs and conditioning needed to maintain both athletic and mathematical skill.

Active Computing Teaching and InnoVation Environment – A team led by Marie desJardins, professor of computer science and electrical engineering, will create ACTIVE, a dynamic “laptop laboratory.” The lab will support innovation in computing courses – with a particular focus on improving the retention and success of women, underrepresented minorities and transfer students. The laboratory will extend active-learning environments, such as CASTLE and the new English writing labs, to a new area of the university.

SEED GRANTS

The Wisdom Institute – A team led by Craig Saper, professor and director of UMBC’s language, literacy, and culture program, will create an institute to expand the role for emeritus professors at UMBC.

Putting Students’ Language Skills to Work – A team led by Susanne Sutton, lecturer in modern languages, linguistics, and intercultural communication, will develop new experiential and service-learning course requirements for undergraduates studying German, with a particular focus on connecting students to Baltimore’s German community.

Service-Learning in Statics – A team led by Anne Spence, professor of the practice in mechanical engineering, will develop new service-learning requirements for undergraduates studying mechanical engineering, with a particular focus on identifying components that increase retention and student success.

EHS – Bruce Walz, professor and chair of emergency health services, will lead a project to integrate individual cameras into EHS exercises, so that students can receive more personalized and immediate feedback on their performance.

Begun with major grants from the Carnegie Corporation of New York and the Heinz Awards, the Innovation Fund has benefited from substantial support from alumni and friends, the local community and businesses, and State and national leaders. That support is a testament to the work we’ve already done and a vote of confidence for the national model we’re continuing to build. Projects supported by the Innovation Fund will complement the many other creative and enterprising initiatives already underway at UMBC – from the STEM Transfer Student Success Initiative to composition course redesign in English – and will build on our strong history of finding novel approaches to teaching and scholarship.

The competition for the next round of Innovation Fund grants is underway, with proposals due by Friday, February 8. For more information on how to apply, click here. We want to thank everyone who has submitted a proposal, and encourage those whose proposals could not be funded in the first round to apply again.

We are truly inspired by the creative ideas we hear each day and are delighted to be able to support more of them through this fund.

From time to time, we’ll interview donors who are making a difference at UMBC. Today, we’re talking with Ira Steven Allen ’81, biological sciences, and Elizabeth Ward Allen ’82, political science, who fell in love with track and field — and each other! — during their time together as students. The couple established the C. James Pfrogner Endowment April 1998 (and amended in March 2002) to honor their former coach and support both the men’s and women’s track and field programs at UMBC. 

* * * *

Ira and Liz Allen enjoying time on the water.

Q:  What made you decide to make your planned gift to UMBC, and how does that decision relate to your experiences here as students?

A:  At UMBC, we received a terrific education and had great fun at the same time. We also had the good fortune to be members of the track and field team under coach Jim Pfrogner, who taught us alot about always giving your best and achieving your goals through hard work and perseverance. The lessons we learned, both in the classroom and on the track, prepared us extremely well to be successful in life. A number of years ago, we started an endowment fund for the benefit of the track and field program because we wanted to give something back to UMBC, something significant and something perpetual, as a way to show our appreciation for how much our college experience meant to us.

Q:  Could you share a favorite memory or two from your time here?

A:  Besides our track and field experiences, we have many “favorite” memories of our time at UMBC, the most important being when we met each other and began a relationship that has been going strong for 34 years. Other special memories are Thursday night parties in the basement of “Dorm III”, studying for the MCATs in the same basement room until the wee hours of the morning, decorating Ira’s dorm room on the “Yippee Dog” floor while Styx and Boston play at full volume, and meeting many people we still call friends today.

Q:  How do you hope your support will make UMBC a better place?

“Ira doing his Dracula imitation”

A:  UMBC has grown in many ways since we graduated in the early 80′s. Freeman’s vision and accomplishments have raised the University to a lofty level. UMBC is now on the national radar as one of the best Universities in the country. Of course, track and field was never the “glamour” sport that received the attention and major funding of, say, lacrosse or basketball. We wanted to help the track and field program grow and advance to a level that matched the prestige of the rest of the University, so we decided to add the endowment fund as a beneficiary in our will. Our hope is that, one day, the track and field program will be so independently well-funded that it will be the envy of college sports programs throughout the region, joining other stellar UMBC programs and academic achievements that shine in the national spotlight.

Thank you to the Allens for all they do!  Want to share your own giving story? Contact Jenny O’Grady at jogrady@umbc.edu.

Planned Giving at UMBC

It’s Friday, and the sun is out after a long, long week of rain in Baltimore. So, you know what? We’re going to give ourselves a little virtual high five.

You see, we recently found out that UMBC’s Giving Blog — the very blog you’re reading RIGHT NOW — won a silver award among all sorts of competing blogs in the Council for the Advancement and Support of Education’s District II Accolades Awards.

As always, thank you to our Retriever Believers for giving us so much exciting philanthropy news to write about. It really is a joy. Give yourselves a huge high five…and if you’d like a special Friday treat, click on the hand.