Dr. Jodi Crandall

UMBC has announced four recipients in the inaugural round of the Jodi Crandall Fellowship for Research in Language, Literacy & Culture. Named for The LLC Doctoral Program’s founder and professor emerita Dr. Jodi Crandall, the prizes will promote collaborative interdisciplinary research by LLC doctoral students.

“The Jodi Crandall Fellowship will allow our doctoral students to pursue important interdisciplinary research in areas of increasingly pressing importance in our local Baltimore community and internationally; in very general terms, all of the Fellowships in 2015 will study issues involved in communicating across cultural borders,” said Dr. Craig Saper, Professor and Director of The Language, Literacy, and Culture Doctoral program.

The inaugural fellows are:

•  Jermaine Ellerbee for his research titled “Social Context of Education Lab,” in the Social Context of Education Lab Category, with mentor Dr. Susan M. Blunck, and collaborator Dr. Juanita Ashby-Bey
• Erin Berry for her research on “Online Sociolinguistic Practices Among Black Female Millennials at Historically Black Colleges and Universities,” in the Sociolinguistics Lab Category, with mentor and collaborator Dr. Christine Mallinson
• Landry Digeon and Ibrahim Er, for their research titled “Social Context of Education Lab,” in the Digital Publishing Lab Category,” with mentor and collaborator Dr. Edward Larkey

Back row, L-R: Jermaine Ellerbe, Landry Digeon, Dr. Craig Saper; front row, L-R: Dr. Jodi Crandall, Erin Berry, Ibrahim Er

“The LLC Doctoral Program will benefit enormously from the Crandall Fellowships as it helps us establish research clusters and applied research laboratories in our program, and each of the Fellows will do research relevant in those areas,” said Dr. Saper.

The fellowship program was first announced at Dr. Crandall’s retirement celebration in 2012 to support students of the program; the LLC faculty decided it should be named to honor her. Crandall hopes to grow the endowment in the coming years with the help of the LLC community.

“Support for interdisciplinary research in the humanities and social sciences is quite limited. There are always fewer research assistantships for our students than are needed,” she said. “I specifically wanted to start a fellowship to support students and to encourage interdisciplinary, collaborative research between LLC students, LLC students and faculty, or LLC current and former students.”

In addition to acting as the founding director of The Language, Literacy & Culture Doctoral program at UMBC, Crandall is a professor emerita of the Department of Education, as well as a former co-director of UMBC’s TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) master’s program.

Click here to support the Jodi Crandall Fellowship.

Clolita Vitale ’75, theatre, is truly a Retriever Believer. When she first walked onto UMBC’s campus in the late 1960s, she was struck by how new the university was. She even recalls walking around on plywood planks as construction was underway. But where some might have preferred an older, established school, Vitale found UMBC’s newness exciting–a promise of things to come.

Since then, Vitale has been involved with UMBC in just about every way possible. As a student, she decided to study theatre and dance. Though she would later pursue a career in law, she says her time in the performing arts program at UMBC was critically important to her. The tight-knit community and creative ingenuity of faculty and fellow students inspired and supported her, and it’s something she’ll always remember. “They helped me find my sense of self,” she says.

Later on, when she joined the staff at UMBC, she felt that Dr. Freeman Hrabowski and the other campus leaders were supportive. They encouraged her to get involved on campus and grow professionally. Eventually, she became an Assistant Vice President and University Counsel. “They allowed me to evolve,” Vitale says. “It didn’t seem like I was in the same place standing still for 30 years.”

Even after moving on to other career opportunities, Vitale has stayed deeply connected to the campus community. She’s taken UMBC students under her wing, helping them get their start in life. And she’s supported the university with gifts to the arts (including naming two seats in the new PAHB theatre) and now with the decision to make a planned gift to the university.

That pioneering spirit that is so prevalent in UMBC’s earliest faculty and alumni is clearly present in Vitale. She invested in the place that invested in her, and she’s been proud to watch UMBC grow into a nationally recognized research university. “I feel like someone who went from the horse and buggy to the space age,” she says.

Vitale says she felt it important to give early on, even when she could only make smaller donations. “I knew that even if I only had $100, it was important to contribute,” she says. “I knew it would go to something really needed.”

There’s no doubt that Vitale’s passion for UMBC is real–her voice is full of emotion as she reflects on everything she’s experienced at the university. And now, more than 40 years after she first came to campus, Vitale continues to support UMBC. In fact, as she looked forward to retirement, she knew there was no question that she would include UMBC in her will. “You can’t take a place you’ve been associated with for so long and just forget about it,” she explains. She sees her planned gift as an opportunity to leave a legacy at the place that has so deeply impacted her life. “It means something to me,” she says. “I want to be a piece of that.”

Learn more about making a planned gift to UMBC.

Here in the Office of Institutional Advancement, we are always working hard to support the university and connect our donors with causes they care most about. We would like to introduce our donors — to whom we are so grateful — to the people who help make those things happen. Today, we’ll be hearing from Allison Jones, the Associate Director of Corporate Relations.

Name: Allison Jones
Job Title: Associate Director of Corporate Relations
Focus Area: I cultivate holistic and high-value relationships between UMBC and corporations.
Years at UMBC: 5

Q: Where are you from originally?

A: Towaco, NJ

Q: What do you love most about UMBC?

A: A strong work ethic is vital to a successful workplace and nearly everyone I encounter at UMBC produces top notch work, not just the bare minimum. I really appreciate this quality in my colleagues.

Q: What’s your favorite thing about your job?

A: No one day is the same. Every corporate partnership evolves differently, so I have to constantly be thinking about unique and customized opportunities to engage my donors, all of whom have different goals and needs.

Q: Why do you think it’s important to support UMBC?

A: UMBC is doing amazing things: cutting-edge research, growing a pipeline of talented students who will be among the next generation of our country’s leaders and piloting innovative educational initiatives. The only way we can continue to do this critical work is through the support of our generous donors.

Q: What is your favorite food?

A: Well, I am from NJ, so I would have to say pizza. Of course, I am from NJ, so I am extremely picky about my pizza.

Q: When you were a child, what/who did you aspire to be?

A: I always wanted to be a teacher. I used to line up my dolls and give them a daily lesson. I can’t wait until I can start helping my kids with their homework.

Here in the Office of Institutional Advancement, we are always working hard to support the university and connect our donors with causes they care most about. We would like to introduce our donors — to whom we are so grateful — to the people who help make those things happen. Today, we’ll be hearing from Allison Jones, the Associate Director of Corporate Relations.

Name: Allison Jones
Job Title: Associate Director of Corporate Relations
Focus Area: I cultivate holistic and high-value relationships between UMBC and corporations.
Years at UMBC: 5

Q: Where are you from originally?

A: Towaco, NJ

Q: What do you love most about UMBC?

A: A strong work ethic is vital to a successful workplace and nearly everyone I encounter at UMBC produces top notch work, not just the bare minimum. I really appreciate this quality in my colleagues.

Q: What’s your favorite thing about your job?

A: No one day is the same. Every corporate partnership evolves differently, so I have to constantly be thinking about unique and customized opportunities to engage my donors, all of whom have different goals and needs.

Q: Why do you think it’s important to support UMBC?

A: UMBC is doing amazing things: cutting-edge research, growing a pipeline of talented students who will be among the next generation of our country’s leaders and piloting innovative educational initiatives. The only way we can continue to do this critical work is through the support of our generous donors.

Q: What is your favorite food?

A: Well, I am from NJ, so I would have to say pizza. Of course, I am from NJ, so I am extremely picky about my pizza.

Q: When you were a child, what/who did you aspire to be?

A: I always wanted to be a teacher. I used to line up my dolls and give them a daily lesson. I can’t wait until I can start helping my kids with their homework.

Here in the Office of Institutional Advancement, we are always working hard to support the university and connect our donors with causes they care most about. We would like to introduce our donors — to whom we are so grateful — to the people who help make those things happen. Today, we’ll be hearing from Kim Robinson, the Senior Director of Development.

Name: Kim Robinson
Job Title: Senior Director of Development
Focus Area: I enjoy meeting with alumni, retired faculty & staff, and friends to reconnect them back to UMBC.  It is very rewarding to show the all the exciting things that are happening at UMBC and providing them with opportunity for them to make a difference in students’ lives and faculty research. I also oversee the planned giving program at UMBC.
Years at UMBC: 24 years

Q: Where are you from originally?
Kentucky.

Q: What do you love most about UMBC?
I love working with amazing, smart, diverse group of people to create new programs and events. I have always been encouraged to think out of the box and try new things to advance the mission of the University.

Q: What’s your favorite thing about your job?
I enjoy providing opportunities for people to financially give back to UMBC and to see the impact of their giving by meeting their scholars or seeing how their support is making a difference at UMBC.

Q: Why do you think it’s important to support UMBC?
We are educating the next generation of leaders in science, technology, education, arts, social science, and math. UMBC is making a difference. It is a great investment.

Q: What is your favorite food?
Lobster.

Q: What is your favorite hobby or pastime?
I spend a lot of time at athletic facilities. I enjoy watching my children play sports (soccer, lacrosse, baseball, volleyball, and basketball) and spending quality time with family and friends. I love the beach and water activities.

Here in the Office of Institutional Advancement, we are always working hard to support the university and connect our donors with causes they care most about. We would like to introduce our donors — to whom we are so grateful — to the people who help make those things happen. Today, we’ll be hearing from Kim Robinson, the Senior Director of Development.

Name: Kim Robinson
Job Title: Senior Director of Development
Focus Area: I enjoy meeting with alumni, retired faculty & staff, and friends to reconnect them back to UMBC.  It is very rewarding to show the all the exciting things that are happening at UMBC and providing them with opportunity for them to make a difference in students’ lives and faculty research. I also oversee the planned giving program at UMBC.
Years at UMBC: 24 years

Q: Where are you from originally?
Kentucky.

Q: What do you love most about UMBC?
I love working with amazing, smart, diverse group of people to create new programs and events. I have always been encouraged to think out of the box and try new things to advance the mission of the University.

Q: What’s your favorite thing about your job?
I enjoy providing opportunities for people to financially give back to UMBC and to see the impact of their giving by meeting their scholars or seeing how their support is making a difference at UMBC.

Q: Why do you think it’s important to support UMBC?
We are educating the next generation of leaders in science, technology, education, arts, social science, and math. UMBC is making a difference. It is a great investment.

Q: What is your favorite food?
Lobster.

Q: What is your favorite hobby or pastime?
I spend a lot of time at athletic facilities. I enjoy watching my children play sports (soccer, lacrosse, baseball, volleyball, and basketball) and spending quality time with family and friends. I love the beach and water activities.

Here in the Office of Institutional Advancement, we are always working hard to support the university and connect our donors with causes they care most about. We would like to introduce our donors — to whom we are so grateful — to the people who help make those things happen. Today, we’ll be hearing from Logan Wern, the Phonathon Coordinator.

Name: Logan Wern
Job Title: Phonathon Coordinator
Focus Area: I manage our call center, where current students are employed to call alumni, update their records and fundraise for UMBC.
Years at UMBC: About 1.5

Q: Where are you from originally?

A: North Canton, Ohio. O-H!

Q: What do you love most about UMBC?

A: The unique culture — learning is cool. Being “nerdy” is cool. I love that.

Q: What’s your favorite thing about your job?

A: The students! I am lucky to work with students every day. Their enthusiasm for learning and life in general always inspires me.

Q: Why do you think it’s important to support UMBC?

A: Just look around. I haven’t been here long, but I know how much UMBC has grown and improved over the years. This wouldn’t be possible without support from alumni, parents, faculty, staff, the community, and friends of the university.

Q: What is a recent book you’ve read?

A: Gone Girl. Bizarre, but good.

Q: If you were an Olympian, what would be your sport/activity of choice?

A: Couples figure skating. I took ballet lessons for many years, so there are some similarities. Couples skating is mesmerizing — the way two people move so seamlessly and gracefully.

Q: Who do you admire and why?

A: My parents. They have been happily married for 27 years, which is amazing in itself. Individually, I admire my mom for her selflessness and my dad for his wisdom. I look up to them a lot.

Here in the Office of Institutional Advancement, we are always working hard to support the university and connect our donors with causes they care most about. We would like to introduce our donors — to whom we are so grateful — to the people who help make those things happen. Today, we’ll be hearing from Logan Wern, the Phonathon Coordinator.

Name: Logan Wern
Job Title: Phonathon Coordinator
Focus Area: I manage our call center, where current students are employed to call alumni, update their records and fundraise for UMBC.
Years at UMBC: About 1.5

Q: Where are you from originally?

A: North Canton, Ohio. O-H!

Q: What do you love most about UMBC?

A: The unique culture — learning is cool. Being “nerdy” is cool. I love that.

Q: What’s your favorite thing about your job?

A: The students! I am lucky to work with students every day. Their enthusiasm for learning and life in general always inspires me.

Q: Why do you think it’s important to support UMBC?

A: Just look around. I haven’t been here long, but I know how much UMBC has grown and improved over the years. This wouldn’t be possible without support from alumni, parents, faculty, staff, the community, and friends of the university.

Q: What is a recent book you’ve read?

A: Gone Girl. Bizarre, but good.

Q: If you were an Olympian, what would be your sport/activity of choice?

A: Couples figure skating. I took ballet lessons for many years, so there are some similarities. Couples skating is mesmerizing — the way two people move so seamlessly and gracefully.

Q: Who do you admire and why?

A: My parents. They have been happily married for 27 years, which is amazing in itself. Individually, I admire my mom for her selflessness and my dad for his wisdom. I look up to them a lot.

Here in the Office of Alumni Relations, we spend a lot of time telling stories about and talking with our wonderfully supportive alums. However, we’ve decided to turn the tables and take time to get to know the people behind the scenes – the advancement and alumni relations staff members who are hard at work on behalf of our alumni. Today we’ll be hearing from Caroline Baker, the Assistant Vice President for Careers and Corporate Partnerships.

Name: Caroline Baker
Job Title: Assistant Vice President for Careers and Corporate Partnerships
Focus Area: I raise money for student support and academic programs and oversee the Career Services Center at UMBC.
Years at UMBC: Almost 9 years

Q: Where are you from originally?
Baltimore, MD. I grew up in Pikesville, MD.

Q: What do you love most about UMBC?
I love the people and the fact that faculty and students appreciate the work that we do to help them be successful. And I love the fact that people hold doors open for each other on this campus.

Q: What is your favorite thing about your job?
Creating win-win relationships for the University. It feels really good when our partners are happy to give us resources, and our faculty and students are happy to be receiving the resources.

Q: Why do you think it’s important to support UMBC?
Our President says “Education transforms lives,” and as a public university we have a very special role to play in helping people be successful and productive citizens.

Q: When you were a child, what/who did you aspire to be?
I have documentation to prove that when I was a young girl I aspired to be the first female president.

Q: If you could visit any place in the world, where would you pick?
One of my favorite places in the world is Venice, where I can eat some of the most of amazing food. Italian food is unbelievable.

Q: What is your favorite hobby or pastime?
Playing with my puppy, who is 10 months old. She is already an expert in water retrieval.

Here in the Office of Alumni Relations, we spend a lot of time telling stories about and talking with our wonderfully supportive alums. However, we’ve decided to turn the tables and take time to get to know the people behind the scenes – the advancement and alumni relations staff members who are hard at work on behalf of our alumni. Today we’ll be hearing from Caroline Baker, the Assistant Vice President for Careers and Corporate Partnerships.

Name: Caroline Baker
Job Title: Assistant Vice President for Careers and Corporate Partnerships
Focus Area: I raise money for student support and academic programs and oversee the Career Services Center at UMBC.
Years at UMBC: Almost 9 years

Q: Where are you from originally?
Baltimore, MD. I grew up in Pikesville, MD.

Q: What do you love most about UMBC?
I love the people and the fact that faculty and students appreciate the work that we do to help them be successful. And I love the fact that people hold doors open for each other on this campus.

Q: What is your favorite thing about your job?
Creating win-win relationships for the University. It feels really good when our partners are happy to give us resources, and our faculty and students are happy to be receiving the resources.

Q: Why do you think it’s important to support UMBC?
Our President says “Education transforms lives,” and as a public university we have a very special role to play in helping people be successful and productive citizens.

Q: When you were a child, what/who did you aspire to be?
I have documentation to prove that when I was a young girl I aspired to be the first female president.

Q: If you could visit any place in the world, where would you pick?
One of my favorite places in the world is Venice, where I can eat some of the most of amazing food. Italian food is unbelievable.

Q: What is your favorite hobby or pastime?
Playing with my puppy, who is 10 months old. She is already an expert in water retrieval.