The UMBC Alumni Association is pleased to award scholarships to outstanding students for leadership, community service and academic achievement. This year, thanks to the generosity of GEICO Direct and numerous alumni donors, the alumni association was able to award seven $1,200 scholarships.

Saeid Aryan, biological sciences '02, works as a tutor for the Chemistry Tutorial Center and is a volunteer for the University of Maryland Medical System Hospital. He plans to attend medical school to become a surgeon. "UMBC has so much opportunity for me, whether it be through research in the laboratory, teaching fellow students or interacting with UMBC faculty and staff," says Aryan. "I am continually amazed by what new and fun things my educational experience allows me."

Tiffany Mary Brocenos, music '02, is the vice president for the Music Council of Majors and the Society of Recording Technology Students. "I see my UMBC experience shaping my post-graduate career by giving me managerial, personal and technical skills," says Brocenos. "My extracurricular activities have shown me how teamwork ultimately determines the success of my goals." She aspires to own a recording studio and begin a record label.

Ladan Fakory, psychology and modern languages and linguistics '02, is a peer mentor at St. John's Elementary School. "It has been my pleasure to help young students who need more direction their lives," says Fakory. She is also involved with the Historical Restoration Project in Ellicott City and volunteers at the University of Maryland Medical System. Fakory intends to enroll in a M.D./Ph.D. program to become a medical doctor and do genetics-related research.

Cynthia Hadermann, American studies and visual arts '01, has been a marketing intern for EU Services and the Maryland Historical Society. "My classes at UMBC are truly interdisciplinary, allowing me to explore and unite my majors in several research projects," says Hadermann. She plans to pursue an M.A. in Publication Design and become a creative/art director.

Helen Honeywell, visual arts '01, is working toward a B.A. in graphic design and is a paraprofessional resident assistant. Honeywell is involved with coordinating social, academic and developmental programs for residents of Susquehanna Hall. "My involvement has helped me connect with many residents I may never have known," says Honeywell. "I feel this has made me work harder and has helped build a successful community around me."

Lisa B. Israel, psychology '02, is president of the Freedom Alliance and is the co-founder of the Women's Studies Student Council at UMBC. "I am devoting my life's work to helping college students make the most of the boundless opportunities that exist at a university such as this," says Israel. Her goal is to become the director of student affairs at a mid-sized university.

Amanda Lea Miracle, history and English '03, is active in the Intervarsity Christian Fellowship and the Baptist Student Ministry. "Being at UMBC has helped me to think globally," says Miracle. "Never before had I encountered so many diverse people with differing faiths and cultures." After graduation, she plans to enter medical school to study surgery. Her career goal is to be a medical missionary.