From the Director

Every Dawn Brings Such Promise

Posted on January 22, 2009 3:43 PM |Permalink |Comments ( 0 )

This academic year will one day be a history of challenges met and overcome, of hard-fought struggles, of remarkable achievements. On this day, however, it is a blank slate, waiting for key personnel and cohorts from this program to make their mark. Perhaps the most influential cohort and persons of this academic year will be the seniors who are making their mark on the program and the university and are preparing to leave both better than they found them. Perhaps the most influential persons of this academic year will be our first year students who come to us enthused, determined, and destined to make a difference.

During the course of last year, we celebrated the 20th anniversary of the founding of the Program. As we embark on the next 20 years, the Program stands at this moment ready as it has always been to prepare young men and women to excel in academics, to display character and substance, and prepared to meet the challenges of our times. The Meyerhoff/MARC Scholars Program at UMBC has a long list of educated, honorable, and steadfast leaders – a list that will continue far into the future.

As the staff and I welcome all of you back to a new academic year, we want to remind everyone “To whom much is given, much is required.” We encourage all of you to allow this mantra to guide your thoughts, words, and deeds. Throughout this academic year, the staff is hoping that you will take the time to make a difference in the lives of others. We encourage this because not only is it the right thing to do, but because the more you assist and encourage others, the more you will come to appreciate what you have and the resources that are available to you.

At the end of each semester, we say to ourselves, “. . . if I had it to do all over again. . .” Well, here is your chance. Make it count! Welcome back!

LFT

Our Own Reflection

Posted on September 9, 2009 10:32 AM |Permalink |Comments ( 0 )

UMBC faculty and staff often are asked what makes this place and our students so special. At times the answers do not come easily for there are many things that make this university and its students above par and unique. For me, the answer is simple - we do not allow our students to be either marginal or mediocre - either in their thoughts, words, or deeds.

We are neither willing to lend our students excuses nor crutches of complacency that serve either as barriers or limitations to their potential and eventual success. We refuse to make it easy or fashionable for our students to say and believe either that "I can't, I won't, or I will never."

I encourage all educators and parents to pause a few minutes and just observe your students. You will notice that the students need not move, speak, nor reveal a single thought, and yet, what they love, what they fear, and what is important to them will be evident for all to see. For our children and our students are a reflection of our nation, our states, our schools, and of ourselves.

I have no doubt that all students will come to know and to demand excellence in every aspect of their lives when: Faculty care more than others think is wise; Administrators risk more than others think is safe; Parents expect more than others think practical; and Students dream more than others think possible.

"Hold Fast to Dreams"

LFT

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