By Erin Senack, Lecturer, Women's Studies and Director, WILL Program

UMBC -- in partnership with Allfirst Bank -- is launching a new program designed to promote academic excellence, leadership development, career exploration and civic engagement for women. The Women Involved in Learning and Leadership Program (WILL) is modeled on a highly successful program at the University of Richmond and will engage students, faculty, staff, corporate and community members through three major components:

1) An academic curriculum of courses focused on women's diverse roles, contributions and challenges, which results in a Women's Studies minor. The curriculum involves several opportunities for applied learning, including career-related internships.

2) A co-curricular program of lectures, workshops, films, conferences and cultural events that integrate classroom learning with out-of-the classroom activities.

3) A student-led organization that plays a central role in the management of WILL and that participates in the shared governance of the university.

Students will share their experiences with corporate and campus mentors and will serve as mentors for younger students. Together these components provide the basis for students, primarily but not exclusively women, to engage actively in UMBC's intellectual and community life, to gain valuable leadership skills, to make informed career choices and to develop their core values, especially as they are shaped by the challenges and opportunities of a multicultural society.

Through participation in collaborative programming efforts and on governance committees with the Offices of Student Affairs, Student Life, Student Government Association and with scholarship programs and the Honors College, WILL students will become decision makers, accomplished public speakers and team leaders who feel a sense of investment in the student organization, the Women's Studies Program, UMBC and the wider community.

The program will also incorporate a living and learning community consisting of a cohort of students housed within a residence hall for the 2003-04 academic year.

To nominate a student, or to become a mentor for this program, please contact Erin Senack at x52798 or email senack@umbc.edu for more information.

UMBC staff members received two of the six USM Board of Regents 2002 Staff Awards. The outstanding contributions of James (Jim) Milani and Virginia (Ginny) Kellman were recognized at the regents' July 10 meeting.

"Each year staff members are recognized for making exceptional contributionsto their organizations, to students and to the university community," saidNathan Chapman, chairman of the board. "I would like to thank all of ourawardees for their remarkable efforts at our institutions and beyond, and toacknowledge the hard work of every USM staff member. It is much appreciated."

Award winners are selected based on nominations and letters of support from colleagues, culminating in a formal recommendation from the Council of University System Staff. The Regents' Staff Awards, now in its third year, represent the highest honor bestowed by the board for achievements of the exempt and non-exempt employees of the USM institutions. Each award carries a $1,000 prize, provided by the institutions and the University of Maryland Foundation.

Milani, director of administrative affairs for the College of Engineering, was honored in the category of Exceptional Contribution to the Institution - Exempt. In his nomination letter, President Freeman Hrabowski said this 29-year veteran employee "has tirelessly dedicated himself to the accomplishment of UMBC's mission through his work with students, faculty and staff. Repeatedly over the years, Jim has been described by his colleagues as a professional who puts before any thought of himself the best interests of UMBC."

He has also provided leadership over the years to UMBC by being an activeparticipant in campus life. Milani's extensive list of activities includes Professional Associate Staff Senate president and vice-president; advisor to the UMBC Sexual Harassment Advisory Network; member of the Employee of the Month Planning and Selection Committee; member of the UMBC Environmental Health and Safety Committee, advisor to the Students Against Destructive Decisions chapter; co-creator and member of the UMBC Alcohol Awareness Education Program; and more.

Milani says, "Being part of the UMBC community has been a blessing and an honor. Working with students, staff and faculty has been very rewarding and has offered a great opportunity to develop many friendships over the years. The people of UMBC have provided a helpful, supportive, encouraging and supportive environment. It's even more exciting when you consider that the best is yet to come.

"I am very grateful to many people at UMBC and am honored to receive a Regent's award along with Ginny Kellman whose approach and work is respected in and out of Student Affairs," he adds.

Kellman was honored in the category of Outstanding Service to Students - Nonexempt for her work as an administrative assistant in the Student Judicial Affairs Office. In that position, she meets and counsels students who are facing a disciplinary hearing or traffic appeal, handling over 350 cases a year.

"I was really surprised when I received the phone call while on vacation," Kellman says. "It is truly a nice surprise and an honor - an honor I share with colleagues who have helped me every step of the way during my career at UMBC to achieve such recognition."

President Hrabowski said Kellman, a 15-year UMBC employee, "truly loves working with students, and that has made her a superb team member who routinely provides services for students that go far beyond her job description. She is known for her kindness and quiet wisdom in helping students during a difficult yet important moment in their college years. Ginny Kellman is a resourceful and steady guide whose support for students is instrumental to their success."

Do you have a suggestion about a UMBC staff member who should be profiled in Insights? Email Insights@umbc.edu.