Marian April Glebes, Imaging and Digital Arts, the Baltimore Sun
The Baltimore Sun profiled Marian April Glebes, who has found dynamic ways to combine gardening with art. She is pursuing a Master of Fine Arts degree in the imaging and digital arts program. The question-and-answer interview, “Armed With Seeds,” ran Sunday, April 26.
President Hrabowski in The New York Times
The achievement gap between white and minority students has not narrowed in recent years despite the focus of a federal law on improving the scores of African-Americans and Hispanics, according to results of a prominent federal test, The New York Times reported. “Where we see the gap narrowing, that’s because there’s been an emphasis on supplemental education, on after-school programs that encourage students to read more and do more math problems,” President Hrabowski said. “Where there are programs that encourage that additional work, students of color do the work and their performance improves and the gap narrows.” The story, “‘No Child’ Law is Not Closing a Racial Gap,” ran Tuesday, April 28.
Brian Maguire, Emergency Health Services, in the News
Brian Maguire, clinical associate professor of emergency health services, discussed how communities can prepare for and react to outbreaks of Swine Flu in the U.S. He was interviewed by WJZ-TV Channel 13 Tuesday, April 28, and Baltimore’s Fox-45 TV Wednesday, April 29.
http://wjz.com/video/?cid=5
Tom Schaller, Political Science, in SpliceToday.com
Associate Professor of Political Science Tom Schaller discussed what Americans are getting wrong in the country’s cultural discourse about socialism. He offered his opinions in a question-and-answer interview with SpliceToday.com. The piece, “Interview: Thomas Schaller,” ran Thursday, April 30.
UMBC Theater in the Baltimore City Paper
The Baltimore City Paper reviewed the UMBC theatre department performance of Metamorphoses. “UMBC's theater program puts on a performance that could stand shoulder to shoulder with the area's professional theaters. Here's hoping that some of UMBC's finest stay in the Baltimore area after graduation,” the review said. The piece, “The Myth Element,” ran Wednesday, April 29.
Physics Professor Morton Rubin Retires
The faculty and staff of the Department of Physics honor Morton Rubin on his retirement after 36 years at UMBC. Rubin joined the UMBC faculty in 1973. He is a theoretical physicist who has published papers in a number of fields. In the past ten years, his work has been concentrated on quantum optics stimulated by the challenge to our perception at the foundations of modern physics by the introduction of quantum theory.
Men’s Lacrosse Beats Binghamton and Advances to American East Finals
The Men’s Lacrosse team beat Binghamton 9-8 on Wednesday, April 29, in the semifinals at UMBC Stadium. Ryan Smith ’09 scored an unassisted goal 55 seconds into the second overtime period as top-seeded UMBC (11-3) edged fourth-seeded Binghamton (3-12) to advance their fourth consecutive America East champion ship game. To read more, visit http://www.umbcretrievers.com/sports/mlacrosse/release.asp?RELEASE_ID=4752.
April 30, 2009
Swine Flu Update April 30
Fr: Lynne Schaefer, Vice President for Administration and Finance
Chair, Emergency Preparedness Committee
Nancy Young, Vice President for Student Affairs
Co-chair, Emergency Preparedness Committee
Because we have received questions about the campus response to the current swine flu health alert, we want to provide this additional update to the UMBC community. While we currently do not have a confirmed swine flu case on campus, University Health Services is encouraging students, faculty and staff to take preventive measures and learn about flu symptoms and treatment.
Fr: Lynne Schaefer, Vice President for Administration and Finance
Chair, Emergency Preparedness Committee
Nancy Young, Vice President for Student Affairs
Co-chair, Emergency Preparedness Committee
Because we have received questions about the campus response to the current swine flu health alert, we want to provide this additional update to the UMBC community. While we currently do not have a confirmed swine flu case on campus, University Health Services is encouraging students, faculty and staff to take preventive measures and learn about flu symptoms and treatment.
Information about this disease is changing rapidly, and we recommend that you regularly check the Web sites below for the most up-to-date information.
UMBC’s campus wide Emergency Management Committee will continue to meet and monitor the situation. The Committee will manage communications and coordinate any medical response or changes in scheduling and the use of facilities. This includes having a pandemic flu plan in place and remaining in close contact with the Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, which will take the lead in responding to such health threats.
Please know we will do everything we can to keep the UMBC community informed and safe. We will continue to share updates with the campus. Current information is also available at the University Health Services Web site: www.umbc.edu/uhs/healthalerts.html.
If you have a question or concern, please call the Division of Student Affairs at 410-455-2393 or University Health Services at 410-455-2542 and press “1.”
How can I prevent getting the flu?
-Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. If a tissue is not available, cough or sneeze into your sleeve (not your hands). Throw the tissue into the trash after you use it.
-Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze and before eating. Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective.
-Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread this way
-Try to avoid close contact with sick people.
What are the symptoms?
Influenza usually starts suddenly and may include the following symptoms:
-Fever (above 101 degrees)
- Headache
-Tiredness (can be extreme)
-Cough
-Sore throat
-Runny or stuffy nose
- Body aches
-Diarrhea and vomiting (more common among children than adults)
What happens if I get sick?
Most people have recovered from the flu without complications but it is important to take action to minimize risks. If you have flu symptoms:
-Stay home from work or school.
- Get lots of rest, drink plenty of liquids, and avoid using alcohol and
tobacco.
-Over-the-counter (OTC) medications may relieve symptoms of flu (but never give aspirin to children or teenagers who have flu-like symptoms, particularly fever).
-While serious illness from the seasonal flu is more likely in certain people 65 and older, pregnant women, people with certain chronic medical conditions and young children, we recommend that all individuals treat symptoms seriously until more is known about this virus.
-Consult your doctor early for the best treatment, but also be aware of emergency warning signs that require urgent medical attention.
Having these symptoms does not always mean that you have the flu. Many different illnesses, including the common cold, can have similar symptoms.
If you have any of these symptoms, please stay home from class or work, limit contact and take precautions to avoid infecting others. If you are a caregiver for family members with symptoms, please do not bring them to campus. Stay home to give them care.
April 30, 2009
Human Resources Announces Employees of the Quarter (April - June)
Paul Iwancio, coordinator of instructional television with the New Media Studio (NMS), is the Exempt Staff Employee of the Quarter (Wednesday, April 1, to Tuesday, June 30). During the last 30 years, Iwancio has provided UMBC with instructional technology support, beginning as a student employee in the late 1970s. He joined the campus as a full-time employee in AV Services in 1986. Since joining the NMS three years ago, Iwancio’s duties have expanded and diversified. While continuing to coordinate class lecture recording, duplication services and video conference support, Iwancio has become a key member of the NMS’s video production team, developing into a talented media producer.
One of the best examples of Iwancio’s exceptional work is his evolving role in the Studio’s digital story work. In order to be more effective in these projects, he trained with the center for Digital Storytelling in workshop facilitation techniques. He has drawn on his own writing talents to help workshop participants develop exceptional digital stories. As the Studio’s Charlestown Digital Story project has developed over the last two years, his role has grown significantly. He was lead facilitator and coordinator during the most recent workshop at Charlestown. He contributes greatly to the project’s ongoing success and shares much of the credit for the Studio’s 2007 Telly award and 2008 New Media Consortium Center of Excellence Award.
“All who know Iwancio are struck with his high energy and willingness to put every bit of himself into whatever he takes on,” said NMS Director Bill Shewbridge. “His attention to detail and commitment to doing good work is evident in all he does.”
Iwancio has demonstrated his leadership abilities outside the UMBC community. He is founder and past president of the Baltimore Songwriters Association. He is actively pursuing a master’s degree in instructional technology at Towson University and is already applying what he has learned in his work at UMBC.
Iwancio had a luncheon celebration with a small group of colleagues. His formal presentation was Tuesday, April 21, at the Office of Information Technology’s (OIT) staff meeting.
Eva Valentine, accountant I for the Department of Sociology and Anthropology, is the Non-exempt Employee of the Quarter (Wednesday, April 1, to Tuesday, June 30). Valentine began her career at UMBC in 1989 as an accounting clerk III for the Comptroller’s Office after transferring from a state agency. She was promoted and later transferred to the Department of Education as an accounting associate in 1999. She continued to grow in her career and transferred to her current position in 2005.
Valentine was nominated by Emma Sellers, program management specialist in the Department of Political Science.
“Valentine is an inspiration to many of her coworkers because of her dedication to UMBC, wisdom and self-determination to constantly learn,” said Sellers.
Valentine has served on the President’s Commission for Women as treasurer for the past two years. During her free time, she is an active member of her church and attends school. She plans to graduate this May with a bachelor’s degree in management studies from the University of Maryland University College.
Valentine received her award on Friday, April 3, at a luncheon celebration. The faculty and staff of the Department of Sociology and Anthropology presented her with flowers and a gift certificate to her favorite spa.
April 28, 2009
Can We Save the Environment and the Economy?
UMBC will host Sen. Benjamin L. Cardin (D-Md.) on Monday, May 11, for a discussion asking "Can We Save the Environment and the Economy?" The discussion, sponsored by the Public Policy Graduate Student Association, will take place at 2 p.m. in the Albin O. Kuhn Library Gallery. For more information, contact Anne Roland (anne@umbc.edu).
Senator Cardin served in the Maryland House of Delegates from 1967-1986 and as speaker from 1979-1986. He represented Maryland's Third Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives from 1987-2006. In 2006, he was elected by the people of Maryland to succeed
Paul Sarbanes in the U.S. Senate. As a Senator, he serves on the Foreign Relations Committee, Judiciary Committee, Environment and Public Works (EPW) Committee, Budget Committee and Small Business Committee. On the Judiciary Committee, Senator Cardin chairs the Terrorism and Homeland Security Subcommittee, and on the EPW Committee he chairs the Water and Wildlife Subcommittee for the 111th Congress.
April 27, 2009
Information about Swine Flu
To: The UMBC Community
Fr: Nancy Young, Vice President for Student Affairs
Re: Information about Swine Flu
As you may have heard, an investigation and response effort surrounding the outbreak of swine flu in the U.S. is ongoing. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention activated its Emergency Operations Center and the Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security declared a public health emergency in the U.S.
While there have been no confirmed cases yet in Maryland, all of us need to be diligent in protecting ourselves by regularly visiting the sites below to learn how to stay healthy and access the latest and most reliable information on the current outbreak:
UMBC is prepared with a pandemic flu plan in place and is in close contact with the Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, which will take the lead in responding to such health threats.
If you have a question or concern, please call the Division of Student Affairs at 410-455-2393 or University Health Services at 410-455-2542 and press “1.”
We will continue to keep you informed about developments.
April 27, 2009
Presentation for the New Performing Arts and Humanities Facility
From: Elliot Hirshman, Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs
I wish to add my personal invitation to the campus community to attend the presentation on April 29 in Lecture Hall 5 from 12 p.m. to 12:50 p.m. of the design for the new Performing Arts and Humanities Facility.
From: Elliot Hirshman, Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs
I wish to add my personal invitation to the campus community to attend the presentation on Wednesday, April 29, in Lecture Hall 5 (Engineering building) from 12 p.m. to 12:50 p.m. of the design for the new Performing Arts and Humanities Facility. The building architects are preparing the Construction Documents for Phase I of the building and we expect to break ground in the Summer of 2010. We are also very excited with this being the first LEED certified building at UMBC.
Please join us on Wednesday, April 29, to learn the latest information on this eagerly anticipated building on our campus.
April 24, 2009
Kudos
Visual Arts Faculty to Present at Maryland Film Festival
Four Visual Arts faculty have been selected to screen their
film or video works at the 2009 Maryland Film Festival, Thursday, May 7, to Sunday, May 10:
* Eric Dyer, "The Bellows March," Opening Night Shorts program, Maryland Institute College of Art Brown Center, Thursday, May 7, 8 p.m.
* Fred Worden, "When Worlds Collide," Avant-Garde Shorts program,
Charles Theater, Friday, May 8, 1:30 p.m. and Saturday, May 9, 7:30 p.m.
* Vin Grabill, "Barcelona Mosaics," Avant-Garde Shorts program, Charles
Theater, Friday, May 8, 1:30 p.m. and Saturday, May 9, 7:30 p.m.
* Jenny Graf Sheppard (in collaboration with Chiara Giovando), "Proud
Flesh," This is Your Brain on Shorts program, Charles Theater, Friday, May 8, 7:30 p.m.
Men’s Crew Novice 4+ Boat Wins Gold Medal
The Men's Crew Novice 4+ boat won the gold medal at the Johns Hopkins Invitational on Saturday, April 18. The gold medal boat included: Michael Martin ‘10 (coxswain), Keilan Freeman ‘11, Juan M. Collazos ‘12, Pete Temple ‘11 and Dan Davieau ‘11. Eighteen alumni were on hand to watch the men take gold.
April 24, 2009
In the News
Jeffrey Davis, Political Science, on WYPR-88.1 FM
President Obama has considered the prosecution of former Bush officials who authorized severe interrogations by the CIA. As this story continued to develop, Jeffrey Davis, associate professor of political science, was a guest on “Midday with Dan Rodricks” on WYPR-88.1 FM. Davis is an expert on international law. The program aired live Thursday, April 23.
Orrest Reale, GEST, in Softpedia.com
In a partnership with the National Ocean and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), NASA has developed a new cyclone-forecasting tool. Softpedia.com’s “Space” section cited research by the Goddard Earth Sciences and Technology Center (GEST). “There is no event in nature that causes a greater loss of life than Northern Indian Ocean cyclones, so we have a strong motivation to improve advance warnings,” said Orrest Reale, an atmospheric modeler at GEST. The item ran Tuesday, April 14.
Tom Schaller, Political Science, in the Baltimore Sun
In his latest column for the Baltimore Sun, Associate Professor of Political Science Tom Schaller discussed the move by Maryland legislators adopt speed cameras and ban texting while driving. “What's infuriating is that both of these new laws are defended as measures to promote safety on our roadways,” Schaller wrote. “But if safety were the primary concern, rather than revenue generation or political posturing, Maryland politicians would go full bore and assign points for speed camera busts and ban everything done while driving except, well, driving.” The column, “Road Rash,” ran Tuesday, April 21.
UMBC in the Baltimore Sun
The Baltimore Sun ran a video story documenting a Wii bowling challenge between UMBC students and senior residents at Erickson Retirement Communities. The video ran on the newspaper’s Web site Friday, April 17.
UMBC, Student Judicial Programs in the Catonsville Times
The Catonsville Times reported that students, faculty and staff at UMBC made 930 gifts totaling $160,000 to the Maryland Charities Campaign. The campus community also contributed to the Office of Student Judicial Programs’ sixth annual coat drive, which provides clothing and toys to the Southwestern Emergency Ministry Services, in partnership with Arbutus United Methodist Church. The news brief, “UMBC Community Made Contribution to Area Groups,” ran Wednesday, April 22.
Education Students’ Generosity Brings Youth to Campus
Students in Professor Sandy Danna’s Education 310 course have taken student teaching to a new level. Their combined efforts resulted in a memorable day for students of Cristo Rey Jesuit High School, a charter school serving families who make less than $30,000 a year. On Wednesday, April 8, Cristo Rey students came to UMBC for a college field trip and were guided through campus with tour guides from the class.
But getting the students to campus was not easy. Cristo Rey wanted to send their students to UMBC for a day, but the funds weren’t there. That’s when UMBC students decided to act.
“If we didn’t do anything, I wasn’t sure anyone else would,” said Willie Archer ’10, a student in Danna’s class. “The students at Cristo Rey are there because local companies help pay their tuition. They don’t have money for buses and lunch.”
The first issue Archer and the class tackled was feeding the 18 students from Cristo Rey. Knowing that some of his UMBC friends didn’t use all of their meals, he asked them if they’d be willing to give one up. Before long, Archer had a long list of student names and red-card numbers.
“I asked students in my classes, and I also went door-to-door to the campus apartments,” Archer said. “Once I had enough names, I set up an appointment with campus dining.”
Archer’s interview with Chartwells was a success and with funding in place, Danna’s class set up a scheduled itinerary for the students that would give them a glimpse of college life. Students contributed in various ways.
“A student came into my office and said the Cristo Rey students needed to have souvenirs,” Danna said. “Before I knew it, she placed $80 on my desk as a contribution. UMBC students have really gone out of their way to get Cristo Rey students to campus.”
The Cristo Rey students arrived at 9:30 a.m. and were escorted by members of Danna’s class to the Retriever Activities Center (RAC), the Observatory, the Library and The Commons. Before lunch, Cristo Rey students visited Harbor Hall, where they participated in a question and answer session about college majors and future jobs. They also visited the Aspiring Teachers at UMBC floor within Harbor Hall, one of the Living Learning Communities (LLC).
When asked why they went above and beyond to get the Cristo Rey students to campus, one answer is common.
“These kids need as much encouragement to come to college as possible,” said Archer. “Without seeing a college and truly experiencing it, it’s very hard to convince people what a wonderful experience it can be. I can only hope that this will make the students at Cristo Rey feel as if a college education is something they can attain.”
ACTiVATE in the Montgomery Gazette
The ACTiVATE program at bwtech@UMBC is the lone U.S. entrepreneurship initiative for women to be named a “Good Practices” program, the Montgomery Gazette reported. The recognition is from the organizers of FemStart, a partnership of six European universities formed in 2006 to study female entrepreneurship and entrepreneurship training programs at universities. The other university programs cited are the MEETS program in Cambridge, England and the NEnA program in Halle, Germany. The story, “University Program One of Three to Win International Award,” ran Monday, April 13.
bwtech@UMBC in the Catonsville Times
A business research company at bwtech@UMBC was recently accredited to operate the first federal training center for teaching business management, acquisition, logistics and procurement processes to Department of Defense employees and contractors, the Catonsville Times reported. Solvern Innovations recently completed the two-year accreditation process and located its new “Center of Excellence” training facility one floor below its existing headquarters at the research park. The story, “Firm Makes Grade to Train Pentagon Employees,” appeared Wednesday, April 8.
http://www.explorebaltimorecounty.com/business/98057/firm-makes-grade-train-pentagon-employees/
Robert Provine, Psychology, in The New York Times
While other animals shed tears, human beings might be unique in shedding tears of grief. In an interview with The New York Times, Robert Provine, professor of psychology, discussed his research on the “tear effect.” Provine called emotional tears “a breakthrough in the evolution of humans as a social species.” His comments appeared in the “TierneyLab” blog. The piece, “Why We Evolved to Cry,” ran Thursday, April 9.
http://tierneylab.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/04/09/why-we-learned-to-cry/?scp=1&sq=provine&st=cse
UMBC Chess Team in the Washington Post
With a final-round surge against its archrival, the UMBC chess team rallied to win the 2009 President’s Cup Sunday, April 5. UMBC is the national collegiate chess champion for the fifth time in the past nine years. The Washington Post reported on the team’s victory in the Chess Column on Thursday, April 9.
UMBC in Environmental Protection
Governor Martin O’Malley and Montgomery County Executive Isiah Leggett recently announced the launch of the region’s first Maryland Clean Energy Center (MCEC), to be based at the Universities at Shady Grove in Montgomery County. The MCEC board is anticipating collaborations with both UMBC and Frederick County to further expand the center’s impact across Maryland, Environmental Protection reported. The story, “Maryland Launches Clean Energy Center,” appeared Tuesday, April 14.
Robert Deluty Publishes Book
Robert H. Deluty, associate dean of the Graduate School, has published his
20th book, Fractions of Eternity. In his review, Jared Smith, two-time Pulitzer Prize for Poetry nominee, wrote that "Robert Deluty's work brings shadows, depth and meaning to the greater patterns within and around us. There is a strong parallel between Deluty's sharp, crisp haiku and senryu and the best of longer contemporary poetry as practiced by today's masters. In both, the effect upon the reader is one of a nonlinear underground express train shuttling along the experiential tunnels of imagery that alternately enlighten and darken our lives.
Fractions of Eternity, as well as all of Deluty's other books, are on sale at the UMBC Bookstore.
Charles Hogan Earns Professional Certification in Arboriculture
Charles (Charlie ) Hogan, a landscape technician supervisors in Facilities Management, Landscape and Grounds Shop, recently earned a Certificate in Arboriculture from the International Society of Arboriculture. Hogan maintains the 3,000 tree inventory and supervises annual tree maintenance and installation of trees. He has been a UMBC employee for 11 years.
April 14, 2009
Monthly Award “Catches On” in Financial Services Department
When Associate Vice President Ben Lowenthal began his tenure within the Financial Services Department, he brought with him an idea that has everyone “hooked.”
Written by Stephen C. Lundin, Harry Paul and John Christensen, the FISH! philosophy covers ways to boost morale in the workplace while focusing on customer service and is based on the daily attitudes of operations at the Seattle Fish Market. The philosophy is simple and covers four areas: make a person’s day, be present, choose your attitude and always make time for “play”. Lowenthal introduced this model to his employees through a monthly “Catch of the Month” in which employees are awarded for using the four tenets of the FISH! philosophy. Anyone in the department is able to nominate another coworker based on an incident in which one or all of the components are used.
“The ‘Catch of the Month Award’ creates excitement and fosters a sense of cooperation,” said Lowenthal. “The focus is on customer service to both internal and external customers. People like to be recognized. It’s been a wonderful tool to boost morale and productivity throughout Financial Services.”
Each month, Lowenthal and Executive Administrative Assistant Jean Donohue present the award in the Administration building, 4th Floor Lobby. Lowenthal reads a description of how the winner used the FISH! philosophy but eliminates references to names to build suspense.
The award winner receives both a $25 gift certificate to the UMBC Bookstore and a stuffed version of “Pete the Perch” in a themed container, decorated by Donohue. Several people in the department now have their own “Pete” sitting on their desks as trophies.
To view the April presentation, click the play button below.
April 13, 2009
UMBC: Two-Time Winner of the Maryland Charity Campaign Governor’s Cup
UMBC has received the Maryland Charity Campaign’s 2008 Governor’s Cup for the second year in a row for per capita giving for employers of our size (500-2,499 employees) during the fall 2008 campaign.
The university set institutional records with increases greater than 30 percent over the previous year for both the number of donors and contributions. In 2008, 930 UMBC employees contributed a total of $160,000, compared to 703 employees and $122,842 in 2007.
“All of us can be proud that UMBC has received the Maryland Charity Campaign Governor’s Cup for the second year in a row. We are a caring community with a strong commitment to helping others less fortunate. Even during these difficult economic times, our students, faculty and staff demonstrated their generosity during the fall 2008 Campaign,” said President Freeman Hrabowski.
Hrabowski especially thanks the University Steering Committee and unit coordinators who made this year such a great success.
The engraved, silver Governor’s Cup will remain at UMBC until the 2009 winner is announced.
April 9, 2009
In the News
Tom Beck, Albin O. Kuhn Library and Gallery, in the Baltimore Sun
A growing number of artists and musicians locally and abroad are using the economic meltdown as inspiration to create songs, paintings and photos based on the downturn and document the recession's effect on society, the Baltimore Sun reported. “Sometimes, we're at our best when circumstances are at their worst,” said Tom Beck, chief curator of the Albin O. Kuhn Library and Gallery. “I would say that’s true for art as well as every other realm.”
Thomas Blass, Psychology, in the Yukon News
Two pranksters, posing as desk clerks at a hotel, called a sleeping guest about a gas leak. The purported leak was a hoax. Thomas Blass, professor of psychology, discussed the normal human reaction to what a hotel guest would perceive as an authority. “There’s a built-in and ‘constructive’ side to obeying authority,” Blass told the Yukon News. “As a kid we want our parents to teach us values, we want them to teach us not to cross the street against traffic—there’s a constructive side. But of course, there’s also a darker side.” The story, “Pranksters tap Humanity’s Dark Side,” ran Wednesday, March 25.
Laura Ruas, Music, in the Baltimore Sun
The Baltimore Sun reported that area freelance musicians are scrambling for new sources of income as performance opportunities decline during the recession. Laura Ruas, an adjunct lecturer in the music department, discussed a reduction in her chamber orchestra schedule. The story, “Freelance Musicians Rattled by Recession’s Toll on Livelihood,” ran Wednesday, April 8.
Tom Schaller, Political Science, in the Baltimore Sun
In his latest column for the Baltimore Sun, Associate Professor of Political Science Tom Schaller discussed the Obama administration’s Making Work Pay tax credit. The piece, “A Working Man’s Tax Break,” appeared Tuesday, April 7.
UMBC Chess Team in the News
With a final-round surge against its archrival, the UMBC chess team rallied to win the 2009 President’s Cup Thursday, April 5. UMBC is the national collegiate chess champion for the fifth time in the past nine years. Several news organizations reported on the team’s win, including the Baltimore Sun, Dallas Morning News, Houston Chronicle and Catonsville Times.
The Catonsville Times profiled the coaching given to members of the Hillcrest Elementary School chess club by the UMBC chess team. The story, “Chess Captures Students’ Attention at Hillcrest,” ran Wednesday, April 8.
Ben Schuman ‘96 Cited in the Iowa Marriage Case
Ben Schuman ’96 has the honor of proving that law journal “Notes” need not be pointless exercises in footnoting. His Note, Gods & Gays: Analyzing the Same-Sex Marriage Debate from a Religious Perspective, was cited repeatedly in Justice Cady’s opinion for the Court in the Iowa marriage case, Varnum v. Brien. For more information, visit http://lawdork.wordpress.com/2009/04/03/congrats/.
Jeremy Blevins ’09 Named Player of the Week
Jeremy Blevins ‘09, a goalkeeper for the men’s lacrosse team, was named the America East Player of the Week for his performance last week. In the Retrievers' wins against Towson University and Binghamton, Blevins surrendered just four goals in each game with 21 saves.
Please note that if you would still like to order regalia to march in either Commencement ceremony (May 20 and 21), you may do so without charge through April 5. A $20 late fee on all orders takes effect on April 6. The last day to order regalia is May 8. The Bookstore will be unable to accept regalia orders after this date. The electronic order form can be found at http://my.umbc.edu/commencementform. If you have questions, contact Gail Dupree at ext. 5-3807.
We look forward to seeing you at the Commencement ceremonies.
April 3, 2009
In the News
Lisa Akchin, OIA, in the Catonsville Times
UMBC received 1,415 responses from the campus community to an online survey regarding which kinds of businesses should be developed in Arbutus and Catonsville, the Catonsville Times reported. The newspaper summarized a presentation of the results to the Arbutus Business and Professional Association delivered by Lisa Akchin, assistant to the president and associate vice president for marketing and public relations. The story, “Survey of UMBC Community an Education for Group,” appeared Wednesday, April 1.
http://www.explorebaltimorecounty.com/business/97854/survey-umbc-community-education-group/
Geography and Environmental Systems, CUERE in the The Urbanite
In its “Green Issue,” The Urbanite described programs in the Department of
Geography and Environmental Systems and the UMBC Center for Urban Environmental Research and Education. The story, “Green City,” appeared in the April issue.
Bill Thomas, Erickson School, on National Public Radio
Bill Thomas, aging studies professor in the Erickson School, was a guest on “Talk of the Nation,” the national public affairs talk program on National Public Radio. He discussed the challenges surrounding elder care and solutions he has proposed to address them. The broadcast aired Wednesday, April 2.
Zeynep Tufekci, Sociology, in the Baltimore Sun
A Baltimore Sun technology columnist wrote that the social networking site “Twitter” is “one of those technologies that mystifies people even as they become addicted to it.” Zeynep Tufekci, an assistant professor in the sociology department, told the columnist, “Frankly, I think a lot of Twittering is somewhat faddish, whereas I never thought Facebook was.” The column, “When Did Twitter Take Over the Universe?” ran Tuesday, March 31.
UMBC Research Park, ACTiVATE in the Baltimore Sun
Reporting on a new rehabilitative exercise device for stroke victims, the Baltimore Sun noted that the ACTiVATE program at bwtech@umbc has marketed the product. The inventors “were matched with an entrepreneur who participated in a four-year-old program at (UMBC) that has been funded in part by a grant from the National Science Foundation (NSF). Called ACTiVATE, it trains women in business and hooks them up with technology invented at Maryland universities.” The story cited David Fink, director of entrepreneurial services at the research park, and ACTiVATE graduate Kris Appel.
UMBC Sherman STEM Scholars, National Science Foundation Partnership in The
Urbanite
The Urbanite reported on a grant-funded initiative with the National Science Foundation and the Baltimore County Public Schools System to train science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) teachers in high-needs schools. The piece also noted that the Sherman Teacher Education Scholars Program offers substantial financial and academic support to those interested in teaching in STEM fields. The story, “Higher Learning: Not too Cool for School,” appeared in the April issue.
UMBC in the Chronicle of Higher Education
A program to increase the number of minority scientists has proved highly successful, according to a new report from the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS). The Chronicle of Higher Education reported on the development in its daily news blog. The program, called the Alliances for Graduate Education and the Professoriate (AGEP), facilitates the recruitment, retention and advancement of traditionally underrepresented racial groups in the higher echelons of academic study. UMBC, with two other institutions in PROMISE (the AGEP based in Maryland), has contributed to the national growth cited in the report. The story, “Project to Support Minority Students in Science is Working, Report Says,” ran Wednesday, April 1.
Continuing and Professional Studies Receives Award for Print Publication
Continuing and Professional Studies won a Gold Level Marketing and Publications Award from the University Continuing Education Association. There were 348 entries from 78 institutions to submit marketing collateral and UMBC was selected specifically for the print recruitment campaign for UMBC at the Universities at Shady Grove. CPS worked directly with Creative Services on designing the pieces and will be flying to Boston in April to receive the award.
Robert Deluty Wins 2009 MPAGS Mentoring Award
Robert H. Deluty, associate dean of the Graduate School, received the Maryland Psychological Association of Graduate Students' 2009 MPAGS Award "for outstanding dedication to graduate student growth and progress." Deluty, who served for 18 years as the director of the clinical psychology Ph.D. program, received the award on Saturday, March 28, at Loyola College.
Eva Valentine, accountant I for the Department of Sociology and Anthropology, is the Non-exempt Employee of the Quarter (Wednesday, April 1, to Tuesday, June 30). Valentine began her career at UMBC in 1989 as an accounting clerk III for the Comptroller’s Office after transferring from a state agency. She was promoted and later transferred to the Department of Education as an accounting associate in 1999. She continued to grow in her career and transferred to her current position in 2005.
Students in Professor Sandy Danna’s Education 310 course have taken student teaching to a new level. Their combined efforts resulted in a memorable day for students of 
Written by Stephen C. Lundin, Harry Paul and John Christensen, the 
UMBC has received the Maryland Charity Campaign’s 2008 Governor’s Cup for the second year in a row for per capita giving for employers of our size (500-2,499 employees) during the fall 2008 campaign.
