"When I attended UMBC it was a solid campus with a good reputation, but it's a very different campus today. You can't help but get excited by it. It's easy to be motivated to be part of a winning team," says Hodges. He sees the strength of the university through its students as well. "I interview elsewhere, and I'm continually impressed with the caliber of students coming out of UMBC. They are well-educated with the right goals." Hodges also believes UMBC students understand the value of a well-rounded education. "It's rare that I run into a well-educated UMBC student who isn't also involved in activities on campus or in the community, and that's very important to me as an employer," says Hodges.

The internship program is flexible enough to let students work at their convenience and in the environment of their choosing. "They keep my schedule flexible so I can work around my classes," says Philippe Collat, imaging and digital arts '02.

Even though interns may not decide to apply for a permanent position with the company, Hodges believes the program benefits both parties. "Some of our interns are digital arts majors, and they're not necessarily interested in a permanent job here. But we're providing a good experience for them and helping them with their portfolio, and they're doing great things for us," says Hodges.

Allyson Watt, information systems '01, works with new tracking software that provides challenges beyond the classroom. "One of the company's biggest goals is to recruit interns who will eventually become future employees, but my experience here will help with any job I apply for," says Watt.

The program is possible thanks to a forward-thinking university with an entrepreneurial attitude. "UMBC has done an outstanding job of keeping up with technology and business," says Hodges. The research park, bwtech@UMBC, is a perfect example. "It benefits local businesses, the university and Maryland by drawing technically talented students and retaining them for local business," says Hodges. UMBC's dedicated students and faculty are a real strength. "I've talked with many students who were also accepted at other, bigger colleges. In hindsight, they felt it was a terrific decision to come to UMBC," says Hodges.

Hodges' own experience at UMBC built a firm foundation for his future as well. "I focused on a solid science and math background. That laid a very good framework." Mike Paul, mathematics professor, made a lasting impression: "He did a wonderful job of explaining very complex concepts in a way you could visualize. I went to him for advice and he was a terrific inspiration."

Hodges joined Northrop Grumman right after graduation and, in the past 10 years, began focusing on recruitment through the Office of Career Development and Placement at UMBC. He also serves on the President's Advisory Council, which unites business with the UMBC campus to improve the business community as a whole. Hodges is now working with UMBC to provide training opportunities for Northrop Grumman employees. "UMBC is sponsoring the program and offering us an opportunity to take the courses on campus. It takes us out of the work environment, so there's less opportunity for interruption, and UMBC gains from this practical educational experience," says Hodges.

With all this activity, you might conclude that Hodges is passionate about UMBC, but it's more than an attachment to his alma mater. "These are things I would do even if I weren't an alumnus," Hodges says. "Everybody has a level of excitement here that shows when you talk to the staff, the faculty and the students. That's not a given at other colleges." It is a given, however, that Greg Hodges will certainly be back again to recruit more students and add to the excitement that encourages him to maintain ties with UMBC.

Arnold Blumberg is a freelance writer, book designer and columnist who has written numerous books and articles about comics and science fiction entertainment.