Scott E. Weber, interdisciplinary studies '85, started at UMBC by
crafting his own curriculum. "All the students in interdisciplinary studies are entrepreneurs in a sense because what they're trying
to do is build a program to take advantage of the marketplace and be gainfully employed," says Weber.
"I tried to be well-rounded enough in my curriculum so that I could start my own magazine." Weber's plan
succeeded, and in addition to being honored as UMBC's Volunteer of the Year, he is now president and
cofounder of Physicians Practice, Inc., a health care communications company that publishes
Physician's Practice Digest.
"I had no health care or business background, but my studies at UMBC gave me a sense of how to identify
opportunities," says Weber. He now imparts this skill to students through his work with the UMBC Center
for Technology and Science Entrepreneurship, established through a $1-million gift from
Deutsche Banc Alex. Brown. As one of the architects of the program, Weber also taught the pilot course
in fall 2000 and hopes to continue to guide students to a future in entrepreneurship.
"It's our responsibility to provide this kind of program for students, but at the same time it's a
huge opportunity for UMBC and Baltimore," says Weber. "We can give new students this education and keep
their ideas in Baltimore. I've lived in the city now for close to 20 years and couldn't imagine living
anywhere else."
Although Weber's business and personal life keep him busy, he obviously still feels passionate about
remaining active in the UMBC community, for the benefit of the campus and the city as well. Having built
a foundation for success during his time at UMBC, Weber is now determined to provide today's students
with the same tools.
"I was at a point in my life where I wanted to give something back and I have an enormous amount of
pride in UMBC," says Weber. That pride extends to the students themselves, many of whom he meets through
his teaching. "I'm in awe of how incredibly intelligent, driven and mature they are. In my classes,
I often forget I'm talking to sophomores, juniors and seniors. I feel like I'm talking to my peers."
Arnold T. Blumberg is a freelance writer, book designer and columnist. He currently teaches at
UMBC and is president of the English Alumni Society.
