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Stories From The Class of 2005: Undergraduate Students

Matt McGloin

Matthew McGloin
Plans: Professional Actor with the Virginia Shakespeare Festival
B.F.A., Acting
Baltimore, MD

A Linehan Artist Scholar and member of the Honors College, Matthew McGloin has performed a wide range of roles in UMBC and community theatre productions, as well as the Ballet Academy of Baltimore’s annual production of The Nutcracker. Last year, McGloin studied at the Victoria University of Wellington, New Zealand. With funding from two theatre department grants, McGloin conducted research projects on Fitzmaurice Voicework, a method of voice training, and Alexander Technique, a method of improving ease and freedom of movement, balance, support and coordination often utilized by actors. He recently received the Outstanding Student Award in theatre, presented by UMBC’s Alumni Association. In addition to his work in theatre, he regularly volunteers at a soup kitchen and plays piano for his church, a local nursing home and for events at Mount Saint Joseph High School. This summer he’ll perform in The Tempest and The Complete Works of Shakespeare Abridged with the Virginia Shakespeare Festival.

“At UMBC I have learned a lot about myself and about growing up. As I leave, I have a confidence that promises happiness in my continued journey. I am grateful to each friend and teacher at UMBC who has touched my life.”

 

 

 

 

 

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Thomas Occhipinti

Thomas Occhipinti
Plans: Ph.D. in Mathematics, University of Arizona
B.S., Mathematics and Economics
Vicksburg, MD

In December 2004, Thomas Occhipinti was Maryland’s top scorer in the William Lowell Putnam Mathematical Contest, a national competition for undergraduate students administered by the Mathematical Association of America. Over 2000 students take the test each year, and Occhipinti’s score of 40 placed him in the top 160. He also tied for fourth place (out of 250 students) in the recent Virginia Tech Regional Mathematics Competition. Occipinti is a member of UMBC’s Honors College and recently received the Outstanding Student in Economics Award from the UMBC Alumni Association; he received the Outstanding Student in Mathematics award last year.

“UMBC’s faculty are overwhelmingly friendly and care a great deal about their students. I have no doubt it is as a result of the bonds I have formed with my professors that I am where I am today.”

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Melissa Taylor

Melissa Taylor
Plans: Head of Marketing and Design, AthenaES
B.A., Visual Arts
Hebron, MD

An internship opportunity with a company at techcenter@UMBC turned into future plans for Melissa Taylor, who attended UMBC on a President’s Scholarship. After completing a graphic design internship with PDA Marketing, Taylor interned as a graphic designer with AthenaES, a biotech company with techcenter@UMBC, a facility for start-up and emerging companies. (The founder of AthenaES is Sheldon Broedel ’84 M.S., ’90 Ph.D., who was one of UMBC’s 2005 Alumni of the Year.) Her internship turned into a part-time job, and in June she’ll begin work full time, heading up marketing and design for the company. Taylor also took time out to play intramural soccer and field hockey, in addition to club soccer, during her time at UMBC.

“The visual arts department helped me discover my passion for graphic design and animation, which helped to shape my career path. Through UMBC's Shriver Center I was able to obtain multiple internships, which naturally transitioned into a full-time job. I am looking forward to putting my expertise to use after graduation.”

 

 

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David Dalrymple

David Dalrymple
Plans: Ph.D., MIT (Fall 2006)
B.S., Computer Science and Mathematics
Columbia, MD

At only 13 years old, David Dalrymple has made presentations at Microsoft, the MIT Media Lab, the ACM/Glenn Commission and the Smithsonian Institution. He is a member of the Honors College and received an Outstanding Achievement in Computer Science Award along with membership to Pi Mu Epsilon and Phi Beta Kappa. Dalrymple participated in the Kauffman Entrepreneurship Internship Program though UMBC’s Shriver Center. Outside of UMBC, he traveled abroad with the Semester at Sea program, and later raised money by selling photographs from his trip that he mounted and framed. Dalrymple was recognized for his diverse interests in Richard Saul Wurman’s book, 1000, about America’s 1,000 most creative individuals. He is currently collaborating with MIT Inventor of the Year Ray Kurzweil and plans to work with him and consult for a year before he begins his Ph.D. program.

“UMBC is a fine institution that continues to exceed people’s expectations. I've learned a lot here, and with the help of dedicated faculty and staff I am now better equipped to realize my goal of organizing a tech startup.”

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Steven Wiley

Steven Wiley
Plans: Computer Systems Analyst/Programmer, Lockheed Martin
B.A., Information Systems and Certificate of Advanced Study in Intercultural Communication
Elkridge, MD

Steven Wiley has been actively involved in his department, participating in the IS Committee for Tenure and Promotion and the IS Council of Majors. He is a member of the Honors College, a Lockheed Martin Scholar and a Verizon Scholar; he received the John B. Schwartz Scholarship for outstanding scholarship and service in information systems; and was elected to Phi Beta Kappa. Wiley was a copy editor and features staff writer for the Retriever Weekly and a note taker for Student Support Services. To gain professional experience, he worked with the Association of Maryland Pilots as an IT intern and provided design and technical support during his internship at Mirador Research.

“The depth and diversity of knowledge among my peers makes it truly an honor to be a part of this distinguished graduating class. I am grateful to have been accepted by UMBC as an individual and to have been challenged to apply my best efforts in all areas of study.”

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Sean Lindsay

Sean Lindsay
Plans: High School Teacher
B.S., Mathematics and Secondary Education Certificate
Easton, MD

Through his participation in numerous programs at UMBC’s Shriver Center, Sean Lindsay honed his teaching and leadership skills while giving back to the community. The Center’s senior intern for two years, he became involved in the Living Learning Center, after school programs such as College Gardens Community Center, and the Adult Literacy Program coordinated with the Learning Bank in Baltimore. Lindsay received a Samuel I. Rosenberg Citizenship Award for outstanding community service and was a member of the Provost's Student Advisory Council. He was also the captain of UMBC's ultimate Frisbee team, a contributing writer for the Retriever Weekly and a Residential Life Assistant.

“UMBC has helped me to achieve my goals by providing many opportunities for me to grow as a leader while developing personally and academically.”

 

 

 

 

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Aaron Ralby

Aaron Ralby
Valedictorian
Plans: M.A., University of Cambridge; Ph.D. in Medieval Studies, Cornell University
B.A., English and Modern Languages and Linguistics
Owings Mills, MD

In one summer Aaron Ralby, UMBC’s 2005 Valedictorian, worked as an SAT tutor, built a shed with a living roof, practiced Tai Chi, archery and running and completed his first novel. Recipient of the Honors College Outstanding Achievement Award, he wrote his undergraduate thesis on the poet W.B. Yeats, which he presented at UMBC’s 2005 Undergraduate Research and Creative Achievement Day. Ralby helped organize several on-campus events, including International Poetry Night, and studied abroad in Germany to develop his language skills. He will receive full funding at Cornell and was a finalist for the Marshall Scholars award, a scholarship program for Americans studying in the United Kingdom. Among Ralby’s graduation accolades are a 2005 Outstanding Undergraduate Student Alumni Award from the English department, an Academic Achievement Award from modern languages and linguistics and election to Phi Beta Kappa.

“UMBC has helped me discover what I really want to do. Being able to work closely with faculty and conduct serious research has given me opportunities I otherwise would not have had and has prepared me well for graduate school. I leave UMBC with greater love and motivation for scholarship.”

 

 

 

 

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Erum Marfani

Erum Marfani
Plans: To take the Foreign Service Exam
B.A., Political Science and Mathematics
Baltimore, MD

An aspiring ambassador, Erum Marfani has prepared herself for a diplomatic career by participating in the Model United Nations, serving as vice president of the Muslim Student Association and interning at the Peace Corps Headquarters and Baltimore County Public Defender's Office. She presented her research on global labor trafficking at UMBC’s 2005 Undergraduate Research and Creative Achievement Day. A Sondheim Public Affairs Scholar and a McNair Scholar, her other on-campus affiliations include the Honors College, the Women’s Center, the Math Council of Majors, the Political Science Council of Majors and the Society of Inspiring Students with Individual Abilities. Marfani received an Outstanding Senior Award from the mathematics department and an Outstanding Scholar-Leader Award from the political science department, was a finalist for the Harry S. Truman Scholarship, and belongs to Phi Beta Kappa, Phi Kappa Phi, the National Society of Collegiate Scholars and the Golden Key International Honor Society. She has also volunteered at the St. Agnes Hospital soup kitchen.

"UMBC has been instrumental in helping me to achieve my goals. I had great professors who not only taught in the classroom, but also helped me make contacts for internships and career development. With my degrees from UMBC, I am hopeful about my graduate school prospects.”

 

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Isaac Kinde

Isaac Kinde
Plans: M.D./ Ph.D., Johns Hopkins University
B.S., Biological Sciences
Redlands, CA

Isaac Kinde, a Meyerhoff Scholar and member of the Honors College, has taken full advantage of opportunities to gain real-life experience in the biological sciences. During his time as a Howard Hughes Medical Institute Scholar, he helped conduct HIV research, which he presented at UMBC’s 2005 Undergraduate Research and Creative Achievement Day. He contributed to two articles on his research published in the Journal of Molecular Biology and the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. Kinde was also a researcher in one of the University of California, San Francisco’s medical laboratories. He was awarded a Pfizer Undergraduate Summer Research Fellowship and received the Faculty Award of Excellence in the Biological Sciences. He is a Minority Access to Research Careers Scholar, a member of UMBC’s Institutional Review Board and president of the Golden Key International Honor Society, as well as a member of Phi Beta Kappa. Kinde received two first place awards for presentations at biomedical and chemical and biological sciences conferences. His community service activities include St. Vincent’s Children Center Reading Days and the Kaplan Test Drive.

“UMBC's powerful combination of top-notch faculty, collaborative student peers and caring administrators equipped me with the tools necessary to overcome the rigors of university life and gave me the confidence to succeed in higher education.”

 

 

 

 

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Claire Deckert

Claire Deckert
Plans: Global Research Assistant, Department of Defense
B.A., English
Columbia, MD

After taking From Spies to Satellites, an honors course that featured several guest speakers from the intelligence community, Claire Deckert was inspired to pursue a career with the Department of Defense. She credits her success to gaining skills in technology as well as in journalism and learning how to manage financial and academic responsibilities. Deckert received both a Maryland Hope Scholarship and a Maryland Senatorial Scholarship and won semester academic honors in her department. She was also active as an intern at the on-campus literary magazine Bartleby and a member of the French Club.

“I am proud to be a UMBC graduate because the University’s emphasis on technology carries over to many majors and makes my B.A. in English more marketable in today's high-tech society.”

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Gregory Lowe

Gregory Lowe
Plans: M.A. in International Development, London School of Economics
B.A., Political Science and Art History and Economics Minors
Silver Spring, MD

A student in the Sondheim Public Affairs Scholar Program, Gregory Lowe researched agricultural policy and subsidies in the European Union for his senior thesis, which he presented at UMBC’s 2005 Undergraduate Research and Creative Achievement Day. He has actively developed his understanding of public policy, participating in UMBC’s Model United Nations team, College Democrats, Amnesty International and the Montgomery County Democratic Central Committee. Lowe also studied abroad in Copenhagen, Denmark. He received an Outstanding Scholar Award from the political science department and was elected to Phi Beta Kappa. Lowe’s service activities include volunteering at the YMCA’s Multiple Sclerosis Swim Program.

“My professors really helped me discover my talents and interests during my time at UMBC. Their guidance and consideration have allowed many of my most sought-after dreams to become realities.”

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Lynne Ruchlewicz

Lynne Ruchlewicz
Plans: Master’s Degree in Audio Production at the University of Westminster (England)
B.A., Music
Aberdeen, MD

A Linehan Artist Scholar, Lynne Ruchlewicz has been active as a musician at UMBC and during her study abroad experience. She performed with UMBC’s Jazz Ensemble, and for the past year has been a member of the UMBC Wind Ensemble. As a study abroad student at Kingston University in London, England, she played trumpet with the university’s Jazz Ensemble at the Royal Albert Hall.

“As a Linehan Artist Scholar, I always had the opportunity to experience new art. I feel that I have grown as an artist because of the opportunities the Linehan Artist Program gave me. With all of the countless experiences UMBC has provided me in the past four years, I feel confident going out into the world knowing I studied at one of the finest educational institutions.”

 

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Colin McGuigan

Colin McGuigan
Co-Salutatorian
Plans: Peace Corps
B.A., History
Frederick, MD

Colin McGuigan is a Sondheim Public Affairs Scholar with a passion for creating understanding across cultures and serving the disadvantaged. He has led several service initiatives, including planning and coordinating a minute of silence for genocide victims in Darfur, Sudan and co-founding the Tea Empire, a student organization that seeks to learn about and appreciate other cultures through tea. As an intern for the Maryland Association of Nonprofit Organizations, McGuigan wrote a report on the status of Maryland's nonprofit sector, edited testimony to be given to the Maryland General Assembly, organized informational meetings on nonprofit lobbying, and lobbied in Annapolis on issues important to nonprofits in Maryland. His numerous community service projects include tutoring students from inner city elementary schools and volunteering at a soup kitchen.

"At UMBC, my professors and peers have encouraged me not only to reach my potential, but to expand it, and reach it again. UMBC has imbued me with a mature understanding of success, which includes not only how much I have accomplished, but how much I have accomplished for my community.”

 

 

 

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Amy Holthause

Amy Holthause
Plans: High School English Teacher, Howard County Public Schools
B.A., English/Writing Minor and Secondary Education Certificate
Ellicott City, MD

Amy Holthause, who will begin teaching high school English this fall, turned her UMBC internship, work experience and honors into an opportunity to fulfill a lifelong dream to teach students the power of language. Holthause recently received UMBC’s Outstanding Contributions in English and Outstanding Secondary Education Student awards as well as the Learning Resources Center Excellence in Tutoring Award for her work as a tutor at the University’s Writing Center. She is certified as a Master Tutor by the College Reading and Learning Association and participated in a national conference showcasing her research in writer’s block. Holthause also worked on the poetry staff of Bartleby, UMBC’s creative-arts journal. Inducted as a member of Phi Beta Kappa, Phi Kappa Phi, Sigma Tau Delta, and Kappa Delta Phi honor societies, she has been able to stay connected to students across the country with the same academic interests.

“UMBC’s faculty is extremely supportive. Each of my professors encouraged me to achieve goals beyond my expectations. Perhaps I’ll even get the chance to teach at UMBC someday.”

 

 

 

 

 

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Kenneth Gibbs

Kenneth Gibbs
Plans: Ph.D. in Immunology, Stanford University
B.S., Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
Durham, NC

Kenneth Gibbs has received numerous honors for his outstanding achievements in academics and research. He is a Meyerhoff Scholar, a MARC Scholar, a Howard Hughes Institute Scholar and a Barry M. Goldwater Scholar. He was recently elected to Phi Beta Kappa, and also received a Student Recognition Award from the biochemistry department. Gibbs has interned in labs at Harvard and Stanford Universities, and was a research assistant at the National Human Genome Research Institute. He co-authored on two articles in Human Genetics and Prostate and presented research at the Annual Biomedical Research Conference for Minority Students. For two years, Gibbs worked in the lab of Suzanne Ostrand-Rosenberg, professor of biological sciences, and he presented his research at UMBC’s 2005 Undergraduate Research and Creative Achievement Day. He has served as a tutor in the Chemistry Tutorial Center since his freshman year.

“The environment at UMBC is conducive to student achievement. Across disciplines, faculty ensure that students are given the resources necessary to succeed. It’s a place where a student can grow not only as a scholar, but as a person. There is such a diversity of students here that no matter what your interest is, you are likely to meet someone who shares it. Coming here has been a complete blessing in my life."

 

 

 

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Erin Loeliger

Erin Loeliger
Plans: M.D./ Ph.D., Harvard Medical School
B.S., Biochemistry
Baltimore, MD

Graduating at 19, Erin Loeliger was invited to the country’s most prestigious medical schools, including Johns Hopkins, Yale, University of Pennsylvania, University of Virginia, University of Maryland and Jefferson Medical College. While at UMBC, she worked as a Howard Hughes Medical Institute student researcher and co-wrote two articles published in international scholarly journals. A student in the Honors College, Loeliger received a President’s Fellow Award and the Award for Intellectual, Social and Physical Excellence given by the Evan Thomas Institute for Human Potential as well as a Student Recognition Award in biochemistry. She is also a member of Phi Beta Kappa, Phi Kappa Phi, Omicron Delta Kappa, the Golden Key International Honor Society and the National Society of Collegiate Scholars.

“My time at UMBC has taught me that anything is possible if only you work hard and dream big. I am grateful to everyone who has inspired and guided me and made UMBC a fun and exciting place to be.”

 

 

 

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Natasha Wilson

Natasha Wilson
Plans: Engineer, Rohm and Hass Co.
B.S., Chemical Engineering
Washington, DC

Natasha Wilson, a Computer Science and Engineering Mentorship Scholar, begins her career as a chemical engineer after graduating from UMBC. Wilson will work for Rohm and Hass Co. in Philadelphia, where she will help create a master process to achieve consistent product quality at the company’s plants worldwide. As an undergraduate, Wilson had the opportunity to conduct research in downstream processes and fermentation in the lab of Antonio Moriera, professor of chemical and biochemical engineering and associate vice provost for academic affairs. She also served in various leadership roles on campus: vice president and treasurer of the UMBC Colony of the Omega Phi Beta Sorority, Inc., membership chair for UMBC’s chapter of the National Society of Black Engineers and vice president of the Hispanic Latino Student Union.

“UMBC’s chemical and biochemical department is made up of phenomenal people doing phenomenal things for the school and especially for its students. The department is a family, a support system and a big reason why I’m graduating from UMBC.”

 

 

 

 

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Candace Weinreich

Candace Weinreich
Plans: Auditor, PricewaterhouseCoopers
B.S., Financial Economics and B.A., Spanish
Baltimore, MD

Like many UMBC students, Candace Weinreich explored the real-world activities of her future profession through internships at T. Rowe Price and at PricewaterhouseCoopers, where she was hired as an auditor. She received a Senior Award in financial economics and in accounting and the MACPA Outstanding Accounting Student Award. Weinreich studied abroad in Spain and was a member of UMBC’s cross country team. She received several financial awards, including a Maryland Senatorial Scholarship, an Omicron Delta Epsilon Scholarship, a Charles F. Peake Scholarship and a Ryland Homes Scholarship. Weinreich is a member of the National Society of Collegiate Scholars, the Golden Key International Honor Society and Phi Beta Kappa.

"The faculty members in the economics and administrative sciences departments were an integral part of my success at UMBC. They take an active role in helping students find internships and also provide excellent advising for career planning and class selection. Their dedication, care and support have helped me get to where I am today."

 

 

 

 

 

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Mary Potorti

Mary Potorti
Plans: AmeriCorps
B.A., American Studies and History
Baltimore, MD

A member of the Honors College and a Humanities Scholar, Mary Potorti studied abroad in Vietnam, where she volunteered to help the elderly and victims of Agent Orange and instructed university students and professionals in English. She presented her research on Vietnam War films at UMBC’s 2005 Undergraduate Research and Creative Achievement Day. Potorti, who was elected to Phi Beta Kappa, received the Senior Award for Outstanding Achievement from the American studies department and the John Bell-Clifford Mass Prize for Academic Excellence from the history department. She interned at a law office where she learned about state-level government relations and public interest lobbying and recently finished a research assistantship at Johns Hopkins in the Intimate Partner Violence Project.

"UMBC has encouraged me to get the most out of my college experience. The wonderfully supportive faculty have enabled me to explore all of my interests, from study abroad, internships and independent research to real-life work experience. I am proud to be a liberal arts student graduating from a public university so well-known for its science and computer programs because it demonstrates UMBC’s excellence in all areas."

 

 

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Lauren Perskie

Lauren Perskie
Co-salutatorian
Plans: Ph.D. in Biophysics, Johns Hopkins University
B.S., Mathematics and Physics
Nottingham/White Marsh, MD

Like many UMBC students, Lauren Perskie balanced academic excellence and research experience during her undergraduate career. Recently elected to Phi Beta Kappa, Perskie was also recognized for her achievements with the Outstanding Senior departmental awards in both Mathematics and Physics. In the summer of her sophomore year, Perskie was part of a Research Experience for Undergraduates program at the University of Illinois, where she conducted x-ray crystallography experiments. Last year, she worked in the space physics department of the Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory and was a second author on a poster presentation at a conference in Paris. Before beginning her Ph.D. this fall—funded by a grant from the National Institutes of Health—Perskie will spend three weeks at Hopkins’ Applied Physics Laboratory before going to Ethiopia for six weeks as part of a program sponsored by UMBC's chapter of InterVarsity Christian Fellowship.

“I often tell prospective students that college is what you make of it, and you can make a lot of it at UMBC. Students here are industrious and willing to help each other, and the professors are interested in both their research and students. As a student at UMBC, I have learned to work smarter, think harder, and not to sell myself short when pursuing my goals.”

 

 

 

 

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