--- title: Alumni Association News date: 2025-09-15T10:00:00-04:00 author: University of Maryland canonical_url: "https://terp.umd.edu/alumni-association-news-24" section: Articles --- # Alumni Association News *September 15, 2025* — by [Alumni Association Staff](/authors/alumni-association-staff) - *Photo courtesy of UMD Alumni Association* - *Illustrations via iStock* *illustration of two Terps fans high-fiving* # Letter From the Senior Executive Director *Jessica Roberts headshot* **Jessica K. Roberts** Jessica K. Roberts ’02 Senior Executive Director University of Maryland Alumni Association *group poses for photo on boat* # With Travel Program, Maryland Ties Extend Around the World **WHEN MICHAEL TANGRETI ’80** retired, he knew it was time to tackle his travel bucket list. But as a solo traveler, questions started running through his mind: *Am I going to be bored? Am I going to have things in common with people? What’s it going to be like?* He found the answers with the [University of Maryland Alumni Association](https://alumni.umd.edu/). He’s taken two trips through its travel program in the past two years—making memories and new Terp friends—and plans to take more. “Traveling with the Alumni Association offers me an immediate door opener to things in common with other people as soon as I get there,” he says. Tangreti first traveled with Terps in 2023 to the Dalmatian Coast in Croatia, France and Italy, where he joyfully experienced their cultures and cuisines. He returned for a trip to the Adriatic in 2024. There, he met fellow alums from all over the U.S. “Even though we’re all quite unique and different people, and we don’t know each other when the week starts, by the end of the trip, you make some pretty close ties,” Tangreti says. Among his new friends are Audrey ’89 and Jeff Krause ’86. Like Tangreti, they decided to travel more after retirement. On their 2024 Adriatic cruise (above), the Krauses took comfort not only in the Terp community, but also in the convenience of a luxury, planned trip. “They had locals that were trained to be tour guides that told us the history,” Jeff says. “I can’t remember a time where they said, ‘I don’t know.’ They were excited about the work.” The trip inspired the Krauses to get more involved with their alma mater. They attended the 2024 Homecoming Tailgate, their first event as alums. “We got a fantastic education at UMD and went on to pursue our career goals,” Jeff says. “Now, after retiring, it’s been great to connect back with the university.” **Sidebar note:** Take your next adventure with Terps. Visit [go.umd.edu/travelingterps](https://alumni.umd.edu/events/travel). # Tailgate Like a Terp ## Alums Share 5 Tips for Game Day As Maryland prepares to take on Indiana at the [Homecoming](https://homecoming.umd.edu/) game on Nov. 1, it’s time to think about your own game plan—for tailgating. Whether you’ve never partied in a parking lot or you’re looking to go pro, UMD alums stepped up to share their best advice. (Hint: It involves a lot of Old Bay). *two hands clink can, cup together* **PLAY IT SAFE** Get a foldable roadtrip/tailgate grill. “They run on propane, which means once you turn it off and unscrew the gas, you can head right into your event,” says Clyde D. Thompson ’10. *Old Bay being sprinkled onto sausage, shrimp* *Maryland fan with foam finger that says, "#1"* **SPEND TIME WITH FAMILY** “Both the one you’re born into and the one you find in red and gold. Come with an open heart and a welcoming mindset,” Taylor Studds ’17 says. Be ready to share: your games, your Old Bay-covered snacks and your table. “It’s a chance to reconnect with old friends and make new ones.” **Sidebar note:** With this tailgate playbook in hand, you’ll be ready to cheer the Terps on to victory. For tailgate food, fun and fizz, your [Alumni Association](https://alumni.umd.edu/) has you covered. Join us three hours before kickoff for the biggest tailgate on campus, at the Samuel Riggs IV Alumni Center. **Issue:** [Fall 2025](https://terp.umd.edu/editions/fall-2025) **Types:** [Post-Grad](https://terp.umd.edu/category/post-grad)