---
title: Alumni Association News
date: 2026-01-15T11:00:00-05:00
author: University of Maryland
canonical_url: "https://terp.umd.edu/alumni-association-news-25"
section: Articles
---
# Alumni Association News

*January 15, 2026* — by [Alumni Association Staff](/authors/alumni-association-staff)


- *Illustrations via iStock*
- *Photos courtesy of UMD Alumni Association*


# Letter From the Senior Executive Director


*Jessica Roberts headshot*


**Jessica K. Roberts**

Jessica K. Roberts ’02  
Senior Executive Director  
University of Maryland Alumni Association





# 4 Ways to Stay Connected as Maryland Moves Forward


## Alums Play Crucial Role in Accelerating UMD’s Momentum


There’s never been a better time to be a Terp. UMD is ranking higher than ever, innovating at the forefront of global issues and making a difference in communities worldwide. A large part of that success comes from a network of more than 431,000 alums—Terps connected by pride and the power of a Maryland education. As an alum, here’s how you can help the university soar as it begins a $2.5 billion fundraising effort, [*Forward: The University of Maryland Campaign for the Fearless*](https://terp.umd.edu/the-paths-forward).


*group of six people in UMD gear, with one holding a dog — Michael-Holmgren, second from left, with fellow Los Angeles Terps Alumni Network board members at the Coffee With Terps event on Sept. 27.*


> I have learned so much through every position I’ve held on the board, from creating memorable events and working with different types of people from all walks of life, to meeting and building relationships with alums of all ages.”

— —Aurelia Michael-Holmgren ’08


*Richard Blackman poses with Testduo, who's wearing a yellow rain jacket — Blackman with Testudo at the Maryland Day breakfast for Alumni Association members on April 25.*


> From having a daughter attend Maryland, to conducting mock interviews with business students, mentoring and co-leading seminars, to serving on the Smith Alumni Board, my connection \[with Maryland\] has only grown. How could I not be a lifetime member—with my name on the wall?”

— —Richard Blackman ’73


*woman speaks at event, with Foster Terrapin Pride sign*


**Sidebar note:**

**SAVE THE DATE**  
**MARYLAND MINDS: SHAPING THE FUTURE WITH AI**  
**The Clarice // Feb. 17**  
Learn how the university is solidifying its role as a global leader in emerging technologies at this TED Talk-style event. Join us to celebrate the pioneering work of our faculty, staff and students and highlight how UMD is making real progress for real people.



*person in yellow shirt holds phone, next to cat*


**Sidebar note:**

**FIND US ON:**  
Instagram: [@maryland\_alumni](https://www.instagram.com/maryland_alumni/?hl=en)  
Facebook: [@TerpAlumni](https://www.facebook.com/TerpAlumni/)  
LinkedIn: [University of Maryland Alumni Association](https://www.linkedin.com/company/maryland-alumni)





**Issue:** [Winter 2026](https://terp.umd.edu/editions/winter-2026)


**Types:** [Post-Grad](https://terp.umd.edu/category/post-grad)