Class Notes
’10s
Nicole Janoff ’18 was recognized with a 2020 Success Academy Excellence Award, which honors select educators at Success Academy charter schools in New York City who have demonstrated outstanding talent and commitment. Janoff is a kindergarten teacher at Success Academy Union Square.
Tony Jia ’18 is the founder of Subtle Asian Party/AVENUE Party, which worked with the University of California, Berkeley for its virtual commencement.
Samuel Rombro ’18 was named Arizona’s top scorer on June 16 in Buzzword, the national online quiz competition created by the National Academic Quiz Tournaments.
Joeanne “Jo” Thomas ’18 was selected as a 2020 Pat Tillman Foundation Tillman Scholar. The Pat Tillman Foundation Scholarship is the preeminent veteran-specific scholarship in the country. The Marine Corps veteran is now a UMD graduate assistant in Veteran Student Life and volunteer with Team River Runner.
Julie Friedman ’17 was recognized with a 2020 Success Academy Excellence Award, which honors select educators at Success Academy charter schools in New York City who have demonstrated outstanding talent and commitment. Friedman is a first-grade teacher at SA Harlem 4. She won in the Rookie of the Year category.
Jennifer Hester EMBA ’15 was promoted to chief human resources officer of Emmes. She joined the biotechnology company in 2006 as its director of human resources. Before joining Emmes, Hester was manager of human resources at Spirent Communications. She holds an M.S. in personnel and human resources management from American University, and a B.A. in liberal arts and sciences from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University.
Courtney M. Palmiere ’15 was named one of the five best audiologists in Charlotte, N.C., by Kev’s Best. Palmiere earned her bachelor’s degree in hearing and speech sciences at UMD and her doctor of audiology degree from the University of Pittsburgh.
Emily Wagner ’14 won a WW Pennsylvania Teaching Fellowship from the Woodrow Wilson National Fellowship Foundation, which recruits both recent graduates and career changers with strong backgrounds in science, technology, engineering and math and prepares them to teach in high-need secondary schools. Each fellow receives $32,000 to complete a specially designed master’s degree program. In return, fellows commit to teach for three years.
Tanaye White ’14 appeared in Sports Illustrated’s 2020 swimsuit issue. In 2018, with no modeling experience, she tried out for the magazine and made it to the top 16 finalists, and made the cut for this year’s issue. White received her bachelor's degree in economics and a master’s degree from Georgetown University in public relations and corporate communications.
James Green MBA ’11 joined the Chartis Group, a provider of advisory services and analytics to the health care industry, as a director in the firm’s revenue cycle practice. Green has more than 25 years of experience leading and advising hospitals and health systems through the entirety of the revenue cycle: improving financial performance, reducing cost to collect and enhancing operations. Prior to joining Chartis, Green was vice president and managing partner at Optum. Green received his MBA from the Robert H. Smith School of Business and his B.A. in sociology from the University of Michigan.
Jazz Lewis ’11, MPP ’14 was named to The Daily Record’s 2020 VIP List, which recognizes professionals aged 40 or under who have been successful in Maryland. Lewis is a state delegate representing District 24 in Prince George’s County.
Gregory Smith MBA ’11 was a recipient of the 2020 Washington Business Journal 40 Under 40 Awards. He is administrative vice president and Greater Washington regional manager, business banking division, M&T Bank.
Mark Conway ’10, MPP ’13 was named executive vice president of programs for the Annapolis-based Chesapeake Conservancy. Conway will oversee the environmental nonprofit’s programs, partnership with the National Park Service and the work of the Conservation Innovation Center. Conway was previously executive director for Baltimore Tree Trust. He also led the city of Baltimore’s implementation of OutcomeStat as deputy director of CitiStat. Conway is the Democratic nominee for Baltimore City Council’s District 4, where he is running unopposed.
Ryan Dofflemeyer MBA ’10 joined Vident Investment Advisory as senior portfolio manager, specializing in the managing and trading of global equity and multi-asset portfolios. Previously, he was a senior portfolio manager with ProShares. He holds a B.A. from the University of Virginia.
’00s
Toyia Younger Ph.D. ’09 was named senior vice president for student affairs at Iowa State University. She was previously vice president for leadership development and partnerships at the American Association of State Colleges and Universities and associate vice chancellor for student affairs at Minnesota State Colleges and Universities, assistant provost for academic affairs at Towson University and director of student affairs for the Association of Public and Land-grant Universities. Younger holds a bachelor’s degree in social relations from Michigan State University and a master’s degree in counseling from Trinity Washington University in Washington, D.C.
Rob Albritton ’08 was named senior director of Reston-based government technology company Octo Consulting Group’s AI Center for Excellence. He most recently worked as a machine learning engineer at the Mitre Corp., a nonprofit that conducts research for government agencies. Albritton earned his master’s degree in business administration from the University of Virginia’s Darden School of Business. He also holds a master’s degree from the National Intelligence University.
Marc Dorfman MBA ’08 was named global head of sales at Qontigo, an investment intelligence leader and provider of best-of-breed analytics and world-class indices. Dorfman previously worked at FTSE Russell, where he led a team responsible for index sales, analytics and data solutions for the Americas. Dorfman earned a bachelor’s degree in communications from the Pennsylvania State University.
Diane Feuerherd ’08 was named to The Daily Record’s 2020 VIP List, which recognizes professionals aged 40 or under who have been successful in Maryland. Feuerherd is an associate attorney at Miller, Miller and Canby.
Laura Harper ’08 was named the women’s basketball coach at Coppin State University. As a basketball player at UMD, Harper was named the 2006 NCAA Final Four Most Outstanding Player after leading the team to a national championship. After her college career, Harper was the 10th overall selection of the Sacramento Monarchs in the 2008 WNBA draft. She most recently served as the head coach at Montverde Academy in Florida.
Colin Kendall ’08 is now the chief marketing officer of SC&H Group, a leading management consulting, audit and tax firm. Kendall graduated with a degree in journalism.
Terry Monroe MBA ’08 was hired as president of association management services at association management company Eisenman & Associates Inc. He was most recently the director of membership and marketing for the International Association of Fire Chiefs. Monroe earned his bachelor’s degree and master’s degree in public administration from The George Washington University.
Kara Pleasants ’08, M.Ed. ’09, M.A. ’16 is the author of “Disenchanted,” a retelling of “Pride and Prejudice” with magical elements.
Krystal N. Clark M.Ed. ’07 was named director for employee learning and organizational effectiveness in Vanderbilt University’s human resources department. Clark joined Vanderbilt’s Office of the Dean of Students in 2011 as associate director of Greek Life. In 2013, she was appointed associate director of the new Office of Student Leadership Development and served as its director beginning in 2015. Clark earned her B.A. in sociology/psychology from the College of William & Mary.
Mack McGee ’07 was appointed chief marketing officer of CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield. Prior to joining CareFirst, McGee spent three years with SC&H Group, a management consulting and accounting firm.
Nicholas Stewart ’06 was named to The Daily Record’s 2020 VIP List, which recognizes professionals aged 40 or under who have been successful in Maryland. Stewart is counsel at Saul Ewing Arnstein and Lehr LLP.
Andre Blackman ’05 was named to Fortune’s 40 Under 40 list in the healthcare category. Blackman is founder and CEO of Onboard Health, a network of more than 6,500 BIPOC and LGBTQ+ professionals, working in everything from venture capital and design to data science and technology. He previously launched Pulse + Signal, a health care branding and innovation strategy consultancy.
Anthony Casalena ’05 was named to Fortune’s 40 Under 40 list in the Technology category. He is founder and CEO of Squarespace, which offers web content builders e-commerce tools, from systems for selling goods or booking appointments to designs for great-looking sites.
Noah Palmer ’05 was named to The San Francisco Business Times’ 40 Under 40 Class of 2020. Palmer is general manager of Hill City, a men’s apparel brand from Gap Inc. that focuses on high-performance apparel and activewear. Palmer is a former Major League Soccer goalkeeper with Real Salt Lake and the Columbus Crew.
Pritpal Kalsi ’04 was named to The Daily Record’s 2020 VIP List, which recognizes professionals aged 40 or under who have been successful in Maryland. Kalsi is director, business performance management practice SC&H Group.
Brian Malkin ’04 joined McDermott Will & Emery, a health law firm, as partner in the FDA practice of its health industry advisory group based in Washington, D.C. Malkin counsels pharmaceutical and biologic clients on FDA regulatory matters and intellectual property law. Malkin holds a J.D. and B.A. from the George Washington University, as well as a B.S. in biochemistry from UMD.
Vanessa Smith MBA ’04 joined ServiceNow, a digital workflow company, as senior vice president, global go-to-market. He most recently led the SAP SuccessFactors Line of Business in North America. Smith holds a B.S. in commerce from the University of Virginia.
Alaina Storie ’04 was named to The Daily Record’s 2020 VIP List, which recognizes professionals aged 40 or under who have been successful in Maryland. Storie is a partner at Turnbull, Nicholson and Sanders, P.A.
Tess Barker M.A. ’03 now serves as Indiana University Kokomo’s chief student affairs professional, vice chancellor for student affairs and enrollment management. Barker most recently was chief of staff and senior director for special projects for the University of Michigan-Flint, Office of the Chancellor. She earned a Ph.D. in education policy and leadership studies and a J.D. from the University of Iowa, a Master of Arts in counseling and personnel services/college student personnel from UMD and a B.A. in political science from University of Minnesota-Twin Cities.
Jennifer Marana M.Ed. ’03 received a Baltimore Business Journal Leaders in Diversity Award. She is director of diversity and inclusion at Broadmead, a retirement community in Cockeysville, Md. She holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of California, Santa Barbara and a Ph.D. in education from Claremont Graduate University.
David Robbins MBA ’03 rejoined Jenner & Block as a partner and co-chair of the firm's government contracts practice, based in the firm's Washington, D.C., office. He earned his B.A. from Yale University and his J.D. from the University of Maryland law school.
Francis Shushok Jr. Ph.D. ’02 was named vice president for student affairs at Virginia Tech. He had been the interim vice president since October, overseeing more than 3,000 faculty, staff and student employees in 20 departments. Shushok has been with Virginia Tech since 2009, previously as senior associate vice president for student affairs. He is also an associate professor in the higher education graduate program at Tech’s College of Liberal Arts and Human Sciences. Shushok received his bachelor’s degree from Baylor and his master’s from Ohio State.
Jonathan DeCarlo ’02 was promoted to chief financial officer at Emmes, a biotechnology company. He had served as vice president and controller. DeCarlo is a certified public accountant with 14 years of financial and accounting management experience. He has completed the University of Chicago's Executive Program for Prospective CFOs and is a graduate of the 2018 class of Leadership Montgomery.
Kurt Krauss MBA ’02 joined HNTB Corp. as vice president, national strategic initiatives, in the firm's new national advisory practice. Before joining HNTB, Krauss served another consulting firm as senior vice president and chief projects officer for its advisory services practice. He holds bachelor's and master's degrees in civil engineering from Bucknell University. He is a registered professional engineer and member of the American Society of Civil Engineers.
Byron Parker MBA ’02 was named vice president of business development for Assured Information Security, a cyber and information security firm. He works in the AIS office in Baltimore. Before joining AIS, Parker served as the director of business development and director of programs at WGS Systems. Parker has a bachelor’s degree in ocean engineering from the Naval Academy.
Krissah Thompson M.Jour. ’02 was named The Washington Post’s first managing editor for diversity and inclusion. Thompson has been an assignment editor in the Post’s Style section for the past three years. She has also reported for the Financial, National Politics and Style desks and was The Post’s acting bureau chief in Ferguson, Mo., after Michael Brown’s death in a police shooting in 2014. Thompson holds an undergraduate degree from the University of Texas.
Todd Wike ’02 was recognized by the National Football Players Association (NFLPA) as a registered player financial adviser. Wike is a managing partner at Potomac Financial Group (PFG). With only five other NFLPA approved advisors in the state of Maryland and 123 nationwide, this exclusive recognition provides NFL players an additional layer of defense from poor financial advice and investment fraud. While a Terp, Wike was recognized by ESPN as a First-Team All-American and twice named a First-Team All-ACC Selection and member of the All-ACC Academic Team. Wike then played with the Oakland Raiders and NFL Europe's Scottish Claymores.
Wynne Briscoe ’01 was named Southern Maryland regional director of the Small Business Development Center at the College of Southern Maryland. Briscoe previously served as SBDC business, management, technology and manufacturing consultant.
Carrie Yonenson ’01 is the new chief human resources officer of ACA Compliance Group, a provider of governance, risk and compliance advisory services and technology solutions. She is based in ACA’s Silver Spring, Md., office. She joins the company from Atos IT Solutions and Services. Yonenson received her law degree from New York Law School.
Nate Knuffman MPM ’00 was named interim vice chancellor for finance and operations at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. An expert in financial and administrative management, Knuffman previously served as senior associate (deputy) vice chancellor for finance and operations at Chapel Hill and as vice president for financial planning and analysis at the UNC System Office. Knuffman earned a bachelor’s degree in economics and political science from Illinois Wesleyan University.
Hoi-Bun Suen ’00 was appointed vice president of international sales for Sensus Healthcare, a company specializing in non- and minimally invasive, and cost-effective treatments for oncological and non-oncological conditions. Most recently, he was director of business development at Fosun Pharma.
’90s
Ahmed Bur ’99 was named chief financial officer at Treehouse, a nonprofit that supports youth in foster care. Bur most recently served as the CEO and CFO at Red Wagon Village, a ride-sharing platform he founded for busy parents based in Washington, D.C. Before that, he was the director of financial planning and analysis at American College of Cardiology. Bur earned an MBA at Georgetown University.
Carlos Febres-Mazzei ’99 was named chair of the Boston/New England District Council of theUrban Land Institute, the world’s premier research and educational institute focused on land use issues and real estate. Febres-Mazzei is founder and managing principal of Quaker Lane Capital, a Massachusetts-certified minority business enterprise that focuses on emerging infill submarkets within Greater Boston and Philadelphia.
Eric Parnes ’99 joined international law firm McDermott Will & Emery as a partner. He previously served as chair of Hughes Hubbard’s defense industry practice group and co-chair of the technology committee. Parnes holds a J.D. from Georgetown University Law Center.
Jason Schneiderman ’98 is the author of “Hold Me Tight,” a book of poems published by Red Hen Press.
Bryan St. George ’98 earned his Project Management Institute-Agile Certified Practitioner certification. He is a contractor and project management office support specialist at Lewis-Price & Associates.
Georgie Brophy MBA ’97 was named director of business development at Noblis, a provider of science, technology and strategy services to the federal government. In previous government contracting roles, Brophy led Space Shuttle mission operations for the NASA Goddard Space Flight Center's Hitchhiker Program and supported satellite mission operations for numerous science missions. Brophy earned a bachelor’s degree in aerospace engineering from the University of Notre Dame.
Andrei Floroiu M.S. ’97 was named CEO of Vaxart, a clinical-stage biotechnology company developing vaccines that are administered by tablet rather than injection. He also serves on the board of directors. Floroiu was most recently with Agenus, an immuno-oncology and vaccine company. Floroiu holds an MBA from the Wharton School and an engineering degree from the Politechnica University of Bucharest.
Oron Gill Haus ’97 is now head of digital technology for JP Morgan. Most recently, he was chief technology officer for enterprise products and platforms at Capital One Financial.
Rear Adm. Brian K. Penoyer MPP ’97 is the 11th Coast Guard District commander on Coast Guard Island in Alameda, Calif. Penoyer most recently served as the Coast Guard's Force Readiness commander in Norfolk, Va., where he was responsible for the activity of 41 subordinate units across 17 states impacting every Coast Guard mission. Penoyer holds a Master of Arts degree in national security and strategic studies from the Naval War College.
Rod Ruiz ’97 was appointed director of operations for Lee Building Maintenance. He previously oversaw 15 million square feet in facility space and $35 million in revenue for a large Maryland-based company, as well as directed client development and services for a tri-state janitorial business. Ruiz has a Registered Building Services Management certification.
Dr. Christine Savage ’97 joined Integral Rheumatology and Immunology Specialists in Plantation, Fla. Savage most recently practiced at UHealth in Deerfield Beach. She attended the University of Maryland School of Medicine, completed her internal medicine training at University of Miami/Jackson Memorial Hospital and later completed her rheumatology fellowship at Duke University.
Erik Thompson ’97 was named vice president of campus operations at Goucher College. He was previously the vice president of capital assets and real estate at the University of the District of Columbia. Thompson earned his bachelor's degree in architecture as well as his LEED Green Associate designation from the US Green Building Council, among other certifications.
David Bourdon MBA ’96 was appointed chief financial officer of Magellan Health. His prior career at Cigna spans more than 21 years, including 14 as CFO of its various businesses. Bourdon holds a bachelor of science from the U.S. Coast Guard Academy.
Bryan Nehman ’96 is co-host with C4 of a new morning news and talk show on WBAL NewsRadio 1090 and FM 101.5. It airs weekdays from 5:30-10 a.m. Nehman was previously host of “WBAL News Now” on weekday mornings and has earned multiple Regional Edward R. Murrow Awards.
Melissa Boone ’95 joined the Haymarket Media board of directors. He served as vice president of human resources at Haymarket from 2014-18, and is currently vice president of talent for DLH Holdings Corp., a global public health and medical logistics organization. Boone earned a bachelor’s degree in sociology and a master's degree in counseling psychology before obtaining a J.D. from the University of Maryland School of Law.
J. Kelly Ganjei ’95 was named a finalist for Ernst & Young’s Entrepreneur of the Year 2020 Southeast Award. Ganjel is CEO of Cognate BioServices. The award program honors entrepreneurial business leaders whose ambitions deliver innovation, growth and prosperity as they build and sustain successful businesses that transform our world. Winners will be announced in October.
Ajay K. Gupta ’95, M.S. ’98 is the CEO of HSR.health, a geospatial platform for analyzing health, social and environmental data. It works with providers, payers and regulators to develop solutions to improve health care quality and reduce costs.
Michael Klein ’95 was appointed co-head of JLL Capital Markets in its New Jersey office. Klein joined JLL as part of the HFF acquisition in July 2019 and has more than 18 years of experience in the commercial mortgage banking industry. He has been involved in more than $4.1 billion in multihousing, retail, office, industrial and self-storage transactions. He is an active member of NAIOP, the Commercial Real Estate Development Association.
Paul Mandell ’95 began his term as chair of the Yale Law School Fund Board. He is a founder and chief executive officer of Consero Group, a venture capital-backed events company headquartered in Bethesda, Md. He practiced law at Arnold & Porter LLP and Sullivan & Cromwell LLP in Washington, D.C., and New York, and began his legal career in a clerkship with the Hon. K. Michael Moore of the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida. He serves as chair of the University of Maryland College Park Foundation’s board of trustees. He graduated from Yale Law School.
Juanita Russell ’95 joined Common Securitization Solutions as chief financial officer. Russell previously worked at MERSCORP Holdings, where she rose through the ranks, serving as senior vice president and chief financial officer from 2011-18. She is a certified public accountant. She has an MBA in finance from Columbia Business School.
Robert A. Motley ’94 was selected as president-elect of the National Association of Secondary School Principals. He is a principal with the Howard County Public School System. He holds a master’s degree from the George Washington University in elementary and secondary educational administration and supervision and is pursuing his Ph.D. in instructional leadership at Notre Dame Maryland University.
Robin Magaha ’93 was promoted to manager at Lanigan, Ryan, Malcolm & Doyle, P.C.
Kimberly Boulmetis ’92 joined BTIG Investment Banking’s specialty finance investment banking unit as a managing director, based in the firm’s New York office. Prior to BTIG, she was a managing director within FIG Investment Banking at Oppenheimer. She earned a J.D. from Rutgers School of Law.
Kenneth desGarennes ’92 was appointed to the board of directors of Cologix, a network-neutral interconnection, ecosystem and hyperscale edge data center company. He is a 10-year veteran of Zayo Group, where he led 45 acquisitions and the company's initial public offering in 2014.
Chuck Hicks ’92 was promoted to chief operating officer of NCI Information Systems, a provider of advanced information technology solutions and professional services to U.S. federal government agencies. He retained his current position and responsibilities as chief financial officer. Hicks joined NCI a year ago and has been serving as acting COO since March. Prior to joining NCI, Hicks served as CFO for Cresa Global, a global real estate firm. He also served in executive leadership roles at SC3, ASRC Federal, SAIC and USIS. He served in the U.S. Navy for six years and holds a bachelor’s degree in accounting.
Robert Hollingshead ’92 was added as shareholder and chair of the Japan IP practice of law firm Greenberg Traurig. Hollingshead joins from the Tokyo office of another global firm, where he was a partner and leader of its Japan patent practice since 2008. Hollingshead’s practice focuses on patent litigation, adversarial patent licensing, settlement negotiations and related counseling. Hollingshead received his J.D. from Catholic University of America. He received an M.S. in electrical engineering from Johns Hopkins University and B.S. degrees in electrical engineering and mathematics from UMD.
Sharon Crook M.A. '91, Ph.D. ’96 received the 2020 Charles Wexler Teaching Award, the highest honor an Arizona State University faculty member can receive from the School of Mathematical and Statistical Sciences. In her research, she uses computational approaches to study the dynamics of neurons and networks of neurons, as well as the mechanisms underlying changes in these cells and networks due to trauma, learning or disease. She also contributes to the development of NeuroML, an international effort to create a common standard for describing computational models for neuroscience research.
Renée R. Curry Ph.D. ’91 retired as professor emeritus in literature in the School of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences at California State University, Monterey Bay. During her career, she wrote and edited three books and numerous articles in professional journals and was named Professor of the Year at California State University, San Marcos.
Scott Greenberg ’91 is now a manager and partner at LBI Entertainment. Greenberg is a 29-year veteran of CAA.
’80s
Charles Dickerson ’89 was named president, utility division for North America of SUEZ, a provider of environmental services. In Dickerson’s most recent role, he was chief operating officer and deputy general manager of Austin Energy. Dickerson served on the boards of the Treatment Learning Center, City Year and Aclara, and as an adjunct professor at the University of the District of Columbia’s School of Public Policy and Business. Dickerson holds a master’s degree in applied management from the University of Maryland Global Campus.
Steve Green ’89, owner of High Mountain Sports, was presented with the 2020 Heise Entrepreneurial Spirit Award by Martin Heise as part of the Garrett County Chamber of Commerce virtual membership meeting.
Sally McHugh Guglielmo ’89 co-founded the nonprofit Green Halo, dedicated to mentoring and navigating high-achieving, low-income high school students from suburban Chicago into the college of their dreams.
Feroz Sanaulla ’89 was appointed as a partner in the Middle East office of Roland Berger, located in Dubai.
Katie Potter ’88 was inducted to the McKnight Senior Living Hall of Honor. She is president and CEO of Newton, Mass.-based Five Star Senior Living, among the five largest senior living operators in the country. Potter has a bachelor’s degree in government and politics from the University of Maryland, a J.D. from Syracuse University, and an LL.M. in banking and financial law from Boston University. She practiced law at Sullivan & Worcester LLP and then Burns & Levinson LLP in Boston.
Rick Arrowsmith ’87 was named a senior managing director in the corporate finance and restructuring segment of FTI Consulting. Arrowsmith specializes in turnaround and restructuring advisory, with a focus on sub-acute care, senior living, laboratory companies, medical equipment and life sciences. Arrowsmith most recently served as the restructuring advisor to LVI Intermediate Holdings, the largest U.S.-based LASIK surgery provider.
Helen Boudreau ’87 was appointed to the board of directors of Evaxion Biotech, a clinical-stage biotechnology company specializing in the development of AI-driven immunotherapies. She also chairs the audit committee. Most recently, she was chief operating officer of the Bill & Melinda Gates Medical Research Institute. She holds an MBA from the Darden School at the University of Virginia.
Michael Palmer ’87 was appointed to the board of directors of Newtopia, a habit change platform for disease prevention. Palmer is the founding CEO of Exhale Advisors, focused on healthcare strategy, M&A, digital transformation and innovation commercialization. Prior to that he served as Aetna’s chief innovation and digital officer.
Joseph V. Fiore Jr. ’86 is now GOES-R user services coordinator/lead in NOAA’s Satellite Products and Services Division.
Jose M. Gonzalez ’85 was appointed by Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan as a College of Southern Maryland trustee. Gonzalez has more than 30 years of experience in weapon systems development and acquisition for the U.S. Department of Defense. He was awarded the presidential rank of Meritorious Executive in 2018. Gonzalez received a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering from UMD; a master’s degree in public administration from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University and is a graduate of the Leadership for a Democratic Society program from the Federal Executive Institute.
James H. VanSciver Ed.D. ’85 has published his fifth book, “Hi! I’m Elvis,” in which a 9-week-old Sheltie gives advice to children. The book is available at Amazon, Barnes & Noble and Xlibris. For a personalized signed copy, email paulamv723@gmail.com. VanSciver’s other books are “Close Play at Home,” “Carnage of a Curveball,” “Running on Empty” and “Generalities of Distinction.”
Emilio Garcia Ruiz ’84 was named editor-in-chief of the San Francisco Chronicle. He was previously managing editor of digital for The Washington Post, where he worked since 2001. His other roles at the newspaper included assistant sports editor, local editor and editor for strategic projects. Before that he was sports editor at the St. Paul Pioneer Press, where his team won a Pulitzer Prize for its investigation into academic fraud at the men's basketball program at the University of Minnesota.
Alice Squires ’84 was named the Wendell J. Satre Distinguished Professor in Washington State University’s engineering technology management program. Squires has taught in the program since 2014 and has more than 30 years of technical and leadership experience in engineering. She holds an MBA from George Mason University and a Ph.D. in systems engineering from Stevens Institute of Technology.
Marie Lathers ’83, the Elizabeth M. and William C. Treuhaft Professor of Humanities and French at Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, Ohio, was named the Maxwell C. Weiner Distinguished Visiting Professor of Humanities at Missouri University of Science and Technology for the 2020-21 academic year. Lathers’ research focuses on 19th-century French literature and art.
David C. Wajsgras ’82 was appointed to the board of directors of the Parsons Corp., a defense, intelligence, security and infrastructure engineering firm. Wajsgras has 20 years of experience at the senior executive management level, providing operational, strategic and financial leadership in both the commercial and defense industries. He most recently served as president of the Intelligence, Information and Services business at Raytheon Co., now part of Raytheon Technologies.
Michael Martirano ’81, M.Ed. ’92 was a policy education recipient of The Baltimore Business Journal’s Leaders in Diversity Awards. He is superintendent of Howard County Public Schools.
’70s
Bill Kennedy ’79 received a 2020 Financial Professional of the Year Award from the Credit Union National Association Finance Council. He is chief financial officer of Securityplus Federal Credit Union. Kennedy has designations as a certified credit union executive and a certified compliance officer. His leadership experience at federal credit unions includes CFO at the Department of the Interior, and president and CEO at HUD and the Naval Surface Warfare Center. Kennedy is a board member of the Metropolitan Area Credit Union Management Association. He holds a Fellows Program executive MBA from Loyola College, and has completed graduate-level courses from Villanova University and Liberty University.
Manuel Miranda ’79 is the new president of Reston-based tech and network security company Electrosoft. He had been chief operating officer at tech company InfoZen. Miranda earned his bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering from UMD and did graduate work in biomedical engineering at the George Washington University.
Spiro Stefanou M.S. ’79 is the new administrator of USDA’s Economic Research Service. For the past five years, he has taught economics at the University of Florida’s Institute of Food and Agriculture. Before that, he served 30 years as an agricultural economics professor at Penn State University. He holds a Ph.D. in agricultural economics from the University of California, Davis, an M.S. in agricultural and resource economics from UMD and a B.A. in anthropology from the George Washington University.
Cecilia M. Coates '76 is a finalist for the 2020 Samuel J. Heyman Service to America Medals, which recognize unsung heroes in federal government who have made outstanding contributions to the health, safety and prosperity of the country. She works at the Department of State and she created and runs a global supply chain management system that provides $10 billion worth of goods and services every year to diplomats and other federal employees serving overseas.
Constance “Connie” Weaver ’75 was named to the board of Waddell & Reed Financial, an Kansas-based financial services company. Weaver is a co-founder and CEO of Tracker Group and previously served as senior executive vice president and chief marketing and communications officer at TIAA and Hartford Financial Services Group, AT&T and BearingPoint as well as leading investor relations for AT&T, Microsoft, BearingPoint and others.
Richard Hozik ’73 joined Constellis, a provider of risk management and mission support services to government and commercial customers, as chief financial officer. Hozik has held numerous positions, including as CFO and CEO to government contractors. Hozik graduated from the University of Maryland with a B.S. in accounting and is a certified public accountant.
Dr. David A. Shaller ’72 has written "COVID-19 Practical Advice From an Independent Thinking Physician."
Richard “Dick” Palczynski M.A. ’71 was appointed to the advisory board of Care Bridge International. He is founder and president of SeaTower Insurance Consulting Services. He is the former senior vice president of Towers Perrin Reinsurance and a former chief actuary of the Hartford Insurance Group. He holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Rhode Island and is a graduate of the Harvard University Program for Management Development.
Helene Zeug M.S. ’70 was inducted into the National 4-H Hall of Fame, the second person from Hawaii ever inducted. Zeug worked for 41 years at the University of Hawaii Extension Service as a 4-H agent in Honolulu and later as associate state 4-H leader.
Passings
Benjamin L. Chaney ’17 died unexpectedly in his sleep on July 7. Chaney was born in Hagerstown, Md., and was raised and lived in Greencastle, Penn. He worked at Target in Hagerstown, where he found his “work family.” Chaney graduated from Greencastle High School in 2013 and from UMD with a B.S. in computer science. He is survived by his parents, Kara and Jeff Chaney; his brothers, Matthew and Adam Chaney; a niece; grandmothers; aunts, uncles and cousins; and a multitude of other relatives and friends. He was predeceased by his sister, Beth Chaney; uncle, Tony Taylor; and grandfather, Lee Chaney.
Beth Ann (Barron) Agar M.Ed. ’98 died at her home in Sugar Land, Texas, on Aug. 12. She was 67. Agar was born in Houston on Aug. 6, 1953. After living most of her adult life in Germany, Agar returned to the States and art and AP art history classes at Hightower High School. Previously, she taught art and ELA for the Department of Defense Dependents Schools (DoDDS) at Heidelberg High School in Heidelberg, Germany, and art to grades K-5 at Mannheim Elementary School in Mannheim, Germany. Agar held a B.S. in art education from the University of Houston (Central Campus). She had also completed graduate studies at the University of Cambridge in England and attended the AP Summer Institute at Rice University. Agar's extensive travels in Europe included chipping away at the Berlin Wall during its fall, walking on a frozen Lake Baikal in Siberia and driving a standard transmission car on the left side of the road along the rocky Irish coast. Her favorite spot was Paris at night. Art in all of its forms was Agar's passion, as well as teaching students about it. She especially loved observing and trying to capture the complex expressions of the human face on watercolor paper in chalk pastel. Agar is preceded in death by her father, Raymond V. (Barney) Barro and her mother, Margaret Irene Barron. She is survived by siblings Diane Powell, Brian Barron and Barbara Barron; several cousins; extended family and many friends.
Michelle Elizabeth Engebretsen M.Ed. ’96 died in her Salt Lake City home May 12 after a four-month battle with pancreatic cancer. Engebretsen was born in Seattle on Sept. 29, 1966, the eldest of six children born to Dr. Charles S. Wassum III and Ruth Anna-Stina Eriksson. She attended a Christian school in Johnson City, Tenn., until eighth grade, when she moved to Marion, Va., later graduating from Marion High School. Engebretsen attended Brigham Young University and served an 18-month mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in Los Angeles. Upon graduation, she moved to Washington, D.C., where she worked for the Heritage Foundation. She and Thomas Q. Engebretsen were married in July 1992. Engebretsen taught academic English to immigrants, refugees and others, and also spent 10 years homeschooling her children, Emma and Samuel, and she and Thomas adopted three young siblings, Matthew, Mei-Mei and Hunter, from Taiwan in 2012. The family moved to Salt Lake City in 2016, where she returned to teaching ESL and English at high and junior high schools to newly arrived refugees and first-generation immigrant students.
Jonathan W. England ’95 died June 1 at his home in Columbia, Md., of a heart attack. He was 47. The son of Charlie and Judy England, he was born Feb. 23, 1973, in Wahiawa, Hawaii. Following multiple family moves during his father’s career in the military, the Englands settled in Clinton, Md., where he graduated from Oxon Hill High School in 1991. After finishing his degree at UMD, he received a master’s degree in policy studies at Johns Hopkins University. England began teaching in the African American Studies Department at UMD in 1997 and was a passionate and involved educator and voice for voting rights, social justice and racial equity. England was dedicated to his family, whether watching his kids play sports or participate in Scouts. He also coached football on the fields at Oxon Hill and Gwynn Park, Altholton and Archbishop Spalding high schools and Bowie State University. He was predeceased by his father, Charlie England, and survived by his wife, Adrienne England; children, Ryann Evans, Jamison England, Austin England and Carson England; mother, Judy England; sister, Judy England Allmond; and many relatives and friends.
John G. Richardson Jr. ’84 died unexpectedly on June 16 at age 62. He was an attorney and former 97th speaker of the Maine House of Representatives. Richardson started his career in public service at a young age, joining his father and grandfather before him at age 16 in the Riverdale Heights Volunteer FF Company 13 in Maryland. Richardson went on to become the first in his family to earn a college degree, at UMD. He then earned a J.D. from the Creighton University School of Law in 1989 and married his wife, Stephanie, that same year. They moved to Portland, Maine, then settled in Brunswick. They joined St. John’s Catholic Church, where Richardson served as vice president of the Parish Council. He joined the law firm of Richardson and Troubh and began developing a labor law practice. In 1998, Richardson narrowly beat an incumbent Republican to win a seat in the Maine House of Representatives, a feat he attributed to knocking on every door in his district. In his time as a legislator, Richardson shepherded through, with help from others, the Patient Bill of Rights, small business reform and a $12 million affordable housing bond for Midcoast Maine. Richardson was elected House majority leader, and then speaker in 2005. Richardson was later appointed commissioner of the Department of Economic and Community Development. After politics, Richardson returned to law but kept the themes of politics and economic development. He greatly enjoyed becoming a political commentator for local NBC news show “Political Brew,” as well as doing radio commentary. Richardson is survived by his wife, Dr. Stephanie Grohs; his children, John, Glenn and Madeline; his father, John Sr.; brothers Mark and Brian; and multiple nieces and nephews.
David Allen Trace ’84, of Mechanicsville, Va., died May 30. Born April 12, 1962, in Hagerstown, Md., he was the son of Monica (Fish) Trace and the late Lawrence Trace. Trace received his bachelor’s degree in nuclear engineering from UMD and an MBA from the University of Richmond. He was a former member of St. John’s Lutheran Church in Hagerstown and was a member of New Song Church in Mechanicsville. He loved bicycling, volleyball and running. Trace ran many 5Ks for charity. In addition to his mother, he is survived by two daughters, Lynsay Natasha Hays and Lilly Annabelle Trace; two stepdaughters, Kyndall Colgin and Kelsey Colgin; one sister, Kathy Pepple; four grandchildren; and ex-wife Dawn Denzler Trace.
Nancy E. Overway M.Ed. ’81 died July 26 at age 79. Overway was born Feb. 5, 1941, in Zeeland, Mich., daughter of the late William and Myrtle Lamer. Overway lived for six years in Concord, Calif., and 33 years in Silver Spring, Md., with her family. She was a lifelong member of the Christian Reformed Church. She graduated from Zeeland Christian School, Holland Christian School and Calvin College (University) and UMD. With her husband, she traveled extensively in the United States, Canada, Mexico and more than 35 other countries. Overway gracefully endured more than two decades of decline in mobility and cognition from Parkinson’s disease. She is survived by her husband of 59 years, Norman; her children, Steven Overway and Laureen Overway; her siblings, Marilyn Manders, Roger Lamer and Sharon Brower; her husband’s stepbrother, Ron Dirkse; and her grandson.
William “Tom” Cockley M.A. ’80 died June 14 at age 69 in Frankfort, Ky. The son of Rosemary Seidell Chandler and William Cockley, he grew up the eldest of six brothers in Rockville, Md. By the time he graduated high school, Cockley had already become a world-class gymnast and discovered his passion for teaching. Cockley received his master’s degree in physical education from UMD and credited his experience with the Gymkana program for inspiring his teaching philosophy. He then went on to Jacksonville State University as an assistant professor before pursuing his Ph.D. in professional preparation from Florida State. In 1992, Cockley joined the faculty at Kentucky State University, where he remained for 20 years. He established Gymkana programs at both JSU and KSU and led by example, employing empathy and personal discipline. He brought the National Youth Sports Program summer program to Frankfort and served as program administrator for six years. He was also an active member on the board of the American Red Cross for 11 years, a member of the Frankfort Rotary Club and a dedicated volunteer at the local food bank. He was always happy to be of service, offering advice, perspective and his famous barbecue. Cockley is survived by his wife of 50 years, Anne; daughter, Jessica Estill; son, Eric; brothers, Bennet, Barry, Cliff and Steven; numerous cousins, nieces and nephews; and a multitude of students and friends. He is preceded in death by his brother, Clay.
Karen L. Ackermann ’79, ’00 died July 2 in a bike accident. She was born in Exeter, N.H., on Aug. 21, 1957, the eldest child of Laird and Marlene Towle. She graduated from Bowie Senior High and proceeded to the University of Maryland, where she earned a B.S. in animal science. After working for several years at a dairy in Pennsylvania, she and then-husband Nick Ackermann returned home to Maryland. Ackermann worked in the family publishing business, Heritage Books, until it was sold, then moved to Roman-Littlefield, where she was a senior editor. While working at Heritage Books, she returned to UMD to earn a degree in history. Ackermann taught history at Prince George’s Community College for several semesters. Ackermann was an avid reader, gardener and cyclist. She enjoyed taking photographs and won many awards from the Bowie-Crofton Camera Club. She was very involved with the South Bowie Readers, leading the group for a few years. Ackermann is survived by her parents, Laird and Marlene Towle; brother, Glenn Towle; sister, Leslie Wolfinger; nephews, nieces and a grandniece.
Charles “Ted” Alexander Jr. ’79 died July 8 at Meritus Medical Center in Hagerstown, Md. He was 70 and lived in Greencastle, Penn. Born Sept. 20, 1949, in Tupelo, Miss., he was the son of the late Charles Theodore Alexander Sr. and Jane Conrad Alexander. He was the historian at Antietam National Battlefield for more than 30 years. He was a U.S. Marine Corps veteran, serving during the Vietnam War. He was a founding member and served on the board of the Allison-Antrim Museum of Greencastle and on the Council on America’s Military Past. He wrote, edited or contributed to seven books on the Civil War, and wrote more than 200 book reviews and articles for publications such as Civil War Times Illustrated, Blue and Gray Magazine, Maryland History and the Washington Times. Alexander was the founder and coordinator of the Chambersburg Civil War Seminars and raised funds for Civil War battlefield preservation. He served as a consultant for the Time-Life Books Civil War series and the “American Heritage Illustrated History of the Civil War,” and was a commentator on the documentary “Echoes of John Brown.” Alexander offered lectures to organizations such as the Smithsonian Associates and the Johns Hopkins University Odyssey Program. Alexander is survived by his wife of 48 years, Avelina “Billy” Alexander; a daughter, Ricavelle “Rica” Dyas and husband, Lyhn; one step-granddaughter; one step-great-granddaughter; an uncle; and several cousins.
Mark J. Cutler ’79, MBA ’01 died in a drowning incident July 10 off the coast of Duck, N.C. Born in East Hartford, Conn., on Nov. 20, 1955, he grew up in New Jersey and Maryland and moved to Kill Devil Hills, N.C., in 2005. He spent his career in the financial and banking industry. Cutler was a member and former president of the First Flight Rotary Club of Kill Devil Hills and a senior lifeguard at the local YMCA. He was an avid karaoke singer, loved long walks on the coast with his dog and took photos of brilliant sunsets. Cutler is survived by his father, Robert Cutler; wife, Sarah Cutler; sister, Debbie L. Cutler; and nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by his mother, Natalie M. Cutler, and youngest sister, Beth E. Szczybor.
Rebecca “Becky” A. Herder ’78 of Friendswood, Texas, died July 31 after an eight-year battle with lobular breast cancer. She was 68. Herder was born in a small farmhouse in Yoakum, Texas, on April 14, 1952. She graduated from Yoakum High School in 1970, traveled with her new husband, Richard, to Austin in 1971, then to Maryland in 1972. There she gave birth to their first daughter and earned her bachelor's degree in horticulture from UMD. Upon her return to Texas, she achieved Galveston County's Master Gardener status in 1990 and volunteered for many years at the Armand Bayou Nature Center. She was also a devoted high school marching band parent, managing concessions, uniforms, transportation and more as all three daughters participated. She cultivated her family, friends, and the Texas wildlife and wildflowers in her yard. She was a true realist, whose wisdom and life lessons could be counted on until the end. Her loss cannot be met in words. She is survived by her husband, Richard Herder; daughters, Kirsta, Karen and Liann; daughter-in-law, Sarah Dewhirst; a grandson; her cousin, Tommy Buntyn; her sister-in-law, Jeannie Martin; and numerous nephews and nieces. She was predeceased by her mother, Marguerite "Rita" Golden; father, James Herman Golden; grandmother, "Oma" Elvira Buntyn; her beloved dogs, Half-Pint, Gracious and Leia; and cats Darlin' and Max.
Joseph E. Miller Jr. M.A. ’78 died June 3. Miller was born in Seattle and attended schools in California, Kansas, Georgia, Maryland and Pennsylvania. He enlisted in the U.S. Army and spent five years in Western Europe during the height of the Cold War as a counterintelligence agent. In December 1969, Miller was transferred to Vietnam, where he served as an infantry scout from December 1969 to November 1970. Miller was wounded in action and spent 14 months at the Walter Reed Army Medical Center. He was the recipient of the Purple Heart, the Bronze Star, Air Medal and Army Commendation Medal. He wrote and produced over 200 hours of broadcast and cable TV programming including “Case Closed,” “Where Are They Now,” “Missing Reward.” He wrote, produced and directed more than 50 medical motion pictures for Walter Reed Army Institute of Research and Walter Reed Army Medical Center and received awards including the Honor Award of the Association of Military Surgeons International and the CINE Golden Eagle. His novel, “The Romanovsky Stain,” was published under the pseudonym Duke Zimmer. Miller testified before Congress in support of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial and brought about the creation of the Vietnam Veteran Vet Centers. Miller served as assistant director of the legislative division at the American Legion’s Washington headquarters office from 1982-87, and helped shape the Legion’s policies on national security and foreign relations issues and improving veterans’ employment programs. He also played a critical role in the promotion of a Legion initiative: the original GI Bill. He is survived by his wife, Barbara Gregson; his daughter, Nancy Miller; his father, retired Lt. Cmdr. Joseph E. Miller, Sr.; and brother, Michael Miller.
Timothy “Kevin” Carroll ’77 of Alexandria, Va., formerly of Cumberland, died May 20. Carroll was born Aug. 11, 1952, to the late Thomas E. and Mary Eileen Carroll. He graduated from Bishop Walsh High School and earned his bachelor of science at UMD and master's of business administration from University of Maryland Global Campus. He also graduated from Federal Executive Institute and was a member of NCMA Board of Advisors. Carroll was drafted into the U.S. Army in 1972 and was honorably discharged in 1974. He enjoyed a 32-year contracting career with the federal government, working at the Department of Transportation, Coast Guard and Department of Defense. He rose through the ranks and became U.S. Army program executive officer, enterprise information systems at Fort Belvoir, Va., for over a decade. Kevin won many awards, including the FCW’s Fed100 three times and top honors from the Industry Advisory Council. Upon his retirement in 2008, he created the Kevin Carroll Group, a successful high-end consulting firm that he headed until his death. Carroll is survived by his wife of 49 years, Shirley; stepdaughter, Caryn LaVenia; three grandchildren; brother, Brian; sisters, Maryann and Terri Hast; uncle, Robert Carey; and numerous cousins, nephews and nieces.
Rayner W. Hesse Jr. ’76 of Bethany Beach, Del., died April 30 at the Delaware Hospice Center. He was 64. Hesse was born in Baltimore, son of the late Rayner W. Hesse Sr. and Dorothy Sachs Hesse. He graduated from Dulaney High School and earned a bachelor’s degree in languages (Portuguese and Spanish) at UMD. He moved to New York City, where he worked for Reader’s Digest and performed in off-Broadway musicals and plays. Called to the ministry, Hesse attended Union Theological Seminary and was ordained a deacon, then priest in the Episcopal Church. He spent his curacy at St. John’s Church in Yonkers, N.Y., then served as rector for 10 years of St. Andrew’s Church in Hartsdale, N.Y., including as chaplain to the pet cemetery. He earned a master of sacred theology degree from the General Theological Seminary and later, a doctor of ministry degree from the New York Theological Seminary. He founded a theater group called the Hartsdale Players, became a certified antiques appraiser and opened an antiques store in White Plains, N.Y., called Memory Lane. In 1994, Hesse went to St. John’s Wilmot Church in New Rochelle, N.Y., where he ministered until 2013. He helped found the Westchester County Coalition for the Hungry and Homeless and the Westchester County Human Rights Commission, Hesse co-authored three books with his partner, Anthony Chiffolo. Upon his retirement, the pair moved to Bethany Beach, where they became active in the Bethany Area Repertory Theatre. An avid genealogy researcher, Hesse was a member of the Caesar Rodney Chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution. In 2017, Hesse became minister at Bethany Beach Christian Church, until in 2019 illness prevented him from continuing. Hesse is survived by his partner/husband of 21 years, Anthony F. Chiffolo; his stepdaughter, Lisa Chiffolo; his sisters, Debbie Mugno and Sally Bishop; his brother, David Hesse; nieces and nephews; and his many church congregants.
Dr. Milford “Mickey” Foxwell Jr. ’75 died July 16. Born in Cambridge, Md., on Aug. 1, 1953, he was the son of the late Milford M. Foxwell Sr. and Patsy Foxwell. Foxwell graduated from Cambridge High School in 1971, then UMD and the University of Maryland School of Medicine in 1980. Foxwell remained with the University of Maryland his entire career. He served as a clinician-educator, both seeing patients and teaching at the medical school. He was an instructor, assistant professor and course master, and was appointed dean of admissions at the University of Maryland School of Medicine in 1989. In 1987, Foxwell was elected to Alpha Omega Alpha National Medical Honor Society. In 1988, he was the recipient of the Golden Apple Award for best clinical professor, an honor bestowed by the medical school students. In 2013, Foxwell was elected to the Gold Humanism Honor Society. He was a member of the board of trustees of the endowment of the University of Maryland, chairman of the Davidge Hall Restoration Committee of the Medical Alumni Association, and countless other honors and appointments. In 2018, the Medical Alumni Association Board of Directors honored Foxwell by naming a room for him in Davidge Hall, the Milford M. Foxwell Jr. Dissecting Laboratory. Foxwell never forgot his Eastern Shore roots. As a doctor, teacher and mentor, Foxwell always helped residents of Dorchester County with medical needs, assistance or referrals whenever he could. He also had a tremendous passion for baseball and traveled all over the country to meet players and attend shows, lectures and games. Foxwell had an insatiable appetite for the history of medicine; his book collection is now part of the University Medical School Library. His greatest devotion, and the most important thing in his life, was his family. Foxwell is survived by his mother, Patsy Foxwell; his wife, the former Suzanne West; son, Louis Foxwell; brother, Larry Foxwell; sister, PattiCarol Smith; stepdaughter, Lauren Smarr; stepson, Kevin Kilduff; two nephews; a granddaughter; and aunt, Mary Hodgson. Preceding him in death besides his father are his uncles, Marvin M. Foxwell and D. Frank Potter.
Harriett “Jo” Albin ’73 died June 29 in Camp Springs, Md. She was born Nov. 22, 1947, to the late James Fraser Jr. and Ella Bell Welton Fraser. Albin graduated from Middletown High School in Frederick County, Md., in 1965. After earning her degree in recreation at UMD, she took a job with the Army Rec. Center in Germany, where she met her late husband, SFC Loren “Red” E. Albin Sr. While in the Army they lived in Ft. Eustis, Va., Ludwigsburg, Germany; and Ft. Stewart, Ga. After retiring, they lived in Bend, Ore., Fortuna, Calif., and Kingman, Ariz. She lived in Kingman for 21 years. Prior to retiring, she worked for Arizona Auto Lenders as an office manager. She moved back to Frederick, Md., in January 2020 to live with her sister, Susan. In 1985, while in Georgia, she joined the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She had many callings in the church: a primary teacher, missionary meal planner and her favorite, Cub Scout leader, which she did with Red. She was known for knitting washcloths, and generously gave many of them away. Albin is survived by her daughters, Mary Ann Albin and Amy Welton Steinberger; Red’s sons, Loren Jr. and Walace D. Albin; siblings, Ann Welton Sole, Susan Parsons Mangold and James Fraser III; and many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews.
Jane Carey Gardner ’73 died July 11 after her final battle with cancer. Gardner was born to the late Pauline and Samuel Carey in Richmond, Va. She graduated from Douglas Freeman High School in Richmond and from UMD with a bachelor of arts degree in English. She married Gary, whom she met at Maryland, in 1973 in Salisbury, Md. Gardner's successful career in journalism began in 1974 at WSLS in Roanoke, Va. She joined WTVR in Richmond in 1976 and WVEC in Norfolk, Va., in 1978, where she became the station's first female anchor and the first full-time broadcast medical reporter in the area. In 1990, she joined WTKR in Norfolk as an anchor and medical reporter. Gardner traveled the world and nation reporting on major stories, including the 1988 Democratic and Republican national conventions. In the Philippines and Kenya, Gardner covered Operation Smile. She also was the co-host of an hour-long news and talk show on WTKR. Gardner worked at Eastern Virginia Medical School as director of public affairs from 1999 until cancer treatment led to her retirement in 2003. Gardner received seven state and eight national broadcast journalism awards, as well as numerous honors for community service. In 2018, she was inducted into the Virginia Communications Hall of Fame in Richmond. Gardner served on boards including National Conference of Christian and Jews, Girl Scout Council of Colonial Coast, Great Bridge Chapter, and D’Art Center. In addition, she was on the regional advisory board for Old Point National Bank, 1999-2013. Gardner was also a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution. For 18 years, Jane and Gary spent weekends and summers at their home in Duck, N.C. In 1999, Gardner was diagnosed with breast cancer. Melanoma followed in 2009; ovarian cancer in 2015; and lung cancer in 2016. Gardner allowed The Virginian-Pilot to chronicle her fight with ovarian cancer, sharing her story in the hope of educating others, ultimately inspiring readers with her bravery. Among her many talents, Gardner was an exquisite cook and baker, including serving as a recipe tester for Cooks Illustrated. Gardner is survived by her husband of 47 years, Gary Gardner. She is also survived by her brothers, Neill Carey and Sidney Carey, as well as countless dear friends.
Janice Margaret Spotz M.Ed. ’73 of La Plata, Md., died July 6 at age 80. She was born April 11, 1940, in Philadelphia to Margaret Munn and Harry Henderson. She graduated from Penn State in 1961, married that summer and moved to Maryland to pursue her teaching career. She taught at Indian Head Elementary School, Pomonkey High School, Thomas Stone High School, then Charles County Community College. She also worked for AOT teaching a software program. She earned her master's degree from UMD while working full-time and raising two young girls. She absolutely loved the beach and made sure her family had a beach vacation every year. She was active at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, Piney Parish in Waldorf, Md., and was an officer in the Charles County Garden Club, the Charles County Antiques Arts Association, the 2 ’N’ 1 Club and the Charles County Retired Teachers Association. Her homemade Christmas cards, delicious foods, love of the Nationals, award-winning African violets, hand-knitted gifts and loving friendship will be missed. She is preceded in death by her father; her brother, Harry Henderson; her mother; and her stepfather, Edward Smith. She is survived by her daughters, Brenda Herman and Dee Dee Pettersen; her granddaughter; her sisters, Suzanne Barnhurst and Patrice O’Brien; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.
John E. Fletcher Ph.D. ’72 died at his home in Ashburn, Va., on June 14. He was 83. Fletcher was born to James Clair Fletcher and Goldie Erin Critcher Fletcher on June 12, 1937, in Banner Elk, N.C. Fletcher grew up in Zionsville, N.C., and graduated from Cove Creek High School in 1955. After graduating from North Carolina State in 1961 with a B.S. in aeronautical engineering and a master’s degree in mathematics, he was stationed at Griffiss Air Force Base in Rome, N.Y., as a commissioned officer. There, he met and married his wife, Carol. After retiring from the service as a captain in 1964, Fletcher began working for Lockheed Aircraft in Atlanta and then for the National Institutes of Health in Bethesda, Md., as the chief of the Laboratory of Applied Studies. While there, he received his Ph.D. in applied mathematics UMD. Fletcher retired from NIH in 1993 and taught college-level mathematics in Maryland and New York. Throughout his career, Fletcher received many awards and published numerous articles, research papers and books, including an extensive Fletcher family genealogy dating back to the 1600s. His last and proudest accomplishment was writing “The True Story of Tom Dooley,” a factual account of a nationally publicized crime of passion at the conclusion of the Civil War. Fletcher is survived by his wife of nearly 56 years, Carol Serra Fletcher; daughter, Leah Davis ; son, Craig; five grandchildren; brother, Robert W. Fletcher; sister-in-law, Joyce Lopushinsky; nieces and a nephew; and many cousins and friends.
William “Bill” Lange M.A. ’72, of Midlothian, Va., died July 23 at age 75. Born in Petersburg, Va., he was the son of Alphonso Lange Sr. and Helen Elko Lange. Lange served in the Army in counterintelligence, obtained a bachelor of arts in history from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and a master’s in government and politics from the University of Maryland. Lange retired from the Library of Virginia after 35 years of service as an archivist. He attended St. Edward Catholic Church. Lange was a dedicated volunteer for years at local hospitals and recently with the Richmond Animal League. He will be remembered for his selfless spirit, kind heart and inquisitive nature. Bill is survived by his wife, Charlotte Lange; son, Brian Lange; and stepson, Brandon Blair. He was preceded in death by his brother, Alphonso Lange Jr.
Robert (Bob) Alexander Lasken Ph.D. ’72 of Clifton, Va., died May 4. He was 76. Lasken was born in Washington, D.C., to Herman and Adele Lasken, and spent his childhood and adolescent years in Maryland and Michigan. He met his wife at the University of Michigan, where he earned degrees in physics and mathematics engineering, then an MBA in finance from American University and a Ph.D. in physics from the University of Maryland. As a student, he worked at the Goddard Space Flight Center. His first full-time job was at the laser laboratory at Fort Belvoir. Lasken then worked for government contractors as a systems analyst and senior scientist in the aerospace industry. He was a brilliant mathematician and physicist whose coworkers described him as someone who was able to dissect and solve the most complicated physics and computer science problems. Lasken loved sports, both as a spectator and a participant, and shared this love with his children. He played on many sports teams; he excelled in bowling and tennis, and lettered in the latter. Lasken enjoyed playing tennis with his son, Jonathan, and sharing his expertise with him. He developed an interest in running when his daughter, Rachelle, joined her high school track team, and they participated in many races and triathlons together. He is survived by his wife of 47 years, Francine Sobel Lasken; his children, Rachelle and Jonathan; two grandchildren; and his sister, Janette Gilman. Lasken was preceded in death by his brother, Jesse Lasken.
John S. Ward Jr. M.Ed. ’72 died May 21. He was 94. Ward was born on Oct. 18, 1925, in Baltimore. He was the third of five sons born to John Quincy Ward and Lucy (Little) Ward. He graduated from Frederick Douglass High School in 1944. He served in World War II as a staff sergeant in the Army Air Force in Guam, Marshall Islands, Saipan, Philippines and Okinawa. He completed his studies at Morgan State College, majoring in history and geography. Ward later earned a master's degree in educational administration from UMS. Before his appointment to director of secondary schools in Baltimore, Ward served in administrative positions at Lombard Junior High, Edmondson Senior High, Polytechnic Institute, Garrison Junior High and Lake Clifton Senior High School. In 1971 Ward joined the superintendent's staff of Baltimore County Public Schools (BCPS), becoming the first African American assistant superintendent of a county in Maryland public schools. Later, Ward was promoted to associate superintendent, Division of Physical Facilities. Upon retirement from BCPS in 1985, Ward was appointed commissioner of the Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services. His most treasured relationships were those he shared with members of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, the Club of Baltimore and Committee X71. In addition, he served as a board member of the Northwest Baltimore Corp., the Maryland State Airport Board, the Mount Washington Improvement Association, the Baltimore Urban League and Baltimore Neighborhoods. Ward was a member of the Church of the Holy Trinity for over 66 years. He is survived by his wife of 70 years, Francis Crisp Ward; two daughters, Deborah L. Gray and Jo-Ann L. Pully; three grandchildren; nieces, nephews, cousins and a host of friends.
Richard “Dick” Stanley Krafchik M.Ed. ’71, of La Plata, Md., died June 15. Krafchik was born on Oct. 31, 1938, to Stanley and Palmira Krafchik and grew up in Nanticoke, Pa. He graduated from Lehigh University with a bachelor’s degree in mathematics and went on to earn his master's degree in math education from UMD. He became a beloved administrator and teacher of math and science for nearly 40 years in the Prince George’s County Public Schools system. Many students and teachers remember him as “Mr. K” from his time at the William Schmidt Outdoor Education Center. Krafchik loved music, and most importantly, playing the piano and singing. Krafchik was a devoted husband and father, who strove to make every outing with his children into a fun educational experience. He coached Little League sports teams for his children and encouraged them in their activities. Krafchik is survived by his wife, Kay; their three children, Greg, Doug and Melissa; and three grandchildren. Krafchik also leaves behind many family members, friends, former students and colleagues.
Vernon R. Norris ’68, a longtime resident of Atlanta, died unexpectedly on Sept. 2 at age 73. Vernon was born in Washington, D.C., on Oct. 15, 1946. After graduating from UMD, he joined the Air Force pilot training program. In 1971, he met his future wife, Diane, at Capon Springs, a family resort in West Virginia, where he often vacationed with his parents as a child. After serving in the Air Force, he began his career with Delta Airlines in 1973. During his 30-year career as a pilot, he rose to the rank of international captain before retiring in 2003. Norris loved music. He played the piano, apprenticed as a piano tuner and volunteered at the Atlanta Opera. He also loved hiking Stone Mountain many times per week and was active in Birds of a Feather International. During retirement, he fulfilled a dream of owning a vacation home in Hawaii and he enjoyed planning family trips to Disney, Washington, D.C., and the Grand Canyon. Every year, he looked forward to the annual family trip to Capon Springs. Norris is survived by his wife of 48 years, Diane Royer Norris; his daughter, Jessica Norris Callaham; and two grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, Farold and Marie Norris.
Lt. Col. Patrick M. Cooper ’67 died at his home in Portland, Ore., June 13. Cooper was born Aug. 1, 1944, in Fort Dix, N.J., to Thomas A. and Marian Cooper (later, Marian Poland). He was raised in Phoenix and Hyattsville, Md., and received a bachelor’s degree in conservation from the University of Maryland. Later, he earned a second degree in law enforcement from York College of Pennsylvania. Cooper joined the U.S. Army and served in Vietnam as a member of the 170th Assault Helicopter Company. Notable awards include the Distinguished Flying Cross with Oak Leaf Cluster, Bronze Star Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster and 19 Air Medals. After his honorable discharge, he continued to serve in the U.S. Army Reserve, including as an instructor at the U.S. Army War College in Carlisle, Pa. Cooper also worked under the Department of Interior at Gettysburg National Military Park in 1999. Cooper enjoyed being outdoors and raised his children to appreciate it as well. He spent time as a firearms instructor, and was an active member of the Vietnam Helicopter Pilots Association and the Fraternal Order of Police. Cooper is survived by his children, Dennis and Christine Cooper; half-brother, Randy Cooper; and a grandson.
Robert W. Mowen ’67, of Smithsburg, Md., died May 17 at age 93. Born on Jan. 10, 1927, in Hagerstown, Md., Mowen served in the Army Airborne Division during the Korean War. He earned an education degree from the University of Miami and an undergraduate degree from UMD. He worked as a teacher and coach at Poolesville High School and Bethesda Chevy Chase High School from 1959-80. He led the basketball team to two state championships and three other runner-ups. His baseball team won one championship, and the track and field team won one championship. Mowen was an activist who worked to get coaches paid in Maryland. He was also a founder of the Montgomery County Recreation Programs. While retired, he was the assistant coach for the Hagerstown Braves in 1987. Mowen was predeceased by his wife of 54 years, Betty Howell Mowen, as well as three brothers and four sisters. He is survived by his son, David Mowen; stepson, William Magers (Connie); and two grandchildren.
John D. McDermott ’66 died May 14 at age 78. He was born in Hartford, Conn., on May 4, 1942, to Thomas and Patricia (Malone) McDermott. The eldest of seven children, McDermott grew up in Maryland, where he loved boating, fishing and crabbing. He participated in the Air Force ROTC at UMD, then earned a commission as a U.S. Air Force officer and proudly served his country for 22 years. He was a navigator on multiple aircraft during and after the Vietnam War. While stationed at Tinker Air Force Base, McDermott earned an MBA from Oklahoma City University. He was last assigned to Wright-Patterson Air Force Base near Dayton, Ohio, where he retired as a major. He continued working as a military contractor and retired again after 13 years. McDermott was an avid and accomplished musician on the electric guitar, piano and harmonica. During retirement, McDermott annually attended the Chet Atkins Appreciation Society Convention in Nashville, becoming well-known in the national fingerpicking community. Wanting to foster a love of music in children, McDermott also taught weekly guitar lessons. He also enjoyed attending church, working on home improvement projects and traveling. Above all, McDermott was a devout Catholic. McDermott is survived by his daughter, Julie Babtist; son, James McDermott; in-laws, Julie and Gary Babtist; sisters, Ann McDermott, Margaret Hunt, Mary Rosenbaum, Jane “Jodi” Shaefer and Catherine Connor; brother, Paul (McDermott; and many nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by brothers-in-law David Shaefer and Eric Rosenbaum.
Ruth Heaps Burkins M.Ed. ’65, Ph.D. ’78 died at her home in Newark, Del., on Aug. 21. She was 90. Born in Pylesville, Md., on Sept. 8, 1929, she was the youngest of four children of the late Wilson A. and Maria Jane (Stokes) Heaps. Burkins earned a B.A. in religious studies with a minor in secondary education from Maryville College in Tennessee. She taught first at Bel Air High School, took a five-year hiatus to begin raising a family, then went to North Harford High School and simultaneously earned her master’s degree at UMD. In 1966, she became a secondary supervisor at schools in Aberdeen, Edgewood and Havre de Grace, and in 1978, earned her Ph.D. in secondary education from UMD. In 1983, while the supervisor at Bel Air Middle and High Schools, Burkins was appointed supervisor of special education for the county. After her husband suffered a heart attack in 1986, she retired from Harford County the following year. Burkins then worked as a consultant for other school systems and the Maryland State Department of Education. The Harford County Retired Personnel Association placed her in its Hall of Fame, and in 1995, she was honored as a distinguished alumna by the University of Maryland College of Education. As a member of the Delta Kappa Gamma Society International, she served in a variety of positions among key women educators. Burkins was a lifelong member of the Presbyterian Church and served as an elder at her home church, St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church in Newark, Del. She held leadership positions at the New Castle Presbytery and Synod of the Mid-Atlantic and was particularly active with the Presbyterian Women at both the local and Synod levels. She is survived by a daughter, Karen B. Salmon; sister-in-law, Janet L. Burkins; son-in-law, Aaron M. Wolf; four granddaughters; and three great-granddaughters. In addition to her husband, Charles A. Burkins, and parents, she was preceded in death by her daughter, Joan B. Wolf, and siblings, Ethel Jane Crosley, Jeanne L. Jackson and Henry W. Heaps.
William “Bill” Millichap ’65 died after a year-long battle with cancer, according to media reports in June. He was 76. Millichap was co-chairman of Marcus & Millichap, which he joined as an investment broker shortly after its founding in 1971. After becoming regional manager of the Palo Alto office in the mid-1970s, he went on to be president and a director of the company from 1985-2000, and was co-chairman of the board until his death. In addition, Millichap was the managing partner of Marcus & Millichap Venture Partners, a separate entity that invested in real estate-related technology firms. He served on the board of directors of Essex Property Trust from 1994-2009 and LoopNet Inc. from 1999-2008. He was one of the founders of San Jose National Bank and the Mid-Peninsula Bank of Commerce, where he served on the board of directors. He also served on the board of directors of the National Multi Housing Council and was a member of the International Council of Shopping Centers, the Urban Land Institute and the National Venture Capital Association. Millichap received a B.S. in economics from UMD and served as an officer in the U.S. Navy. Millichap is survived by his wife, Sherrie; children, Laura, Greg, Jeff and Stacy; and eight grandchildren.
Frank Robert “Bob” Stone Jr. ’65, of Charlottesville, Va., died June 25. Stone was born on Sept. 29, 1942, in Washington, D.C., to the late Frank Robert Stone Sr. and Lelia Flippin Stone, and grew up in North Carolina. Stone had a Bachelor of Science in aerospace engineering from UMD, and worked first for Lockheed Martin in Georgia and then for Boeing in St. Louis. Stone lived in Georgia from 1965 to 1987, St. Louis from 1987-2007 and Charlottesville, Va., from 2007-20. Stone enjoyed golfing, sports, bridge and spending time with family. In addition to his parents, Stone was preceded in death by his son, Eric. Stone is survived by his wife, Penny Stone; his sister, Cassie Mae Snow; his daughter, Lisa; three grandchildren; two nieces; and a great-grandson.
Mahlon H. Trout Jr. M.Ed. ’65, of Bear, Del., formerly of Salisbury, Md., died Aug. 2 at age 90. Born on July 23, 1930, in Wilmington, Del., he was the son of Laura Jean Shuler Trout and Dr. Mahlon H. Trout Sr. Trout grew up in Salisbury and graduated from Wicomico High School in 1948. He then went on to State Teachers College, where he received an Associate in Arts degree in 1950. He spent four years in the U.S. Air Force as an electronics technician and served at Wheelus AFB in Tripoli, Libya. Upon his discharge, he completed his B.S. at State Teachers College and a master’s degree from UMD. Trout was a science teacher at Wicomico Jr. High School from 1955-58, then served as guidance counselor until 1961, when he transferred to James M. Bennett. He served there as guidance counselor until June 1975, then transferred to Parkside High until his retirement in 1995. While employed with the Wicomico County school system, Trout was a member of the National Education Association, Maryland State Teachers Association and the Wicomico Education Association. He organized the Lower Shore Personnel and Guidance Association and served as president for two years. He was president of the Wicomico County Council of PTAs in 1967 and 1968, served as president of the Wicomico County Mental Health Association, served on the Advisory Board for the General Studies Program at Wor-Wic Community College, and was president of the Nithsdale Homeowners Association for two years. He was a member of the Wicomico Retired Teachers Association, Maryland Retired Teachers Association, the Air Force Association and the Air Force Memorial. Since 1995, Trout had been a member of the American Federation of Musicians and, more recently, a life member of Local #21 of Wilmington. Trout was an avid music fan and played with several bands and as a soloist at various restaurants and lounges throughout the Shore. Trout was a member of Grace United Methodist Church in Salisbury. Trout is survived by his wife, Donna June Seymour Trout; daughter, Deborah Lynn Merceron; son, Arthur Trout; eight grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren.
Mary S. Littrell M.Ed. '64 died July 21 after a long battle with scleroderma. She was born on Aug. 23, 1939. She attended Atlantic Christian College and East Carolina University, earning a B.S. in home economics. She completed her master’s of education at UMD and taught home economics at Frederick High School for many years. She was also very active in her church choir and served as a Sunday School teacher at First Baptist Church of Frederick. As a member of Frederick Chapter #79 O.E.S., she was past worthy matron twice. She is survived by her husband, George Hayes Littrell Jr.; sons, George Hayes Littrell III and Geoffrey Hayes Littrell ; daughter, Joyce Ann Cantrell; brother, Lawrence James; cousin, Carolyn Dinst; and five grandchildren.
Jane Kroh Satterfield ’64 died May 10 at age 78. Born on Feb. 17, 1942, Satterfield grew up in the Hamilton neighborhood of Baltimore. She attended St. Dominic's, where she met her future husband, Jody, in the third grade. Satterfield graduated high school from Notre Dame Prep, received her B.S. in physical therapy from UMD and her graduate degree from Johns Hopkins University. In 1985, she founded Care Rehab, later Care Resources, with a primary focus on the therapeutic needs of children. She and Jody enjoyed traveling the world and returned annually for over 35 years to Caneel Bay. She is survived by her son, Kris; her daughter, Carey Fanzone (Ryan); five grandsons; and her sister, Mary Louise Weglein. She is preceded in death by her husband of 54 years, Jody, and her parents.
Charles Russell Kershner ’63 of Williamsport, Md., died June 3 at age 95. Born in Hagerstown, Md., on July 16, 1924, he was the son of the late John L. and Helen M. (Neikirk) Kershner. Kershner served in the Air Force as a gunner on a B-29 for the 507th Bombardment Squadron in the Pacific Theater during World War II, and later was recalled during the Korean War. He graduated from Frostburg State Teachers College in 1950 and later received his master’s degree from UMD. He served as a teacher/principal in Washington County for more than 30 years, at Cascade, Funkstown and Salem Avenue elementary schools. He was a longtime member of the Hagerstown Alsatia Club, serving as president and parade chairman. He enjoyed bowling, first with Alsatia and later with the Retired Teachers of Washington County. He was a lifetime member of Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church of Williamsport and a member of the Elks Club, Dixon-Troxell Post 211 American Legion in Funkstown, and Red Men Tribe 84, Williamsport. He volunteered at Homewood Nursing Home, which named him Volunteer of the Year for 2014. Kershner’s favorite activity was spending time at Deep Creek Lake with family and friends. He is survived by his daughter, Susan K. Shaw; daughter-in-law, Katherine Kershner; five grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren, He was preceded in death by his wife, K. Jane Kershner, and son, C. Mark Kershner.
Stanley Gene Pitts ’61 died Aug. 8 at the age of 82. He was born March 8, 1938, at Fort Sill, Okla., to the late Ogene and Lucille Cox Pitts. Pitts held a master’s degree in education and taught physical education at UMD for 20 years. He also held the position of head track coach at Maryland. Stan lived in Maryland, West Virginia, Virginia and Pennsylvania before settling in Mecklenburg County, N.C. He was a real estate agent with E.R.A. Clarksville Auction and Real Estate and served on the Brightleaf Board of Realtors. Pitts was also past president of the Clarksville Chamber of Commerce. Survivors are his wife of 63 years, Janice; daughters, Victoria Traugot and Arlene Pitts-Zele; sons, Eric Pitts and Bruce Pitts; and eight grandchildren and one great-granddaughter. He also is survived by his brother, Mark Pitts. He was predeceased by his parents, Ogene and Lucille Pitts, as well as his brother, Jimmy Pitts.
Vernon E. Poole ’59, of College Park, died July 21 at age 87. He was born in Cumberland, Md., to the late Elmer Poole and Helen Poole (nee Colbert). He graduated from Fort Hill High School, where he was a drummer in the marching band. He served four years in the Air Force in Korea, California, New York and other duty stations. He met his future wife, Frances Teter, at UMD and became an automotive technology instructor at Northwood High School in Wheaton, Md., for over 20 years. He retired in 1983 and continued to work on automobiles in his home garage for several decades. Poole was an accomplished pilot who enjoyed flying a variety of general aviation aircraft. He and Frances even re-built an award-winning Piper Pacer aircraft in his garage. He was an avid member of Experimental Aircraft Association Chapter 4 at College Park Airport. He was an active member of Quiet Birdmen at the Baltimore Hangar. Poole is survived by his wife of 63 years, Frances Poole; two sons, Vernon E. Poole Jr. and Jeffrey S. Poole; daughter, Debra K. Brown; daughter-in-law, Sandy Poole; and one grandson.
Ralph C. Ward ’59, of Richmond, Va., died on Aug. 1. Born to Ralph Cordell Ward Sr. and Mabel Josephine Cross on March 11, 1935, he grew up in Rockville, Md. At Montgomery Blair High School, he earned letters in football, basketball and baseball and was elected class president. Ward was offered a football scholarship to several universities but chose to attend the University of Maryland, where he also played on the baseball team, achieving the third-highest batting average in the ACC. Ward had a remarkable career in the food industry. He accepted a clerk position with Safeway Stores during his college years and worked his way through the ranks to regional vice president at the age of 33. He was also a founding board member of Fidelity Federal Savings Bank. After retiring from Safeway, he enjoyed a 10-year career as director of sales and marketing for the state of Virginia’s Department of Agriculture. An avid golfer, he was a member of Willow Oaks Country Club for more than 40 years and enjoyed annual golf vacations with his wife and several close friends. He was funny, humble and kind in all his roles. He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Sally; daughter, Debra Marr; son, Del Ward; and a granddaughter.
Ann L. Marsh ’58 died Aug. 5 after a long illness, four days after her 84th birthday. She was born July 31, 1936, in Washington, D.C, to Henry Wadsworth Longfellow (a second cousin to the poet) and Mary Olwen Rice Longfellow. She graduated from Bethesda-Chevy Chase High School, and then received a B.S. in elementary education at UMD. For many years, she taught math to elementary age students in Baltimore County; Shaker Heights, Ohio; and Newton, Mass., and as master teacher in the summer program of the Harvard School of Education. She married Ed Marsh on April 23, 1960. After marrying, they moved together for his medical school and postgraduate medical training, and an assignment with the U.S. Army in Germany. Marsh was a volunteer teacher with the U.S. military schools in Augsburg, Germany, and later at Shore Country Day School and the church school at St. John the Russian Church in Ipswich, Mass. She was active in the Ipswich Garden Club and the Friends of the Ipswich Library and pursued culinary interests and mastered the historic art of crewel embroidery. Thereafter she established the small shop Artesanias in the old Railway Express building, where she sold hand-made artifacts. In her twilight days, Marsh deepened her commitment to Christ through tonsure as an Orthodox nun, Mother Mariam. She is survived by her husband; sons, Ed and Tom; her sister, Mary Alice Hearn; six grandchildren; one great-granddaughter; nephews and nieces; and great-nephews and nieces.
Harold L. Norton ’58 died Aug. 19. He was born in Garden City, Kan., on Oct 4, 1935. He attended École International School in Geneva, Switzerland, the International School of the Netherlands and his senior year of high school was in Paris at American Community School. He attended Kansas State University, then transferred to UMD to participate in the International Agriculture Economics program. After graduation, he joined the Foreign Agriculture Service for the U.S. Department of Agriculture, where he remained for 31 years. He served in The Hague, Nairobi and Warsaw. In 1988, he received a call from the secretary general of the United Nations to join the UN. He was assigned to Sudan as country director, then transferred to Kenya to take over the country and regional responsibilities. Upon retirement in 1998, he moved to Tucson, Ariz. He became involved in antique and classic cars, winning grand national awards and becoming president of three car clubs. He enjoyed the opera, traveling and the Dutch Club. He is preceded in death by his parents, Lawrence Harold Norton and Cora Norton Mostek. He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Kathryn Knapp Norton; children, Elizabeth M. Norton, Kathryn N. Paulk and Lawrence H. Norton; three brothers, Bruce Norton, David Norton and Colburn Norton; two grandchildren; one great-grandchild; plus nieces, nephews and other friends and relatives.
Lee M. Beall M.Ed. ’57, of Winston-Salem, N.C., died June 5. Born in Washington, D.C., Beall served in the U.S. Air Force and received his undergraduate degree in music from American University in Washington. There he met, and on Aug. 3, 1962, married the love of his life, his wife of 57 years, Susan MacKenzie Beall, who survives him. Beall earned his first master’s degree at Appalachian State University, his second at UMD and his Ph.D. in music at American University. Beall taught music in Maryland public schools, at Pembroke State University, Sacred Heart College in Belmont, N.C., and at Winston-Salem State University, where he also served as the university's organist and taught organ, introductory music and sign language. In 1986, Beall was recognized with the WSSU Excellence in Teaching Award. He received numerous local and state recognitions, including the Winston-Salem Foundation’s Echo Award in 2009. After retiring from WSSU, Beall taught music in the Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools at South Park High School, Lowrance Middle School and the Children’s Center. He served as a communication officer for N.C. Retired School Personnel. Beall loved and supported the Winston-Salem Symphony and the Theater Alliance. In several local churches he served as music director, and started a handbell choir at Brookridge Baptist Retirement Community, where he lived for 23 years. Beall spent the last 35 years of his music career enriching the lives of special needs children, their parents, families, friends and teachers, including directing the chorus at Carter Vocational High School. Beall later volunteered to teach at the Children’s Center, helping students find joy in music and movement. Lee and Susan also volunteered at the Forsyth Humane Society, where they established the New Leash on Life Program, in which state prison inmates are taught by professionals to be dog trainers. Beall was a man of highest integrity, innovative, funny, warm, loving, loyal and accepting.
William Roy Hamilton Jr. M.A. ’56, Ph.D. ’63 died July 15 at age 94. Hamilton was born on April 21, 1926, in Durant, Okla., to Josephine and Roy Hamilton Sr. He was drafted into the U.S. Navy as an electrical engineer from 1944-46 and he earned a WWII Victory Medal in 1947. Hamilton received his M.A. in government and politics and a Ph.D. in political science and international law from UMD. Hamilton was employed at UMass Boston and acting chancellor from 1972-73, when he was responsible for the construction of the New Harbor Campus. He was vice chancellor for administration and finance from 1969-73 and a professor of political science from 1969-88. He focused on the fields of American government and international relations until he retired in 1988. In addition, he was fiscal adviser and special assistant to the mayor of Boston from 1964-67. He acquired a pilot’s license and had a passion for woodworking, gardening, making furniture, baking bread and distance swimming. He explored the history of Buddhism and participated in many Buddhist thoughts, beliefs and meditation practices. He enjoyed attending the symphony, travelling abroad, and participating in folk dancing and yoga with his wife, Judith. He was also very active at the First Parish Unitarian Universalist Church in Framingham. He enjoyed intellectual conversations, summer escapes to Star Island and Duxbury Beach, and country music and chicken-fried steaks. Hamilton is preceded in death by his wife, Judith Stames-Hamilton; his daughter, Kim Gordon; and his stepdaughter, Courtney Stames. He is survived by his sister, Mary Hamilton; his daughters, Page Hamilton and Penny Hamilton; his stepdaughter, Debby Merz; his stepson, Peter Stames; and four grandchildren.
Peggy Culbertson Lott ’55 died Aug. 9 from complications of a stroke. She was born Aug. 28, 1933, in Washington, D.C., to Paul T. and Maria Bisset Culbertson. She graduated from the University of Maryland in 1955, where she was a member of the Kappa Kappa Gamma sorority and met her husband, Van Lott. They married in 1956 and relocated to Japan, where they lived for three years. During this time she worked as the registrar and director of admissions for the University of Maryland, Far East Division. They moved to Gettysburg, where they lived for 30 years. Lott’s favorite activities included gardening, pottery and being an enthusiastic hostess. She volunteered her time to the library, garden club and the Apple Blossom Festival, as well as many other local organizations. Peggy and Van retired to Oxford, Md., in 1986, where she continued to dedicate herself to supporting the local organizations. Her favorite pastimes there were gardening and riding her three-wheeled bike around town. Lott is survived by Van, her husband of 64 years; her daughter, Deborah M. Lott, and her son, Allen VanCleve Lott, and their spouses; five grandchildren; her sister, Bettsy Jones; and brother, Paul Culbertson.
Alfred Viola Ph.D. ’55 of Wayland, Mass., died on May 15 at age 91 as a result of a COVID-19 infection. Born in Vienna, Austria, in 1928, he fled the Nazis’ regime at age 9 via the Kindertransport. He resided in England for one year before being reunited with his parents in New York. From there, the family moved to Baltimore, where Viola attended the Baltimore Polytechnic Institute and Johns Hopkins University. He obtained his Ph.D. in organic chemistry at UMD. Viola began his academic career as a research associate at Boston University, moving on to Northeastern University in 1957 as an assistant professor of chemistry. He remained at Northeastern for 41 years, retiring as professor emeritus in 1997. He was nominated by his students for the Excellence in Teaching Award, which was presented to him at Northeastern Commencement exercises in 1991. Viola was a 50-year member of the American Chemical Society and recipient of the Henry Hill Award, presented by the Northeast Section of the ACS in recognition of his years chairing the continuing education committee. A lifelong birder, with a life list in excess of 2,300 species, he enjoyed nature photography and together with his wife, Joy, traveled to all seven continents, often leading the Penguin Society, an informal group of friends and associates.The Violas donated their photo collection to the University of Georgia Center for Invasive Species and Ecosystem Health, where the images were digitized and are now available at www.Bugwood.org. In 1991, the Violas established a scholarship at Northeastern University for students majoring in chemistry and pharmacy. They also became major donors to Yankee Golden Retriever Rescue, where they provided the naming gift for the organization’s shelter and adoption center in Hudson. He was also a supporter of many natural history organizations, including the Sudbury Valley Trustees. In 2019, his life story was recorded by the Austrian Cultural Institute, located at the Leo Baeck Institute in New York, and his interview may be heard online on its website. He leaves behind his wife of 56 years, Joy; several cousins in California; many of his wife’s family members in Minnesota; his sister-in-law, Ruth Viola; and several nieces and nephews in Israel. He also leaves behind his beloved dogs, Ozzie and Anna.
Robert Lee Derbyshire ’54, M.S. ’59, Ph.D. ’64 died on June 4 in Wilmington, N.C. He was born June 2, 1929, in Baltimore to the late Joseph Hare Derbyshire and Ella Derbyshire (nee Collier). Derbyshire served two tours with the U.S. Marine Corps from 1946 until his honorable discharge in 1951. He then earned a B.S. in education and master’s degree and Ph.D. in sociology at UMD. He began his teaching career in the Baltimore City school system and later taught at Mergenthaler High School. He soon became a professor at what was once known as Morgan State College, then at the University of Maryland Medical School, Psychiatric Institute, publishing several articles in medical and psychiatric journals. In 1972, he established a private practice in marriage and family counseling. He is survived by his children, Deborah A. Derbyshire, Robert B., William P., Mark H., and Adam C.; 13 grandchildren; and 17 great-grandchildren. Derbyshire was predeceased by his wife of 72 years, Joan Anne Derbyshire (nee Love), who died on April 23; two grandchildren, Jennifer and Grace; and a brother, Joseph Derbyshire.
Marilyn A. Stutts ’53, of Frederick County, Va., died on Aug. 22 at age 89. Stutts was born in 1931 in Densmore, Kan., daughter of the late Ruth and Glenn Archer Sr. She earned a bachelor’s degree from UMD and a master’s degree from New York University. She was a professor at Montgomery Community College in Rockville, Md. Stutts was a member of PEO and Tri Delta Sorority, and of Braddock Street United Methodist Church, where she participated in the Methodist Women’s Circle. Stutts enjoyed spending time at the family farm along the Cacapon River, Glenmar Farms, in Capon Bridge, W.Va. Her husband, Herbert P. Stutts, preceded her in death. Surviving is a daughter, Cynthia Quinn; sons, Robert Stutts, Clifford Stutts and David Stutts; eight grandchildren; and five great grandchildren.
Ella F. Smart ’52, of Silver Spring, Md., died on May 16. She was predeceased by her husband, Clarence S. Smart Jr. She is survived by her children, Mary Denison, Leslie McGowan, Janice Thomann and Diane Melia-Anderson; seven grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; and other loving family and friends.
Barbara Ione Brubaker ’51 died at her home in Asheville, N.C., on June 7. She was 89. Born and raised in Hyattsville, Md., she was the child of Blanche and Wallace Dobbin. While getting her degree in art education at UMD, she met her husband, Russell E. Brubaker, with whom she embarked on 63 years of marriage. After Russell’s service as an officer in the U.S. Army in France, Washington, Kansas, Germany and Virginia, they settled in Virginia Beach, Va., where for 23 years she taught elementary school art. In 2015, after her husband’s death, she moved to Asheville, N.C. and continued to love animals, gardens, nature, music and travel. Throughout her long life she did her best to cherish her family, love her neighbors and trust in God. She is lovingly remembered by her son, Michael Brubaker, and daughter-in-law, Charlotte Caplan; and a grandson.
Robert L. Ridgeway ’51 died Aug. 4. He was born on Oct. 24, 1925, in Berwyn, Md. He earned a B.S. in business, and an LL.B from George Washington University. Ridgeway was drafted into the U.S. Army in November 1943, and served in Patton’s Third Army in Europe. He was employed as a special agent with the FBI from 1951-76, then worked for Delta Airlines and as a CIA contract employee. His memberships included the Society of Former Agents of the FBI, VFW, American Legion, Alpha Tau Omega college fraternity, Masonic Lodge, First Redeemer Baptist Church (Cumming, Ga.), and Aircraft Owners and Pilot Association. Ridgeway is survived by his wife, Wynelle Ridgeway; son, Robert Gregory Ridgeway; daughter, Carol L. Phipott; six grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.
Theodore F. Krug ’50, of New Oxford, Pa., died May 18. He was 93. Krug was born on Oct. 24, 1926, in Baltimore, the son of the late Theodore A. and Elizabeth Ann (LaMotte) Krug. Krug was a member of Hanover First Church of God. He was president of G. Krug and Son Ironworks in Baltimore. He retired about 1990. In addition to his wife of 67 years, Barbara, Krug is survived by four sons, Theodore J. Krug, Stephen N. Krug, Peter M.L. Krug and Paul M. Krug; 12 grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; and one sister, Ann Dentry.
Frank L. Monteforte ’50 died May 23 at age 93 in Sarasota, Fla. Born in Brooklyn in 1926 to the late Vincent and Anna Monteforte, he moved to Long Branch, N.J., in 1943, and was a graduate of Long Branch High School. Monteforte served in the U.S. Army during World War II. He attended Monmouth College, the University of Maryland and the University of Texas, receiving a degree in physical therapy, and subsequently, a doctorate in physical therapy from the Van Norman University. His career as a physical therapist spanned 57 years. Beginning as staff at Monmouth Medical Center in 1951, Monteforte compassionately served his patients there for 10 years, eventually rising to head the Department of Physical Therapy. He later developed a successful private practice with offices in Red Bank and Freehold, N.J. In retirement, Monteforte continued to care for others, working as a PT per diem in both Florida and Colorado well into his 80s. He and his wife of 66 years, the former Caroline Scialla, enjoyed entertaining family and friends, as well as traveling the globe. She died just four days after his passing. Surviving are their children, Anne Pisa, Frank and Bonnie Monteforte, James and Lori Monteforte, and Mary Grace and Douglas Fahoury; grandchildren and great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews. Frank and Caroline are predeceased by their infant daughter, Grace.
Dr. Jonas Rappeport ’50 died Sept. 8 at age 95 in Cockeysville, Md. Rappeport graduated from Forest Park High School in Baltimore in 1942 and entered UMD. He was drafted in June 1943 and served in Europe until WWII ended. He returned to College Park in the pre-med program and graduated from medical school. He interned in Chicago at Michael Reese Hospital, where he met his wife, Joan Gruenwald, chief psychiatric nurse. They returned to Baltimore. Along with private practice, he was integral to the development of forensic psychiatry in the U.S., serving as the first court psychiatrist in Baltimore County, then the first medical officer of the Circuit Court of Baltimore City. He helped found and served as the first president of the American Academy of Psychiatry and Law, received an NIMH grant and ran a forensic psychiatry training program taught at the University of Maryland and Johns Hopkins schools of medicine. He is survived by his children, Sandy Rappeport, Susan Bleiberg and Sally Rappeport; four grandchildren; his devoted companion, Alma Smith; and many loving nieces. He was predeceased by his wife, Joan Rappeport; siblings, Stanley Rappeport and Evelyn Berman; and parents, Abraham and Edna Rappeport.
Ilda Lunan Deming ’48 died Aug. 3 at age 93 in Venice, Fla. She was born in Springfield, Mass., to the late James R. and lda L. Barrus-Lunan. She received her B.A. from UMD and continued her graduate studies in library science at Rutgers University. She was a member of Alpha Xi Delta sorority and the American Association of University Women as well. She spent her career as a librarian in various school systems in New Jersey and volunteering with libraries in both New Jersey and Florida. Deming was a member of Trinity Presbyterian Church. Survivors include her husband of 71 years, Raymond C. Deming; sons, Clifford J. Deming and Thomas A. Deming; daughter-in-law Joan Deming; son-in-law Frank Etzel; six grandchildren; and one great-grandchild. In addition to her parents, Deming was preceded in death by two daughters, Laura Rae Deming and Barbara Etzel; and a son, Edward Deming; as well as a daughter-in-law, Katie Deming.
James “Jim” Armstrong ’45, of Mendota, Ill., died on Aug. 16 at age 96. Armstrong was born in Baltimore on Feb. 22, 1924, to James and Ruth (Bischoff) Armstrong. After high school, he earned a B.S. in agronomy from UMD. He served in the U.S. Army from 1945-46 as a medical tech. Following the war, Armstrong attended the University of Illinois and received a master’s degree in agronomy. After serving an internship at the Rochelle Del Monte Plant, Armstrong was a field supervisor at the new Del Monte Plant in Mendota in 1949, a career that lasted until he retired in 1984. Armstrong met his future wife, Gertrude “Trudy” Elsesser, at the Kakusha Dance Pavilion Gertrude “Trudy” Elsesser and they wed in 1950. Armstrong enjoyed a lifelong passion for gardening and nature conservation. He was a longtime member of the Mendota Garden Club and worked in public gardens around town well into his 80s. He was an avid tennis player and sports fan and was smooth as silk on the dance floor. He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Trudy; and his sister, Rachel Fink. Survivors include daughters Meg Stevenson and Mary Noonan; son, Tom Armstrong; seven grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren.
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