Class Notes
Class Notes of 20s
Harrison Rich '26 and Sam Jane '25, the last two students chosen for the Shirley Povich Center for Sport Journalism Center's Super Bowl annual reporting embed with Sports Business Journal, joined The San Francisco Chronicle as a 49ers reporter and The Denver Post as the Broncos beat reporter, respectively. The two will cross paths as the 49ers host the Broncos in Santa Clara on Oct. 4.
Rudra Singh ’26 was selected to join the 2026 NobleReach Scholars cohort working at the state of Maryland's Department of Information Technology for a year. NobleReach Scholars are early-career professionals placed across federal, state and local government, as well as government-adjacent nonprofits and companies, working in AI, cybersecurity, business process innovation and materials manufacturing.
Ola Al-Shayeb M.S. ’21 was named director of the West Virginia University School of Public Health’s master of health administration program. She was previously program coordinator for the bachelor of science in healthcare management and program director for the Master of Science in healthcare management at Stevenson University. Al-Sheyab earned a doctorate in workforce education and development from Southern Illinois University, and a master’s degree in communication and a bachelor’s degree, both from Western Illinois University.
Class Notes of 10s
Travis Chapman M.E. ’16 was named director of U.S. regulatory affairs and licensing for newcleo, a pioneer in advanced modular reactor technology and nuclear fuel manufacturing. He joins the company from BWXT Advanced Technologies, where he served as director of regulatory and licensing. He also previously served on the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission. He earned a bachelor’s degree from the U.S. Naval Academy and a master’s degree in engineering management from Old Dominion University.
Erik Johnson MBA ’16 was named managing director of U.S. government affairs for the Electronic Payments Coalition. He most recently served as vice president of U.S. government affairs at the Managed Funds Association. He earned a bachelor’s degree in business management from the Ohio State University.
Gabriella E. Botticelli ’15, a commercial litigator at Forchelli Deegan Terrana, was selected by Long Island Business News as a 40 Under Forty honoree and was included in the 2027 edition of the Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch in America. She earned her J.D. from the George Washington University Law School.
Jason Rivera Ph.D. ’15 was selected as one of 40 Aspen Rising Presidents Fellows from the Aspen Institute. The fellowship aims to develop the next generation of higher education leaders to lead colleges to higher levels of student success, both in college and after graduation. Rivera is vice provost for student success and dean of University College at Ball State University.
Andrew Olinger ’14 was appointed senior associate athletic director for financial affairs at the University of Connecticut. He will oversee financial operations, budgeting and strategic planning for UConn Athletics, bringing extensive experience in collegiate athletic administration and business operations. He previously held several leadership positions in athletic finance and administration. Olinger earned a master’s degree in sport and entertainment management from the University of South Carolina.
“Transplanetary Americas: Art, Outer Space, and the Latinx Imagination” by Robb Hernández Ph.D. ’11 will be published by Duke University Press in October. The book explores how the modern space race has driven Latinx artists to look up and attune to expressions derived from the solar system and beyond. Hernández is a professor of English at Fordham University and the author of “Archiving an Epidemic: Art, AIDS, and the Queer Chicanx Avant-Garde and VIVA Records, 1970–2000: Lesbian and Gay Latino Artists of Los Angeles.”
Marc Karlinsky '11 was named a recipient of the 2026 Davis, Gidwitz, & Glasser Young Leadership Award from the Jewish United Fund of Metropolitan Chicago (JUF). The award recognizes his leadership in government affairs and his public advocacy for JUF. He has volunteered with the organization since he was a UMD student interning its Washington, D.C. office. Karlinsky works in marketing for J.P. Morgan in Chicago. He was a longtime board member and past president of the Chicago Terps Alumni Network.
Henry Jin ’10 rejoined law firm Hunton Andrews Kurth LLP as a partner. Jin specializes in advising clients on renewable energy transactions. After beginning his career at Hunton Andrews Kurth, he served as senior counsel at Électricité de France Renewables Distributed Solutions. He earned his J.D. from the University of Pennsylvania Carey Law School.
Jason Stewart MPM ’10 was named chief of staff to University of California, Davis Chancellor Gary S. May. He was previously assistant executive vice chancellor and chief of staff to UC Davis Provost and Executive Vice Chancellor Mary Croughan, a position he held since 2022. He earned his bachelor’s degree from the University of Memphis.
Class Notes of 00s
Jehiel Baer ’09 was appointed to Snohomish County Superior Court by Washington Gov. Bob Ferguson. He previously practiced as an assistant United States attorney in the Western District of Washington, where he litigated criminal and civil asset forfeiture, money laundering and fraud matters, including the largest fraud and money laundering cases in the office's history. He earned a J.D. from New York University School of Law.
Clinical psychologist and public speaker Rachel L. Goldman ’09 wrote the new book “When Life Happens: The Mindset Shift You Need to Manage Stress, Build Confidence, and Break Free,” a guide to helping women reclaim their confidence, reshape how they see themselves and build resilience. Goldman, who holds a doctorate in psychology, is a clinical assistant professor at New York University and runs a private practice.
Ira Kowler ’08, MPP ’09 was named director of Baltimore city revitalization programs in the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development. Most recently, he served as chief investment officer for the Maryland Community Investment Corporation. He previously worked for government and nonprofit organizations in Baltimore and across Maryland.
Jonathan W. White Ph.D. ’08 edited the book “Why Lincoln: Preserving an American Legacy” (Reedy Press), which will be published on Oct. 1. It compiles essays by leading scholars and public historians on why Lincoln matters to them, and why he should still matter to all of us. White, the Patrick C. Oxford Professor in the School of Civic Leadership at the University of Texas at Austin, is the author or editor of 23 books.
Jack Congdon ’07 rejoined the law firm Sullivan and Cromwell as a partner in its antitrust practice, based in the Washington, D.C., office. He had spent the past five years as a trial attorney in the U.S. Department of Justice’s antitrust division and was previously an associate in Sullivan & Cromwell’s D.C., office. Congdon earned a J.D. from Georgetown University Law Center.
Brandon Ge ’07 joined Wilson Sonsini Goodrich and Rosati, a provider of legal services to technology, life sciences and growth enterprises worldwide, as senior counsel in Washington, D.C. He advises healthcare and technology companies on data privacy, cybersecurity and AI governance, including incident response, interoperability and information blocking, data use and exchange and privacy-related contracting. He earned a J.D. from Columbia Law School.
Mary Clare Schuller ’07 joined Venable LLP as counsel in Baltimore for the firm’s real estate finance group. She represents financial institutions, businesses, developers and property owners in complex real estate and corporate transactions. She earned her J.D., cum laude, from the University of Maryland Francis King Carey School of Law.
Annemarie (Smith) Cooper MBA ’05 was promoted to president/CEO of the Winter Park (Fla.) Chamber of Commerce. She joined the chamber in 2021 and most recently served as director of government affairs. Cooper previously managed stakeholder outreach on Capitol Hill for the Tennessee Valley Authority, the nation’s largest public utility, and served as the executive director of the National Independent Pharmacy Coalition.
Bo-hyung Han Ph.D. ’05 joined Samsung Electronics to lead the development of AI models tailored to semiconductor R&D. He joined Pohang University of Science and Technology as an assistant professor in 2010 and later became an associate professor before joining Seoul National University, where he is a professor of electrical and computer engineering and works in computer vision, machine learning and deep learning. Han is also a fellow of the Korean Academy of Science and Technology.
Jay Pusey MBA ’05 was named chief executive officer of Polkadog, a Boston-based dog treat company, following an acquisition by TAW Ventures. He spent more than a decade at Only Natural Pet, a subsidiary of PetSmart, where he led initiatives across marketing, commerce and merchandising. Earlier in his career, he held leadership roles at Pet360, PetMD and PetFoodDirect.
Courtney F. Aklin Ph.D. ’04 was promoted to director of the National Institute of Nursing Research (NINR), part of the National Institutes of Health. She had served as acting director and acting scientific director since April 2025, leading scientific strategy, collaborations and research priorities. She brings more than 21 years of NIH experience, including service as NINR deputy director.
Michael Lukich ’03, MBA ’11 recently published his first book, “The Stoic Systems Thinker,” which bridges modern systems thinking and ancient stoic philosophy to help readers see what others miss—the hidden structures, feedback loops and leverage points where small changes create real results.
Jeanna Bryner M.S. ’00 was promoted to editor-in-chief of Scientific American. Bryner joined the staff in 2022 and was previously executive editor and interim editor-in-chief. Previously she was editor-in-chief of Live Science and, prior to that, an editor at Scholastic's Science World magazine. Bryner has a bachelor’s degree from Salisbury University and a science journalism graduate degree from New York University. She has worked as a biologist in Florida, where she monitored wetlands and did field surveys for endangered species.
Gavin McPhail ’00 was named vice president and chief data officer of Plymouth Rock Assurance, an auto and home insurance provider. He was previously executive vice president and general manager of risk intelligence at Fusable, where he led the company’s insurance risk intelligence data-as-a-service business. He earned an MBA from the Haas School of Business at the University of California, Berkeley and a master’s degree in information and telecommunication systems from Johns Hopkins University.
KerryAnn O’Meara Ph.D. ’00 was named provost of Fordham University. She came to Fordham from Teachers College, Columbia University, where she was vice president for academic affairs, provost, and dean of the college for the past three years. Before that, she spent nearly 16 years as a faculty member and administrator at UMD.
Class Notes of 90s
Dr. Zachary Roberts ’99 was appointed chief executive officer of Allogene Therapeutics, a biotechnology company focused on developing allogeneic, or off-the-shelf, cell therapies for cancer and other serious diseases. Roberts was previously executive vice president of research and development and chief medical officer at Allogene. He earned his M.D. and Ph.D. from the University of Maryland School of Medicine.
Ester Sztein Ph.D. ’99 was named a 2026 recipient of the American Geosciences Institute Award for Outstanding Contribution to the Public Understanding of the Geosciences. Sztein is director of international programs at the Geological Society of America. Her leadership has connected scientists, educators, students, and institutions across international boundaries, creating new opportunities for collaboration while strengthening public appreciation of Earth science and its importance to society.
Sonia Chase ’98 was appointed president of Upshot Baltimore, the fifth franchise of the new Upshot professional women’s basketball league. She was the first woman drafted directly from the University of Maryland into the WNBA; her playing career spanned the WNBA and international competition, including clubs in Greece, Turkey and China. A first-round NWBL Draft selection, she earned NWBL All-Star honors with the Birmingham Power. Chase most recently served as an associate director in Secretariat’s Global Sports Practice, and before that was U.S. sponsorship operations manager at Deloitte.
Peter D. Eckel Ph.D. ’98 was elected to the board of trustees of Connecticut College. Eckel is the senior fellow and the director of leadership programs at the Alliance for Higher Education and Democracy at the University of Pennsylvania Graduate School of Education. He earned a bachelor’s degree from Michigan State University.
Elena Irwin Ph.D. ’98 was appointed dean of the Bren School of Environmental Science and Management at University of California, Santa Barbara. Irwin joins UCSB from The Ohio State University, where she founded and directed the Sustainability Institute. An expert in land-use change and sustainability science, she has also led more than $30 million in funded research and served in national leadership roles, including with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Irwin earned a bachelor’s degree from Washington University in St. Louis.
Eric Trexler ’97, MBA ’02 was appointed chief operating officer at Chainalysis, a blockchain data platform and analysis firm. He most recently served as senior vice president at Palo Alto Networks and previously held senior roles at Forcepoint and McAfee focused on government and national security sales, along with earlier positions at Salesforce, EMC and Sybase. Trexler started his career as an airborne ranger in the Army’s 101st Airborne Division.
Nikki Nesbitt ’96 was honored at The Daily Record’s Managing Partner Awards, which honor leaders in the legal and financial sectors who demonstrate vision, integrity and measurable impact on their organizations and communities. Nesbitt is managing partner at law firm Goodell DeVries, where she started as a summer associate 25 years ago. She became managing partner in 2021. Her law practice focuses on medical malpractice defense and complex commercial litigation in Maryland and Washington, D.C. She earned a J.D. from the University of Maryland Francis King Carey School of Law.
Darryl Sampey ’96, Ph.D. ’17 was appointed to the scientific advisory board of KOMO Biosciences, a synthetic biology and precision genome engineering company. Sampey is the co-founder, president and chief executive officer of BioFactura, a biologics development and clinical manufacturing organization.
Class Notes of 80s
Kristen E. Caverly ’89 joined the law firm Snell and Wilmer as a partner in the litigation, investigations and trials practice group in its San Diego office. She joined from Henderson, Caverly & Pum, a San Diego-based trusts and estates firm. Caverly earned her J.D. from the University of San Diego School of Law.
Mary Ellen Bruce Large ’88, president of Geotechnica, was named the recipient of the Deep Foundations Institute’s Distinguished Service Award, which recognizes individuals who have made exceptionally valuable and lasting contributions to the advancement of the geotechnical industry. She has a master’s degree in geotechnical engineering from Cornell University and is active in the DFI, the International Association of Foundation Drilling, the American Society of Civil Engineers, Engineers Without Borders, the United States Society on Dams and the Association of State Dam Safety Officials. Large is also a member of Chi Epsilon. She currently serves as executive director of the International Society for Micropiles and co-chair of DFI’s Structural Slurry Wall and Seepage Control Committee.
Arthur Morrish Ph.D. ’86 was appointed strategic adviser to NTS Innovations, a nanotechnology and semiconductor startup specializing in energy harvesting. Morrish previously served as founding CEO of ASPIRE, the technology program management pillar of Abu Dhabi's Advanced Technology Research Council, and vice president for advanced concepts and technology at Raytheon Intelligence and Space Systems, among other roles. He holds a bachelor’s degree from Michigan State University.
Scarlett (Gonsalves) Baker ’85 wrote the new children’s picture book, “Poppy” (Warren Publishing). It follows a group of peacocks who gather under the full moon to hear stories from Poppy, a wise and magical peacock who shares lessons about gratitude, self-acceptance and discovering the magic within yourself. The book was inspired by Baker’s background in early childhood education.
George Pelecanos ’80 brings back private investigator Derek Strange after a 14-year hiatus in his new book, “The Blue Flame: A Novel.” He is the bestselling author of 23 novels and story collections set in and around Washington, D.C. Pelecanos was also a writer and producer on HBO’s “The Wire,” “The Pacific,” “Treme,” “The Deuce,” “We Own This City” and the feature film “D.C. Noir.”
Class Notes of 70s
Class Notes of 60s
Philanthropist Brenda Brown Rever ’65 was named to The Baltimore Sun Hall of Fame 2026, which recognized 13 business and civic luminaries whose leadership, vision and profound contributions have helped shape Greater Baltimore. The causes she has solicited donations for include House of Ruth Maryland and UMD; she co-chaired its $450 million Bold Vision, Bright Futures fundraising campaign.
Class Notes of Passings
Sylvia Bugg EMBA ’12, PBS’ chief programming executive and general manager for general audience programming, died on July 17, 2026. She was 55. Born to the late Prince "Bunny" Bugg and Florence Valentine Bugg, she was raised in Brunswick County, Virginia. She earned a Bachelor of Arts in communications from Old Dominion University, a Master of Arts in journalism from American University, a Master of Business Administration from UMD and a Doctor of Education from the University of Southern California. Prior to her executive leadership at PBS, Bugg served as vice president of diversity and TV content at the Corporation for Public Broadcasting. She also held programming leadership positions at PBS and spent 12 years with Discovery Communications. She generously shared her time and expertise mentoring aspiring media professionals through the T. Howard Foundation. Bugg was a member of Alfred Street Baptist Church in Alexandria, Va., and of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority. She is survived by her sister, Casandra Stephenson; uncles and aunts; two nephews; her dear friend, Krystal Thompkins; her companion, Ken Johnson; and a host of extended family members, friends, colleagues and mentees.
Carol C. Bertaut Ph.D. ’93, of San Francisco, a longtime economist with the Federal Reserve Board of Governors, died on May 25, 2026, after a two-year battle with lung cancer. She was 67. Born in Pittsburgh, she grew up in the Squirrel Hill neighborhood near Carnegie-Mellon University, where her father was a physics professor. She received her B.A. degree in economics from Swarthmore College, where she met her future husband, Edgard Bertaut. Bertaut went on to earn her doctorate in economics from the University of Maryland. She moved to the Federal Reserve Board in 1993, and enjoyed a 33-year career there, retiring in January as senior adviser to the Division of International Finance. Her research in international and consumer finance resulted in numerous publications, and enabled policymakers and academics to understand cross-border capital flows and monitor the international role of the dollar. Until 2020, Bertaut and her husband resided in Silver Spring, Md., where they raised their children and she supported their activities. She was a talented painter and prolific baker, and she and Edgard were outdoor and travel enthusiasts. Bertaut was also a member of Cedar Lane Unitarian Universalist Church, teaching Sunday School, serving on the Partner Church Committee, chairing the Finance Committee and taking part in Partner Church trips to Transylvania. After the birth of their grandchild, Walter, in San Francisco in 2019, Carol and Edgard moved there. Bertaut is survived by her husband of 42 years, Edgard; her children, Katherine and Jules Bertaut; a grandson; her brother, Mark Cutkosky; her sister, Martha Varadan; 17 nieces and nephews; and three cousins.
Kenneth Byron Jones ’90, M.Arch. ’92 died on July 8, 2026, in Lincoln, Del. He was 60. Jones spent his early career with Grimm & Parker Architects before he and his partner, Wes Bridges, founded CB Design Group. Together, they grew the firm into a national company with 23 employees. Jones derived immense pleasure from the people aspect of architecture, including mentoring younger architects and providing excellent client interactions. He loved to draw and authored five novels under the name K.B. Jones. He also enjoyed fishing, golf and cheering for the Orioles and Ravens. Jones is survived by his wife of 36 years, Wynette; children Taylor and Bailey; his mother, Dot; and brothers, Bill and Steve. He was predeceased by his father, Jim.
Rickey “Rick” Eugene Fahrney ’80 died on June 7, 2026, at age 68, four years after being diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer’s disease. Fahrney was born in Hagerstown, Md., to Arthur Paul Fahrney Jr. and Pauline V. Fahrney. He graduated from North Hagerstown High School and majored in biochemistry at the University of Maryland, where he joined Sigma Pi fraternity. Fahrney spent his career in the South Florida corrugated box industry, retiring in 2022 from Packaging Corp. of America as a sales manager. Fahrney and his wife, Virginia “Ginger,” lived in Royal Palm Beach, Fla., for 42 years; there, Fahrney incorporated a pool, koi ponds and waterfalls into his backyard oasis. Fahrney was active in and coached youth soccer for his sons and many other young men, and he was a constant supporter of his daughter’s passion for ballet and gymnastics. Fahrney will be remembered for his outgoing personality, his love of storytelling and his ability to befriend anyone. He is survived by his wife of 44 years, Ginger; his mother, Pauline V. Fahrney; his children, Paul Hunter Fahrney, Andrew Shriver Fahrney and Julia Fahrney Folmsbee; and six grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his father, Arthur Paul Fahrney Jr.
Howard “Chip” Wilson ’73 was killed by a suspected drunk driver on Aug. 9, 2026, in Polson, Mont., not far from his home on Flathead Lake. He was 74. He was raised in Easton, Md., and followed in the footsteps of his father, brother and sister by attending the University of Maryland, an institution he never quite forgave for leaving the ACC to join the Big Ten. At UMD, he studied business, joined the SAE fraternity, made lifelong friends and met his future wife, Patti McCarthy. His banking career began in Annapolis at Maryland National Bank and continued at American Security Bank in Washington, D.C., where he attended Loyola University at night to earn his MBA. Wilson spent 13 years running the Florida office of U.S. Trust Co., and in 1999, he moved his family to Philadelphia to become CEO of U.S. Trust’s mid-Atlantic region. In 2004, he joined Glenmede Trust Co. in a senior executive role, where he flourished for the next 20 years, opening offices in New York City and Palm Beach. Wilson was an active board member of the Country Club of Florida and chaired the membership committee at the Gulf Stream Bath and Tennis Club. He also belonged to numerous other clubs, including the Everglades Club, Merion Golf Club, Merion Cricket Club, the 4th Street Club of Philadelphia, the Union League of Philadelphia and Eagle Bend Golf Club in Montana. He also gave his time to the United Way of Palm Beach and Mural Arts Philadelphia. In retirement, visiting family, playing golf, club leadership, travel and cheering for the Eagles and Phillies kept him engaged. Wilson is remembered for his faithful presence at sporting events for his three children and nine grandchildren. He is survived by Patti, his wife of 52 years; children Kiely Wilson, Megan Schroeder and Garrett Wilson; nine grandchildren; and his sister, Kay Determan. He was preceded in death by his sister, Lynne; his brother, Norman; and his parents, Harry and Kathleen Wilson.
Thomas Edward Fields ’72, of Boynton Beach, Fla., died on July 18, 2026, at Bethesda Hospital East after an 18-month battle against myelodysplastic syndrome. He was 80. Born in Washington, D.C., profoundly deaf, Fields attended Clarke School for the Deaf in Northampton, Mass., from ages 4 to 16, along with his brother, Mickey. He returned to Maryland in 1962 to graduate from the mainstream Walt Whitman High School. Fields attended college at Franklin & Marshall College in Lancaster, Pa., then transferred to the University of Maryland’s School of Architecture. He met and married his first wife, Kathleen, with whom he had two children, Andy and Sarabeth. They later divorced. Fields, an active member of the Alexander Graham Bell Association for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing for many years, met his second wife, Barbara, at an association meeting in 1977. They wed in 1980, and together raised sons Ryan and Aaron until their divorce in 2004. He enjoyed a 37-year career with the National Park Service as a historic architect and lead project engineer; his notable projects included work on the C&O Canal lockhouse restorations, Harper’s Ferry, the Jefferson and Lincoln Memorials, and the White House. Fields and his partner, Harriet Loeb, moved to Boynton Beach in 2011, where they enjoyed biking, playing cards, being part of South Florida Deaf Senior Citizens and socializing with friends. They married in 2023 and were avid travelers. Fields was devoted to their labradoodles Daisy and Cody, and more recently, Sophie. Fields served as chair of its Oral Hearing Impaired Section from 1992 to 1994, and he served on AG Bell’s board of directors. He led the rehabilitation of the Volta Bureau, a library for deaf people founded in 1887 by Bell, which still serves as the AG Bell Association’s headquarters. He was active with the National Association for the Deaf and the Maryland Association for the Deaf and served on the board of trustees of the Clarke School for the Deaf. He was also a member of the Washington Society of the Jewish Deaf; notably, he and brother Mickey, also a deaf architect, handcrafted a beautiful wooden Torah ark for the society; it now resides at Gallaudet University’s Hillel Center. He was a lifelong fan of the D.C. sports teams. He enjoyed camping and hiking, and in his later years walking, swimming and playing pickleball. A talented woodworker, he crafted treasures ranging from a dollhouse for his young daughter, to a headboard for her wedding gift, to a train table for his grandchildren. Fields is survived by his wife, Harriet; his children, Andrew, Sarabeth, Ryan and Aaron; 10 grandchildren; and an older brother, Laurence. Fields was predeceased by his brother, Michael “Mickey” Fields.
Cheryl Ann Fox ’72, 75, of Berkeley Springs, W.Va., died on July 28, 2026. Born in Baltimore, Md., she graduated from UMD with a bachelor’s degree in early childhood education and from West Virginia University with a master’s degree in elementary education. She retired after 34 years as an elementary school teacher. She loved her students, baking and listening to Jack Jones and George Strait. She was a member of St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church in Berkeley Springs. Fox is survived by her husband, George William Fox, Jr.; one son, Geoffrey William Fox; and her fur baby, Caesar. She was preceded in death by two brothers, Francis Scalzi and Samuel J. Scalzi Jr.
Thomas Donald Harris ’72 of Murfreesboro, Tenn., died on July 18, 2026, at age 76. He majored in business at the University of Maryland, where he played on the football team for one season before a friend convinced him to start playing rugby instead. Harris was soon named Most Valuable Player and was captain of the Maryland Rugby Football Club. Harris' work as an independent sales agent in telecommunications allowed the family to move to Murfreesboro. He was a lifelong Catholic and longtime member of St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church, where he coached the boys’ football and the girls’ basketball teams. Harris was also involved with the MTSU Rugby team and the National Association of Sales Professionals, serving as its president. Harris is survived by his wife of 43 years, Deborah Kelton Harris; daughter, Sara Elizabeth Harris; sister, Jeanine Marie Majewski; nieces and nephew; and cousins who were like siblings, Dianne Zeiner, James Fox and Donald Fox.
Mark Lewis Schuweiler ’72 died on March 25, 2026, in Morgantown, W.Va. He was 77. Schuweiler was born in Frankfurt, Germany, where his parents were stationed after World War II. He had a successful career as a hospital equipment planner, becoming CEO of his own business that provided services to the U.S., Canada, Cyprus and Taiwan. He finished his professional career as a computer security officer with Hewlett Packard. Schuweiler lived in Northern Virginia most of his life before marrying Jacqueline Mier and moving to Morgantown in 2015. He took joy in bicycling the rail trails in Virginia, traveling with his wife and, in recent years, spending time at their home in Carvoeiro, Portugal. He was often found cooking gourmet meals and baking bread, reading or relaxing on his back deck, listening to jazz with a brewski or bourbon and Fluffy cat on his lap. Schuweiler took great pleasure in seeing his grandchildren grow up and blossom. He was politically active, spanning Vietnam War protests to No Kings marches. Schuweiler is survived by his wife, Jacqueline Mier; daughters, Sarah Zinn and Kristen Alberts; stepdaughter, Maya Mier-Thomas; six grandchildren; his brother, Robert Schuweiler; and sister, Zan Schuweiler.
Shem Oyoo Wandiga M.S. ’72, one of Kenya’s most influential scientists and chancellor of Kenya’s Egerton University from 2013-19, died on May 18, 2026. Wandiga traveled to the United States to study at Pine Forge Institute in Pennsylvania, earning a B.S. in chemistry from Howard University, an M.S. from the University of Maryland and a Ph.D. from Case Western Reserve University. Returning to Kenya, he joined the University of Nairobi, where he became professor of chemistry and later held numerous leadership positions, including chair of the Department of Chemistry, principal of the College of Biological and Physical Sciences, and deputy vice chancellor. He subsequently founded the university's Institute for Climate Change and Adaptation, helping establish Kenya as a center for climate and environmental research. Wandiga's scientific contributions spanned environmental chemistry, climate change, atmospheric science and pollution research. Through more than 135 publications and extensive international collaborations, he helped advance understanding of environmental challenges facing Africa while ensuring that African scientists played a prominent role in global scientific discussions. Beyond leading Egerton University, chaired several university councils, Wandiga led the Kenya National Academy of Sciences, represented Kenya on UNESCO's Executive Board, and was instrumental in the establishment of the Pan Africa Chemistry Network. His achievements earned honors including the Order of the Elder of the Burning Spear from the government of Kenya, the UNESCO Medal Prize and fellowship in the Royal Society of Chemistry.
Adisai Bodharamik Ph.D. ’71, former education and commerce minister of Thailand, died on March 28, 2026, at age 85. Born on April 23, 1940, Bodharamik was educated at Vajiravudh College before earning a bachelor's degree in electrical engineering from Chulalongkorn University. He later completed a master's degree at the University of Hawaii and a doctorate in electrical engineering at the University of Maryland. His career began in government service at the Transport Ministry before moving to the Telephone Organization of Thailand. In 1982, he founded Jasmine International and later co-founded Thai Telephone and Telecommunication. He also ventured into film production, serving as director of “Sudsakorn” in 2006, and authored the book “Conquering Success in Dr Adisai Bodharamik's Style.” Bodharamik entered politics in 1976 as secretary to the transport minister. He went on to hold several senior cabinet positions, including in commerce and education. Bodharamik was also a devout Buddhist and a noted philanthropist who served as a primary patron for the Wat Buddha Phrommayan temple.
John Joseph McNamara M.A. ’71 died on Aug. 18 in Exton, Pa., at age 88. Born in Erie, Pa., he graduated from West Catholic High School for Boys and St. Joseph’s University. He also completed a graduate degree in government and politics from the University of Maryland. McNamara served 20 years in the U.S. Navy, traveling to countless countries on the Hugh Purvis, working at the Pentagon and finally teaching classes at the University of Pennsylvania. He retired from the Navy in 1980 as a commander. McNamara went on to become assistant director of Chester County Emergency Services in West Chester, Pa., for 25 years, then worked as the opening attendant at the Lionville YMCA, where he met countless new friends and neighbors. He was a member of Sts. Philip and James Parish in Exton since 1977, where he participated in the choir, prayer groups, home and school, collection counter and the variety show. He was a member of the Exton Knights of Columbus Council #5671, where he was a fourth-degree Knight, a member of the Ancient Order of Hibernians in West Chester, and a GOP committeeperson for 20 years in Uwchlan Township Area 25. For many years he was an avid runner and swimmer and made close friends through the local gyms he frequented. His love for history, reading, Notre Dame and Philadelphia sports, and Irish music and culture were well known. He loved to sing in the kitchen or in the garden, and was the epitome of a “whistle while you work” personality. McNamara is survived by his wife of 65 years, Kathleen; five children: Rose McEwen, Christopher McNamara, Erin Miller, Sean McNamara and Mary Maguire; 12 grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren. He was predeceased by his brother, James McNamara.
Joan L. Pore M.Ed. ’71, of Salisbury, N.C., died on Aug. 11, 2026, at age 95. Born in Altoona, Pa., she graduated from Altoona High School and Penn State University. She met her future husband, Art Pore, at the Altoona Penn State Center, marrying in 1950 and moving to the Penn State campus at State College. Pore later earned her master’s degree in secondary science at UMD and became a teacher in Montgomery County, Md., schools for 15 years. She was a volunteer in many capacities: Gray Lady NIH, church programs, Girl Scouts, St. Mary’s City historical sites, the Calvert Marine Museum in southern Maryland, and the Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge and Health Park Hospital in Ft. Myers, Fla., in the winters. She also served as a volunteer for more than 20 years at the Gettysburg National Military Park in various positions, as a docent at the Seminary Ridge Museum and as a collection organizer at the Adams County Historical Society. Pore was a member of Gettysburg Presbyterian Church, where she served as chairwoman of the Historic Church Walking Tours and co-chairwoman of the Burden Bear Sewing Program benefiting local hospice patients and was a member of the group that wrote notes to church members. In 2019, the couple moved to Salisbury, N.C. Pore is survived by her daughters, Jackie Shaw and Sandie Dugan; five grandchildren; and nine great-grandchildren. She was predeceased by her husband of almost 70 years, N. Arthur Pore, and a sister, Judy Frey.
Haskell Holt Walker ’70, known as “Tottie” or “Kelly” to family and friends, died on May 7, 2026, at the age of 79. She was born in Baltimore, where she attended Roland Park Country Day School, then Western College for Women in Ohio before graduating from the University of Maryland. In the early 1970s, Walker moved to Colorado, where she embraced the beauty of the Roaring Fork Valley. She lived in Snowmass Village and Carbondale before spending a couple of years in Grand Junction. In the 1990s, she settled in Denver, which remained her home for the rest of her life. Walker is remembered for her independent spirit and the enduring friendships she cultivated. She is survived by her siblings, Hunt Walker, Richard Walker and Susan Salm; six nieces and nephews; and seven great-nieces and great-nephews.
Frank Donald Hurst ’69, of Chestertown, Md., died on July 17, 2026, after a long battle with cancer at age 79. Hurst spent his childhood in Baltimore and Ellicott City, Md. In 1965, he graduated from Howard High School and went on to attend Gettysburg College and UMD, where he became a lifelong Terps football fan. His career in the criminal justice field took him to Texas, Colorado, California, Pennsylvania and Washington, D.C. Hurst and his wife, Ellen, moved from Germantown, Md., to Chestertown in 2006, where he was known as the friendly guy always wearing a baseball cap and accompanied by his rescue beagle, Skipper. Since Hurst founded Ye Olde Town Bocce League in 2013, the league has grown to over 400 players, and Hurst was known as Mr. Bocce. He was witty, brave, kind and thoughtful with a great commitment to family and community. Hurst is survived by his wife of 52 years, Ellen Dougherty Hurst; daughters Allison Hurst Restauro and Amanda Hurst McGuire; four grandchildren; brother Mitchell Hood; many cousins; and dear friends.
Dreama Susan Lodge M.Ed. ’66 died on Aug. 13, 2026, at her home in Waldorf, Md. She was 98. Born in Landisburg, W.Va., Lodge earned her bachelor’s degree from Salem College, then received her graduate degree at UMD. She was a longtime teacher with Prince George’s County Public Schools. Lodge was an accomplished self-taught marimba player, an expert dancer who knew all the ballroom classics and a talented photographer. She loved hiking, swimming and bird watching, and was also an avid Washington Redskins fan. Lodge is survived by her daughters, Darlene D. Lodge and Dreama-Lee Lodge; two granddaughters; one great-grandchild; and her best friend, Barbara Zuiverhof. Lodge was preceded in death by her husband, Winthrop D. Lodge; her sisters, Imogene Newman, Clara Lee Stevenson and Bonnie Lovin; and her brother, Paul Wright.
Charles Leroy Crook ’65 died in Salem, Va., on June 5, 2026, at age 83. He was born in Manhattan, Kan., and majored in electrical engineering at UMD. Upon graduation, he was hired by IBM as a customer engineer. He was drafted by the U.S. Army in 1966 and served two years before being transferred to the reserves for four more years and honorably discharged in 1972. IBM held his job for him and counted the years toward his 30 years of employment when he retired in 1995. He repaired computers in places like the Pentagon and the White House all while wearing a three-piece suit. Crook lived in Kansas, Nebraska and Minnesota before his move to Maryland, and after retirement lived in Delaware, Florida and Virginia. Crook was a quiet, kind man who loved amateur radio, woodworking, volunteering, reading, computer programming and cats. Crook was preceded in death by his sister, Carol Orwig; and his brother, Donald Crook. He is survived by a nephew; a great-niece; and his sister's family.
Benjamin G. Rader Ph.D. ’64, professor emeritus of history at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln, died on Aug. 6, 2026, at age 90. He spent his early years in a log cabin in the Missouri Ozarks, the eldest son of a farmer-turned-electrician. An avid reader like his mother, he parlayed his love of learning into college, which began at the University of Wichita Rader earned a bachelor’s degree at Southwest Missouri State University, a master’s degree at Oklahoma State University and a doctorate in history at the University of Maryland, where he also met his wife of 65 years, Barbara. His scholarship spanned American cultural and social history, especially the history of sports. He was a faculty member in the Department of History for 42 years and served as chair for 11 years. His book, “Baseball: A History of America’s Game,” was published in multiple editions. His 2024 book, “When Grandpa Delivered Babies and Other Ozarks Vignettes,” offered a personal portrait of the Ozarks of his youth, drawing on stories of family, community and everyday life from the 1930s through the 1950s. In “Down on Mahans Creek: A History of an Ozarks Neighborhood,” Rader drew on family and local history to illuminate a changing region. Rader is survived by his wife, Barbara; daughter, Anne Rader; three grandchildren; sisters Ada Cochran and Alice; and brother, Howard Rader. He was preceded in death by his brothers, Mike and Leslie.
Dorothy C. Smith M. Ed. ’63 died on July 1, 2026, at age 94. She was educated in the Baltimore City Public Schools before earning her bachelor’s degree from Hampton Institute in 1955. She later received her master’s degree in education from the University of Maryland and pursued postgraduate studies there and at Morgan State University. She taught in Baltimore City Public Schools for 31 years, serving as a demonstration teacher in reading, oral and written language, and mathematics. She also served as a supervising teacher, testing coordinator, textbook selection committee member, senior teacher and educational support teacher. Beyond her professional accomplishments, she was devoted to her family, spending many years in Baltimore caring for her sister, Flossie, until her passing. Smith then relocated to Missouri to be closer to her son, Darryl. She loved traveling, especially alongside her sister, Ruth, bowling, dining out, Wednesday dinner gatherings and Friday card games shared with her sisters. In 1977, she became a member of the Iota chapter of Lambda Kappa Mu Sorority, where she served on numerous committees and as president. She earned the Distinguished Service Key, the organization's highest honor, in 1998. She was also a member of Zorah Elliott Temple #717 of the Improved Benevolent Protective Order of the Elks of the World. In 1963, she married Elmer Smith; their marriage ended in divorce in 1987. She is survived by her son, Darryl Smith; many nieces and nephews; and countless friends. She was preceded in death by her sisters, Ruth Cooper, Flossie Reed, Jean Kemp, Irene Jenkins, Anna Camper and Addie Cooper; and her brothers, James Cooper, Eugene Cooper, Hugh Cooper, George Cooper and John “Frank” Cooper.
Ray Andrew Malzahn Ph.D. '62 died on July 11, 2026, in Joplin, Mo., at age 97. Born in Minneapolis, he was the oldest of seven siblings and graduated from Chaska High School. He earned a bachelor’s degree from Gustavus Adolphus College, then a master’s degree in chemistry at the University of North Dakota. He married his wife, Elizabeth "Betty" Barrett, that same year. Before they wed, Betty bought him his first bowtie and taught him how to tie it, beginning a lifelong signature style where he wore bowties daily, all of them handmade by Betty. After earning his doctorate in chemistry from the University of Maryland, Malzahn accepted a postdoctoral fellowship at the University of Arizona. He then spent 17 years at West Texas State University, where he rose to full professor and vice president for academic affairs. In 1980, he joined Missouri Southern State College (now Missouri Southern State University) in Joplin, where he served as professor and dean of the School of Arts and Sciences from 1980 to 1995, and as interim vice president for academic affairs from 1993 to 1994. He insisted on continuing to teach chemistry courses each semester throughout his decades as dean. Malzahn was a man of deep faith; he never saw his scientific work as being at odds with his faith and gave himself fully to the service of his church, his family and his community. He spent his free time and retirement pursuing photography, fishing and cooking; he produced a cooking class that aired on his community TV station. Malzahn was preceded in death by his wife of 69 years, Betty, in 2022. He is survived by his daughters, Karen and Janet; and his sister, Sally Malzahn Beck Nord.
Walter Warfield Rock ’62, the former Maryland standout and Pro Bowl offensive lineman, died May 19, 2026, in Williamsburg, Va. He was 84. Born in Cleveland, Ohio. Rock distinguished himself at Elyria High School on both the football field and the basketball court and was affectionately nicknamed Walt “Hard” Rock by local sportswriters. At UMD, he earned first-team All-Atlantic Coast Conference honors and was awarded the 1962 Defensive Lineman Coaches Award by the Maryland staff. Drafted in 1963 as a second-round pick for both the AFL’s Kansas City Chiefs and the NFL’s San Francisco 49ers, he chose the NFL. After four seasons with the 49ers, Rock was traded to the Washington Redskins in 1968 in exchange for a first round draft pick. He earned Pro Bowl honors in 1965 and was a member of Washington’s celebrated “Over-the-Hill Gang” team that advanced to Super Bowl VII. Following his retirement from football, Rock remained in Northern Virginia and continued his business career as president and owner of Door Systems. Beyond business, he was an avid boater and competitive sailor and enjoyed designing, building and renovating homes. In his later years, he discovered a special calling in the design of wooden boats, combining his craftsmanship with his lifelong love of the sea. Rock retired to Williamsburg, where he treasured meeting friends each morning for coffee and conversation. He is survived by his wife, Alice; three sisters, Virginia, Judy and Diane; two children, Douglas and Chelsea; and eight grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his son, Bradley Allen Rock.
Bruce Ruck ’62, M.A. ’69 died on Aug. 14, 2026, at age 85. Ruck was born on Oct. 20, 1940, in Brighton Beach, N.Y. As an adolescent, Ruck and his family moved to Washington, D.C., where he attended the Hebrew Academy before graduating from Anacostia High School, then the University of Maryland. Ruck had a 43-year teaching career in Baltimore County, Prince George’s County and Montgomery County. Ruck taught Spanish, Spanish literature, photography, photojournalism, computer science and ESOL. During that time, he also led his students to publish the only Spanish-language magazine in Montgomery County. Ruck also taught Spanish at night, coached tennis and girls’ basketball and worked at Penn Camera in Rockville for upward of two decades. He and his wife Myrna Joy Spivak, and their son, Ryan, shared many celebrations in their neighborhood alongside Myrna’s twin, Marvin Spivak, and his family, their beloved Inverness Forest “framily,” and numerous four-legged sons and daughters. Ruck is survived by his wife of nearly 57 years, Myrna; his son, Ryan; his brother-in-law, Marvin Spivak; many nephews and nieces; his brood of adopted grandchildren; and other extended family members and friends. In addition to his parents, Ruck was predeceased by his younger brother, Dennis Ruck.
Harvey Roberts Styron ’61 died on May 10, 2026, in Bloomington, Ill. He was 94. Styron was born in Washington, D.C.. He married Brooksie Lee Montgomery in 1957 after his discharge from the U.S. Navy. After graduating from the University of Maryland with a degree in electrical engineering, Styron began working for General Electric, from which he retired in 1992. The Styrons celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary by taking the whole family on a trip to Hawaii. He had been stationed there while in the Navy, and in subsequent years the couple made annual trips to assist in the restoration of the USS Missouri battleship. Styron was a longtime member of the Second Presbyterian Church, an avid member of the Sound of Illinois Barbershop chorus and a founding member of the quartet Fourtunates. Styron sang bass in his very distinctive voice and also used his voice in a local bank commercial. Among other activities, Styron enjoyed freshwater fishing with his in-laws and annual family vacations in Emerald Isle, N.C. He is predeceased by his wife, Brooksie, and leaves behind three children, Linda Lee, Harvey R. Styron Jr. and Karen Kuntz; seven grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren.
Robert Ginnings ’58, M.S. ’60, Ph.D. ’65 of Columbus, Ind., died on July 31, 2026, at home with his children and his caregiver. He was born and raised in Washington, D.C., graduating from Woodrow Wilson High School and the University of Maryland. He married Carolyn Fillius in 1958 and went on to earn his master’s and doctoral degrees in electrical engineering and subsequently taught at UMD. After a brief stint at the National Research Council, Ginnings joined Hekimian Laboratories, where he spent the rest of his career, retiring as president. He and Carolyn enjoyed entertaining, playing tennis and spending time on the Chesapeake Bay with their Labrador retrievers. Ginnings was predeceased by his wife and is survived by his daughter, Sarah; son Gordon; and a granddaughter.
Paul M. Rosenberg ’58 died on May 15, 2026, in Pikesville, Md., from complications from Alzheimer’s disease. He was 89. Rosenberg dedicated his career to the pursuit of justice, serving as an assistant U.S. attorney at the U.S. Courthouse in Baltimore from 1964 through 1973, then as a U.S. magistrate judge through 1998. He earned the respect of colleagues and the community through his intelligence, determination, fairness and moral character. Beyond his professional accomplishments, Rosenberg cherished spending time with his family, especially attending Baltimore Ravens and Orioles games, dining out and shopping together. He is survived by his children, Michelle Ressin and Howard Rosenberg; three grandchildren; and one great-grandson. He was predeceased by his wife of 52 years, Gabriela “Gaby” E. Rosenberg; and brother, Rabbi Roy Rosenberg.
James R. Leutze ’57, former University of North Carolina, Wilmington chancellor, died on July 17, 2026, at age 90. A native of Charleston, S.C., he earned degrees from the University of Maryland, the University of Miami and Duke University. He also served in the U.S. Air Force, attaining the rank of captain, and worked as a legislative assistant to U.S. Sen. Hubert Humphrey. Before arriving at UNCW, Leutze served as president of Hampden-Sydney College and was a distinguished history professor at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Leutze served as chancellor of UNCW from 1990 to 2003, a period when UNCW emerged as a top public regional university in the South. Leutze was a member of the North Carolina Progress Board and served on the board of directors of the Kenan Institute-Asia, the Daniel D. and Elizabeth H. Cameron Foundation and the Donald R. Watson Foundation. He was a trustee of the George Marshall Foundation. Leutze also published numerous books and articles on international affairs and national security. He hosted “Globe Watch,” a series on UNCTV for which he interviewed world leaders at the time, and produced and narrated several documentaries that explored North Carolina's environmental challenges. In retirement, Leutze served as executive director of the Upper Coastal Plains Learning Council, co-chaired the Off Shore Energy Exploration Legislative Research Commission and was a board member for a long list of nonprofit groups, many with an environmental bent. He is survived by three children.
Philanthropist and business and community leader Lowell R. Glazer ’55 of Pikesville, Md., died on Aug. 22, 2026. He was 95. Glazer majored in business at UMD and served in the U.S. Air Force. He became a successful real estate developer as co-founder of A & G Construction and president of Glazer Construction. His Jewish faith and community were central to his life. A longtime member and past president of Chizuk Amuno Congregation, Lowell was also deeply involved with The Associated: Jewish Federation of Baltimore and was a devoted supporter of Sinai Hospital of Baltimore and the University of Maryland, including as a trustee. Above all, Lowell’s family was his greatest source of pride and joy. He loved a good joke—and perhaps even more, he loved telling one—and his humor and playfulness were a constant presence at family gatherings. Glazer is survived by his daughter, Cindy Bienenfeld; his sister, Viki Caplan; his sister and brother-in-law, Phyllis and Leonard Attman; three grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. He was predeceased by his wife, Harriet Glazer (née Lazinsky); his daughter, Marci Glazer Crosby; and his sister, Bayda Manison.
Eunice Shearer ’50 died on July 29, 2026, just shy of her 97th birthday. A Baltimore native, Shearer attended Forest Park High School and graduated from the University of Maryland with a degree in early childhood education. While at college, she met Morton L. Shearer, a native of Easton, Md. They married in 1950 and moved to Easton, where Shearer’s family owned the business Shearer the Jeweler, which closed in 2025, after 99 years. Shearer had hoped to pursue a career as an early childhood education teacher, but there was no kindergarten program in Easton at the time. Instead, she joined her husband and mother-in-law at Shearer the Jeweler, where she became an indispensable part of the business for more than six decades. She was among the founders of Easton’s Temple B’nai Israel and served in leadership roles in the synagogue’s sisterhood and women’s club. In addition, she served on the board of Friends of the Talbot County Free Library and volunteered at Easton’s Academy Art Museum, Memorial Hospital Auxiliary, Partners in Care, the Waterfowl Festival and Talbot Hospice. She also volunteered in kindergarten classrooms at Easton Elementary School. In her spare time, Shearer enjoyed gatherings with family and friends, playing card games and traveling. Shearer is survived by her children, Ann Beth Shearer, Stephen Marc Shearer and Sara Shearer Koch; five grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; and nieces and nephews. Shearer was predeceased by her husband; her sister, Bette Dahne; and her great-granddaughter, Margot Vietor.