Fall 2025

Features

September 15, 2025

UMD scientists built a fungus that wipes out mosquitoes. With African partners, they hope to save millions of lives.

view from behind Kermit the Frog as he addresses graduates at UMD Commencement at SECU Stadium

News

September 15, 2025

At 2025 Commencement, Famed Amphibian Implores Students to Make, Keep Connections

Jim Smith and Darryll J. Pines smile at introduction event

News

September 15, 2025

Smith Brings Leadership and Business Experience to Build on Maryland Athletics’ Success

News

September 15, 2025

Campus Core Gets First Traffic Signal

Buzz Williams dribbles basketball, with red, white and gold background

Campus Life

September 15, 2025

Get to Know New Men’s Basketball Head Coach

exterior of Barry P. Gossett Basketball Performance Center

Campus Life

September 15, 2025

Men’s, Women’s Teams Celebrate Opening of Barry P. Gossett BasketballPerformance Center

Brat Pack in academic regalia walk on Frat Row in "St. Elmo's Fire" movie

Campus Life

September 15, 2025

At 40th Anniversary of ‘St. Elmo’s Fire,’ Alums Remember Filming on Frat Row

Jan Plane speaks to students during the CompSciConnect summer camp

Campus Life

September 15, 2025

Donation Launches University of Maryland Computing Catalyst

Jose-Luis Izursa works in aquaponics lab

Campus Life

September 15, 2025

Aquaponics Greenhouse Grows Lettuce and Fish for Education on Sustainable Systems

handwritten letters with portraits of George Mason and George Washington

Campus Life

September 15, 2025

Student Finds Little-Known Correspondence Between George Mason and George Washington

Campus Life

September 15, 2025

Run Club Started by UMD Faculty Members Is Biggest in North America

Explorations

September 15, 2025

Entomology Team Delves Into Benefits, Challenges of Eating Insects

Explorations

September 15, 2025

UMD’s Unique Forest-Monitoring Capabilities Revealed an Alarming Wildfire Spike

Illustration of Warren Buffett with money

Explorations

September 15, 2025

Buffett Scholar Reflects on Role Model’s Retirement

chatbot with text boxes on screen and magnifying glass

Explorations

September 15, 2025

Ask the Expert: Advice for Real Life

Class Notes

News on Friends and Classmates

See all Class Notes from this issue

10s

Gabriella E. Botticelli ’15

Gabriella E. Botticelli ’15 was included in the 2026 Edition of Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch in America, recognized for her work in commercial litigation. She is an associate with Forchelli Deegan Terrana in Uniondale, N.Y.

70s

Michael Ray Smith M.A. ’77

Michael Ray Smith M.A. ’77, chair of communication and global business and public engagement at LCC International University in Europe, published the peer-reviewed article “News credibility and undergraduates from Europe and the West” with co-author…

10s

Hannah (Scanlan) Thole M.P.H. ’17 and Joey Thole ’12

Hannah (Scanlan) Thole M.P.H. ’17 and Joey Thole ’12 welcomed a daughter, Genevieve Danielle Thole, on March 15.

Passings

María de los Ángeles García de Walsh ’94

María de los Ángeles García de Walsh ’94 died on June 18, 2025, in Los Angeles at age 96. Born in Mexico City, she and her twin sister, Marta, began careers as clerical workers for the Banco Nacional. In 1958, she met Thomas F. Walsh, a Georgetown…

00s

Scott Ian Gold ’09

Scott Ian Gold ’09 was selected for inclusion in Marquis Who's Who. Gold is a distinguished professional in the financial trading industry, having served as the head of Americas for the Americas at SGX FX since 2023.

Passings

Diane Gartside Bennett ’52

Diane Gartside Bennett ’52 died on Aug. 1, 2025, in Williamsburg, Va. She graduated from Catonsville High School and earned her bachelor's degree in biology from UMD, where she made lifelong friends in the Delta Gamma Fraternity. She and her late husband,…

"As We Bloom: Wisdom From Extraordinary Everyday Women And Gender Nonconforming People" book cover

10s

Mia Bolton ’10

“As We Bloom: Wisdom From Extraordinary Everyday Women And Gender Nonconforming People,” (Indigo River Publishing), the debut book by Mia Bolton ’10, is a memoir of the author’s four-month, 10,000-mile journey across America in a minivan to interview…

80s

Karen Stein ’87

Karen Stein ’87 joined T5 Data Centers as chief administrative officer and general counsel. She holds an MBA from Loyola University Maryland and a J.D. from the Emory University School of Law.