Spring 2021

Campus Life

May 21, 2021

Features

May 19, 2021

Features

May 19, 2021

In the Shadow of Climate Change and Overfishing, a UMD Researcher Finds Answers for Today’s Oceans in the Centuries-old Bones of a North Atlantic Fish.

May 19, 2021

May 19, 2021

May 19, 2021

May 19, 2021

May 19, 2021

May 19, 2021

Acclaimed Theater Designer Takes Lead Role in Reimagining Live Performance

May 19, 2021

May 19, 2021

May 19, 2021

May 19, 2021

May 19, 2021

May 19, 2021

May 19, 2021

Class Notes

News on Friends and Classmates

See all Class Notes from this issue

Passings

Ronald John Smetanick M.Ed. ’71

Ronald John Smetanick M.Ed. ’71 died in his Rainbow Lake, N.Y., home on April 17. He was 79. Ron was the first child born to John and Irene Smetanick on Jan. 9, 1942, in Tarentum, Pa. He graduated from New Kensington High School and received a bachelor’s…

10s

Amber Wendland ’10, M.Arch. ’13

Amber Wendland ’10, M.Arch. ’13 was a recipient of the Daily Record 2021 Maryland’s Top 100 Women Award. Wendland is an urban, collegiate and neighborhood planner—she works on projects that bridge disciplines from feasibility studies for the Smithsonian…

80s

David Wajsgras ’82

David Wajsgras ’82 was named partner at Pine Island Capital Partners and sits on the firm’s investment committee. In previous roles, he has provided operational, strategic and financial leadership in the aerospace, commercial and defense industries.

00s

Elizabeth Jurinka ‘05

Elizabeth Jurinka ‘05 was appointed special assistant to the U.S. president and Senate legislative affairs liaison. She most recently served as chief health advisor to Chairman Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) and the Senate Finance Committee. Prior to her 10 years in…

00s

Jamie Gershkow ’09

Jamie Gershkow ’09 is now a partner at law firm Stradley Ronon, where she advises investment companies and independent trustees. Gershkow graduated magna cum laude from Drexel University School of Law.

90s

Chris Hopkinson ’96

Chris Hopkinson ’96, who last year became the first person to trek the length of the Chesapeake Bay on a stand-up paddleboard, announced plans for an expanded, relay version of the event this summer. From Aug. 27-Sept. 3, teams and solo paddlers will race…

10s

Christian Douglas ’15

Christian Douglas ’15 released his first full-length album, “Inside Voice,” which he created, produced and recorded from his home during the pandemic. Special guests include singer-songwriter Becca Stevens and Snarky Puppy's Justin Stanton, among others.…

90s

Gregory M. Derwart ’92

Gregory M. Derwart ’92 was named deputy commissioner of the Maryland Insurance Administration. Since July 2020, Derwart has served as chief of staff for the administration. From 2015 to 2019, he was managing director, administration and customer…