Spring 2025

collage of receipt, court documents, photo of two women and red string connected by red pushpins

May 14, 2025

How Students in UMD’s Forensic Accounting Club Helped Crack a Murder Case

portraits of IAP Cohort 1 on colorful background

May 14, 2025

A unique scholarship program has transformed the lives of hundreds of UMD students. Twenty-five years later, its pioneers share how.

map showing core quantum entities in Maryland, D.C. and Virginia: federal agencies and labs, quantum companies, quantum resources and university-affiliated research centers

News

May 14, 2025

High-Tech Field Will Bring Transformative Advances, Leaders Say

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News

May 14, 2025

State Initiative Adds $12.5M to Investment From Edward and Jennifer St. John

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Campus Life

May 14, 2025

Walk Back Through 40 Years of Fun Facts and Surprising Perks

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Campus Life

May 14, 2025

Piscataway, UMD Team Up to 3D-Print Replicas of Peace Medals

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Campus Life

May 14, 2025

Art Purchasing Program Puts Terps in Charge of Creative Choices for Gallery’s Collection

Campus Life

May 14, 2025

Campus Farm Welcomes First Dairy Goats

Campus Life

May 14, 2025

Alum Jim Henson’s Beloved Muppet Named Speaker for Campus Ceremony

Campus Life

May 14, 2025

Powerhouse Men’s Lacrosse Program Celebrates 100th Season

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Campus Life

May 14, 2025

What to Know as Colleges Could Begin Paying D-I Student-Athletes

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Explorations

May 14, 2025

Centuries-Old Stones Uncovered by Archaeologist Reveal Stories of Ireland’s Mystical Past

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Explorations

May 14, 2025

Ask the Expert: Advice for Real Life

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Explorations

May 14, 2025

Diet, Exercise and Other Behaviors Can Impact Dementia Risk, Study of 20K Brain MRIs Shows

Explorations

May 14, 2025

Gift to Maryland Democracy Initiative Supports Political Engagement, Literacy

Class Notes

News on Friends and Classmates

See all Class Notes from this issue

90s

Katherine Polasek ’99

Katherine Polasek ’99 was named dean of SUNY Cortland’s School of Professional Studies, effective July 3. She was chair of the university’s kinesiology department. Polasek earned an M.S. in kinesiology from the University of Illinois, Chicago and a Ph.D.…

Passings

Dudley Curtis “Curt” Hoffman Jr. ’65

Dudley Curtis “Curt” Hoffman Jr. ’65 died at his home in Aurora, Colo., on Feb. 17, 2025, after a brief battle with cancer. He was 83. Hoffman spent much of his early life in Maryland, attending the McDonogh School before earning a degree in civil…

90s

Sam DiPaola MBA ’97

Sam DiPaola MBA ’97 joined Bowen to lead its defense practice. He joins Bowen following a diverse 30-year career in investment banking, leadership and operational roles. He was previously president and head of investment banking at Evergreen Advisors,…

Passings

Andrew Richard Siden ’91

Andrew Richard Siden ’91, of Ardsley, N.Y., died on April 23, 2025, at age 56. He graduated from the Bronx High School of Science before earning his degree in human ecology from UMD. He was the founder and chief executive officer of Expanse Financial…

Passings

Cathy Mantua ’82

Cathy Mantua ’82 of Chester, Md., died on April 16, 2025, after a battle with cancer. She was 65. Mantua graduated summa cum laude from UMD with a degree in finance, then started her career as a computer programmer. In 1985, she married her high school…

90s

Brent Horwitz ’92

Brent Horwitz ’92 was named chief customer engagement officer at WMS, the premier global provider of cruise wireless connectivity. He brings more than 25 years of cruise connectivity industry expertise, including business development and customer…

Passings

John “Jay” Moroughan ’74

John “Jay” Moroughan ’74 of Cascade, Md., died on April 19, 2025. He had been afflicted with dementia and related ailments. Moroughan graduated from Duval High School in Greenbelt, Md., and after serving in the U.S. Army, received a B.A. in general…

80s

Robin Seward ’89

Robin Seward ’89 joined Panera Bread as senior vice president, brand and integrated marketing. She was most recently senior vice president of marketing at Subway. Earlier, she was chief marketing officer at Schlotzsky’s. She also has held marketing roles…