Issues

Spring 2026

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Features

Diary of a Wimpy Terp

May 20, 2026

Jeff Kinney ’93 was a shaky student and failed newspaper cartoonist with a big dream. Recounting some of his own misadventures, he reveals that despite being one of the world’s top-selling authors, he’s still figuring things out.

Parting Shot

Flying Purple People Mover

May 20, 2026

Light-rail vehicle travels on campus during overnight testing

Post-Grad

Run Like Shell

May 20, 2026

An ‘Underexposed’ photo from UMD history

Post-Grad

The Mathemagic Touch

May 20, 2026

Alum infuses tricks with numeric principles on stage and in the classroom

Post-Grad

Your Guide to D.C.’s Urban Oasis

May 20, 2026

Alum leads country’s biggest urban national park

Post-Grad

Alumni Association News

May 20, 2026

The Alumni Excellence Awards

Explorations

Made About America

May 20, 2026

On nation’s 250th anniversary, UMD celebrates and reflects through the arts

Explorations

Cracking da Vinci’s Genetic Code

May 20, 2026

Researcher helps establish possible DNA link to ‘Mona Lisa’ artist

Explorations

World Wide Reb

May 20, 2026

In new book, historian depicts American Revolution as global war

Explorations

Model Musician

May 20, 2026

UMD-built AI system amplifies a Universal-NVIDIA partnership

Explorations

A Recipe for Paring Down Plastic Pollution

May 20, 2026

Armed with AI, researchers cook up greener alternatives for everyday products

Explorations

The Doctor Will See Your Plant Now

May 20, 2026

Ask the Expert: Advice for Real Life

Explorations

Libraries’ New Chapter: Havens in Times of Crisis

May 20, 2026

Professor develops field guide for providing services to help communities facing challenges

Campus Life

Homegrown Heroes

May 20, 2026

How Maryland Athletics recruited 3 top local athletes

Explorations

Where the Cloud Hits the Ground

May 20, 2026

Can engineering researchers make data centers better neighbors?

Class Notes

News on Friends and Classmates

See all Class Notes from this issue

80s

Maria Korsnick ’86

Maria Korsnick ’86 was named to Washingtonian’s 500 Most Influential People of 2026 list, highlighting influential leaders in public policy, advocacy, business and civic affairs across the D.C. area. Korsnick is president and CEO of the Nuclear Energy…

80s

Sally White M.S. ’86

Sally White M.S. ’86 was appointed to the board of trustees at Goodwin Living, a faith-based, not-for-profit, senior living and health care services organization in the National Capital Region. She is the chair of the 2025 LeadingAge DC Board of Directors.

Passings

Oliver Patrick "Pat" Scott M.A. ’69

Oliver Patrick "Pat" Scott M.A. ’69, visual artist, political and civil rights activist, educator and mentor died on May 3, 2026 at his home in Zephyrhills, Florida. He was 86. Scott grew up in Baltimore, where his talents in art and golf emerged early.…

00s

Laura Connor Smith MBA ’06

Laura Connor Smith MBA ’06 is the co-chair for the 36th annual Lawyers Have Heart 10K, 5K and Fun Walk. Smith is a partner at consulting firm HKA.

00s

Amber Simco MPP ’05

Amber Simco MPP ’05 joined global professional services firm Guidehouse as an associate director within the firm’s technology and cyber practice. She most recently served as chief of strategy and planning for threat hunting in CISA’s cybersecurity…

80s

Alan Brubaker ’89

Alan Brubaker ’89 was named director of the office of legislative and intergovernmental affairs in the U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission. He previously served as a senior adviser to the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform under U.S.…

00s

Edwin Martini Ph.D. ’04

Edwin Martini Ph.D. ’04 was named chancellor of the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire. He was previously provost and vice chancellor of academic affairs at UW-Oshkosh. He holds a bachelor’s degree from Pitzer College.

00s

Leon Smith ’01

Leon Smith ’01 was announced as the 2026 National Teacher of the Year on “CBS Mornings” (by co-host Gayle King ’76). He teaches Advanced Placement courses in U.S. history and African American studies and coaches the freshman basketball team at Haverford…