Winter 2024

Testudo turtle mascot with open arms. Vintage mascot photos in background

January 12, 2024

From Turtlenappings to TikTok Shenanigans, How an Unassuming Reptile Evolved to Represent Terp Spirit

rainbow turtle, turtle with pink and light blue pattern, "Support #TransTerps" pin. "Debilitating Queerness", "they" pin

January 16, 2024

Twenty-five years ago, the LGBTQ+ Equity Center opened to support queer Terps who felt invisible, isolated and harassed. Some of the founders recount its humble start and hard-won victories.

View of low, tan buildings against a large sky. Dessert terrain.

Features

January 12, 2024

American Indians have long been denied fair access to homes, health care, schooling and jobs. For Joseph Kunkel M.Arch. ’09, the mission to change that is personal.

Post-Grad

January 12, 2024

The Alumni Excellence Awards

Parting Shot

January 12, 2024

Testudo Watches Over McKeldin Mall From Perch of Nearly 60 Years

"Testudo II" wheels near stands at football game

Post-Grad

January 12, 2024

An ‘Underexposed’ Photo of UMD History

Alex Kin ’08 and Sarah Tostanoski ’09 on wedding day

Post-Grad

January 12, 2024

Alums Celebrate Wedding at Homecoming Tailgate

Cheese board with M in middle; Kara McGrath inset portrait

Post-Grad

January 12, 2024

5 Tips for Making a Board Bursting With Flavor and Color

Post-Grad

January 12, 2024

Image Chosen by Postal Service Opened New Avenues to Treat Brain Diseases

Bonnie Bernstein portrait and "She Got Game: Inspiring Women, Inspired by Sports" illustration

Post-Grad

January 12, 2024

Sports Journalist’s Podcast Links Women’s Success in Careers to Experiences on the Field and Court

Post-Grad

January 12, 2024

Departing Washington Post Columnist Shares 20 Years of Family Tales, Reader Favorites

three people sit on stage at PROGRESS launch

Explorations

January 12, 2024

Initiative to Offer Research, Solutions to National Crisis

Explorations

January 12, 2024

Maryland Mesonet to Provide Early Weather Warning in a Changing Climate

Explorations

January 12, 2024

Bald Eagle Expert Joins Legendary Explorers Club Honorees

Arlington House perched atop Arlington National Cemetery

Explorations

January 12, 2024

At Robert E. Lee’s Former Residence, Researcher Opens Door to Overlooked Legacies

Class Notes

News on Friends and Classmates

See all Class Notes from this issue

00s

Natasha Mehu ’08

Natasha Mehu ’08 was recently named to Chase Brexton Health Care’s board of directors. She is a lobbyist at Manis Canning & Associates, advocating for clients' interests to Maryland's state and local governments. Previously, Mehu was the director of…

Passings

Janet Marie (Rehkemper) Ritter ’73

Janet Marie (Rehkemper) Ritter ’73 died due to a long-term illness on Dec. 18, 2023, in Prince Frederick, Md. She was 75. Ritter graduated from La Reine High School in Suitland, Md., and majored in education at UMD, where she met her future husband, Bob…

Passings

Raylena Church Fields ’75

Raylena Church Fields ’75 died on Dec. 10, 2023, at home in Salisbury, Md. She was 70. She was born in Allen, Md., and after earning a journalism degree at UMD, she built a 30-year career in newsrooms in Maryland, Pennsylvania and New York. Her coverage…

20s

Maria McGee M.Ed. ’23

Maria McGee M.Ed. ’23 was one of 37 promising high school science and math teachers chosen by the Knowles Teacher Initiative as a 2023 teaching fellow. Knowles Fellows gain access to more than $50,000, including stipends and funds for classroom materials,…

00s

Deborah Youmans MBA ’03

Deborah Youmans MBA ’03 was appointed chief information officer at MITRE. She joined the company from Booz Allen Hamilton, where she served as vice president and deputy CIO. Prior to that role, she worked as director of Booz Allen Information Systems for…

00s

John Grimm ’06, M.A. ’08

John Grimm ’06, M.A. ’08 joined Goodell DeVries as a partner in the firm’s commercial and business tort litigation and appellate practice groups. He was most recently a partner at a prominent Washington, D.C., litigation and telecom boutique, and…

Passings

Frederick William Kaufman ’58

Frederick William Kaufman ’58 died on Dec. 19, 2023, in Owosso, Mich. He was 102. Kaufman attended Baltimore High School and majored in English at UMD. He served in the U.S. Navy.

90s

Tucker Barnes M.A. ’96

Tucker Barnes M.A. ’96 was named chief meteorologist at FOX 5. He joined the D.C. TV station in 2003 and is married to fellow FOX 5 meteorologist Caitlin Roth.