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Winter 2024

Winter 2024 Testudo turtle mascot with open arms. Vintage mascot photos in background

Standing the Testudo of Time

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

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

Out of the Shell

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.

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

Standing the Testudo of Time

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

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

Tribal Loyalties

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 Gold star on red backgroud

Alumni Association News

The Alumni Excellence Awards

 Parting Shot McKeldin Mall at sunrise

Monumental Mainstay

Testudo Watches Over McKeldin Mall From Perch of Nearly 60 Years

 Post-Grad "Testudo II" wheels near stands at football game

Road-Ready Reptile

An ‘Underexposed’ Photo of UMD History

 Post-Grad Alex Kin ’08 and Sarah Tostanoski ’09 on wedding day

A Match Made in Lot 1

Alums Celebrate Wedding at Homecoming Tailgate

 Post-Grad Cheese board with M in middle; Kara McGrath inset portrait

Cheese the Day

5 Tips for Making a Board Bursting With Flavor and Color

 Post-Grad Zebrafish stamp

Alum’s Photo to Live ‘Forever’ on Stamp

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

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

Ahead of the Game

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

 Post-Grad John Kelly at desk

Capital-area Chronicler Turns the Page

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

 Explorations three people sit on stage at PROGRESS launch

PROGRESS on Gun Violence

Initiative to Offer Research, Solutions to National Crisis

 Explorations group installs Mesonet tower

Towering Ambitions for Forecasts

Maryland Mesonet to Provide Early Weather Warning in a Changing Climate

 Explorations adult and baby bald eagles in nest

A Soaring Success

Bald Eagle Expert Joins Legendary Explorers Club Honorees

 Explorations Arlington House perched atop Arlington National Cemetery

In the Shadow of History

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

 Explorations Web otm fewtures 960x500

The FEWture of Food Forests

Persimmons, Pawpaws and Beach Plums Thrive in Edible Ecosystems

 Explorations robot under nose identifies cheese, fire, fish, etc.

What the Bio-Nose Knows

Futuristic Smeller Uses Talents of Living Cells

 Explorations man and woman sit at table with dishes flying around them; boxers shake hands

Talking Politics—Without Getting the Silent Treatment

Ask an Expert: Advice for Real Life

Class Notes

News on Friends and Classmates

See all Class Notes from this issue
Maria McGee headshot

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,…

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.
Michael Trail headshot

10s

Michael Trail MBA ’14

Michael Trail MBA ’14, principal and CIO of MCB Real Estate, was named to the Baltimore Business Journal's “40 Under 40” for 2023.

70s

Daniel Goldberg ’70

Daniel Goldberg ’70 joined the Institute for Defense Analyses as an adjunct research staff member in its Systems and Analyses Center. He earned his master’s degree in Soviet and East European studies from the George Washington University and is a member…
Robert Geisler headshot

Passings

Robert Geisler ’66

Robert Geisler ’66 died on Sept. 14, 2023, from prostate cancer and congestive heart failure at the age of 81. Raised in Chevy Chase, Md., Geisler graduated from St. John’s College in Washington, D.C., then earned an associate’s degree from Montgomery…
Sherri Beatty-Arthur headshot

90s

Sherri Beatty-Arthur ’95, MBA ’11

President Joe Biden nominated Judge Sherri Beatty-Arthur ’95, MBA ’11 to the District of Columbia Superior Court. She has been a magistrate judge for D.C.’s Superior Court since 2020 and previously served as an administrative law judge in the District of…

Passings

Virginia “Ginny” (Harvey) Coco ’60

Virginia “Ginny” (Harvey) Coco ’60 died on Dec. 10, 2023, at age 84 at her home in Ocean City, N.J. She graduated from Girls High School in Philadelphia, UMD, where she majored in physical education, and Temple University. She and her husband, Bill, ran…

Passings

John Stanton Boteler ’59, M.A. ’73

John Stanton Boteler ’59, M.A. ’73 died on Sept. 6, 2023, at his home in Olney, Md. at age 87. He grew up in Brookland neighborhood of Washington, D.C., and graduated from Gonzaga High School. At UMD, he was a member of Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity. He…