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

90s

Brian Chappell ’90

Brian Chappell ’90 was named to the board of trustees of Olney (Md.) Theatre Center. He is a partner at Hogan Lovells, where he is the head of a practice that concentrates on mergers and acquisitions, equity investments, joint ventures, project…

00s

Jigar Shah MBA ’01

Jigar Shah MBA ’01 was named to the “Time 100” climate list of the world’s most influential leaders driving business to climate action. He leads the U.S. Department of Energy’s loan programs office, which is responsible for the public investment of…

00s

KerryAnn O'Meara Ph.D. ’00

KerryAnn O'Meara Ph.D. ’00 was named a trustee at Loyola University Maryland, where she earned her bachelor’s degree in English literature. She serves as vice president for academic affairs and provost of Teachers College, Columbia University and…

Passings

Sheila (Keigher) Sargent ’71, M.Ed. ’77

Sheila (Keigher) Sargent ’71, M.Ed. ’77, formerly of Back Bay, Boston and Richland, Wash., died on Oct. 23, 2023, at age 74. Born in Chicago, Ill., Sargent grew up in Richland and graduated from the University of Maryland. She loved to travel and teach,…

90s

Lynn O'Brien ’97

Lynn O'Brien ’97 was elected partner at the national law firm Quarles and Brady. O’Brien is a member of the Washington, D.C., office and the labor and employment practice group. She manages a wide range of business immigration matters, guiding employers…

70s

Scott Angle ’75, M.S. ’78

Scott Angle ’75, M.S. ’78 was appointed provost of the University of Florida. Angle has worked for UF since 2020, and was named interim provost in June 2023. and was formerly the director of the U.S. Department of Agriculture's National Institute of Food…

90s

Melissa Scaletta Blubaugh ’92

Disability rights advocate Melissa Scaletta Blubaugh ’92 was elected chair of the Maryland Statewide Independent Living Council. Composed of gubernatorial appointees who represent people with significant disabilities across the state, the council works…

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…