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

10s

Claire Haas ’19, ’19, M.P.P. ’21

Claire Haas ’19, ’19, M.P.P. ’21 received the 2023 David S.C. Chu Award for Excellence in Research. She is a research associate in the Information Technology and Systems Division at one of the three federally funded research and development centers…

00s

Bryant “Mack” McGee ’07,

Bryant “Mack” McGee ’07, chief marketing officer at CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield, was named to the Baltimore Business Journal's “40 Under 40” for 2023.

Passings

Lawrence Gramling DBA ’82

Lawrence Gramling DBA ’82 of Milford, Conn., died on Oct. 17, 2023, at age 77. He was born and raised in Williamsport, Pa., and served in the Army during the Vietnam War. After attending the University of Scranton, Northeastern University (where he met…

10s

Paul Plymouth ’10

Paul Plymouth ’10, director of state government and local engagement at Verizon, was named to the Baltimore Business Journal's “40 Under 40” for 2023. He earned an M.P.A. from the University of North Carolina.

Passings

James Dayton Blackwell ’54, M.Ed. ’58

James Dayton Blackwell ’54, M.Ed. ’58 died at his home in Catonsville, Md., on Oct. 16, 2023, at age 91. After completing his degrees in music education at UMD, Blackwell was a pilot in the U.S. Air Force and Air Force Reserves, ending his service career…

Passings

Daniel A. Williams ’64

Daniel A. Williams ’64 of Westminster, Md., died on Dec. 27, 2023, at Carroll Hospital Center after a brief illness. He was 81. Willams grew up in Baltimore and majored in Spanish at UMD. He earned master's and doctoral degrees from Johns Hopkins…

Passings

Robert W. Reiter ’51

Robert W. Reiter ’51, a lifelong resident of Baltimore, died at the age of 97 on Oct. 15, 2023. He was born and raised in the Pimlico neighborhood and graduated from Mount Saint Joseph High School. He was honorably discharged from the Army Air Corp in…

Passings

Helen Gary Warner German ‘75

Helen Gary Warner German ‘75 of Greenbelt, Md., died on Oct. 23, 2023, at age 70, nearly seven years after suffering a traumatic brain injury in a car accident. She was born in Washington, D.C., and graduated from Parkdale High School and UMD. German…