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

Hena Khan ’95

Hena Khan ’95 wrote the new picture book “Zain’s Super Friday,” a celebration of Muslim traditions, imagination, and the joy of community. Many of her children's books focus on contemporary Muslim life, including “Golden Domes and Silver Lanterns,” “Under…

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…

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

Thomas Floyd Trail M.A. ’60

Thomas Floyd Trail M.A. ’60 of Moscow, Idaho, died on Nov. 2, 2023, at age 88. He graduated from Moscow High School and earned his bachelor’s degree in animal science from the University of Idaho, master’s in education from the University of Maryland and…

90s

Seema Verma ’93

Seema Verma ’93 was named senior vice president and general manager, life sciences at Oracle. Most recently, Verma served as a senior advisor to private equity firms Cressy and Co. and TPG. Prior to those roles, she was administrator of the Centers for…

Passings

Donald Powell Sanderson Sr. ’53

Donald Powell Sanderson Sr. ’53 died on Oct. 19, 2023, at age 94. He was a lifelong resident of Woodbury, N.J., where he graduated from Woodbury High School and played baseball and basketball and quarterbacked the 1945 championship football team. After…

Passings

Carroll "Gene" Selby ’50

Carroll "Gene" Selby ’50 of Frederick, Md., died on Oct. 22, 2023, at Homewood at Crumland Farms at age 94. Selby graduated from Frederick High School and UMD, and served in the U.S. Army for two years. He worked at Fort Detrick, Md., in the biological…

20s

McKayla Kelly ’20

McKayla Kelly ’20 joined Choptank Community Health System’s Fassett Magee Medical and Cambridge Dental Center as a physician assistant. She received her Master of Health Science degree from the University of Maryland, Baltimore.