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

80s

Jim Jones ’83

Jim Jones ’83 was named the first deputy commissioner for human foods at the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. He oversees food safety, chemical safety and innovative food products, such as new agricultural technologies, to bolster the resilience of the…

90s

Joseph Drayton ’93

Joseph Drayton ’93 joined the international law firm Proskauer as a partner in its intellectual property group. He has represented some of the nation’s most prominent companies before state and federal courts as well as the International Trade Commission.…

Passings

Martha “Marty” Bailey Schmidt Lanham ’70

Martha “Marty” Bailey Schmidt Lanham ’70 died on Dec. 21, 2023, at her home in Westminster, Md. She was 75. She was born in Baltimore, earned a degree in photojournalism from UMD and worked in public relations for the Camp Fire Girls, the University of…

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…

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.

00s

Kristen Kirkwood ’07

Kristen Kirkwood ’07, executive director of the Harford Land Trust, a land-conservation organization in Harford County, was named to the Baltimore Business Journal's 40 Under 40. She earned a master’s degree in sustainability and environmental management…

Passings

Barbara Lee Hamilton ’63

Barbara Lee Hamilton ’63, of Lonaconing, Md., died on Dec. 14, 2023 at age 82. She was a graduate of Valley High School in Lonaconing and majored in French at UMD. She lived in Washington, D.C., and worked for the U.S. Department of the Treasury. She…

10s

Phil Ravita M.M. ’11

Phil Ravita M.M. ’11 was added to the Maryland State Art Council's Presenting and Touring Roster. He hosts a jazz radio show at Mount St. Mary's University from 8-10 p.m. Mondays (WMTB 89.9 FM). He also received a grant from the Baltimore Office of…