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

Passings

Helen Patricia (Mullen) Prout M.Ed. ’70

Helen Patricia (Mullen) Prout M.Ed. ’70 died on Nov. 9, 2023, at the age of 77. She grew up in West New York, N.J., where she met her future husband, Maurice, in kindergarten. She graduated from Saint Joseph's of the Palisades High School and Jersey City…

00s

Buffy Giddens ’02

Buffy Giddens ’02 was appointed county attorney for St. Mary’s County. Giddens became St. Mary’s County deputy attorney in September 2022, after serving as an assistant state’s attorney for 16 years. She received her J.D. from the University of Maryland…

00s

Scott Shewfelt M.Jour. ’07

Scott Shewfelt M.Jour. ’07 returned this fall for “Jeopardy’s!” new Champions Wildcard tournament, which pitted winners from the previous two seasons against each other for a spot in the Tournament of Champions. Shewfelt earned $48,000 in three…

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

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

Dagmar Renate “Reni” Henney Ph.D. ’65

Dagmar Renate “Reni” Henney Ph.D. ’65 died on Sept. 16, 2023, at Beebe Hospital in Lewes, Del., after a struggle with cancer. She was 92. Henney was born in the Spandau section of Berlin, Germany, to a Catholic father and Jewish mother, who was murdered…

Passings

Steven Charles Theodore ’74

Steven Charles Theodore ’74 died on Dec. 16, 2023, in Jacksonville, Fla., after a battle with cancer. He was 71. Raised in Wheaton, Md., Theodore and his twin sister, Gwen, graduated from Einstein High School and UMD. It was at the university that he met…

Passings

Deborah Lynn Dahl-Young ’90

Deborah Lynn Dahl-Young ’90 of Bel Air, Md., died on Oct. 20, 2023, at Johns Hopkins Medical Center after a battle with kidney cancer. She was 56. Born in South Bend, Ind., she was a graduate of Joppatowne High School, majored in business at UMD and…