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

Jackson Yeager ’52, ’59

Jackson Yeager ’52, ’59 died on Dec. 14, 2023, in Silver Spring, Md. He was 98. Yeager attended Montgomery Blair High School and earned degrees in German and electrical engineering at UMD. He served in the U.S. Navy and worked for McGraw Hill Publishing…

80s

Robin Champ ’88

Robin Champ ’88 was named the first vice president for strategic foresight at LBL Strategies, a certified veteran-owned small business specializing in strategy and foresight training and consulting. She most recently was chief of the Enterprise Strategy…

20s

Dr. Ihuoma Emenuga MBA ’21

Dr. Ihuoma Emenuga MBA ’21 was nominated by Baltimore Mayor Brandon M. Scott as the new health commissioner for the city's health department. Emenuga earned her medical degree from the University of Nigeria and a master’s degree in public health from the…

60s

Joy Haupt Carol ’68

Joy Haupt Carol ’68 published her 10th book, “Different Together: Bridges of Mutual Respect,” with Kyle Reese, a compilation of positive and inspiring stories about interactions and relationships between people of diverse cultural backgrounds, experiences…

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.

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…

Passings

John Randolph Katkish ’75

John Randolph Katkish ’75 of Williamsburg, Va., died on Nov. 5, 2023, at age 70. He was born in Washington, D.C., coached his younger brother's baseball team, and traveled to visit his older sister in Mexico and Alaska. He attended St. John's College High…

80s

Clay Siegall ’82

Clay Siegall ’82 was appointed chairman of the board of Tourmaline Bio, a late-stage clinical biotechnology company. Siegall is president, chief executive officer and chairman of the board of biotech company Immunone. He previously served as the CEO and…