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

James Lawrence Sherald ’68, M.S. ’72, Ph.D. ’74

James Lawrence Sherald ’68, M.S. ’72, Ph.D. ’74, of Alexandria, Va., died on Oct. 9, 2023, at the age of 77. He grew up in Frederick, Md., and graduated from St. John’s High School and UMD, where he majored in horticulture. Following his service in…

90s

Lynn O'Brien ’97

Lynn O'Brien ’97 was elected partner at the national law firm Quarles and Brady. O’Brien is a member of the Washington, D.C., office and the labor and employment practice group. She manages a wide range of business immigration matters, guiding employers…

90s

Tucker Barnes M.A. ’96

Tucker Barnes M.A. ’96 was named chief meteorologist at FOX 5. He joined the D.C. TV station in 2003 and is married to fellow FOX 5 meteorologist Caitlin Roth.

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…

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…

Passings

Joan E. Petrosky M.A. ’83

Joan E. Petrosky M.A. ’83 died on Sept. 11, 2023, at the Shepherd of the Valley Nursing Home in Liberty, Ohio, at age 72. She was born in Warren, Ohio, on May 15, 1951, and graduated from John F. Kennedy High School. She received her B.S. in education…

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

Patricia “Pat” Yeager ‘78

Patricia “Pat” Yeager ‘78 died on Sept. 12, 2023, at age 88. Born and raised in Philadelphia, Yeager and her husband, Richard “Dick” Yeager, moved to Bowie, Md., in 1963, where they raised their five children. Yeager later graduated from UMD with a…