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

John Stanton Boteler ’59, M.A. ’73

John Stanton Boteler ’59, M.A. ’73 died on Sept. 6, 2023, at his home in Olney, Md. at age 87. He grew up in Brookland neighborhood of Washington, D.C., and graduated from Gonzaga High School. At UMD, he was a member of Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity. He…

10s

Kristin Fallon MBA ’11

Kristin Fallon MBA ’11 joined Bentley Systems, a leader in infrastructure engineering software, as chief marketing officer. She was previously global head of brand and digital marketing at GE HealthCare. She holds a B.A. in economics from Wake Forest…

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.

Passings

Joan Kathleen Hursen Szabo ’88

Joan Kathleen Hursen Szabo ’88 died on Aug. 18, 2023, at age 70. She lived in Bethesda, Md., after her hometown Pittsburgh and a time in Bloomington, Ind. Szabo earned a bachelor’s degree in foreign language education and taught at Eleanor Roosevelt and…

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…

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

Ronald Gregory “Greg” Bassett

Ronald Gregory “Greg” Bassett of Ocean City, Md., a longtime journalist on the Eastern Shore, died on Dec. 10, 2023, at age 63. He graduated from Wicomico High School, after having many of his photos of news events published by local newspapers. He earned…

Passings

Steven Mark Rochon ’90, M.S. ’97

Steven Mark Rochon ’90, M.S. ’97 died on Oct. 17, 2023, at the age of 56. Born at Ft. Huachuca, Ariz., he earned two engineering degrees at UMD and began a long career as a civil engineer with the Maryland State Highway Administration. Upon retiring,…