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

10s

Gregg Hill ’19

Gregg Hill ’19 joined the Carolinas-based law firm Robinson Bradshaw. He graduated from the Howard University School of Law as a member of Phi Alpha Delta Law Fraternity. At UMD, he was treasurer of its National Society of Collegiate Scholars chapter.…

00s

Stephanie L. Williams M.C.P. ’04

Stephanie L. Williams M.C.P. ’04, president of Bozzuto Management Co., was named to the board of directors of Veris Residential, a real estate investment trust that primarily owns, operates, acquires and develops Class A multifamily properties.

Passings

Mary Ethel Jacocks McCorkle ’68

Mary Ethel Jacocks McCorkle ’68 of Hillsborough, N.C., died Dec. 18, 2023, at the age of 79. She majored in sociology at UMD and was an accountant at Saint Mary’s School in Raleigh, N.C., for many years. After moving to Emerald Isle, McCorckle enjoyed…

Passings

Kristine Chase Ph.D. ’81

Kristine Chase Ph.D. ’81 died on Oct. 24, 2023, at the age of 74, after a two-year battle with endometrial cancer. She grew up in Redwood City, Calif., then graduated from Woodside High School and UC Davis, where she earned bachelor's and master's degrees…

00s

Robyn Dixon ’00

Robyn Dixon ’00, one of the cast members of the Bravo reality show “The Real Housewives of Potomac,” opened a franchise of GLO30, a monthly membership facial business, in Columbia. She also created the company Embellished, which sells satin-lined hats and…

90s

Michael “Nathan” Shashoua ’92

Michael “Nathan” Shashoua ’92 wrote “Snapshot of a Warped Man,” a memoir of personal dysfunction addressing awkwardness, social alienation and twisted sexual fantasizing. Shashoua has worked as a journalist covering a variety of topics, including finance,…

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…

90s

Melissa Scaletta Blubaugh ’92

Disability rights advocate Melissa Scaletta Blubaugh ’92 was elected chair of the Maryland Statewide Independent Living Council. Composed of gubernatorial appointees who represent people with significant disabilities across the state, the council works…