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

Robert Geisler ’66

Robert Geisler ’66 died on Sept. 14, 2023, from prostate cancer and congestive heart failure at the age of 81. Raised in Chevy Chase, Md., Geisler graduated from St. John’s College in Washington, D.C., then earned an associate’s degree from Montgomery…

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…

90s

Joseph Drayton ’93

Joseph Drayton ’93 joined the international law firm Proskauer as a partner in its intellectual property group. He has represented some of the nation’s most prominent companies before state and federal courts as well as the International Trade Commission.…

00s

John Grimm ’06, M.A. ’08

John Grimm ’06, M.A. ’08 joined Goodell DeVries as a partner in the firm’s commercial and business tort litigation and appellate practice groups. He was most recently a partner at a prominent Washington, D.C., litigation and telecom boutique, and…

Passings

Susan Nagler Beatty ’81

Susan Nagler Beatty ’81 died on Oct. 28, 2023, three months after being diagnosed with cancer. She was 70. Beatty grew up in Hyattsville, Md., and graduated from Northwestern High School and UMD, then began her career in the U.S. House of Representatives,…

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…

10s

Phil Ravita M.M. ’11

Phil Ravita M.M. ’11 was added to the Maryland State Art Council's Presenting and Touring Roster. He hosts a jazz radio show at Mount St. Mary's University from 8-10 p.m. Mondays (WMTB 89.9 FM). He also received a grant from the Baltimore Office of…

Passings

Barbara Lee Hamilton ’63

Barbara Lee Hamilton ’63, of Lonaconing, Md., died on Dec. 14, 2023 at age 82. She was a graduate of Valley High School in Lonaconing and majored in French at UMD. She lived in Washington, D.C., and worked for the U.S. Department of the Treasury. She…