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

00s

Natasha Mehu ’08

Natasha Mehu ’08 was recently named to Chase Brexton Health Care’s board of directors. She is a lobbyist at Manis Canning & Associates, advocating for clients' interests to Maryland's state and local governments. Previously, Mehu was the director of…

00s

Jigar Shah MBA ’01

Jigar Shah MBA ’01 was named to the “Time 100” climate list of the world’s most influential leaders driving business to climate action. He leads the U.S. Department of Energy’s loan programs office, which is responsible for the public investment of…

Passings

David Stern Kimmel M.Ed. ’65

David Stern Kimmel M.Ed. ’65 died Nov. 14, 2023, at his Bowie, Md., home at age 87. He was born in Gray, Pa., and served in the U.S. Army from 1954 to 1957. Kimmel earned a bachelor's degree in education from the California University of Pennsylvania and…

90s

Seema Verma ’93

Seema Verma ’93 was named senior vice president and general manager, life sciences at Oracle. Most recently, Verma served as a senior advisor to private equity firms Cressy and Co. and TPG. Prior to those roles, she was administrator of the Centers for…

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

Carol Quillen Rudolphi ’54

Carol Quillen Rudolphi ’54 died on Dec. 26, 2023 at age 92. She graduated from Notre Dame Preparatory and majored in early childhood education at UMD, where she was a member of Kappa Delta sorority. Rudolphi enjoyed spending summers at the family beach…

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

Carl E. Coppock Ph.D. ’64

Carl E. Coppock Ph.D. ’64 died Sept. 23, 2023 at age 90. He and six siblings were raised on the family farm in Dayton, Ohio. Coppock spent two years in Laos as an agricultural consultant with the International Voluntary Service. He earned a bachelor’s…