Winter 2026

January 15, 2026

As UMD steps up with a bold $2.5B fundraising campaign, take an interactive jaunt through Terp pride, purpose and progress.

Features

January 15, 2026

An illegal trade in animals is booming worldwide. Now, a UMD conservation criminologist is turning to artificial intelligence to snare smugglers and expose their networks.

Post-Grad

January 15, 2026

4 Ways to Stay Connected as Maryland Moves Forward

Parting Shot

January 15, 2026

IDEA Factory Window Casts Interior in Otherworldly Light

Post-Grad

January 15, 2026

An ‘Underexposed’ Photo From UMD History

Post-Grad

January 15, 2026

Alum Serves, Protects State’s Threatened Bug Community

Post-Grad

January 15, 2026

Architect Wants Your Next Airport Experience to Feel Less Terminal

Post-Grad

January 15, 2026

Alum Flips, Fights, Tumbles Across New York Sets

Explorations

January 15, 2026

Study: Lightning Creates, and Eliminates, Pollution

Explorations

January 15, 2026

Scientist Examines Sea Ice Via Satellite, Plane and Snowmobile

Explorations

January 15, 2026

Study Aims to Improve Decision-making, Health Outcomes

Explorations

January 15, 2026

Ask the Expert: Advice for Real Life

Explorations

January 15, 2026

Wild Predators Navigate the World Similarly to Domesticated Cousins, Study Finds

Explorations

January 15, 2026

Study: Tripadvisor Readers See Lone Consumers as Invested in Activities

Explorations

January 15, 2026

VR Reading Adventure Improves Skills for Dyslexic Youth

Class Notes

News on Friends and Classmates

See all Class Notes from this issue

00s

Rafael Villalona M.E. ’06

Rafael Villalona M.E. ’06 was hired by Grupo UNACEM to lead its integrated cement, ready-mix concrete and aggregate operations in Arizona and California. He holds a civil engineering degree from Ohio State University.

Passings

Dorothy J. “Dottie” Long ’66

Dorothy J. “Dottie” Long ’66, of Martinsburg, W.Va., died on Dec. 28, 2025, at Homewood Living Martinsburg at age 81. She graduated from Allegany High School in Cumberland, Md., and earned a master’s degree in chemistry from University of Maryland. She…

00s

Manuel Navas ’03

Manuel Navas ’03 joined the investment bank Piper Sandler Cos. as managing director and senior research analyst to the financial services equity research group. He is based in the New York office and covers regional and community banks. Most recently,…

00s

Alex S. Rothstein ’02

Alex S. Rothstein ’02 joined the law firm Goodell DeVries as counsel in the firm’s Employer Liability and Risk Management, Investigations, and Compliance practice groups. He defends institutions against claims brought under the Maryland Child Victims Act.…

00s

Jason LaFond ’03

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott appointed Jason LaFond ’03 to the Texas Pharmaceutical Initiative Governing Board for a two-year term. The board is tasked with developing a business plan to provide cost-effective drugs and other medical supplies for the public…

70s

Steve Schneider ’78

Steve Schneider ’78 published his first novel, “The Doodles and the Legend of Tall Bear,” in July, In it, two abandoned doodle dogs are rescued from a bear’s cave and join a struggling baseball team with their puppies, bringing hope and maybe magic to…

Passings

Gerald Brody ’50

Gerald Brody ’50, of Bethesda, Md., died on Dec. 29, 2025. Born and raised in Washington, D.C., he showed an entrepreneurial spirit at a young age, delivering newspapers by bicycle, selling hot dogs at Griffith Stadium, driving a taxi, and working…

Samantha Shimer and Tucker Jones wedding photo

10s

Samantha Shimer M.P.P. ’19

Samantha Shimer M.P.P. ’19 and Tucker Jones celebrated their marriage at a dinner with family and friends at Ambar, site of their first date, in Washington, D.C., on Aug. 23. They were married July 28 in a private ceremony at the National Gallery. The…