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

"The Tenant in the Mind: Consciousness and Its Imperatives" book cover

70s

Mark Christhilf M.A. ’73, Ph.D. ’79

Mark Christhilf M.A. ’73, Ph.D. ’79 wrote the forthcoming book, “The Tenant in the Mind: Consciousness and Its Imperatives” (Iff Books), which answers one of the most pressing questions of science and philosophy: What is human consciousness? He is an…

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.…

80s

James H. VanSciver Ed.D. ’85

James H. VanSciver Ed.D. ’85 published his eighth book, “Hi! I’m Pinnochio. I’ve Got No Strings on Me.” It details the experiences and aspirations of an 8-week-old Sheltie, whose wisdom is a parallel dialog to Walt Disney’s timeless story about a puppet…

70s

Jan Pottker M.A. ’72

Jan Pottker M.A. ’72 published her ninth book, “Vivien Thomas: The Man Who Overcame Racism to Save Millions of Lives,” which is the first biography for adult readers about the pioneering medical researcher. She was previously named Entrepreneur of the…

00s

Jason Hofberg ’09

Jason Hofberg ’09 was a 2026 Washington Business Journal 40 Under 40 honoree. Hofberg is a tax principal at BDO USA, a leading accounting, tax and advisory firm.

Passings

Barry Allan Richards ’63

Barry Allan Richards ’63 of Havre de Grace, Md., died at age 85 on Nov. 23, 2025, at the VA Hospital in Perryville. He graduated from Baltimore Polytechnic High School and UMD, where he majored in mechanical engineering. Richards served in the U.S. Navy…

90s

David Fike ’91

David Fike ’91 was honored as one of The Daily Record’s Most Admired CEOs in Maryland. Fike is the president and CEO of Leadership Maryland, one of the nation’s leading professional development organizations.

00s

Jeanelle J. Johnson MBA ’04

Jeanelle J. Johnson MBA ’04 was named to Washingtonian magazine’s 2025 list of Most Powerful Women and was recognized among the Washington Business Journal’s 2025 Women Who Mean Business and its Power 100 list. As managing partner at the Washington office…