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

Passings

Hugo Gary Santora ’65

Hugo Gary Santora ’65 died at his Annandale, Va., home on Nov. 21, 2025, after a long battle with Parkinson’s disease and Parkinson’s dementia. He grew up in Greenbelt, Md., and graduated from UMD and the University of Maryland Francis King Carey School…

90s

Matt Konrad ’97

Matt Konrad ’97 was selected to receive ApartmentBuildings.com’s first annual AB 100 Owner/Investor of the Year Award, which recognizes those who demonstrate creativity, skill and success in the multifamily industry. He is Aimco’s senior vice president,…

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…

10s

Tahir Yaqub ’12

Tahir Yaqub ’12 was appointed to the board of directors of the Technology Business Management (TBM) Council, a nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing the discipline of TBM through education, standards, and collaboration between IT leaders and…

Passings

Joel Allen Carlson M.S. ’73

Joel Allen Carlson M.S. ’73 of Linthicum, Md., died on Nov. 22, 2025, at MedStar Harbor Hospital in Baltimore. He was 88. Carlson was born in Muskegon, Mich., where he was valedictorian at Muskegon Central Catholic High School. An accomplished pianist and…

90s

Shara M. McCallum M.A. ’96

Shara M. McCallum M.A. ’96 spent the Fall 2025 semester at Binghamton University as its Distinguished Visiting Writer. She is the author of seven books, including “Behold,” forthcoming in 2026; “No Ruined Stone,” winner of the 2022 Hurston/Wright Legacy…

90s

Melissa Randall ’97

Melissa Randall ’97 was named chief human resources officer (CHRO) and senior managing director at asset management firm Obra Capital. She joins from Waterfall Asset Management, where she served as global CHRO and formalized internal HR processes for the…

10s

Jeff Cheatham MBA ’13

Jeff Cheatham MBA ’13 was appointed vice president of contracts and subcontracts at V2X. He joined the company from Peraton, where he most recently served as vice president of contracts. Cheatham holds a B.S. in economics, cum laude, from George Mason…