Letters to the editor
From the president
Whenever I speak to our alums, I tell them that the next time they are on vacation or at a concert or sporting event, to go ahead and yell out an enthusiastic “Go Terps!” I guarantee, more often than not, that they will get a “Go Terps!” back in response (I know this from firsthand experience).
That’s because the Terp family is everywhere, and our pride in the University of Maryland is matched by how embedded Terp innovations and accomplishments have become in the daily lives of people around our nation and world. From the vitamins you take every day to the clothes you put on for a morning run, and from the TV shows you watch to the e-reader you use for books, the entrepreneurial spirit of Terp students, faculty, staff and researchers has left an indelible mark on society.
You can read all about those Terp inventions and many more starting on page 18 in this issue’s cover story, “25 Terp Innovations That Changed History.” It is a wonderful reminder of the power and importance of America’s research enterprise, and the far-reaching influence of its higher education institutions, as we continue to celebrate the 250th anniversary of our country. There are few forces as powerful—as vital—in our society as our system of higher education, and the way that we use our creativity, curiosity, discovery, expertise and entrepreneurial spirit to impact the public good.
Other articles in this issue shine a light on the David C. Driskell Center, a jewel in our campus arts culture devoted to the contributions and creations of Black artists (page 8); show how we continue to prepare our students to take on the grand challenges of our time with a first-of-its-kind, graduate student living-learning community located in the new Discovery House (page 9); and celebrate the legacy of one of our state’s greatest public servants, Congressman Steny Hoyer, on the occasion of his retirement.
I hope each story reminds you how the University of Maryland has played a critical role in making real change for real people, and continues to move Fearlessly Forward into the future
Darryll J. Pines
President, University of Maryland
Glenn L. Martin Professor of Aerospace Engineering
A great, true honest-to-goodness life tale. Thank you for being vulnerable enough to share and wise enough to acknowledge who
you are, your strengths and weaknesses, learn from your mistakes and make the necessary changes. Living and learning are lifelong journeys, pursuits, definitely not destinations by a long shot. Do we ever actually reach a destination?
Christine Billings Johnson '98, Laurel, Md.
My 18-year-old loved, loved Wimpy Kid. I was a rock star to him the other day when I learned and told him I went to college with Jeff Kinney and when there I laughed at his comic strip daily. So fun to learn that we both enjoyed Kinney. We need the “Igdoof ” bathroom book republished. I looked everywhere online and couldn’t find a copy.
Heather Christopher '95, Rolling Hills Estates, Calif. (via Facebook)
This was fun to read! Brought back memories of reading The Diamondback on Shuttle-UM.
Jennifer Burns '88, Deerfield Beach, Fla. (via LinkedIn)
I still have a clipped strip from The Diamondback:
Jonathan P. Szczepanski '98, Beltsville, Md. (via Facebook)
The Diamondback comics in the ’90s were the best: Jeff Kinney, Frank Cho and Aaron McGruder were must-reads, along with the crossword puzzle.
Mark Hurley '98 (via LinkedIn)
Way to go, Jeff! I still remember racing to South Campus Dining Hall to read that day’s “Igdoof ” in The Diamondback at lunch. I was so sad when Jeff graduated before me and “Igdoof ” was gone. Kinda funny to think that Jeff might have been watching for my reaction!
Melissa Rae (via Facebook)
This is one of the best issues of my alumni magazine that I read. I was laughing the entire time. I am proud to be a graduate of UMD! Go Terps!
Neomi Vembu '87, Los Osos, Calif. (via LinkedIn)
Me in CP 1989-93: Check The Diamondback to see what Igdoof was up to! Every. Day.
Pam Zimmerman '93, Underhill, Vt. (via Facebook)