The Shape of Things to Come

Very good article on 3-D printing in health care, and quite educational, especially for those of us who like to know about this revolutionary technology, its implications and applications into the medical field and biology. It is intriguing and must be a source of pride to learn how UMD is contributing to related research and how it is leading efforts in the experimentation in the concepts, designs and fabrication of related parts. Well done!

Yousef Suleiman ’03, Beltsville, Md., via Terp online

Applause on Paper

Higher education has long been a place of innovation and creativity, and increasingly, of environmental sustainability. Many colleges have made climate commitments, implemented composting programs and boosted recycling participation on campuses. But one area where many schools fall short is using recycled paper in alumni magazines.

The environmental effects of virgin (non-recycled) paper production are vast, and we need to reduce wasteful uses of it, prioritize recycled content and incorporate responsibly certified virgin fiber only when necessary.

One ton of virgin magazine paper requires up to 18 trees to be cut down, releasing sequestered carbon into our atmosphere. Recycled paper saves trees, requires 26 percent less energy to produce, and emits 40 percent fewer greenhouse gases.

I am very glad the University of Maryland has boosted its commitment to sustainability by switching to 10% recycled, Forest Stewardship Council-certified paper for Terp magazine. I hope UMD will build on this step and I hope to see more universities and colleges follow UMD’s lead.

Beth Porter, program director, Green America

Final Anne-swers

I would like to add my input to the history of the Foucault Pendulum (Ask Anne, Fall 2017) that was mounted in what we referred to as the Chemical Engineering Building in 1951.

I started studying at the University of Maryland in the fall semester of 1951, just after the new engineering buildings were completed. If I remember correctly, there was one building that was rather long and not built in the Colonial architecture style of the rest of the buildings on campus. This building was anchored with a building that was at least three stories high and housed the pendulum.

Again, if my memory serves me correctly, there was a circle at the base of where the pendulum swung. This circle had a series of movable pegs that were knocked down as the pendulum swung back and forth. This was for telling the time of day. It would be interesting to research the operation of the pendulum and determine who was responsible for remounting the pegs at the end of the day.

It was fascinating to stand in the building and just watch the pendulum swing back and forth. It was like bugs being attracted to a light during a summer night. It had a hypnotizing effect on the brain.

Tom Steinmetz ’54, Highland, Calif.

Terp’s New Look

Just writing to say how much I enjoyed the new format, design and content of the Winter 2018 edition. As a lifetime member of the Alumni Association, and living overseas, I rely on this publication for all of my university news and information. I think you have done a wonderful job in modernizing the publication, and I congratulate everyone for their efforts.

Richard Steinberg ’70, Kosharitsa, Bulgaria