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April 21, 2011

UMBC Featured in “The Princeton Review’s Guide to 311 Green Colleges”

Eleanor Lewis
UMBC
(410) 455-2065
elewis@umbc.edu

Jeanne Krier
The Princeton Review
(212) 539-1350
Jeanne@jeannekrier.com

Marisa Long
U.S. Green Building Council
(202) 552-1500
mlong@usgbc.org

UMBC is one of the country’s most environmentally responsible colleges according to The Princeton Review. The nationally known education services company selected UMBC for inclusion in the just-released second annual edition of “The Princeton Review's Guide to 311 Green Colleges.” UMBC was also included in the 2010 edition.

Developed by The Princeton Review in partnership with the U.S. Green Building Council, the “Guide to 311 Green Colleges” is the only free comprehensive guidebook focused solely on institutions of higher education who have demonstrated a notable commitment to sustainability in their academic offerings, campus infrastructure, activities and career preparation. Schools were chosen based on a survey of administrators at hundreds of colleges polled in 2010 about their school’s sustainability initiatives.

“This is wonderful recognition of the strong commitment of so many students, faculty and staff to safeguarding our environment, responding to climate change and engaging as much of our community as possible in these efforts,” said Lynne Schaefer, vice president for administration and finance. “Special thanks goes to our undergraduate and graduate student government leaders, Students for Environmental Awareness, Daejayon, the Climate Change Task Force, our student sustainability interns and the many individuals who have pushed forward an aggressive agenda even in the face of limited resources.”

Since UMBC President Freeman Hrabowski signed the American College and University Presidents Climate Commitment in 2007, UMBC has worked toward supporting green efforts in campus in a multitude of ways through the Climate Change Task Force. The group is comprised of students, faculty and staff engaged in encouraging sustainability on campus.

This fall, UMBC broke ground on its first LEED Silver building, an addition to Patapsco residence hall. The addition includes the university’s first green roof, which will also be used for research by faculty and students. UMBC has developed sustainability initiatives across campus through its dining service, Chartwells, and facilities management, among other programs, and regularly participates in green activities including the annual Ecofest, Recyclemania and the 2009 National Teach-in. Last year, students voted to increase their fees to support four sustainability interns each year to push forward environmental initiatives. The University is also finalizing a contract to have two Zipcars on campus this spring.

The Department of Geography and Environmental Systems offers academic programs in environmental studies and environmental science including master’s and Ph.D. programs focusing on environmental systems, human geography and remote sensing technology. The campus is also the field headquarters for the Baltimore Ecosystem Study, a federally funded urban ecology project, and is home to the Center for Urban Environmental Research and Education. Its research and technology park, bwtech@UMBC, includes the U.S. Geological Survey’s regional water science center and other companies focusing on environmental research and technology.

Other departments that have sustainability-related majors and courses include biochemistry and molecular chemistry, biological sciences, biotechnology, civil engineering, economics, geographic information systems, human context of science and technology, interdisciplinary studies, marine biotechnology, marine-estuarine environmental science, philosophy, physics and public policy.

The Princeton Review first created this one-of-a-kind resource for college-bound students in 2010 with the U.S. Green Building Council, which is best known for developing the LEED standard for green building certification. This past fall, USGBC launched its Center for Green Schools (www.centerforgreenschools.org) to increase its efforts to drive change in how campuses and schools are designed, constructed and operated so that all educational facilities can enhance student learning experiences.

The free guide can be downloaded at www.princetonreview.com/green-guide.aspx and www.centerforgreenschools.org/greenguide.

Posted by elewis

April 13, 2011

UMBC Hosts 4th Annual Crime Victims Rights Summit Monday, April 18, 7-9 p.m.

CONTACT:
Eleanor Lewis
410-455-2065
elewis@umbc.edu

Baltimore, Md. – UMBC will host the 4th Annual Crime Victims Rights Summit on Monday, April 18, 7-9 p.m. in the University Center Ballroom. The event, sponsored by UMBC’s Police Department, the Baltimore County Police Department and Catonsville- and Arbutus-area organizations, is free and open to the public.

This year’s summit focuses on relationship violence and will address the following issues: determining who is at risk, identifying warning signs, escaping dangerous relationships and understanding bystander intervention. There also will be a discussion on the role of the victim during prosecution.

Keynote speakers are Yasmin Karimian, president of UMBC’s Student Government Association; State’s Attorney for Baltimore County Scott Shellenberger; and William D. Mitchell, president and founder of the Kristin Mitchell Foundation, which supports educational efforts that raise awareness among young adults about the dangers of unhealthy dating relationships. Mitchell’s daughter was murdered by her boyfriend while in the midst of a breakup.

Panelists are Kim Leisey, UMBC associate vice president for student affairs and chair of the Verizon Foundation Relationship Violence Prevention Grant Committee, and Deborah Miller, domestic violence coordinator for the Baltimore County Police Department.

“Recognizing the victims of crime and especially those victims of domestic violence is especially important as it affects each of us in some way,” said Karimian. “The only way we can address the issue of domestic violence as a community is if we begin to spread the word and show the support we can provide to the victims. The summit will continue this needed conversation and will open the eyes and ears of community members to signs of domestic violence while showing the strong support our community has for victims and those affected by it.”

This fall, UMBC launched a campaign against relationship violence, funded by a grant from the Verizon Foundation. The campaign includes a lecture series, campus awareness programs and a relationship violence prevention advocates group. The campus also has a longstanding Voices Against Violence program designed to address issues around domestic or relationship violence, sexual assault, and other forms of person-to-person violence, including stalking and sexual harassment.

The summit was founded to support National Crime Victims' Rights Week, which is sponsored by the U.S. Department of Justice, Office of Justice Programs and the Office for Victims of Crime.

Sponsors for the April 18 event include the UMBC Police Department, the Arbutus Business & Professional Organization, Baltimore County Police Department – Wilkens Precinct 1, CCBC Foundation Catonsville, CCBC School of Justice, Greater Catonsville Chamber of Commerce, Lansdowne Business & Professional Assocation, Saint Agnes Hospital, Soroptimist International of Arbutus, and the Wilkens Police & Community Relations Organization.

For more information, contact the UMBC Police Department at 410-455-5555.

Posted by elewis

March 3, 2011

TIAA-CREF Honors Freeman Hrabowski with 2011 Theodore M. Hesburgh Award for Leadership Excellence

CONTACT:
Jeannine DeFoe, TIAA-CREF
212-913-3501
jdefoe@tiaa-cref.org

Eleanor Lewis, UMBC
410-455-2065
elewis@umbc.edu

New York, March 7, 2011

TIAA-CREF has announced that Freeman A. Hrabowski, III, President of the University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC), has been awarded the 2011 TIAA-CREF Theodore M. Hesburgh Award for Leadership Excellence. Dr. Hrabowski was selected by an independent panel of judges based largely on his work to increase the representation of minority students in science and engineering and create an institutional model of inclusive excellence.

Established in 1993, the TIAA-CREF Hesburgh Award is named in honor of Reverend Theodore M. Hesburgh, C.S.C., President Emeritus of the University of Notre Dame, nationally renowned educator and world humanitarian. Father Hesburgh also served on the TIAA and CREF Boards of Overseers for 28 years.

"I am honored to accept this award on behalf of my UMBC colleagues and students, and to have our work associated with the example of extraordinary leadership provided by Father Hesburgh. It takes all of us in the academy to build our institutions and prepare the next generation of leaders. Higher education is more important than ever before for both our nation and humankind. We know that education transforms lives," said Dr. Hrabowski.

Stephanie Bell-Rose, head of the TIAA-CREF Institute, will present the honor this afternoon at the American Council on Education (ACE) annual meeting in Washington D.C.

“Dr. Hrabowski’s leadership at UMBC and commitment to underrepresented groups in science and engineering has had a powerful impact on both the Maryland system and on higher education as a whole,” said Bell-Rose. “The Hesburgh award honors those higher education leaders who demonstrate innovative thinking, a positive impact on both higher education and society and a willingness to collaborate both within and outside the university, all of which are embodied by Dr. Hrabowski’s work.”

Dr. Hrabowski has served as president of UMBC since 1992. He has worked with campus colleagues to create a model public research university focused on building research in science, engineering, and public policy, while emphasizing undergraduate liberal arts education and creating an environment in which students of all racial and ethnic backgrounds thrive and succeed academically.

In 2008, he was named one of America’s Best Leaders by U.S. News & World Report, which in 2009 and 2010 ranked UMBC the No. 1 “Up and Coming” university in the nation. In 2009, Time magazine named him one of America’s 10 Best College Presidents. UMBC ranks 2nd nationally in research funding received from NASA, ranks among the top 10 universities nationally in public policy research productivity, and is among the nation’s leading public universities in prestigious scholarly awards per capita to faculty in arts and humanities.

With Baltimore philanthropist Robert Meyerhoff, Dr. Hrabowski co-founded the Meyerhoff Scholars Program at UMBC in 1988 for minority students committed to pursuing advanced degrees in science and engineering. Today, UMBC is among the nation’s leading institutions in producing African American graduates who go on to complete Ph.Ds in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) and M.D./Ph.Ds.

The Hesburgh Award, which includes a $20,000 prize, recognizes a current college or university president/chancellor who:

• Is a visionary, demonstrating innovative thinking about strategic challenges and opportunities, sustaining the institution’s core values and mission, and adopting strategies to ensure future institutional vitality.

• Has had or is having through his/her personal involvement a positive impact on higher education and/or on society in general through his/her institutional leadership role.

• Demonstrates collaborative partnerships within the campus or externally that enhance institutional ability to achieve excellence both within the institution and for the greater good.

• Is a futurist comfortable in “stretching the envelope,” uncovering and seizing opportunities to advance the institution.

• Positions the institution to thrive in an uncertain future, anticipating trends and developing strategies to manage change.

About the TIAA-CREF Institute
The mission of the TIAA-CREF Institute is to foster objective research, build knowledge, support thought leadership, and enhance understanding of strategic issues related to higher education and lifelong financial security. For additional information, please visit www.tiaa-crefinstitute.org.

About TIAA-CREF
TIAA-CREF (www.tiaa-cref.org) is a national financial services organization with $453 billion in combined assets under management (as of 12/31/10) and provides retirement services to the academic, research, medical, governmental, and cultural fields.

Posted by elewis

February 24, 2011

bwtech@UMBC Welcomes New Companies

Bioscience and Technology Companies Join the Incubator

CONTACT:
Deborah Shapiro
Marketing Manager
410-455-1509
dshapiro@umbc.edu

bwtech@UMBC is pleased to announce that early-stage companies EncephRx and Spry Enterprises have signed leases for space in the Life Science and Technology Incubator. Both companies are confident about their ability to fill a niche in their respective markets and are looking forward to reaping the benefits of their new location.

EncephRx was founded last summer by First Stage Bioventures. Aaron Heifetz, a 20-year veteran of the biotechnology industry and partner in First Stage, was chosen to be the company’s President and CEO. The company is working to develop small molecule drugs to slow or prevent the progression of neurodegenerative diseases such as Huntington’s, Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s. Currently, EncephRx is conducting animal testing with the goal of completing that stage and applying for FDA permission to begin clinical trials in the next year or two. The company is using technology licensed from Southern Methodist University and the University of Texas at Dallas. Heifetz, who holds a Ph.D. in biochemistry, learned of the technology while doing background research at Johns Hopkins University.

Choosing UMBC for his new company’s headquarters was a natural choice for Heifetz, who was previously a member of the university’s Life Science Advisory Board and had facilitated meetings of bwtech@UMBC’s Incubator CEO group for several years. He has also done research with UMBC professors Tony Moreira and Govind Rao. “I know the people at UMBC,” said Heifetz. “The location offers a lot of value.”

Spry Enterprises has been operating for two years, with an office in Hunt Valley, and moved into its new space several weeks ago. Partner Tony Vachino is a Catonsville resident and is excited about the company’s additional location. Spry, which specializes in utilizing semantic technologies to build analytic and information management solutions for its clients which include the federal government, is looking to hire additional employees in the areas of software development and information architecture. The availability of student interns and graduates from UMBC’s top-ranked computer science and IT programs had a large influence in the company’s decision to establish an office at bwtech@UMBC. According to Vachino, the company hopes to expand its business into the commercial space over the next few years.

“We are delighted to welcome these organizations to our Life Science and Technology Incubator program,” said Ellen Hemmerly, executive director of the bwtech@UMBC Research and Technology Park. “bwtech@UMBC has a long history of launching successful companies and we are pleased that EncephRx and Spry Enterprises have chosen to build their business at our Incubator. We look forward to their success.”

Posted by dshapiro

February 22, 2011

UMBC Named One of Nation’s “Best Value” Public Universities by The Princeton Review

CONTACT:
Eleanor Lewis
410-455-2065
elewis@umbc.edu

UMBC is one of 50 public institutions in the United States recognized by The Princeton Review as a “Best Value College” offering a combination of educational excellence and affordability. The ranking was announced February 22 on the Today Show and in USA Today.

The honor is the third major national distinction UMBC has received from leading higher-education rankings publications this academic year. For the second year in a row, UMBC was named America’s #1 “Up-and-Coming” national university by U.S. News & World Report’s Best Colleges Guide. The University was also included on Kiplinger’s Best Value Public Colleges list.

The Princeton Review recognizes UMBC, a research university with nearly 13,000 students, for attracting serious students and supporting them with undergraduate research opportunities throughout the Baltimore-Washington region and beyond. The campus location near BWI-Marshall Airport gives students access to internships with government agencies, nonprofits and leading private-sector companies.

“UMBC provides a distinctive undergraduate education to outstanding students, many of whom go on to prestigious graduate schools and professional opportunities. We’re delighted to be recognized by The Princeton Review’s list of ‘Best Value Colleges,’ ” said UMBC President Freeman A. Hrabowski, III.

The Princeton Review selected schools by using institutional data and student opinion surveys. Broadly speaking, it examined factors covering undergraduate academics, costs and financial aid. A school’s academic rating was derived from admissions and other institutional data and student opinion surveys.

A school’s financial aid rating was based on data about tuition, fees, room and board and need-based financial aid packages and student opinion surveys regarding award packages and the service provided by a school’s financial aid office. Approximately seventy-seven percent of students at UMBC receive some financial aid in the form of scholarships, loans and grants.

Dale Bittinger, director of undergraduate admissions and orientation, said, “Being named to the ‘Best Value Colleges’ list once again is something that we are proud of as it reaffirms, among many values, our commitment to attracting a highly diverse community of high-achieving students."

UMBC was also named a “Best Value College” in 2009 and in 2008 was ranked the second “Most Diverse Student Body” in The Princeton Review’s “The Best 368 Colleges: 2009 Edition.”

Posted by elewis

February 7, 2011

bwtech@UMBC Welcomes New Companies

Research and Technology Companies Join the Research Park

CONTACT:
Deborah Shapiro
Marketing Manager
410-455-1509
dshapiro@umbc.edu

bwtech@UMBC is pleased to announce that three organizations – Clear Resolution Consulting, Research Triangle Institute and the U.S. Forest Service’s Baltimore Field Station – have signed leases for space in the Research Park. All three are looking forward to reaping the benefits of their new location.

Clear Resolution Consulting, which advises companies on cybersecurity strategy, business process re-engineering and computer network operations, will occupy 2,600 square feet of space on the 2nd floor of the 5523 building and will be a part of bwtech@UMBC’s Advantage cybersecurity incubator, Cync. CEO Ayinde Stewart noted that the National Security Agency is one of his company’s customers and that he is looking forward to working with Cync sponsor Northrop Grumman to serve the technology needs of the defense community. Stewart notes that bwtech@UMBC’s location, including its federal HUBZone status, was a big selling point when choosing a location for his company. Having been familiar with UMBC and its president, Freeman Hrabowski, for many years, Stewart is pleased to have the opportunity to hire interns from UMBC’s nationally recognized computer science and IT programs.

Research Triangle Institute will move into about 2,000 square feet of space in the 5520 building. Currently a resident of bwtech@UMBC’s Life Sciences and Technology Incubator, scientific program director Diana Fishbein is excited to be moving into a larger office which will allow employees to interact more closely with UMBC faculty. The nonprofit international organization, whose headquarters are in Raleigh, NC, conducts research and provides services on topics ranging from physical and mental diseases, environmental science, health care, economic development, policy and aerospace. The Baltimore branch at UMBC specializes in behavioral and neuroscience research, focusing on understanding, treating and preventing behaviors such as drug and alcohol abuse, tobacco addiction and a variety of other high risk behaviors. The office now employs 12 people, including several interns and one full-time hire from UMBC. “Our work involves translating science to a practical setting and there are a lot of resources toward that end at UMBC. We’re developing some really promising collaborations,” said Fishbein. One such collaboration is with both UMBC and the University of Maryland, Baltimore. The two campuses are building a neuroimaging lab and the institutions are partnering with the company on a grant application for a research project proposed by RTI.

The Baltimore Field Station of the U.S. Forest Service moved into a 3,200 square-foot space on the 3rd floor of the 5523 building in mid-December. Previously located at UMBC’s Technology Research Center, the 8-employee office needed more room to grow and to host visiting scientists, according to Morgan Grove, the station director. Grove noted that the station and UMBC have a long history of collaboration, starting 13 years ago when they partnered under a National Science Foundation grant to study the sociological and ecological changes in Baltimore over a period of several hundred years. The station, which studies soil, vegetation and air quality to understand changes in sustainability in the Baltimore region and their relationship to the Chesapeake Bay, has worked with a number of faculty and students over the years and Grove is looking forward to expanding those collaborations.

“We are delighted to welcome these organizations to the Research Park,” said Ellen Hemmerly, executive director of the bwtech@UMBC Research and Technology Park. “They each have the potential to make a large impact on UMBC and the region as a whole, and we look forward to their success.”

Posted by dshapiro

January 31, 2011

UMBC Joins Maryland Campus Compact for Student Veterans

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACTS:

Eleanor Lewis – UMBC
Office: 410-455-2065
Email: elewis@umbc.edu

Mike Raia – Office of the Lt. Governor
Office: 410-260-3888
Cell: 443-336-3032


ANNAPOLIS, MD (January 31, 2011) – UMBC President Freeman A. Hrabowski, III, joined his counterparts from community colleges and public four-year institutions in Annapolis today to sign the Maryland Campus Compact for Student Veterans. The Compact aims to improve on-campus services for student veterans. Lt. Governor Anthony G. Brown – a Colonel in the U.S. Army Reserves, a graduate of ROTC and the nation’s highest-ranking elected official to serve a tour of duty in Iraq – convened the meeting and worked closely with veteran advocates and higher education leaders to forge the important partnerships that will ease student veterans’ transition to campus life.

During his opening remarks, Brown cited a troubling essay published in the Community College of Baltimore County student newspaper detailing a student veteran’s war experience and the College’s controversial, but necessary, decision to remove the student until a psychological evaluation could be performed as one of several catalysts to create the Maryland Campus Compact for Student Veterans.

“Veterans bring a unique maturity and life experience to the classroom – an experience that in most cases enhances classroom discussions and benefits every student’s learning. But as each war is different, so is every generation of veteran,” said Lt. Governor Brown. “We have an obligation to serve those who served and we must do more to ease student veterans’ transitions from combat to campus. While the urgency to sign this agreement was sparked by an atypical and unfortunate incident on one of our campuses, I am proud that higher education leaders from across the state will work together to improve the services we provide to the men and women who served on our behalf.”

The Compact calls on Maryland’s higher education community to do more for the men and women who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces and seeks to ensure the educational success of veterans who choose to return to a Maryland school through greater awareness and understanding of the unique challenges student veterans face.

“The UMBC community is proud to welcome returning veterans to campus,” said President Hrabowski. “We know the transition back to the classroom can be challenging, and we are committed to supporting student veterans with access to the information and services they need to be successful.

Participating institutions pledge to designate an office or staff person as a ‘go to’ for all student veterans to help them navigate everything from GI Bill paperwork to behavioral health counseling. The Compact requires campus officials to provide training for faculty, staff and student leadership to promote greater awareness of veteran issues; and it encourages campuses to create student veteran organizations to provide incoming student veterans with necessary support from their peers who are also transitioning back into our communities.

Today’s veterans face unique challenges. Studies show that one out of five veterans returning from Iraq and Afghanistan suffers from post-traumatic stress disorder or traumatic brain injury. Iraq and Afghanistan veterans are also more likely than veterans of any previous conflict to attempt suicide. More than 22,000 Iraq-Afghanistan veterans have returned to Maryland in recent years, and thousands more are coming home. More than 15,000 Maryland veterans received GI Bill education benefits during the fall 2010 semester – including 219 at UMBC. As more veterans enroll in college and training courses, colleges and universities – especially community colleges – must make concerted efforts to better understand the behavioral health challenges many veterans face.

Posted by elewis

December 31, 2010

UMBC Chess Team Finishes Strong to Place Second in “World Series of College Chess”


Contact: Daniel Clemens
410-852-3974
dpclemens@yahoo.com


BALTIMORE -- Battling weather-induced travel delays, illness and the nation’s top collegiate players, the University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC) chess team turned in a strong performance to place second in the “World Series of College Chess” that concluded yesterday in Milwaukee.

UMBC earned a draw against the University of Texas-Brownsville in its sixth and final match at the Pan American Intercollegiate Team Chess Championships, which began Monday. The Retrievers rebounded after a hard-fought loss in a key match Wednesday night against the University of Texas-Dallas, the eventual champion.

“It came down to the critical match against Dallas,” said Alan T. Sherman, UMBC chess director. “It just didn’t go our way.”

By finishing in the top four, UMBC qualifies for the other preeminent college chess event: the President’s Cup, scheduled for April 2-3 in Tyson’s Corner, Va. The Retrievers are defending champs of President’s Cup, also known as the “Final Four of College Chess.”

UMBC also was the Pan-Am defending champ, after capturing the last year’s title outright and earning a share of the 2008 title. Today the Retrievers found themselves in unfamiliar territory: second place.

“It feels a little like a defeat that we didn’t finish first,” Sherman said. “It’s a weird feeling.”

Said Sam Palatnik, UMBC’s associate chess director who coached the team at the tournament, “It’s not every time you can be the best in the competition. Every one was fighting and competing. It’s a good place for us. We’ll take it.”

UMBC sent two teams to the tournament and a bright spot was the fifth-place finish of the B-team. Sabina Foisor, a former A-team alternate who led the B-team in Milwaukee, won all five of her games. Against the eventual champs, Foisor, an International Woman Grandmaster from Romania, beat Alejandro Ramirez, a Grandmaster and UT-Dallas’ top player.

“Playing on the first board and going five for five [games], that’s outstanding,” Palatnik said. UT-Dallas went 6-for-6 in its team matches en route to the title. “They really had a well deserved victory,” Sherman said. “They beat all the strong teams.”

UMBC’s task in the crucial match with UT-Dallas was made tougher when one of the Retrievers top players, Giorgi Margvelashvili, played after coming down ill. Margvelashvili came up short in his match, as did Leonid Kritz, another top UMBC player.

“It definitely affected his play,” Sherman said. “If Giorgi had won his game, the outcome could’ve been different.

“Even though they play six rounds, it always comes down to a very short, critical path. A very small number of games determines the outcome. It makes it exciting and frustrating.”

UMBC faced challenges before the tournament began. Last weekend’s major winter storm led to travel delays for some team members.

But Sherman and Palatnik refused to make excuses. Challenges such as weather, travel and illness are part of the game, they said.

“If you had a choice, you’d choose not to have those things,” Palatnik said yesterday by telephone from the Crowne Plaza Hotel, site of the tournament. “But sometimes they happen.”

UMBC has won a record nine Pan-Am titles, including six outright championships to go with three co-titles.

Twenty-eight teams took part in the 2010 Pan-Am, which attracts the top college programs. The event is the most celebrated intercollegiate tournament in the Americas, open to any college or university team from North, South or Central America. Since the tourney’s inception in 1946, dozens of universities throughout the Americas have participated.

The 2010 field included teams from such far-flung schools as the University of Toronto and the University of the West Indies, as well as squads from prominent U.S. schools such as Yale, Stanford and the University of Chicago.

For UMBC, the focus now turns to the President’s Cup, where the Retrievers will square off against the University of Texas-Brownsville and Texas Tech University, in addition to UT-Dallas.

“We’ve got our ticket to the Final Four,” Palatnik said. “We’ll try our best to be ready. We need some work. The competition is much, much stronger.”

For more information on the UMBC team, contact Alan T. Sherman, director, UMBC Chess Program, 410-963-4779 (c), sherman@umbc.edu.

For more information about the 2010 Pan-Am and college chess, visit www.uschess.org or www.collegechess.org/.

Posted by elewis

November 1, 2010

UMBC Launches Campaign Against Dating Violence; Receives $25,000 Verizon Foundation Grant to Educate, Train Students, Faculty & Staff on Violence Prevention

Contact:
Eleanor Lewis
elewis@umbc.edu
410-455-2065

Sherri Cunnigham
scunningham@starpower.net
202-302-0280

College students are at a high risk of either acting as perpetrator or being a victim of dating violence – both physical and sexual. In response, the University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC) has joined a public awareness effort to stop dating violence on college campuses.

The Red Flag Campaign helps students and others in the campus community identify the “red flags” of dating violence in their friends’ relationships and intervene. In addition, UMBC has received a $25,000 grant from the Verizon Foundation to launch a Violence Prevention Advocates program to educate and train students, faculty and staff on specific violence prevention efforts.

The campaign kickoff event will be held at UMBC Wednesday, November 3, 12:10-12:35 p.m. in The Commons Sports Zone (mezzanine level). Speakers will include UMBC President Freeman Hrabowski, Vice President for Student Affairs Nancy Young, SGA President Yasmin Karimian, Melanie Ortel of Verizon Wireless and Diane Miles of Verizon Maryland.

The Red Flag Campaign, a project of the Virginia Sexual and Domestic Violence Action Alliance, was created with support from the Verizon Foundation and Verizon Wireless. Red flags posted around the campus are designed with a “bystander intervention” strategy to raise awareness and encourage the campus community to “say something” when they see the warning signs - “red flags” - for emotional or physical violence in a friend or colleague’s relationship. Accompanying posters include on- and off-campus resource information.

UMBC’s Violence Prevention Advocates Program will include relationship violence prevention education and training for volunteer student, faculty and staff advocates; a poster and speaker series; and a relationship violence prevention resource website and online campaign on UMBC websites.

“Recent tragedies related to relationship violence and bullying on campuses across the nation call our attention to these issues and remind us that no campus is exempt,” says Young. “UMBC is fortunate to have received a grant from the Verizon Foundation to raise awareness, educate the campus community on issues related to relationship and dating violence and provide information to members of our community about resources and help.”

Karimian adds, “As unfortunate as it is that we have to face and discuss issues of domestic violence, it is absolutely necessary that we have real and honest campus conversations that face this issue. I feel the need to speak out, helping others recognize the red flags that exist in every community. Relationship violence does not discriminate. Anyone can be affected, so we need to be proactive in safeguarding ourselves and our community.”

Melanie Ortel, associate director of public relations for Verizon Wireless in Maryland, Virginia and Washington, D.C., says, “It’s important for young people to know that abuse does not have to be physical to be damaging. Emotional abuse needs to be taken just as seriously, and this campaign helps us all identify it. We’re proud to fund this award-winning, effective program, which is being embraced by colleges across the nation.”

The Red Flag Campaign is a result of the combined work of students, faculty and victim advocates from nearly 20 colleges and universities. For more information, visit www.TheRedFlagCampaign.org.

Since it was launched nationwide in 2001, Verizon Wireless’s HopeLine program has collected more than 7 million phones and awarded more than $7.9 million in cash grants. No-longer-used wireless phones – all models, from all wireless carriers – are collected and accessories are refurbished, recycled or sold. Proceeds benefit victims of domestic violence through grants and the donation of wireless phones and service. Phones are accepted at Verizon Wireless stores across the nation and on UMBC’s campus at The Commons. For additional program information, visit www.verizonwireless.com/hopeline.

Posted by elewis

October 11, 2010

bwtech@UMBC Affiliate Recognized for Innovation

CONTACT:
Deborah Shapiro
Marketing Manager
410-455-1509
dshapiro@umbc.edu

Mahi Reddy, President and CEO of SemaConnect, an affiliate company of bwtech@UMBC’s Clean Energy Technology Incubator was recognized as the Maryland Clean Energy Center’s (MCEC) Entrepreneur of the Year at its Clean Energy Summit on October 4. The award recognizes an individual or new company that brings new clean energy technologies, products or services to the market in Maryland.

SemaConnect, based in Annapolis, produces the ChargePro, a charging station for electric cars as well as web-based software for both station owners and drivers that allows them to register users, monitor use and make payments. The stations are being marketed to property managers, parking lot owners and corporations as a means of providing residents and employees with a means to recharge their electric vehicles. The company hopes that the increased availability of charging stations will encourage more people to purchase electric vehicles.

Founded last year by Reddy, a serial entrepreneur who previously owned a healthcare information technology company, the company has gained much recognition for its innovative ideas and sales potential. In addition to being honored by the MCEC, the company was a finalist in the Greater Baltimore Technology Council’s recent “Hottest Tech in Town” competition.

While its headquarters are in Annapolis, SemaConnect has a strong relationship with bwtech@UMBC’s Clean Energy Technology Incubator (CETI). As an affiliate company, SemaConnect receives guidance and networking opportunities from CETI’s entrepreneurial services staff, including Entrepreneur-in-Residence Bjorn Frogner. Said Frogner: “Mahi Reddy impressed me as a serial entrepreneur with a successful track record in starting, growing and selling a prior IT company. This experience will help him make SemaConnect successful and it will also benefit other CETI companies, since he will act as a business advisor for the CETI.”

“I am very excited and honored to have received the award,” said Reddy. “I am grateful for the support SemaConnect has received from bwtech@UMBC and the Maryland Clean Energy Center for our efforts to produce an innovative product such as the ChargePro."

“SemaConnect’s innovative work will no doubt have a positive impact on our climate and society. The Maryland Clean Energy Center is proud to recognize Mahi Reddy for his leadership in this endeavor,” said Katherine Magruder, executive director of the MCEC.

Posted by dshapiro

October 1, 2010

UMBC Announces 2010 Alumni Association Awards

CONTACT:
Eleanor Lewis
410-455-2065
elewis@umbc.edu

Each year, UMBC’s Alumni Association presents annual awards to honor alumni for their professional and personal achievements and service to the University.

The awards will be presented at a ceremony Thursday, October 14 at 7:30 p.m. at the Albin O. Kuhn Library Gallery. A reception will follow.

UMBC’s 2010 Outstanding Alumni of the Year (bios follow list):

Engineering & Information Technology
Michael George ’87 Information Systems
Vice President, Amazon.com

Humanities
Vikki Valentine ’96 English
Supervising Editor (Science), National Public Radio

Natural & Mathematical Sciences
Michael Nishimura ’80 B.A. ’84 M.S. ’89 Ph.D. Biological Sciences
Professor of Surgery, Medical University of South Carolina

Social & Behavioral Sciences
Chad Cradock ’97 Psychology
Director of Aquatics, UMBC

Visual & Performing Arts
Dean Alexander ’88 Visual Arts
Photographer

Distinguished Service to the University and Alumni Association
Gene Trainor ’86 Health Science & Policy and Economics
Chair, Exceptional by Example Campaign alumni committee

Young Alumni Rising Star Award
Aaron Merki ’05 Political Science
Associate, Venable LLP

Engineering & Information Technology
Michael George ’87 Information Systems
Vice President, Amazon.com

Michael George has spent the past 12 years with Amazon.com in Seattle. He started his Amazon career as director of systems and networking operations. Since then, he has held senior positions that span several areas, including director of WW third party platforms, general manager/director of WW marketplace, vice president of human resources, vice president of WW payments, vice president of spoken word audio and now vice president of a yet-to-be-announced new business. He joined Amazon in 1998 through the acquisition of the Junglee Corp. where he was vice president of business development. Prior to Junglee, he spent 14 years in the newspaper industry.

Humanities
Vikki Valentine ’96 English
Supervising Editor (Science), National Public Radio

Vikki Valentine, an award-winning science journalist, is science editor for NPR’s science unit and lead editor of NPR’s environment, energy and climate coverage. Before that, she managed the desk’s daily digital output of science, environmental, health and technology stories, and initiated major features and series. Prior to NPR, Valentine worked at Discovery.com and Baltimore Sun.com. Her writing has been published by the Smithsonian Channel, the New York Times, National Geographic, Marketplace Radio, Science and Washingtonian. She graduated with honors from the University College London Wellcome Trust Centre in the History of Medicine master’s program.

Natural & Mathematical Sciences
Michael Nishimura ’80 B.A. ’84 M.S. ’89 Ph.D. Biological Sciences
Professor of Surgery, Medical University of South Carolina

Michael Nishimura has devoted his career to developing novel immunologic approaches for cancer therapy and is recognized for his talents as a scientific mentor. Building upon his strong genetics and immunology training at UMBC, he pioneered the use of retroviral vectors encoding T cell receptor (TCR) genes to engineer an individual’s own lymphocytes to be able to recognize and control the patient’s cancer cells or virus-infected cells. The first clinical trial using TCR gene modified T cells was conducted in Denmark using one of Nishimura’s TCRs targeting the melanoma protein MART-1. He serves as the vice chair for research in the Department of Surgery at the Medical College of South Carolina and has assembled a strong clinical and scientific team committed to bringing this and other novel cellular therapies to the clinic.

Social & Behavioral Sciences
Chad Cradock ’97 Psychology
Director of Aquatics, UMBC

Chad Cradock was named to UMBC Athletics’ Hall of Fame in 2004 after a stellar career as a Retriever from 1993 until his graduation in 1997 and immediately became an assistant coach, but his greater contribution to the UMBC family would begin in 2001 when he became just the second head coach of the swimming and diving program. Since he took over, the Retriever men have won nine consecutive conference championships, including seven straight America East titles, while the women have won four conference crowns. In addition, the amount of alumni giving has gone up over 1,200% during his tenure. Cradock and his staff have been named Coach/Coaching Staff of the Year six times, including being named 2010 America East Coaching Staff of the Year.

Visual & Performing Arts
Dean Alexander ’88 Visual Arts
Photographer

Dean Alexander is a photographer and the owner of Dean Alexander Productions, Inc., based in Baltimore. His work, from advertising and editorial to fine art, has taken him to over 40 countries throughout the world. Clients range from IBM and UnderArmour to non-profits such as the National Institute of Health and HealthCare for the Homeless, while his subjects range from Oprah Winfrey and Lady Sutherland (Lady-in-Waiting to the Queen of England) to Baltimore’s homeless. He has won nearly 100 international awards in his career.

Distinguished Service to the University and Alumni Association
Gene Trainor ’86 Health Science & Policy and Economics
Chair, Exceptional by Example Campaign alumni committee

Gene Trainor is chief operating officer of Foundation Capital, a Menlo Park, California-based venture capital firm. Previously, Trainor served for 10 years as the administrative general partner and the chief operating officer for New Enterprise Associates. He has also served as executive vice president and chief operating officer of Cramer Rosenthal McGlynn, LLC, CFO/Controller of a Mid-Atlantic venture capital firm and a member of the audit group for Ernst & Young, LLP. A certified public accountant, he received his MBA from Loyola College of Maryland. Gene serves on the board of the non-profit Families of Spinal Muscular Atrophy.

Young Alumni Rising Star Award
Aaron Merki ’05 Political Science
Associate, Venable LLP

Aaron Merki graduated from UMBC as a Sondheim Public Affairs Scholar and then attended University of Maryland School of Law as the Bekman Leadership Scholar. While there, Merki founded the FreeState Legal Project, which provides legal services to low-income LGBT clients throughout the Greater Baltimore region. He was named the National LGBT Bar Association's 2008 student leader of the year. After graduating law school, Merki accepted a judicial clerkship with the Hon. Susan K. Gauvey of the United States District Court for Maryland. Now an associate at Venable LLP, Aaron's clients range from Fortune 500 companies to low-income individuals. He continues to serve as chairman of the FreeState Legal Project Board of Directors, which now includes judges, professors, elected officials and some of Walter Sondheim's closest friends.


Posted by elewis

September 28, 2010

UMBC Creating Retriever Learning Center to Enhance Academic Support for Students

CONTACT:
Eleanor Lewis
410-455-2065
elewis@umbc.edu

Preparation has begun to transform an 8,000-square-foot area of UMBC’s Albin O. Kuhn Library into a social learning space that will facilitate student success through peer-to-peer teaching, group learning, tutoring and informal interactions among students and faculty. The Retriever Learning Center (RLC) will be completed in the summer of 2011.

The RLC will feature movable furnishings that groups can configure into study spaces, and will be located near library services, tutoring, information resources and information technology. It will be open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, consolidating late-night study space into one location and providing improved safety and security through key card access, video monitoring and other enhancements.

UMBC President Freeman Hrabowski said, “The Retriever Learning Center represents another example of UMBC’s innovation in teaching and learning. We are determined to be as proactive as possible in providing an environment that encourages substantive interaction among students, faculty, and staff. It’s always encouraging to see our students learning and growing intellectually.”

The impetus for this project came from students, including the Student Government and Graduate Student Associations, who advocated for a large, open, flexible, inviting space for group study with food and drink permitted. Library planning for this project began in 2006, but was accelerated by a 2008 bequest from the estate of Richard Roberts, a founding faculty member of UMBC and former chair of the Department of Mathematics. All colleges and divisions at UMBC will be committing resources to support the project, and UMBC is working with alumni, parents, friends and foundations to secure the final funds necessary to complete this important project.

Provost Elliot Hirshman emphasized, “The creation of the Retriever Learning Center is a critical addition to the institution’s commitment to support success for all students. By supporting active learning, group discussion, and peer tutoring, and integrating the resources of the Learning Resources Center and the Division of Information Technology in a single location, the Retriever Learning Center will play a central role in supporting student success and academic excellence at UMBC."

Students look forward to utilizing the resources that the new RLC will offer. “As a scientist, I want to have strong writing skills in order to clearly convey my research results and ideas. I will definitely spend time in the Retriever Learning Center as I continue to develop into an independent researcher,” said Genaro Hernandez, Jr. ’15, computational biology.

In preparation for construction, government documents and reference materials have been moved from the first floor of the library to the lower level. The Learning Resources Center’s Mathematics Lab and Writing Center have moved to the first floor, where they will operate temporarily during the 2010-2011 academic year. The final location of these services will be in newly renovated space of the RLC.

Posted by elewis

September 23, 2010

False Report of a Shooting on Campus

September 23, 2010

To: The UMBC Community

Fr: Mark Sparks, Chief of Police

Re: False Report of a Shooting on Campus

This morning, Baltimore County Police responded to a 911 call of a possible shooting in front of the Retriever Activities Center within about two minutes of receiving the call. Both police agencies did a thorough search of the RAC and surrounding area and found no evidence of a shooting through the search or citizen interviews on the scene. The call was apparently unfounded, and is being treated as a False Report call by the Baltimore County Police Department.

An e2Campus text alert was sent out once the UMBC officers developed enough information about the call, to tell the campus the nature of the call and that it was unfounded.

Members of the campus community are encouraged to sign up for e2campus, an emergency alert text-messaging system that will permit the University to notify subscribers to any campus-related emergency (such as potential campus safety hazards or campus closures due to weather). It is compatible with mobile phones, Blackberries, "smart phones," satellite phones, e-mail, wireless PDAs and pagers. Normal text-messaging rates apply. There are no additional charges. Sign up for this important service today at http://my.umbc.edu/go/alerts.

Posted by elewis

September 21, 2010

Report Affirms Success of UMBC ACTiVATE Entrepreneur Training Program

Recent Study Details Economic Impact on Region

CONTACT:
Deborah Shapiro
Marketing Manager
410-455-1509
dshapiro@umbc.edu

A recent report by the Sage Policy Group and the Nearing Group affirms the positive economic impact of UMBC’s ACTiVATE® program. The report concludes that ACTiVATE® creates jobs at a "remarkably low cost" when compared to benchmarks for entrepreneurial job creation and generates substantial income for local governments and the State of Maryland.

Since its inception in 2005, ACTiVATE® has trained over 100 women with significant business or technical experience to start companies based on technologies developed at area universities and research institutions. Over 30 companies have been created as a result of the program. These companies have hired or plan to hire a total of 124 employees; the study estimates a total of 234 direct and spin-off jobs will be created as a result of the ACTiVATE® program by the end of 2011. The cost of producing each job is estimated to be about $6,000, far lower than the estimated $92,000 spent to create each job under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.

The study estimates that ACTiVATE® generates an average of $460,000 annually in income tax revenue for state and local governments in Maryland. An even larger impact on the state’s economy is the creation of a culture of entrepreneurship among women, a group traditionally underrepresented in the field. By increasing the number of would-be entrepreneurs and giving them the training and guidance they need, ACTiVATE® has helped move many technologies created by Maryland scientists from the lab to the marketplace. This is a necessary component to developing a knowledge-based economy.

ACTiVATE®’s success has inspired spin-offs and expansion. In April of this year, UMBC licensed the program to the Path Forward Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship for national and international expansion. The first ACTiVATE® spin-off program was recently launched at Texas State University in San Marcos.

“We are thrilled to hear about the study’s finding,” said Ellen Hemmerly, executive director of bwtech@UMBC Research and Technology Park and a leader of the development of the ACTiVATE® program. “It affirms what we knew all along: that ACTiVATE® has tremendous economic impact, both on its participants and the region as a whole.”

Full study available here: http://www.umbc.edu/activate/SageACTiVATE_UMBCImpactStudy2010.pdf

Posted by dshapiro

August 31, 2010

UMBC Breaks Ground on LEED Silver Residence Hall Addition September 3, Noon

MEDIA ADVISORY

CONTACT:
Eleanor Lewis
410-455-2065
elewis@umbc.edu

Baltimore, MD – On September 3, UMBC will celebrate the construction of its first LEED Silver building – an addition to Patapsco Hall, which is scheduled to open in fall 2011.

The event begins at noon on the lawn outside of True Grits dining hall by the construction fence (Poplar Avenue). It will include remarks by President Freeman Hrabowski, Vice President for Student Affairs Nancy Young and President of the Resident Student Association Carl Gruhn. A reception will follow.

The $14.8 million project includes:

*189 new beds

*The university’s first green roof. This roof will also be used for research by faculty and students.

*Classroom in Patapsco lobby

*New volleyball and basketball courts

*Improvements in accessibility for the disabled at Susquehanna Hall and in the existing Patapsco Hall, including new elevators

*Landscaping, outdoor gathering areas and pedestrian paths

The project designer/builder is KBE Building Corporation and Newman Architecture, PC.

A UMBC campus map (PDF) is available here: http://www.umbc.edu/blogs/parkingforum/new_parking_2010.pdf

Posted by elewis

August 6, 2010

Maryland Education Enterprise Consortium and UMBC Announce Agreement with Google

CONTACT:

Tamara Petronka
MEEC
410-455-5617
tpetronka@sis.usmd.edu

Eleanor Lewis
UMBC
410-455-2065
elewis@umbc.edu


All MEEC Institutions Now Able to Contract for Google Apps

The Maryland Education Enterprise Consortium (MEEC) and the University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC) have announced an agreement that makes Google Apps for Education available to the 189 K-12 and higher educational institutions in Maryland that are members of MEEC. Google Apps, which is free for educational institutions, currently provides email, documents, group pages, chat and other products to over eight million students.

UMBC was the lead institution working with MEEC, and will be the first campus in the USM to implement the Google suite of products under the new contract. The University worked with MEEC, the Maryland Attorney General’s Office and Google to develop a contract that can be used by any MEEC member.

UMBC’s decision to migrate to Google comes after engaging in conversations with students, faculty and staff. “As we discussed options for outsourcing email with students, they overwhelmingly recommended Google because it works exceptionally well with their mobile lifestyle,” said Mike Carlin, UMBC assistant vice president of IT. “UMBC will immediately set up the 3,000 new students enrolling for classes this fall on Google email and will provide the 10,000 existing students with the option to convert their accounts over to Google in late August 2010. By the start of the spring 2011 semester, we anticipate having all students moved over to Google.”

Through this contract, UMBC also licensed Google Message Security, a secure, hosted service that provides enterprise-grade spam and virus protection and email content filtering for use with the University’s existing email infrastructure for faculty and staff this fall.

Carlin said, “This is an important change that will help keep UMBC IT resources secure. Google Message Security is one of the premier email security packages on the market. Once this is in place, all UMBC faculty and staff should see significant improvement in our ability to filter these messages and other unwanted spam.” Starting this fall, staff in UMBC’s Division of Information Technology will pilot using Google Apps for faculty and staff email and calendaring.

MEEC is now working with Google to provide MEEC members with an overview of the capabilities found in Google Apps for Education and how it can meet each institution’s needs. MEEC is a statewide K-20 Consortium, hosted by the University System of Maryland, that leverages its size to negotiate hardware, software and services contacts that can be used by MEEC members. MEEC has 189 members, including all 24 public K-12 districts, private K-12 institutions, libraries and public and private higher education institutions.


Posted by elewis

August 4, 2010

UMBC Begins a New Tradition with “Ten Days of Awesomeness”

UMBC Hillel will host High Holiday celebrations on campus for the first time this September.

“It's the right time. UMBC has come such a long way,” said Rabbi Jason Klein, director of UMBC Hillel. “It's important to deliver on students' needs where they are: on campus.”

Klein adds that the events are meant to connect with the entire university.

“It will help take campus life to a new level for everyone, not just the Jewish community,” said Klein.

During Hillel's “Ten Days of Awesomeness,” members of the UMBC community and their guests can participate in activities that include holiday services on campus, meals, spiritual prep programs and music programs. There will also be a Pentagon Memorial and DC monument night tour and a visit to UMBC’s telescope.

“Holiday celebrations are natural to do at home,” Klein said. “As we become a more residential campus, UMBC becomes a reflection of home for students.”

The events will begin in the Interfaith Center with Shabbat services and dinner September 3 at 6 p.m., followed by spiritual preparation for the High Holidays at 8:30 p.m.

Members of the UMBC community and guests that wish to sign up for meals at the events must register by August 26. Anyone who would like to volunteer to help set up, clean up, greet guests, read Torah, or have another role in any of the services should email hillel@umbc.edu for details.

For more details and information, go to: www.umbchillel.org/ten-days-of-awesomeness/

Posted by elewis

July 26, 2010

UMBC Named a “2010 Great College to Work For” by the Chronicle of Higher Education

Contact:
Eleanor Lewis
410-455-2065
elewis@umbc.edu

Baltimore, Md. – The University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC) is one of the best colleges in the nation to work for, according to a new survey by The Chronicle of Higher Education.

The results, released Monday, July 26, in the Chronicle’s third annual report on The Academic Workplace, are based on a survey of more than 43,000 employees at 275 colleges and universities nationwide, including UMBC.

UMBC received high ratings in three categories:

-Collaborative Governance
-Respect and Appreciation
-Tenure Clarity and Process

“The recognition by the Chronicle is especially meaningful now,” said UMBC President Freeman Hrabowski. “The campus has made supporting people a priority as we face challenging times together. We are a ‘Great College to Work For’ because of the people here.”

Shared governance is one example of the value placed on collaboration and support for people at UMBC.

“The administration, faculty and staff believe that our success as a University depends on contributions and discussions from all involved,” said L.D. Timmie Topoleski, Faculty Senate president and professor of mechanical engineering. “The Faculty Senate's voice is strong, and we feel comfortable addressing difficult issues because we know the administration will be responsive. Shared governance at UMBC works because all parties see it as the pathway to continued success.”

Tim Sparklin, president of the Professional Associate Staff Senate (PASS) and administrator in the Human and Animal Protections Office, added, “The Professional Associate Staff Senate (PASS) is committed to maintaining open lines of communication among all staff, faculty and students of the university. We think it is essential to provide information and recommendations to the decision-makers of UMBC to recognize staff contributions and allow them to excel….We also take an active part in campus life by sponsoring activities that will provide an opportunity for non-work social events to encourage comradeship.”

Terry Aylsworth, acting president of the Non-exempt, Excluded Staff Senate and executive administrative assistant in the College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences said, “At the core of shared governance is the structural principle that University-wide committees include students, staff and faculty who act as voices for their constituents. It is at the committee level that the exchange of thoughts, concerns, and possible solutions to university challenges takes place. This unique structure encourages students, staff and faculty to be an integral part of shaping UMBC."

“Great Colleges to Work for” survey results are based on a two-part assessment process: an institutional audit that captured demographics and workplace policies from each institution, and a survey administered to faculty, administrators, and professional support staff. The primary factor in deciding whether an institution received recognition was the employee feedback.

For more information and to view all the results of the survey, visit http://chronicle.com/academicworkplace.

Posted by elewis

July 13, 2010

UMBC, Baylor Ecologists Say Current Methods for Monitoring Aquatic Life are Inadequate

Contact:
Anthony Lane
Communications Manager
(410) 455-5793
alane@umbc.edu

Current methods used to detect how aquatic life responds to environmental degradation fail to show thresholds where significant biological changes are occurring, according to an analysis by ecologists at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC), and Baylor University.

“The measuring sticks we use are really insensitive to certain kinds of biodiversity loss,” said Matthew Baker, an assistant professor of geography and environmental systems at UMBC.

In a new paper, Baker and Ryan King, a biology professor at Baylor University, demonstrate that two prevailing methods for monitoring water quality – which consider dozens of types of aquatic insects and other invertebrates – miss abrupt declines and increases in certain species that can occur even with minimal development, such as the construction of roads, roofs and other impervious surfaces on 1 to 3 percent of land in a watershed.

“More than 40 percent of the regional species pool is declining due to very low levels of impervious cover, but we’re not detecting it with current methods.” Baker said.

Baker compared current methods to stock market indices: “The Dow Jones measures a sector of our economy, but even when it shows little or no change, people invested in particular stocks can still be making vast profits or losing their shirts.”

In a paper published earlier this year, Baker and King detailed a new method – Threshold Indicator Taxa Analysis (TITAN) – for detecting impacts to individual species. Baker said it essentially amounts to a “much more precise measuring stick.”

The new paper, now available online, will appear in September’s Journal of the North American Benthological Society as part of a special focus section highlighting thresholds in environmental management. Though the analysis focused on the changes caused by increased runoff and pollution from development, Baker said he believes the method could be used to get a clearer picture of the biological changes associated with many other forms of human activity, such as mountaintop mining.

On the bright side, Baker said, their method could help target the mechanisms responsible for biodiversity losses, allowing for improved low-impact development designs, and giving land managers a better indication when environmental restoration efforts are working.

Posted by elewis

July 1, 2010

Former UMBI Institutes Launch July 1 as Newly Aligned Research Centers at Partner USM Campuses

CONTACT:

Mike Lurie
University System of Maryland (USM)
Phone: 301-445-2719
Email: mlurie@usmd.edu

Anthony Lane
University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC)
Phone: 410-455-5793
Email: alane@umbc.edu

Adelphi, Md. (July 1, 2010) - Research centers previously aligned with the former University of Maryland Biotechnology Institute (UMBI) officially begin their realignment today with other institutions within the University System of Maryland (USM).

This restructuring, approved by the USM Board of Regents in June 2009, is expected to pave the way for more multi-disciplinary and collaborative research across the system and increase access to outside funding for research. It is also expected to yield a higher level of technology transfer, commercialization, and business start-ups, and thereby advance economic development statewide.

The action followed the recommendations of an ad hoc committee of regents appointed by Board Chairman Clifford Kendall in February 2009 to review UMBI's mission and organization as well as consider alternative organization options.

Following is a summary of the newly created centers, once based at the former UMBI.

*Institute for Bioscience Biotechnology (IBBR). The IBBR is a research collaboration among the University of Maryland, College Park (UMCP), the University of Maryland, Baltimore (UMB), and the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). The IBBR will build upon the resources and strengths of the former Center for Advance Research in Biotechnology (CARB) at the Universities at Shady Grove (USG, one of the USM's two system-wide regional centers) and the former Center for Biosystems Research (CBR) at UMCP.

Under IBBR's inaugural director, Donald L. Nuss, Ph.D., the center will focus predominantly on three complementary research areas: nanobiotechnology, drug and vaccine discovery, and pathobiology (the study of disease processes). UMCP will have administrative responsibility for the joint research center. The center will be headquartered at USG.

* Institute of Marine and Environmental Technology (IMET). IMET is a joint USM research center at which the University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC); the University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science (UMCES); and UMB will share facilities and resources. The partner institutions will collaboratively advance research and create technologies for the protection and restoration of marine systems and watersheds, sustainable use of their resources, and improvement of human health. Yoni Zohar, Ph.D., a UMBC faculty member, will serve as IMET interim director. Russell Hill, Ph.D., an UMCES faculty member, will serve as IMET interim associate director. The center will be based at the Columbus Center in downtown Baltimore at the former Center of Marine Biotechnology (COMB).

* Medical Biotechnology Center (MBC) at UMB. The MBC is affiliated with the UMB campus, home of the University of Maryland School Of Medicine. The center's research will include health-related aspects of molecular biology and biotechnology, molecular medicine, and molecular genetics. In addition, research here will be enhanced by collaboration with the bioengineering and computational faculty at UMCP. W. Jonathan Lederer, M.D., Ph.D., a professor in the School of Medicine, will serve as interim director. The center will be based at the UMB campus.

* Institute of Fluorescence (IOF). UMBC will have administrative responsibility for this former UMBI institute. Research is centered on the development of new leading-edge and existing fluorescence phenomena to resolve clinically, biologically and industrially important questions, such as technologies to facilitate early and rapid detection of bio-warfare agents. The institute will be based at the Columbus Center in downtown Baltimore. Chris D. Geddes, Ph.D., will serve as director.

* Towson University Center for STEM Excellence. The center's main goal is to provide statewide leadership in supporting the USM's STEM (science, technology, engineering, mathematics) initiatives. This center will integrate Towson University's STEM education programs to establish the Baltimore Excellence in STEM Teaching (BEST) program. It will be based at the Columbus Center in downtown Baltimore.

"With a focus on collaboration--across disciplines and across institutions--and with recognition of the exceptional talent within the UMBI community and the system's other institutions, this action positions USM to take fuller advantage of its system-wide strengths in the biosciences and to fuel the state's knowledge economy even more," said Kendall, the board chair.

A subcommittee of regents in 2009 reviewed UMBI's history and structure. It also solicited the views of individuals and groups, including UMBI administrators, faculty, staff, and graduate students; members of the UMBI Board of Visitors; external scientists and administrators from higher education and government; and representatives from business and economic development organizations.

As a result of its comprehensive review, the committee found that "the organization of UMBI as a geographically dispersed, free-standing entity has created intractable problems." These included the lack of scale of UMBI programs, isolation among UMBI's research centers, lack of a critical mass of graduate and undergraduate students involved in UMBI research, and administrative inefficiencies.

The board directed the USM office to complete the restructuring by June 30, 2010, the end of the 2010 fiscal year. The regents charged USM Chancellor William "Brit" Kirwan to work with the UMBI center directors and the appropriate institutional presidents on memoranda of understanding (MOUs) outlining details of the future operations and collaborations. The chancellor presented the MOUs to the board as they were negotiated during the fiscal year. The first approval occurred in October 2009 and all MOUs were approved by February 2010.

"The launch of these realigned centers provides a tremendous opportunity for the University System of Maryland to increase the volume and impact of its basic and applied research in the biosciences," Kirwan said. "This restructuring has the potential to double the research productivity of UMBI's current assets within five years. Once these assets are joined with activities system-wide, USM will play an even greater role in positioning the State of Maryland as a national and international leader in the biosciences."

Posted by elewis

June 15, 2010

UMBC Computer Science Graduate Selected to Head Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory

CONTACT:
Anthony Lane
Communications Manager
(410) 455-5793
alane@umbc.edu

Ralph Semmel, who completed his doctorate in computer science at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC) in 1992, has been selected to become the next director of the Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Lab (APL).

APL, located in Laurel, Md., has close to 5,000 employees conducting and supporting research related to national defense and security.

Semmel, who finished his degree in 1992, focused his dissertation research at UMBC on the problem of how to get information from a database without knowing beforehand how the database is structured.

“He was an extraordinary student,” said James Mayfield, who was Semmel’s thesis advisor at UMBC. “He was not only academically rigorous, but he also accomplished a lot.”

Mayfield, who now works at Hopkins’ Human Language Technology Center of Excellence, said he’s also been impressed with the leadership skills Semmel has shown during his 23-year career with APL.

Semmel will begin his new position July 1, replacing Richard Roca to become the eighth director of APL in the laboratory’s 68-year history.

UMBC President Freeman Hrabowski praised Semmel’s accomplishments.

“We are extremely proud of Ralph Semmel and the leadership role he is taking at one of our nation’s foremost research centers.”

Semmel is a graduate of the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, and he completed master’s degrees at Hopkins and the University of Southern California.

Posted by elewis

June 2, 2010

bwtech@UMBC’s Advantage Incubator Welcomes New Tenants

Technology companies join incubator program


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
June 2, 2010

CONTACT:
Deborah Shapiro
Marketing Manager
410-455-1509
dshapiro@umbc.edu

bwtech@UMBC’s Advantage Incubator is pleased to announce that two companies have recently joined its program. Technology Security Associates and Intellibit Systems are both veteran-owned small businesses that provide technology services to both government and commercial clients. As residents of the Advantage Incubator, they will receive the benefits associated with being in a federal HUBZone in addition to the strategic location that makes it easier for them to serve their clients.

Technology Security Associates specializes in information security for weapons systems, working mostly for the U.S. Navy. The technologies developed by the company allow for secure communication between military command centers and can also be used to enhance security in the commercial sector. Tom Jarboe, co-owner of TSA with business partner Lee Bradshaw, said the company also provides services for medical and legal offices, allowing sensitive information such as patient records and legal documents to be transmitted securely.

The company, founded in 2002 and headquartered in Southern Maryland, has additional locations in North Carolina and Philadelphia. Jarboe said the company was looking to establish an office in the BWI Corridor and they felt bwtech@UMBC was an ideal location, with its proximity to Ft. Meade.

“We want to leverage the security work we’ve done in weapons communications to projects with Ft. Meade and the NSA.” Jarboe noted that Ft. Meade is the headquarters for the military’s recently-established Cyberspace Command, and that TSA is well-positioned to support the DoD’s cybersecurity needs.

Jarboe said locating at UMBC fulfills another company goal: “We need to recruit college graduates with the latest information on cybersecurity.” With UMBC recently recognized by the NSA as a Center of Academic Excellence in Education and Research, and offering an array of graduate programs in cybersecurity, information systems and computer science, there should be no shortage of qualified interns and employees for TSA.

Intellibit Systems, owned by Juan Pabellon, is an IT services consulting company. It provides professional network data communications and information technology support services to government and commercial clients. They also offer professional information technology education and public outreach services. Prior to moving to bwtech@UMBC, they were located in the Annapolis Junction area.

“We are excited to welcome these companies to bwtech@UMBC and the Advantage Incubator program. With the increased attention to cybersecurity in the I-95 corridor and throughout the state, TSA and Intellibit have a great deal of business opportunities. We look forward to helping them succeed,” said Ellen Hemmerly, executive director, bwtech@UMBC Research and Technology Park.

Posted by dshapiro

May 27, 2010

UMBC President Freeman Hrabowski Receives Honorary Degree from Harvard

Honor Recognizes Impact of Leadership at UMBC and Beyond

CONTACT:
Chelsea Haddaway, UMBC
(410) 455-6380
chaddaway@umbc.edu

May 27, 2010 – UMBC President Freeman A. Hrabowski, III, is among 10 national and world leaders recognized with honorary degrees at Harvard University’s Commencement exercises in Cambridge, Massachusetts today.

Hrabowski, who has served as UMBC’s president since 1992, received an honorary Doctor of Laws degree from Harvard in recognition of his inspirational leadership of UMBC’s rise as a new model for American higher education and a premier training ground for the next generation of researchers and scholars. Harvard President Drew Gilpin Faust hailed Hrabowski as “a galvanic force in his university’s ascent.”

Among the other honorands at Harvard this year are retired U.S. Supreme Court Justice David H. Souter, former Howard Hughes Medical Institute President Thomas Cech and actress Meryl Streep.

“The respect our colleagues at Harvard have for UMBC as a research university is clear,” Hrabowski said. “This honor reflects on the work of a campus community that celebrates the life of the mind and believes that students from all backgrounds will excel when expected to do so and when given support.” UMBC consistently sends its graduates on to graduate and professional programs and post-doctoral fellowships at Harvard in fields ranging from medicine and science to law and public policy.

Hrabowski’s research and publications focus on science and math education, with special emphasis on minority participation and performance. He currently chairs the National Academies’ Committee on Underrepresented Groups and the Science & Engineering Workforce Pipeline.

He has authored numerous articles and co-authored two books, “Beating the Odds” and “Overcoming the Odds” (Oxford University Press), focusing on parenting and high-achieving African American males and females in science. Both books are used by universities, school systems and community groups around the country.

In 2008, Hrabowski was named one of “America’s Best Leaders” by U.S. News & World Report, which in 2009 ranked UMBC the #1 “Up and Coming” university in the nation and fourth among all colleges and universities in the nation for commitment to undergraduate teaching. In 2009, Time Magazine named him one of “America’s 10 Best College Presidents.”

He serves as a consultant to the National Science Foundation, the National Institutes of Health and the National Academies. He also serves on the boards of the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching, Alfred P. Sloan Foundation, France-Merrick Foundation, Marguerite Casey Foundation (Chair) and The Urban Institute.

Hrabowski also holds honorary degrees from more than a dozen institutions, including Princeton, Duke, Haverford College, the University of Michigan and Georgetown University.

Click here to see the presentation of the honorary degree.

Posted by brhuber

April 21, 2010

UMBC Included in "Guide to 286 Green Colleges" by Princeton Review and U.S. Green Building Council

CONTACTS:
B. Rose Huber, UMBC
(410) 455-8117
brhuber@umbc.edu ,

Leah Pennino, The Princeton Review
(508) 663-5133
lpennino@review.com

UMBC INCLUDED IN “GUIDE TO 286 GREEN COLLEGES” BY THE PRINCETON REVIEW & U.S. GREEN BUILDING COUNCIL

Free Guidebook Profiles the Nation’s Most Environmentally-Responsible Colleges & Universities

BALTIMORE, MARYLAND, APRIL 21, 2010 – UMBC is one of the country’s most environmentally-responsible colleges according to The Princeton Review. The nationally known education services company selected UMBC for inclusion in a unique resource it has created for college applicants - “The Princeton Review's Guide to 286 Green Colleges.”

Developed by The Princeton Review in partnership with the U.S. Green Building Council, the “Guide to 286 Green Colleges” is the first, free comprehensive guidebook focused solely on institutions of higher education who have demonstrated an above average commitment to sustainability in terms of campus infrastructure, activities and initiatives.

The Princeton Review's Guide to 286 Green Colleges” looks at an institution’s commitment to building certification using USGBC’s LEED green building certification program; environmental literacy programs; formal sustainability committees; use of renewable energy resources; recycling and conservation programs, and much more.

“One of the key reasons UMBC has been successful in our efforts to be a sustainable campus and to begin to significantly reduce our impact on global climate is that so many students, faculty and staff have come together to work as partners in this effort,” said Lynne Schaefer, vice president of administration and finance. “Our students, faculty and staff are all passionately engaged, serving as wonderful role models for living a more sustainable life.”

Since UMBC President Freeman Hrabowski signed the American College and University Presidents Climate Commitment in 2007, UMBC has worked toward supporting green efforts in campus in a multitude of ways through the Climate Change Task Force. The group is comprised of students, faculty and staff engaged in encouraging sustainability on campus through academics and other initiatives.

The Department of Geography and Environmental Systems offers academic programs in environmental studies and environmental science including master’s and Ph.D. programs focusing on environmental systems, human geography and remote sensing technology. The campus is also the field headquarters for the Baltimore Ecosystem Study, a federally funded urban ecology project. It hosts the Center for Urban Environmental Research and Education, the U.S. Geological Survey’s regional water science center and two NASA centers that research Earth systems and monitor the Earth’s surface and atmosphere.

Other departments that have sustainability-related majors and courses include biochemistry and molecular chemistry, biological sciences, biotechnology, civil engineering, economics, geographic information systems, human context of science and technology, interdisciplinary studies, marine-estarine environmental science, philosophy, physics and public policy.

UMBC regularly participates in green activities including the annual Ecofest, Recyclemania and the National Teach-in (in 2009). Through engagement with Students for Environmental Awareness, these events have been well attended.

“Students and their parents are becoming more and more interested in learning about and attending colleges and universities that practice, teach and support environmental responsibility,” said Robert Franek, senior vice president and publisher, The Princeton Review. “According to our recent College Hope & Worries Survey, 64 percent of college applicants and their parents said having information about a school’s commitment to the environment would impact their decision to apply to or attend it. We created this guide to help them evaluate how institutions like UMBC focus on environmental responsibility so that they can make informed decisions as they move through the college assessment and application process.”

UMBC joins the ranks of outstanding universities and colleges nationwide that are leading the “green” movement through their own special programs and initiatives.

The free Guide can be downloaded at www.princetonreview.com/greenguide and www.usgbc.org/campus.


How the Schools Were Chosen

The Princeton Review chose the 286 schools included in the Guide based on the “Green Rating” scores the schools received in summer 2009 when The Princeton Review published Green Rating scores for 697 schools in its online college profiles and/or annual college guidebooks. The Princeton Review's “Green Rating” is a numerical score from 60 – 99 that’s based on several data points. In 2008, The Princeton Review began collaborating with USGBC to help make the Green Rating survey questions as comprehensive and inclusive as possible. Of 697 schools that The Princeton Review gave “Green Ratings” to in 2009, the 286 schools in the Guide received scores in the 80th or higher percentile. The Princeton Review does not rank the schools in this book hierarchically (1 to 286) or in any of its books based on their “Green Rating” scores.


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Posted by brhuber

April 20, 2010

UMBC and Social Security Administration (SSA) Partner to Deliver Graduate Courses and Training at SSA

April 20, 2010

MEDIA CONTACT:
Eleanor Lewis
Senior Director, Communications
(410) 455-2065
elewis@umbc.edu

Baltimore, MD - UMBC President Freeman Hrabowski and the Social Security Administration Commissioner, Michael Astrue, recently announced the creation of the SSA University Partnership Program. Beginning this fall, UMBC will offer graduate courses at the SSA, while UMBC Training Centers will begin offering non-degree training from the SSA headquarters campus this spring.

"We are excited about building a strong partnership with the Social Security Administration,” said Hrabowski. “Most of us have grown up hearing about Social Security from our parents or grandparents. In fact, few people know that the Social Security Act was signed into law 75 years ago as a way of supporting vulnerable families and older citizens. It is our honor to provide education for employees at Social Security as they work to help fellow Americans."

The partnership provides a unique opportunity for SSA employees to conveniently earn graduate credits at work, delivered by some of UMBC’s top research faculty. Qualified students who take these courses can apply for admission to full degree programs at UMBC if they choose to do so.

For more information, visit www.umbc.edu/cps/ssa/.
SSA is partnering with other local colleges, universities and vendors in addition to UMBC.


Posted by elewis

April 12, 2010

UMBC Wins Record “Final Four of College Chess” Against Strongest Field Yet

2010 President Cup's Undefeated Champions

Final_Four_Closing_087%20umbc%20team%20with%20trophy.JPG

Pictured: Associate Chess Director Sam Palatnik, Sasha Kaplan, Sergey Erenburg, Leonid Kritz, Giorgi Margvelashvili, Sabina Foisor and Chess coach Igor Epshteyn

BALTIMORE - Continuing its dominating sweep of collegiate chess tournaments, UMBC’s powerhouse chess team won a record sixth “Final Four of College Chess” April 11 in Brownsville, Texas, at the 2010 President’s Cup.

The annual President’s Cup tournament, which falls just days after the NCAA Division I Basketball Tournament Final Four, determines the top U.S. collegiate chess team in an equally intense round-robin sporting competition.

UMBC defeated University of Texas-Brownsville (UTB) by just half a point to clinch its sixth title in the tournament’s 10-year history. The tournament was hosted by UTB, a newcomer chess powerhouse whom UMBC defeated Dec. 30 to win the 2009 Pan-American Intercollegiate Team Chess Championship (the Pan Am). UMBC has won or tied the Pan Am competition a record nine times in the past 14 years, more than any other college in the tournament's history.

“UMBC had to bring their best game ever to win against the strongest field of chess teams ever assembled at any Final Four,” said UMBC Chess Director Alan Sherman. "(UMBC chess) team captain Sergey Erenburg and Leonid Kritz played amazingly to lead their team against such tough competition."

Competition was so fierce, Sherman said, that UTB hired a top grandmaster consultant who in the months before the tournament helped the team prepare an opening trick designed specifically to trip-up Kritz, who is the highest rated college player in the Pan Am. The trap contributed to Kritz's third round defeat, but a victory by Erenburg and a draw by UMBC player Sasha Kaplan clinched the team's victory.

Collectively, the four teams fielded seven international grandmasters, one woman international grandmaster and 10 international masters. In third and fourth place respectively were Texas Tech University and the University of Texas, Dallas.

UMBC's chess team players are full-time students first and chess players second, Sherman said. Three team players have earned perfect 4.0 grade point averages and team captain Sergey Erenburg is a candidate for valedictorian this May.

UMBC's championship chess team: Leonid Kritz, a Grandmaster from Russia; Sergey Erenburg, a Grandmaster from Israel; Giorgi Margvelashvili, an International grandmaster-elect from the Republic of Georgia; Sasha Kaplan, an International Master from Israel; Sabina Foisor (alternate), a Woman International Grandmaster from Romania; UMBC Chess Coach Igor Epshteyn; and Associate Chess Director Sam Palatnik.

NPR's nationally syndicated Tell Me More interviewed Sherman April 12.

The Baltimore Sun on UMBC's record victory.

For more information on the tournament: www.collegechess.org.

For more information on the UMBC team, contact:

Alan T. Sherman, director, UMBC Chess Program
410-963-4779 (c)
sherman@umbc.edu

Posted by kavan

April 8, 2010

The Path Forward Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship forms to ACTiVATE® and accelerate the growth of women entrepreneurs

Newly-formed nonprofit takes on international expansion of UMBC program


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 8, 2010

CONTACT:
Deborah Shapiro
Marketing Manager
410-455-1509
dshapiro@umbc.edu

The Path Forward Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship (the “Center”), a Maryland non-profit organization, and the University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC) announce the execution of an exclusive license agreement for the ACTiVATE® program that will allow the Center to expand the program internationally. ACTiVATE, which was started by UMBC in 2005 with a grant from the National Science Foundation and was later supported by the Maryland Technology Development Corporation (TEDCO) and a number of local companies, is an award-winning entrepreneurship program and community for mid-career women to start and grow technology-based companies.

“As one of the program’s inaugural instructors, I have seen over 100 women go through the program to launch dozens of companies in Maryland when other programs struggled to spin out one or two,” states Center co-founder and CEO Julie Lenzer Kirk. “Over the past 5 years we’ve developed and refined methods of facilitating, training, and networking that uniquely address the needs of mid-career women in starting growth-oriented companies. Our methods are proven, and now with the launch of the Center, we will be able to support partners across the county and the globe to implement and adapt these methods, replicating our success as they launch ACTiVATE programs in their region.”

The program’s first successful launch has already taken place at Texas State University, led by former UMBC ACTiVATE instructor Terry Chase Hazell, with early results that have exceeded expectations. According to Terry, “The ACTiVATE methods and materials provided what we needed to quickly launch our program last fall and already we’re seeing results and new businesses that are getting high-level attention in Texas. Based on our initial success, we’re working with the Center to open four programs in Texas later this year with aggressive expansion planned to 20 locations within the state by 2012.”

The goal is to bring together economic development groups, universities, and women’s organizations to continue to roll out the program across key locations in the U.S. and internationally.

“Having been part of numerous start-ups and entrepreneurial ventures, I was looking for a way to give back, which is why I joined the ACTiVATE program three years ago. I immediately saw the potential to reach an untapped and growing market with a unique approach,” shares Center co-founder and President Renee Lewis. “The fact that hundreds of smart women had been through the program was impressive, but it wasn’t enough. I knew there was more that could be done if the program was approached entrepreneurially and expanded globally where women represent enormous untapped economic potential.”

“Our goal in establishing the ACTiVATE Program was to develop a national model for women’s entrepreneurship, economic development, and technology transfer,” remarked Stephen Auvil, Assistant Vice President for Research at UMBC and also one of the creators of the program. “Now that we have demonstrated success at UMBC, we are excited about expanding the ACTiVATE Program nationally and internationally, and we could not be more pleased that Julie and Renee want to champion this effort.”

The Center is being “incubated” by nationally-acclaimed venture-catalyst, Springboard Enterprises, which since 2000 has helped more than 400 women-run businesses raise in excess of $5 billion in capital. Amy Millman, Springboard’s co-founder and President, has been a supporter for the local ACTiVATE program since its inception. “It was an easy decision to partner with the Path Forward Center because of our shared goals to increase the number of women succeeding in growth-oriented businesses,” she said. “The programs the Center will be offering are greatly needed and, from what I’ve seen, uniquely positioned for success.”

Additionally, the law firm of Shulman Rogers, Gandal, Pordy & Ecker, P.A., who is consistently seen as a supporter of small business in the Washington metropolitan area, has partnered with the Center as a founding sponsor. “In the Path Forward Center, Shulman Rogers recognized a partner with a common vision to support and encourage the development of successful, diverse companies and pro-actively create opportunities for entrepreneurial business women,” confirmed Shulman Rogers law partner, Nancy Regelin. “We are very proud to support Path Forward Center in these exciting endeavors.”

The Center will be holding a celebration of the launch at the Potomac, MD offices of Shulman Rogers on Tuesday, May 25th at 5:30 p.m. The event is open to the public although RSVP’s are requested. It is free of charge with optional donations accepted. Please visit www.PathForwardCenter.org for more information.

Posted by dshapiro

March 25, 2010

Chile Earthquake Fact-Finding Mission Finds Building Codes Saved Tens of Thousands of Lives

BALTIMORE -– A fact-finding mission sent to Chile in the aftermath of the most powerful earthquake in recent history determined that Chile’s adoption of California earthquake building codes in the early 1960s likely prevented the deaths of tens of thousands of people but did not prevent the failure of communications in the nation’s healthcare system.

A research team including Rick Bissell, director of the Center for Emergency Education and Disaster Research at UMBC, toured earthquake damaged Chile March 13 to 21 under a “rapid reconnaissance” grant from the National Science Foundation to investigate the effects of earthquake building damage on health care delivery systems. The group was part of a larger team from the Earthquake Engineering Research Institute and included experts from Johns Hopkins University, FEMA, the Chilean Ministry of Health and the Pontificia Universidad Católica in Chile.

The team found that one of the greatest obstacles to uninterrupted healthcare delivery in the aftermath of the earthquake was the complete failure of Chile’s communications system. The nation’s highly-centralized national hospital and public health system had no way to communicate other than through ambulance VHS radio relays established by emergency responders.

“It was very critical to investigate not only why Chile’s buildings held up so much better than in Haiti and many other places, but also to see how the delivery of healthcare and operation of hospitals held up in the immediate aftermath of the earthquake,” Bissell said.

The most important factor was Chile’s adoption of, with California and Japan, earthquake building codes first developed in the 1960s, and regularly upgraded since. Chile, Japan and California are among the most active earthquake areas along the Pacific Ocean basin known as the “Pacific Ring of Fire” for its volcanic and seismic activity.

Although Chile’s earthquake damage was catastrophic, destroying many roads, bridges and the homes of 800,000 people, there were fewer than 500 deaths and 500 injuries thanks to strict building codes and the fortuitous early morning timing of the earthquake, Bissell said.

The team found that no hospital in Chile suffered complete structural failure. The government of Chile reports that of 79 affected hospitals, 54 suffered minor damage, eight suffered major damage and 17 will require a complete rebuild. All affected hospitals lost power, water and communications.

Among the team’s other findings was that Chilean hospitals -- cut off from communications with their superiors -- saved lives without using patient transfer protocols typical of emergency plans for U.S. hospitals that have been damaged. Instead of closing the hospitals and transferring all patients out, all stable patients were discharged, and remaining patients and earthquake victims were moved to undamaged parts of the hospital.

“The U.S. model is to completely evacuate a hospital if it is damaged in an earthquake. But in a major earthquake such as this, thousands of square miles could be impacted, and we need to reconsider our policy of mass patient transfer, and take a stronger look at moving patients to undamaged portions of their hospital, and making room by discharging patients who are stable enough to complete their recovery process at home.” Bissell said.

--

About CEEDR

UMBC's Center for Emergency Education and Disaster Research (CEEDR) provides consulting, training, assessment, and planning services for public safety and emergency management agencies, public health agencies, and private sector organizations.

Posted by kavan

February 10, 2010

Challenging the way we look at old age

CONTACT: Kavan Peterson
phone: 410-455-1896
email: kavan@umbc.edu

BALTIMORE - Despite our best efforts to ignore or resist it, aging is an inevitable part of life. But Dr. William Thomas, an international authority on geriatric medicine and innovator in long term care, challenges us to welcome aging and see it for its possibilities.

Dr. Thomas, an adjunct professor at the Erickson School at the University of Maryland Baltimore County (UMBC), will discuss how his interdisciplinary and entrepreneurial perspectives have changed the way we view aging, as the featured speaker in the Petrovich Lecture series sponsored by UMBC’s Department of Interdisciplinary Studies, 7 p.m., Feb. 24 in the The Commons Skylight Room at UMBC. Click here for directions and parking.

Author of “What are Old People For? How Elders Will Save the World,” Thomas is a passionate advocate for holistic approaches to aging and elder care. The book asserts that seniors not only have a vital role to play in society, but are also entering a distinct life stage. Thomas contends that just as Baby Boomers ended the perception of pregnancy and childbirth as a time of illness, so will they change the perception of aging as a negative time of illness, dependency, loss of self and usefulness to society.

Dr. Thomas is creator of the Eden Alternative, a philosophy and movement to deinstitutionalize long term care facilities by offering creative ways to “change the culture” of nursing homes. In spreading the Eden Alternative, Thomas saw that America's nursing home buildings were "aging faster than the people living inside them." This led him to imagine a new approach to long-term that became known as the Green House. Supported by a five-year ten million dollar grant from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, Green House projects are being launched in all fifty states.

Dr. Thomas graduated from Harvard Medical School in 1986, and he was selected by the Mead Johnson Foundation as one of the top Family Medicine residents in the country. Dr. Thomas' work and ideas have been recognized by a number of distinguished awards. He is the recipient of a three-year fellowship from the global nonprofit organization Ashoka, the 12th Annual Heinz Award for the Human Condition in 2006, the America's Award ("The Nobel Prize for Goodness"), and was honored by the Giraffe Project, which gives awards to people who "stick their neck out" to advance the common good.

Copies of “What are Old People For?” will be available for purchase at the event and for signing. For information on the event, call 410-455-2004.

Posted by kavan

February 1, 2010

Ecologists Develop New Method for Detecting Biodiversity Losses

CONTACT: Kavan Peterson
o: 410-455-1896
email: kavan@umbc.edu

Ecology.jpg

BALTIMORE – Ecologists from the University of Maryland, Baltimore County and Baylor University in Texas have developed a new method for measuring the impact of human-caused environmental degradation on biodiversity that is significantly more precise than current methods and has revealed a dramatically lower ecological “tipping point” at which species are threatened.

For example, a decade-old analysis widely-cited by environmental professionals and policymakers suggests that it takes up to 10-15 percent of impervious surface (meaning roads, roofs, or parking lots) or about 20-30 percent developed land in a given area before local water-systems no longer sustain normal aquatic life. A new method, detailed online Feb. 1 in the British Ecological Society’s new journal Methods in Ecology and Evolution, demonstrates that aquatic life actually shows significant loss of up to one-third of stream biodiversity with only 1-3 percent developed land in a watershed.

The online journal article includes a free download of a program to apply the analysis, created by co-author, and UMBC geography and environmental systems professor, Matthew Baker.

Environmental scientists are increasingly relying on statistical methods for determining thresholds, or “tipping points,” beyond which ecological systems are damaged by changes to the environment. More recently, ecologists have asked whether biological communities show similar responses – the proverbial “canary-in-the-coal-mine” test.

Accurately measuring these tipping points is important for protecting threatened species and better understanding how ecosystems respond to major changes such as global warming, coal mine leaching, agricultural pollutants or water-runoff from highly developed areas, said Baker, who with Ryan King, a biology professor from Baylor University, used stream invertebrate samples collected from Maryland tributaries by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources and data from Florida’s Everglades in their analyses.

Baker said the precision of their new method is significantly greater than methods that have been widely used for the past 40 years.

A common practice by state and federal environmental protection agencies (U.S. EPA) is to rate the health of streams by comparing overall biotic life with data from “reference” streams using indices that combine various measures to provide a general scoring of health. This approach does a good job distinguishing highly degraded and relatively pristine systems, but isn’t as clear about what happens when conditions fall in between, Baker said.

“Our method of measuring response to degradation is more precise because we track the response of every species separately, and look specifically for places where the abundance or occurrence of many species changes simultaneously at a particular level of disturbance,” Baker said. “This allows us to detect, with a high level of statistical certainty, when we are approaching a point at which species are threatened, and whether the response is consistent with a community threshold.”

Posted by kavan

January 28, 2010

Middle Schoolers to Compete in FIRST LEGO League State Championship

January 28, 2010

CONTACT:
B. Rose Huber
O: 410-455-8117
C:202-360-5506

brhuber@umbc.edu

BALTIMORE -- Some say it “rivals American Gladiators,” but as a battle of the mind rather than the body. Welcome to the FIRST LEGO League (FLL) State Championship, a game of smarts, where Maryland middle schoolers learn the importance of transportation efficiency and teamwork by building motorized robots from LEGOs on Saturday, Jan. 30, 9 a.m. at UMBC.

The annual robotics competition stresses the importance of education in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM), helping students collaborate and develop necessary skills at an early age. UMBC professor of mechanical engineering Anne Spence has been leading the competition as part of her research efforts to raise awareness and interest in engineering career opportunities for students from Kindergarten through college.

Sixty-four teams of middle school students will compete to see who can build the best and most efficient robot. Opening ceremonies will be held at UMBC’s Retriever Activities Center and include a sports arena-style entrance by the teams, including mascots, banners, lights, music and a fog machine.

Teams will then construct robots that will be judged on the technical characteristics, performance on a series of tasks and the quality of the team’s workmanship and cooperation.

The event will also include demonstrations of robots developed during The FIRST Robotics Competition for Maryland high school students and the FIRST LEGO League robotics for ages 4-9. (The Junior League will present from 9-11 a.m., with a closing ceremony at 12:30 p.m.)

FIRST is a 501 (c) 3 non-profit organization that designs accessible, innovative programs to build self-confidence, knowledge and life skills while motivating young people to pursue opportunities in science, technology and engineering.

FLL is an international program for children created in partnership between FIRST and LEGO Company in 1998.

For more information, contact Anne Spence at aspence@umbc.edu, 410-455-3308.

Posted by brhuber

January 26, 2010

iStrategy Solutions Customer UMBC Named 2009 Ventana Research Customer Leadership Award Winner

Media Contact:

Michael Urbonas
Director of Product Marketing
iStrategy Solutions
murbonas@istrategysolutions.com
781-245-5440

Eleanor Lewis
Senior Director, Communications
UMBC
elewis@umbc.edu
410-455-2065

OWINGS MILLS, MD – January 15, 2010 - iStrategy Solutions ("iStrategy"), the leading provider of higher education analytic reporting and data warehouse solutions, announced that the University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC) was recently honored as the 2009 Ventana Research Customer Leadership Award Winner.

The Ventana Research team of global research experts annually honors organizations that have successfully integrated people, process, information and technology to significantly improve organizational performance. UMBC was recognized for its effective utilization of the iStrategy HigherEd Analytics Student Module to enable a culture of informed, data-driven decision making across the university, resulting in improved student outcomes, effectively managed course capacities, optimized student recruitment expenditures and more.

In honoring UMBC's success with the iStrategy HigherEd Student Analytics Module, Ventana Research President Mark Smith called particular attention to recent remarks by Dr. Freeman Hrabowski, President of UMBC. "While [many online retailers] use analytics to predict what books customers will want to purchase, too few institutions are analyzing data about our students to predict the likelihood of their success," Dr. Freeman Hrabowski said. "(That's why) we are so excited about iStrategy...I can ask a number of different questions in just a few
minutes and get all the answers myself…We can now take our analysis to a
whole new level."

"UMBC is a great example of a successful higher education institution living the ideals promoted by Ventana Research: active leadership in bringing together people, process, information and technology," said Mark Max, CEO of iStrategy Solutions. "UMBC's success is strong evidence that an institutional culture that embraces fact-based decision making, combined with the widespread adoption of effective analytic reporting capabilities, will help achieve significant institutional improvements in student outcomes, enrollment management objectives, financial and HR management, advancement and much more."

To learn more about the successful use of higher education data analytics, reporting, dashboards and more to improve institutional performance by UMBC and other award-winning colleges and universities, please visit www.istrategysolutions.com/awards.html.

About iStrategy Solutions
Founded in 1999, iStrategy is the leading developer of pre-packaged data warehouse application and analytics software exclusively for higher education institutions. The iStrategy HigherEd Analytics Suite integrates out-of-the-box with Banner, PeopleSoft, and Datatel ERP systems, providing executives, managers and staff with self-service reporting, dashboards, business intelligence and more. iStrategy enables timely, data-driven decision making to improve institutional performance in student recruiting and retention; enrollment and financial aid management; budgeting, finance, human resources management, advancement and much more. The privately held firm is headquartered in Owings Mills, Maryland. Please learn more about the company and the success of its customers at www.istrategysolutions.com/awards.html.

Posted by elewis

December 30, 2009

UMBC Chess Team Captures Pan-Am Tournament

_MG_9250%202009%20UMBC%20chess%20team.jpg

UMBC Chess Team Stands Alone Atop World of Collegiate Chess

Retrievers take all six matches in capturing record ninth title at Pan American Intercollegiate Chess Championship

Contact:
Daniel Clemens
410-852-3974
dpclemens@yahoo.com


December 30, 2009

BALTIMORE – The chess team from University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC) is back on familiar ground: The summit of the college chess world.

And this time, UMBC stands alone.

Capping a near-flawless performance over the past four days at the tournament in South Padre Island, Texas, the Retrievers topped a team from the University of Texas-Brownsville today to secure the title outright for the first time since 2005.

Today’s win completed a perfect 6-0 match record for the tournament, known as the “World Series of college chess.” UMBC’s dominant performance is all the more impressive given the high quality of the 28-team field this year, said Alan Sherman, director of the school’s chess program.

The performance is an upgrade over 2008, when UMBC shared the title with a University of Texas-Dallas team that had been on a two-year Pan-Am win streak.

Today UMBC topped UT-Brownsville’s “B” team, 4-0, to complete the march to the title. But the Retrievers most of the hard work yesterday, winning decisive matches over two of the strongest teams in college chess. The Retrievers topped UT-Dallas, 3 to 1, in the early match, and then got past UT-Brownsville’s “into today’s action. The tournament also included teams from Yale, Princeton, NYU, Stanford and University of Chicago.

“It is extremely great,” Igor Epstein, a UMBC coach, said late today in a telephone interview from the Sheraton South Padre Island Beach Hotel, where the event took place.

“We did it,” Epstein said. “We clearly were at our best.”

UMBC’s “B” team also performed well, going 4-2 and finishing sixth overall.

The players on the UMBC “A” team players are: Leonid Kritz, a Grandmaster from Russia; Sergey Erenburg, a Grandmaster from Israel; Giorgi Margvelashvili, an International Master from the Republic of Georgia; Sasha Kaplan, an International Master from Israel; and Sabina Foisor (alternate), a Woman International Grandmaster from Romania.

The Pan-Am win qualifies UMBC for the other big event on the college chess calendar: the 2010 President’s Cup (known as “the Final Four of College Chess”) on April 9-10 on the campus of UT-Brownsville.

The Pan-Am is the most celebrated intercollegiate chess tournament in the Americas. Since its 1946 inception, dozens of universities throughout the Americas have participated. The tournament is open to any college or university team from North, South, or Central America.

The Retrievers won their first Pan-Am title in 1996. They went on a five-year championship tear from 1998 to 2002, which included a tie in 2001.

More information about the 2009 Pan-Am and college chess can be found at:

http://monroi.com/2009-panam-chess-championship-home.html

www.uschess.org

Upcoming chess events at UMBC (visit www.umbc.edu/chess):

UMBC Open: February 27-28
Scholastic Spectacular: May 2

Posted by elewis

December 21, 2009

UMBC Chess Team Heads to Texas for "World Series of college chess"


UMBC chess team heading to Texas this week for “World Series of college chess,” hoping to
capture first outright title since 2005

Contact:
Daniel Clemens
410-852-3974
dpclemens@yahoo.com

December 21, 2009

BALTIMORE – As a powerhouse in the world of college chess, the University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC) is accustomed to the rigorous preparation required for taking on elite opponents.

But in getting ready for the 2009 Pan American Intercollegiate Chess Team Championships this
week, the team is accounting for an uncommon foe: the flu.

The plan to get the team ready for the competition in South Padre Island, Texas, included vaccinations after two UMBC players were stricken by the flu at last year’s championships. Among the symptoms that befell players were 103-degree fevers.

“This year we hope to fare better on the health front,” said Alan Sherman, director of the UMBC
chess program and a professor in the Department of Computer Science and Electrical Engineering.

UMBC fared pretty well on the chess front last year, persevering through illness to earn a share
of the title. The Retrievers registered a tie with the University of Texas-Dallas, another college
chess juggernaut and a perennial rival of UMBC.

The tournament, known as the “World Series of college chess,” runs from Sunday through next
Wednesday (Dec. 27-30) in South Padre Island, Texas.

UMBC seeks to win the title outright and reassert its dominance of the event. Before last year’s
tie, the Retrievers had won the event seven times, more than any other school.

But UMBC’s last outright win came in 2005. UTD has taken control since, winning the next two
years.

Associate chess director Sam Palatnik characterized last year’s performance by the flu-stricken
players as “heroic.” One of the players who fell ill, Leonid Kritz, said the highly competitive atmosphere helped him push through.

“My style of playing is all or nothing,” said Kritz, a 25-year-old grandmaster from Russia. “I like
winning the war.”

The Pan-Am is the most celebrated intercollegiate chess tournament in the Americas. Since its 1946 inception, dozens of universities have participated.

The tournament is open to any college or university team from North, South or Central America.

This is year’s Pan Am field is formidable, Sherman said, with the Texas Tech University and the
University of Texas-Brownsville also posting strong teams.

The Retrievers won their first Pan-Am title in 1996, and embarked on a five-year title streak
from 1998 to 2002. UMBC and UTD are among a handful of schools nationwide that attract the
world's best chess players with full scholarships.

The UMBC players
Leonid Kritz, a Grandmaster from Russia, ranked 12th in the U.S. and the highest-rated college
player in the Americas
Sergey Erenburg, a Grandmaster from Israel, ranked 19th in the U.S.
Giorgi Margvelashvili, an International Master from the Republic of Georgia, ranked 57th in the U.S.
Sasha Kaplan, an International Master from Israel, ranked 93rd in the U.S.
Sabina Foisor (alternate), a Woman International Grandmaster from Romania and the nation’s sixth-ranked woman.

Follow the UMBC team during the tournament on Twitter @UMBCchess.
For real-time updates of Pan-Am matches in progress, go to www.monroi.com.
For more information on the tournament: www.collegechess.org.

2009 Pan American Intercollegiate Team Chess Championships
What: Pan American Intercollegiate Team Chess Championships
When: December 27-30, 2009
Where: Sheraton South Padre Island Beach Hotel, South Padre Island, Texas
Format: Traditional six-round Fix Roster Swiss tournament
Team makeup: Four-player teams with up to two alternates

For more information on the UMBC team:
Alan T. Sherman, director, UMBC Chess Program
410-963-4779 (c)
sherman@umbc.edu

For more information on the tournament:
Russell Harwood
(956) 882-5762 or (956) 551-0303
russell.harwood@utb.edu

Posted by elewis

December 16, 2009

bwtech@UMBC Research Park Announces New Tenants

Subway and Two Firms Lease Space in New Building


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 16, 2009

CONTACT:
Deborah Shapiro
Marketing Manager
410-455-1509
dshapiro@umbc.edu

bwtech@UMBC Research and Technology Park is pleased to announce that three tenants have signed leases totaling over 13,000 square feet of space in its newest building, 5520 Research Park Drive. The Research Group, Maryland Business Roundtable for Education and Subway Café will join current tenant RMF Engineering in early 2010.

The Research Group, a full service market research firm, and its focus group facilities and field-service division, Observation Baltimore, will move from their downtown Baltimore headquarters to an 8,000 square-foot space on the second floor of the 5520 building in March. The company is excited about the strategic location because of its convenience to BWI Airport, D.C., and downtown Baltimore, making it easy to accommodate its national client base.

"Ninety-five percent of our clients come to us from out of town. Proximity to BWI, AMTRAK, downtown Baltimore, and Washington, D.C. provides tremendous opportunities to serve our current clients better, and more importantly, attract new prospects," said Barbara Gassaway, president and CEO of The Research Group. "We are extremely impressed with the quality and environmental friendliness of the 5520 facility, and we are equally excited about the range of opportunities UMBC offers as a new academic partner."

Maryland Business Roundtable for Education (MBRT), a statewide coalition of business leaders working to improve public education in Maryland, will occupy nearly 3,500 square feet on the first floor. MBRT is excited about joining the UMBC community.

“The bwtech@UMBC Research Park offers us an ideal location to continue our mission of improving Maryland’s public schools, with a focus on science, math, engineering and technology,” said June Streckfus, executive director of MBRT. “UMBC is a standout in this area and we are excited to be on campus.”

Subway Café, which will occupy 1,600 square feet on the building’s first floor, gives the building a food service establishment and is expected to be a big selling point to future tenants. The first Subway Café opened in Alexandria, VA in the summer of 2008 and is expanding across the country. The restaurants are an upscale version of the traditional Subway concept and feature panini sandwiches, gelato, baked goods and coffee drinks in addition to the chain's traditional subs.

“We are delighted to welcome these companies to the Research Park,” said Ellen Hemmerly, executive director, bwtech@UMBC Research and Technology Park. “Our state-of-the-art Class A office space, located in a federal HUBZone with incentives available, is proving very attractive to many businesses.”

The 107,000 square foot building was developed by Corporate Office Properties Trust (COPT) (NYSE: OFC). This is the second building COPT developed at the park; the first was the U.S. Geological Survey building at 5522 Research Park Drive.

Posted by dshapiro

December 15, 2009

UMBC Receives $83,208 BRAC Higher Education Grant

Cybersecurity Program Will Help Develop BRAC Workforce


CONTACTS:

Deborah Shapiro, University of Maryland, Baltimore County
410-455-1509
dshapiro@umbc.edu

Michael Raia, Office of the Lt. Governor
410-260-3888
mraia@gov.state.md.us

ANNAPOLIS, MD - December 15, 2009 - Lt. Governor Anthony G. Brown announced earlier today that the University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC) received one of 12 BRAC Higher Education grants. The grant, made available through legislation passed by the Maryland General Assembly (the Higher Education Investment Fund) in 2008, will help UMBC establish a Center for Cybersecurity Training focusing on developing regional workforce with qualifications and skills to support local cybersecurity needs, as well as national cybersecurity initiatives within the State.

Fifteen courses will be developed by UMBC Training Centers and will be targeted to employees of state and federal government agencies and contractors, active military, veterans and any others seeking job training or skill enhancement. Courses planned include Java Development for Secure Systems, Enterprise Linux Security Administration, and Securing .NET Applications and Web Services. The goal is to begin delivering pilot courses to small groups of students this spring, at either UMBC or a government or contractor location via a mobile computer lab. While it is projected that 75-150 students will be served during the pilot phase, ultimately the goal is to serve about 720 students per year.

“We want to thank Governor O’Malley and Lt. Governor Brown for their outstanding support of our efforts to build a strong education and training foundation for the BRAC workforce,” said Dr. Freeman A. Hrabowski, III, president of UMBC. “This grant from the Maryland Higher Education Investment Fund (HEIF) will enable us to establish a Center for Cybersecurity Training which is an essential component of BRAC.”

“I applaud UMBC and the ten other institutions of higher education on their successful grant application. It is only through our partnerships that Maryland will reap every benefit of BRAC,” Lt. Governor Brown said. “Governor O’Malley and I have set clear priorities that put an emphasis on job creation and we wholly understand that our strong network of public, independent and community colleges play an important role in reach our ambitious goals.”

The 2005 decisions by the Commission on Base Realignment and Closure will create as many as 60,000 new jobs across Maryland, including jobs in communications, intelligence and other high-skilled fields. To fully grasp the potential of this expanding economy, Governor O’Malley and the General Assembly created the BRAC Subcabinet, which Lt. Governor Brown chairs. In 2008, the General Assembly passed an administration bill that funds the BRAC Higher Education Grant program. This is the second year grants have been awarded to colleges and universities across the state.

Every Maryland institute of higher learning is eligible to apply for the BRAC Higher Education Fund grants, including two- and four-year public or independent colleges or universities, Maryland research institutions, Maryland Regional Higher Education centers, and Maryland private career schools.

Posted by dshapiro

December 14, 2009

Crazy for Politics

A news blog staffed by UMBC students aims to spark high schoolers’ interest in current events.

BALTIMORE - Do you find news and current events dull, boring and confusing?

Too many young people answer yes to that question, says political cartoonist Kevin “Kal” Kallaugher, who has launched a new political news blog aimed at getting high school students to tune-in to current events by using the humor and spirit of political cartooning.

The Web site, www.USDemocrazy.com, is a daily news roundup edited by Kallaugher and staffed by a team of student bloggers at UMBC. Kallaugher, an award-winning, internationally syndicated editorial cartoonist for publications such as The Baltimore Sun and The Economist, conceived the site as an artist-in-residence at UMBC’s Imaging Research Center.

Using editorial cartoons, digital animation, videos and humorous blog posts about the daily news, USDemocrazy is designed to engage high schoolers in current events, Kallaugher said. Many posts are interactive and allow comments and the blog’s text is optimized so students can easily read it when projected on a large screen.

“We want to create a daily package where teachers can flip on our Web site for just a couple minutes each day and find engaging, unpredictable, accessible and fun material that can help make subjects like social studies more entertaining,” Kallaugher said.

The site launched publicly in October with a visit by Kallaugher to Wheaton High School in Montgomery County, Md., where social studies students have been the first in the nation to test USDemocrazy in the classroom.

Wheaton’s Social Studies Head David Shaffner said the multimedia Web site comes at a perfect time for social studies teachers. Schools across the country are struggling to make social studies relevant in an age of high stakes testing in reading and math and increasing emphasis on science and technology, he said.

“Students today are plugged-in to a more visual, media-rich environment,” Shaffner said. “We need new tools to help us un-lock those brainwaves.”

Kallaugher presented USDemocrazy as the feature speaker at the 2009 National High School Journalism Convention in Washington, D.C. this November. He plans to make presentations to the National High School Model United Nations and the National Council for the Social Studies annual meetings in 2010 to reach more teachers and students. USDemocrazy will also be introduce into the classroom this spring at Kallaugher’s alma mater, Fairfield Prep in Fairfield, Conn.

Kallaugher said the blog’s also a rich education tool for college students.

His team of student writers – which he calls his “vagabonding bloggoteers” – are tasked with populating the blog with daily posts and weekly features.

“I never used to think about getting information from blogs and used to scoff at Twitter,” said UMBC junior Marc Zerfas, a financial economics and statistics major. “Now we pride ourselves as being a sort of gateway drug to current events for people who would never read the news normally.”

Features include a daily cartoon, “What’z Up Today” news roundup and feature story; a weekly “Film Festival” roundup of videos; a weekly humorous photo “Caption Contest”; and a new feature called “Three-and-a-half Questions” highlighting the expertise of people “who are smarter than us,” Kallaugher said.

“We ask a current events expert three questions in their field of interest, plus one extra credit question in an unrelated area,” Kal said.

UMBC political science professor Tom Schaller was the latest expert to answer three-and-a-half questions, featured in an audio slide show:

Interviewed recently in UMBC Magazine, Schaller said that USDemocrazy “is classic Kal: very cheeky, very fun, very visual, and very colorful. Anyone who’s been around Kal for five minutes knows he’s all those things.”

Posted by kavan

October 19, 2009

UMBC Forum Addresses Immigrant Youth Education Challenges

Students at Risk: Helping Latin American Immigrant Youth Succeed

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT
-- Kavan Peterson
email: kavan@umbc.edu
phone: 410-455-1896

Screen%20shot%202009-10-21%20at%2011.25.33%20AM.png
BALTIMORE - The University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC) is hosting a forum to address academic challenges specific to children of Latin American immigrant families on Friday, Oct. 23 at the World Trade Center in Baltimore from 8:30-10:30 a.m.

Sponsored by the Annie E. Casey Foundation and UMBC's Department of Public Policy and Maryland Institute for Policy Analysis and Research, the forum will focus on the public policy implications of interventions to help immigrant students adapt to and succeed in U.S. schools.

Featuring perspectives on the Latin American immigrant family experience in the U.S., the forum will provide insights relevant to policy makers in Baltimore and other Maryland communities that are home to growing Latin American populations.

The program will include a presentation by UMBC Professors Tim Gindling and Sara Poggio on their recent policy brief Family Separation and the Educational Success of Immigrant Children, which discusses the challenges that Latin American immigrant children face, and how schools can help immigrant students adapt and succeed.

Other speakers include:

Carola Suárez-Orozco, Professor of Applied Psychology, New York University and Co-Director of Immigration Studies@NYU
Hector Torres, President, PROSABER Emergency Management Consulting
Karen Woodson, Director, Division of ESOL/Bilingual Programs, Montgomery County Public Schools

The forum is open to the public but registration is required. For more information, visit www.umbc.edu/pubpol/forums or call 410-455-8193.

The Department of Public Policy offers a Master of Public Policy (M.P.P.), and a Ph.D. degree. Our major areas of focus are: educational policy, health policy, legal policy, public management, urban policy, and evaluation
and analytical methods. For more information, visit www.umbc.edu/pubpol.

The Maryland Institute for Policy Analysis and Research (MIPAR) is UMBC’s center for applied scholarly public policy research. MIPAR links University resources with policy makers in the state and region, conducting policy studies, program evaluations and opinion research on a wide range of topics. MIPAR activities are supported by federal agencies, private foundations, and state and local governments. For more information about MIPAR, visit www.umbc.edu/mipar.

Posted by kavan

October 16, 2009

UMBC Announces 2009 Alumni of the Year and Distinguished Service Award Winners

Each year, the UMBC Alumni Association presents annual awards to honor alumni for their professional and personal achievements and service to the University. Three types of awards are given: Alumnus/Alumna of the Year awards, a Distinguished Service award, and the new Young Alumni Rising Star Award.


ENGINEERING AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

James P. Clements ’85, ’91 & ’93, Information Systems, was recently appointed President of West Virginia University in Morgantown, WVa. He is the first UMBC alumnus to lead a major university. Prior to his appointment, Clements was Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs at Towson University (TU). A TU employee since 1989, he also served as a faculty member, Vice President for Economic and Community Outreach and Chairman of the Department of Computer and Information Sciences. Dr. Clements has published and presented more than 70 papers on management, information systems and technology. The fourth edition of his project management book is used in more than 20 countries and published in four languages.

HUMANITIES

Jeffrey “Duff” Goldman ’97, History, is known for turning traditional confections into out-of-this-world creations on his Food Network show “Ace of Cakes.” After completing his UMBC degree, Goldman attended the Culinary Institute of America in Napa Valley, Calif. His company, Charm City Cakes, has baked cakes for events including the “Kung Fu Panda” premier and the Maryland Zoo’s annual Zoomerang gala. In 2000 he was a featured speaker at UMBC’s Alex Brown Center for Entrepreneurship. He also holds a Guinness Book record for baking the world’s largest cupcake, created in March 2008.

NATURAL AND MATHEMATICAL SCIENCES

Crystal Watkins ’95, Biological Sciences, studied at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. She received the David E. Rogers Award for the highest standards of professionalism, medical ethics and community leadership. Dr. Watkins’ graduate research was featured in the Wall Street Journal and led to a U.S. patent for a treatment of diabetic disorders. She has also traveled to Ghana and worked with the Princess of Ada and Ministry of Health to implement HIV/AIDS health education and prevention programs.

SOCIAL AND BEHAVIORAL SCIENCES

The Honorable Jon S. Cardin M.P.P. ’96, Policy Sciences, represents residents of northwest Baltimore County in the Maryland House of Delegates, where he serves on the Ways and Means Committee. Much of his legislation focuses on election, tax and education reform. In February he was awarded the Humane Society of the United States’ Humane Legislator Award for developing legislation that gives shelters access to drugs needed to properly sedate animals prior to euthanasia. Cardin also serves as a member of the Board of Directors/Advisors for the Baltimore Shakespeare Festival, the Camp Shohola Scholarship Fund, Baltimore Hebrew University, UMBC Hillel, The American Council of Young Political Leaders, Institute for Progressive Leadership and the Maryland Public Interest Law Project.

VISUAL AND PERFORMING ARTS

Laura Pasquini ’98, Visual Arts, is the director of Youth and Family Programs at the Corcoran Gallery of Art in the Washington, D.C. She oversees the operation of all classes, programs and camps for children and their families. In her time there she has redefined the overall vision and mission of the Corcoran’s after school program, Corcoran ArtReach. She installed and supported fundraising efforts for the annual ArtReach exhibit. At UMBC, Pasquini worked in the Center for Art, Design and Visual Culture as an undergraduate intern where she worked to make art exhibits accessible and interesting to public school students through a series of creative projects based on gallery exhibits.

DISTINGUISHED SERVICE AWARD

Gustavo Matheus, Esq. LLC ’90, Biological Sciences, is always thinking of new ways to connect with UMBC alumni and is particularly interested in engaging alumni in the Washington, D.C. area. He is intimately involved in growing and maintaining the Esperanza Endowment, which supports and inspires current and future UMBC students of Latino or Hispanic ancestry and/or students who are committed to the advancement of minorities. Matheus, who practices law in Rockville, Md., mentors student members of the scholarship committee and has been instrumental in connecting with alumni who choose to support the fund.

RISING STAR AWARD

Alicia Wilson ’04, Political Science, is an associate at Gordon Feinblatt, Rothman, Hoffberger and Hollander, LLC. Prior to her position the firm’s Litigation Practice Group, she served as a clerk for the Honorable David Young for the Circuit Court of Baltimore City. Wilson spent her third year of law school at Susan Leviton’s Juvenile Law, Children’s Issues and Legislative Advocacy Clinic. She also coached the Mock Trail team at the Baltimore Freedom Academy – a high school with curriculum and culture focused on social justice and activism.


Posted by elewis

October 1, 2009

Tracking Global Sources of Local Pollution

The National Academies of Sciences featured satellite pollution-tracking research by UMBC Physics Professor Wallace McMillan in a report released Sept. 29 urging better tracking of global air-borne pollutants.

Using the most advanced methods of atmospheric monitoring and modeling, the report, “Global Sources of Local Pollution,” documents how air pollution can be transported across oceans and continents.

As a member of the science team for NASA's Aqua satellite-based Atmospheric InfraRed Sounder (AIRS), McMillan helped create a video showing plumes of carbon monoxide moving through the atmosphere to illustrate the transport of pollution around the globe.

Obtained using the AIRS, the video shows observations tracking carbon monoxide at 5.5 kilometers above the surface of the Earth. Emissions of carbon monoxide from large fires and from large urban and industrial areas, such as northeastern China, can be seen as they move with weather fronts.
View video in MP4 format
(recommended for Mac users)
View video in WMV format
(recommended for Windows users)

McMillan’s research focuses on global, regional and local measurements of pollution. Ed Olsen at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory animated the video.

Posted by kavan

September 23, 2009

Smog Blog Launches Panama Spin-Off on 6th Anniversary

09212009_calipso.jpgBALTIMORE -- The University of Maryland, Baltimore County's (UMBC) innovative "Smog Blog" air quality tracking web site celebrated its sixth anniversary Sept. 23, 2009, and recently helped launch a spin-off Central American air pollution blog based in Panama.

The U.S. Smog Blog and Panamanian SERVIR blog offer realtime analysis and an extensive archive of satellite imagery and air quality data for scientists, allowing for instant communication about important pollution events. SERVIR was created in partnership with UMBC, NASA, the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA).

Smog Blog entries for each site are the products of analysis by science faculty and students from UMBC, the University of Panama in Panama City and Battelle Memorial Institute, who look at incoming data from satellite sensors and merge it with information from sparsely-distributed ground-based monitoring stations. Bloggers then post images, and make daily entries, providing a sort of “one-stop shopping” for information on air pollution in North America and across the globe.

Learn more about the Smog Blog in the upcoming Winter 2009 issue of UMBC Magazine.

About the U.S. Air Quality Weblog

The Smog Blog is a daily diary of air quality in the U.S. using information from NASA satellites, ground-based lidar, EPA monitoring networks, and other monitors. Interpretation and analysis is provided by UMBC staff.

Posted by kavan

September 17, 2009

ACTiVATE® Graduate Wins Business Plan Competition

Another Graduate Among the Finalists


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 17, 2009

CONTACT:
Deborah Shapiro
Marketing Manager
410-455-1509
dshapiro@umbc.edu

Jodi Cook, a 2008 graduate of UMBC’s ACTiVATE® program, was named the winner of the annual StartRight! Business Plan Competition. The competition, run by Rockville Economic Development, Inc. (REDI), is in its sixth year and recognizes top business plans from women entrepreneurs. Cook founded Thesia Medical LLC after she completed ACTiVATE®, which trains women to start companies based on technologies developed at area universities and research institutions.

Thesia Medical is developing a device to monitor patients receiving regional anesthesia. Cook, an audiologist who previously worked at the Mayo Clinic, is in negotiations with Johns Hopkins University’s Applied Physics Laboratory to license the technology on which the device will be based. Before entering the ACTiVATE® program, Cook was involved with two different start-ups with previous colleagues. Yearning to start her own company, Cook enrolled in ACTiVATE® to acquire the skills she would need to create her own business and develop her business plan. Cook’s hospital background gave her familiarity with the FDA approval process and she looked for a medical device technology that she could build a business around.

StartRight! is the second business plan competition Cook entered and her first victory. The first place prize of $10,000 will allow her to begin building the prototype of her device once the licensing process is complete; when the prototype is built, Cook will be able to obtain funding from investors more easily. Cook noted that she also gained a great deal from the competition experience. “Having presentation experience helps when going out to investors,” she said.

Carol Covin, a member of ACTiVATE®’s Class of 2007, was named a finalist in the competition, one of eight finalists out of 40 entrants. Her company, Sky Blue Pharmaceuticals LLC, is developing a small molecule drug that is based on a natural ingredient protocol to treat solid tumor cancers. Covin was inspired to start her company after a friend with inoperable stomach cancer found success with a combination of natural ingredients used in a cancer drug developed in the early 1980s that never made it to market. After meeting an oncologist who had developed a process for bringing obscure drugs to market, Covin, a computer science engineer who had dabbled in several entrepreneurial ventures, set about compiling data on the drug’s use.

Through her research, she discovered 10 people who had used it to treat their cancers, apparently successfully. With the help of a consultant, Covin is compiling the data necessary to submit an Investigational New Drug (IND) application to the FDA for permission to conduct a clinical trial. Using the knowledge and connections gained through ACTiVATE®, Covin developed a business plan and is now seeking investors, focusing primarily on foundations and individual investors. She affirmed that the StartRight! competition was a valuable experience as she moves her company forward. “I got good feedback about my business plan and good experience presenting.” She also noted that the continued guidance from ACTiVATE® instructors has also been invaluable.

StartRight! judging criteria are overall financial viability, the company’s management plan, the quality of an entrant’s market research and its marketing plan, and the degree of innovation and differentiation in the business model.

“The ACTiVATE® program gives its graduates the tools to develop solid business plans and present those plans to potential partners and investors. Jodi and Carol exemplify the spirit and expertise of our graduates and we congratulate them on this latest success,” said David Fink, ACTiVATE® program director.

Posted by dshapiro

September 2, 2009

Maryland Clean Energy Center Technology Incubator Network Opens First Site at bwtech@UMBC

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 2, 2009

CONTACT:
Deborah Shapiro
Marketing Manager
410-455-1509
dshapiro@umbc.edu

The Maryland Clean Energy Center has partnered with bwtech@UMBC to support early stage companies working with clean energy technologies and advance green job creation in our state.

The Maryland Clean Energy Technology Incubator@bwtech (CETI) is the first site in a planned statewide network of clean energy incubators, which will strengthen Maryland’s Smart, Green and Growing energy economy. Katherine Magruder, executive director of MCEC said, “The Maryland Clean Energy Center is striving to partner with energy experts throughout the state in order to fulfill its mission of growing Maryland’s clean energy economy through related economic development and job creation. Because bwtech@UMBC has a proven track record of success our Board elected to work with their team to establish our first Clean Energy Incubator Network site at UMBC.”

According to Magruder, “The intention is to draw from the depth and variety of the research presence in the state, and use the incubator network to move discoveries from the bench to the bank in the commercialization pipeline.” She added, “The program seeks to provide affordable space as well as assistance with business plans, marketing, and management of intellectual property for start-up companies that are focused on a clean or renewable energy product, service or technology.”

CETI will provide services specifically tailored to the needs of companies working with solar power, wind power, geothermal, hydro-power, biofuels, as well as energy management and storage technologies. A part-time Entrepreneur-in-Residence and an advisory board of experienced researchers and executives in the clean energy sector will also provide tenant companies with assistance.

CETI will occupy about 18,000 square feet of office and wet lab space in the Biotechnology Building of bwtech@UMBC’s Incubator and Accelerator, located on the south campus of the University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC).

CETI is a natural fit with UMBC’s strengths in environmental sciences and bwtech@UMBC’s interest in and support of environmental science companies. bwtech@UMBC already hosts the headquarters of the U.S. Geological Survey’s Maryland-Delaware-District of Columbia Water Science Center and the addition of CETI will create additional opportunities for university-industry collaborations. CETI resident companies will have the opportunity to collaborate with UMBC faculty and students, as nearly all of the other bwtech@UMBC companies have done. With UMBC ranked #1 among up-and-coming national universities by U.S. News and World Report, CETI represents yet another innovative approach to enhance UMBC’s contributions to Baltimore County and the state of Maryland.

The incubator also fits with the university’s plans to build energy expertise at UMBC. Officials from bwtech@UMBC and the Maryland Institute for Policy Analysis and Research (MIPAR) at UMBC are currently working to establish an Office of Energy Policy to serve as the primary center for energy policy research in Maryland.

“bwtech@UMBC is delighted to establish this groundbreaking incubator,” said Ellen Hemmerly, executive director of the bwtech@UMBC Research and Technology Park. “Maryland is positioned to become a leader in bioscience and environmental technologies, and we are excited to be a part of it.”

Initial funding for the CETI will be provided by MCEC, bwtech@UMBC, and a grant from the Baltimore County Department of Economic Development to support the Entrepreneur-in-Residence.

“bwtech@UMBC has been a leader in nurturing entrepreneurship, fostering new ideas and generating jobs in Baltimore County for nearly two decades,” said David S. Iannucci, executive director of Baltimore County Economic Development. “The Clean Energy Technology Incubator will increase its economic impact on the region.”

MCEC Board Chairman, Ken Connolly stated, “We are grateful to Baltimore County for their willingness to support this partnership with funding and certain this relationship will be successful for all involved.”

In the long term MCEC is hoping to replicate this model in partnership with other jurisdictions and their economic development agencies.

Posted by dshapiro

August 11, 2009

ACTiVATE® Announces New Program at NIH

Program Will Provide Pathway to Entrepreneurship for Postdocs


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
August 11, 2009

CONTACT:
Deborah Shapiro
Marketing Manager
410-455-1509
dshapiro@umbc.edu

University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC) has received an award from the National Science Foundation (NSF) through their Partnerships for Innovation program to establish an ACTiVATE® at NIH program in Montgomery County. The program, slated to start in early 2010, will train post-doctoral research fellows from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and other federal labs in the region to start technology-based companies.

Building on the successful ACTiVATE® program at UMBC, which trains mid-career women to start companies using technologies developed at area universities and research institutions, ACTiVATE® at NIH will provide postdocs (both men and women) with the training and support needed to start new companies in Maryland or to pursue an entrepreneurial career path.

Each year, Maryland’s workforce loses many of the highly skilled, post-doctoral fellows at NIH and other federal labs in the region as these individuals seek employment outside of the state when their fellowships are completed. The economic impact of losing these scientists, coupled with the fierce competition that they face for positions in academia, created the opportunity for a program to train researchers to pursue commercialization of their scientific findings. Giving post-doctoral fellows the skills to transform research into viable businesses will not only give them a rewarding career path and contribute to the growth of Maryland’s life sciences industry, but will also advance medical science by moving technologies from the laboratory to the marketplace.

Following the original ACTiVATE® program model, ACTiVATE® at NIH will recruit both postdocs and individuals from the business community as participants so they can form interdisciplinary teams to pursue opportunities for start-up companies. The Johns Hopkins University Carey Business School, a key partner in the program, will receive funding under the award to offer ACTiVATE® at NIH at their Shady Grove campus in Rockville. The program will span one calendar year, with classes held one evening per week and one Saturday per month. Program participants will be mentored by experienced entrepreneurs and others from the business community.

Through a partnership with the NIH Office of Technology Transfer, participants will have the opportunity to evaluate technologies from NIH and other federal labs as part of the program. Other program partners include Rockville Economic Development, Inc. (REDI), Montgomery College, Human Workflows LLC and the Montgomery County Department of Economic Development.

“We are pleased to expand the ACTiVATE® model to Montgomery County and to offer the program to the talented group of scientists working as postdocs at NIH and other federal labs in the region. In the course of four years, the program at UMBC has trained 92 women and launched over 25 companies; we hope to bring that same success to this new venture,” said Stephen Auvil, assistant vice president for research at UMBC and a co-principal investigator on the NSF award.

“REDI has long supported efforts to capitalize on the talent in our federal labs, and ACTiVATE® at NIH is an excellent opportunity to leverage cutting-edge technologies and keep Maryland at the forefront of the life sciences industry. We will work closely with our partners to ensure the success of this program,” said Sally Sternbach, executive director of REDI. “We look forward to growing these companies in our local economy.”

Posted by dshapiro

August 4, 2009

bwtech@UMBC Announces New Incubator

Program Targets Small Disadvantaged Businesses


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
August 4, 2009

CONTACT:
Deborah Shapiro
Marketing Manager
410-455-1509
dshapiro@umbc.edu

bwtech@UMBC is pleased to announce a new incubator located in Class A office space within the bwtech@UMBC Research Park. The Advantage Incubator@bwtech opened for business last week with four new tenants. The new incubator is designed for early-stage companies that are minority-, women- or veteran-owned and have substantial business activities aimed at providing technology-related products and services to state and federal agencies.

The founding tenants are Premier Management Corporation, a network security consultant for NSA and other federal agencies; Farfield Systems, a provider of IT and systems engineering services and training; CardioMed Device Consultants, a regulatory consultant for medical device companies; and the Nixon Group, a multi-faceted company with experience in healthcare and financial services. Alex Euler, bwtech@UMBC’s associate director of business development, reports that there has been much interest from the business community. In addition to the four companies above, several other companies have made inquiries. “Businesses that contract with the federal government are still experiencing growth, despite weakening in the overall market,” said Euler. “The Advantage Incubator’s proximity to a number of federal agencies and research centers such as NSA, NIH, FDA, NASA and DOD is a great asset. Client companies also benefit from the park’s federal HUBZone and state Enterprise Zone designations.”

The founding four are looking forward to expanding their businesses and taking advantage of the benefits the Advantage Incubator has to offer. Semih Oktay, president of CardioMed Device Consultants, is happy to be back at UMBC, having earned his Ph.D. in mechanical engineering at the university in 1993. He cited the location, with its proximity to the airport, as a key factor in his decision to relocate, noting that many of his company’s clients are from out of town. Oktay is also looking forward to hiring student interns in the future and notes that UMBC’s corporate training facilities will allow him to offer training to client groups.

Greg Tyler, vice president for business development and recruiting for Farfield Systems, a service disabled veteran-owned small business, noted that the incubator’s HUBZone designation was the primary reason for his company’s move. The company, founded in 2002, specializes in training and intelligence analysis in the area of information systems. Most of its contracts are with the Department of Defense, but Tyler said the company is branching out to private sector clients as well. Tyler also noted that Farfield is looking forward to establishing relationships with UMBC faculty and students and plans to hire students to fill its staffing needs.

“bwtech@UMBC is delighted to create a new incubator within the research park,” said Ellen Hemmerly, executive director of the bwtech@UMBC Research and Technology Park. “This is a unique program that allows clients to operate in a Class A environment, with shared reception areas, conference rooms and university resources. Combine that with our HUBZone status and experienced entrepreneurial services team, and it is clear that we are providing tremendous value to these companies.”

Posted by dshapiro

July 7, 2009

Judah Ronch Begins Tenure as Interim Dean of UMBC’s Erickson School

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 1, 2009

CONTACT:
Eleanor Lewis
Senior Director, Communications
410-455-2065
elewis@umbc.edu


Judah Ronch Begins Tenure as Interim Dean of UMBC’s Erickson School

BALTIMORE -- On July 1, Judah Ronch, a nationally known researcher whose work focuses on strength-based approaches to aging and aging services, began serving as Interim Dean of the Erickson School at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC).

The Erickson School is the first program in the nation to integrate management science, public policy and the study of human aging. The School’s goal is to educate leaders and build new knowledge to improve society for mid-life and older adults.

Most recently, Ronch served as director of the School’s undergraduate program. He received his B.A. in Psychology from Hunter College and his Ph.D. in Psychology from Yeshiva University. He has served on the faculty at Vassar College, in the Department of Internal Medicine at Vassar Brothers Hospital, and as the Executive Director of the Brookdale Center on Aging at Hunter College. He also consults for the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.

Ronch will be responsible for building the School’s undergraduate, graduate and executive education programs. “With the aging of 78 million Baby Boomers in the U.S., and millions more around the world, new approaches that promote their need for an active, engaged later life focused on comprehensive wellness will be needed,” said Ronch. “As a result, there will be many, many opportunities for creativity and fulfilling careers in this growing field. The Erickson School's unique educational approach integrates learning about the processes of aging, policy issues that will impact all of society, and how managers and leaders in the private, public and not for profit sectors will achieve the most effective answers for the future.”

--Enrollment continues to grow in the School’s B.A.in the Management of Aging Services program and its courses. The B.A. program now has fully developed tracks in aging, policy and management and works with each student to arrange a substantive internship in an aging-related field. The School is beginning the process of creating online versions of all courses required for the major.

--Prospective student interest is strong for the third Master’s in Aging Services cohort that begins in spring 2010. The School continues its cohort-learning framework and is also modifying its curriculum to integrate further aging, policy and management topics. Beginning this fall, the M.A. program will include additional faculty from the Baltimore-Washington policy, healthcare and business communities to increase student exposure to the perspective of practitioners and new course sections for both senior and emerging leaders.

--Five executive education courses for the seniors housing and care industry will be offered in the 2009-10 academic year on Navigating Change in Financially Challenging Times, Management and Operations, Sales and Marketing, Business and Strategy, and Finance. The School will also offer custom executive education tailored to the culture and needs of particular organizations.

For more information, visit www.umbc.edu/erickson.

Posted by elewis

June 25, 2009

ACTiVATE® Graduate Wins ICOY Award

Two bwtech@UMBC Incubator Companies Named Finalists


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
June 25, 2009

CONTACT:
Deborah Shapiro
Marketing Manager
410-455-1509
dshapiro@umbc.edu

The ACTiVATE® program congratulates 2006 graduate Kris Appel, whose company, Encore Path, was honored at the ninth annual Maryland Incubator Company of the Year (ICOY) Awards on June 16. Encore Path was the winner in the Technology Transfer category.

Appel started her business upon completion of bwtech@UMBC’s year-long ACTiVATE® program, which trains mid-career women with significant business or technical experience to start companies based on technologies licensed from area universities and research institutions. Appel is one of 92 women trained in the program’s first four years. Over 25 companies have been launched by ACTiVATE® graduates. Encore Path develops stroke rehabilitation technologies and recently launched sales of the Tailwind arm rehabilitation device, based on technology licensed from the University of Maryland at Baltimore.

“The ACTiVATE® program provided me with the knowledge and mentoring I needed to start my own business. I am honored that my company is considered among the best early-stage companies in Maryland and I look forward to its continued growth and success,” said Appel.

“This award affirms the value of the ACTiVATE® program in producing successful companies. We congratulate Kris on what she has achieved with her company and have no doubt that Encore Path has a very bright future,” said David Fink, the ACTiVATE® program manager.

Encore Path, is based at the Emerging Technology Center in Baltimore. Two current bwtech@UMBC incubator companies, Amethyst Technologies and Columbia BioSystems, were ICOY award finalists in the Technology Services and New Incubator Company categories, respectively. Amethyst Technologies provides cGMP compliant services for organizations engaged in FDA-regulated activities and Columbia BioSystems is developing products in the field of molecular nano-diagnostics, using molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) for the rapid detection of pathogens such as MRSA. Amethyst is owned by 2007 ACTiVATE® graduate Kimberly Brown.

Posted by dshapiro

June 8, 2009

CUERE Wins Grant to Combat Urban Runoff into Bay

BALTIMORE -- UMBC'S Center for Urban Environmental Research and Education (CUERE) is one of 24 projects to receive a total of $12.9 million in grants from the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation to reduce nutrient and sediment pollution to the local streams, creeks and rivers that flow to the Chesapeake Bay.

CUERE received $312,177 to address polluted runoff from compacted soils in parks, school yards, athletic fields, residential lawns and inner city vacant lots in Baltimore City and County. The center and its project partners will develop technical specifications needed to incorporate subsoiling -- a type of deep tilling that breaks up compacted soil, allowing more water to soak in -- around Gwynns Falls, Herring Run, Henry Run and Watershed 263 in Baltimore City.

The grant was awarded through the Chesapeake Bay Stewardship Fund, which provides up to $1 million to innovative and cost-effective projects that dramatically reduce or eliminate the flow of nitrogen, phosphorus and sediment pollution into local waterways and the Chesapeake Bay.

View the full list of grantees here.

Posted by kavan

June 2, 2009

bwtech@UMBC Welcomes New Companies

Technology and Bioscience Start-Ups Join Incubator Program


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 2, 2009

CONTACT:
Deborah Shapiro
Marketing Manager
410-455-1509
dshapiro@umbc.edu

bwtech@UMBC is pleased to welcome Pearl Life Science Partners, Quantum Medical Metrics and Amidus to its incubator program. All three companies are optimistic about their ability to fill a need in their respective industries and achieve success.

Pearl Life Science Partners, founded in August of 2008, is working on developing a platform that uses a modified viral particle vaccine technology to increase the efficacy of vaccines. CEO Mark Pittenger reports that the company is in the process of applying for grants and looking for larger investors. Its goal is to secure $1 million of financing that will allow it to complete the pre-clinical studies needed to obtain grants for human research and testing.

Pittenger, a cell and molecular biologist, noted that the Incubator’s location, lower cost and proximity to both the UMBC campus and other companies were the main factors in the company’s decision to make bwtech@UMBC its headquarters. “The variety of the companies at the Incubator is great. Everyone knows someone we should meet. There are very smart people here and there is a lot of interaction.” Pittenger also noted the strength of the bwtech@UMBC management team: “The staff has helped other companies before and is very experienced. They’ve introduced us to the people we need to talk to set up our business.”

Tom Beck, the chief technology officer of Quantum Medical Metrics and a Catonsville resident, agreed that bwtech@UMBC’s location and its proximity to the UMBC campus were important to his company. Quantum, founded last September, has already hired one student intern and is developing relationships with faculty members. Beck also praised the staff and facility: “They treat you well here and provide highly professional advice and services to novice entrepreneurs. The facility meets our needs and is much more affordable than other incubators.”

Quantum is developing an advanced dual energy x-ray imaging system that can measure bone strength using three-dimensional engineering analysis and will be able to image patients whether they are lying down or standing up. Beck pointed out that this technology has applications for children as well as adults, because of the low radiation the system will use. In addition to measuring bone density to diagnose conditions such as osteoporosis, the system could also be used to evaluate problems in the growing skeleton. The company has licensed technology from Johns Hopkins University’s Applied Physics Lab and is seeking development funds from NIH, the U.S. Army, NASA and other sources.

Amidus, founded just two months ago, is a consultancy offering marketing and technology services, focusing on conferences and other business events. Co-founder Pranay Kohli says the company’s goal is to “offer a fresh, unique and personalized user experience.” He noted that there are over 13,000 business events each year in the U.S. and that Amidus is in a position to offer much value.

When looking for a location for their young company, Kohli and his partner Pat Pathade visited other incubators but felt bwtech@UMBC had the most to offer. Besides the convenient location - both live in Howard County - they wanted the opportunity to collaborate with UMBC faculty and students. Said Kohli: “This is a knowledge industry. We need an educated workforce.” He also noted that the level of support offered to early-stage companies at bwtech@UMBC was important to Amidus.

“bwtech@UMBC is delighted to welcome these three companies,” said David Fink, director of entrepreneurial services at bwtech@UMBC. “We feel each has great potential for success in the future and we look forward to helping them achieve their goals.”

Posted by dshapiro

April 10, 2009

Sen Ben Cardin to Speak at UMBC April 14

blcphoto2.jpg.jpegUMBC will host Sen. Benjamin L. Cardin (D-Md.) on Tuesday, April 14, for a discussion asking "Can We Save the Environment and the Economy?"

The discussion, sponsored by the Public Policy Graduate Student Association, will take place at 2 p.m. in the Albin O. Kuhn Library Gallery.

Senator Cardin served in the Maryland House of Delegates from 1967-1986 and as Speaker from 1979-1986. He represented Maryland's Third Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives from 1987-2006. In 2006, he was elected by the people of Maryland to succeed Paul Sarbanes in the U.S. Senate. As a Senator, he serves on the Foreign Relations Committee, Judiciary Committee, Environment and Public Works (EPW) Committee, Budget Committee and Small Business Committee. On the Judiciary Committee, Senator Cardin chairs the Terrorism and Homeland Security Subcommittee, and on the EPW Committee he chairs the Water and Wildlife Subcommittee for the 111th Congress.

Posted by kavan

April 7, 2009

ACTiVATE Program Recognized Internationally

Program Cited As One of Three “Good Practices” Programs


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 7, 2009

CONTACT:
Deborah Shapiro
Marketing Manager
410-455-1509
dshapiro@umbc.edu

The ACTiVATE® program has been recognized by a European organization as one of three “Good Practices” programs that train women entrepreneurs. ACTiVATE®, a year-long program at bwtech@UMBC that trains women to be entrepreneurs, is the only U.S-based program of the three honorees; the others are the MEETS program in Cambridge, UK and the NEnA program in Halle, Germany.

The recognition was given by the organizers of FemStart, a partnership of six European universities formed in 2006 to study female entrepreneurship and entrepreneurship training programs at universities. There is an ongoing concern in Europe that women are underrepresented in university entrepreneurship programs. Given that entrepreneurship and small businesses are important generators of jobs and economic activity, there is a strong interest in encouraging women to pursue entrepreneurship. FemStart organized a series of six conferences in various European cities over the past two years to study entrepreneurship programs that have been successful in attracting female participants, particularly those in science and technology. ACTiVATE® administrators presented at five of these conferences, which in total attracted over 500 participants across Europe.

In recognizing the “Good Practices” programs, FemStart noted that ACTiVATE® and the other programs “were well-accepted and received very positive feedback from the participants.” The organization also recognized that in the U.S., as in the UK and Germany, “support of university-based and high tech start-ups has a longer tradition.”

Stephen Auvil, assistant vice president for research at UMBC who is one of ACTiVATE®’s co-principal investigators, presented at three conferences: “Attending the FemStart conferences showed us how much interest there is in successful programs that train female entrepreneurs. It was an honor to be able to share ACTiVATE®’s successful model with the European academic and business communities.”

Said David Fink, director of entrepreneurial services at bwtech@UMBC and the ACTiVATE® program director, who presented at two of the other FemStart conferences: “We are very proud of this latest recognition for ACTiVATE®. It affirms that the program is a worldwide leader in producing successful women entrepreneurs in the science and technology fields.”

ACTiVATE® is a joint program of bwtech@UMBC’s Incubator, the UMBC Office of Technology Development, and the Alex. Brown Center for Entrepreneurship. The year-long program utilizes technologies developed by Maryland’s universities and research institutions and trains mid-career women with significant technical or business experience to start companies based on those technologies. In the first four years of the program, ACTiVATE® has trained 92 women and has launched over 25 companies. ACTiVATE® was initially funded by a grant from the National Science Foundation. Current sponsors include the Maryland Technology Development Corporation (TEDCO), the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation, Venable LLP, Corporate Office Properties Trust, Miles & Stockbridge PC, Whiteford, Taylor, and Preston LLP, and SB and Company LLC.

Posted by dshapiro

March 31, 2009

bwtech@UMBC Welcomes New Companies

New Technology Companies Join Incubator Program


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
March 31, 2009

CONTACT:
Deborah Shapiro
Marketing Manager
410-455-1509
dshapiro@umbc.edu


Science Systems and Applications, Inc. and Premier Management Corporation are the latest companies to establish residence at the bwtech@UMBC Incubator. Both technology companies are government contractors and are optimistic about their prospects for growth and success.

Science Systems and Applications, Inc. (SSAI) performs work under contract for NASA and other government agencies. The Calibration and Validation Office (CVO) at bwtech@UMBC evaluates ocean color data from satellites and field operations to determine its validity. The data is used to determine water composition and ultimately, the degree of climate change on the planet. The CVO’s director, Stanford Hooker, notes the increased attention to global warming and expects interest in the CVO’s work to increase.

The CVO was originally located at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center in Prince George’s County, but as the contract requirements grew, they began searching for a larger space between Baltimore and Washington, D.C. They chose bwtech@UMBC because of the wet lab space available and its close proximity to BWI Thurgood Marshall Airport, as they often host scientists from around the world. In addition, NASA’s existing research relationship with UMBC (one of the CVO’s six employees is a UMBC assistant research scientist) was also a factor.

Premier Management Corporation began in 2004 as a financial consulting firm, and has recently begun to focus on the areas of cyber crime and network security, performing services for NSA and other government agencies. In collaboration with UMBC, the company is developing technologies to detect vulnerabilities and attacks via the Internet in government computer systems. Company CEO Marcus Board reports that the 18-employee company has hired one intern from UMBC and he hopes to hire more in the future.

Board was referred to bwtech@UMBC by Andre Gudger, CEO of Solvern Innovations at UMBC’s Research Park. Board and Gudger had recently collaborated on a project, and Board says that he was impressed with the Incubator facility during his tour. He is looking forward to taking advantage of the resources the Incubator provides to help his business grow.

“bwtech@UMBC is delighted to welcome these two companies,” said David Fink, director of entrepreneurial services at bwtech@UMBC. “We have a strong track record of producing successful technology companies and we are confident these companies will benefit tremendously from our program.”

Posted by dshapiro

March 25, 2009

Solvern Innovations Establishes Center of Excellence

Facility Will Train DoD Staff on Managerial Issues


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 25, 2009

CONTACT:
Deborah Shapiro
Marketing Manager
410-455-1509
dshapiro@umbc.edu

Solvern Innovations, a bwtech@UMBC Research Park company that specializes in comprehensive research and development products and solutions, acquisition and business management services, and training and technology development, has established a Center of Excellence. The Center, located one floor below the company’s headquarters, will train Department of Defense employees and contractors in business management, acquisition, logistics and procurement processes.

According to Solvern CEO Andre Gudger, the Center is the first in the federal government to focus on business management. In addition to training, the Center will function as a think tank, with more than 10 employees performing research and development on effective techniques for business management, acquisition processes, procurement and logistics. Solvern has been operating the training side of its business for three years, but only recently completed the two-year process required as an accredited Center of Excellence.

“We have worked hard to become a world-class solutions provider to the Department of Defense, where employees and contractors can come and gain the knowledge needed to accomplish their mission,” said Gudger, who is a graduate of UMBC.

“Solvern Innovations has strived to be a leader in its field. The company has a unique approach by teaming senior staff, who have up to 40 years of contracting and acquisition experience, with recent college graduates who are skilled and trained in areas such as business process management, earned value and project management. As a result, Solvern produces products and processes that are both innovative and practical. We are proud of Solvern for achieving the Center of Excellence designation and are pleased that the company has chosen to locate its new facility at our Research Park,” said Ellen Hemmerly, executive director, bwtech@UMBC Research and Technology Park.

Posted by dshapiro

March 10, 2009

Darwin Birthday Bash

UMBC History Professor Sandra Herbert helped kick-off Charles Darwin's bicentennial celebration on his 200th birthday, Feb. 12, 2009, with a speech at the Library of Congress.

Herbert, one of the world's leading Darwin authorities, gave a lecture on her book “Charles Darwin, Geologist,” which explores how geology changed Darwin and how Darwin changed science.

An excerpt of Herbert's speech can be viewed below. The full lecture will be featured on CSPAN's Book TV in April. Learn more about Herbert's Darwin research here.

Posted by kavan

January 7, 2009

Incubator Welcomes New Companies

Start-Ups Look Forward to Using Incubator Resources

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 7, 2009

CONTACT:
Deborah Shapiro
Marketing Manager
410-455-1509
dshapiro@umbc.edu


The bwtech@UMBC Incubator welcomed three new companies recently. Noxilizer, PsychNostics and Kydes Pharmaceuticals moved into the Incubator during November. Each is optimistic about its future growth and is confident that the resources provided by the Incubator will help them achieve their goals.

Noxilizer, which was founded in 2004, has grown out of partnerships with Incubator companies Aurora Analytics and Athena Environmental Sciences. The company was using one of Aurora’s labs for its operations at bwtech@UMBC and recently leased its own office and lab space. The company is pioneering the development of a unique sterilization technology that will revolutionize two major sterilization markets - hospitals and biotherapeutics. For the multi-billion dollar hospital infection control market, Noxilizer is developing a sterilizer for sensitive high-tech instruments (such as endoscopes) which are increasingly used in minimally invasive surgical procedures. In the biotherapeutics market, Noxilizer’s room-temperature system has shown great potential to be an enabling technology for a wide range of products, including antibodies, proteins, drug-device combination products, nanoparticles and implants. Not only will Noxilizer technology expand company pipelines, it will also reduce the cost to manufacture many life-saving products.

David Opie, Noxilizer’s vice president of research and development, said the bwtech incubator has been the ideal facility for Noxilizer. “By collaborating with other incubator companies, including Aurora Analytics and Athena Environmental Sciences, Noxilizer has been able to grow very efficiently. Our team thrives in the collegial atmosphere at the Incubator, and the location near BWI airport is very convenient.”

PsychNostics, founded in 2004 and previously located at a lab in Columbia, is developing a blood test to diagnose attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and bipolar disorder. Company CEO Alagu Thiruvengadam, a neuroscientist who was previously a visiting faculty member at the University of Maryland School of Medicine, proudly noted that it is the first test of its kind. He has one patent and another one is pending. His goal is to bring the test to market and is in the process of talking to potential investors. Although he lives in Columbia, Thiruvengadam chose to locate further north at bwtech@UMBC after he toured the facility and was impressed with the management team and the support services offered. He plans to take advantage of the networking opportunities and other advisory services.

Kydes Pharmaceuticals, founded in 2004 by Stephen Dordunoo and previously headquartered in his house, specializes in developing drugs in the areas of pain management, women’s health and oncology. Dordunoo is looking to establish partnerships with larger pharmaceutical companies to develop and commercialize drugs. His decision to move his company to the Incubator was motivated not only by his need for more space and lab facilities, but also the support services offered to the companies as well as the affordable rents compared to other area incubators. Dordunoo was also glad to find a small space with the opportunity to grow into additional space at the same location.

“The bwtech@UMBC Incubator has a strong track record of launching successful companies,” said David Fink, director of entrepreneurial services at bwtech@UMBC. “We are delighted to welcome these growing companies and look forward to supporting them as they establish themselves in the marketplace.”

####

About bwtech@UMBC:
bwtech@UMBC (_http://www.bwtechumbc.com_) is a 71-acre research and technology community at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC). It comprises the technology business Incubator and Accelerator, home to over 30 early-stage high-tech and life science companies, and the Research and Technology Park, with a capacity of 350,000 square feet of office and laboratory space. bwtech@UMBC offers collaboration with university faculty and students, and enjoys a strategic and convenient location, close to downtown Baltimore, BWI Thurgood Marshall Airport, and Washington, D.C. bwtech’s annual economic impact on the state is estimated to be over $300 million.

About UMBC:
UMBC is a medium-sized public research university of 12,000 undergraduate and graduate students who collaborate with faculty to address real-world challenges. Located just south of Baltimore near I-95 and the BWI airport, UMBC's residential campus houses state-of-the-art facilities in the sciences, engineering, arts, social sciences and humanities. UMBC combines the energy of a research university with the close community feel and attention to individual students found in liberal arts colleges.

Posted by dshapiro

December 15, 2008

bwtech@UMBC Companies Chosen As Future 50

Companies To Be Honored By Smart CEO Magazine

CONTACT:
Deborah Shapiro
Marketing Manager
410-455-1509
dshapiro@umbc.edu

December 15, 2008

Two companies located at bwtech@UMBC, Next Breath, LLC, and Solvern Innovations, have been selected by Baltimore’s SmartCEO magazine for this year’s Future 50 companies. Companies are chosen based on their growth in staffing and revenue. They will be honored at an awards ceremony on January 8.

Next Breath, a graduate of bwtech@UMBC’s incubator program, is a contract services provider to pharmaceutical, biotechnology and medical device companies that bring new inhalation and nasal products to market. It provides services ranging from pre-clinical formulation development to analytical testing in support of submissions made to regulatory agencies. The company, now in bwtech@UMBC’s accelerator program, was founded in 2001 and currently employs 21 people.

“Next Breath has achieved steady growth and success since its founding,” said Julie Suman, the company’s president. “We are honored to be recognized by SmartCEO for our achievements and our future potential.”

Solvern Innovations, located at bwtech@UMBC’s Research Park, was founded in 2003 by UMBC graduate Andre Gudger and two business partners. It provides innovative comprehensive research and development products and solutions, acquisition and business management services, and training and technology development to clients in both the public and private sectors. The federal government makes up the majority of Solvern’s client base. Currently, the company has 120 employees, most of them based at client sites around the country.

“Solvern Innovations has always strived to be an industry leader and provide our clients with innovative solutions through our great staff. We are proud of this recognition by SmartCEO and look forward to continuing our growth,” said founder and CEO Gudger.

“Our companies have contributed a great deal to our region’s economy and Next Breath and Solvern Innovations are perfect examples of that,” said Ellen Hemmerly, executive director, bwtech@UMBC Research and Technology Park. “We congratulate them on this latest recognition and wish them continued growth and success.”

#####

About bwtech@UMBC:
bwtech@UMBC (http://www.bwtechumbc.com) is a 71-acre research and technology community at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC). It comprises the technology business Incubator and Accelerator, home to over 30 early-stage high-tech and life science companies, and the Research and Technology Park, with a capacity of 350,000 square feet of office and laboratory space. bwtech@UMBC offers collaboration with university faculty and students, and enjoys a strategic and convenient location, close to downtown Baltimore, BWI Thurgood Marshall Airport, and Washington, D.C. bwtech’s annual economic impact on the state is estimated to be over $300 million.

Posted by dshapiro

November 24, 2008

Blue Wave Semiconductors Receives SBIR Grant

Funding Will Allow Company to Develop Nanotechnology Materials

CONTACT:
Deborah Shapiro
Marketing Manager
410-455-1509
dshapiro@umbc.edu

November 24, 2008

Blue Wave Semiconductors, Inc., a resident of bwtech@UMBC’s Incubator, has received a Phase II Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) grant from the National Science Foundation. The $478,000 grant, which begins this month, will help the company develop nanomaterials for commercial and national security applications.

Founded in 2000 by R.D. Vispute, a research scientist at the University of Maryland, College Park, Blue Wave’s mission is to become a leader in semiconductor and optoelectronic devices and systems through innovative research and development techniques. Since June 2004, the company has been headquartered at bwtech@UMBC.

The grant from the NSF will be used to develop nanotechnology materials for bright ultraviolet (UV) lighting applications that are used in national security applications, medical devices, biological analysis tools, ultraviolet-based secure communications, space sensors, UV curing and UV disinfection/sterilization of water. These applications require UV sources with precise output wavelengths and high power.

“I am glad that the NSF has recognized the potential of our project,” said R.D. Vispute, CEO of Blue Wave Semiconductors. “This grant puts the company in the position to embark on an exciting phase in our research. We are confident that our work will provide great value to the semiconductor industry and the scientific community.”

“Blue Wave Semiconductors is performing innovative research with the potential for application in a variety of industries,” said David Fink, director of entrepreneurial services at bwtech@UMBC. “We are pleased with the support the NSF is providing through this award.”

####

About bwtech@UMBC:
bwtech@UMBC is a 71-acre research and technology community at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC). It comprises the technology business Incubator and Accelerator, home to over 30 early-stage high-tech and life science companies, and the Research and Technology Park, with a capacity of 350,000 square feet of office and laboratory space. bwtech@UMBC offers collaboration with university faculty and students, and enjoys a strategic and convenient location, close to downtown Baltimore, BWI Thurgood Marshall Airport, and Washington, D.C. bwtech’s annual economic impact on the state is estimated to be over $300 million.

Posted by dshapiro

October 29, 2008

ACTiVATE Graduate Receives Prestigious Award

Biotech Entrepreneur Honored at International Competition


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 29, 2008

CONTACT:
Deborah Shapiro
Marketing Manager
410-455-1509
dshapiro@umbc.edu

Mona Jhaveri, a 2005 graduate of bwtech@UMBC’s ACTiVATE® program, was the North American honoree at the Cartier Women’s Initiative Awards, presented October 17 at the annual Women’s Forum for the Economy and Society in Deauville, France. Jhaveri is the founder and CEO of Foligo Therapeutics, which develops molecular-based products to improve the detection and treatment of ovarian cancer.

Five awards were presented, each to a female entrepreneur from a different continent. The winners receive $20,000 (USD) and have the opportunity to receive free mentoring from consultants at Cartier, McKinsey and INSEAD (France-based business school) for one year. The awards ceremony is part of the Women’s Forum for the Economy and Society, an annual conference for female entrepreneurs created in 2005 by French businesswoman Aude Zieseniss de Thuin. This year, 1200 women from around the world attended the three-day event, which featured lectures, panel discussions and brainstorming sessions.

“Foligo is the embodiment of my dream,” said Jhaveri. “I have always wanted to play a part in solving major problems affecting women's health. This award will allow me to continue working toward that goal.”

Said David Fink, director of entrepreneurial services at bwtech@UMBC and the ACTiVATE® program director: “We are very proud that Mona’s vision has been recognized with such a prestigious award. Her goals are representative of the dedication and passion that ACTiVATE® graduates have brought to the businesses they have founded.”

ACTiVATE® is a year-long program that utilizes technologies developed by Maryland’s universities and research institutions and trains women with significant technical or business experience to start companies based on those technologies. In the first three years of the program, ACTiVATE® has trained 72 women. To date, 15 companies have been founded by ACTiVATE® graduates.


Posted by dshapiro

August 12, 2008

Plant Sensory Systems Receives DOE Grant

Funding Will Allow Company to Develop Plants with Increased Seed Oil for Biofuels

CONTACT:
Deborah Shapiro
Marketing Manager
410-455-1509
dshapiro@umbc.edu

Plant Sensory Systems, a resident of bwtech@UMBC’s Incubator, has received a Phase I Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) grant from the U.S. Department of Energy. The nine-month, $100,000 grant began July 1. The grant will help the company test new genetic modifications on its laboratory plants to divert carbon into seed oil more efficiently.

Founded by the husband-and-wife team of Frank and Kathleen Turano last July, Plant Sensory Systems is a biotechnology company that develops technologies to improve agricultural productivity. The company plans to license its technologies to seed and agricultural biotechnology companies.

The grant from the DOE will be used for research on genetic modifications that will enhance the ability of plants to convert carbon to oils, thereby making the seeds they produce more oil-rich. Once extracted from the seeds, the oils could be used in either cooking oils or biodiesel production, which is consistent with the DOE’s objective to create alternative fuel sources. The company is currently using Arabidopsis plants in its research activities; if successful, it will start testing its hypotheses on canola plants.

If the company experiences success in its research and shows that the project is feasible, it will be eligible to apply for a Phase II, two-year grant from the DOE.

“We are glad that the DOE is supporting our project to develop alternative fuel sources,” said Kathleen Turano. Added Frank Turano: “We are excited about this grant and the opportunity to continue our research that we hope will benefit not only the DOE, but society in general.”

“Plant Sensory Systems is engaged in groundbreaking work in the field of agricultural technology and alternative fuel sources,” said David Fink, director of entrepreneurial services at bwtech@UMBC. “We are pleased that the DOE has recognized the potential of its research with this award.”


About bwtech@UMBC:
bwtech@UMBC (http://www.bwtechumbc.com) is a 71-acre research and technology community at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC). It comprises the technology business Incubator and Accelerator, home to over 30 early-stage high-tech and life science companies, and the Research and Technology Park, with a capacity of 350,000 square feet of office and laboratory space. bwtech@UMBC offers collaboration with university faculty and students, and enjoys a strategic and convenient location, close to downtown Baltimore, BWI Thurgood Marshall Airport, and Washington, D.C. bwtech’s annual economic impact on the state is estimated to be over $300 million.

About UMBC:
UMBC is a medium-sized public research university of 12,000 undergraduate and graduate students who collaborate with faculty to address real-world challenges. Located just south of Baltimore near I-95 and the BWI airport, UMBC's residential campus houses state-of-the-art facilities in the sciences, engineering, arts, social sciences and humanities. UMBC combines the energy of a research university with the close community feel and attention to individual students found in liberal arts colleges.

Posted by dshapiro

August 6, 2008

UMBC/NASA Research on Beijing Olympics Smog in the New York Times

CONTACT: Chip Rose, UMBC Science & Tech News
410-455-5793
crose@umbc.edu

UMBC's long-standing partnership with NASA-Goddard Space Flight Center to monitor global air quality is in the media spotlight today, as the world's attention focuses on the start of the 2008 Summer Olympic Games in Beijing, China and the effects of the city's air pollution on athletes and spectators.

Simon Carn, an assistant research scientist at UMBC's Joint Center for Earth Systems Technology (JCET), was quoted in an Aug. 6 New York Times "Dot Earth" blog post. "Dot Earth" is a blog about the earth, the environment and sustainability by noted science writer Andrew Revkin.

Revkin's post looked at comparisons of sulfur dioxide (SO2) levels in the U.S., Europe and China. SO2 is the pollutant that contributes to acid rain, and has been banned for years in the U.S. and Europe.

Carn and colleagues in the SO2 Monitoring Group of UMBC JCET/Goddard Space Flight Center studied how satellite images and analysis of the SO2 levels in the air over the three continents showed how China's emphasis on economic growth and lack of expensive, Euro/U.S.-style "smokestack scrubbing" technology for coal-burning power plants and anti-SO2 regulations have left China with backwards-in-time air quality compared to the West.

UMBC/NASA also partner on the "Smog Blog," a daily look at U.S. and global air quality using NASA satellite data. The Smog Blog has also been keeping a close eye on Beijing's air.

Posted by crose

August 5, 2008

New UMBC Information Systems Project Management Certificate Offers IT Professionals "Recession-Proof" Credential

Computer World Ranks Project Management in Top 20 Hot, Secure Job Fields

CONTACT: Chip Rose, UMBC News
410-455-5793
crose@umbc.edu

Starting this fall, UMBC will offer an undergraduate certificate in Project Management for Information Systems, a field Computer World magazine’s online publication recently listed as one of the top 20 “recession-proof” IT jobs in America.

“This is almost a complete turnaround from the economic downturn of 2000,” said Andrew Sears, professor and chair of information systems at UMBC. “Today, employers view skilled IT professionals as indispensable to their business, even during an economic slump.”

Project management is one of the fastest-growing professional disciplines in the U.S. Organizations in more than 160 countries rely on project management to create and update IT systems for business and government agencies due to rising costs and complexity for large-scale IT projects.

According to Computerworld magazine’s July 14, 2008 online publication, project management is ranked 11th among the top 20 “recession-proof” professions offering “very good employment prospects.” The employment outlook for project managers referenced in Computerworld comes from a July ranking published by McClean, Va.-based JobFox.com.

“The project management certificate reflects what is really happening in the IT jobs landscape,” said Sears. “It’s interesting that several other IT fields were also listed on the ‘recession-proof’ jobs list. These are exactly the types of relevant, stable career prospects for which we prepare UMBC students.”

The certificate, open to all majors, is designed primarily for students pursuing a B.S. in Information Systems and can be included within the current degree program. The 12-credit curriculum combines existing IS courses and allows students to gain critical knowledge needed to lead successful projects.

Degree-seeking students enrolled in the certificate will also obtain essential skills in key areas such as systems analysis and design, and project modeling, planning, scheduling and controlling. Students adding this certificate to existing skill sets provided by their majors will increase their level of focused study in Project Management and Information Systems and also enhance their employment prospects in this growing discipline.

For more information, please visit www.is.umbc.edu or call 410-455-3206.

Posted by crose

August 4, 2008

bwtech@UMBC's Newest Building Welcomes First Tenant

Engineering Firm Will Occupy Prime Space

CONTACT:
Deborah Shapiro
Marketing Manager
410-455-1509
dshapiro@umbc.edu

bwtech@UMBC Research Park Corporation is excited to announce the signing of the first tenant in its newest building, 5520 Research Park Drive. RMF Engineering, a Baltimore-based firm with expertise in mechanical, electrical, civil, structural, infrastructure and aquacultural engineering, will occupy 28,000 square feet on the building’s third floor. The company has several offices around the country; bwtech@UMBC will serve as its headquarters.

RMF is nationally recognized for the analysis, planning and design of complex buildings and campus utility generation and distribution systems, and has expertise in the evaluation of renewable energy strategies, alternative energy solutions and green initiatives. The company currently employs about 100 people at its Baltimore headquarters, and plans to expand its staff to 130 by the end of 2009, following its relocation. The vast majority of RMF employees have technical backgrounds, and UMBC has been a significant source of talent for the company in recent years. RMF has regularly hired UMBC students as interns, and has placed a number of graduates in permanent full-time positions. Following its move in January 2009, the company plans to expand its recruiting activities on campus.

RMF also has plans to collaborate with UMBC’s College of Engineering and Information Technology by assisting in curriculum development, consulting with faculty and guest lecturing in engineering courses. In addition to its work with students and faculty, RMF intends to take advantage of the professional development courses offered by UMBC Training Centers at bwtech@UMBC.

“We are thrilled to welcome RMF to the Research Park,” said Ellen Hemmerly, executive director, Research Park Corporation. “RMF has a history of collaboration with UMBC, and we are excited for that to expand as the company grows.”

“RMF is positioned for growth and expansion. We are delighted to be establishing our headquarters at bwtech@UMBC and believe the new location gives us access to the talent and facilities we need to take our company to the next level,” said Duane Pinnix, president, RMF Engineering.

The 107,000 square foot building was developed by Corporate Office Properties Trust (COPT) (NYSE: OFC). This is the second building COPT developed at the park; the first was the U.S. Geological Survey building at 5522 Research Park Drive.

####

About bwtech@UMBC:
bwtech@UMBC is a 71-acre research and technology community at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC). It comprises the technology business Incubator and Accelerator, home to over 30 early-stage high-tech and life science companies, and the Research and Technology Park, with a capacity of 350,000 square feet of office and laboratory space. bwtech@UMBC offers collaboration with university faculty and students, and enjoys a strategic and convenient location, close to downtown Baltimore, BWI Thurgood Marshall Airport, and Washington, D.C. bwtech’s annual economic impact on the state is estimated to be over $300 million.

About UMBC:
UMBC is a medium-sized public research university of 12,000 undergraduate and graduate students who collaborate with faculty to address real-world challenges. Located just south of Baltimore near I-95 and the BWI airport, UMBC's residential campus houses state-of-the-art facilities in the sciences, engineering, arts, social sciences and humanities. UMBC combines the energy of a research university with the close community feel and attention to individual students found in liberal arts colleges.

Posted by dshapiro

June 12, 2008

UMBC Receives Grant from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation to Study Sickle Cell Disease

New Connections Initiative seeks to link the Foundation to a new cadre of scholars

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: June 12

CONTACT: Kavan Peterson
Phone: 410-455-1896
Email: kavan@umbc.edu

BALTIMORE -- A grant from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF) will support University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC) Assistant Professor of Psychology Shawn Bediako in a study of how adults with sickle-cell disease manage workplace absenteeism and limited access to health care.

The research is intended to inform policymakers on the types of social support services needed by adults with sickle-cell disease (SCD), a debilitating genetic blood disorder that disproportionately affects minorities.

“Due to wide health care disparities among low-income minorities, adults with sickle-cell disease make up a particularly vulnerable and under-represented population,” said Bediako, who co-chairs the Maryland Statewide Steering Committee on Services for Adults with Sickle-Cell Disease.

Although Maryland has an estimated 3,400 SCD patients, the state’s only service provider for adults with SCD is the Johns Hopkins Sickle Cell Clinic for Adults. Moreover, the state Department of Health and Mental Hygiene does not provide support services for SCD patients once they become adults.

By exploring data from a national 10-year longitudinal study of SCD patients compiled by the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Bediako will examine the employment status of adults with SCD and the rates at which they can access and use health care and mental health services. Bediako will use the data to create a computer model projecting unemployment rates among SCD patients in Maryland during the next decade.

Social work intervention by certified genetic counselors and psychological counselors is critical to treating adults with SCD, Bediako said. Job counseling and support services are also important because many SCD patients lose their jobs due to illness-related absenteeism. Unemployment rates among SCD populations can reach 70 percent, he said.

African-Americans are the largest high-risk group for SCD in Maryland. The state has the fourth largest African-American population in the U.S.

Approximately 1-in-400 African-American babies is born with some form of sickle-cell disease and approximately 1-in-10 African-Americans is a carrier for abnormal hemoglobin that could lead to some form of sickle-cell disease in their children.
The $55,000 grant Bediako received to conduct the study was awarded through RWJF's New Connections Initiative, created three years ago to expand the organization's diversity of research by supporting underrepresented scholars and research topics. Twelve such grants are awarded annually.

New Connections is a competitive award for scholars who have historically been underrepresented in research activities. For more information about The New Connections Initiative, go to www.rwjf-newconnections.org

About UMBC:

UMBC is a medium-sized public research university of 12,000 undergraduate and graduate students who collaborate with faculty to address real-world challenges. Located just south of Baltimore near I-95 and the BWI airport, UMBC's residential campus houses state-of-the-art facilities in the sciences, engineering, arts, social sciences and humanities. UMBC combines the energy of a research university with the close community feel and attention to individual students found in liberal arts colleges.

About RWJF

The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation focuses on the pressing health and health care issues facing our country. As the nation's largest philanthropy devoted exclusively to improving the health and health care of all Americans, the Foundation works with a diverse group of organizations and individuals to identify solutions and achieve comprehensive, meaningful and timely change. The Foundation's Pioneer Portfolio supports innovative ideas and projects that may trigger important breakthroughs in health and health care. Projects in the Pioneer Portfolio are future-oriented and look beyond conventional thinking to explore solutions at the cutting edge of health and health care. When it comes to helping Americans lead healthier lives and get the care they need, the Foundation expects to make a difference in your lifetime.

Posted by kavan

April 30, 2008

‘From Need to Know’ to ‘Need to Share’: UMBC to Lead Six Campus-Team to Turn 9-11 Commission Intel-Sharing Reforms into Technology System

$7.5-million, Five-Year DoD Grant Partners UMBC With Purdue, Michigan, Illinois, Others

CONTACT: Chip Rose, UMBC News
410-455-5793
crose@umbc.edu


A six-campus team of computer scientists led by UMBC has been awarded a $7.5 million, five-year grant from the Department of Defense to turn the 9-11 Commission’s recommendations for better sharing of classified data between U.S. intelligence agencies, military and homeland security officials into a workable, secure technology network.

The team is led by a principal investigator Tim Finin, a professor of computer science and electrical engineering (CSEE) at UMBC. It also includes UMBC professors Anupam Joshi, Yelena Yesha, Hillol Kargupta and Alan Sherman, who add expertise in advanced networks, data mining and information security.

The UMBC team is partnered with researchers from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Purdue University, University of Michigan, University of Texas at San Antonio, and University of Texas at Dallas. The grant was awarded as part of the Department of Defense’s Multi-disciplinary University Research Initiative (MURI) program, which takes a more long-term, interdisciplinary approach to solving scientific problems.

Many pieces of the 9-11 plot puzzle weren’t recognized until after the attacks due to inability or reluctance by intelligence agencies to share information. The 9-11 Commission Report recommended that the traditional U.S. intelligence culture of “need to know” be shifted to “need to share.”

The goal is to build software and network systems that allow the Department of Defense, intelligence agencies, homeland security and other organizations to share information dynamically and securely. The project hopes to help the U.S. better defend against future terror attacks, while protecting intelligence sources and methods as well has enforcing appropriate privacy policies.

According to Finin, the project will prove useful beyond the homeland security sphere. “There are plenty of real world problems that we can work on that are not classified, such as balancing patient privacy with making sure the right doctor in an emergency can quickly access their medical records,” Finin said. “Many of the principles of this research can apply to everyday scenarios where information is shared with the right people and protected from the wrong people, such as your family photo albums on Flickr or your credit history.”

“We want to create the science behind the idea of need to share,” said Joshi. “We’ll be weighing what should be shared with whom and asking if we can balance the utility of sharing something with the risk of its getting disclosed.”

“We want to find how to maximize our ability to share information while following pre-defined policies that protect privacy, ensure appropriate use and maximize accuracy,” said Finin. “It is a challenging task that will not be completely solved in the next few years, but we can make significant progress and advance the state of the art.”

More info online:

http://ebiquity.umbc.edu/

Posted by crose

April 21, 2008

UMBC Forum Looks ‘Beyond the Housing Crisis’

Marc Steiner to moderate panel featuring Federal Reserve economists and Md. Secretary of Labor Tom Perez

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT:
Kavan Peterson
Phone: 410-455-1896
Email: kavan@umbc.edu


BALTIMORE – UMBC and the Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond will host a panel discussion April 28 exploring how the subprime mortgage meltdown has spilled into the financial sector and shaken everything from local neighborhoods to the U.S. and global economy.

Baltimore radio personality Marc Steiner will moderate a panel at UMBC’s campus featuring three Federal Reserve Bank financial experts and Maryland’s Secretary of Labor, Licensing and Regulation, Thomas E. Perez. The event, “Beyond the Housing Crisis: Understanding the Subprime Mortgage Meltdown’s Increasing Impact on the U.S. Economy,” will be held in the Engineering Building, Lecture Hall 5, from 5:30 to 7 p.m., followed by a reception. For directions and information visit: http://www.umbc.edu/pubpol/subprime

The forum is a rare public event featuring Federal Reserve financial experts, including Robert E. Carpenter, a professor of economics at UMBC and a Senior Financial Economist at the Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond; Dale T. Klein, a Senior Financial Analyst at the Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond; and Breck Robinson, a visiting scholar at the Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond and an associate professor at the University of Delaware in the School of Urban Affairs and Public Policy.

The panel will address core economic problems stemming from the housing crisis, including issues such as:

• How defaults in subprime mortgages brought Wall Street to its knees and continue to threaten the worst financial crisis since the Great Depression.
• How Maryland political leaders are addressing skyrocketing foreclosures across the state.
• How the current housing crisis compares with previous housing market downturns.
• How the lending crisis is putting a strain on local and state government finances.

According to Klein, an expert on financial trends in the housing and commercial real estate markets, defaults in adjustable-rate subprime loans are at 21.7 percent and rising as of December 2007, compared with 13 percent at the height of the last recession in 2002. Defaults in prime adjustable-rate loans are also up sharply to 6.09 percent in December 2007, compared with a 4 percent peak in 2002.

“By any indicator the current housing downturn far exceeds damage to housing markets experienced during the last recession,” Klein said.

In addition, problems in the housing market now are threatening to spill into the commercial real estate and construction market, which could have a crippling impact on the economy, Klein said. Such a downturn may be “the next shoe to drop in the subprime meltdown,” he said.

Carpenter, an expert on structured finance markets, will address the complex “securitization” process, which is one of the core problems that has staggered Wall Street. Securitization is the process by which mortgage lenders can pass the risk of defaults to investors by repackaging and selling loans as “mortgage-backed securities.” According to Carpenter, fallout from defaults in subprime mortgages have now spiraled into many other asset markets and created a global problem.

“The subprime meltdown is an ongoing economic problem that has spread throughout Wall Street and the global financial sector,” he said.

Homeowners and commercial real estate developers aren’t the only ones having trouble getting loans, said Robinson, who is an expert on state and local government finances.

“It’s getting just as hard for your local government to get a loan as it is for you,” Robinson said.

Robinson will discuss how the credit crunch caused by the subprime meltdown is putting increased pressure on state and municipal finances by damaging the credit-worthiness of municipal bond insurers. This damage results in rising borrowing costs for communities and declining interest rates, which makes it difficult for governments to finance deficit spending.

Perez will address the housing crisis in Maryland and legislation recently signed into law by Gov. Martin O’Malley intended to provide immediate aid to homeowners facing foreclosure and prevent future housing crises. The new measures will lengthen the foreclosure process in Maryland by 150 days, toughen criminal penalties for mortgage fraud and reform predatory lending practices.

The forum is sponsored by the UMBC Departments of Economics and Public Policy, the Maryland Institute for Policy Analysis & Research (MIPAR) and the Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond.

Posted by kavan

Plant Sensory Systems Receives SBIR Grant

Funding Will Help Company Test Plant Modifications

Deborah Shapiro
Marketing Manager
410-455-1509
dshapiro@umbc.edu

Plant Sensory Systems, a resident of bwtech@UMBC’s Incubator, has received a Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) grant from the National Science Foundation. The $100,000 grant, which is a six-month grant (referred to as Phase I) that takes effect July 1, will help the company test new genetic modifications on its laboratory plants. The research is a crucial first step in creating plants that are more productive and environmentally-friendly.

Founded by the husband-and-wife team of Frank and Kathleen Turano last July, Plant Sensory Systems is focused on creating plants that are more nitrogen use-efficient as well as drought-resistant. More efficient use of nitrogen, the main ingredient in fertilizer, means less run-off into rivers and streams. Increased drought resistance could reduce crop losses significantly in drought years. Eventually, the Turanos hope to license their technologies to seed and biotechnology companies.

This is the first grant the company has received and will enable the Turanos to test their hypotheses regarding a genetic modification to plants that will increase the production of GABA, an amino acid that has been shown to affect plants’ response to drought conditions as well as their nitrogen absorption. By increasing the amount of GABA, the plant could withstand drought better and require less nitrogen to grow. Currently, the Turanos’ experiments are being done on the Arabidopsis plant; if successful, they would start testing crop plants such as canola.

If the Turanos experience success in their research and show their plant engineering concepts are valid, they will be eligible to apply for a Phase II, two-year grant from NSF once their Phase I grant period is completed.

“We are confident our research will help us create better plants that will benefit the agricultural industry, consumers and the environment,” said Kathleen Turano. Added Frank Turano: “We are very pleased with this grant and the opportunity to take our research to the next level.”

“Plant Sensory Systems is engaged in groundbreaking work in the field of agricultural technology,” said David Fink, director of entrepreneurial services at bwtech@UMBC. “We are pleased that NSF has recognized their potential with this award.”


####

bwtech@UMBC is a 71-acre research and technology community at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC). It comprises the technology business Incubator and Accelerator, home to over 30 early-stage high-tech and life science companies, and the Research and Technology Park, with a total development capacity of 350,000 square feet of office and laboratory space. bwtech@UMBC offers collaboration with university faculty and students, and enjoys a strategic and convenient location, close to downtown Baltimore, BWI Thurgood Marshall Airport, and Washington, D.C. bwtech’s annual economic impact on the state is estimated to be over $300 million.

UMBC is a medium-sized public research university of 12,000 undergraduate and graduate students who collaborate with faculty to address real-world challenges. Located just south of Baltimore near I-95 and the BWI airport, UMBC's residential campus houses state-of-the-art facilities in the sciences, engineering, arts, social sciences and humanities. UMBC combines the energy of a research university with the close community feel and attention to individual students found in liberal arts colleges.

Posted by dshapiro

April 7, 2008

Traxion Therapeutics Receives TEDCO Grant

Funding Will Help Company Develop Pain Medications

Deborah Shapiro
Marketing Manager
410-455-1509
dshapiro@umbc.edu


Traxion Therapeutics, a bwtech@UMBC Incubator company, has received a grant from the Maryland Technology Development Corporation (TEDCO), the state’s leading source of funding for seed capital and entrepreneurial business assistance for the development, transfer and commercialization of technology. The $74,018 award, from TEDCO’s Maryland Technology Transfer Fund (MTTF), will help finance the young company’s development of new medications to treat neuropathic pain. Currently, the company is working with pain researchers at the University of Maryland Dental School to assess the viability of its lead product, TXT-0200.

Neuropathic pain afflicts more than 10 million Americans. Sales of prescription drugs for neuropathic pain are increasing at roughly 7 percent each year. Traxion has assembled a diversified portfolio of novel, proprietary small molecule products to address this market opportunity. These products use more selective, mechanism-based approaches which exploit recent scientific discoveries in order to develop more effective, better tolerated treatments for neuropathic pain. Traxion plans to take these products through to Phase II proof of concept studies and then enter worldwide corporate partnerships for later-stage development and commercialization.

Founded in 2005, Traxion is yet another company successfully launched through the bwtech-affiliated ACTiVATE program. Traxion CEO Kerrie Brady is a member of the program’s class of 2005. ACTiVATE, which trains women with significant business or technical experience to start companies based on technologies developed at area universities and research institutions, has graduated 72 women and launched 15 companies since its inception three years ago.

“Traxion is a pioneer in developing more effective medications to treat neuropathic pain and improve the lives of the people it afflicts. We are grateful for the support of TEDCO and look forward to eventually bringing our products to market,” said Brady.

“Traxion is developing several new products for the treatment of intractable pain. We are pleased that TEDCO has recognized the potential of their work and is providing this stimulus for the growing health care industry in the Baltimore region,” said David Fink, director of entrepreneurial services at bwtech@UMBC.

“TEDCO was created to help early stage companies with promising technologies grow and succeed. Traxion fits this purpose perfectly as there is a great deal of potential for the company to leverage research findings to develop groundbreaking medicines,” said Renée Winsky, president and executive director of TEDCO. “Already the company has made great progress and TEDCO is proud to support its ongoing work.”


bwtech@UMBC is a 71-acre research and technology community at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC). It comprises the technology business Incubator and Accelerator, home to over 30 early-stage high-tech and life science companies, and the Research and Technology Park, with a total development capacity of 350,000 square feet of office and laboratory space. bwtech@UMBC offers collaboration with university faculty and students, and enjoys a strategic and convenient location, close to downtown Baltimore, BWI Thurgood Marshall Airport, and Washington, D.C. bwtech’s annual economic impact on the state is estimated to be over $300 million.

UMBC is a medium-sized public research university of 12,000 undergraduate and graduate students who collaborate with faculty to address real-world challenges. Located just south of Baltimore near I-95 and the BWI airport, UMBC's residential campus houses state-of-the-art facilities in the sciences, engineering, arts, social sciences and humanities. UMBC combines the energy of a research university with the close community feel and attention to individual students found in liberal arts colleges.

The Maryland Technology Development Corporation (TEDCO), an independent entity, was established by the Maryland General Assembly in 1998 to facilitate the creation of businesses and foster their growth in all regions of the State. TEDCO’s role is to be Maryland’s leading source of funding for seed capital and entrepreneurial business assistance for the development, transfer and commercialization of technology. TEDCO connects emerging technology companies with federal laboratories, research universities, business incubators and specialized technical assistance. For the fourth consecutive year, TEDCO was recognized as the most active early/seed stage investor in the nation in the July 2007 issue of Entrepreneur Magazine.

Posted by dshapiro

April 2, 2008

“Dust Busting” the Moon

UMBC/NASA Goddard Scientist to Study Electrically Charged Lunar Dust
to Aid Robotic and Human Exploration


CONTACT: Chip Rose, UMBC News
410-455-5793
crose@umbc.edu


Timothy Stubbs, a scientist at UMBC and NASA-Goddard Space Flight Center, has won funding for a project that sounds like equal parts Ray Bradbury and early David Bowie: studying how electrically charged dust moves across the moon and how it could be a hazard to humans and robots exploring the lunar surface.

Stubbs was selected by NASA to join the science team for the Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter (LRO) mission, being built at Goddard and scheduled for launch later this year. The LRO is NASA's first step in plans to return humans to the moon by 2020. Stubbs is an assistant research scientist with UMBC’s Goddard Earth Sciences and Technology Center.

Most of the evidence for a lunar dust “atmosphere” dates back to the Apollo mission era. NASA scientists analyzing images returned by the Surveyor landers noticed a ‘horizon glow’ close to the surface after lunar sunset, believed to be caused by sunlight scattered by ultra-tiny (smaller than a few microns – a millionth of a meter) dust particles. While astronauts in orbit observed a high-altitude horizon glow (over 62 miles high) just as their spacecraft was passing out of the shadow of the Moon.

According to the “dust fountain” model developed by Stubbs and colleagues at NASA Goddard, the high-altitude dust grains inferred from the horizon glow are probably highly-charged and have been lofted upward by electric fields close to the lunar surface. Once above the lunar surface electric field, the dust grains then fall back toward the Moon under gravity, with their trajectories resembling the arc of a water fountain.

Like the rest of the lunar soil, the dust was created over billions of years by the countless impacts of tiny meteorites. It gets its electrical charge from the sun’s ultraviolet light, X-rays and the moon’s surrounding plasma (electrified gas of ions and electrons) environment. The dust’s electrostatic charge makes it move about the moon’s surface and also gives it a static-cling stickiness that can be hazardous to astronauts and their equipment.

The tiny dust fragments are sharp and jagged since there is no air or water on the moon to smooth them over time. The dust was a nuisance to the Apollo astronauts, sticking to their spacesuits and tracking inside their spacecraft.

But what was a minor annoyance for the relatively brief Apollo missions could be dangerous during the next-generation, long-duration missions being planned by NASA. Astronauts who regularly inhale the sharp dust fragments over time could develop lung diseases similar to those caused by asbestos or coal dust. The dust could also cause problems with sensitive equipment and instruments.

“I feel very fortunate to have the opportunity to be directly involved with NASA’s return to the moon, as well as very excited about all the great new science that will be achieved with this historic mission,” said Stubbs.

Stubbs’ project will use instruments on the LRO and other spacecraft to measure how much lunar dust there is and map the moon’s electric fields to better understand when and where the dust is most likely to be a problem for the manned missions planned for 2020 and beyond.

Posted by crose

March 24, 2008

bwtech@UMBC Company Receives GBC Award

Next Breath Honored for Innovation and Industry Leadership

Deborah Shapiro
Marketing Manager
410-455-1509
dshapiro@umbc.edu


Next Breath, LLC, a bwtech@UMBC Accelerator company, received the Entrepreneurship Award at the Greater Baltimore Committee’s 3rd annual Bioscience Awards presentation on Tuesday, March 18 at the Renaissance Harborplace Hotel. Julie Suman, the company’s co-founder and president, accepted the award at the presentation, which was attended by approximately 150 leaders from the Baltimore region's bioscience industry and research community.

Next Breath, a graduate of bwtech@UMBC’s incubator program, is a contract services provider to pharmaceutical, biotech and medical device companies that bring new inhalation and nasal products to market. It provides services ranging from pre-clinical formulation development to analytical testing, in support of submissions made to regulatory agencies. To date, 55 pharmaceutical companies worldwide have sought Next Breath’s services to support their drug development efforts. The company currently employs 17 people.

Suman, a registered pharmacist who holds a Ph.D. in pharmaceutical sciences from the University of Maryland, School of Pharmacy, founded Next Breath in 2001 with partner and vice president Shailaja Somaraju. Suman was previously a pharmacist consultant with PAREXEL’s clinical pharmacology research unit, a research assistant at the University of Maryland’s Department of Pharmaceutical Science and an intern at Magellan Laboratories. Somaraju also holds a Ph.D. from the University of Maryland and was previously a project manager at the University Pharmaceuticals of Maryland.

Winners of the 2008 Greater Baltimore Region Bioscience Awards were selected by a panel of judges from among 22 nominees submitted by businesses, bioscience advocates, higher education institutions and government agencies. The criteria for the Entrepreneurship Award included: goals reached through perseverance; a company orientation toward greater risk taking behavior; high utilization of a new system, products or best practices in achieving results; evidence of entrepreneurial leadership to achieve company goals; and commitment to the greater Baltimore region and/or business community.

“Next Breath has always strived to be an innovator and an industry leader. It has been exciting to watch the company grow and achieve success. I am thrilled to see the company recognized by the local bioscience community for its achievements,” said Suman.

“We’ve had an exemplary track record of success over the years with our bioscience companies. It’s an honor for our companies to be nominated, and certainly for Next Breath to win the entrepreneurship award against a very competitive field,” said Ellen Hemmerly, executive director, bwtech@UMBC Research and Technology Park.

Other bwtech@UMBC nominees for the Bioscience Awards were Kris Appel, President & CEO of Encore Path, Inc. (Best New Product or Progress Award), Paul Silber, Former President/CEO & Founder of In Vitro Technologies, Inc. (President’s Award) and Stephen Auvil and the bwtech-affiliated ACTiVATE program (President’s Award).


####

bwtech@UMBC (http://www.bwtechumbc.com) is a 71-acre research and technology community at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC). It comprises the technology business Incubator and Accelerator, home to over 30 early-stage high-tech and life science companies, and the Research Park, with a total development capacity of 350,000 square feet of office and laboratory space. bwtech@UMBC offers collaboration with university faculty and students, and enjoys a strategic and convenient location, close to downtown Baltimore, BWI Thurgood Marshall Airport, and Washington, D.C. bwtech’s annual economic impact on the state is estimated to be over $300 million.

UMBC is a medium-sized public research university of 12,000 undergraduate and graduate students who collaborate with faculty to address real-world challenges. Located just south of Baltimore near I-95 and the BWI airport, UMBC's residential campus houses state-of-the-art facilities in the sciences, engineering, arts, social sciences and humanities. UMBC combines the energy of a research university with the close community feel and attention to individual students found in liberal arts colleges.

Posted by dshapiro

March 3, 2008

ACTiVATE Graduates Recognized for Business Plans

Three Graduates Are Among Nine Finalists in Rockville Business Plan Competition

Deborah Shapiro
Marketing Manager
410-455-1509
dshapiro@umbc.edu


Three recent ACTiVATE graduates, Kym Wong (Class of 2007), Loleta Robinson and Colleen Nye (Class of 2006), have been selected as finalists in the StartRight! Business Plan Competition. The competition, run by Rockville Economic Development, Inc. (REDI), is in its fifth year and recognizes top business plans from women entrepreneurs. Wong’s 3DeLux Images and Robinson and Nye’s Syan Biosciences are among nine businesses in the finals. Both businesses were launched upon their founders’ completion of the ACTiVATE, a UMBC program that trains mid-career women to start their own businesses based on technologies developed at area universities and research institutions.

This is the first business plan competition Wong has entered. Her business, which focuses on using a scanning system developed at Johns Hopkins University’s Applied Physics Lab to create three-dimensional images for online retailers, is in the preliminary stages of development. If feasibility studies prove successful, she will move ahead with the licensing process. Wong has twenty years of experience in business, including e-commerce, and after spending much of her career building new businesses for others, she decided it was her turn. “When I heard about the ACTiVATE program, it seemed like a very good fit,” she says. After her successful presentation of her business plan at the conclusion of the program, the program’s faculty encouraged her to enter StartRight!.

Nye and Robinson’s Syan Biosciences is working with a technology developed at the University of Maryland Biotechnology Institute to create a diagnostic platform that uses biomarkers to diagnose diseases such as cancer and heart disease. They are hoping to eventually license their technology to biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies. They also plan to make their own products based on the platform. Nye, a chemical engineer with an M.B.A. degree, and Robinson, a physician who also holds an M.B.A., entered StartRight! last year with a business plan based on a different technology that they were ultimately unable to license. Entering this year’s competition allowed them to receive advice on their new business model. “The competition is a great opportunity to get feedback and to network,” says Nye. “We knew the competition would be a good forum to get feedback on our new plan.”

According to Lynne Benzion, the associate director of REDI and administrator of StartRight!, 33 entries were submitted for this year’s competition. She notes that the 4 criteria for judging the business plans are overall financial viability, the company’s management plan, the quality of an entrant’s market research and its marketing plan, and the degree of innovation and differentiation in the business model. To be eligible to enter, businesses must be at least 51% women-owned, operating for two years or less and located in Maryland, Virginia or Washington, DC.

Entrants compete for cash and prizes: the first place winner earns $10,000, courtesy of sponsor Eagle Bank. The second place award is $5,000, courtesy of REDI, and the third place award is $2,500, courtesy of sponsor Foster, Soltoff & Love, a Bethesda-based financial planning and employee benefits consulting firm. The top three entrants also receive varying lengths of services from virtual office solutions provider Intelligent Office. Winners will be announced April 1 at the 2008 Women in Business conference at the Marriott North Bethesda Conference Center.

Benzion notes the established partnership between REDI and the ACTiVATE program. In return for REDI’s publicizing of ACTiVATE in the Rockville area and referring candidates to the program, ACTiVATE encourages its graduates to enter the StartRight! competition. In addition to the opportunity to win seed money for their business, the competition deadline gives graduates a target by which to complete their business plans. “Working with ACTiVATE extends our reach up to Baltimore and gives us good competitors. Anytime we can connect to another area [of Maryland], it makes the competition better.”

“We place an intense focus on helping our participants design sustainable businesses and solid business plans,” says Julie Lenzer Kirk, ACTiVATE’s lead instructor. “ACTiVATE graduates have created a force of technology entrepreneurs who have raised the bar for the StartRight! competition. We're hoping one day that ACTiVATE alumnae will take all three top spots.”


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UMBC is a medium-sized public research university of 12,000 undergraduate and graduate students who collaborate with faculty to address real-world challenges. Located just south of Baltimore near I-95 and the BWI airport, UMBC's residential campus houses state-of-the-art facilities in the sciences, engineering, arts, social sciences and humanities. UMBC combines the energy of a research university with the close community feel and attention to individual students found in liberal arts colleges

Posted by dshapiro

February 21, 2008

Gates Cambridge Scholarship to Send UMBC Physics Major on Path of Newton, Hawking

Philip Graff is UMBC’s Second Consecutive Winner of Prestigious Full Scholarship to Cambridge


CONTACT: Chip Rose, UMBC News
410-455-5793
crose@umbc.edu


UMBC senior physics major Philip Graff will follow the path of science greats Isaac Newton and Stephen Hawking to Cambridge University as the second UMBC student in the past two years to win the Gates Cambridge Scholarship, one of the world’s most selective academic awards.

Graff, who will pursue a Ph.D. in physics, was one of just 45 U.S. winners chosen from more than 600 applicants and 119 finalists. Graff is UMBC’s second consecutive Gates Cambridge Scholar, following alumnus Ian Ralby ‘02, who won in 2007. Other U.S. winners for 2008 included students from Harvard, Yale, MIT, Princeton and other prestigious universities.

The Gates Cambridge was created in 2000 by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, which donated $210 million to establish the Gates Cambridge Trust. The award fully funds one to four years of graduate study in any field at Cambridge University.

The Gates Scholarship is too young to have become a household name like the Rhodes Scholars Program (established in 1902) or the Marshall Scholarships (established in 1954). But like the Marshall and Rhodes, the Gates only accepts the cream of the academic crop. The Gates Scholarship is expected to grow into one of the world’s most recognizable programs over time thanks to the high quality of its winners and the program’s unique emphasis on public service and research career paths.

Graff, a native of Manalapan, NJ, came to UMBC on a full scholarship through the University Fellowship program and is a member of the Honors College. Graff, who maintains a 4.0 G.P.A., plans to attend Cambridge but was also accepted at other prestigious universities including MIT and the University of Illinois. After graduation and post-doctoral study, Graff plans a career as a university professor and researcher.

For Graff, the Cambridge experience will be an opportunity to follow in the footsteps of some of history’s greatest physicists (such as Isaac Newton) and hopefully to meet a personal hero, Stephen Hawking of “A Brief History of Time” fame.

“It’s said that Cambridge has been home to more Nobel Prize winners than all of France, so it’s an amazing honor to study there.” Graff said. “I consider Hawking one of the great minds in the field, so I really hope to meet him.”

An astrophysicist, Graff studies what gravitational waves (caused by the interactions of binary stars and other massive bodies) can tell us about the large scale structure and history of the universe. He created a computer model of quasar radiation as an undergraduate at UMBC and worked with one of the world’s most sensitive scientific instruments, the Laser Interferometer Gravitational-wave Observatory (LIGO), during a National Science Foundation fellowship at Caltech. His quasar work is the topic of a research paper currently under refereeing with the Astrophysical Journal.

Graff has also been highly involved with campus life at UMBC, serving as president of Alpha Epsilon Pi fraternity, Director of Student Advocacy with the Student Government Association and a teaching assistant. In the little spare time he has, he enjoys playing video games, watching movies and playing ultimate Frisbee.

Science runs in the family for Graff; his older brother is an aerospace engineer. “My parents always pushed us, but beyond a certain point it becomes self-motivated,” said Graff. “We had a pretty normal childhood; I played little league and was on the bowling team and my brother was active in Boy Scouts. But we did do pretty well in science fairs,” Graff said.

Graff hasn’t had much time to reflect on his achievements to date, but does recall with amusement a favorite family report card story. “My first grade math teacher said I didn’t understand mathematical concepts but was just memorizing,” he said. “So I guess I showed her.”

About the Gates Cambridge Scholarship Program:

In October 2000, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation announced a donation to the University of Cambridge of $210 million to establish the Gates Cambridge Trust.
The gift funded in perpetuity an international scholarship program to enable outstanding graduate students from outside the United Kingdom to study at the University of Cambridge. The Trustees are required to award scholarships on the basis of a person's intellectual ability, leadership capacity and desire to use their knowledge to contribute to society throughout the world by providing service to their communities and applying their talents and knowledge to improve the lives of others.

Following interviews held in Annapolis, Maryland, on 8 and 9 February 2008, the Gates Cambridge Trust announced that scholarships for study at the University of Cambridge were awarded to 45 American students. Over 600 students from the United States applied for a Gates Cambridge Scholarship this year and 119 of them were interviewed at St John’s College and the United States Naval Academy.

For more information about the Gates Cambridge Scholarship program, please visit www.gatesscholar.org.

Posted by crose

February 14, 2008

Plant Sensory Systems Joins bwtech@UMBC

Company Developing Innovative Agricultural Technologies

Deborah Shapiro
Marketing Manager
410-455-1509
dshapiro@umbc.edu

Plant Sensory Systems, an agricultural biotechnology company, has chosen the technology incubator at bwtech@UMBC as its headquarters. The company’s owners, Kathleen and Frank Turano, felt the services and support offered by bwtech@UMBC were an ideal fit for their young company’s needs.

The Turanos founded Plant Sensory Systems in July and moved to the incubator at the end of December. Currently, the company is working on two projects: making plants that use nitrogen more efficiently and creating plants that can produce more sugar or plant oils to aid in the production of biofuels. “If we can make plants that use nitrogen more efficiently, then farmers won’t have to use as much fertilizer. Not only will this save costs, but there will be less nitrogen run-off into streams and rivers,” explained Frank Turano.

At the moment, their focus is on genetic research using a laboratory model plant. Their long-term goal is to license their technologies and/or partner with seed or agricultural biotechnology companies to apply the technologies they develop to a variety of crops. They are currently talking to seed companies to establish relationships.

The Turanos’ interest in biological research and sensory systems is an outgrowth of their professional experience: Frank is an associate professor of molecular biology and biochemistry at George Washington University (he has resigned, effective in May 2008) and Kathleen was formerly a professor of ophthalmology at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. After interviewing at several incubators, they chose bwtech@UMBC as the place to launch their business. “They have a solid track record of launching companies and offer a host of business support services to help companies get off the ground,” said Kathleen Turano.
Both Turanos plan to take advantage of the opportunity to obtain advice and share experiences with the CEOs of the other incubator companies at the variety of networking events offered at bwtech@UMBC.

“Plant Sensory Systems represents exactly the type of early-stage company that we hope to attract to our incubator program”, said David Fink, bwtech@UMBC’s director of entrepreneurial services. “The Turanos bring strong scientific credentials from local research institutions. Their projects are very innovative and the company has great potential to benefit the Maryland economy.”

About bwtech@UMBC:
bwtech@UMBC (http://www.bwtechumbc.com) is a 71-acre research and technology community at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC). It comprises the technology business Incubator and Accelerator, home to over 30 early-stage high-tech and life science companies, and the Research and Technology Park, with a total development capacity of 350,000 square feet of office and laboratory space. bwtech@UMBC offers collaboration with university faculty and students, and enjoys a strategic and convenient location, close to downtown Baltimore, BWI Thurgood Marshall Airport, and Washington, D.C. bwtech’s annual economic impact on the state is estimated to be over $300 million.

About UMBC:
UMBC is a medium-sized public research university of 12,000 undergraduate and graduate students who collaborate with faculty to address real-world challenges. Located just south of Baltimore near I-95 and the BWI airport, UMBC's residential campus houses state-of-the-art facilities in the sciences, engineering, arts, social sciences and humanities. UMBC combines the energy of a research university with the close community feel and attention to individual students found in liberal arts colleges.


Posted by dshapiro

February 6, 2008

Amethyst Technologies Joins bwtech@UMBC

Growing Company Seeks to Carve Out Market Niche

Deborah Shapiro
Marketing Manager
410-455-1509
dshapiro@umbc.edu

Amethyst Technologies, a growing company specializing in services for life science companies and research organizations, has set up shop at bwtech@UMBC’s technology incubator. The company’s owner, Kimberly Brown, hopes to capitalize on the location and establish business relationships with the life science companies located at the incubator.

Amethyst, originally founded as Cell Systems, Inc., in 1992, provides overall management, implementation, and execution of current Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMP) compliance systems. These services include equipment calibration and validation, quality management software, process validation, qualification and design services for clean rooms and high purity utility systems, and environmental monitoring system management. Its clients include hospitals, biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies, biological repositories, and federal government labs and research institutions. The Incubator and Accelerator at bwtech@UMBC is the headquarters for numerous early-stage life science companies, so the location presents multiple business opportunities for Amethyst.

Setting up operations at bwtech@UMBC was a natural move for the company. Brown, who has owned Amethyst for about a year, is a recent graduate of UMBC’s ACTiVATE program, which teaches mid-career women with significant business or technical experience how to start companies using technologies developed at universities and other research institutions.

A chemical engineer with a Ph.D. from the University of Maryland, College Park, Brown was unique among most ACTiVATE participants in that she already owned a company at the time she began the program. However, she notes that the knowledge of marketing, finance and intellectual property laws that she gained from ACTiVATE has been essential to her success as an entrepreneur: “ACTiVATE provided the knowledge and awareness to have a successful business. You can have a good product, but you also need to know how to run a company. Now I know how to protect my business.”

In addition to the business opportunities for Amethyst at bwtech@UMBC, Brown and her company will benefit from the support and networking that the incubator provides. In addition to monthly networking events for CEOs and senior managers, the incubator offers an array of business support services that include market analysis and strategic planning guidance and assistance with grant funding applications. Companies also have direct access to UMBC’s technology transfer office and an abundant supply of students, graduates and faculty that are ready to serve early-stage companies.

Brown’s long-term goals for her company are “to become an industry leader in both the private and public sector” as well as develop a product line focused on patient safety and environmental responsibility and provide “green” services to create environmentally friendly clean rooms and labs.


####

bwtech@UMBC (http://www.bwtechumbc.com) is a 71-acre research and technology community at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC). It comprises the technology business Incubator and Accelerator, home to over 30 early-stage high-tech and life science companies, and the Research and Technology Park, with a total development capacity of 350,000 square feet of office and laboratory space. bwtech@UMBC offers collaboration with university faculty and students, and enjoys a strategic and convenient location, close to downtown Baltimore, BWI Thurgood Marshall Airport, and Washington, D.C. bwtech’s annual economic impact on the state is estimated to be over $300 million.

UMBC is a medium-sized public research university of 12,000 undergraduate and graduate students who collaborate with faculty to address real-world challenges. Located just south of Baltimore near I-95 and the BWI airport, UMBC's residential campus houses state-of-the-art facilities in the sciences, engineering, arts, social sciences and humanities. UMBC combines the energy of a research university with the close community feel and attention to individual students found in liberal arts colleges.

Posted by dshapiro

January 31, 2008

UMBC’s Tom Schaller on WJZ Channel 13 Super Tuesday

Tom.jpg UMBC’s resident expert on presidential elections, Tom Schaller, will appear on WJZ Channel 13 news to comment on “Super Tuesday’s” Feb. 5 primary elections.

Schaller will appear on all major news updates from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. to provide expert political commentary on the results of the night’s presidential primary elections. An unprecedented 24 states hold primaries or caucuses on this date with 52 percent of all pledged Democratic Party delegates and 41 percent of Republican Party delegates at stake.

"Never before in American electoral history have we had a primary with so many delegates at stake on the same day and with both party's nominees still uncertain," said Schaller.

Thomas F. Schaller is associate professor of political science at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County and author of “Whistling Past Dixie: How Democrats can win without the South.” The Jan. 20 New York Times Sunday Magazine cited "Whistling Past Dixie" and recognized Schaller as the “political scientist and liberal blogger (who) won over a lot of his fellow progressives with an entire book devoted to the premise that Democrats should ignore the South and instead focus their finite resources … on the West and Southwest.”

Schaller is a weekly national political columnist for The Baltimore Sun, and has also written for The New York Times, The Washington Post, the Los Angeles Times, The American Prospect, The New York Sun, The Boston Globe, The Washington Examiner and Salon, and has appeared on Comedy Central's The Colbert Report, MSNBC's Hardball, National Public Radio's Talk of the Nation and Morning Edition, PBS's The Tavis Smiley Show, and C-SPAN's Washington Journal.

Posted by kavan

January 24, 2008

Dr. Bill Thomas’ Transformative ‘Green House’ Featured on the Newshour

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT:
Kavan Peterson
Office: 410-455-1896
Email: kavan@umbc.edu

BALTIMORE – Dr. Bill Thomas, outspoken nursing home reformer and professor of aging at the Erickson School at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County, was featured on the Newshour on PBS Jan. 23 in a special report on his innovative Green House project to transform nursing home care.

Click here to watch on streaming video.

Thomas’ Green House project is a radically new approach to long term care where nursing homes are torn down and replaced with small, home-like environments where people can live a full and interactive life. Launched as a pilot project in 2003, there are now 35 Green Houses up and running on 13 campuses across the country. In partnership with a nonprofit, NCB Capital Impact, the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation is spending nearly $10 million to replicate the model nationwide.

Thomas, an internationally-recognized authority on eldercare, was interviewed by Newshour health correspondent Susan Dentzer while visiting one of his ‘Green Houses’ in Lincoln, Neb. The twelve-minute story highlights innovative characteristics of the Green House concept, which is intended to de-institutionalize long-term care by eliminating large nursing facilities and creating close-knit communities of patients and caregivers.

The Green House model is designed to be a home for nine to 12 elders. It blends architecturally with neighboring homes, includes vibrant outdoor space, and utilizes aesthetically appealing interior features. Each elder has a private room or unit with a private bathroom. Elders' rooms receive high levels of sunlight and are situated around an open kitchen and dining area. There are no nursing stations

“We've always insisted in the Green House that there be one big table, because that makes a meal into a community experience, where food and companionship come together,” Dr. Thomas told the Newshour.

The Green House model has been endorsed by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. In June 2007, researchers at the University of Minnesota released a longitudinal study of the first group of Green Houses, built in Tupelo, Miss. It showed residents received equal or better quality of care than in traditional nursing homes and they reported a higher quality of life. The average charge for residents at Green Houses is comparable to the cost of traditional nursing homes.

Click here to learn more about the Green House Replication Initiative.

About Dr. Thomas

William H. Thomas, M.D. is a geriatrician and a visionary with an international reputation as one of the leading authorities on the future of aging and longevity. He is founder of the Eden Alternative, a global nonprofit organization, and a professor at the Erickson School at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County, where is teaching his innovative concepts on reforming long term care. He lives in Ithaca, NY, with his wife, Judith Meyers-Thomas, and their five children.

Dr. Thomas has published a half a dozen books, the most recent of which is What Are Old People For? How Elders Will Save the World. The book, which American Medical Writers Association named it the “Book of the Year” in 2005, explores the virtues concealed within the necessity of aging.

In conjunction with his books and research projects and advocacy, Dr. Thomas has been interviewed by a broad range of television, radio and print media including CNN, 48 Hours, Talk of the Nation, All Things Considered, Morning Edition, Fast Company ,The New York Times, Washington Post and Newsweek Magazine Time Magazine, The CBS Early Show, and was chosen by US News World Report Magazine as one of "America's best leaders."

About the Erickson School

The Erickson School at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County was created with a $5 million commitment from John Erickson, CEO and founder Erickson Retirement Communities, and matching state funds. The School integrates aging, management, and policy in each of its programs, with a strong emphasis on preparing leaders for the 21st century. The School offers credit and non-credit educational programs at the undergraduate, masters, and executive levels.

Posted by kavan

January 23, 2008

Kafui Dzirasa ’01 in Ebony Magazine

Ebony magazine featured Kafui Dzirasa ’01, Chemical Engineering, in its “30 on the Rise” collection of 2008 Young Leaders of the Future.


Ebony magazine featured Kafui Dzirasa ’01, Chemical Engineering, in its “30 on the Rise” collection of 2008 Young Leaders of the Future.

Dzirasa earned his Ph.D. in Neurobiology from Duke, where he is a fourth-year medical student and postdoctoral research associate in the Department of Neurobiology at the Duke Medical Center. The magazine cited several of his UMBC achievements, including his studies as a Meyerhoff Scholar and a conference championship in the long jump. Ebony also noted that he received Duke’s Somjen Award for Outstanding Dissertation Thesis.

The “30 on the Rise” section, in the February 2008 issue, is available to registered Ebony subscribers at www.ebonyjet.com/ebony/.

Posted by elewis

January 16, 2008

UMBC’s ACTiVATE Program Receives Prestigious Award

Recognition Affirms Program’s Status as a Leading Innovator in Educating Entrepreneurs


CONTACT: Deborah Shapiro, Marketing Manager
410-455-1509
dshapiro@umbc.edu

ACTiVATE, a program of the University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC) that trains mid-career women to start and manage technology ventures, was honored by a leading national entrepreneurship organization last Saturday. The program received the U.S. Association for Small Business and Entrepreneurship’s (USASBE) award for Best Specialty Entrepreneurship Education Program. Presented at the organization’s annual conference in San Antonio, Texas, the award was based on each program’s innovativeness, uniqueness, quality, effectiveness, comprehensiveness, sustainability and transferability.

Stephen Auvil, director of UMBC’s Office of Technology Development, Vivian Armor, director of UMBC’s Alex. Brown Center for Entrepreneurship, and Julie Kirk, ACTiVATE lead instructor, represented ACTiVATE at the conference.

“The winner is the one program that demonstrates a fresh approach to adding new meaning to entrepreneurial education,” said judging panel member Stan Mandel, an executive professor at the Babcock Graduate School of Management at Wake Forest University and director of the school’s Angell Center for Entrepreneurship. “This was clearly demonstrated by UMBC in the ACTiVATE program—a great concept, implemented well, with outstanding participants.”

“ACTiVATE has become a model of innovation for teaching and mentoring entrepreneurs, and we are thrilled to be recognized by a leading organization in the field of entrepreneurship,” said Ms. Armor.

ACTiVATE is a year-long program that utilizes technologies developed by Maryland’s universities and research institutions and trains women with significant technical or business experience to start companies based on those technologies. In the first three years of the program, ACTiVATE has trained 72 women. To date, 15 companies have been founded by ACTiVATE graduates.

Said David Fink, director of entrepreneurial services at bwtech@UMBC and the ACTiVATE program director: “We felt there was a need for a new way to teach entrepreneurship and increase the commercialization of technologies. In just three years, ACTiVATE has already had a tremendous impact on the local business community.”

An acronym for Achieving the Commercialization of Technology in Ventures Through Applied Training for Entrepreneurs, ACTiVATE is a joint program among Alex. Brown Center for Entrepreneurship, bwtech@UMBC Research and Technology Park, Office of Technology Development and the Center for Women in Technology (CWIT). Sponsors include the National Science Foundation, Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation, Maryland Technology Development Corporation, Whiteford, Taylor and Preston, Constellation Energy, Wachovia Bank, Lion Brothers and Corporate Office Properties Trust (COPT).

“The ACTiVATE program is just one part of UMBC’s commitment to entrepreneurship, technology transfer and workforce development,” noted Mr. Auvil, who is also one of the program’s architects. “It encourages the development of new technology companies and supports women who are interested in pursuing an entrepreneurial career.”

Classes are held on Monday evenings, from January through December, and one Saturday per month at the bwtech@UMBC Incubator near UMBC’s main campus in Catonsville. Six of the companies founded by ACTiVATE graduates have entered bwtech@UMBC’s incubator program.

About UMBC:

UMBC is a medium-sized public research university of 12,000 undergraduate and graduate students who collaborate with faculty to address real-world challenges. Located just south of Baltimore near I-95 and the BWI airport, UMBC's residential campus houses state-of-the-art facilities in the sciences, engineering, arts, social sciences and humanities. UMBC combines the energy of a research university with the close community feel and attention to individual students found in liberal arts colleges.

Posted by crose

January 14, 2008

UMBC Peaceworker Alumni Remain Engaged in Baltimore Communities

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Kavan Peterson
Phone: 410-455-1896
Email: kavan@umbc.edu

BALTIMORE -- While nearly 85 percent of Shriver Peaceworker Fellows at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC) originally come from outside the Baltimore region, 60 percent have settled and remain engaged in service careers in local communities.

"With 100 percent of Peaceworker alumni continuing in public service careers and more than half staying in our region to engage in community service careers, the Shriver Peaceworker Program is proving to be a 'creative-class' infusion for the City," said Program Director Joby Taylor '05, Ph.D. language, literacy and culture.

The Peaceworker program at UMBC's Shriver Center was founded in 1994 by Sargent Shriver, who will be honored in an upcoming PBS documentary to be aired nationally on Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Jan. 21, 2008. The film, American Idealist: The Story of Sargent Shriver, celebrates a man who is little known among today's generation, but has had an indelible impact on our society.

Few people have had a greater impact on public service in America than Shriver, who founded and directed the Peace Corps under President John F. Kennedy. Both men envisioned a powerful impact of RPCVs on American society, and as a native Marylander, Shriver realized this vision concretely in the establishment of the Peaceworker program at UMBC, with an urban problem-solving focus on the Baltimore region, Taylor said.

One hundred returning Peace Corps Volunteers (RPCVs) have participated in UMBC's Peaceworker program after completing their missions abroad. The program combines graduate studies at area universities with service jobs in local communities.

"Shriver's genius in the Peace Corps and Peaceworker programs was his ability to marshal a sense of 'practical idealism,' which is optimism about making a difference matched with realism about the hard work this involves," Taylor said.

Peaceworker alumni working in the Baltimore region include:

Erin Hood '07
Graduate Degree: UMBC Master's Degree in Public Policy focused on Human Services, with a Certificate in Nonprofit Management.
Peace Corps Volunteer: Jamaica.
Peaceworker Fellowship: UMBC Coordinator for Service and Volunteerism to foster student's sense of social responsibility through community service.
Where she is now: Director of Development, Community Mediation Program, Baltimore City

Brian Greenan '05
Graduate Degree: UMBC Master's Degree in Intercultural Communications focused on Spanish language study and Latin American history and politics
Peace Corps Volunteer: Niger
Peaceworker Fellowship: Centro de la Communidad, serving Baltimore's growing Latino community. As a mayoral fellow and then with the Downtown Partnership, he provided direct outreach to homeless persons in the downtown area for which he was given a commendation by the Baltimore City Council.
Where he is now: Organizer with Neighborhood Housing Services

Sarah Morris-Compton '07
Graduate degree: UMBC Master's Degree in Public Policy focused on Human Services Policy
Peace Corps Volunteer: Turkmenistan and Kenya.
Peaceworker Fellowship: Coordinator of a service-learning project that linked college Web design classes to non-profit organizations at the University of Baltimore's School of Information Arts and Technologies
Where she is now: Program Associate for the Annie E. Casey Foundation in Baltimore working on large-scale state child welfare and juvenile justice system reform.

Posted by kavan

January 3, 2008

bwtech@UMBC Expands Staff

New Additions to Marketing and Business Development Team


CONTACT: Deborah Shapiro, Marketing Manager
410-455-1509
dshapiro@umbc.edu

bwtech@UMBC Research & Technology Park is pleased to announce the expansion of its marketing and business development team with the addition of Deborah Shapiro, Marketing Manager, and Alex Euler, Associate Director of Business Development.

Shapiro will provide marketing support and strategy development to UMBC’s entrepreneurial initiatives, including bwtech@UMBC, the Alex. Brown Center for Entrepreneurship, the ACTiVATE program, and UMBC’s technology commercialization enterprise. She has a B.A. in Economics from Wellesley College and an M.B.A. in Marketing from the University of Maryland.

Shapiro was previously the Public Relations Manager for Thomson Prometric, and has successfully developed marketing and promotional strategies with both online and traditional media.

Euler will assist tenant companies with their marketing and business strategy needs, and will recruit tenants for bwtech@UMBC's properties. He will also facilitate interactions between the university and bwtech@UMBC businesses and work to increase overall awareness of bwtech@UMBC within the broader business community.

Euler has a B.S. in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology from UMBC and is working on an M.S. in Biotechnology Management at the University of Maryland. He was previously the Communications Manager for MdBio/TCM, a statewide trade association for high-technology and life science companies, and has extensive experience working with regional economic development groups and administering programs designed to support early-stage biotech companies.

About bwtech@UMBC:

bwtech@UMBC (www.bwtechumbc.com) is a 71-acre research and technology community at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC). It comprises the technology business Incubator and Accelerator, home to over 30 early-stage high-tech and life science companies, and the Research and Technology Park, with a total development capacity of 350,000 square feet of office and laboratory space. bwtech@UMBC offers collaboration with university faculty and students, and enjoys a strategic and convenient location, close to downtown Baltimore, BWI Thurgood Marshall Airport, and Washington, D.C. bwtech’s annual economic impact on the state is estimated to be over $300 million.

Posted by crose

December 20, 2007

Elliot Hirshman Appointed Provost of UMBC

Chief Research Officer at George Washington University and Alumnus of Yale, UCLA
to Lead UMBC’s Academic Program


CONTACT:
Mike Lurie

Office: 410-455-6380
Cellphone: 443-695-0262
mlurie@umbc.edu

Photo Caption: Elliot Hirshman is UMBC's new provost. (Click on photo to download high-resolution image).

BALTIMORE – The University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC) has appointed Elliot Hirshman as its next provost and senior vice president for academic affairs. Hirshman joins UMBC after serving as chief research officer at George Washington University in Washington, D.C., where he was previously chair of the Department of Psychology.

Hirshman, who earned his Ph.D. in Cognitive Psychology at UCLA and his undergraduate degree summa cum laude in economics and mathematics from Yale, will lead UMBC’s academic program, including instruction, research and academic support services. His appointment, effective July 1, 2008, concludes a national search that began in August with the assistance of Greenwood and Associates, a leading executive search firm.

Before joining the George Washington faculty in 2002, Hirshman chaired the Department of Psychology at the University of Colorado at Denver. He began his academic career at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in 1989, rising to the rank of full professor while at that institution.

“My colleagues and I are delighted to welcome Dr. Hirshman to the UMBC community,” said UMBC President Freeman A. Hrabowski. “We are all very impressed by his reputation as a fine scholar, teacher and leader in both public and private universities. He is an important addition to the University and to Maryland.”

While at Chapel Hill, Hirshman was recognized by the late Michael Hooker, then chancellor there (and former UMBC president), who nominated him for the American Council on Education Fellows Program. Through that program, he participated as a fellow in the Provost’s Office at Arizona State University and, subsequently, served as special assistant to the provost at Chapel Hill.

“I am deeply honored to be selected as UMBC’s next provost,” said Hirshman. “UMBC’s reputation as a national leader in educational programs, diversity initiatives, research innovation and public-private partnerships makes the provost’s position an especially exciting opportunity. I look forward to working with President Hrabowski, the University’s academic and administrative leadership teams and UMBC’s exceptional faculty, students, staff, alumni and external partners to further enhance the University’s highly regarded educational, research and service programs.”

Hirshman is a fellow of the American Psychological Association and has served as the associate editor of the Journal of Experimental Psychology: Learning, Memory & Cognition(2000-2006) and Psychonomic Bulletin & Review(1998-2000). He will hold the rank of full professor in the UMBC Department of Psychology.

UMBC’s current provost, Arthur Johnson, will serve until June 30, 2008, before returning to the faculty after 10 years as provost. Johnson and Hirshman will collaborate during the coming semester to ensure a smooth transition.

Posted by crose

December 18, 2007

Alex. Brown Center Receives Major Gift

Barnhill Gift Will Help Aspiring Entrepreneurs

CONTACT: Debbie Shapiro, Marketing Manager
410-455-1509
dshapiro@umbc.edu

Mike Lurie, Media Relations Director
Office: 410-455-6380
Cellphone: 443-695-0262
mlurie@umbc.edu


BALTIMORE, MD – The Alex. Brown Center for Entrepreneurship at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC) has received a pledge of $250,000 from one of the center’s most active leaders, Gregory Barnhill. Mr. Barnhill, a partner with Brown Advisory Securities, has served as chair of the center’s external advisory board for more than two years and has been a member of its board for four years.

This gift from Mr. Barnhill, his wife Lisa and son Scott, advances the Alex. Brown Center nearly to the halfway point of its $10-million fundraising goal, which includes a $2-million matching grant from the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation. Funds raised will enable the innovative center to enhance its programs and educational offerings for students and faculty.

Established in 2000 with a grant from the Alex. Brown Foundation, the center seeks to provide students and faculty with opportunities to learn about and experience entrepreneurship. Its goal is to infuse entrepreneurial thinking throughout the campus and across all disciplines. Programs include academic courses, skill-building workshops, internships with local business leaders, and an annual business plan competition. Current course offerings include Entrepreneurship for IT and Careers in Music. Workshops are held each summer for university faculty in a variety of disciplines; this summer’s offering will be geared to faculty in the humanities.

While a strong focus on entrepreneurship is unusual for a university without a business school, the Alex. Brown Center strongly reflects UMBC’s entrepreneurial spirit and experience in economic development. Since its founding, the center has helped numerous students and faculty transform their ideas and expertise into viable business opportunities. One such business is Legendary Studios, a game and simulation development company founded by two students that now resides at UMBC’s technology business incubator.

“Mr. Barnhill’s generosity will allow us to enhance our programming and continue to support students interested in launching their own business ventures,” said Vivian Armor, director of the Alex. Brown Center. “Mr. Barnhill has been a valued supporter of the Alex. Brown Center for many years and we are grateful for his commitment to the center’s mission.”

"Lisa and I have been around—and been inspired by—entrepreneurs our whole lives,” said Mr. Barnhill. “We believe strongly in the importance of exposing young people to entrepreneurship, and know that this gift to UMBC and the Alex. Brown Center will make a big impact on developing future leaders."

UMBC President Freeman A. Hrabowski added, "It takes entrepreneurial leadership to inspire new entrepreneurs. We are honored to receive this gift and very excited about the opportunities it creates for our students."

Mr. Barnhill has a long history of civic involvement in the Baltimore area. He has donated his time and leadership skills to numerous organizations, including the Maryland Historical Society, Greater Baltimore Medical Center Foundation, Harbor Hospital, St. Paul School Board of Trustees, and Ocean Race Chesapeake.

For more information about the Alex. Brown Center for Entrepreneurship, please contact Vivian Armor at armor@umbc.edu, or via phone at (410) 455-5740.

About UMBC:
UMBC is a medium-sized public research university of 12,000 undergraduate and graduate students who collaborate with faculty to address real-world challenges. Located just south of Baltimore near I-95 and the BWI airport, UMBC's residential campus houses state-of-the-art facilities in the sciences, engineering, arts, social sciences and humanities. UMBC combines the energy of a research university with the close community feel and attention to individual students found in liberal arts colleges.

Posted by crose

December 12, 2007

UMBC Among 12 Universities Chosen by HHMI to Launch Nationwide Science Education Initiative

Professors Sandoz, Caruso to Give Freshmen Early Genomics Research Experience


CONTACT: Chip Rose, UMBC News
410-455-5793
crose@umbc.edu

BALTIMORE -- The Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI) has chosen UMBC as part of a collaborative network of 12 colleges and universities to teach a new, hands-on genomics course aimed at involving more U.S. first-year college students in authentic research.

The course is the first major initiative from HHMI's Science Education Alliance (SEA), which seeks to enhance science education and inspire new generations of scientists. The year-long research course will be part of the SEA’s Phage Genomics Research Initiative. HHMI received 44 applications and selected 12 institutions for the Initiative.

UMBC biological sciences professors Jim Sandoz and Steve Caruso will work with UMBC’s Honors College to develop a fall 2008 course for freshmen science and non-science majors. Students in the class will collect soil samples on campus and use sophisticated lab and computer-based genomics and gene sequencing techniques to identify new bacteriophages. Bacteriophages, or phages for short, are common forms of viruses which infect bacteria and could offer insight into some types of antibiotic-resistant bacteria.

“SEA takes the best ideas from the individual teaching experiments that HHMI has supported over the past 20 years and makes them broadly accessible to scientists and educators around the country,” said Michael Summers, professor of biochemistry and HHMI Investigator at UMBC. “UMBC has been at the forefront of science education, especially in enhancing retention rates among minority students, so it’s both exciting and appropriate that UMBC is part of these new efforts,” said Summers, who is the only HHMI Investigator at a Maryland public university. “We have a lot to learn from our colleagues in the SEA consortium, but we also have much to offer.”

SEA represents a new, more active involvement by HHMI in catalyzing change in science education. HHMI is committing $4 million over the program’s first four years and staffing SEA with its own employees. SEA will provide up to three years of support from HHMI to assist with faculty training, computing and DNA sequencing services for the course.

“The initial institutions we have selected represent a broad sampling of high quality higher education,” said Peter J. Bruns, vice president for grants and special programs at HHMI. “Although diverse in size and location, all participating schools share a desire to bring authentic discovery to freshman instruction. I am impressed by their commitment to the project and eagerly wait to see what a working alliance of such a diverse, yet commonly committed community, will yield.”

The other universities chosen for the 2008-2009 program are: Carnegie Mellon University, The College of William & Mary, Hope College, James Madison University, Oregon State University, Spelman College, the University of California, San Diego, the University of California, Santa Cruz, the University of Louisiana at Monroe, the University of Mary Washington and Washington University in St. Louis.

Based at HHMI's Janelia Farm Research Campus in Northern Virginia, SEA aims to build a collaborative network of U.S. scientists and educators to develop and distribute new instructional materials and methods while encouraging students to produce real research results. HHMI built SEA based on over two decades of supporting science education and research.

For more information, please visit http://www.hhmi.org/grants/sea/

Posted by crose

December 6, 2007

UMBC’s ‘ACTiVATE’ Program Looking to Train Women Entrepreneurs

National Award-Winning Program Teaches Female Professionals to Take Maryland Universities’ Technologies to Market


CONTACT: Chip Rose, UMBC News
410-455-5793
crose@umbc.edu

BALTIMORE, MD – ACTiVATE, UMBC's award-winning training program for female entrepreneurs, is recruiting for its next class.

Originally funded with a three-year grant from the National Science Foundation, ACTiVATE’s goal is to form start-up companies based on technologies developed at UMBC, Johns Hopkins, the JHU Applied Physics Laboratory, Towson University, the University of Maryland, Baltimore, the University of Maryland Biotechnology Institute and the University of Maryland College Park.

In its first three years, ACTiVATE has trained 90 women in entrepreneurship ands and its graduates have formed 12 new companies.

ACTiVATE recently received national acclaim and state-level investment. In late October, the Association of University Research Parks (AURP) gave the program its 2007 Innovation Award and the Maryland Technology Development Corporation (TEDCO) gave ACTiVATE a $50,000 grant to help continue its mission.

Companies started by ACTiVATE graduates include:

-- EncorePath, built on a unique rehab technology for stroke victims developed by University of Maryland, Baltimore physical therapists;

-- Foligo Therapeutics, which has received significant funding as it focuses on new treatment therapies for ovarian cancer;

-- and Traxion Therapeutics, a biotech firm developing new drugs for chronic pain.

There are two remaining information sessions scheduled for women with significant business or technical backgrounds who are interested in ACTiVATE:

Monday, December 10, 2007
6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
Rockville Economic Development Office (REDI)

95 Monroe Street
Rockville, MD 20850


Tuesday, January 8, 2008
6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
Courtyard Room
techcenter@UMBC

1450 South Rolling Road
Baltimore, MD 21227

ACTiVATE classes will be held from 6:30 to 9:00 p.m. on Monday evenings, starting on Feb. 4, 2008.

More information online: www.umbc.edu/activate

About ACTiVATE
The University of Maryland, Baltimore County’s (UMBC) ACTiVATE* is a year-long program to train women with significant technical or business experience to be entrepreneurs and to create start-up companies from inventions from Maryland research institutions and federal agencies. It is funded by the National Science Foundation and the Maryland Technology Development Corporation (TEDCO) and is supported by Constellation Energy, Whiteford, Taylor & Preston and Wachovia Bank. Admission to the program is competitive.

*ACTiVATE – Achieving the Commercialization of Technology in Ventures through Applied Training for Entrepreneurs

Posted by crose

November 27, 2007

Dr. Gene Cohen Explains Why Brains Get Better With Age

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT:
Kavan Peterson
Office: 410-455-1896
Email: kavan@umbc.edu

BALTIMORE -- Contrary to long-held beliefs that brain power inevitably declines as we age, the mind actually experiences a surge of creativity and brain function well into the second half of life, says Dr. Gene Cohen, MD, PhD, who will present his groundbreaking research on “Creativity and Aging” at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC), on December 3.

Sponsored by the Erickson School at UMBC, Cohen will speak at the University Center Ballroom at 10 a.m. Cohen is director of George Washington University’s Center on Aging, Health & Humanities and author of the book The Mature Mind: the Positive Power of the Aging Brain. Drawing on the latest scientific research as well as in-depth interviews with older women and men, Cohen has demonstrated for the first time how there are actually positive changes taking place in our minds as we age.

In his presentation, Cohen, 63, will explore how late-blooming artists such as Grandma Moses, Picasso and Georgia O’Keeffe reached their creative peak late in life. He will explain how the mind gives us “inner pushes” of creativity and positive change throughout adult life.

According to Cohen, not only can older brains produce new brain cells, but the latest research shows that the brain can draw on areas of itself underused in earlier years, compensating for effects of aging. From age 60-80, the brain’s information processing center achieves its greatest density and reach. And the brain has the capacity to “re-sculpt” itself as certain genes are activated by experience as we age.

Cohen is at the forefront of a movement to focus attention on the capacity for positive change and creative expression in the second half of life, rather than on aging as a problem.

About Gene Cohen

Cohen, a graduate of Harvard and Georgetown University medical school, earned a doctorate in gerontology from the Union Institute. He was the first chief of the National Institute of Mental Health’s Center on Aging, and served as acting director of the National Institute on Aging and coordinated Alzheimer’s-disease programs at the US Department of Health and Human Services.

Cohen is founding director the Washington, DC-based think tank Center on Aging, and is past president of the Gerontological Society of America. He now directs George Washington University’s Center on Aging, Health & Humanities. He is also a professor of behavioral sciences and psychiatry at GW.

About the Erickson School

The Erickson School at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County was created with a $5 million commitment from John Erickson, CEO and founder Erickson Retirement Communities, and matching state funds. The School integrates aging, management, and policy in each of its programs, with a strong emphasis on preparing leaders for the 21st century. The School offers credit and non-credit educational programs at the undergraduate, masters, and executive levels.

Posted by kavan

November 26, 2007

Ecologists Remap the Biosphere to Include Humans

No Such Thing as Pristine Nature Any More, Say UMBC, McGill Researchers


Photo Caption: Ecologist Erle Ellis has helped design a new way of mapping the Earth to include human impact.

CONTACT: Chip Rose, UMBC News
410-455-5793
crose@umbc.edu

BALTIMORE and MONTREAL – Pristine wilderness is a thing of the past and it’s time to adjust our vision of the biosphere accordingly, say a team of American and Canadian eco-geographers in new research published today.

Erle Ellis, associate professor of Geography and Environmental Systems at UMBC, and Navin Ramankutty, assistant professor in McGill University’s Department of Geography and Earth System Science Program, used global data from satellites and land management statistics to map a new system of “anthropogenic biomes” or human biomes, that describe the biosphere as it exists today, the result of human shepherding and reshaping of ecosystems. Their map provides a 21st century challenge to the classic images of Earth's wild ecosystems that appear in nearly every ecology and earth science textbook.

Their research will be published in the Nov. 26 issue of the journal Frontiers in Ecology and the Environment together with maps viewable in Google Earth and Google Maps at the Encyclopedia of Earth (a sort of Wikipedia for earth scientists and ecologists) and a printable classroom wall map for use by ecologists, educators and the public.

“The fact that an area is now covered by forests depends more on human decisions than it does on climate” said Ellis, who has studied anthropogenic landscapes in the field across rural China since 1992. He was inspired to investigate human landscapes globally during a research sabbatical at the Department of Global Ecology of the Carnegie Institute of Washington at Stanford University.



Photo Caption: Ellis has studied human biomes in rural China since 1992.

“The classic biomes, such as tropical rainforests or grasslands, were based on differences in vegetation caused by on climate,” said Ellis. “Now that humans have fundamentally altered global patterns of ecosystems and biodiversity, these biomes are rarely present across large areas any more. It is time for our map of the biosphere to reflect this new reality- that nature is now embedded within human systems” said Ellis.

Another key message from Ellis and Ramankutty was that ecologists should turn their focus to the changing ecosystems right underneath their feet. “A section of our paper is entitled ‘ecologists go home,’” said Ramankutty, an expert on global agriculture’s connection to environmental change. “Ecologists go to remote parts of the planet to study pristine ecosystems, but no one studies it in their back yard,” he said.

“We can no longer study ecology while ignoring humans,” Ellis said. “Humans are now as much a part of nature as the weather and human and ecological systems are so intricately linked that focusing just on nature gets in the way of conserving nature for future generations. We need to sustain positive interactions between human systems and ecosystems, not avoid these interactions. Focusing on so-called wilderness areas ignores more than four-fifths of Earth’s ice-free land. Ecologists need to do more research in places where humans live,” said Ellis.

Other key findings of the research:


  • More than three-quarters of our ice-free land surface is human altered. Wildlands cover just 22 percent of ice-free land today, and most of this land is barren and relatively unproductive.

  • Rangelands are the largest anthropogenic biomes, followed by cropland and forested biomes.

  • More than 80 percent of people live in dense settlements and village biomes, though these cover just seven percent of the Earth’s ice-free land surface. Village biomes are about five times as extensive as urban biomes and are home to about a quarter of Earth’s human population.

  • Anthropogenic biomes are mosaics. Instead of distinct vegetation or land-use types, anthropogenic biomes are complex mixtures of different land uses (settlements, crops, pastures, forests) that are classified by degree and type of human influence. For example, village biomes, which are found mostly in Asia and Africa, are crowded networks of towns and rural settlements embedded in intensively managed croplands and rice paddies alongside patches of less disturbed vegetation in hilly areas.


UMBC’s national reputation for excellence in earth and environmental science is growing. According to Thomson Scientific's Science Watch, UMBC's geoscience research ranked third nationally in citation impact for 2001-2005. The only other U.S. universities producing more frequently cited geoscience research papers were Harvard University and the Georgia Institute of Technology.

UMBC ranks third nationally in NASA research funding and is home to two major collaborative NASA earth science research centers and the U.S. Geological Survey’s Maryland/Delaware/D.C. Water Science Center.


Posted by crose

November 19, 2007

UMBC Experts Discuss “Mental Illness and the Campus Community”

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT:
Kavan Peterson
Office: 410-455-1896
Email: kavan@umbc.edu

BALTIMORE -- Faculty and staff experts from the University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC) will discuss “Mental Illness and the Campus Community” at this year’s Mosaic Roundtable, sponsored by the Interdisciplinary Studies (INDS) program. The free, public event will be held Tuesday, November 27, 4-6 p.m. in the University Center Ballroom.

In the wake of Virginia Tech University’s deadly shooting rampage, colleges nationwide have made campus security a top priority and have been reexamining policies dealing with students affected by mental illness.

But some critics at UMBC say that looking at mental health issues in the context of Virginia Tech’s massacre perpetuates a false stigma equating mental illness with violent outbreaks. Instead, college campuses need to encourage open dialogue about the facts of mental illness and the need for increased services for those impacted by depression and mental disorders, said INDS Director Patricia Lanoue.

“Substance abuse, anxiety, depression, mood disorders, and other dimensions of mental illness have been a growing problem on college campuses nationwide,” LaNoue said.

LaNoue called the statistics sobering: 37 percent of college students reported they felt “so depressed it was difficult to function,” in a 2006 National Student Health Survey. Seven percent of college students have been diagnosed with anxiety disorders, according to recent research conducted by UCLA. Suicide is among the top three leading causes of death for people ages 10 to 24 and the average onset age for most severe types of mental illnesses is 18 to 24, according to the National Institute of Mental Health.

In addition, 92 percent of college counseling directors believe that the number of students with severe psychological problems has increased in recent years, according to the National Survey of Counseling Center Directors conducted by the International Association of Counseling Services in 2006. The survey found that 40 percent of students who seek campus counseling services have “severe psychological problems.”

UMBC Counseling Services data indicate that the most common mental health issues reported by UMBC students are anxiety/stress disorders, depression, academic problems, relationship problems and time management problems, said J. Lavelle Ingram, director of University Counseling Services, who will speak at the Mosaic Roundtable about behavioral indicators for mental illness and appropriate responses.

The media plays a large role in promoting inaccurate stigmas and stereotypes of people with mental illness, said Carolyn Tice, an associate dean in UMBC's department of Social Work, who will also speak at the Mosaic Roundtable. Events such as the Virginia Tech massacre often result in media frenzies. Also, a survey conducted for the Screen Actors’ Guild found that characters in prime time television portrayed as having mental illness are depicted as the most dangerous of all demographic groups.

Conversely, research indicates that people with psychiatric disabilities are far more likely to be victims of violent crime than perpetrators. Researchers at North Carolina State University and Duke recently reported that people with severe mental illness – schizophrenia, bipoloar disorder or psychosis – are two and half times more likely to be attacked, raped or mugged than the general population.

“One in three Americans will experience a form of mental disorder at some point in their lives,” LaNoue said. “The Mosaic Roundtable, created to address complex issues from a multidisciplinary perspective, is one way we can contribute to sharing knowledge and provide an opportunity for the campus community and the public to ask questions.”

Also speaking at this event:

Charles Milligan, executive director of the Center for Health Program Development and Management, will discuss patient confidentiality and counselors’ responsibilities in protecting the safety of third parties.

Carlo DiClemente, professor of psychology, will address addictions and the overlap between drinking, drug use and mental illness, as well as how abuse can contribute to emotional programs and mental illness.

For more information, visit www.umbc.edu/mosaic.

###

UMBC is a medium-sized public research university of 12,000 undergraduate and graduate students who collaborate with professors on real-world challenges. Located just south of Baltimore near I-95 and the BWI airport, UMBC's residential campus houses state-of-the-art facilities in the sciences, engineering, arts, social sciences and humanities. UMBC combines the energy of a research university with the close community feel and attention to individual students found in liberal arts colleges.

Posted by kavan

October 26, 2007

UMBC’s ‘ACTiVATE’ Program to Receive National Award, TEDCO Funding

Program Trains Female Entrepreneurs to Take Maryland Universities’ Technologies to Market


CONTACT: Chip Rose, UMBC News
410-455-5793
crose@umbc.edu

ACTiVATE, an innovative program based at UMBC that trains female entrepreneurs to take technologies developed by Maryland universities to market, will receive a national honor and an investment from the state today.

The Association of University Research Parks (AURP) will award its 2007 Innovation Award to ACTiVATE today at the AURP’s national conference in St. Louis. Also today, the Maryland Technology Development Corporation (TEDCO) announced a $50,000 grant to help ACTiVATE continue its mission.

“We are thrilled that UMBC and the ACTiVATE program was recognized by AURP with this year’s Innovation Award,” said Renée Winsky, president and executive director of TEDCO. “The program has proven to be instrumental in growing the number of women entrepreneurs commercializing groundbreaking research being developed in labs throughout the state and starting new businesses. In fact, we are so thrilled with the success of the program that TEDCO is providing a $50,000 grant award to UMBC to expand our continued support of the effort.”

“It is wonderful to have TEDCO support this effective technology entrepreneurship training program,” said Ellen Hemmerly, executive director of the UMBC Research Park Corporation. “ACTiVATE gives opportunities to women who are underrepresented as entrepreneurs while strengthening tech commercialization from Maryland’s research universities.

“AURP’s Innovation Award is a great honor for our program which we believe is well-deserved, since in the past three years, ACTiVATE has trained over 70 women who have formed 12 companies,” Hemmerly said.

Hemmerly is a past president of AURP and was instrumental in the establishment of ACTiVATE. She also recently received the Catonsville Chamber of Commerce’s Business Person of the Year award for her efforts to grow the bwtech@UMBC Research and Technology Park, which includes a high-tech business incubator, accelerator, research park and other UMBC entrepreneurial ventures.

Originally funded with a three-year grant from the National Science Foundation, ACTiVATE’s goal is to form start-up companies based on technologies developed at UMBC, the Johns Hopkins University (JHU), the JHU Applied Physics Laboratory, Towson University, the University of Maryland, Baltimore, the University of Maryland Biotechnology Institute and the University of Maryland College Park. In its first three years, ACTiVATE participants have evaluated 97 technologies from Maryland research institutions and formed 12 new companies.

ACTiVATE was recently cited by the National Science Foundation's 2007 Government Results and Accountability (GRPA) Performance Assessment Report. The annual report highlights best practices and programs from all fields of science and engineering supported by the NSF.

Companies started by recent ACTiVATE alumnae include: EncorePath, built on a unique rehab technology for stroke victims developed by University of Maryland, Baltimore physical therapists; Foligo Therapeutics, which has received significant funding as it focuses on new treatment therapies for ovarian cancer; and Traxion Therapeutics, a biotech firm developing new drugs for chronic pain.

EncorePath recently received $74,345 from TEDCO’s Maryland Technology Transfer Fund (MTTF). EncorePath’s founder and president Kris Appel has won first prize in business plan competitions from the MIT Enterprise Forum of Washington-Baltimore and the Rockville Economic Development, Inc. (REDI).

The ACTiVATE Program is recruiting for its next class beginning in February 2008. Women with substantial business or technical backgrounds interested in applying for the competitive entrepreneurship training program should visit www.umbc.edu/activate for more information.

About ACTiVATE
The University of Maryland, Baltimore County’s (UMBC) ACTiVATE* is a year-long program to train women with significant technical or business experience to be entrepreneurs and to create start-up companies from inventions from Maryland research institutions and federal agencies. It is funded by the National Science Foundation and the Maryland Technology Development Corporation (TEDCO) and is supported by Constellation Energy, Whiteford, Taylor & Preston and Wachovia Bank. Admission to the program is competitive. For additional information about the ACTiVATE program, please see www.umbc.edu/activate.

*ACTiVATE – Achieving the Commercialization of Technology in Ventures through Applied Training for Entrepreneurs

About Maryland TEDCO:
The Maryland Technology Development Corporation (TEDCO), an independent entity, was established by the Maryland General Assembly in 1998 to facilitate the creation of businesses and foster their growth in all regions of the State. TEDCO's role is to be Maryland's leading source of funding for seed capital and entrepreneurial business assistance for technology transfer and development programs. TEDCO connects emerging technology companies with federal laboratories, research universities, business incubators and specialized technical assistance. For the fourth consecutive year, TEDCO was recognized as the most active early/seed stage investor in the nation in the July 2007 issue of Entrepreneur Magazine. For more information on TEDCO and its programs and resources, visit www.MarylandTEDCO.org.

Posted by crose

October 24, 2007

The “Fiscal Wake-Up Tour” Comes to Baltimore for a Town-Hall Meeting on the Nation’s Unsustainable Fiscal Policy

U.S. Comptroller General David Walker will head a public forum on the campus of UMBC featuring federal budget analysts from across the political spectrum.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Wednesday, October 3, 2007

CONTACT
: Kavan Peterson
Office: 410-455-1896
Email: kavan@umbc.edu

BALTIMORE -- On Monday, Oct. 29, U.S. Comptroller General David M. Walker comes to the University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC) for the Maryland stop of the Fiscal Wake-Up Tour, a nationwide series of town hall forums focusing on the threats posed by the nation's long-term fiscal challenges. The event, sponsored by the nonpartisan Concord Coalition, will include a panel of analysts from The Brookings Institution and The Heritage Foundation and will be open to the press and public.

“One thing that Democrats and Republicans can agree on is that our nation's current fiscal policy is not sustainable over the long-term,” said Robert L. Bixby, executive director of The Concord Coalition. According to Bixby:

“Our childrens' economic future is at risk, which is something no one wants. Changing course will require hard choices such as scaling back future entitlement promises, increasing revenues to pay for them, or -- most likely -- a combination of both. Because these choices are politically difficult, the active involvement of the American people is critical. Without greater understanding of the problem among the public, community leaders, business leaders and home state media, elected leaders are unlikely to break out of their comfortable partisan talking points and unlikely to find solutions. That is why we began the nationwide Fiscal Wake-Up Tour. As demonstrated by the recent election result, voters are tired of partisan gridlock. This gives both parties an opportunity and a duty to begin working together on the real problem we face. Ensuring a sound fiscal future for our children should certainly be high on their list.”

David Walker is the nation's top account and head of the GAO (Government Accountability Office), Congress' watchdog agency. He is frequently featured in the national media, most recently on CBS News 60 Minutes and Comedy Central’s Colbert Report, featured below:

What: Public Forum and Reception

Where: Engineering Building, Lecture Hall 5
University of Maryland, Baltimore County
(Click here for directions)

When: Monday, October 29, 2007
5:00 PM Public Forum
6:30 PM Reception

Who: U.S. Comptroller General David M. Walker
Robert L. Bixby, The Concord Coalition
Doug Elmendorf, Brookings Institution
Stuart Butler, Heritage Foundation

For more information call 410-455-2916 or email FiscalWakeUp@umbc.edu.

Panel members will be available to the media before and after the event. For a complete press packet, visit: http://www.concordcoalition.org/events/fiscal-wake-up/press/07-atlanta-pp.html

For information about David Walker's participation, please contact the GAO Office of Public Affairs, 202-512-4800. For information about the forum, please contact Jonathan DeWald, Communications Director of The Concord Coalition, at 888.333.4248 or 703-894-6222.

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About The Concord Coalition

The Concord Coalition is a nonpartisan grassroots organization dedicated to informing the public about the need for generationally responsible fiscal policy

About UMBC

UMBC is a public research university integrating teaching, research, and service to benefit the citizens of Maryland. UMBC provides undergraduate programs in economics and political science and graduate programs in economic policy analysis and public policy. The Sondheim Public Affairs Scholars Program at UMBC supports talented undergraduate students who want to become effective leaders in government, non-profits, corporations and the community.

Posted by kavan

October 15, 2007

"Learn More": Television Ad Campaign Displays Energy Behind UMBC Scholarship and Campus Activity

CONTACT:
Mike Lurie

Office: 410-455-6380
Cellphone: 443-695-0262
mlurie@umbc.edu

Oct. 16, 2007

BALTIMORE -- After welcoming a record 12,000 new and returning students this fall, UMBC plans to build on its success with an advertising campaign that aims to have even more people experience the public research campus.

The campaign, developed by Baltimore marketing and design firm idfive, will launch October 15 with a television ad in the Baltimore and Washington markets. The spot – titled “Learn More” – offers a highly visual 30-second tour showing the surprising range of students, professors, programs and activities on campus. The commercial also uses an animated map to emphasize the campus’s location near BWI airport.

The television ad can be viewed by clicking http://www.idfive.com/clients/umbc/30sec_spot/

“When people visit UMBC, they are amazed by the energy of the campus and the variety of opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students alike,” says Lisa Akchin, associate vice president for marketing and public relations. “The campaign will accelerate this process by bringing the campus to the attention of many more people.”

The new advertising message is part of a three-year, $2.2 million marketing investment made by the university to build undergraduate enrollment and attract more students to professional master’s and certificate programs. The campus, already well-known for its science and engineering programs, especially seeks to build the number of students enrolled in humanities, arts and social sciences programs, says Akchin.

Sean Carton, idfive’s chief strategy officer and a 1990 graduate of UMBC, is especially eager to get the word out that students at the campus get a great education and have fun doing it. “To know UMBC is to love it,” says the former English major turned entrepreneur. “As people learn more about the UMBC experience, they’ll love it too.”


Posted by crose

September 20, 2007

Research Indicates Investing to Reduce Child Poverty Pays Off

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Sept. 20, 2007

CONTACT: Kavan Peterson
Office: 410-455-1896
kavan@umbc.edu

BALTIMORE – Recent research indicating substantial economic benefits from investing in programs to reduce child poverty will be discussed by top policy researchers and child advocates Sept. 21 at the World Trade Center, in a public forum sponsored by the University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC) Department of Public Policy.

The economic circumstances in which children grow up have important effects on their success as adults. Recent research indicates that in addition to being justified on moral grounds, spending to improve the conditions in which poor children are raised provides substantial economic returns to the child and society.

From 8 to 10 a.m. Sept. 21, a panel of public policy researchers and child advocates will discuss this intriguing research and the available evidence regarding the effectiveness of different programs and policies that can improve key elements of a disadvantaged child’s life.

Moderator:
Patrick McCarthy
Vice-President for System and Service Reform, The Annie E. Casey Foundation

Panelists:
Hathaway Ferebee
Executive Director, Baltimore's Safe and Sound Campaign

Harry J. Holzer
Professor of Public Policy, Georgetown University

Marvin B. Mandell
Professor of Public Policy, UMBC

The forum is free and open to the public but advance registration is required. Call 410-455-8193, email policyforum@umbc.edu or visit www.umbc.edu/pubpol/forums.

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About UMBC

The University of Maryland, Baltimore County is a major research university in the Baltimore-Washington area. Its proximity to both federal and state government offices provides an ideal setting for training in a public policy program, internships and employment opportunities.

The Department of Public Policy offers a Master of Public Policy, a Ph.D. degree, and advanced graduate certificates. Our major areas of focus are: health policy; evaluation and analytical techniques; public management; social policy; and urban policy. For more information, visit www.umbc.edu/pubpol or call 410-455-3201.

Posted by kavan

September 19, 2007

Professionals Across Industries Attracted to Unique Masters Degree Program in Aging Services

CONTACT: Kavan Peterson
Phone: 410-455-1896
Email: kavan@umbc.edu

BALTIMORE – The first class of graduate students in the Erickson School’s new Masters in the Management of Aging Services (MAgS)program at UMBC includes professionals as varied as company CEO’s, nursing administrators, retirement community directors, marketing executives, publishers and the executive directors of aging departments in Baltimore City, Harford and Baltimore County.

Unlike any other graduate degree, the MAgS program weaves together disciplines in management, public policy and the study of human aging. Integrating these core disciplines combines skills and knowledge necessary for leaders creating and providing products, services and making policy for older adults, said Erickson School Dean Kevin Eckert.

“From healthcare and housing to finance and development, the Masters in Management of Aging Services is designed specifically to prepare individuals for leadership roles unique to the 21st Century,” Eckert said.

Designed for working professionals, the program is offered in a 15-month executive masters format. The program begins with an intensive one-week session Sept. 23-29, followed by sessions every two to three weekends and concludes with an integrative capstone exercise addressing a relevant issue for each student’s specific organization or agency. The program has attracted 27 students from eight states who will attend as a single cohort and graduate together in December 2008.

With America’s population of 65 and older expected to skyrocket to 77 million by 2030, there will be unprecedented opportunities and challenges to meet the needs of older adults.

"With the launch of the master's program, the Erickson School is positioned to prepare many of the nation's leaders in the aging field," said UMBC President Freeman A. Hrabowski, III.

As part of the school’s mission to change the way society thinks about aging, the master’s program will kick-off with an unconventional course designed around Shakespeare’s tragedy King Lear. The play, about a dying patriarch who tears down his family with him, offers universal insights to the controversies and concepts of aging in our society, says world-renowned geriatrician Dr. Bill Thomas, a professor at the Erickson School and an international authority on geriatric medicine and aging.

“King Lear is a fabulous study for these students because it shows the consequences of failing to understand and appreciate the true nature of old age,” Thomas said in an interview on National Public Radio Sept. 7. “Although it can seem very dramatic and tragic, it’s not far off from what a lot of people experience as they encounter conflict between generations in old age.”

The MAgS program will be lead by a group of nationally recognized scholars and professors specializing in each of the Erickson School’s core disciplines of management, policy and aging. Distinguished faculty include:

• Dr. Bill Thomas, a Harvard-educated physician, international authority on geriatric medicine and eldercare and self-proclaimed “nursing-home abolitionist.”
• Dr. Judah Ronch, a national expert on geriatric mental health issues and a pioneer of reforms in the long-term care and aging services industry.
• Joseph A. Gribbin, Ph.D., an Associate Commissioner on loan from the Social Security Administration (SSA) and expert on the nation’s social insurance programs.
• William E. Fulmer, Ph.D., a national expert on organizational strategy and service excellence, a former senior vice president of the Executive Development Center of the Harvard Business School and former dean of University of Virginia’s Darden Graduate School of Business.

For more information, click here to download the MAgS brochure.

###

About The Erickson School:

The Erickson School grew from a unique partnership between two visionaries, John C. Erickson, Founder and Chairman of Erickson Retirement Communities, and UMBC President Freeman A. Hrabowski, III. They recognized that a public research university with a strong emphasis on public policy— as well as one of the nation’s largest gerontology doctoral programs—was an ideal home for a school intended to touch

every phase of aging in America. Launched with a $5 million gift from the Erickson Foundation, the institution they created integrates aging, management, and policy in each of its programs, with a strong emphasis on preparing leaders for the 21st century. The School offers credit and non-credit educational programs at the undergraduate, masters, and executive levels. Through a federally funded center, the School also conducts intensive research to address the pressing practical and policy issues of our nation’s rapidly growing aging population.

Posted by kavan

September 17, 2007

UMBC Biotech Entrepreneur Paul Silber Named Baltimore’s Extraordinary Tech Advocate for 2007

CONTACT:

Chip Rose, UMBC News
410-455-5793
crose@umbc.edu

Paul Silber, a biotech entrepreneur with roots at UMBC, has been named the 2007 “Baltimore’s Extraordinary Technology Advocate” award winner by the Greater Baltimore Technology Council (GBTC).

Silber is the former President and CEO of In Vitro Technologies (IVT), one of the first companies to start and grow on campus through the UMBC incubator program. In 1990, Silber began IVT as a true, by-the-bootstraps startup in Texas and shortly thereafter moved the operation to UMBC.

IVT has since grown to an international business with over 70 employees and remains the anchor tenant of UMBC’s high-tech business incubator facility, techcenter@UMBC, today. IVT, which provides an alternative to animal testing for biotech, drug and pharmaceutical firms, was sold to Celsis International in 2006 for $30 million but remains a vital part of UMBC and Baltimore’s entrepreneurial community.

"In Vitro Technologies (IVT) truly started it all - bio in Greater Baltimore," said GBTC Executive Director Steve Kozak in a press release. "And Paul Silber has been an active leader, if not THE leader, of this region's biotech community for years. Entrepreneur, mentor, advisor, angel investor - he's been there…for everyone, always, all the time. The GBTC would like to congratulate Paul on this very well-deserved honor. We couldn't have picked a better leader or a better person for this prestigious award."

"Paul Silber has grown In Vitro Technologies from two people in a trailer on the edge of our campus into a global success," said UMBC president Freeman Hrabowski, who is also a past recipient of the BETA award. "Along the way, Paul and IVT have truly helped put UMBC and Baltimore on the world's biotech map.

"Even after achieving so much, Paul and IVT continue to give back to the community by mentoring other entrepreneurs, hiring UMBC graduates and sponsoring blood drives on campus," said Hrabowski. "The entire UMBC family is delighted to congratulate Paul on this well-deserved honor."

Silber will be presented with the BETA Award at the GBTC’s signature annual tech showcase event, TechNite, to be held on Wednesday, October 24, 5:15 - 8:30 p.m., at the Baltimore Convention Center (One West Pratt Street in Downtown Baltimore).

Tickets for TechNite are $155 for GBTC members and $185 for non-members. To register or for more information, contact the GBTC at 410-327-9148 or visit the TechNite website at: www.gbtechcouncil.org/technite2007.

Posted by crose

September 7, 2007

Renowned Geriatricians Using Shakespeare's King Lear to Teach Grad Students in Aging Services

CONTACT: Kavan Peterson
Office: 410-455-1896
Email: kavan@umbc.edu

BALTIMORE – The Shakespeare tragedy of King Lear, a dying patriarch who tears down his family with him, offers universal insights to the controversies and concepts of aging in our society, says world-renowned geriatrician Dr. Bill Thomas, a professor at the Erickson School at UMBC, an honors university in Maryland.

Thomas, a visionary with an international reputation as an authority on geriatric medicine and aging, plans to teach King Lear to graduate students this fall in the Erickson School’s newly-launched master’s program in the Management of Aging Services. Thomas will team-teach the innovative course "Aging 600: Concepts and Controversies in Aging," with Judah Ronch, also a professor at the Erickson School and expert on geriatric mental health.

“King Lear is a fabulous study for these students because it shows the consequences of failing to understand and appreciate the true nature of old age,” Thomas said in an interview on National Public Radio Sept. 7. “Although it can seem very dramatic and tragic, it’s not far off from what a lot of people experience as they encounter conflict between generations in old age.”

Just look at driving, Thomas said.

“All the angst and anger and tribulation in King Lear comes close to what can happen when children try to take the keys away from Mom or Dad,” Thomas said.

Thomas discussed his innovative approach to teaching graduate students in aging services on Baltimore National Public Radio affiliate WYPR 88.1 FM’s “Maryland Morning with Sheilah Kast.” Click here to listen to the interview or click here to read the transcript.

Although unconventional, Thomas said using Shakespeare to launch a graduate program in aging services would help teach students to see old age in a new way.

“We have to teach leaders who are coming up in our field how to see old age as a time of growth and development, which really positions aging services along side education as a field that focuses on human development,” Thomas said.

###

About Dr. Bill Thomas

William H. Thomas, M.D. is a geriatrician and leading authority on the future of aging and longevity. He is founder of the Eden Alternative, a global nonprofit organization, and a professor at the Erickson School at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County. Most recently he developed the Green House, a radically new approach to long term care where nursing homes are torn down and replaced with small, home-like environments where people can live a full and interactive life. In 2005, the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation announced a five-year ten million dollar grant to support the launch of Green House projects in all fifty states. He lives in Ithaca, NY, with his wife, Judith Meyers-Thomas, and their five children.

Posted by kavan

Professor Judah Ronch to Chair Undergraduate Academics at the Erickson School

CONTACT: Kavan Peterson
Office: 410-455-1896
Email: kavan@umbc.edu

BALTIMOREProfessor Judah Ronch is taking the lead in undergrad academics at the Erickson School at UMBC as the newly appointed academic program chair for the undergraduate major in the Management of Aging Services (MAgS).

Ronch will have overall responsibilities for the academic integrity and day-to-day management of the new undergraduate major and will answer directly to the dean. In just its second year, the MAgS undergraduate degree has attracted 54 majors and enrolled more than 170 students in its courses.

“Building an engaging and innovative undergraduate degree program was critical to the successful launch of the Management of Aging Services major,” said Erickson School Dean J. Kevin Eckert. “With his experience as an innovator in the field of aging services, Judah Ronch will help guide the program as it grows to meet the demands in leadership of our aging population.”

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About Judah Ronch

Judah Ronch is a nationally-renowned expert on improving the treatment and mental well-being of elders. Ronch has researched and written extensively on the debilitating effects of dementia and Alzheimer’s Disease and has pioneered major reforms in the long term care industry to improve the mental health of older adults and the working conditions of those who care for them. He most recently served as vice president of Mental Health and Wellness for Erickson Retirement Communities in Baltimore. His numerous publications include the books “Culture Change in Long-term Care,” “Mental Wellness and Aging,” and “Alzheimer’s Disease: A Practical Guide for Those who Help Others.”

Posted by kavan

August 27, 2007

New Book Finds Racial Segregation Persists in East Coast "Megalopolis"

“Liquid City” is the first book to examine the social, economic and demographic changes in one of the largest city regions of the world over the past half century.

CONTACT: Kavan Peterson
Office: 410-455-1896
Email: kavan@umbc.edu

BALTIMORE – Nearly one in six Americans lives in “Megalopolis,” the densely-populated Northeast corridor along I-95 from Boston to Washington, D.C. A new book examining the evolution of the “Main Street of the Nation” finds that high rates of racial segregation have remained a stubbornly solid fact of metropolitan life over the past half century.

In “Liquid City: Megalopolis and the Contemporary Northeast”, University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC) Professor John Rennie Short finds that all racial groups maintained high rates of segregation since 1960 despite massive changes in population growth and distribution.

Most striking are findings that blacks and whites have become much more segregated today than in 1960, “a staggering finding given the decline of many of the formal and explicit practices of racial discrimination,” wrote Short.

Short offers a new analysis of segregation by examining spatial distribution of racial groups down to the county level throughout the Northeast. He found increased segregation between blacks and whites from 1960 to 2000; stable and high levels for whites and Asians, blacks and Asians, and blacks and Hispanics; and a slight decline in segregation levels between whites and Hispanics, likely due to the recent influx of new Hispanic immigrants.

Short examines how racial prejudice and outright housing discrimination helped entrench racial segregation as blacks migrated to Northeastern urban centers and whites fled to the suburbs. Suburbanization of good blue-collar jobs and the deindustrialization of cities created a stark urban underclass which persists today, especially in majority-black cities such as Baltimore, Philadelphia and Washington, D.C.

“Lack of jobs, services and poor education made it increasingly difficult for the next generation living in central city Megalopolis to move up and out, creating funnels of failures that persist today,” Short said.

Geographer Jean Gottman used the term "Megalopolis" to denote the Boston-to-Washington corridor in 1957 in his seminal book, “Megalopolis: The Urbanized Northeastern Seaboard of the United States.” In Liquid City, Short juxtaposes Gottman's work with his own examination of the region's social, economic and demographic evolution. Particularly important is Short's use of the 2000 census data and his discussion of Megalopolis as a source of identity for the area's forty-nine million inhabitants.

The book focuses on five main aspects of change in the region: population redistribution from cities to suburbs; economic restructuring as exemplified by the suburbanization of employment; the role of immigration; patterns of racial/ethnic segregation; and the processes of globalization that have made Megalopolis one of the world's most influential economies.

Liquid City: Megalopolis and the Contemporary Northeast” is published by Resources For the Future Press.

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About the author

John Rennie Short is a professor of Geography and Public Policy at UMBC, where he specializes in urban issues and globalization. He has published twenty-eight books and numerous academic papers and has received research awards from the Environmental Protection Agency, the National Geographic Society, and the Social Science Research Council.

Posted by kavan

August 23, 2007

IBM Award to Help Establish Multicore Supercomputing Center at UMBC

‘Orchestra’ of Powerful Processing Chips Will Drive Geoscience, Medical Imaging, Aerospace and Financial Services Research

CONTACTS:

Chip Rose, UMBC News
410-455-5793
crose@umbc.edu

Jason Stolarczyk, IBM
206-508-4785
jrstolar@us.ibm.com

Photo Caption:
According to UMBC computer scientists Milt Halem (left) and Yelena Yesha (right), the Multicore Computing Center will give UMBC researchers access to some of the world's most powerful information engines.

Note to Media: High-resolution versions of these photos are available for download at http://www.umbc.edu/NewsEvents/PhotoGal/MC2Photos/


BALTIMORE — The University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC) and IBM today announced a new collaboration to create The Multicore Computing Center (MC2), a unique facility that will focus on supercomputing research related to aerospace/defense, financial services, medical imaging and weather/climate change prediction. IBM awarded UMBC a significant gift to support the development of this new center, which researchers describe as an “orchestra” of one of the world’s most powerful supercomputing chips.

The MC2 will bring to UMBC a high-performance computational test laboratory based on the Cell Broadband Engine (Cell/B.E.), jointly developed by IBM, Sony Corp., Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. (SCE) and Toshiba Corp. This ground breaking processor is used in products such as SCE's PlayStation3 and Toshiba's Cell/B.E. Reference Set, a development tool for Cell/B.E. applications, as well as the IBM BladeCenter QS20.

Cells have a wide range of capability – able to serve as engines for image and video-intensive computing tasks like virtual reality, simulations and imaging for aerospace, medicine and defense; high-definition TV and high-speed video for wireless devices; and highly complex physics based computer models to better predict weather, climate change and biochemistry.

Today’s announcement is the latest development in a strong, long-time partnership between IBM and UMBC. IBM employs over 100 UMBC alumni, and UMBC faculty have received numerous IBM research awards and fellowships over the past decade.

The MC2 at UMBC is expected to focus on supercomputing research related to aerospace/defense, financial services, medical imaging and weather/climate change prediction.

One of the challenges for researchers at the MC2 will be making clusters consisting of hundreds of the powerful information engines run effectively together. “Cell processors are groups of eight very fast, independent but simple PC’s with their own tiny memory all on a single chip each with its own leader,” said Milt Halem, director of the MC2 and professor of computer science at UMBC.

“The challenge is choreographing all the chips to work efficiently in parallel. It’s like a distributed orchestra with 224 musicians and 28 conductors connected with head phones trying to play Beethoven’s Fifth Symphony together,” said Halem, who retired in 2002 from NASA Goddard Space Flight Center, where he served as Assistant Director for Information Sciences and Chief Information Officer.

"The Multicore Computing Center highlights UMBC's role as a national leader in information technology research and education, and will contribute to Maryland's economic growth and national security," said Freeman Hrabowski, president of UMBC.

“We are so pleased to become an early adopter of this revolutionary shift in semi-conductor chip design,” Halem said. “UMBC is committed to growing its computational science expertise and hopes this collaboration with IBM will allow the university to become a national leader in the applications of future multicore computers as they grow more massive.”

UMBC is a member of IBM’s Academic Initiative, a program sponsored by IBM to upgrade IT skills for a more competitive workforce. Through the Academic Initiative, IBM works with more than 2,200 institutions, 11,000 faculty members and 650,000 students worldwide to build integrated business, science and technology skills to be applied in today’s global economy.

"The opening of the UMBC Multicore Computer Center is yet another example of how IBM innovations are being used to help further the advancement of research and science that benefits business and our communities," said Rod Adkins, senior vice president of development & manufacturing, IBM Systems & Technology Group. "We are convinced of the endless possibilities that can, and will, emerge from this type of collaborative relationship, and are proud to play a role in the launch of the new information technology research center."

In the future, UMBC and IBM officials plan to collaborate on new interdisciplinary research possibilities in chemistry, mathematics and other fields of engineering and information technology.

The Multicore Computing Center is expected to be installed and operational by fall 2007.

About the College of Engineering and Information Technology at UMBC:

UMBC’s College of Engineering and Information Technology (COE&IT) is focused on becoming a national leader in engineering and IT education, research, entrepreneurship and diversity. According to National Science Foundation data, UMBC consistently ranks among America’s top research universities in undergraduate IT degree production. The College has built a national reputation for increasing IT gender diversity thanks in part to the Center for Women and Information Technology (CWIT), called “the best resource for women on the Web” by ABC News. In 2005, UMBC was honored by the Accredited Board for Engineering and Technology for producing more minority faculty than any other U.S. institution. The College is home to 2200 undergraduates in eight bachelor’s degree programs and nearly 800 graduate students enrolled in nine MS and eight PhD programs. The College’s talented, committed and accessible faculty secure over $13 million in annual research expenditures to advance the frontiers of discovery and innovation and make UMBC a powerful force in engineering and information technology. For more information please visit www.umbc.edu/engineering

About IBM:

For more information about IBM, please visit http://www.ibm.com.

Posted by crose

July 24, 2007

UMBC Energy Economics Expert Invited to Governor’s Summit

Prof. Tim Brennan will sit on the Energy Demand Roundtable to discuss ideas and policies to overcome Maryland’s energy challenges.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: July 24, 2007

CONTACT: Kavan Peterson
Office: 410-455-1896
Email: kavan@umbc.edu

BALTIMORE – University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC) Economics Professor Tim Brennan, a nationally recognized expert on energy economics, will participate in the Governor’s Energy Summit on Wednesday, July 25, in Annapolis, Md.

Called by Gov. Martin O’Malley to spearhead his strategic energy plan, the summit will be 1 to 5 p.m. in the Miller Senate Office Building and will include Gov. O’Malley, and the state's top energy officials.

Brennan will sit on the Energy Demand Roundtable to discuss how best to reduce statewide energy consumption. As the only academic participating, Brennan will provide non-ideological expertise on the economics of energy policy.

“The most important thing that has to happen is to allow consumers to see electricity rates that reflect what electricity really costs, including the overall environmental costs and cost spikes during peak demand times,” such as hot summer afternoons, Brennan said.

Brennan is Professor of Public Policy and Economics at UMBC and a senior fellow at Resources for the Future, a Washington, D.C.-based institute on the environment and energy. Along with electricity markets, his research interests include antitrust, regulatory and environmental economics, telecommunications, intellectual property, and ethics in public policy. Brennan coauthored Alternating Currents: Electricity and Public Policy, which looks at the complex economic and regulatory policy issues raised by the restructuring of the electricity industry. During 1996-97 he was the senior staff economist for regulatory policy for White House Council of Economic Advisers, and during 2006 he held the T.D. MacDonald Chair in Industrial Economics at the Canadian Competition Bureau.

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Posted by kavan

July 19, 2007

UMBC Graduate Student’s Team Wins Top Prize in Global Voting System Design Contest


Punchscan Team Wins $10,000, HP Laptop at “VoComp”


CONTACT: Chip Rose, UMBC News
410-455-5793
crose@umbc.edu

Punchscan, a team including UMBC computer science graduate student Rick Carback, took the grand prize in VoComp, an international voting system design contest held July 16-18 in Portland.

The Punchscan team, which also includes undergraduate and graduate students from George Washington University and the University of Ottawa, received $10,000 donated by voting tech firm Election Systems & Software (ES&S), a laptop computer donated by Hewlett-Packard and other prizes.

Punchscan also took the awards for best presentation, best critique of a competition system, best election technology component and best implementation. The contest was organized by UMBC professor of computer science and information assurance expert Alan Sherman.

Punchscan faced off against teams of researchers from the U.S., Canada, Poland and the U.K. The first-of-its-kind competition was sponsored by the National Science Foundation, ES&S and Hewlett-Packard.

For the complete results and more information about VoComp, please visit www.vocomp.org.

Posted by crose

July 13, 2007

UMBC Student in Global Contest for Most Trustworthy and Accurate Voting System

“VoComp” Offers International Research Teams Over $10,000 in Prizes from Voting & Tech Firms

CONTACT: Chip Rose, UMBC News
410-455-5793
crose@umbc.edu

PORTLAND, Oregon – Four teams of researchers from the U.S., Canada, Poland and the U.K. face off July 16-18 at the Portland Hilton in the finals of the VoComp University Voting Systems Competition, a global search to make voting machine technologies more trustworthy and accurate. The first-of-its-kind competition is sponsored by the National Science Foundation, the voting technology company Elections Systems & Software (ES&S) and Hewlett-Packard (HP). The winning team will receive a $10,000 grand prize provided by ES&S along with other prizes from HP.

UMBC computer science graduate student Rick Carback is a member of Punchscan (www.punchscan.org), a team that also includes members from George Washington University and the University of Ottawa. Oregon Secretary of State Bill Bradbury will give introductory remarks at VoComp and will invite attendees at the National Association of Secretaries of States annual summer meeting (held at the same venue) to visit the competition.

VoComp marks the first time a major voting company has supported this type of open-ended academic research. “VoComp is stimulating innovation and student involvement in the technology of democracy.” said Alan Sherman, a professor of computer science at UMBC and the organizer of VoComp.

In the spirit of transparent democracy, each of the four finalist voting systems is open-source, meaning the computer code is published and thus able to be verified as secure and improved upon, similar to the popular grassroots computer operating system Linux.

“This is something that has been called for by many but not realized until now,” Sherman said. “The competition framework also serves to demonstrate what may be a better way to vet and choose voting systems,” said Sherman, who also teaches a course on electronic voting systems.

At the competition finals, each team will carry out a mock election and critique the other systems in front of the judges. All sessions are free and open to the public.

Three of the VoComp systems are based on a new, end-to-end (e2e) secure technology, which enables each voter to verify that his or her vote was correctly recorded and tabulated. This new technology promises to increase assurance in voting results compared to popular paper trail technologies such as precinct-count optical scan.

The VoComp conference will also offer the introductions of several other new voting technologies from some of the top academic and corporate researchers in the field. For more info please visit www.vocomp.org.

Posted by crose

July 12, 2007

UMBC IT Enrollments on Rebound

Outreach Efforts to High School Students, Counselors Have Fall
Enrollments Up for Freshmen & Females


CONTACT: Chip Rose, UMBC News
410-455-5793
crose@umbc.edu

Undergraduate enrollments in UMBC's Department of Information Systems (IS) are on the upswing for fall 2007, particularly among young women. The enrollment increase is a positive sign in light of a recent national decline in college students entering information technology majors and is partly due to the department’s efforts to educate high school students and counselors about the various IT disciplines of study, the truth about outsourcing and the improved job market for IT majors.

Nationwide, newly declared computer science majors plummeted to 8,000 in the fall of 2006, from 16,000 in 2000, according to the Computing Research Association. According to UMBC IS department figures, the fall 2007 semester will bring a 40 percent increase in new freshmen (41 enrollments) over the department’s previous four-year average (28).

Equally noteworthy is the fact that the department’s fall freshman class will comprise 41 percent women up from a 23 percent average over the previous four years. In an industry that is still typically dominated by men, the number of women enrolling as first year students in UMBC IS programs is up approximately 150 percent from the past four years.

UMBC is one of the largest producers of undergraduate IT degrees in the nation, according to the U.S. Deptartment of Education’s National Center for Education Statistics.

Historically, UMBC’s Center for Women and Information Technology (CWIT) has worked to close the IT gender gap through education and outreach efforts. One of CWIT’s primary goals has been to encourage more women and girls to prepare for careers and become leaders in information technology.

Andrew Sears, chair of information systems at UMBC, believes the enrollment jump is due in part to his department’s advocacy and outreach initiatives over the past two years. Many universities and companies have been working to get the message out that IT industry demand for skilled graduates has rebounded strongly from the dot-com crash and economic downturn of the 90’s. A recent American Electronics Association report said the U.S. technology industry added 150,000 jobs in 2006 and starting salaries for new college graduate with computing degrees average about $52,000 a year.

“We believe there is a serious disconnect between the reality of today’s strong job market for information tech majors and the perceptions of many high school counselors, educators and the families of would-be IT students, so we’ve been working hard to reach them,” said Sears.

“This year’s fall enrollments in our B.S. in Information Systems and B.A. in Business Technology Administration programs combined are encouraging and nearly equal our 2002 high water mark, so we are hopeful that the message is getting through,” said Sears.

UMBC’s Information Systems department has embraced a proactive, grass-roots approach to IT education advocacy. “We felt it was important to talk with high school education professionals about what IT is really all about, the number and variety of jobs that are available and how our degrees prepare students for these exciting opportunities,” said Sears. “In the last two years we have devoted departmental energies and resources not to hype IT, but to share facts.”

The IS department held its first “IT Discovery Event” in 2006, where high school career and college counselors and technology education leaders were invited to a half-day seminar covering topics like the difference between information systems and computer science and the IT job growth projections and variety of career options in the industry. Nearly 50 high school counselors from the Baltimore/DC region attended and more than one-third expressed interest in scheduling separate group visits to the IS department for their students. The department also has had representatives invited to events that, in the past, were reserved for college admissions professionals to talk about IT curricula and job prospects.

Sears defines his department’s hands-on approach pretty simply. “No one can tell our story like we do,” he said. “Our goal is to get the facts into the hands of guidance and career counselors, prospective students, and the parents of these students. This will help them better understand the vast array of opportunities that are available, the skills that they really need to succeed and the fact that an IT career is much more than sitting in front of a computer all day.”

Posted by crose

June 25, 2007

Two UMBC Students Receive Prestigious NSF Graduate Research Fellowships

Columbia Natives Patricia Ordóñez, Jason Reid to Pursue Ph.D.s at UMBC, MIT

CONTACT: Chip Rose, UMBC News
410-455-5793
crose@umbc.edu
Note to Editors: Click on photos below to view or download high-resolution version of image.



BALTIMORE — Patricia Ordóñez, a UMBC second year graduate student, and Jason Reid, a UMBC class of 2007 graduate, both from Columbia, MD, have received National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowships (NSFGRF), which are among the most competitive and prestigious academic awards for American college students as they begin graduate studies. Both students are products of UMBC’s College of Engineering and Information Technology.

The NSFGRF is a three-year award that funds tuition and an annual stipend to support graduate studies for students showing the potential to contribute significantly to research, teaching and innovations in science and engineering. About 1,000 were awarded across the U.S. this year.

Ordóñez, who received a B.A. in Hispanic and Italian Studies in 1989 from Johns Hopkins University, began to pursue her career in computer science attending UMBC part-time in the fall of 2001. She was admitted to the graduate school full-time in the fall of 2005 and will remain at UMBC to pursue a Ph.D. in her field as well as continue research developing medical applications using pervasive computing to help personalize operating rooms for patients and surgeons.

“I would be crazy to leave such an encouraging and supportive environment,” she said. “I love being somewhere where the president of the university greets you as he walks by and takes a personal interest in the students.”

Reid, who received a B.S. in mechanical engineering, will attend the Massachusetts Institute of Technology to pursue an M.S./Ph.D. in mechanical engineering and conduct research in the use of robotics to accelerate rehabilitation in stroke and spinal cord injury patients.

“The NSF award is great because you can work on pretty much anything that interests you,” said Reid. “While I look forward to embarking on the new experiences and challenges of the future, I will always appreciate my time spent at UMBC.”

A Meyerhoff Scholar, Reid also received a Society of Automotive Engineers Scholarship, the UMBC Mechanical Engineering Alumni Award and the Hillel of Greater Baltimore President’s Award. Reid’s winning research proposal for the NSFGRF came from his work in the lab of UMBC mechanical engineering professor Dwayne Arola, with whom he studied ways to improve dental tools and practices for senior citizen patients as the enamel of their teeth grows brittle with age.

For Ordóñez, the award makes her doctoral dreams obtainable. “Without it I think I would have settled for the masters rather than the PhD because I am 40 years old and have the financial responsibilities of a 40-year-old,” she said. “Now I have the financial support I need to focus solely on my research.”

Ordóñez, part of the UMBC computer science and electrical engineering department’s eBiquity Research Group, thanked UMBC faculty members Anupam Joshi, Marie desJardins, Renetta Tull, Tim Finin, Penny Rheingans, Janet Rutledge, Charles Nicholas, Krishna Sivalingam, and Marc Olano for supporting her in her graduate studies and Shon Vick in her undergraduate studies.

Posted by crose

June 15, 2007

Retirement Living TV-Funded, UMBC-Produced Digital Storytelling Project Wins Bronze Telly Award for Outstanding Video Production

Collaborative Project Involves Charlestown Retirees and UMBC Students






CONTACT:
Mike Lurie

Office: 410-455-6380
Cellphone: 443-695-0262
mlurie@umbc.edu

COLUMBIA, MD - A pioneering and unique Digital Storytelling Project funded by Retirement Living TV (RLTV) has won a Bronze Telly Award. The prestigious Telly Award cites the Digital Storytelling Project as being among the world's best in local, regional, and cable television commercials and programs, as well as among the finest in video and film production. This year's Telly Awards received over 13,000 entries from all 50 states and 5 continents.

The Digital Storytelling Project combines the efforts of RLTV (http://rl.tv/ ), UMBC and Charlestown Retirement Community. It partners a UMBC undergraduate student (hands-on with the media technology) with a Charlestown resident (autobiographical story and narrative) to produce 2-3 minute video stories. Drawn from the life experiences of the residents, the stories combine narration, animation and photography.

The award-winning digital stories can be viewed at:
www.umbc.edu/oit/newmedia/studio/digitalstories/ctds.php?movie=CT_digitalstoriesatCT.flv

or at www.rl.tv/Community/Digital Stories

The Digital Storytelling Project is the nation's first three-way partnership between a media company, a university and a retirement community. UMBC students team with Charlestown residents to create a series of 17 digital stories and music in short movies to be shared with others.

Charlestown residents work closely with student partners, acting as author and creative director of their individual story. Each student brings their own style and talents to the project, helping to create some unique examples of intergenerational storytelling. The project is organized and supervised by UMBC's New Media Studio.

"We are honored that the television industry has recognized the hard work that went into producing these fascinating digital stories," said Brad Knight, president of RLTV. "The digital stories are reality TV at its finest. They provide a rich, intergenerational experience for Charlestown residents and UMBC students.

"Winning an award like the Telly is significant in that it acknowledges that stories drawn from the life experiences of retirees with a wider audience," said Knight. "It is also gratifying that the award recognizes the entire collection of work from the Charlestown project. It is very much a group process and every story enriched the experience."

Retirement Living TV, a cable network dedicated to informing, involving and inspiring people aged 55 and over, was launched in September 2006. RLTV is comprised of shows covering topics including health, lifestyle, finance and politics. The Retirement Living TV network roots are in Erickson Retirement Communities, the National Institutes of Health, non-profit research foundations, the Erickson School of Aging Studies and leading gerontologists across the country. RLTV is committed to changing the perception on aging, and strives to develop innovative and entertaining television for a mature viewing audience. For more information, visit http://www.rl.tv/.

Posted by crose

June 5, 2007

Health Crisis Brewing In Overcrowded ER’s

Experts discuss strategies to relieve strain on Maryland emergency rooms

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: June 5, 2007

CONTACT: Kavan Peterson
Office: 410-455-1896
kavan@umbc.edu

BALTIMORE – Solutions for improving delivery of hospital emergency room services and reducing bottlenecks that cause long waits for emergency care will be debated by public policy and health experts Thursday, June 7 at the World Trade Center, in a public forum sponsored by the University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC) Department of Public Policy and the Center for Health Program Development and Management (CHPDM).

As bed supply has decreased and uninsured patients increasingly look to emergency rooms for non-emergency care, emergency departments in Maryland and around the nation are becoming more and more crowded. Some experts characterize the situation as a health care crisis.

“Emergency departments in hospitals are stretched to the breaking point, threatening a critical part of our health-care safety net,” said UMBC Public Policy Professor Nancy Miller, who will moderate the forum “The Impact of Emergency Department Use on the Health Care System in Maryland.” The forum will be from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. at the World Trade Center, Baltimore, in the Constellation Room on the 21st Floor.

Recent national reports have concluded that America’s hospital-based emergency care system is on the verge of collapse at a time when one-in-three Americans visit emergency rooms every year. Seriously ill people often wait hours to receive critical care and can wait up to two days to be admitted to a hospital bed, according to reports by the Institute of Medicine.

The strain on emergency services is especially severe in Maryland. A report released in December by the Maryland Health Care Commission found that visits to Maryland emergency departments increased 18 percent between 2000 and 2003, compared to a 9 percent increase observed nationwide.

Healthcare experts are calling for system-wide reforms, without which they warn emergency care systems will be unable to manage day-to-day emergencies, let alone large disasters or epidemics.

Attend this forum to join in a discussion with health and public policy experts about strategies to improve the delivery of emergency room services. Panelists include:
• Pamela W. Barclay, Director, Center for Hospital Services, Maryland Health Care Commission.
• Linda DeFeo, Emergency Department Administrative Consultant.
• Deborah E. Trautman, Director of Nursing for Emergency Medicine, The Johns Hopkins Hospital and Interim Vice President of Patient Services, Howard County General Hospital.
• Maryland Delegate Dan K. Morhaim from Baltimore County.


###

About UMBC

The University of Maryland, Baltimore County is a major research university in the Baltimore-Washington area. Its proximity to both federal and state government offices provides an ideal setting for training in a public policy program, internships and employment opportunities.

The Department of Public Policy offers a Master of Public Policy, a Ph.D. degree, and advanced graduate certificates. Our major areas of focus are: health policy; evaluation and analytical techniques; public management; social policy; and urban policy. For more information, visit www.umbc.edu/pubpol or call 410-455-3201.

The Center for Health Program Development and Management, located at UMBC, works with public agencies and nonprofit community-based agencies in Maryland and elsewhere to improve the health and social outcomes of vulnerable populations in a manner that maximizes the impact of available resources. For more information, visit www.chpdm.org or call 410-455-6854.

Posted by kavan

May 29, 2007

UMBC/NASA Study Shows Increasing Snowmelt in Greenland

New Area the Size of Maryland Starts to Melt Each Year; Long-term Satellite Data Showed First-Ever High Altitude Melting in 2002

CONTACT: Chip Rose, UMBC News
410-455-5793
crose@umbc.edu

Some sobering findings on the extent of Greenland's melting ice sheets were published today as part of a long-term study of earth observing satellites’ data by researchers with the University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC) and NASA-Goddard Space Flight Center.

Marco Tedesco, a scientist at the Joint Center for Earth Systems Technology (JCET) of UMBC and NASA-Goddard Space Flight Center, was lead author of a study published in the American Geophysical Union's journal Eos. By using a new method for detecting melting snow from satellites, Tedesco found that in 2006 Greenland experienced more days of melting snow and at higher altitudes than the previous trends from the past 18 years.

Tedesco used a new method for detecting melting snow based on readings from the Special Sensor Microwave Imaging radiometer (SSM/I), an instrument aboard the U.S. Air Force’s Defense Meteorological Satellite Program spacecraft. The SSM/I can see through clouds and can measure data without sunlight. Tedesco has tracked the data annually since 1988, allowing him to study big-picture trends in the duration and extent of Greenland's snowmelt.

Certain areas of Greenland were melting over 10 days longer than average in 2006. Greenland’s 2006 melt index, or the number of melting days times the melting area, continued on an upward trend seen in data from 1988 to 2005.

Results from another study by Tedesco published on Geophysical Research Letters on January 2007 show that the year 2002 showed signs of extreme melting. “We identified an extreme melting event in June 2002 that showed for the first time in 18 years snow melting in inner Greenland at high altitudes,” said Tedesco.

“During the same year, over 80 percent of the entire Greenland ice sheet surface experienced at least one day of melting. This corresponds to an area the size of France, Spain and Italy put together,” he said. The area experiencing at least one day of melting has been increasing since 1992 at a rate of 35,000 square kilometers per year, or about two percent of the entire Greenland surface. “That means that, on the average, every year since 1992 an area equivalent to the state of Maryland has been subject to new melting,” Tedesco said.

Left: UMBC JCET Researcher Marco Tedesco

According to Tedesco, tracking melting snow in Greenland, which contains enough water to raise global sea level by approximately 7 meters, is important for several reasons. “Although wet and dry snow look similar, they absorb sun’s radiation in a different way, with melting snow absorbing three to four times as much energy as dry snow, greatly affecting Earth’s energy budget,” said Tedesco.

“Also, melting snow produces liquid water that will seep down to the interface of ice and bedrock, lubricating the ice sheet and increasing the speed with which ice moves,” Tedesco said. “This means that ice might react to a warm climate faster than thought, contributing more rapidly to sea level than previously thought.”

Posted by crose

May 16, 2007

President Hrabowski Featured on Cover of The Presidency, the ACE Magazine for Higher Education Leaders


CONTACT:
Mike Lurie

Office: 410-455-6380
Cellphone: 443-695-0262
mlurie@umbc.edu


BALTIMORE – UMBC President Freeman A. Hrabowski, who delivered the keynote address at the American Council on Education (ACE) 2007 Annual Meeting, is pictured on the cover of the spring 2007 issue of The Presidency, ACE’s magazine for higher education leaders.

In an entry titled, “The Access Imperative,” President Hrabowski discusses how higher education “can ensure that students from all backgrounds (can) not only enroll in college, but also excel. The president of the University of Maryland, Baltimore County says finding answers to this question are imperative for our nation.”

The higher education community considers the annual ACE keynote address, known as the Robert H. Atwell Lecture, to be one of the year’s most important public speaking events.

For a photo reproduction of the The Presidency, a synopsis of President Hrabowski’s address and information on how to acquire this issue of the magazine, see http://www.acenet.edu/Content/NavigationMenu/Presidency/S07_Hrabowski.htm.

The article is adapted from President Hrabowski’s address, which he delivered on Feb. 11, 2007. The address can be read at http://www.umbc.edu/aboutumbc/president/access_imperative.html.

Posted by crose

President Hrabowski to Deliver Commencement Address at Wheaton College; Will Receive Honorary Degrees from Wheaton, Haverford College

CONTACT:
Mike Lurie

Office: 410-455-6380
Cellphone: 443-695-0262
mlurie@umbc.edu


BALTIMORE – UMBC President Freeman A. Hrabowski will address the Class of 2007 during Commencement exercises at Wheaton College in Norton, Mass., at 10 a.m. Saturday, May 19.

Joining President Hrabowski on the dais will be honorary degree recipients Deborah Bial, president and founder of the Posse Foundation; Robert Herbert, op-ed columnist for The New York Times; and Kathleen O'Donnell, a Massachusetts attorney and member of the Class of 1977. President Hrabowski will also receive an honorary degree (Doctor of Letters).

President Hrabowski will receive an honorary degree from Haverford College in Haverford, Pa., during its Commencement exercises at 10 a.m. Sunday, May 20. The college awards four honorary degrees each year “to men and women who have distinguished themselves in letters, the sciences, or the arts. Many recipients are noted for their contributions to the overall betterment of humankind and/or Haverford College.”

For more information regarding President Hrabowski’s address to the Class of 2007 at Wheaton College, see http://www.wheatoncollege.edu/news/pr20070124a.html.

For more information regarding President Hrabowski’s honorary degree from Haverford College, see http://www.haverford.edu/commencement/main.htm#honorary_degree_recipients.

President Hrabowski will address the Class of 2007 during undergraduate Commencement exercises at California State University, Los Angeles at 8 a.m. (PDT) Saturday, June 9.

Posted by crose

May 10, 2007

Antidepressants Study by Public Policy Professor Dave Marcotte Featured in The Atlantic

Study finds suicide rates fall significantly within countries as antidepressant sales increase.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT:
Kavan Peterson
Office: 410-455-1896
kavan@umbc.edu

BALTIMORE – An innovative study on the impact of antidepressants on suicide rates co-authored by Associate Professor Dave Marcotte of the University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC) is featured in the June issue of The Atlantic.

Marcotte’s research examined the effects of antidepressants on suicide mortality rates in 26 countries over 25 years. The largest-ever study of international patterns of suicide and antidepressant therapy found a significant decline in suicide deaths in countries with the fastest growth in sales of antidepressants called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), which include Prozac, Paxil and Zoloft.

According to the study Anti-depressants and Suicide, an increase of one pill per capita (about a 12 percent increase over sales in 2000) results in a 5 percent drop in suicide deaths. The study concludes that expanding access to treatment and SSRIs is a more cost-effective method to limit suicide mortality than many other public-health interventions.

The study follows a series of recent government warnings that question the safety of SSRIs, which are among the most widely prescribed medications in the world. Since 2004, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has required “black box” warning labels on antidepressants saying they may increase the risk of suicidal thoughts and behavior in children and adolescents. These warnings were just updated on May 2, 2007.

However, Marcotte and his co-authors argue that randomized clinical trials – which are the basis for the FDA’s findings – have produced conflicting findings over whether SSRIs impact suicide rates. Such trials are a poor way to examine the impact of SSRIs on suicide rates because the samples are too small to yield statistically significant results and “exclude those at highest risk for suicide,” the study found.

“The inability of clinical trials to resolve this question, and the FDA warnings have created intense controversy within medicine. Analyses like ours are the most promising way to shed light on a question of immense importance,” said Marcotte, an associate professor of public policy and researcher at the Maryland Institute for Policy Analysis and Research (MIPAR) at UMBC.

The study, which was co-authored by Jens Ludwig of Georgetown University and Karen Norberg of the Washington University School of Medicine, was first released by the National Bureau of Economic Research in February.

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Posted by kavan

May 7, 2007

Sophomore Wins National Essay Contest on Health Care Policy

Political Science major analyzes health care as issue for 2008 presidential race

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Kavan Peterson

Office: 410-455-1896
kavan@umbc.edu


Shane Spencer
Sophomore, Political Science

BALTIMORE – The University of Maryland, Baltimore County's (UMBC) Department of Political Science is pleased to announce that sophomore Shane Spencer won first place in the national KaiserEDU.org 2007 Student Essay Contest in the undergraduate category.

Spencer, a Sondheim Public Affairs Scholars majoring in political science and media and communications studies, tied for first place out of a field of more than 60 undergraduate student entries in the health policy essay competition sponsored by the nonprofit Henry J. Kaiser Family Foundation. KaiserEDU.org is a project of the foundation designed to provide students and faculty interested online access to data, research, analysis and developments in health policy.

Click here to read Spencer’s essay “The Dark Horse’s Preventative Approach,” which outlines a health care policy platform for a hypothetical presidential candidate. The first place prize is $1,000.

“We received essays from students enrolled in a broad range of disciplines from universities across the United States,” said Drew E. Altman, president of the Kaiser Family Foundation. “Within this competitive pool (Spencer’s) essay detailing the Dark Horse’s Plan stood out as exceptionally insightful, thorough, and well-researched.”

More than 250 undergraduate and graduate students submitted essays to the 2007 KaiserEDU.org essay contest. Essays were judged by a panel of professionals, including Michael McCurry and Scott McClellan, former White House press secretaries, Judy Feder, dean of the Georgetown Public Policy Institute and Diane Rowland, executive vice president of the Kaiser Family Foundation.

###

Shane Spencer
As part of the Sondheim Scholars program Shane volunteered weekly during her freshman year at My Sister's Place, a women's day shelter in Baltimore City. Shane also ran in the 2006 Baltimore and 2007 Virginia Beach marathons. Shane will be interning with a federal agency this summer and then will study abroad in Copenhagen, Denmark in the fall of 2007. After graduation in May 2009, Shane plans to go to law or graduate school and work in administration or urban planning.

Sondheim Public Affairs Scholars Program at UMBC
The Sondheim Public Affairs Scholars Program supports a diverse pool of talented undergraduates to become effective leaders in government, non-profits, corporations and the community.

Posted by kavan

May 2, 2007

Paramedics and Emergency Responders Nationwide Holding Inaugural Critical Care Transport Symposium

Three-day event focused on latest techniques and technologies for transporting the critically injured by ambulance, helicopter or planes.

CONTACT:
Kavan Peterson

Office: 410-455-1896
Cellphone: 443-739-3052
kavan@umbc.edu

BALTIMORE – Dozens of Emergency Medical Technicians Paramedics (EMT-P), nurses, physicians and ambulance and medevac flight crews from around the country will descend on the University of Maryland, Baltimore County’s (UMBC) campus May 5-7 to attend the inaugural Critical Care Transport Symposium hosted by UMBC's Department of Emergency Health Services.

The conference will focus on the treatment of critically ill or injured patients while in transit by ambulance, helicopter or airplane. Sessions on Saturday and Sunday will focus on adult patients and the latest technologies and treatments for heart attacks, head trauma, massive blood loss and other conditions. Monday’s sessions will focus on pediatric and neonatal issues, such as pain medication use on children and fetal monitoring during transport. The symposium will be held at UMBC’s Technology Research Center (Located south of the campus circle -- click here for a map and directions).

Advances in treatments and technologies for transporting the critically injured are important because victims of crashes and other traumatic injuries face the highest risk of death while in transit to a hospital, said Crista Lenk Stathers, a medevac paramedic in Baltimore and Pennsylvania and Director of Professional and Continuing Education for UMBC’s Department of Emergency Health Services (EHS).

“It’s exactly at the point when we get the patient stabilized and into an aircraft or ambulance and take off that the patient decides to take a downward spiral and crash,” Stathers said.

Featured on Saturday will be a demonstration of the new Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) infant transfer device. The Baby Pod II, created by CooperSurgical, provides a temperature-stable and shock-absorbent environment for infant transport. Stathers is one of the many medevac crews to use the Baby Pod II to transport infants to and from the various pediatric facilities throughout Maryland, Delaware, Pennsylvania and Washington, DC.

Other topics covered will be the latest treatments for heart attacks, containment of infectious diseases, missed trauma injuries and new mobile Ventricular Assist Devices (VADs) to keep the heart pumping during transport. Speakers include specialists from the Brain Trauma Center, Johns Hopkins Hospital and Washington Medical Center. For a detailed schedule and to register contact Kavan Peterson: 410-455-1896 or kavan@umbc.edu.

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About the Department of Emergency Health Services
UMBC’s Department of Emergency Health Services is the country’s largest and most experienced program offering undergraduate and graduate education in emergency health, disaster response, counterterrorism, public health and other public emergency response services. It is also the nation’s largest provider of professional and continuing education for emergency medical professionals, providing certification through 44 universities nationwide.

Posted by kavan

April 3, 2007

UMBC’s Isaac Matthews Named Arthur Ashe Jr. 2007 Sports Scholar by Diverse: Issues in Higher Education Magazine

Meyerhoff Scholar Mechanical Engineering Major Honored for Balancing Academics, Athletics and Leadership

CONTACT: Chip Rose, UMBC News
Office: 410-455-5793
Cellphone: 443-690-0307
crose@umbc.edu

Isaac Matthews
, a senior mechanical engineering major and a four-year track and field letterman at UMBC, has been named the 2007 “Arthur Ashe Jr. Male Sports Scholar of the Year.” The national honor places him on the cover of the April 5 Diverse: Issues in Higher Education magazine.

Matthews, a native of Oxon Hill, MD, and a graduate of Oxon Hill High School, is a Meyerhoff Scholar at UMBC with a 3.88 G.P.A. He serves as treasurer for UMBC's chapter of the National Society of Black Engineers and gives motivational talks to NASA Sharp students. He is well known on campus as a dedicated mentor and tutor to young African-American middle and high school students and as an accomplished cello player.

Matthews will graduate in May with a bachelor of science in mechanical engineering and has already been accepted to several prestigious engineering graduate programs including MIT, Stanford, Carnegie Mellon, Georgia Tech, Michigan and Illinois.

In the Diverse cover story, he discussed his lifelong quest to shatter stereotypes about black students and the challenges of mentoring the younger generation. “There are more black doctors than there are basketball players, but you don’t see the image… As the numbers increase, as you have more black engineers, professors, that image can be defeated by the numbers,” said Matthews.

LaMont Toliver, director of the Meyerhoff program at UMBC, described Matthews in the Diverse profile as “the prototype for a scholar-athlete… with the potential to be the Paul Robeson of our time. He’s that well rounded.”

David Bobb, head track and field coach at UMBC, said in the same story that Matthews “epitomizes the student-athlete because he always puts academics first.” Matthews’ athletic achievements include finishing seventh in the 2005 America East Indoor Championships 800-meter run, placing eighth in the 2004 America East Outdoor Championships and being named a Toyota Athlete of the Week in 2003.

The Arthur Ashe Jr. Sports Scholars awards are given annually by Diverse: Issues in Education magazine to the female and male athletes in America who best combine athletic and academic excellence with community activism. To be included, students have to compete in an intercollegiate sport; maintain a cumulative grade-point average of at least 3.2; and be active on their campuses or in their communities. The magazine also ranks teams from around the U.S. in different sports based on their collective GPAs.

Matthews shares the cover of the April 5 issue of Diverse with women’s winner DeCarol Davis, a basketball player with the U.S. Coast Guard Academy. For more information on the awards, visit www.diverseeducation.com.

Posted by crose

March 30, 2007

UMBC Public Policy Professor Don Norris Invited to Testify at Congressional Hearing

Norris called as expert witness on voting security

CONTACT:
Kavan Peterson

Office: 410-455-1896
Cellphone: 443-739-3052
kavan@umbc.edu

BALTIMORE -- Dr. Donald Norris, professor of public policy and director of the Maryland Institute for Policy Analysis and Research (MIPAR) at UMBC, testified March 23 in a hearing for the House of Representatives Subcommittee on Elections on the Voter Confidence and Increased Accessibility Act of 2007.

The bill, H.R. 811, would require all states to bring back paper ballots as the official record in elections. Click here to read a transcript of Norris' testimony.

MIPAR serves as UMBC’s premier center for applied scholarly research on significant issues of public policy and links the analytical resources of the University with public policy makers in the state and region.

Norris has been the director of MIPAR since 1989. He also directs the National Center for the Study of Elections (NCSE) within MIPAR, which focuses on issues involving election administration, election technologies and related matters. He holds a master’s degree and Ph.D. in Government from the University of Virginia. He is a specialist in public management, urban affairs and the application, management and impacts of information technology in public organizations.

Posted by kavan

March 27, 2007

Virtual Middle School Girl 'Jennifer Webb' to Headline Computer Mania Day, May 5 at UMBC

Actors, Animators to Bring Digital Role Model to Life for Hundreds of Middle School Girls, Parents, in Day of Hands-on, High-Tech Fun

Middle school girls of Maryland, the star of the show is a digital version of you!

Jennifer Webb is her name and even though she is a 3-D, digitally animated puppet, she can flip her ponytail, IM, download and prepare for a career in computer technology. In fact she is just like the hundreds of middle school girls from around the state who will be able to interact with her live at Computer Mania Day at UMBC on Saturday, May 5 from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

Computer Mania Day is an annual day of free, hands-on, high-tech, fun activities for adults and kids sponsored by UMBC’s Center for Women and Information Technology (CWIT). The half-day event helps to get girls interested in technology and computing careers while helping parents and teachers learn how to help prepare their kids for college and technical careers and keep them safe online. While boys are welcome, the focus is on girls because of their continuing under-representation in engineering and information technology fields.

While fashion designers, astronauts, and journalists have been celebrity keynote speakers at past Computer Mania Days, this year the program decided to take a cue from UMBC’s Imaging Research Center (IRC). The IRC recently combined their computer animation and digital puppetry skills with the wit and pen of former Baltimore Sun and current Economist magazine political cartoonist Kevin “KAL” Kallaugher to transform his drawings of President George W. Bush into 3-D, interactive, English-mangling life.

IRC faculty and student animators led by visual arts professor/filmmaker Lee Boot will team with faculty and student puppeteers and actors led by theatre professor/master puppeteer Collette Searls to make Jennifer Webb come alive. The development team will study videotape of middle school girls from previous Computer Mania Day events to get the slang, mannerisms and fashions of their target audience down pat.

“Jennifer Webb represents cutting edge technology that can figuratively and literally talk to girls to get the message across that technology is fun,” said Claudia Morrell, director of CWIT.

Jennifer Webb will address and take questions from a panel of business leaders representing Northrop Grumman, AT&T, and Dell as well as attendees at 10:30 a.m. in the UMBC Retriever Activities Center. Later in the day, animators will discuss how bringing Jennifer Webb to life taught real-world lessons with a panel discussion, behind-the-scenes video, and for a few lucky girls, a chance to make the puppet come to life!

Research shows that the information technology (IT) gender gap opens as early as the middle school years, when girls are most image-conscious and do not want to be labeled as “geeks” or “nerds.” Girls also make up only 14 percent of Advanced Placement students in computer science, a key to success in IT-related fields at the college level.

At Computer Mania Day, students can sign up for hands-on workshops led by positive female role models from UMBC along with business, government and education leaders. The day is designed to give a broad introduction to how various careers use information technology.

Girls’ events highlights include “Get Down With Robomaniacs,” “Google’s Googol of Opportunities,” and “Great Pictures From Pixels.” All attendees will have the chance to win great giveaways including a laptop computer.

Computer Mania Day also offers resources for parents and teachers, including workshops on how to prepare your kids for college, getting girls interested in tech careers and keeping kids safe online.

Admission to the event is free, but registration is required in advance. Adults and children should visit www.computer-mania.info to register.

NOTE TO MEDIA:
Hi-resolution, color images of Jennifer Webb and the Computer Mania Day logo are available online at:
http://www.umbc.edu/NewsEvents/PhotoGal/JenniferWebb.jpg
http://www.umbc.edu/NewsEvents/PhotoGal/CMDlogo.jpg

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Dr. William Thomas, Erickson School Professor of Aging Services and Innovative Authority on Eldercare, to Appear on WYPR’s “The Marc Steiner Show”

Thomas to discuss his contributions to improving “elder care” and his book What are Old People For? How Elders Will Save the World

CONTACT: Kavan Peterson, UMBC News
Office: 410-455-1896
Cellphone: 443-739-3052
kavan@umbc.edu

BALTIMORE – Dr. William Thomas, professor of aging services at the Erickson School at UMBC and an innovative authority on eldercare, will be a featured guest on WYPR-88.1 FM's “The Marc Steiner Show” on Tuesday, March 27.

In a live broadcast from noon to 1 p.m., Thomas will discuss his revolutionary ideas about why we should embrace aging, as well as his book “What are Old People For? How Elders Will Save the World.” Named 2005 “Book of the Year” by the American Medical Writers Association, it explores the virtues concealed within the necessity of aging. On air comments for the March Steiner Show can be e-mailed to thesteinershow@wypr.org or listeners can call 410-662-8780 during the show.

About the Erickson School:
The Erickson School was established at UMBC in April 2004 with a $5 million commitment from John Erickson, CEO and founder of Erickson Retirement Communities. It offers a B.A. and M.A. in the Management of Aging Services, as well as Executive Education programs. The Center for Aging Studies at the Erickson School provides cutting edge applied research.

UMBC, an Honors University in Maryland, is a four-year, public research university that is home to leading experts on aging who are active in research, education, and service in the field of gerontology. It is one of a handful of universities in the nation to offer a Ph.D. in Gerontology.

Posted by elewis

March 26, 2007

UMBC Dean of Engineering & Information Technology Receives International Honor

Society of Manufacturing Engineers Recognizes Warren DeVries’ Accomplishments with Albert M. Sargent Progress Award

CONTACT: Chip Rose, UMBC News
410-455-5793
crose@umbc.edu


Photo Caption: Warren DeVries.
Click on the image above to download a high-resolution photo of Dean DeVries.

The Society of Manufacturing Engineers (SME), the world's leading professional society serving the manufacturing industry, named Warren R. DeVries, dean of engineering and information technology at UMBC, the 2007 winner of the SME Albert M. Sargent Progress Award today for his significant accomplishments in the field of manufacturing processes, methods and systems.

The SME recognized the recipients of the 2007 SME International Honor Awards at its International Awards Gala which took place in conjunction with SME's Annual Meeting and WESTEC 2007 Exposition and Conference.

“To be recognized by your colleagues is always a great honor. During a time of change in the world and in the manufacturing profession, receiving the Albert M. Sargent Progress Award makes me eager to take up the challenge of education and innovation as the engines that will drive 21st century manufacturing enterprises,” said DeVries.

DeVries is a leader in the national push for excellence in engineering education and is also well known in his field for his pioneering research in material removal processes and manufacturing systems. Prior to coming to UMBC to lead its College of Engineering and Information Technology, he served as the National Science Foundation’s Division Director for the Division of Design and Manufacturing Innovation.

DeVries came to the NSF on assignment from Iowa State University, where he was a professor and then chair of the department of mechanical engineering. He has also held faculty positions at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, University of Michigan and University of Wisconsin-Madison.

DeVries has served on the Board of Governors and as Senior Vice President for Engineering for the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) and on the Board of Directors and as President for the North American Manufacturing Research Institution of the Society of Manufacturing Engineers (SME). He is a Fellow of both the ASME and the SME.

About the SME International Honor Awards:

The SME International Honor Awards recognize exceptional personal accomplishments and contributions to the field of manufacturing engineering in the areas of manufacturing technologies, processes, technical writing, education, research, management or service to the Society. SME members and non-members are encouraged to nominate individuals from industry, academia and government who have made a notable impact in these areas.

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March 23, 2007

Dr. William Thomas, Erickson School Professor of Aging Services and Innovative Authority on Eldercare, to Appear on WYPR's "Maryland Morning"

Thomas to discuss his book “What are Old People For? How Elders Will Save the World”

CONTACT: Kavan Peterson, UMBC News
Office: 410-455-1896
Cellphone: 443-739-3052
kavan@umbc.edu

Dr. William Thomas, Professor of Aging Services at the Erickson School at UMBC and an innovative authority on eldercare, will be a featured guest on WYPR-88.1 FM's “Maryland Morning With Sheilah Kast” on Monday, March 26.

In a segment scheduled for broadcast at 9:20 a.m., Thomas will discuss his book “What are Old People For? How Elders Will Save the World.” Named 2005 “Book of the Year” by the American Medical Writers Association, it explores the virtues concealed within the necessity of aging.

About the Erickson School:

The Erickson School was established at UMBC in April 2004 with a $5 million commitment from John Erickson, CEO and founder of Erickson Retirement Communities. It offers a B.A. and M.A. in the Management of Aging Services, as well as Executive Education programs. The Center for Aging Studies at the Erickson School provides cutting edge applied research.

UMBC, an Honors University in Maryland, is a four-year, public research university that is home to leading experts on aging who are active in research, education, and service in the field of gerontology. It is one of a handful of universities in the nation to offer a Ph.D. in Gerontology.

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March 21, 2007

Arch-Rivals Prepare for Rematch in Final Four of College Chess

Short-Handed UMBC in for a Fight Against UT-Dallas


CONTACT: Chip Rose, UMBC
410-455-5793
crose@umbc.edu

The opening rounds are over and millions of men’s college basketball fans eye the upcoming Sweet 16 round, brackets either intact or destroyed. While these multitudes focus on the 2007 NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball Tournament and which schools will advance this weekend to the Final Four, a quieter but equally intense rivalry will be underway March 24-25 in Dallas.

One of college sports' top rivalries will be on once again as America's top four chess powerhouses - the University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC), the University of Texas at Dallas (UTD), Duke University and Miami Dade College - face off in the Final Four of College Chess.

In a rare occurrence, all four teams from last year’s Final Four return to battle this year. The participants in the Final Four are determined by the standings in the Pan Am Intercollegiate Chess Tournament, held in December 2006.

UTD and UMBC are the undisputed top two teams in the nation and among only a handful of American colleges that offer full scholarships to top chess players from around the world and hold pep rallies to celebrate victories. UMBC, fresh off its 2005 victory over UTD in the Pan Am Tournament, the top annual competition in college chess, relinquished the 2006 Pan Am to UTD when the event moved for one year to Washington, D.C.

UMBC will be without its top player, Alex Onischuk, who will be playing in a top-level international tournament in his native Russia. Sergey Erenburg, who won the UMBC Open tournament earlier this month, will take Onischuk’s place, anchoring Board 1 for the Retrievers.

“Without Onischuk, it will be a very close fight between UTD and UMBC,” said UMBC chess program director and professor of computer science Alan Sherman.

In 2003 and 2004, UTD has bumped UMBC off the college chess throne with two nail-biter, half-point victories in the Pan Am. Dozens of national and international universities participate annually in the Pan Am, including Harvard, MIT, Princeton, Stanford, and the Universities of Chicago, Peru and Toronto. Yet UTD remains the only team able to consistently turn back UMBC.

Fans can follow the Final Four of College Chess live online at the Internet Chess Club Web site, www.chessclub.com, or at www.monroi.com.

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February 22, 2007

Cash-Prize Contests, Lessons from Pros to Mark Entrepreneurship Week at UMBC

Erickson Speech, Business Idea Contests Highlight Events as UMBC Spreads Entrepreneurial Spirit Across Campus

Photo Caption: Read more about UMBC's entrepreneurial community online.

CONTACT: Chip Rose, UMBC
410-455-5793
crose@umbc.edu

Real world lessons and real cash prizes will highlight Entrepreneurship Week USA activities at UMBC next week as the University builds on momentum from a recent $2 million grant from the Kauffman Foundation to spread entrepreneurship education and training across campus.

Two business idea competitions for a total of $4,000 in cash prizes kick off the week on Monday, Feb. 26. The first contest is a student business plan competition with $1,000 at stake.

Later that day the “Fillmaster Challenge” begins. The contest offers a $3,000 prize for the best idea on an alternative market niche for a precision purified water dispenser system developed by Fillmaster Systems, Inc. The device currently helps pharmacists prepare reconstituted drugs more accurately and safely, but could easily adapt to other uses.

Real-world lessons from experienced entrepreneurial experts fill out the rest of the week as Retirement community and media entrepreneur John Erickson, founder and CEO of Erickson, Inc., will speak to students. Erickson’s latest venture, Retirement Living TV, a network aimed at those ages 55 and older, recently expanded to reach over 26 million households nationally through DirecTV as his retirement communities continue to expand nationwide. Erickson speaks from noon to 1 p.m. on Wed., Feb. 28, in UMBC’s Commons building room 312.

Earlier in the week, Ellen Hemmerly, executive vice president of the UMBC Research Park Corporation, will speak on the successful growth of techcenter@UMBC and bwtech@UMBC, the University’s on-campus, high-tech business incubator and accelerator programs. The incubator and research park have grown from concept to a high-demand location for startup and emerging tech companies in the region.

A recent, independent economic impact study of the techcenter and research park documented 841 direct jobs at the two facilities, which support more than 2,000 total jobs statewide and generate $2.1 million in income and property taxes for counties in the Baltimore region. Hemmerly will speak in The Commons room 331 from 2 to 3 p.m. on Tues., Feb. 27.

"The Kauffman grant allows us to take entrepreneurship programming to the next level," said Vivian Armor, director of the Alex. Brown Center for Entrepreneurship at UMBC. Armor hopes the week’s activities expand awareness that entrepreneurship can be found beyond traditional definitions of business.

“Entrepreneurship can play an important role in all disciplines," Armor said. "Faculty and students pushing the envelope in science and technology, breaking new ground in the creative arts or crafting new solutions to society's problems can all be entrepreneurs. Some people don't even realize what they are doing is entrepreneurial."

For a full schedule of Entrepreneurship Week USA events at UMBC, please visit www.umbc.edu/entrepreneurship.

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February 12, 2007

UMBC Theatre Faculty in the News

UMBC's Department of Theatre faculty and alumni recently received favorable reviews in the Baltimore Sun, Washington Post and the Washington City Paper.

A production directed by Xerxes Mehta, professor of theatre, was reviewed in the Baltimore Sun and Washington Post. The double bill of one-act plays by Harold Pinter--The Collection and The Lover--also included set and costumes by Elena Zlotescu, associate professor of theatre, and Lynn Watson, chair and associate professor of theatre, was dialect consultant.

The Pinter plays were produced by Rep Stage, the professional theatre company in residence at Howard County Community College. The new artistic director of Rep Stage is theatre alumnus Michael Stebbins.

In addition, Assistant Professor of Theatre Colette Searls' direction of Vigils at Woolly Mammoth Theatre in Washington, DC was favorably reviewed in the Washington Post and Washington City Paper.

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February 7, 2007

Andrew Sears, UMBC Information Systems, Discusses Booming IT Job Market on Maryland Public Television

Andrew Sears, chair and professor of UMBC's Information Systems department, was recently an in-studio guest for Maryland Public Television's "Business Connection."

Sears discussed how the information technology (IT) job market is doing much better than conventionally thought. According to Sears, trends like decreased outsourcing, increased hiring and even signing bonuses for talented IT grads all add up to a booming IT job market for the Class of 2007.

Sears was invited by the show's producers based on UMBC's growing reputation as a statewide and national leader. According to the January 2007 issue of Computing Research News, UMBC ranks # 2 in IT degrees awarded by major US research universities. UMBC also continues to be the largest producer of information technology graduates in Maryland.

To watch the video online, visit the UMBC Informations Systems department's website.

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TV Growing Up Fast at UMBC

Feb. 16 Open House to Celebrate Retirement Living TV’s New $1.3 Million UMBC Studio as Students Get Into the Action

MEDIA ADVISORY:

CONTACT: Chip Rose, UMBC
410-455-5793
crose@umbc.edu

It’s lights-camera-action at UMBC as Retirement Living Television (RLTV), the fast-growing, first-of-its-kind, cable network devoted exclusively to people age 55 and over, has transformed the university’s on-campus TV studio from dusty to dazzling thanks to over a million dollars in new equipment.

UMBC will celebrate its strengthening partnership with Retirement Living TV on Friday Feb. 16 with an open house event featuring UMBC president Freeman Hrabowski, Erickson founder and CEO John Erickson and RLTV president Brad Knight. UMBC communications faculty and students will be on hand as RLTV production staff demonstrate the revamped studio and discuss the programs produced there.

RLTV began as a media offshoot of Erickson Retirement Communities and has since grown to reach 25 million U.S. households thanks to national broadcast partnerships with DirecTV and Comcast. The network recently began producing two programs -- “The Voice” and a yet-to-be-named advocacy show -- at the UMBC studio.

UMBC communications students will soon get hands-on experience as six interns from different disciplines are set to begin work in the studio. RLTV airs daily in the Baltimore area on CN8 The Comcast Channel and on DirecTV.

WHAT: An Open House of the new, $1.3 million Retirement Living TV Studio at UMBC, featuring interview opportunities with RLTV, UMBC and Erickson executives along with UMBC students and faculty and RLTV production staff. See demonstrations in the Control Room and tour the facilities.

WHEN: Friday, Feb. 16, noon-2 p.m.
WHERE: In the studios on the second and third floors of Academic IV Building, A Wing, UMBC.

The refurbished studio has already increased internship opportunities for UMBC students and will further research collaboration between the University and the Erickson School of Aging Studies at UMBC. RLTV will eventually broadcast its programming from a new $20 million TV production and information technology facility currently under construction at bwtech@UMBC Research and Technology Park.

For more information on Retirement Living Television, visit rl.tv.

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January 22, 2007

UMBC Political Scientist Tom Schaller on “The Colbert Report”

Watch the video online.

CONTACT: Chip Rose, UMBC
410-455-5793
crose@umbc.edu

Can Tom Schaller, UMBC’s resident expert on national politics and an associate professor of political science, handle the “truthiness?"

Schaller and his latest book Whistling Past Dixie: How Democrats Can Win Without the South, took the national stage Monday night as a guest on Comedy Central’s “The Colbert Report.”

For the record, host Stephen Colbert, a native of Charleston, S.C., didn't put Schaller "on notice" or tell him his advice for Democrats to forget the South and focus on the Midwest and Interior West states was “just plain wrong."

Watch the video online.

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December 30, 2006

UMBC Qualifies for Final Four of College Chess at Pan-Am

UMBC-Hosted Tournament Draws Positive Media Coverage

CONTACT:
Mike Lurie

Office: 410-455-6380
Cellphone: 443-695-0262
mlurie@umbc.edu


WASHINGTON, D.C. – The University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC) chess team qualified for the "Final Four of College Chess" by placing third in the Pan American Intercollegiate Chess Championships, “The World Series of College Chess," held this weekend in Washington, D.C.

The top four U.S. teams at the Pan Am will advance to the Collegiate Final Four round-robin tournament to be held in Dallas on March 24 and 25, 2007. Other qualifying teams were UT-Dallas, the winner of the 2006 Pan-Am, along with Miami-Dade College and Duke University.

UMBC was the host for a successful 2006 Pan-Am tournament that drew media interest from around the nation and region, including the New York Times, an Op-Ed and feature in the Baltimore Sun and a Washington Post story.

Adithya Balasubramanian, a 10th grade player from Tabb High School in York County, Virginia, was the winner of the scholastic tournament at the Pan-Am. He is the top-rated junior player in Virginia and qualified for a four-year scholarship from UMBC with his victory.

More information online: www.umbc.edu/chess/Pan-Am2006

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December 19, 2006

Kevin Eckert, Dean of The Erickson School, to Appear on WYPR's "Maryland Morning"

Eckert to Discuss Innovative School's New Undergraduate Major in Management of Aging Services

CONTACT:
Mike Lurie

Office: 410-455-6380
Cellphone: 443-695-0262
mlurie@umbc.edu


BALTIMOREKevin Eckert, Dean of The Erickson School at UMBC, will be a featured guest on WYPR-88.1 FM's “Maryland Morning With Sheilah Kast” on Wednesday, Dec. 20.

In a segment scheduled for broadcast at 9:20 a.m., Eckert will discuss The Erickson School's new undergraduate major in the management of aging services, the first of its kind in the country.

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December 15, 2006

‘Cuban Cyclone,’ ‘Polish Magician’ and ‘Kiev Killer’ Descend on the Nation’s Capital

Reigning Champion UMBC is Host for Pan-Am Intercollegiate Team Chess Championship, Dec. 27-30 at Renaissance Hotel, Washington, D.C.

CONTACT:
Mike Lurie

Office: 410-455-6380
Cellphone: 443-695-0262
mlurie@umbc.edu


WASHINGTON, D.C. – The “Cuban Cyclone,” the “Polish Magician” and the “Kiev Killer” bring their take-no-prisoners game plan to Washington on December 27.

They are determined to keep the title they reclaimed last year in Miami, when the University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC) won its record seventh title at the Pan American Intercollegiate Chess Championships, “The World Series of College Chess.”

Intercollegiate chess won’t land players on the “jacked-up” segment of a football television network near you. It won’t inspire a contract holdout, develop a left fielder with home-run pop or prevent an NFL wide receiver from “talking trash.”

Nonetheless, intercollegiate chess is intense. Its competitors are fierce. Mental acumen and physical stamina are essential. UMBC, a place where pep rallies for the chess team are routine, is serious about continuing its reign as national collegiate champions.

UMBC features such recruits as American freshman Ryan Goldenberg of West Haven, Conn., and colorfully nicknamed grandmasters such as Katrina “the Kiev Killer” Rohonyan of Ukraine, Pawel “The Polish Magician” Blehm and “The Cuban Cyclone” Bruci Lopez.

The competition runs December 27-30 at the Renaissance Hotel, 999 9th Street, N.W., Washington, D.C., near the intersection of K Street and Massachusetts Avenue. Admission is free and spectators are welcome.

The Pan-Am is one of the world’s most celebrated intercollegiate chess tournaments. Since its 1946 inception, five years before Bobby Thomson’s “Shot Heard Round the World,” dozens of universities throughout the Americas have participated.

The 2006 Pan-Am includes teams from Yale, Duke and Dartmouth. Its international flavor is embodied by such schools as the University of Toronto, the Catholic University of Peru and Miami Dade College, a rising chess power thanks to an influx of top Cuban players.

The tournament is open to any college or university team from North, South, or Central America. The tournament also includes the Pan-Am scholastic team individual and team championships for students in grades 1-12. The top individual scholastic winner will be offered a four-year scholarship to UMBC, a $69,416 value.

On Dec. 27 from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m., the weekend kicks off with a fast-paced exhibition match with a top cash prize of $1,000. The match will feature live, play-by-play commentary from chess authorities master Craig Jones and former UMBC player senior master William “The Exterminator” Morrison.

Among the highlights for UMBC at the 2005 Pan Am were a sweep of Harvard and victories over archrival the University of Texas at Dallas (UTD), winner of the previous two Pan-Am titles.

The Retrievers won their first title in 1996 and then embarked on a five-year championship streak from 1998 to 2002. UMBC and UTD are the undisputed top two teams in the nation, and among only a handful of schools nationwide that attract the world's best chess players with full scholarships.

The top four teams from the Pan-Am will go on to face each other in the Final Four of College Chess to be held March 24 and 25, 2007 in Dallas.

More information online: www.umbc.edu/chess/Pan-Am2006

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December 14, 2006

The Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation Awards $2 Million to Fund Entrepreneurship at UMBC

Initiative Seeks to Develop Entrepreneurs Outside of Business, Engineering Schools

CONTACT:
Mike Lurie

Office: 410-455-6380
Cellphone: 443-695-0262
mlurie@umbc.edu


The University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC) has been awarded a $2 million grant to build UMBC entrepreneurship programs across the campus, joining a select group of colleges and universities receiving funding for entrepreneurship endeavors through the Kauffman Campuses Initiative.

The Kauffman Foundation initiated the three-year-old Kauffman Campuses Initiative to catalyze entrepreneurship programs outside of business and engineering schools. The Kauffman Foundation grant complements two substantial commitments already received by UMBC to support its Alex. Brown Center for Entrepreneurship. The first commitment is $1 million from Constellation Energy Group. The second is $1 million from the Herbert Bearman Foundation to establish The Bearman Family Chair in Entrepreneurship at UMBC.

The Kauffman Foundation grant acknowledges the success and potential of the Alex. Brown Center for Entrepreneurship, created six years ago through a gift of $1 million from the Alex. Brown Foundation to develop a leading university entrepreneurship center for the Baltimore region.

UMBC has developed three broad strategies to make entrepreneurship education a common and accessible experience for students in all majors: exposure of students and faculty to entrepreneurs and their expertise, creation of formal education opportunities and development of programs to give students and faculty experience in entrepreneurial settings.

UMBC, recognized for its culture of entrepreneurship education despite the absence of a business school, joins a prestigious group of institutions selected by the Kauffman Foundation for funding. The others are Arizona State University, Brown University, Carnegie Mellon University, Georgetown University, New York University, Purdue University, Syracuse University and the University of Wisconsin-Madison.

UMBC learned of its selection after a campus delegation, led by President Freeman A. Hrabowski, III, presented its proposal before an independent panel of judges at Kauffman Foundation headquarters in Kansas City, Mo., on December 12.

“This partnership gives UMBC the opportunity to take entrepreneurship programming to the next level,” says Vivian Armor, director of the Alex. Brown Center. “It will allow UMBC to expand course offerings for current undergraduates, graduate students and working professionals. It will improve programming that exposes students and faculty to important entrepreneurial concepts. Finally, the partnership will help develop systems to support individuals as they work to launch successful business ventures or address urgent challenges facing our communities through social entrepreneurship.”

The Alex. Brown Center supports the kind of entrepreneurial creativity and action exemplified by the creation of OpenPosting.com, the first online classified community for college students. Students Wan Hsi Yuan and Jason Servary, members of the Center’s student-run CEO Club, created the site. It has 1,500 registered users and receives roughly 4,000 page views per day.

Entrepreneurship at UMBC also thrives via the Alex. Brown Center’s summer entrepreneurship institute. In summer, 2006, UMBC’s first Faculty Summer Institute was held for eight faculty members representing the departments of music, dance, theater and visual arts. The institute was created to broaden faculty exposure to concepts of entrepreneurship and integrate into their curricula career development skills, internships and mentoring relationships with established entrepreneurs.

Participation by faculty was determined based upon proposals that demonstrated interest in learning more about entrepreneurship. Winning proposals from faculty included the exploration of marketing and audience development initiatives, the development of courses to help students understand professional careers in the arts and arts and non-profit organization management.

The Center also serves as one of the University’s partners in the ACTiVATE program, funded by the National Science Foundation to address the unique needs of accomplished women interested in starting technology companies. Eight women in the ACTiVATE program, established two years ago, now lead their own tech companies.

The Alex. Brown Center’s activities are complemented by such other initiatives as techcenter@UMBC and bwtech@UMBC, which offer specialized support geared specifically toward research and technology businesses. Through UMBC’s Shriver Center, a national leader in promoting community-based service and internship programs, businesses are introduced to undergraduate and graduate students interested in internship experience in career-related fields.

“The Alex. Brown Center augments the excellent education UMBC offers by giving students the proper toolset to interface with business leaders in their field of choice,” said Greg Barnhill,” chair of the Alex. Brown Center Board of Visitors and partner and member of the board of Brown Advisory Securities. “We offer students guidance on how to deal with people on a daily basis, compose quality written communication and verbalize opinions effectively.”

The grant is awarded with the expectation that UMBC will raise an additional $8 million toward entrepreneurship programs during the next five years.

The Kauffman Campuses Initiative began in 2003 with $25 million in funding to eight schools that provided entrepreneurship education within liberal arts, engineering and other non-business programs.

Selection of this latest round of Kauffman Campuses schools was based on a series of criteria, including the ability to generate a partnership with other foundations and funders and the potential to create new representative models.

“Our initiative is creating a cultural change and making the entire university system more entrepreneurial,” said Kauffman CEO Carl Schramm. “We want all students, not just those in business schools, to see the value of thinking like entrepreneurs. We want them to be able to recognize and seize opportunity when it presents itself, no matter what field they find themselves in.”


About the Alex. Brown Center

Established in 2000 through a gift of $1 million from the Alex. Brown Foundation, the Alex. Brown Center for Entrepreneurship is the hub of entrepreneurial-based activity at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC). It provides an active link between the academic community and the corporate environment. Since its inception, the Center has worked closely with the Baltimore business community to create one of the leading university centers for entrepreneurship in the country housed at a mid-sized university. Information about the Alex. Brown Center is available at http://www.umbc.edu/entrepreneurship.

About the Kauffman Foundation
The Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation of Kansas City is a private, nonpartisan foundation that works with partners to advance entrepreneurship in America and improve the education of children and youth. The Kauffman Foundation was established in the mid-1960s by the late entrepreneur and philanthropist Ewing Marion Kauffman. Information about the Kauffman Foundation is available at www.kauffman.org.

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November 27, 2006

UMBC Astronomer Helps Discover Possible New Black Hole

Previously Unknown Black Hole’s Speed, Power Surprises NASA, European Space Agency Team



Illustration Caption: An artist's impression of a possible new black hole ripping gas and matter from the star it orbits.

Click on the illustration to view a European Space Agency gallery of images and animation related to this story.


CONTACT: Chip Rose, UMBC
410-455-5793
crose@umbc.edu

An international team of astrophysicists including Volker Beckmann of UMBC/NASA-Goddard has discovered a possible new black hole near the center of the Milky Way galaxy.

The previously unknown black hole surprised scientists by suddenly “switching on,” emitting strong pulses of radiation as it began consuming gas from the star it orbits over 26,000 light years away from our solar system. The discovery, detailed in a letter published in the journal Astronomy & Astrophysics, was made using NASA and European Space Agency (ESA) satellites.

In an ESA press release, Roland Walter, an astronomer at the INTEGRAL Science Data Centre and lead author of the research results, said "The galactic center is one of the most exciting regions for gamma-ray astronomy because there are so many potential gamma-ray sources.”

Beckmann, a research assistant professor at UMBC’s Joint Center for Astrophysics and NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center, was part of the team who used NASA's Swift satellite and ESA's INTEGRAL satellite to spot the tell-tale gamma ray outburst. The research team includes scientists from Switzerland, France, Belgium, Poland, the United States and Spain.

According to Beckmann, potential new black holes are scarcer than commonly thought. “We know about 10 stellar systems in which we’re pretty sure that there's a black hole involved, and 10 more are good candidates,” he said. “What really surprised us was the intensity of the radiation it emitted and how quickly it became an obvious black hole candidate.”

The team found that the black hole’s unusually strong gravitational pull ripped off layers of the star it orbits, drawing them into its maelstrom. “We’re not sure why this black hole is letting off occasional bright outbursts of radiation instead of a steady stream,” said Beckmann, “But we suspect these powerful emissions are caused by big chunks of the star’s matter falling into the black hole.”

"This detection was possible because of the capability of NASA's Swift satellite to respond quickly to new objects showing up in the sky,” said Neil Gehrels, chief of NASA/Goddard’s Astroparticle Physics Laboratory and leader of the Swift satellite team.

The possible new black hole has drawn the attention of the international astronomy community, having been viewed by all major X-ray telescopes in space including: NASA's Chandra telescope, the Japanese JAXA and NASA collaboration Suzaku and the ESA's XMM-Newton X-ray satellite.

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November 20, 2006

Erickson Technology, Broadcast Divisions to Build at UMBC Research Park


CONTACT: Chip Rose, UMBC
410-455-5793
crose@umbc.edu

BALTIMORE – The University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC) announced today that Erickson Retirement Communities will construct a $20 million building at the university’s on-campus research and technology park bwtech@UMBC. Erickson will move its information technology (IT) department, its adult living national broadcast network Retirement Living TV (RL-TV) and its private charitable foundation to the 110,000 square-foot building, expected to be completed by mid-2008.

The move will increase research collaboration and internship opportunities between the Erickson organization and UMBC students and faculty in The Erickson School and visual arts, communications and information technology programs.

The Erickson School at UMBC grew out of Erickson founder John Erickson’s vision for interdisciplinary research and education to improve life for older adults. Since its start in January 2005, the School has launched an undergraduate major in management of aging services, expanded an executive education program for senior housing and care professionals and is planning a professional master’s program.

Current research partnerships between The Erickson School and the Erickson organization include developing new computer technology applications for seniors’ housing, support for three gerontology doctoral students’ studies of older adult health and well-being and proposals to make selected Erickson communities National Institute on Aging research sites.

"We look forward to expanding our partnership with UMBC in a way that will help us to more effectively shape the future of aging studies in the United States and to enhance the operational components of our company that will help to redefine it," said John Erickson, chairman and CEO of Erickson Retirement Communities.

“UMBC is delighted to strengthen our relationship with Erickson Retirement Communities,” said UMBC President Freeman Hrabowski. “Together we will shape innovative approaches combining healthcare, public policy, information technology and communications to meet the needs and interests of the aging Baby Boom generation.”

RL-TV will house its corporate headquarters and three production studios in the new facility. The network recently signed a national broadcasting agreement with DirectTV to expand its viewing audience to over 24 million homes. Retirement Living TV produces programming focused on health, finance, politics and living for people over the age of 55. RL-TV recently partnered with UMBC’s New Media Studio to produce pilots for two programs and is expected to collaborate further with UMBC’s Imaging Research Center and College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences.

Erickson’s IT department will work with UMBC on advanced research in health informatics, real time data applications, information assurance, data security and wearable computing. The department will move 60 professionals and a high bandwidth data center to the new building and is expected to hire 10 to 15 UMBC graduates per year as the company grows.

Founded in 1998, the Erickson Foundation funds research projects aimed at improving best practices in active aging and aging with choices. The Foundation is currently conducting research on walking studies, ergonomics, balance control, nursing, memory and other senior wellness and lifestyle issues.

The Erickson facility will be the fifth bwtech@UMBC building. Ellen Hemmerly, executive director of the UMBC Research Park Corporation, says demand for office and lab space at UMBC remains strong.

"Many outside businesses and emerging tech firms from our incubator continue to express interest in locating on our campus," Hemmerly said. "We continue to welcome companies that seek all the advantages of growing their business at UMBC."

Construction is underway for the park’s third building, a new home for the U.S. Geological Survey’s (USGS) MD/DE/DC Regional Water Science Center. Ground is expected to be broken for the fourth building -- an 110,000 square-foot, $22 million multi-tenant facility-- in the first half of 2007. Both the USGS and multi-tenant buildings are being developed by Corporate Office Properties Trust.

About Erickson:

John Erickson launched Erickson Retirement Communities with the 1983 opening of Catonsville, Maryland’s Charlestown, now the nation’s largest campus-style retirement community. Today, Erickson Retirement Communities operates 16 campuses housing more than 18,000 people in eight states. Two more communities are set to open in the near future. The company is noted for its progressive approach to recruitment, training and development, and has broadened its business lines with the addition of a managed health plan for residents. Mr. Erickson has also shown his commitment to the interests of individuals over the age of 55 with his September 2006 launch of Retirement Living, a television and Internet media company. More information is online at www.EricksonCommunities.com and www.RL.TV.

About bwtech@UMBC:

bwtech@UMBC is a state-of-the-art, 41-acre research and technology community. UMBC began planning for a new research and technology park in the early 1990s, based on the success of other U.S. parks and the vision of the late Michael Hooker, UMBC president from 1986-1992. The first building was completed in 2001. To date, UMBC’s research park and technology incubator have received public and private sector funding from the Maryland Economic Development Corporation (MEDCO), the State of Maryland, the City of Baltimore, Baltimore County, the U.S. Department of Commerce, The Abell Foundation, and the Maryland Technology Development Corporation (TEDCO.) bwtech@UMBC is part of Baltimore County's Southwest Enterprise Zone, making companies moving to the park eligible for credits on real property and income taxes, as well as credits for job creation.

Posted by crose

November 1, 2006

Center for Art, Design and Visual Culture Exhibition on MPT 11/1

The Center for Art, Design and Visual Culture's "Raymond Loewy:Designs for a Consumer Culture" exhibition will be featured on MPT's "ArtWorks This Week" on Wednesday, November 1. Professor David Yager, the Center's executive director, gives a tour of the exhibit and a look into the mind of industrial designer Raymond Loewy. For more information, visit www.mpt.org/artworks/thisweek.

For more information on the exhibition and upcoming arts events at UMBC, visit www.umbc.edu/arts.

Posted by elewis

October 31, 2006

University Teams to Kick Off Voting Technology Competition

Computer Science Students from UMBC, George Washington, Stanford, Others Hope Contest Yields Ideas for More Secure Electronic Voting

CONTACT: Chip Rose, UMBC News
410-455-5793
crose@umbc.edu


WASHINGTON, D.C. – As worries increase about the reliability and security of electronic voting machines a week away from the General Election, a team of computer science students and professors from UMBC and George Washington University will announce on Thursday at the National Press Club the start of a new national competition aimed at sparking ideas for better electronic voting technology while raising college students’ awareness of the political process.

Organized by UMBC professor of computer science Alan Sherman and funded by the National Science Foundation, the University Voting Systems Competition (www.vocomp.org) will take place throughout the academic year.

The UMBC/GW team will compete against teams from Stanford, Rice, Newcastle (UK), Wroclaw (Poland), and other universities to design and implement innovative voting technologies. Teams must post their voting system designs online in January 2007 for review by peers and a panel of judges including IT experts from Microsoft, the National Institutes of Standards and Technology and MIT.

Teams that advance to the next round of competition will be required to demonstrate their systems in a student government or similar real-world campus election in May. Five finalist teams will be chosen to travel to Portland, Oregon, on July 16-18, for the final competition which will include a judged mock election along with academic presentations, critiques, and invited lectures by national experts on voting.

According to Sherman, an expert on cryptology and the security of voting systems, the judging criteria include reliability, security, privacy, ease of use for voters and election officials, and accessibility to the disabled.

“There is a need for better voting technologies that are more secure, reliable, accountable and easy to use.” Sherman said. “This competition will inspire innovation and involvement, and establish the feasibility of competitions as a way to gauge the security of voting systems.”

PRESS CONFERENCE DETAILS:
Thursday, Nov. 2, 2006
2 - 3pm
National Press Club,
529 14th Street NW
Washington, DC 20045

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October 24, 2006

UMBC's ACTiVATE Program to be Featured on "The Digital Spin" With Mario Armstrong

Women Entrepreneurs Training Program is Focus of WEAA 88.9 FM Show, Wed., October 25, 7-8pm


CONTACT: Chip Rose, UMBC News
410-455-5793
crose@umbc.edu

UMBC's ACTiVATE program, which trains women from business and science backgrounds in entrepreneurship, will be the focus of the Wednesday, Oct. 25 "Digital Spin With Mario Armstrong" show on WEAA 88.9 FM.

Stephen Auvil, director of UMBC's Office of Technology Development (OTD), and ACTiVATE participants Kris Appel and Eva Mitter will be Armstrong's guest for the show.

ACTiVATE is a year-long, competitive program to train women with significant technical or business experience to be entrepreneurs and to create start-up companies from inventions from Maryland research institutions and federal agencies.

Armstrong covers technology for Baltimore & Washington-area National Public Radio affiliates and television stations. He is also co-founder of the Urban Video Game Academy.

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UMBC Names 12 Business, Science Leaders to College of Natural and Mathematical Sciences Advisory Board

Biotech, Pharma, NASA, and NSA Execs to Advise College, Build Connections

CONTACT: Chip Rose, UMBC News
410-455-5793
crose@umbc.edu

The University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC) announced today the appointment of 12 leaders selected from the Mid-Atlantic region’s business and scientific community to serve on the Dean’s Advisory Board for UMBC’s College of Natural and Mathematical Sciences.

The Board will help expand awareness of the College’s programs, research and resources and strengthen partnerships with public and private research laboratories, key industry leaders and policymakers. Board members, who will serve three-year renewable terms, will advise the Dean on critical issues including workforce education and training; academic program and curriculum development; faculty recruitment; collaborative research funding; and opportunities for students and alumni.

“UMBC is fortunate to have the counsel of such a diverse group of outstanding scientists and businesspeople,” said Geoffrey Summers, Dean of the College of Natural and Mathematical Sciences at UMBC. “The Board will strengthen the College’s connections with top researchers in bioscience, medicine, homeland security and environmental and space science — fields vital to economic growth, innovation and opportunity in Maryland and beyond.”

The Board will be chaired by biotech entrepreneur and UMBC alumnus Sheldon Broedel, Ph.D. Broedel is a co-founder and CEO/CSO of AthenaES, a biotechnology products and services firm located at the University’s on-campus business incubator, techcenter@UMBC. Broedel, who received his doctoral and master's degrees in Microbial and Molecular Genetics from UMBC, has 19 years of industrial experience, holds three issued patents and has designed and launched 68 products. He also serves on the Science Advisor Board for Villa Julie College and is an Adjunct Professor at Georgetown University School of Medicine’s department of Microbiology and Immunology.

“It is an honor to serve my alma mater alongside a team of exceptional minds from government and business,” said Broedel. “Like me, they know from experience that UMBC is a place committed to scientific excellence, with talented faculty and students eager to share their skills with industry.”

The other Board members announced today are:

Ron Baker, Manager, Cosmetic Claim Development & Support, Procter & Gamble;

Paul Behrens, Director of Physiology, Martek Biosciences;

April Brys, Manager, Biosciences, Battelle;

Stacey Franklin, Vice President, BioTech Primer;

Peter Hughes, Chief Technologist, NASA Goddard Space Flight Center;

Peter Kiener, Senior Vice President of Research, MedImmune;

Alvin LaVoie, Director, Emerging Technologies, Rohm and Haas;

Jerry Skotnicki, Director, Chemical and Screening Sciences, Wyeth Research;

Terry Turpin, Chief Scientist, Essex Corp;

Nancy Welker, Chief Technical Officer, National Security Agency;

George Young, VP, Business Development, GRACE Davison.

UMBC’S College of Natural and Mathematical Sciences includes the Departments of Biological Sciences, Chemistry and Biochemistry, Mathematics and Statistics, and Physics. The College has more than 100 full time faculty members, and includes approximately 1500 majors in 7 undergraduate programs and 280 graduate students in 13 graduate programs. These four departments administer close to half of the Ph.D. programs at UMBC. Research expenditures currently are nearly $13M per year. More information online at http://www.umbc.edu/CNMS/

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October 17, 2006

Managed Care Boosts Access to Health Services for Children Enrolled in Maryland Medicaid

UMBC Researcher Todd Eberly Wins National Dissertation Award

CONTACT: Anne Roland, UMBC Public Policy Department
410-455-8457
anne@umbc.edu

The Maryland Medicaid managed care program has had a positive impact on the receipt of preventive health services by black, white, and Hispanic children and adolescents, as well as black and Hispanic adults, according to a new study from the University of Maryland, Baltimore County.

Following a nationwide trend, Maryland implemented the HealthChoice managed care program in 1998 as a means to control Medicaid costs. Under managed care, the state contracts with private insurers to provide preventative health care services to Medicaid enrollees, such as well child visits, immunizations, and physicals. However, there had been conflicting research on whether managed care meets the needs of socially vulnerable populations, particularly minorities.

Medicaid currently covers 600,000 Maryland residents, including 30 percent of the state’s children. Studies have shown that a significantly larger percentage of black and Hispanic Americans are covered by Medicaid than white Americans, but these populations make less use of routine health procedures and services. These disparities in the use of health care services are significant because studies have shown that a lack of preventive care puts disadvantaged populations at greater risk of serious health problems later in life.

Todd Eberly, a researcher at the Center for Health Program Development and Management at UMBC, analyzed health care data for Medicaid clients in Maryland before and after the adoption of managed care to determine whether the program has had any impact on the preventive care use.

He found that Maryland’s managed care program has had a positive impact on the receipt of primary preventive care by black, white, and Hispanic children and adolescents, as well as black and Hispanic adults. All children and adolescents experienced increases in the use of preventative health services, but increases for black and Hispanic youths were significantly greater than for their white peers.

“The improvements for minority youth were particularly noteworthy,” said Eberly, “because children are especially vulnerable. Access to preventive care is key to the promotion of good heath and quality of life.”

Eberly, who received his Ph.D. in Public Policy at UMBC in 2006, conducted the research for his dissertation, which has been selected for the 2006 Annual Dissertation Award from the National Association of Schools of Public Affairs and Administration (NASPAA). He will receive his award this week in Minneapolis at the NASPAA Annual Conference.

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Dr. Bill Thomas, Innovative Authority On Aging, Offers Lecture At Erickson School On Nov. 9

Developer Of The “Eden Alternative” And “Green House” Approach To Long-Term Care To Deliver 7 P.M. Lecture



CONTACT:
Mike Lurie

Office: 410-455-6380
Cellphone: 443-695-0262
mlurie@umbc.edu

Dr. Bill Thomas, an international authority on later life and eldercare, will deliver a talk, “What Are Old People For?” at The Erickson School on Nov. 9 at 7 p.m.

Thomas has been long recognized as an innovator in formulating approaches to long-term care. Thomas has brought plants, dogs, cats and birds into nursing home facilities to share with patients. This unique approach, known as the Eden Alternative, shifted attention toward enhancing the emotional well-being of residents.

Thomas is focused now on a new endeavor, the Green House Project. With a five-year, $10 million grant from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, he is developing a plan to replace more than 100 nursing homes in the United States with groups of smaller homes. Each will house eight to ten residents in private rooms. The grant will result in the creation of Green House projects in all 50 states.

The lecture will take place on the 7th floor of the Albin O. Kuhn Library. To RSVP and for further details, please contact The Erickson School toll-free at 1-877-853-0439 or e-mail Kristanna Jones at krista@umbc.edu.

Recently, U.S.News & World Report described Thomas as a “revolutionary” thinker whose “startling common-sense ideas and his ability to persuade others to take a risk” bring critically needed approaches to the science of aging.

“Bill Thomas is a pioneering thinker who inspires legions of people who have committed their study and careers to the business and science of aging,” said Dr. J. Kevin Eckert, dean of The Erickson School. “We know that his lecture will be another inspiring evening and are delighted to present it at The Erickson School.”

Thomas graduated from Harvard Medical School in 1986, and he was selected by the Mead Johnson Foundation as one of the top Family Medicine residents in the country during his three-year residency at the University of Rochester. He earned board certification in Family Medicine in 1992 and added a certificate in Geriatrics in 1994. Thomas also maintains a part-time appointment as Assistant Clinical Professor in Family Medicine for Upstate Medical Center.

Thomas is the recipient of a three-year fellowship from the global nonprofit organization Ashoka, which searches the world for individuals with unprecedented ideas for community change. He won the America's Award, established by Norman Vincent Peale and sometimes called "The Nobel Prize for Goodness" in 1997.

Thomas has published six books, including "What Are Old People For? How Elders Will Save the World." Named 2005 “Book of the Year” by the American Medical Writers Association, it explores the virtues concealed within the necessity of aging. Thomas also recently authored "In the Arms of Elders: A Parable of Wise Leadership and Community Building."

His books "Learning from Hannah" and "LifeWorth Living" explore the concept of the Eden Alternative and its impact on long-term care. Thomas is currently working on a book about the relationship between aging, health and healing.

About The Erickson School:

The Erickson School was established at UMBC in April 2004 with a $5 million commitment from John Erickson, CEO and founder of Erickson. The school focuses on credit and non-credit professional education, research, and policy in aging services and care.

UMBC, an Honors University in Maryland, is a four-year, public research university that is home to leading experts on aging who are active in research, education, and service in the field of gerontology. It is one of a handful of universities in the nation to offer a Ph.D. in Gerontology.


More information online at:
http://www.umbc.edu/erickson

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October 12, 2006

CommUniversity Fest to Give Whole Family Free Samples of UMBC

Fun, Free Events to Expand Minds, Move Bodies Oct. 21



CONTACT: Chip Rose, UMBC News
410-455-5793
crose@umbc.edu

Note to Media: High-resolution photos are available for download at the bottom of this advisory.

UMBC is throwing the biggest party in its 40-year history on Saturday, Oct. 21, and the public is invited to enjoy CommUniversity Fest, a day of free activities for all ages reflecting UMBC's diverse mix of arts, culture, athletics and intellect.

Feed Your Head with thought-provoking lectures and discussions by UMBC faculty on topics ranging from politics and infinity to parenting and rock n’ roll. Or put the fun back in “fundamental laws of physics” with a hands-on engineering lesson using balls, hot-air balloons and biplanes.

Soak Your Senses in free arts exhibits, audio tours and gallery crawls, plus live music and dance performances by alumni and student groups.

Cruise Down Memory Lane with a classic car show or savor the spirit of the Orioles 1966 World Series victory with Baltimore Sun sports columnist Peter Schmuck.


Playtime for Kids of All Ages features face painting, carnival games, rock climbing wall, moon bounce, a soccer clinic by Baltimore Blast players, a parade of 40 Chesapeake Bay Retrievers and a giant-size chess challenge against members of UMBC’s world championship team.

Event Details:

UMBC CommUniversity Fest
Saturday, Oct. 21
11 a.m. – 5 p.m.


Erickson Field
(in front of Albin O. Kuhn Library & across from Erickson Hall)
UMBC
1000 Hilltop Circle, Baltimore, MD 21250

All events are free and open to the public. Free parking on campus. Rain or Shine.

For more information and a full schedule of events, please visit http://www.umbc.edu/communiversity/ or call 410-455-8000.

Note to Media:
High resolution photos & captions related to this advisory are below. Click on the smaller photo to access a high-resolution copy. Contact Chip Rose, UMBC News, at 410-455-5793 or crose@umbc.edu if any questions about downloading.

Caption for photo above:
UMBC's mascot dog will lead 40 other Chesapeake Bay Retrievers and volunteer owners and breeders from across the region in the "March of the Retrievers." The parade of 40 dogs starts at the "True Grit" status outside UMBC's Retriever Activities Center on Saturday, Oct. 21 at 12:15 p.m., continuing to the Commons and ending at the Soccer Field.

Caption for photo above:
UMBC professors Anne Spence (left) and Taryn Bayles put the fun back in "fundmental laws of physics" as they present "Balls, Balloons, and Bi-Planes: Hands-on Engineering for the Whole Family," from 1-2:30 p.m. Saturday on UMBC's Erickson Field.


Caption for Photo Above:
UMBC student dance performances are among the many arts and culture events open to the public at CommUniversity Fest.

Caption for photo above:
At 1 p.m., UMBC Men's Soccer takes on Hartford University, followed by a soccer clinic led by UMBC Alumni, now pro players for the Baltimore Blast.

Posted by crose

October 3, 2006

UMBC Public Policy Professor Don Norris to Appear on WBAL-TV 11, Discuss African-American Vote in State Elections

CONTACT:
Mike Lurie

Office: 410-455-6380
Cellphone: 443-695-0262
mlurie@umbc.edu

BALTIMORE – Dr. Donald Norris, professor of public policy and director of the Maryland Institute for Policy Analysis and Research (MIPAR) at UMBC, will appear from 11:30 a.m. to Noon on Sunday, Oct. 8 on the WBAL-TV (Ch. 11) program 11 TV Hill.

Norris will discuss the importance of the African-American vote in various Maryland political races as the Nov. 7 general election approaches.

MIPAR serves as UMBC’s premier center for applied scholarly research on significant issues of public policy and links the analytical resources of the University with public policy makers in the state and region.

Norris has been the director of MIPAR since 1989. He holds a master’s degree and Ph.D. in Government from the University of Virginia. He is a specialist in public management, urban affairs and the application, management and impacts of information technology in public organizations.

Posted by mlurie

September 28, 2006

Barak, Woodward, Gore Headline 'The Maryland Forum' Speaker Series at UMBC

Sept. 28, 2006

CONTACT:
Mike Lurie

Office: 410-455-6380
Cellphone: 443-695-0262
mlurie@umbc.edu

BALTIMORE – The Maryland Forum, a prestigious speaker series at UMBC in partnership with the Annapolis & Anne Arundel County Chamber of Commerce (AAACCC), will debut this fall with an appearance by former Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Barak at 7 p.m., Tuesday, Oct. 24.

The Maryland Forum, held at the UMBC Retriever Activities Center, continues with three other notable speakers:

• Pulitzer-Prize winning journalist Bob Woodward (7 p.m., Wednesday, Nov. 8)
• Former Baltimore Orioles great Cal Ripken, Jr. (April, 2007, TBD)
• Former U.S. Vice President Al Gore (7 p.m., Tuesday, May 8, 2007)

“Our campus is delighted to be the host site for The Maryland Forum. Our mission as a public research university includes stimulating the intellectual and cultural life of the region. Therefore, we are also pleased that our partnership with The Maryland Forum will continue to build UMBC as a destination for cultural programming,” said UMBC President Freeman A. Hrabowski.

Tickets for UMBC faculty, students and staff for each speaker are $5 (cash and campus ID account only) and can be obtained at the information desk in The Commons, beginning Oct. 9. When presenting their ticket, UMBC faculty, students and staff must show their UMBC identification card.

For the general public, tickets can be purchased by calling 1-866-49-FORUM, online at www.themarylandforum.com and by mail at AAACCC, P.O. Box 346, Annapolis, MD 21404. Prices are $100 for the series and $35 for a single lecture. UMBC alumni are offered the opportunity to buy up to two tickets at a discounted price of $85 (series) or $25 (single lecture).

The Maryland Forum offers an opportunity for the general public to interact with world leaders, Pulitzer Prize winners, former national and international statesmen and authors in an informal setting with a central, convenient location.

“Growing and nurturing the mind knows no jurisdictional boundaries,” said AAACCC President Bob Burdon. “We are grateful to UMBC and President Hrabowski for forming this partnership with us.”

Proceeds from the speaker series will benefit the AAACCC educational foundation, which supports education programs and scholarships throughout the Baltimore/Washington metropolitan region.

Posted by mlurie

September 27, 2006

UMBC, U. Maryland & USRA Join Forces with NASA Goddard to Create New Center for Space Science and Technology

Partnership Builds on Astrophysics, Other NASA Research at UMBC


CONTACT: Chip Rose, UMBC News
410-455-5793
crose@umbc.edu



Picture Caption: Jane Turner (left) and Ian George of UMBC's Joint Center for Astrophysics in the UMBC Physics Building telescope dome.

The team of UMBC, the University of Maryland, College Park and the Universities Space Research Association has been selected by the NASA Goddard Space Flight Center to establish and operate the Center for Research and Exploration in Space Science and Technology (CRESST).

CRESST will bring together NASA Goddard researchers and scientists from the Maryland campuses and USRA to build upon the many capabilities and strengths in space science of the participating organizations. CRESST research will initially focus on the study of neutron stars, black holes, and extremely hot gas throughout the universe. The Center also will work to increase the involvement of minority and women scientists in space science research and to facilitate university student participation in such research.

The Center will be supported through a five-year cooperative agreement from NASA with funding anticipated to be $7.5 million per year. A five-year extension is possible. The university partnership group will operate and provide funding for a management/scientist support office.

"This is a great day for Maryland,” said Maryland Senator Barbara A. Mikulski. “The creation of CRESST is the kind of collaboration between our universities and government laboratories that fosters discovery, innovation, creates new technologies, new ideas and helps Maryland remain a world class center for space science and exploration. As the Senator that funds NASA and our other great federal science agencies, I applaud the creation of this institute and hope to expand cooperation among our universities and government laboratories to keep Maryland competitive."

"This is a fitting reward for UMBC's investment in astrophysics, and a great opportunity to expand the research and educational activities performed here,” said Ian George, director of the Joint Center for Astrophysics and associate professor of physics at UMBC. “This award further bolsters UMBC's position in only its 40th year as one of the leading research universities in the mid-Atlantic region,” George said.

In support of NASA strategic science mission objectives, CRESST will carry out observational, experimental, and theoretical research in three general areas:

-- The Sun and Solar System, stars, galaxies, and the universe at large;

-- The informational and computational sciences related to the unique needs of data systems required to interpret space science data;

-- The development of technology required to achieve these scientific challenges.

CRESST is the latest addition to UMBC’s relationship with NASA. UMBC is ranked 13th nationally among all universities in research funding received from NASA. UMBC is already home to several other multimillion-dollar NASA research centers in collaboration with the Goddard Space Flight Center, including the Goddard Earth Sciences and Technology (GEST) Center, the Joint Center for Earth Systems and Technology (JCET), the Center for the Advanced Study of Photonics Research (CASPR) and the JCA.

According to George, NASA partnerships like CRESST will help bring more internationally-recognized space scientists to UMBC. “UMBC scientists are making major contributions to currently flying NASA high-energy astrophysics missions like the International Gamma-Ray Astrophysics Laboratory (INTEGRAL), and the forthcoming Gamma-ray Large Area Space Telescope (GLAST) mission, scheduled to launch in August 2007,” George said.

George noted that UMBC scientists were also involved in the NASA Swift and Laser Interferometer Space Antenna (LISA) missions. “What’s really exciting is the impact CRESST will have on students, “said George. “UMBC has recently started both undergraduate and graduate-level astrophysics courses, so CRESST will help us to expand astrophysics education and research.”

About Space Science at the University of Maryland, College Park:

Through its highly regarded departments of astronomy and physics, the University of Maryland, College Park brings to this collaboration internationally recognized expertise in many areas of space science, including high-energy astrophysics, galaxy structure and dynamics, star formation, planetary science, space physics, gravitational theory and particle astrophysics. Maryland also has a long history of collaboration with the Goddard Space Flight Center in research and educational programs.

About USRA:

The Universities Space Research Association is a national consortium of 100 universities established in 1969 by the National Academy of Sciences. USRA operates programs and facilities in space-related science, technology, and related education. USRA has been an important participant in space science at NASA Goddard for many years, working alongside NASA researchers in conducting space science research, leading-edge instrumentation and technology development, and effectively communicating space science news and information to the educational community and the general public. For more information, go to www.usra.edu.

Posted by crose

September 19, 2006

Brad Simpson on WYPR's Marc Steiner Show, September 20, Noon

CONTACT:
Mike Lurie

Office: 410-455-6380
Cellphone: 443-695-0262
mlurie@umbc.edu

Assistant Professor of History Brad Simpson is scheduled to be a guest on WYPR's (88.1 FM) Marc Steiner Show on Wednesday, September 20 at noon. Simpson, who teaches the history of U.S. foreign relations and international history at UMBC, will discuss President Bush's speech to the United Nations and the war in Iraq.

For more information on the show, please click here. Audio archives of past stories are posted after their original air date.

Posted by elewis

September 13, 2006

TWO EXECUTIVE EDUCATION COURSES OFFERED AT ERICKSON SCHOOL OF AGING STUDIES: OCT. 24-27, NOV. 1-4

“FINANCE, UNDERWRITING AND INVESTMENT ANALYSIS” AND “DEVELOPMENT” TO ANCHOR FALL SCHEDULE

CONTACT:
Mike Lurie

Office: 410-455-6380
Cellphone: 443-695-0262
mlurie@umbc.edu

BALTIMORE – The Erickson School of Aging Studies at the University of Maryland Baltimore County (UMBC) teams once again with the National Investment Center for the Seniors Housing & Care Industry (NIC) to offer a set of Executive Education courses. The series continues at UMBC with two sessions, “Finance, Underwriting and Investment Analysis” on Oct. 24-27 and “Development” on Nov. 1-4.

"‘Finance, Underwriting and Investment Analysis’ and ‘Development’ combine several of the most important ingredients of successful seniors housing and care,” said Kevin Heffner, CAE, CFRE, who recently joined the Erickson School of Aging Studies as its new Director of Executive Education.

“Finance, Underwriting and Investment Analysis” is led by Ray Braun, President, Chief Operating Officer & Financial Officer of Health Care REIT, Inc.

The course, scheduled for Oct. 24-27, is designed for lenders and equity investors as well as financial professionals within management and development companies. The course will compare seniors housing and care facilities to other real estate asset classes. It will also explore the issues of business-versus-real estate components and how to measure each.

“Development” is led by Phil Golden, Chief Operating Officer of Brightview Senior Living. The course, scheduled for Nov. 1-4, is designed to examine the entire development process of the professionally managed company.

The course includes a thorough overview of complex aspects of the seven segments of the development process. It also examines the critical roles of strategy, market and consumer research, financial feasibility and site selection.

Assessment of the difference between project-financing viability and market viability will be a central component of the sessions.

“Ray Braun of Health Care REIT and Phil Golden of Brightview Senior Living are two of the most respected leaders in their fields,” Heffner said. “The two programs promise to provide attendees with knowledge, real-world experience, and networking opportunities that they simply cannot get anywhere else.

“We're very fortunate,” Heffner added, “to have Ray and Phil leading the teaching teams. ‘Finance’ and ‘Development’ are two of the signature courses of The Erickson School's Executive Education program.”

About The Erickson School of Aging Studies:

The Erickson School of Aging Studies at UMBC was established in April 2004 with a $5 million commitment from John Erickson, CEO and founder of Erickson. The school focuses on credit and non-credit professional education, research, and policy in aging services and care.

The Executive Development Program at the Erickson School of Aging Studies at UMBC is presented in partnership with NIC, a nonprofit organization that has been the leading source of business and financial information for the senior living industry since 1991. For the last six years, NIC has conducted executive development courses in operations, management, sales, marketing, development, finance, and service quality for emerging industry leaders.

UMBC, an Honors University in Maryland, is a four-year, public research university that is home to leading experts on aging who are active in research, education, and service in the field of gerontology. It is one of a handful of universities in the nation to offer a Ph.D. in Gerontology.

For further details, please call the Erickson School of Aging Studies at UMBC at 443-543-5622.

More information online at:
http://www.umbc.edu/erickson

# # #


Remaining 2006 NIC Executive Education Courses
At the Erickson School of Aging Studies at UMBC

Sales and Marketing
Led by David Smith, President, One on One, Service to Seniors
September 18-21, 2006

Finance, Underwriting and Investment Analysis
Led by Ray Braun, President, Chief Operating Officer & Chief Financial Officer, Health Care REIT, Inc.
October 24-27, 2006

Development
Led by Phil Golden, President and COO, Brightview Senior Living
November 1-4, 2006

Organizational Excellence and Continuous Quality Improvement
Led by Tony Ingelido, Vice President, Asbury Services, Inc.
TBA

Risk Management TBA

Posted by mlurie

September 8, 2006

UMBC LAUNCHES SHERMAN “STEM” TEACHER TRAINING PROGRAM

$5 MILLION GIFT FROM GEORGE AND BETSY SHERMAN
FUELS INITIATIVE TO TRAIN SCIENCE AND MATH TEACHERS FOR URBAN SCHOOLS;
KICKS OFF $100 MILLION CAPITAL CAMPAIGN, LARGEST IN UMBC HISTORY


CONTACT:
Mike Lurie

Office: 410-455-6380
Cellphone: 443-695-0262
mlurie@umbc.edu

BALTIMORE – A leadership gift of $5 million from George and Betsy Sherman will fund the Sherman STEM Teacher Training Program at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC), a program that will dramatically increase the number of UMBC graduates who move immediately into science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) teaching careers in at-risk and challenged schools in Baltimore City and throughout Maryland. The gift is a cornerstone of UMBC’s new $100 million capital campaign, the largest in the University’s history.

Through the Sherman STEM Teacher Training Program, UMBC seeks to become one of the nation’s leading institutions for training STEM teachers to work in at-risk schools. The program will provide scholarships for undergraduate and transfer students and fellowships for recent college graduates or mid-career professionals pursuing UMBC’s Master of Arts in Teaching.

“There is no more important education issue right now to the U.S. and to Maryland than getting more students interested in science and math,” said Dr. Geoffrey Summers, dean of the UMBC College of Natural & Mathematical Sciences. “In fact, if we add four physics teachers per year in Maryland public schools, we will double the rate of physics teachers that Maryland currently produces.”

The Sherman gift anchors a $100 million capital campaign ― chaired by John Erickson, CEO of Erickson ― which will seek endowment gifts, annual gifts, grants and gifts-in-kind to support academic initiatives strategically important to the development of UMBC, the region and the nation. The campaign will launch publicly in September with $63 million already raised.


A report from the National Academies designed to assess America’s ability to compete in the 21st century, “Rising Above the Gathering Storm,” calls for the recruitment of 10,000 new science and math teachers each year through competitive scholarships in math, science and engineering that lead to a bachelor’s degree accompanied by a teaching certificate.

George Sherman, retired president and CEO of Danaher Corporation and his wife, Betsy, a former teacher, chose UMBC as a partner to improve K-12 STEM education in urban schools. The $5 million gift began with $1 million to support the existing Sherman Family Teacher Scholars Program in the UMBC Department of Education.

A university widely recognized for its excellence in technology, science and teacher training, UMBC is well-positioned to fulfill the Shermans’ vision. Within five years, UMBC will host 50 Sherman Scholars (undergraduate students) and 10 Sherman Fellows (graduate students) annually. The inaugural Sherman STEM cohort will be assembled for fall, 2006 from existing UMBC students whose studies are concentrated in the STEM disciplines.

“World events of the past five years have further weakened one of our nation’s most competitive advantages: our ability to train, produce and retain graduates in science and technology,” George Sherman said. “The international marketplace is clearly growing and developing at a faster pace than we are right now. To win this race, we must start training tomorrow’s talent today. UMBC’s leadership and faculty are superb and are providing the fresh thinking needed to address contemporary issues.”

Said UMBC President Freeman A. Hrabowski, “This leadership gift from George and Betsy Sherman reflects the generosity and vision of two people closely connected to our campus for a long time. It demonstrates their commitment to preparing teachers for the youth in America and their confidence in UMBC’s ability to train teachers who will improve the quality of science and math education in Maryland.”

Summers, dean of the College of Natural & Mathematical Sciences, added, “Students get to college and don’t realize what a rewarding career teaching can be. Moreover, a very small percentage of science teachers actually earned their undergraduate degree in science. This program will allow us to work with students early in their college career and develop their interest in teaching math and science in public schools where the need for such education is great.”

For an overview of the UMBC $100 million capital campaign, click here.

Posted by mlurie

September 5, 2006

UMBC Computer Science Research in Wired Magazine

eBiquity Group's Research Part of Article on Spam Blogs

Research on detecting "splogs" by UMBC Computer Science and Electrical Engineering Professors Tim Finin, Anupam Joshi and Tim Oates and PhD students Pranam Kolari and Akshay Java was cited in an article in the September issue of Wired Magazine.

Splogs are spam weblogs that are automatically generated to host advertisements or to raise the rank or affiliated web sites. The UMBC eBiquity Group recently published a study showing that more than half of the active English language blogs were actually splogs and has a number of ongoing blog related research projects.

Posted by crose

August 29, 2006

Anne Spence on WYPR 88.1 FM's "Maryland Morning," Wednesday, Aug. 30

Mechanical Engineer to Discuss Improving Science, Math Education in Baltimore County Schools

CONTACT:
Mike Lurie

Office: 410-455-6380
Cellphone: 443-695-0262
mlurie@umbc.edu

Anne Spence, UMBC assistant professor of mechanical engineering, is scheduled to be profiled at 9:10 a.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 30 during Maryland Morning with Sheilah Kast on WYPR-88.1 FM. She will discuss her ongoing leadership role with the UMBC-BCPS STEM Partnership.

The partnership between UMBC and Baltimore County Public Schools (BCPS) is an innovative project that facilitates the implementation, testing, refinement and dissemination of promising practices for improving STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) student achievement. The project also facilitates teacher quality and retention in selected high-needs elementary, middle and high schools in Baltimore County Public Schools.

Maryland Morning with Sheilah Kast airs from 9-10 a.m. on Wednesdays and Fridays on WYPR-88.1 FM. More information about the program is available at http://www.wypr.org/MD_Morning.html. Audio archives of past stories are posted after their original air date.

Posted by crose

Anne Brodsky on WYPR's "Marc Steiner Show" Wednesday, Aug. 30

Advocate for Muslim Women to be Part of Show on Afghanistan

CONTACT: Chip Rose, UMBC News
410-455-5793
crose@umbc.edu

Anne Brodsky, UMBC associate professor of psychology and director of the Gender and Women's Studies program, is scheduled to be part of a panel of experts on Afghanistan for the noon to 1 p.m. hour of WYPR 88.1 FM's "Marc Steiner Show" on Wednesday, Aug. 30.

Brodsky has traveled and worked with the Revolutionary Association of the Women of Afghanistan (RAWA) and other women's rights groups in the Middle East for over five years. She is the author of "With All Our Strength," which chronicles her work with the group as Afghan women risked their lives to seek work, education and basic human rights under the Taliban regime.

Posted by crose

August 15, 2006

$1.5 Million NIH Grant Boosts UMBC's Research on HIV, Cancer

Powerful Instrument to Be Shared by Other UMBC Labs Studying Retroviruses

CONTACT: Chip Rose, UMBC News
410-455-5793
crose@umbc.edu

Dan Fabris, associate professor of chemistry at UMBC, is one of just 14 researchers nationally to receive a NIH National Center for Research Resources (NCRR) High-End Instrumentation grant announced today.

The $1.5 million grant will fund the purchase of an extremely powerful, high-resolution, mass spectrometer that greatly boosts UMBC's capabilities to analyze nucleic acids for research on drug resistance by HIV, other retroviruses and cancer.

The Fabris lab was the only one in Maryland to receive the NIH NCCR instrumentation grant this year, making UMBC one of just a handful of U.S. institutions to have such a powerful mass spectrometer.

The custom built instrument, a hybrid, 12 Tesla quadrupole-Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance (Q-FTICR) mass spectrometer, won't arrive at UMBC for another six months or so. It will be shared by several other labs at the University working on research that could lead to new and more effective inhibitor drugs for AIDS therapy.

"This is extremely exciting for many of us at UMBC," said Fabris, who has studied the nucleic acid structure of HIV since joining the faculty of the Chemistry and Biochemistry department in 1999. "We are particularly happy that this grant will not only expand our lab's capabilities, but will also benefit the work of other researchers in UMBC's departments of Chemistry and Biochemistry and Biological Sciences and possibly other labs in the Baltimore area."

"The High-End Instrumentation program provides numerous investigators access to essential equipment, often benefiting entire research communities and dramatically advancing their research projects," said Barbara M. Alving, M.D., Acting Director of NCRR, in an NIH press release. "These awards spur the kind of scientific discoveries necessary for the development of treatments for a broad spectrum of diseases."

Other NIH NCCR High-End Instrumentation grants went to hospital labs in Boston and university labs at Purdue, Stanford, UCLA, U. Cal Santa Barbara, U. Penn., Yale and others.

Posted by crose

August 14, 2006

New Web Site Encourages Maryland Voters to Look and Learn

UMBC Public Policy, Information Technology Experts Team Up With State Board of Elections for Voter Info Site

CONTACT: Anne Roland, UMBC Public Policy Department
410-455-8457
anne@umbc.edu

A new web site at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County uses state-of-the-art technology to help voters in Maryland access information that will help them make decisions about voting in the upcoming 2006 Primary and General Elections. The web site, called the Maryland Voter Information Clearinghouse (mdelections.umbc.edu), is a joint project of the Maryland State Board of Elections and UMBC’s National Center for the Study of Elections (NCSE). SBE asked researchers at UMBC to design new publicly accessible, easily searchable databases for voter information.

“It’s where, who, and how,” said NCSE Director and Professor of Public Policy Donald F. Norris. “The site is actually three separate databases that each give Maryland voters information to help them learn where to vote, who is running for office, and how candidates are financing campaigns.”

“We initiated the Center last summer with the goal of using the academic and research capabilities of UMBC to apply expert analysis, study, and educational techniques to the various programs at the State Board of Elections,” said Linda Lamone, State Administrator of Elections. “This project is a good example of how well that partnership is working. UMBC’s multi-disciplinary approach to this project has lead to a terrific outcome for all Maryland citizens.”

Visitors to the site can look up information on candidates for federal and state offices, and search the state’s campaign finance database, which includes publicly available reports on campaign finance activity for all candidates, political action committees (PACs), and parties. Registered voters, after entering required information, can verify their voter registration information, learn their voting districts, and find their polling places.

"These web-based tools leverage departmental expertise in the areas of database design and implementation, human-centered computing, and accessibility, providing a great opportunity for Information Systems faculty and students to apply what we teach in the classroom to develop important tools for the citizens of Maryland,” said Andrew Sears, Chair and Professor of Information Systems. Dr. Sears is Associate Director of NCSE.

The National Center for the Study of Elections is a center within the UMBC Maryland Institute for Policy Analysis & Research (MIPAR), in partnership with UMBC’s Department of Information Systems, the Department of Computer Science and Electrical Engineering, and the State Board of Elections. The Center provides technical assistance and research support to the State Board of Elections, and also conducts studies about voting technologies, election administration, and other issues related to voting and elections. For more information, visit www.umbc.edu/mipar/ncse.

Posted by crose

August 4, 2006

Inaugural Wyeth Fellow Announced as UMBC and Wyeth Research Finalize Partnership

CONTACT:
Mike Lurie

Office: 410-455-6380
Cellphone: 443-695-0262
mlurie@umbc.edu

The University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC) and Wyeth Research, having signed a formal agreement establishing a three-year partnership, have awarded the inaugural Wyeth Fellowship to Orrette R. Wauchope, a Ph.D. candidate studying synthetic organic chemistry.

The partnership includes graduate fellowships for talented students conducting research in fields of joint interest to UMBC faculty and Wyeth scientists.

Students selected for the two-year fellowships will be designated Wyeth Fellows and will receive an annual stipend and mentoring support from an industry scientist at Wyeth Research.

As the inaugural 2006 Wyeth Fellow, Wauchope was recognized as a rising Ph.D. candidate in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry. Wauchope will have the opportunity to present his or her research findings to a group of senior scientists at Wyeth Research. His doctoral research is being conducted under the guidance of Dr. Katherine Seley-Radtke, associate professor of chemistry and biochemistry and a 2006 Jefferson Science Fellow for the U.S. Department of State.

Wauchope’s research focuses on the design and methodological development of chemical agents that potentially serve as anticancer, antiviral and antiparasitic catalysts. Wauchope is a Summa Cum Laude graduate of Brooklyn College, where he majored in chemistry.

“Orrette has a keen interest in the use of synthetic organic chemistry to solve problems in medicinal chemistry,” said Dr. Jerauld S. Skotnicki, senior director of chemical and screening sciences with Wyeth Research. “His Ph.D. project with Professor Seley-Radtke is quite challenging and will enable him to enhance, apply and expand his interests and skills.

“As the Wyeth mentor, I am looking forward to the interactions and to contribute to their program. The Wyeth Fellowship exemplifies the ideal partnership of two innovative cultures from two distinct sectors, bringing out the best in people and their science.”

The Wyeth-UMBC partnership includes a three-year commitment to Gold-Level sponsorship for UMBC’s annual life science symposium - A Look Ahead: Futures in Biomedical Research. A signed memorandum of understanding between UMBC and Wyeth was completed on July 25, 2006 at the Wyeth Research facility in Collegeville, Pa. An additional Wyeth Fellow will be selected in the second year of the partnership.

“I am privileged to have mentoring support from the scientists at Wyeth,” Wauchope said. “I will have the opportunity to share and discuss aspects of my research in an industrial setting with chemists who possess years of experience.”

Wyeth, headquartered in Madison, N.J., is a global leader in pharmaceuticals, consumer health care products and animal health care products. The company is a leader in the discovery, development and manufacturing of pharmaceuticals, vaccines, biotechnology products and non-prescription medicines that improve the quality of life people worldwide. With research and development programs focused on small molecules, vaccines and biotechnology, Wyeth is exploring more than 60 new therapies for medical conditions such as diabetes, breast cancer, multiple sclerosis, HIV, Alzheimer’s disease and schizophrenia.

UMBC is a mid-sized, public research university located between Baltimore, Maryland and Washington, D.C. UMBC is a major center for cutting-edge research in the Baltimore-Washington corridor. The campus is home to more than 20 research centers and institutes.
UMBC’s College of Natural and Mathematical Sciences includes the Departments of Biological Sciences, Chemistry and Biochemistry, Mathematics and Statistics, and Physics. These four departments administer close to half of the Ph.D. programs at UMBC. The College has more than 100 full time faculty members, and includes approximately 1500 students in 7 undergraduate programs and 280 students in 13 graduate programs. Research expenditures currently top $13M per year.

For inquiries directly to Wyeth Pharmaceuticals:
Gerald Burr
Wyeth Pharmaceuticals
Office: 484-865-5138
Cell: 484-686-6998
Email: burrg@wyeth.com

Posted by crose

EXECUTIVE EDUCATION COURSES CONTINUE AT ERICKSON SCHOOL OF AGING STUDIES, SEPT. 18-21

“SALES AND MARKETING” TO BE LED BY DAVID SMITH

CONTACT:
Mike Lurie

Office: 410-455-6380
Cellphone: 443-695-0262
mlurie@umbc.edu

BALTIMORE – The Erickson School of Aging Studies at the University of Maryland Baltimore County (UMBC) teams once again with the National Investment Center for the Seniors Housing & Care Industry (NIC) to offer a set of Executive Education courses. The series continues at UMBC on Sept. 18-21 with a four-day seminar, “Sales and Marketing,” led by David Smith.

David Smith is president of One On One, Service to Seniors, a consulting group based in St. Louis, Mo. Mr. Smith has nearly 20 years of hands-on sales and marketing experience and is also co-owner, developer, and manager of the The Gatesworth at One McKnight Place and Parc Provence, both nationally acclaimed senior housing communities in St. Louis.

A number of high caliber guest lecturers from the senior living industry will join Smith in facilitating discussions on best practices.

The four-day, interactive course focuses on how to generate higher occupancies and faster fill rates using better marketing and sales practices. Specific course work includes discovering customers’ wants and needs, segmenting markets through research, understanding the relationship of pricing and value, and obtaining honest feedback.

Students also learn about the science of promotion and how to develop leads, design an effective marketing plan and use successful selling techniques.

Finally, the best way to manage the marketing and sales process is discussed, including the use of mystery shopping and sales training.
Smith has been a regular contributor to the NIC Executive Education program at the Erickson School. He is also a frequent lecturer and presenter at NIC, ALFA, ASHA and other industry conferences.

Instructor Profiles:

Anthony Mullen
Chair, Research Committee
National Investment Center

Anthony J. Mullen brings almost twenty years of experience in seniors housing and care to NIC. He has been an executive officer in three major companies within the industry, and was the founder and CEO of Traditions of America, a mid-Atlantic builder of active adult communities, which he sold in 2000. He has experience across the entire spectrum off the continuum of care.

Mr. Mullen was also a founder of the NIC, where he served on the Board and Executive Committees for 12 years.

Mr. Mullen has been one of the industry's leading applied researchers, and has developed key industry guidelines for understanding penetration rates for general feasibility purposes. He has published several groundbreaking articles in the field and has won awards for his pioneering research on absorption rates.

A certified public accountant, Mr. Mullen holds a Master's degree from Drexel University and an undergraduate degree from St. Joseph's University.


Daniel P. Rexford
Executive Vice President of Marketing and Sales
Erickson Retirement Communities

Mr. Rexford is the Executive Vice President of Marketing. He is responsible for developing and implementing the marketing and sales strategies for all Erickson continuing care retirement communities.
He also served as the Executive Director of Charlestown, Erickson’s flagship community in Catonsville, Md. He originally joined the company in 1990, as the Director of Marketing for Charlestown.
Prior to joining Erickson, Mr. Rexford managed the marketing and operations for two companies that provided technical services to the National Cancer Institute, Environmental Protection Agency, Department of the Treasury, General Services Administration, and Department of Defense.

Brian C. Swinton
Retired, Executive Vice President
Sunrise Senior Living

Brian Swinton has been an industry pioneer and leader for the past 19 years. Starting in 1986, he headed the team that created Marriott’s Brighton Gardens, one of the nation’s most successful assisted living concepts, while at the same time he headed the sales and marketing efforts for the entire Marriott Senior Living Division—the nation’s leading provider of quality tier senior living at the time. He also spearheaded the successful Marriott CCRC prototype, Stratford Court, and was a key executive in the development of life care communities (i.e. The Fairfax, The Quadrangle, The Colonnades), senior condominiums (i.e. The Jefferson), and senior cooperatives (i.e. Maplewood) for Marriott.

Following a successful 7 year stint at Marriott, Brian joined The Forum Group team as Senior Vice President in 1993 and again spearheaded the development of another assisted living mainstay, the cottage concept, Hearthside (now MapleRidge), and successfully headed the sales and marketing, product development and construction aspects of the company resulting in the company’s sale to Marriott in 1996.

Mr. Swinton joined Sunrise in 1996 as Executive Vice President where he once again headed the sales and marketing efforts, as well as market feasibility, customer and employee satisfaction and product development. He also headed the innovative Sunrise concept, At Home Assisted Living, currently in major markets around the country.

Brian has served in various industry positions including Chairman of the National Council on Senior’s Housing (NCOSH), an affiliate of the National Association of Homebuilders (NAHB). He also served as a director and vice president of the National Association of Senior Living Industries (NASLI) and participated in dozens of conferences speaking on a variety of industry topics.

Mr. Swinton holds a Master’s Degree in Business Administration with Distinction from Harvard Business School specializing in Marketing and Real Estate.

Margaret Wylde, Ph.D.
President/CEO
ProMatura Group, LLC

Margaret Wylde began conducting research on mature consumers more than 25 years ago. ProMatura Group, LLC, the company founded by Wylde, has played an integral role in understanding what mature consumers want and practically applying this information to seniors housing, service sector, retailers and consumer product developers. Wylde’s mature market, senior housing, product research and development experience includes work for Fortune 100, and start-up corporations, for large companies and single proprietorships, for national associations, and state agencies (see list of Clients). Wylde’s knowledge and expertise of senior housing business issues come from practical day-to-day experience. During her career Wylde has designed, developed and managed seniors housing properties.

Wylde’s knowledge of the senior housing industry is widely recognized as being among the industry’s best. Her contribution to the industries serving mature consumers has been to conduct both proprietary and publically disseminated research. Recent research completed by ProMatura include: a study of 1,056 independent living residents and the communities they chose; a comparative study of independent living residents and a matched sample of household who have chosen not to move to an age-qualified community; a multi-year study of 4,500 60+ households to learn their awareness, knowledge, attitudes and opinions about seniors housing; a study of 12,600 satisfaction surveys from residents of independent living, assisted living and skilled nursing communities; surveys of 1,023 residents of assisted living communities throughout the 48 contiguous states, and a survey of 1,500 adults between 45 and 64 years of age about their responsibilities for parents and other relatives. These studies, and dozens more, were completed for the American Seniors Housing Association, the National Investment Center for the Seniors Housing & Care Industries (NIC) and the Assisted Living Federation of America. NIC is the premier organization that focuses specifically on financing senior housing developments and the myriad of issues that affect how these properties are financed.

Wylde serves on the Boards of Directors of the American Society on Aging, the National Association of Home Builders Seniors Housing Council and LifeSpec Cabinet Systems, Inc. She is a member of the Advisory Board for the National Center for Universal Design at Florida State University, and the Association of Marketing & Sales Executives in Senior Housing. Wylde was a Forum Group Board member during its successful acquisition by Marriott Senior Living Services. Her other professional affiliations include the International Association of Homes and Services for the Aging, the American
Seniors Housing Association, the American Statistical Association, Assisted Living Federation of America, American Marketing Association, Human Factors Society of America, and the Gerontological Society of America.

Wylde has authored four books, dozens of technical papers and articles, and is a prolific contributor to trade and business publications and scholarly journals. Her most recent books include Boomers on the Horizon: Housing Preferences of the 55+ Home Buyer published by Builder Books in 2002, Building for a Lifetime: The Design and Construction of Fully Accessible Homes published by The Taunton Press. She is a frequently sought after speaker, providing keynote addresses to many different audiences.


Specific Areas of Expertise: finding answers and putting information to work; mature consumers, attitudes, opinions and behaviors; research design and analysis; practical application of primary and secondary research to the design and development of seniors housing communities, technology use by mature adults, human factors of older adults, Federal regulations of accessibility.

About The Erickson School of Aging Studies:
The Erickson School of Aging Studies at UMBC was established in April 2004 with a $5 million commitment from John Erickson, CEO and founder of Erickson. The school focuses on credit and non-credit professional education, research, and policy in aging services and care.

The Executive Development Program at the Erickson School of Aging Studies at UMBC is presented in partnership with NIC, a nonprofit organization that has been the leading source of business and financial information for the senior living industry since 1991. For the last six years, NIC has conducted executive development courses in operations, management, sales, marketing, development, finance, and service quality for emerging industry leaders.

UMBC, an Honors University in Maryland, is a four-year, public research university that is home to leading experts on aging who are active in research, education, and service in the field of gerontology. It is one of a handful of universities in the nation to offer a Ph.D. in Gerontology.

For further details, please call the Erickson School of Aging Studies at UMBC at 443-543-5622.

More information online at:
http://www.umbc.edu/erickson

# # #


Remaining 2006 NIC Executive Education Courses
At the Erickson School of Aging Studies at UMBC

Sales and Marketing
Led by David Smith, President, One on One, Service to Seniors
September 18-21, 2006

Finance, Underwriting and Investment Analysis
Led by Ray Braun, President, Chief Operating Officer & Chief Financial Officer, Health Care REIT, Inc.
October 24-27, 2006

Development
Led by Phil Golden, President and COO, Shelter Properties
November 1-4, 2006

Organizational Excellence and Continuous Quality Improvement
Led by Tony Ingelido, Vice President, Asbury Services, Inc.
TBA

Risk Management
TBA

Posted by mlurie

August 1, 2006

Warren R. Devries is New Dean of Engineering & Information Technology at UMBC

Former National Science Foundation Official to Pursue Business Partnerships, Innovation

CONTACT: Chip Rose, UMBC News
410-455-5793
crose@umbc.edu

The University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC) announced today the appointment of Warren R. DeVries, former National Science Foundation official and department chair of mechanical engineering at Iowa State University, as its new Dean of Engineering and Information Technology (IT).

DeVries is a leader in the national drive for excellence in engineering education and is also well known in his field for his pioneering research in manufacturing processes and systems. Since 2002, he has served as Division Director for the NSF’s Division of Design and Manufacturing Innovation, where he led a staff of 15 and managed an annual budget of $65 million. DeVries came to the NSF on assignment from Iowa State University, where he was a Professor and Chair of the Department of Mechanical Engineering.

DeVries said he believes that UMBC’s College of Engineering and Information Technology will thrive in the 21st century by developing: diverse knowledge-enabled graduates, faculty and staff who advance the frontiers of scholarship and innovation to benefit society, and partnerships with government and industry to create new opportunities that have an impact beyond the bounds of the campus.

DeVries, whose initial responsibilities at the NSF included work with the Small Business Innovation Research program, said that he would like to use his experience to spur innovation through education, research and industry partnerships, especially with small or startup technology-based firms.

DeVries said he first became acquainted with UMBC programs and faculty during a visit to the campus over a decade ago. “I saw that exciting things were really starting to happen here,” he said. Another strong impression was that “When you come into UMBC’s campus, the Research and Technology Park is right at the front door. I think that’s very interesting and an important opportunity,” DeVries said.

“I’d like to work with faculty and staff building on UMBC’s reputation for integration of education and research covering the whole spectrum of innovation, from discovery of new knowledge and creativity to that first commercial step of a small technology businesses,” DeVries said.

“This isn’t only important for the economic vitality of Maryland and the nation, but because knowledge and people are key to the research-education-innovation cycle its part of the University’s mission," said DeVries. "Students benefit too, since according to NSF data, the largest fraction of science and engineering graduates today, about 36 percent, are employed by small technology-based firms.”

Another of DeVries’ priorities will be giving students a multidisciplinary education that prepares them to be competitive in today’s global economy. He pointed out that the College of Engineering and Information Technology’s name is indicative of the multidisciplinary opportunities in the College at UMBC.

“In order for our students to have a good life and career, we first need to provide a relevant and solid education,” DeVries said. “We’ll need a truly global view so that our graduates not only have good career opportunities, but also aspire to be leaders in their chosen fields.”

In addition to being a member of the Iowa State faculty, DeVries has also held faculty positions at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, University of Michigan and University of Wisconsin-Madison. DeVries has supervised 11 Ph.D. students and nearly 40 M.S. students, and he has overseen more than $4 million in total research and educational contracts and grants.

He has authored or co-authored numerous technical papers, as well as two textbooks, and taught graduate and undergraduate courses. He received his Ph.D., M.S. and B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, and also received a B.S. in Letters and Engineering from Calvin College.

DeVries has served on the Board of Governors and as Senior Vice President for Engineering for the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) and on the Board of Directors and as President for the North American Manufacturing Research Institution of the Society of Manufacturing Engineers (SME). He is a Fellow of both the ASME and the SME.

DeVries replaces Dr. Shlomo Carmi, who served as Dean of the College of Engineering and Information Technology and Professor of mechanical engineering since 1996. Carmi, who was the American Society of Mechanical Engineers’ Senior Vice President for Engineering Education from 2003 to 2006, will continue to serve UMBC as a member of the mechanical engineering faculty. DeVries begins his appointment at UMBC August 1.

Note to Media:
To download a high-resolution, color photo of Dr. DeVries, please click on the image at the top of this release.

Posted by crose

July 26, 2006

NASA Scientists Conduct Census of Nearby Hidden Black Holes

UMBC Astrophysicist, International Team, Searching X-Ray Sky

CONTACT: Chip Rose, UMBC News
410-455-5793
crose@umbc.edu

Scientists on a quest to find hidden black holes in the local universe have found surprisingly few.

The observation implies that if these hidden black holes exist - and most scientists are convinced they do - they must be from the more distant, earlier universe, a concept that has interesting implications for galaxy evolution.

This work constitutes the first census of the highest-energy part of the X-ray sky, where the most dust-enshrouded black holes are thought to shine. A team from NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Md., conducted the census, comprised of nearly two years of continuous data from the European Space Agency's International Gamma Ray Astrophysics Laboratory, or INTEGRAL, satellite.

"Naturally it is difficult to find something we know is hiding well and which has eluded detection so far," said Volker Beckmann of Goddard and the Joint Center for Astrophysics at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County, lead author on a report in an upcoming issue of The Astrophysical Journal. "INTEGRAL is a telescope that should see nearby hidden black holes, but we have come up short."

The X-ray sky is thousands to millions of times more energetic than the visible sky familiar to our eyes. Much of the X-ray activity is from black holes violently sucking in gas from their surroundings.

Recent breakthroughs in X-ray astronomy, including a thorough black hole census with NASA's Chandra X-ray Observatory and Rossi X-ray Timing Explorer, have all dealt with lower-energy X-rays. The energy range is roughly 2,000 to 20,000 electron-volts. Optical light, in comparison, is about 2 electron volts.

The INTEGRAL survey is the first of its kind to glimpse into the largely unexplored higher-energy, or "hard," X-ray regime of 20,000 to 40,000 electron-volts.

"The X-ray background, this pervasive blanket of X-ray light we see everywhere in the universe, peaks at about 30,000 electron volts, yet we really know next to nothing about what produces this radiation," said co-author Neil Gehrels of Goddard.

The theory is that hidden black holes, which scientists call Compton-thick objects, are responsible for the peak at 30,000 electron volts. These X-rays are so energetic that they would penetrate even the most dust-enshrouded black holes yet remain beyond the range of powerful lower-energy X-ray observatories such as Chandra.

High-energy light in general is harder to focus than optical and lower-energy (longer-wavelength) forms of light. As a result, INTEGRAL doesn't have the resolution to make sharp images like Chandra and Hubble can.

"Basically, the higher you go in energy, the harder it is to detect faint sources," said Chris Shrader of Goddard, another co-author. "This is why no hard X-ray mission has been able to study many individual objects in the distant universe. That would require a next-generation telescope. But INTEGRAL is now the first to resolve the local universe."

INTEGRAL can obtain an unbiased count of black holes in the local universe by virtue of seeing even those that are hidden. Of all the black hole galaxies that INTEGRAL detected---that is, galaxies with supermassive black holes in their cores actively accreting gas---about 40 percent were unobscured black hole galaxies, called Seyfert 1 galaxies. About 50 percent were somewhat obscured black hole galaxies called Seyfert 2 galaxies. And less than 10 percent were the heavily shrouded "Compton thick" variety.

This implies that if hidden black holes make up the bulk of the X-ray background, they aren't local. Why? One reason could be that, in the modern local universe, these black holes have had time to blow away the gas and dust that once enshrouded them, leaving them unobscured. This liberation of gas and dust would have its consequences; it would blow away to influence star and galaxy formation elsewhere.

"This is just the tip of the iceberg," Beckmann said. "In a few more months we will have a larger survey completed with the Swift mission. Our goal is to push this kind of observation deeper and deeper into the universe to see black hole activity at early epochs. That's the next great challenge for X-ray and gamma-ray astronomers."

Simona Soldi and Nicolas Produit of the INTEGRAL Science Data Centre near Geneva, Switzerland, also participated in this result.

This release courtesy of NASA Goddard News.

For images, visit:

http://www.nasa.gov/vision/universe/starsgalaxies/integral_blackholes.html

Posted by crose

July 25, 2006

ERICKSON SCHOOL OF AGING STUDIES KICKS OFF "HOT TOPICS" SERIES ON AGING TRENDS

CHARLES LONGINO, JR., PH.D., ASSESSES MIGRATION OF OLDER AMERICANS


CONTACT:
Mike Lurie

Office: 410-455-6380
Cellphone: 443-695-0262
mlurie@umbc.edu

July 25, 2006

BALTIMORE – The Erickson School of Aging Studies at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC) introduces its “Hot Topics” series, an ongoing resource regarding aging issues and trends available for easy access by researchers and the general public. The series can be accessed at anytime at www.umbc.edu/erickson.

The inaugural “Hot Topics” installment, Migration of Older Americans: Where and Why, is offered by Charles F. Longino, Jr., Ph.D., and Visiting Professor to the Erickson School. Longino’s research has unearthed trends in the movement of older Americans that should be of interest to developers, planners and bankers, politicians and scholars.

A thorough understanding of migration trends among the aging population, Longino argues, depends on knowing who moves and why they move.

Widely known and celebrated for his work on the migration of people ages 60 and older, Longino assesses the threads common to older people more likely to make an interstate move. They are independent, have moved previously for career-related reasons and now make a relocation decision focused more on the place than the people.

The reasons older members of the population relocate for retirement, Longino says, “depend on the jelling of four factors: 1) demographic particulars (age, gender, race); 2) economic and health resources; 3) previous experience traveling; and 4) ties to people and places at the origin and the destination.

Longino argues that planners are well-advised to be armed with a realistic appraisal of the attractiveness of existing and planned communities and an understanding of the older people they can hope to attract and keep. With that knowledge, planners can be assured that retirement housing and related services can provide an environmentally friendly industry and the income, jobs and new citizens likely to help enrich their new community.

Longino is the president of the Gerontological Society of America, past president of the Association of Gerontology in Higher Education and served for four years as the editor of the Journal of Gerontology: Social Sciences. The second edition of Longino’s book Retirement Migration in America is due to be published in the near future. The publisher of more than 140 scholarly articles, Longino is the Washington M. Wingate Professor of Sociology at Wake Forest University where he directs the Reynolda Gerontology Program.


About The Erickson School of Aging Studies:
The Erickson School of Aging Studies at UMBC was established in April 2004 with a $5 million commitment from John Erickson, CEO and founder of Erickson Retirement Communities. The school focuses on credit and non-credit professional education, research, and policy in aging services and care.

For further details, please call the Erickson School of Aging Studies at UMBC at 443-543-5622.

More information online at:
http://www.umbc.edu/erickson

# # #

Posted by mlurie

July 7, 2006

$2.9 Million National Science Foundation Grant Funds New UMBC PhD Training Program in Urban Water, Environment

Grant to Provide Multidisciplinary Training for 20 PhD Students Over 5 Years

CONTACT: Chip Rose, UMBC News
410-455-5793
crose@umbc.edu

The National Science Foundation (NSF) has awarded UMBC a $2.9 million grant to establish a new doctoral student training program in “Water in the Urban Environment.”

The NSF funding, part of a highly competitive and nationally prestigious Integrated Graduate Education and Research Traineeship (IGERT) program, will provide 20 Ph.D. students with annual stipends plus assistance with tuition and fees as UMBC recruits and trains teams of graduate students in the ecology, economics, engineering, public health and policy impacts of urbanization on the Chesapeake Bay region’s water resources.

The “Water in the Urban Environment” Ph.D. training program will involve 32 faculty members from nine UMBC departments and six partner institutions. Like all IGERT programs, the UMBC training will emphasize an interdisciplinary team approach for Ph.D. students. The program includes internships in industry, government, and non-governmental organizations.

“The NSF IGERT program is nationally recognized as a mark of academic excellence,” said Claire Welty, director of the Center for Urban Environmental Research and Education at UMBC. “This grant puts UMBC’s environmental programs on the national map in graduate environmental education and offers Marylanders a superb environmental educational opportunity right in their own back yard.”

According to Welty, “We’ve already recruited four outstanding students for the Fall 2006 semester– from North Carolina, Connecticut, Pennsylvania and Virginia -- and will recruit an additional five for fall 2007,”

The program takes advantage of UMBC’s longtime research partnerships with public agencies, nonprofits, and private consultants in the field of urban environmental and hydrology studies, as well as the proximity of Baltimore to the Chesapeake Bay. UMBC is home of the field headquarters of the Baltimore Ecosystem Study, one of two urban sites in the NSF Long-Term Ecological Research network. In June, UMBC broke ground for the US Geological Survey’s Maryland/Delaware/District of Columbia Water Science Center new home at bwtech@UMBC, the university’s on-campus research and technology park.

The UMBC program is one of approximately 20 new IGERT awards granted this year by the NSF. For more information on the NSF’s IGERT programs, visit www.igert.org.

Posted by crose

June 27, 2006

UMBC, USGS to Celebrate Groundbreaking of Water Science Center

Chesapeake Bay Watershed Researchers, Officials
to Mark Site of Tech Park’s 3rd Building Thursday

CONTACT: Chip Rose, UMBC
410-455-5793
crose@umbc.edu


The University of Maryland, Baltimore County celebrates a milestone for science in the state’s public interest Thursday as it breaks ground for the new home of the U.S. Geological Survey’s Maryland-Delaware-Washington, D.C. Water Science Center at bwtech@UMBC, the University’s on-campus research and technology park.

Baltimore County Executive Jim Smith, UMBC President Dr. Freeman Hrabowski, and other federal, state and local government officials will join UMBC and USGS environmental scientists at 5523 Research Park Drive, the future site of the one-story, 24,000 square-foot facility for a groundbreaking ceremony starting at 11:30 am.

Construction of the USGS building is scheduled to begin later this month. The real estate development firm Corporate Office Properties Trust (COPT) is managing construction of both the USGS building and a 110,000 square-foot, four-story, multi-tenant building at bwtech@UMBC, the park’s fourth of five planned buildings.

The USGS center employs over 60 scientists and support staff, who are expected to strengthen collaborative work with UMBC and U.S. Forest Service scientists who monitor the ecosystems of the Chesapeake Bay watershed and the health of the region’s water supply, rivers and streams.

The USGS’s decision to move from its previous location in White Marsh was strongly influenced by the longtime research partnership between USGS and UMBC’s Department of Geography and Environmental Systems, Center for Urban and Environmental Research and Education (CUERE), Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, the U.S. Forest Service and the Baltimore Ecosystem Study.

According to UMBC and USGS officials, the move will give USGS scientists easier access to student employees, labs, scientific instruments, and university researchers. It is expected that UMBC science and engineering students will benefit from on-campus opportunities to combine classroom training with hands-on research experience.

UMBC’s formal connection with USGS goes back to 1997, the beginning of the Baltimore Ecosystem Study (BES), a National Science Foundation-funded Long-Term Ecological Research Project whose field headquarters are located on the UMBC campus. BES, which was renewed for another six-year term in 2004, makes Baltimore’s streams, rivers and water quality among the most highly monitored in the country thanks in large part to an extensive network of USGS equipment and personnel.

The USGS building is the latest in the progress of bwtech@UMBC, Maryland's first university research park, and the only research and development park in Baltimore County. The 41-acre park's first building was completed in 2001 and is occupied by RWD Technologies. The second building was completed in 2004 and is fully leased to 15 entities. The park’s first two buildings were sold to Merritt Properties for $22.5 million in December, 2005.

Posted by crose

June 26, 2006

HEFFNER NAMED DIRECTOR OF EXECUTIVE EDUCATION AT ERICKSON SCHOOL OF AGING STUDIES

JOINS ERICKSON SCHOOL FROM THE BEACON INSTITUTE

CONTACT:
Mike Lurie

Office: 410-455-6380
Cellphone: 443-695-0262
mlurie@umbc.edu

BALTIMORE – Kevin D. Heffner, CAE, CFRE, an executive with the Beacon Institute, has been selected as the new Director of Executive Education for the Erickson School of Aging Studies at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC).

Heffner brings to the Erickson School of Aging Studies considerable experience and expertise in senior care. He will coordinate a program of executive education courses offered by the Erickson School for leaders in the seniors housing and care industry.

The Executive Education Program at the Erickson School is presented in partnership with the National Investment Center for the Seniors Housing & Care Industry (NIC), a nonprofit organization that has been the leading source of business and financial information for the senior living industry since 1991.

“The National Investment Center welcomes Kevin to this position. He brings a proven track record, interpersonal and leadership skills and the desire to help make this a world-class program,” says Tony Mullen, Research Director at NIC. Mullen served as Acting Director of Executive Education during the search process.

Heffner has led the Beacon Institute, a charitable organization founded to encourage quality of life and quality of care for seniors, since its inception nine years ago. The Beacon Institute is the largest senior-case association in the greater Maryland/Washington D.C. region. He oversaw the development of its Handelman Learning Center, a site in Columbia, Md., that hosts more than 70 educational programs each year. Heffner also developed the Mid-Atlantic Wellspring Program, a nationally acclaimed quality-care improvement model.

“I look forward to leading the growth of the Executive Education Program at the Erickson School,” Heffner says. “The 2006 series of NIC Executive Education sessions is just one example of the resources our program delivers to leaders in our industry. We are eager to continue the cultivation and growth of this tradition.”

About The Erickson School of Aging Studies:
The Erickson School of Aging Studies at UMBC was established in April 2004 with a $5 million commitment from John Erickson, CEO and founder of Erickson Retirement Communities. The school focuses on credit and non-credit professional education, research, and policy in aging services and care.

The Executive Development Program at the Erickson School of Aging Studies at UMBC is presented in partnership with NIC, a nonprofit organization that has been the leading source of business and financial information for the senior living industry since 1991. For the last six years, NIC has conducted executive development courses in operations, management, sales, marketing, development, finance, and service quality for emerging industry leaders.

UMBC, an Honors University in Maryland, is a four-year, public research university that is home to leading experts on aging who are active in research, education, and service in the field of gerontology. It is one of a handful of universities in the nation to offer a Ph.D. in Gerontology.

For further details, please call the Erickson School of Aging Studies at UMBC at 443-543-5622.

More information online at:
http://www.umbc.edu/erickson

# # #


2006 NIC Executive Education Courses
At the Erickson School of Aging Studies at UMBC

Business and Strategy of Seniors Housing and Care
Led by Brian Swinton, Retired, Executive Vice President, Sunrise Senior Living
February 22-25, 2006

Management and Operations
Led by Chris Hollister, CEO, Southern Assisted Living, Inc.
Date: May 17-20, 2006

Sales and Marketing
Led by David Smith, President, One on One, Service to Seniors
September 18-21, 2006

Finance, Underwriting and Investment Analysis
Led by Ray Braun, President, Chief Operating Officer & Chief Financial Officer, Health Care REIT, Inc.
October 24-27, 2006

Development
Led by Phil Golden, President and COO, Shelter Properties
November 1-4, 2006

Organizational Excellence and Continuous Quality Improvement
Led by Tony Ingelido, Vice President, Asbury Services, Inc.
TBA

Risk Management
Led by Allen Lynch, Partner, Nixon Peabody, LLP
TBA

Posted by mlurie

June 14, 2006

Wyeth Research and UMBC Form Partnership

CONTACT:
Mike Lurie

Office: 410-455-6380
Cellphone: 443-695-0262
mlurie@umbc.edu

BALTIMORE – The University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC) and Wyeth Research have formed a three-year, multi-level partnership. The partnership will include graduate fellowships for talented students conducting research in fields of joint interest to UMBC faculty and Wyeth scientists and a three-year commitment to support UMBC’s annual life science symposium as a Gold-Level sponsor.

Wyeth’s sponsorship of the symposium, A Look Ahead: Futures in Biomedical Research, will provide direct support for the Departments of Biology, Chemistry and Biochemistry and Chemical and Biochemical Engineering at UMBC. The annual life science symposium features nationally recognized speakers, promotes the research of UMBC students, and attracts hundreds of scientists, educators and biotechnology business leaders.

“Wyeth’s contribution to UMBC is outstanding. They are an ideal partner for UMBC in the life sciences, demonstrating a strong commitment to scientific excellence, diversity and higher education,” said Dr. Geoffrey Summers, dean of the College of Natural and Mathematical Sciences.

The students selected for the two-year fellowships will be designated Wyeth Fellows and will receive an annual stipend and mentoring support from an industry scientist at Wyeth research.

The 2006 Wyeth Fellowship will be awarded to a rising, second- or third-year Ph.D candidate in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry. Each Wyeth Fellow will have the opportunity to present his or her research findings to a group of senior scientists at Wyeth Research.

“We are very pleased to be working with UMBC at this new level,” said Dr. Parimal Desai, Vice President, Analytical & Quality Sciences at Wyeth. “UMBC produces some of our most promising new scientists. Our experiences working with UMBC students and faculty have been excellent.”

UMBC and Wyeth have established a steering committee to identify promising areas of research and expand collaborative relationships between Wyeth scientists and UMBC faculty and students. The steering committee will build on the momentum of Wyeth’s active recruiting of UMBC students for internships and full-time positions.

Wyeth, headquartered in Madison, NJ, is a global leader in pharmaceuticals, consumer health care products and animal health care products. The company is a leader in the discovery, development and manufacturing of pharmaceuticals, vaccines, biotechnology products and non-prescription medicines that improve the quality of life people worldwide. With research and development programs focused on small molecules, vaccines and biotechnology, Wyeth is exploring more than 60 new therapies for medical conditions such as diabetes, breast cancer, multiple sclerosis, HIV, Alzheimer’s disease and schizophrenia.

UMBC is a mid-sized, public research university located between Baltimore, Maryland and Washington, D.C. UMBC is a major center for cutting-edge research in the Baltimore-Washington corridor. The campus is home to more than 20 research centers and institutes.

UMBC’s College of Natural and Mathematical Sciences includes the Departments of Biological Sciences, Chemistry and Biochemistry, Mathematics and Statistics, and Physics. These four departments administer close to half of the Ph.D. programs at UMBC. The College has more than 100 full time faculty members, and includes approximately 1500 students in 7 undergraduate programs and 280 students in 13 graduate programs. Research expenditures currently top $13M per year.

For inquiries directly to Wyeth Pharmaceuticals:
Gerald Burr
Wyeth Pharmaceuticals
Office: 484-865-5138
Cell: 484-686-6998
Email: burrg@wyeth.com

Posted by mlurie

June 12, 2006

Howard Hughes Medical Institute Awards $2.2 Million to HHMI Scholars Program at UMBC

CONTACT: Mike Lurie
410-455-6380 office
443-695-0262 cellphone
Email: mlurie@umbc.edu

The Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI) has awarded a $2.2 million teaching grant to the University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC) to further develop the HHMI Scholars Program, a science education initiative that focuses on students from diverse backgrounds.

The HHMI Scholars Program provides a summer “bridge” structure that helps freshmen make a smooth college transition. During their freshman year, Hughes Scholars rotate through several labs and eventually choose a "home" laboratory in which they will do long-term research. The summer before their sophomore year, they start working in that lab. Scholars also complete at least one summer of research with an HHMI investigator elsewhere in the country, usually before their junior year. Each scholar also has the option of spending his or her junior year as an exchange student in the lab of another HHMI investigator.

Hughes Scholars also provide math and science tutoring for elementary and high school students in Baltimore to inspire the next generation of science majors. They might also tutor fellow UMBC undergraduates.

UMBC is one of 50 universities in the nation to receive an HHMI grant in this round of funding. The first UMBC Hughes Scholars supported by an undergraduate science education grant from HHMI graduated from UMBC in 2005. All three students have gone on to Ph.D. or M.D./Ph.D. programs at Stanford University, The Johns Hopkins University, and Case Western Reserve University. Five additional students recently graduated and all have been accepted into a Ph.D., M.D./Ph.D. or M.D. program at Baylor College of Medicine, University of Florida, University of Maryland, University of Michigan, and Cornell University.

"They're not just getting into graduate programs, they’re getting into the very best programs," said Michael Summers, the only HHMI investigator at a Maryland public university and director of the Hughes Scholar Program at UMBC. Of 25 Hughes Scholars so far, 23 are African American. While many Hughes Scholars are from Maryland, students also come to the program from as far away as California, Florida, North Carolina and South Carolina.

Hughes Scholars will interact with students who are in the UMBC Meyerhoff Scholarship Program, a program open to high-achieving high school seniors with an interest in pursuing doctoral study in the sciences or engineering and advancing minorities in the sciences and related fields.

“With this support, some of the brightest young students who are interested in biomedical research and issues of diversity will have the opportunity to focus on their studies and research while undergraduates and work with some of the nation’s best biomedical researchers,” Summers said.

Hughes Scholars are selected as incoming freshmen. An HHMI grant provides funds for summer research and travel to scientific meetings. The grant also covers tuition and room and board for their first two years of college. Tuition, room and board are covered for the students' junior and senior years through a federal grant.

Before classes start, Hughes Scholars attend a summer program to familiarize themselves with the campus and the research being done at UMBC.

“Summer bridge programs—a component of several of the new grants—are particularly important in helping minority students make a successful transition to the world of the research university,” said Peter J. Bruns, HHMI vice president for grants and special programs. “Individualized mentoring and early research experiences with working scientists also are vital components of a university education that prepares undergraduates for graduate school and careers in science. The universities want to offer their students these opportunities, and HHMI is pleased to help them do so.”

In selecting recipients of the new grants, HHMI reviewed 158 applications. A panel composed of leading scientists and educators, including HHMI professors and an invited 214 HHMI investigators, reviewed the applications.

“We believe it is vital to bring fresh perspectives to the teaching of established scientific disciplines and to develop novel courses in emerging areas, such as computational biology, genomics, and bio-imaging, said Thomas R. Cech, HHMI president. “Our grantee universities are providing hands-on research experiences to help prepare undergraduates, including women and minorities underrepresented in the sciences, for graduate studies and for careers in biomedical research, medicine, and science education.”

A nonprofit medical research organization, the Howard Hughes Medical Institute was established in 1953 by the aviator-industrialist. The Institute, headquartered in Chevy Chase, Maryland, is one of the largest philanthropies in the world, with an endowment of $14.8 billion at the close of its 2005 fiscal year. HHMI spent $483 million in support of biomedical research and $80 million for support of a variety of science education and other grants programs in fiscal 2005.

Posted by crose

UMBC Scientists Spot the Greatest of Great Balls of Fire

Contact:
Chip Rose

410-455-5793 office
443-690-0307 cellphone
Email: crose@umbc.edu



A research effort led by the University of Maryland, Baltimore County has found a comet-like ball of gas over a billion times the mass of the sun hurling through a distant galaxy cluster over 500 miles per second. This colossal "ball of fire" is by far the largest object of this kind ever identified.

Dr. Alexis Finoguenov and Prof. Mark Henriksen of the UMBC Department of Physics and visiting UMBC scientist Dr. Francesco Miniati discovered the gas ball with a European X-ray satellite called XMM-Newton.

The gas ball is about three million light years across, or about five billion times the size of our solar system. It appears from our perspective as a circular X-ray glow with a comet-like tail nearly half the size of the moon. This observation is described in the Astrophysical Journal.

"The size and velocity of this gas ball is truly fantastic," said Finoguenov, who is an adjunct assistant professor of physics at UMBC and an associated scientist at the Max Planck Institute for Extra-Terrestrial Physics in Garching, Germany. "This is likely a massive building block being delivered to one of the largest assembly of galaxies we know."

The gas ball is in a galaxy cluster called Abell 3266, millions of light years from Earth, thus posing absolutely no danger to our solar system. Abell 3266 contains hundreds of galaxies and great amounts of hot gas that is nearly a hundred million degrees. Both the cluster gas and the giant gas ball are held together by the gravitational attraction of unseen dark matter.

"What interests astronomers is not just the size of the gas ball but the role it plays in the formation and evolution of structure in the universe," said Miniati, who worked on this data at UMBC while visiting from the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Zurich, Switzerland.

Abell cluster 3266 is part of the Horologium-Reticulum super-cluster and is one of the most massive galaxy clusters in the southern sky. It is still actively growing in size, as indicated by the gas ball, and will become one of the largest mass concentrations in the nearby universe.

Using XMM-Newton data, the science team produced an entropy map, which is a thermodynamical property that allows for the separation of the cold and dense gas of the comet from the hotter and more rarefied gas of the cluster. This is based on X-ray spectra. The data show with remarkable detail the process of gas being stripped from the comet's core and forming a large tail containing lumps of colder and denser gas. The researchers estimate that a sun's worth of mass is lost every hour.

"In Abell 3266 we are seeing structure formation in action," said Henriksen. "Dark matter is the gravitational glue holding the gas ball together. But as it races through the galaxy cluster, a tug-of-war ensues where the galaxy cluster eventually wins, stripping off and dispersing gas that perhaps one day will seed star and galaxy growth within the cluster."

XMM-Newton was built by and is operated by the European Space Agency.

For images and more information about the result, refer to http://www.esa.int/esaSC/SEMWD1AATME_index_0.html.

For a directory of high-resolution images, refer to: http://universe.nasa.gov/press/xmm

Special Thanks to Christopher Wanjek at NASA-Goddard News for this release.

Posted by crose

May 19, 2006

UMBC Set to Graduate 1,200 Students

46th Commencement Ceremonies Award Degrees to 1,000 Undergraduates, 200 Graduate Students on May 24, 25

MIT Physicist/Author,
Hopkins Neuroscience Pioneer are Speakers


CONTACTS: Mike Lurie
410-455-6380 office
443-695-0262 cellphone
Email: mlurie@umbc.edu

Chip Rose
410-455-5793 office
443-690-0307 cellphone
Email: crose@umbc.edu

The University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC) will award degrees to over 1,000 undergraduates and 200 graduate students from the Class of 2006 during the University’s 46th commencement ceremonies to be held Wednesday, May 24 and Thursday, May 25.

The UMBC Class of 2006 includes students accepted by prestigious graduate programs at some of the world’s top universities, including Yale, Harvard, Stanford, King’s College London, the University of St. Andrews in Scotland, Johns Hopkins, the University of Chicago, Tufts University, the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill and the University of Michigan.

UMBC graduates have also secured jobs with a wide spectrum of corporations, nonprofits and government agencies, including Microsoft, Northrop Grumman, Booz Allen Hamilton, Walter Reed Army Medical Center, Science Applications International Corporation, T. Rowe Price, Mercantile Bank, Xerox and the U.S. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.

Graduate student commencement will be held Wednesday, May 24 at 10 a.m. on the UMBC campus at the Retriever Activities Center. Dr. Alan Lightman, a physicist and author and adjunct professor of humanities at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, will receive an Honorary Doctor of Humanities degree for his significant contributions to the literary, scientific and education communities. Lightman’s 1993 novel, "Einstein's Dreams," was an international bestseller and has been translated into 30 languages.

The undergraduate ceremony will be held on Thursday, May 25, at 1 p.m., at the 1st Mariner Arena in downtown Baltimore. Dr. Solomon Snyder, distinguished service professor of neuroscience, pharmacology and psychiatry at The Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, will deliver the commencement address and receive an Honorary Doctor of Science degree for his research accomplishments in neuroscience.

Snyder’s discoveries and techniques for identifying receptors for neurotransmitters and drugs have resulted in major advances in molecular neuroscience and drug design. He shared the prestigious Albert Lasker Award in 1978 for the discovery of the brain’s opiate receptors and, in 2003, received the National Medal of Science, the United States’ top scientific recognition.

Dr. Richard Brodhead, president of Duke University, will receive an Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree at the undergraduate ceremony for his achievements as a scholar, teacher and advocate for the advancement of higher education.

Brodhead, an expert in 19th-century American literature who has written or edited more than a dozen books, arrived at Duke after a 32-year career at Yale University. He has been involved with national higher education issues as a member of the Business-Higher Education Forum, a trustee of the Carnegie Corporation and a Presidential appointee to the J. William Fulbright Foreign Scholarship Board. His scholarly work has been honored by his election to the American Academy of Arts and Sciences.

Amber McGuigan, UMBC’s 2006 valedictorian, will also speak at Thursday’s ceremony. McGuigan, a Sondheim Public Affairs Scholar who maintained a 4.0 G.P.A. as a double major in social work and economics, recently completed a year-long internship in the children's program at the House of Ruth Maryland. McGuigan is a native of Blackwood, N.J. and graduated from Highland Regional High School.

The Co-Salutatorians are Joe Howley, an ancient studies major from Silver Spring, M.D., and Roxann Brooks, a biological sciences major from Chesapeake, V.A. Howley, a Rhodes Scholar nominee and graduate of Montgomery Blair High School, will pursue graduate studies in classics at the University of St. Andrews. Brooks, a graduate of Norfolk Academy and a Meyerhoff Scholar, will pursue a doctorate of veterinary medicine and a Ph.D. in the veterinary scientist training program at the University of California, Davis.

For more information on UMBC Commencement Ceremonies, please visit:
http://www.umbc.edu/commencement

Posted by crose

May 2, 2006

UMBC, Johns Hopkins, Join Princeton in Multi-Million NSF Engineering Research Center

Advanced Research in Mid-Infrared Spectrum Could Yield Sensor Breakthroughs for Medicine, Environment, Military, Homeland Security

CONTACTS: Mike Lurie
410-455-6380 office
443-695-0262 cellphone
Email: mlurie@umbc.edu

Chip Rose
410-455-5793 office
443-690-0307 cellphone
Email: crose@umbc.edu


BALTIMORE– The University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC) and The Johns Hopkins University are part of a newly announced multimillion-dollar National Science Foundation (NSF) Engineering Research Center based at Princeton University that is expected to revolutionize sensor technology, yielding supersensitive devices that can detect minute amounts of chemicals found in the atmosphere, emitted from factories or exhaled in human breath.

The goal of the Center’s research is to produce devices that are so low in cost and easy to use that they transform the way physicians monitor patients, states track air quality, governments guard against terror attacks and scientists understand the evolution of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere.

Other partner institutions with Princeton, Johns Hopkins and UMBC are Rice University, Texas A&M University and City College of New York. NSF and industrial funding for the Center could exceed $40 million over 10 years. NSF funding started May 1 with $2.97 million for the first year.

The center – named MIRTHE, for Mid-Infrared Technologies for Health and the Environment – will combine the work of about 40 faculty members, 30 graduate students and 30 undergraduates from the six universities. The center also is collaborating with dozens of industrial partners on technology commercialization and is partnering with several educational outreach partners to apply MIRTHE research in improving science and engineering education.

“The sensors we are creating will be portable and easy to use,” said Claire Gmachl, associate professor of electrical engineering at Princeton and MIRTHE’s director. “Today’s state-of-the-art sensors are very sensitive, but require an expert to operate and are bulky and expensive. Our vision is to make sensors with the same or better level of sensitivity at a fraction of the size and cost.”

Sensor technologies developed by MIRTHE team members are expected to have a variety of commercial, military and educational applications. UMBC is home to several NASA-Goddard related atmospheric, environmental and earth science research centers and the Baltimore Ecosystem Study, where MIRTHE technologies should improve monitoring of pollution in the soil, water and air. Another potential application is an “invisible fence” sensor system that can vastly improve detection of chemical and biological hazards for military troops in the battlefield and homeland security first responders.

MIRTHE is a National Science Foundation Engineering Research Center, one of several interdisciplinary centers located at universities across the United States. The centers are among the foundation’s largest and most prestigious grants.

MIRTHE team members’ expertise ranges from fundamental science to applied technology. Work on MIRTHE at UMBC will be led by MIRTHE deputy director Anthony Johnson, a past president of the Optical Society of America and director of UMBC’s Center for Advanced Studies in Photonics Research (CASPR).

“This is an exciting day for engineering research in the Baltimore-Washington region” Johnson said. “With seven faculty researchers each from The Johns Hopkins University and UMBC, this is incredible news for science in the state of Maryland.”

As deputy director of MIRTHE, Johnson brings a wealth of knowledge on the design, workings and manufacture of next-generation sensors based on novel optoelectronic materials. These sensors will be capable of detecting chemical and biological molecular markers in the mid-infrared portion of the spectrum.

Other UMBC researchers on the MIRTHE team include: L. Michael Hayden, chair of physics; Yanhua Shih, professor of physics; Joel Morris, Curtis Menyuk and Fow-Sen Choa, professors of computer science and electrical engineering; and Claire Welty, director of the Center for Urban Environmental Research and Education.

Johns Hopkins researchers involved in MIRTHE include: Terence H. Risby of the Bloomberg School of Public Health; Katalin Szlavecz, a geologist and lecturer at the Krieger School of Arts and Sciences; Robert Brown of the Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine in the School of Medicine; Jacob Khurgin of the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering in the Whiting School of Engineering; Charles Lowenstein and Steven Solga of the Department of Medicine in the School of Medicine; and Michael Trush of the Department of Environmental Health Sciences in the Bloomberg School of Public Health.

MIRTHE’s other key mission is in education – working to train a new and diverse generation of engineering students in the U.S. The center will incorporate extensive efforts to engage college and K-12 students in hands-on science and engineering projects, with major outreach programs taking place at UMBC, City College of New York and Princeton.

At UMBC, MIRTHE will link with the Meyerhoff Scholars Program, which is recognized nationally as a model for preparing high-achieving undergraduate students, particularly African-Americans, for research careers in science and engineering. Johnson also has extensive experience with K-12 optical science education outreach to under-represented minority students through his work with the Optical Society of America’s Hands-On Optics (HOO) program.

PROMISE: Maryland’s Alliance for Graduate Education and the Professoriate (AGEP), which is also sponsored by the NSF, will focus on the cultivation, retention and successful graduation of graduate students from populations that are underrepresented in MIRTHE’s core disciplines,” said UMBC’s PROMISE Director Renetta Tull.

The work of creating the successful proposal to the NSF already has established a sense of community among the participants. “We are delighted to be partnering with Princeton and the other fine institutions in the Engineering Research Center’s critical work,” said Freeman Hrabowski, president of UMBC.

Posted by crose

May 1, 2006

Grasmick to Be Honored for Fighting Tech Gender Gap at UMBC’s Computer Mania Day

Fashion Designer Cynthia Rowley to Link High-Tech, High Fashion
For 100’s of Middle School Girls Saturday

CONTACT: Chip Rose, UMBC
410-455-5793
crose@umbc.edu

BALTIMORE - State Superintendent of Schools Dr. Nancy Grasmick will be honored for her contributions to fighting the gender gap in information technology this Saturday at UMBC’s fourth annual Computer Mania Day event. Fashion designer Cynthia Rowley headlines the day of free, fun, hands-on activities which brings hundreds of middle school girls from across Maryland for tech career path inspiration by women role models from industry and academia.

The Center for Woman and Information Technology (CWIT) at UMBC, which addresses and rectifies women's under-representation in information technology and enhances the understanding of the relationship between gender and IT, will present the Joan Korenman Award to Grasmick during the start of the day’s activities at 10:10 AM in UMBC’s Retriever Activities Center.

The Joan Korenman Award is named for the founder of CWIT and honors an individual or group of individuals who have supported, promoted, and encouraged girls and women to strive to achieve personal and professional growth through the use of, employment in, or leadership in information technology or a related field, where women are traditionally underrepresented.

“I’m thrilled to be a recipient of the Joan Korenman Award this year,” said Grasmick. “I continue to encourage women to persevere in their efforts to achieve their objectives. We must strive to have equity in all fields, including those that are technology based. I truly believe that we should continue to create and sustain pathways for all individuals to enter and remain in Information Technology or a related technology field.”

Many Baltimore-Washington area technology firms give financial and volunteer support to Computer Mania Day, which they see as an effective way to increase gender diversity in high-tech industries.

Research shows that the information technology (IT) gender gap opens as early as the middle school years, when girls are most image-conscious and do not want to be labeled as “geeks” or “nerds.” Girls also make up only 14 percent of Advanced Placement students in computer science, a key to success in IT-related fields at the college level.

"We are thrilled to continue our support of CWIT and its goal to encourage students', especially girls', interest and involvement in information technology," said Jennifer Jones, Sales Vice President for AT&T, who will present the award to Grasmick.

"Computer Mania Day demonstrates that science and computer skills not only facilitate our fast-paced, 24/7 connected lives, these skills enhance job performance and improve efficiencies across all industries,” said Jones. “This message is especially important to share with our nation's young people so that the U.S. will not continue to lose its competitive advantage in the global marketplace." The AT&T Foundation is a sponsor of Computer Mania Day.

"There is no greater imperative for protecting the future technological strength and security of our nation than getting today's primary and secondary-school children interested in math, science and engineering-related disciplines,” said James F. Pitts, Corporate Vice President and President of Northrop Grumman’s Electronic Systems sector. “That's why we at Northrop Grumman strongly support activities such as Computer Mania Day at UMBC." Katherine A. Gray, VP of F16 Sensor Systems at Northrop Grumman Electronics Systems, will give the welcoming address to Computer Mania attendees.

Rowley, whose signature designs are found in Cynthia Rowley boutiques, better department stores and specialty stores across the U.S. and globe, has won multiple awards from The Council of Fashion Designers of America. Her creations have been featured in Vogue, Elle, Glamour, Harper’s Bazaar and The New York Times. She is also the co-author of a best-selling series of books on personal and home style and an entrepreneur.

At Computer Mania Day, kids will get the chance to meet Rowley and participate in workshops led by positive female role models from UMBC along with business, government and education leaders. Girls’ events highlights include “Hardware Rocks,” “Google of Opportunities,” digital art and imaging, and the physics of do-it-yourself hot air balloons. Adult workshop highlights include how to prepare your kids for college, “Computers 101,” and “Cyber Safety: Keeping Your Child Protected Online.” All attendees will have the chance to win great giveaways like the HP iPAQ, Dell USB Memory Key and Cisco Routers.

EVENT DETAILS: Saturday, May 6, 2006. 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Check-in at UC Ballroom, UMBC. FREE lunch included. All adult and student attendees MUST register ahead of time online at www.computer-mania.info. To sign up or for more information, visit www.computer-mania.info or call 410-455-8433.

NOTE TO MEDIA:
A hi-resolution, color photo of Cynthia Rowley is available online at:
http://www.umbc.edu/NewsEvents/PhotoGal/CynthiaRowley.jpg

About the AT&T Foundation:

The new AT&T Foundation, the philanthropic arm of AT&T Inc., supports programs that build communities and improve access to information technologies, technology training and professional skills development. The new AT&T Foundation will provide more than $60 million in 2006 in charitable contributions, thereby placing it among the top five largest corporate foundations in the country. The new AT&T Foundation combines over forty years and $1.7 billion of philanthropic commitment to communities across the country.

Posted by crose

April 24, 2006

COPT to Develop Second Building for bwtech@UMBC Research Park

110,000 Square-Foot Building to be Multi-Tenant Facility

CONTACT: Chip Rose, UMBC
410-455-5793
crose@umbc.edu

UMBC's on-campus research and technology park, bwtech@UMBC, and Corporate Office Properties Trust (COPT) announced today that COPT will build and own a second building at the park.

The 110,000 square foot, four-story office building will located at 5520 Research Park Drive on ground leased from UMBC Research Park Corporation and will target large and small technology companies as tenants. The total construction cost of the project is projected to be approximately $22 million.

“We are very pleased to further our relationship with UMBC by being given the opportunity to develop a second building for their expanding research and technology park and to create more critical mass for COPT within the park,” said Randall M. Griffin, President and CEO of Corporate Office Properties Trust.

This building will be adjacent to a development project recently announced within bwtech@UMBC which is the 23,500 square foot new home for the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) Maryland-Delaware-District of Columbia Water Science Center located at 5522 Research Park Drive. This would bring COPT’s total square foot ownership in the park to 133,900 square feet.

bwtech@UMBC was Maryland's first university research park and is the only research and development park in Baltimore County. The 41-acre park's first building, completed in 2001, is occupied by RWD Technologies. A second building, completed in 2004, is fully leased.

About COPT:
Corporate Office Properties Trust (COPT) is a fully integrated, self-managed real estate investment trust (REIT) that focuses on the ownership, management, leasing, acquisition and development of suburban office properties located primarily in submarkets within the Greater Washington, DC region. As of December 31, 2005, the Company owned 183 office properties totaling 14.6 million rentable square feet, which included 18 properties totaling 885,000 square feet held through joint ventures. The Company has implemented a core customer expansion strategy that is built around meeting, through acquisitions and development, the multi-location requirements of the Company’s existing strategic tenants. The Company’s property management services team provides comprehensive property and asset management to company owned properties and select third party clients.

COPT’s development and construction services team provides a wide range of development and construction management services for company owned properties, as well as land planning, design/build services, consulting, and merchant development to select third party clients. The Company’s shares are traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol OFC. More information on Corporate Office Properties Trust can be found on the Internet at www.copt.com.

About bwtech@UMBC:
bwtech@UMBC is a 41-acre research and technology community at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC). bwtech@UMBC has a total development capacity of up to 330,000 square feet of office and laboratory space. The USGS building will be the third of five planned state-of-the-art buildings containing over 300,000 square feet of office and wet lab space. The park’s 62,000 square-foot first building has been leased by the information technology firm RWD Technologies since 2001. The second building, a 60,000-square-foot multi-tenant building, is fully leased with tenants including The NASA Goddard Earth Sciences and Technology Center, software maker BD Metrics Inc., healthcare media and education firm Med-IQ, the Erickson School of Aging Studies at UMBC, the engineering/design firm Edwards & Kelcey, and UMBC’s Alex. Brown Center for Entrepreneurship.

UMBC began planning for a new research and technology park in the early 1990s, based on the success of other U.S. parks and the vision of the late Michael Hooker, UMBC president from 1986-1992. To date, UMBC’s research park and technology incubator have received public and private sector funding from the Maryland Economic Development Corporation (MEDCO), the State of Maryland, the City of Baltimore, Baltimore County, the U.S. Department of Commerce, The Abell Foundation, and the Maryland Technology Development Corporation (TEDCO.) bwtech@UMBC is part of Baltimore County's Southwest Enterprise Zone, making companies moving to the park eligible for credits on real property and income taxes, as well as credits for job creation.

Posted by crose

April 18, 2006

Executive Education Courses Continue at Erickson School of Aging Studies, May 17-20

"Management and Operations" to be Led by CEO of Southern Assisted Living, Inc.

CONTACT: Mike Lurie
Office: 410-455-6380
Cellphone: 443-695-0262
mlurie@umbc.edu

BALTIMORE - The Erickson School of Aging Studies at the University of Maryland Baltimore County (UMBC) teams once again with the National Investment Center for the Seniors Housing & Care Industry (NIC) to offer a set of Executive Education courses. The series continues at UMBC on May 17-20 with a four-day seminar, "Management and Operations," led by Chris Hollister, CEO of Southern Assisted Living, Inc.

The seminar is the latest in a series of four-day Executive Education
seminars which the Erickson School at UMBC will host in 2006. A complete
schedule and overview of the full 2006 series is available at the bottom
of this advisory.

Although "Management and Operations" can be completed as a non-credit
course, industry executives also may complete this course for credit
toward one of two new graduate credit options. Executives can take this
course for 3 credits, or they can complete it as part of their
enrollment in the 4-course graduate certificate in Seniors Housing
Administration. (Those interested in the graduate-certificate option
should contact Dr. Leslie Morgan for further information at 443-543-5622.)

"Management and Operations" is designed to examine best practices in the
management and operations of the professional seniors housing and care
company. It begins with an explanation of the diversity, size and
complexity of the industry. It proceeds to focus on the science of
management and ethical leadership as it applies to the field, and the
importance of strategic thinking, obtaining a sustainable competitive
advantage through uniqueness, lower cost or better objective value, and
providing economic value above the cost of capital.

Chris Hollister is co-founder, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of
Southern Assisted Living, Inc. (SALI). SALI is the largest provider of
assisted living services in the state of North Carolina and one of the
top 20 assisted living providers in the nation.

Before founding SALI, he held various management positions in the assisted living and seniors
housing industry for over 19 years and continues to be a frequent
speaker at regional and national conferences. He served on the board of
the Assisted Living Federation of American (ALFA) from 2000-2004,
serving as Treasurer from April, 2002 to April, 2004. He received a BS
in Economics from Texas A&M University and an MBA from the Fuqua School
of Business at Duke University. Guest speakers will include a variety of
other experts from the seniors housing and care industry.

"Management and Operations" will examine the crucial role of employee
engagement, loyalty and service quality in detail, with the necessary
passion for understanding residents and achieving resident loyalty. The
role of corporate culture, organizational excellence and performance
measurement, including the balanced scorecard, are explained in the
context of delivering service quality and clinical outcomes in health care.

The course proceeds to examine operations of the various functional
areas including the role of management information systems and
technology. It also addresses best practices in food service,
hospitality, maintenance, social activities and other areas.

The course concludes with an examination of financial management and
reporting and the critical role of risk management in an increasingly
regulated, litigated and competitive environment.

NIC is an active partner with the Erickson School of Aging Studies at
UMBC and works closely with the Erickson School on numerous initiatives.
NIC brings to this seminar and the rest of the 2006 Executive Education
series a legacy of expertise in the field of senior living executive
development. The series will be held on the grounds of the Erickson
School, known for training emerging industry leaders in the burgeoning
seniors housing and care business.

"The 'Management and Operations' course offers an opportunity for executives to
enhance their credentials with graduate credits while focusing on best practices in
the management and operations of the professional seniors housing and care company,"
says Tony Mullen, Acting Director of Executive Education at the Erickson School and
the NIC Research Director.

About The Erickson School of Aging Studies:

The Erickson School of Aging Studies at UMBC was established in April
2004 with a $5 million commitment from John Erickson, CEO and founder of
Erickson. The school focuses on credit and non-credit professional
education, research, and policy in aging services and care.

The Executive Development Program at the Erickson School of Aging
Studies at UMBC is presented in partnership with NIC, a nonprofit
organization that has been the leading source of business and financial
information for the senior living industry since 1991. For the last six
years, NIC has conducted executive development courses in operations,
management, sales, marketing, development, finance, and service quality
for emerging industry leaders.

UMBC, an Honors University in Maryland, is a four-year, public research
university that is home to leading experts on aging who are active in
research, education, and service in the field of gerontology. It is one
of a handful of universities in the nation to offer a Ph.D. in Gerontology.

For further details, please call the Erickson School of Aging Studies at
UMBC at 443-543-5622.

More information online at:

http://www.umbc.edu/erickson

Remaining 2006 NIC Executive Education Courses At the Erickson School of Aging Studies at UMBC

Management and Operations
Led by Chris Hollister, CEO, Southern Assisted Living, Inc.
Date: May 17-20, 2006

Risk Management
Led by Allen Lynch, Partner, Nixon Peabody, LLP
June 7-10, 2006

Sales and Marketing
Led by David Smith, President, One on One, Service to Seniors
September 18-21, 2006

Finance, Underwriting and Investment Analysis
Led by Ray Braun, President, Chief Operating Officer & Chief Financial
Officer, Health Care REIT, Inc.
October 24-27, 2006

Development
Led by Phil Golden, President and COO, Shelter Properties
November 1-4, 2006

Organizational Excellence and Continuous Quality Improvement
Led by Tony Ingelido, Vice President, Asbury Services, Inc.
TBA

Posted by crose

April 3, 2006

Drs. Hrabowski, Summers Share Success Strategies for Producing Minority Scientists, Engineers

'Preparing Minority Scientists, Engineers' Appears in Science Magazine

CONTACT: Mike Lurie
Office: 410-455-6380
Cellphone: 443-695-0262
mlurie@umbc.edu

BALTIMORE – President Freeman Hrabowski and Dr. Michael Summers of the University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC), have published an article in the March 31 issue of Science Magazine, "Preparing Minority Scientists and Engineers," that examines successful strategies for educating minority scientists and engineers in college and fostering their pursuit of doctorates and medical degrees.

The authors begin by noting that well-prepared minority students are originally interested in pursuing scientific or engineering careers, but far too few of those students actually graduate with degrees in those subjects. Students who entered UMBC's Meyerhoff Program, for example, were twice as likely to earn a science or engineering bachelor's degree and 5.3 times more likely to enroll in post-graduate study, when compared to those who were accepted to UMBC's Meyerhoff Program but attended other institutions.

Hrabowski and Summers then identify several factors necessary for minority student success, such as involving the students in scientific research projects as early as possible.

The Meyerhoff Program (named after its founders, Baltimore philanthropists Robert and his late wife Jane Meyerhoff), focuses on producing bachelor's degree recipients, particularly African-Americans, who go on to doctoral programs in science and engineering. UMBC is leading the nation as a producer of minority scientists who have gone on to earn Ph.D.s and medical degrees. Meyerhoff students with completed advanced degrees now number 44 with Ph.Ds or M.D.-Ph.Ds, 72 with master's degrees and 32 with medical degrees.

Meyerhoff Program alumni include a clinical fellow in cardiovascular medicine at Harvard Medical School, a post-doctoral fellow in neuroscience at Johns Hopkins Medical School and a research and development scientist at Eastman Kodak.

Dr. Michael Summers, professor of chemistry/biochemistry and investigator of the Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI) at UMBC, has worked closely with Meyerhoff Scholars in the course of his research on the application of nuclear magnetic resonance to studies of the structure and function of proteins.

Hrabowski and Summers identify five elements in achieving positive outcomes in retention and development of minority scientists and engineers. Those elements are recruiting a substantial body of high-achieving minority students with interests in math and science; offering merit-based financial support; providing an orientation program for freshman; recruitment of active research faculty to work with the students; and involvement of students in scientific research projects early in their undergraduate careers.

Posted by crose

UMBC Wins 2006 College Chess Final Four

Without Top Player, National Champs Rise to Occasion, Defeat Arch-Rivals

CONTACT: Chip Rose, UMBC
410-455-5793
crose@umbc.edu

DALLAS – While the Cinderella story of George Mason University men’s basketball ended this weekend, the nearby University of Maryland, Baltimore County‘s (UMBC) chess team emerged from the “Final Four” of college chess with a hard-fought victory over its arch-rivals the University of Texas at Dallas (UTD) at the 2006 President’s Cup Tournament.

UMBC claimed the title with a final score of nine to UTD’s eight. Emerging national chess power Miami-Dade College placed a respectable third with five points. Duke University found the chessboard less hospitable than the basketball court, coming in last with two points.

International Grandmaster Pawel “The Polish Magician” Blehm was the hero for UMBC, leading his team to victory in the absence of UMBC’s top player and U.S. individual chess champion Alex Onischuk.

“Pawel really rose to the occasion on Board One,” said UMBC chess program director and associate professor of computer science and electrical engineering Alan Sherman. “He defeated two grandmasters with decisive play.”

Other UMBC players who performed solidly in the “Final Four” included Pascal “The Frenchman” Charbonneau, Bruci “The Cuban Cyclone” Lopez, Women’s International Grandmaster Katerina “The Kiev Killer” Rohonyan, and first alternate Beenish “The Indian Tiger” Bhatia.

UMBC and UTD are two of just a handful of U.S. universities to offer full scholarships for chess. As the recognized national powerhouses in their sport, they share a competitive fire on par with North Carolina vs. Duke in college basketball or the NY Yankees vs. Boston Red Sox in major league baseball.

UMBC and UTD have traded the “Final Four” title in a series of close matches since the event began six years ago. UTD claimed the title for the first two years, but UMBC since went on to win the last four in a row. Unlike most chess tournaments, the “Final Four” is a team round-robin format.

The teams qualified for the “Final Four” by being the top four finishing U.S. teams in the Dec. 2005 Pan American Intercollegiate Team Chess Championship, the Western Hemisphere’s most prestigious college chess competition. UMBC’s victory in the 2005 Pan Am was even tougher than the “Final Four,” with only a half-point deciding the outcome over UTD. UTD claimed the Pan-Am title in 2004 and 2003 and tied UMBC for first in 2001 and 2000.

UMBC will host the 2006 Pan Am tournament this December in Washington, DC.

Posted by crose

March 29, 2006

UMBC Student Featured on PBS Newshour Tonight

UMBC student Joe Jones, founder of the Center for Fathers, Family and Workforce Development, will appear on "The Newshour with Jim Lehrer" tonight, March 29, 2006.

UMBC student Joe Jones, founder of the Center for Fathers, Family and Workforce Development, will appear on "The Newshour with Jim Lehrer" tonight, March 29, 2006.

"Newshour" airs locally at 6 p.m. on Maryland Public Television (Channel 22) and WETA in Washington (Channel 26). For more information, visit http://www.pbs.org/newshour.

3/30/06 Update:

Jones is one of several commentators offering analysis following reporter Ray Suarez' "Losing Ground" feature on "the plight of black men, who have not kept up with the income, health, education, civil justice and civic engagement of other groups."

To hear the report (and Jones' comments), visit http://audio.pbs.org:8080/ramgen/newshour/expansion/2006/03/29/20060329_black28.rm?altplay=20060329_%20black28.rm.

Posted by fritz

March 28, 2006

Gigabytes of Glamour: Fashion Designer Cynthia Rowley to Help UMBC Make Tech Savvy Girls in Style

Award-Winning Designer to Lead Hundreds of Middle School Girls, Parents,
in Day of Hands-on, High-Tech Fun: Computer Mania Day, May 6

CONTACT: Chip Rose, UMBC
410-455-5793
crose@umbc.edu

If there’s one sure way to get more girls interested in
technology careers, just show them how computers help design some of the
world’s most glamorous clothes.

Cynthia Rowley, one of America’s most honored fashion designers, will
show hundreds of middle school girls, parents and teachers from across
Maryland how high technology helps create high fashion clothes worn by
supermodels as she headlines Computer Mania Day at UMBC on Saturday, May 6.

Rowley, whose signature designs are found in Cynthia Rowley boutiques,
better department stores and specialty stores across the U.S. and globe,
has won multiple awards from The Council of Fashion Designers of
America. Her creations have been featured in Vogue, Elle, Glamour,
Harper’s Bazaar and The New York Times. She is also the co-author of a
best-selling series of books on personal and home style and an entrepreneur.

Computer Mania Day is an annual day of free, hands-on, high-tech, fun
activities for adults and kids sponsored by UMBC’s Center for Women and
Information Technology (CWIT)
. The half-day event helps to get girls
interested in technology and computing careers while helping parents and
teachers sharpen their own computer skills. While boys are welcome, the
focus is on girls because of their continuing under-representation in
science, technology, engineering and math.

Research shows that the information technology (IT) gender gap opens as
early as the middle school years, when girls are most image-conscious
and do not want to be labeled as “geeks” or “nerds.” Girls also make up
only 14 percent of Advanced Placement students in computer science, a
key to success in IT-related fields at the college level.

At Computer Mania Day, kids will get the chance to meet Rowley and
participate in workshops led by positive female role models from UMBC
along with business, government and education leaders.

Girls’ events highlights include “Hardware Rocks,” “Google of Opportunities,” digital art and imaging, and the physics of do-it-yourself hot air balloons. Adult workshop highlights include how to prepare your kids for college, “Computers 101,” and “Cyber Safety: Keeping Your Child Protected Online.” All attendees will have the chance to win great giveaways like the HP iPAQ, Dell USB Memory Key and Cisco Routers.

EVENT DETAILS:
Saturday, May 6, 2006.
9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

Check-in at
UC Ballroom, UMBC. FREE lunch included for students. All adult and student attendees MUST register ahead of time online at www.computer-mania.info. To sign up or for more information, visit www.computer-mania.info or call 410-455-8433.

NOTE TO MEDIA:
A hi-resolution, color photo of Cynthia Rowley is available online at:
http://www.umbc.edu/NewsEvents/PhotoGal/CynthiaRowley.jpg

Posted by crose

January 30, 2006

EXECUTIVE EDUCATION COURSES RETURN TO ERICKSON SCHOOL OF AGING STUDIES, FEB. 22-25

“BUSINESS AND STRATEGY OF SENIORS HOUSING & CARE”
MARKS START OF ONGOING 2006 SERIES

CONTACT:
Mike Lurie

Office: 410-455-6380
Cellphone: 443-695-0262
mlurie@umbc.edu

BALTIMORE – The Erickson School of Aging Studies at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC) teams once again with the National Investment Center for the Seniors Housing & Care Industry (NIC) to offer a set of Executive Development courses. The series begins at UMBC on Feb. 22-25 with a four-day seminar, “The Business and Strategy of Seniors Housing & Care.”

The seminar is the first of seven, four-day Executive Education seminars that the Erickson School at UMBC will host through Nov. 4, 2006. A complete schedule and overview of the full 2006 series is available at the bottom of this advisory.

Although the initial seminar, “The Business and Strategy of Seniors Housing & Care,” can be completed as a non-credit course, industry executives also may utilize two new graduate credit options. Executives can take one course for 3 credits, or they may enroll in the 4-course graduate certificate in Seniors Housing & Care. (Those interested in the graduate-certificate option should contact Dr. Leslie Morgan for further information at 443-543-5622.)

“The Business and Strategy of Seniors Housing & Care” provides historical, philosophical and management overviews of the entire continuum of long-term care, from independent housing to skilled nursing. The course will analyze the strategy and underpinnings of seniors housing and care, including the drivers of success, real demographics of aging, cost of capital and the evolving marketplace.

The course has a major focus on the role of health care delivery within seniors housing. It also explores the current legal, regulatory and public policy environments confronting seniors housing and the challenges they pose for management. “The Business and Strategy of Seniors Housing & Care” will be led by Brian Swinton, retired executive vice president of Sunrise Senior Living. John Erickson, Chairman of the Board and CEO for Erickson Retirement Communities, also will serve as a guest instructor during the course.

NIC, a presenting partner with the Erickson School of Aging Studies at UMBC, brings to this seminar and the rest of the 2006 Executive Education series a legacy of expertise in the field of senior living executive development. The series will be held at the Erickson School, known for training emerging industry leaders in the burgeoning seniors housing and care business.

“NIC is proud to have created with UMBC the premier, advanced-level program for executives in the industry,” says Tony Mullen, Acting Director of Executive Education and the NIC Research Director. “The courses are truly advanced level material with many examples of best practices in the field taught by recognized industry leaders. The sharing among the different companies that attend is exceptional and a unique benefit in and of itself. There is nothing else like the program in the country today.”

About The Erickson School of Aging Studies:

The Erickson School of Aging Studies at UMBC was established in April 2004 with a $5 million commitment from John Erickson, CEO and founder of Erickson. The school focuses on credit and non-credit professional education, research and policy in aging services and care.

The Executive Development Program at the Erickson School of Aging Studies at UMBC is presented in partnership with NIC, a nonprofit organization that has been the leading source of business and financial information for the senior living industry since 1991. For the last six years, NIC has conducted executive development courses in operations, management, sales, marketing, development, finance and service quality for emerging industry leaders.

UMBC, an Honors University in Maryland, is a four-year, public research university that is home to leading experts on aging who are active in research, education and service in the field of gerontology. It is one of a handful of universities in the nation to offer a Ph.D. in Gerontology.

For further details, please call the Erickson School of Aging Studies at UMBC at 443-543-5622.

More information online at:
http://www.umbc.edu/erickson

# # #

Upcoming NIC Executive Development Courses
At the Erickson School of Aging Studies at UMBC

Business and Strategy of Seniors Housing and Care
Led by Brian Swinton, Retired, Executive Vice President, Sunrise Senior Living
February 22-25, 2006

Organizational Excellence and Continuous Quality Improvement
Led by Tony Ingelido, Vice President, Asbury Services, Inc.
March 22-25, 2006

Management and Operations
Led by Chris Hollister, CEO, Southern Assisted Living, Inc.
Date: May 17-20, 2006

Risk Management
Led by Allen Lynch, Partner, Nixon Peabody, LLP
June 7-10, 2006

Sales and Marketing
Led by David Smith, President, One on One, Service to Seniors
September 18-21, 2006

Finance, Underwriting and Investment Analysis
Led by Ray Braun, President, Chief Operating Officer & Chief Financial Officer, Health Care REIT, Inc.
October 24-27, 2006

Development
Led by Phil Golden, President and COO, Shelter Properties
November 1-4, 2006

Posted by crose

December 20, 2005

Merritt Properties Purchases bwtech@UMBC Buildings From Grosvenor

Strong Market Demand for UMBC Research Park Buildings

CONTACTS: Chip Rose, UMBC
410-455-5793
crose@umbc.edu

Leslie Braunstein, Grosvenor
703.871-1831
lbraunstein@schum.com

International property development and investment firm Grosvenor announced today the sale of two buildings at bwtech@UMBC, the University of Maryland, Baltimore County’s on-campus research and technology park, to Baltimore-based Merritt Properties, LLC.

Merritt acquired the 63,000 square foot three-story building at 5521 Research Park Drive, delivered in 2001 and fully occupied by RWD Technologies, and the 60,000 SF 5523 Research Park Drive building delivered in mid-2004. 5523 Research Park Drive is leased to multiple tenants including BDMetrics, Inc., Edwards and Kelcey, Invoke Systems, Convergent Technologies, Physicians Practice, Goddard Earth Sciences and Technology Center, and other organizations including several UMBC program offices.

The sale includes transfer of a long-term ground lease for the two building lots, totaling approximately eight acres. However, the sale terminated Grosvenor’s prior development agreement and plan for the remainder of the 41-acre site.

“Our successful sale of bwtech@UMBC is part of Grosvenor’s overall U.S. strategy to concentrate our holdings in four major markets -- Washington, D.C., Chicago, Los Angeles and San Francisco -- while focusing on urban office and boutique retail product,” said Andrew Galbraith, Senior Vice President, Grosvenor. “In divesting this suburban office park, we found a perfect match with Merritt Properties, which is locally based and has developed more than 13 million square feet of office, flex, and industrial property in the Baltimore-Washington corridor.”

"We were pleased to see such high market demand for our buildings," said Ellen Hemmerly, executive director of the UMBC Research Park Corporation. "Our team was also delighted to have a top-notch manager like Merritt Properties on board who will maintain the high standards and reputation in the real estate industry that Grosvenor had established so well with bwtech@UMBC."

"We look forward to working with UMBC and are excited about the acquisition of these two Class A office buildings which help further strengthen our position in the marketplace,” said Robb Merritt, Vice President of Merritt Properties.

Merritt manages several other top properties in the greater Baltimore region, including Columbia Corporate Park, Columbia Corporate Park 100, Beltway Business Park, Schilling Square, Timonium Business Park
and Merritt Owings Mills.


About bwtech@UMBC:

bwtech@UMBC allows tenants to benefit from access to UMBC’s expertise, students, technology, programs, and facilities. Businesses moving to the Research Park, which is part of Maryland’s Southwest Enterprise Zone, may receive tax incentives in exchange for creating new jobs and making capital investments.

UMBC began planning for a new research and technology park in the early 1990s, based on the success of similar endeavors in other parts of the U.S. In 1998, UMBC forged ahead with its approved plan for a research and technology park that would house more mature companies, potentially including “graduates” of the techcenter@UMBC incubator program. UMBC searched for a development partner and ultimately selected Grosvenor, based in part on the firm’s experience in developing other research parks including one at The University of Edinburgh in Scotland.

About Merritt Properties, LLC:
Merritt Properties, LLC defines its mission simply: Creating Homes for Businesses. Since 1967, this privately held commercial real estate firm has developed more than 13 million square feet of industrial and office properties in the Baltimore/Washington area. Merritt designs, builds, leases and manages their properties for the long-term and is committed to providing the highest quality service to all of its customers. For more information about the company, please visit www.merrittproperties.com.

About Grosvenor:
Grosvenor is a privately owned real estate development and investment company that has been active in North America for more than 50 years. The Company’s North American portfolio consists of more than six million square feet of space, including office, retail, industrial properties, and residential units. Internationally, Grosvenor has interests in properties with a total value of $20 billion, with operating companies in the Americas, UK and Ireland, Continental Europe and the Australia/Asia Pacific region. For more information about the Company, please visit the Grosvenor Web site at: www.grosvenor.com.

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December 7, 2005

$200,000 Given to Erickson School of Aging Studies

Donations to be Used for Student Scholarships

Contact Mike Lurie
UMBC News
410-455-6380
mlurie@umbc.edu


The Erickson School of Aging Studies at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC), has been the happy recipient of $200,000 in donations from two prominent sources in the seniors housing and care industry.

The first $100,000 donation was made in honor of William E. Colson, president and CEO of Holiday Retirement Corp., by the National Investment Center for the Seniors Housing & Care Industry (NIC). Colson had received NIC’s first Lifetime Achievement Award at the 15th Annual NIC Conference in Washington, D.C.

Colson, a recognized industry leader and innovator, recently matched the gift, bringing the total donation to $200,000. The gifts will be used to fund a new scholarship program for students attending the Erickson School of Aging Studies. It will be named The William E. Colson Scholarship Fund.

“These major contributions are just two examples of the senior living industry’s recognition of the importance of this new school,” said Dr. Freeman A. Hrabowski, president of UMBC. “NIC’s and Mr. Colson’s gifts will help us significantly in our efforts to educate the next generation of leaders, both in the seniors housing and care industry, as well as other services for the aging population.”

The first scholarships will likely be awarded in fall 2006, when the School is expected to debut its undergraduate program.

The Erickson School of Aging Studies currently offers a series of Executive Education courses in seniors housing and care, ranging from business and operations issues, to marketing and finance. To date, every course has sold out. The next one, “Risk Management of Seniors Housing and Care,” takes place on December 5-7 at the School’s campus, just outside of Baltimore, Md.

For more information about the Erickson School of Aging Studies and its educational tracks, visit www.umbc.edu/erickson or call (410) 455-3361.

About The Erickson School of Aging Studies
The Erickson School of Aging Studies at UMBC was established in April 2004 with a $5 million commitment from John Erickson, CEO and founder of Erickson, a national developer and manager of campuses for middle-income people more than 62 years of age. The school focuses on academic programs, credit and non-credit professional education, research, and policy in aging services and care.

The Executive Development Program at the Erickson School of Aging Studies at UMBC is presented in partnership with NIC, a nonprofit organization that has been the leading source of business and financial information for the senior living industry since 1991. For the last six years, NIC has conducted executive development courses in operations, management, sales, marketing, development, finance, and service quality for emerging industry leaders.

UMBC, an Honors University in Maryland, is a four-year, public research university that is home to leading experts on aging who are active in research, education, and service in the field of gerontology. It is one of a handful of universities in the nation to offer a Ph.D. in Gerontology.

Note to editors: Photographs of William E. Colson receiving the NIC Lifetime Achievement Award are available upon request.

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December 5, 2005

University of Maryland, Baltimore County and Montgomery College Partner in New Institute for Global and Cultural Studies at Wheaton High School

Specialized Program Open to Students in the Downcounty Consortium in Fall 2006

Contacts:
Mike Lurie
UMBC

410-455-6380
mlurie@umbc.edu

Kate Harrison
Montgomery County Public Schools

301-279-3077
Kate_Harrison@mcpsmd.org

ROCKVILLE, MD -- The new Institute for Global and Cultural Studies (IGCS) at Wheaton High School will offer an opportunity for students to earn up to 15 college credits before graduating from high school, thanks to Montgomery County Public Schools’ partnerships with the University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC) and Montgomery College (MC). This addition to the specialized academy programs currently available at Wheaton High School is designed to connect students to college in new and innovative ways. The program is scheduled to open in the fall of 2006.

Leaders of the partnership institutions gathered at Wheaton High School on December 5 to announce the new venture, which has been two years in the making. They include Dr. Freeman A. Hrabowski, president of UMBC; Dr. Charlene R. Nunley, president of MC; Mrs. Patricia B. O’Neill, president of the Montgomery County Board of Education; and Dr. Jerry D. Weast, superintendent of schools. They were joined by Congressman Chris Van Hollen, who serves on the House Committee on Education and the Workforce, and Montgomery County Executive Douglas M. Duncan.

While other academy programs at Wheaton are science and technology oriented, the IGCS will respond to the academic needs of students whose interests include fields such as journalism, international relations, history, and human rights. It is a particularly good fit for the highly diverse student population in the consortium schools, where many of the students will be the first in their family to attend college.

“The IGCS is a wonderful opportunity for any student, but particularly for those whose families are new to the college application process and experience,” said Dr. Weast. “This program will open up a whole new world to these students, and I thank our two partner institutions for making this possible.”

“This new Institute provides balance to the science and technology academies already offered at Wheaton,” said Mrs. O’Neill. “It capitalizes on the richness of student diversity, and students will have a tremendous amount of life experience and cultural history to share.”

Students enrolled in the IGCS will be able to explore global and cultural issues from multiple perspectives while being introduced to the opportunities provided by college and university education. The focus will be on learning about different cultures through world studies, fine arts, technology, and foreign language study, some of which will be available through credit courses at the college level.

Teachers also will benefit from the program, which will provide ways for secondary and higher education faculty to exchange ideas and experiences. Faculty from all three institutions will engage in planning together, as well as co-teaching. Indeed, faculty members are already working jointly on the development of the e-portfolios that will be used to document and measure student success.

"The partnership represented by the new Institute for Global and Cultural Studies is an ideal fit for UMBC," said Dr. Hrabowski. "We are proud of the students who have come to the University from both Montgomery College and the Montgomery County Public Schools, and this initiative makes it possible for students, including those at Wheaton High, to accelerate their college experience."

IGCS students will participate in specialized research projects, summer enrichment experiences, and courses on learning strategies. They will travel to college campuses and benefit from added support from mentors and tutors. The Institute’s rigorous program will provide a series of college classes for juniors and seniors held at Wheaton High School and taught by professors from the partner institutions. High school students will be able to earn as many as 15 college credits before graduation from high school. Summer college residency programs for students entering their senior year in high school also will be among the offerings of this unique partnership.

Students who complete the program successfully and who meet admissions requirements will be guaranteed admission to UMBC and MC.

"Access to higher education is the single-most empowering advantage a young person can have in today’s world,” said Dr. Nunley. “We’re pleased to work together with the school system and UMBC to bring to Wheaton High School a program that will help to ensure more students will, ultimately, attend and succeed in college.”

“Education is the great equalizer, and we want to give all students the opportunity to succeed. That is why I have always put education first,” said Montgomery County Executive Douglas M. Duncan. “I salute everyone involved in developing this important educational bridge between our two regions.”

The Institute is one of the specialized programs available to students in the Downcounty Consortium, which includes Montgomery Blair, John F. Kennedy, Albert Einstein, Northwood, and Wheaton high schools. Prospective students are being introduced to the program this year, so that they will be prepared to decide whether it is the best match for their talents and interests when the program opens in the upcoming school year.

“I applaud the efforts of the leaders who have worked to make this partnership a reality,” said Congressman Chris Van Hollen. “This is the kind of collaboration that students need to prepare them to compete in our increasingly competitive global economy.”

Consortium Grade 8 students have the opportunity to select Wheaton High School as one of five high school choices. Preparation for IGCS enrollment actually begins in middle school following students’ choice of Wheaton High School, where students in the second semester of eighth grade will be introduced to the college campus setting and encouraged to plan their academic program with college in mind. If they choose to enroll in the IGCS in their freshman year at Wheaton, they will begin a pathway of courses and experiences that will prepare them for the college-level courses offered in their junior and senior years.

More information about the IGCS is available on the Web at www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/schools/wheatonhs/academy/IGCS/IGCSWeb.htm or by calling Shauna Brown, head of the program, at 301-929-2050.

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November 17, 2005

UMBC Center for Aging Studies Researchers Present at World's Top Gerontology Science Conference

Contact Chip Rose
UMBC News
410-455-5793
crose@umbc.edu

17 UMBC Aging Experts to Take Part in Nov. 18-22
Gerontological Society of America Science Meeting

BALTIMORE – The University of Maryland, Baltimore County’s (UMBC) Center for Aging Studies will be well-represented this weekend as 17 of its researchers present at the 58th annual scientific meeting of the Gerontological Society of America (GSA), the world’s largest and most prestigious multidisciplinary scientific conference devoted to gerontological research.

According to Kevin Eckert, dean of the Erickson School of Aging Studies at UMBC, 17 faculty and doctoral student researchers from UMBC’s Center for Aging Studies will present research posters, papers and/or participate in symposiums at the Orlando, FL conference.

“It’s an honor for UMBC to present a significant amount of research at the top scientific meeting of gerontologists in the world,” said Eckert. “We’re especially excited to present research findings on assisted living that include faculty as well as several doctoral students.”

UMBC is building a national reputation for aging studies, thanks to a strong foundation of research built by The Center for Aging Studies. The Center is affiliated with the University’s Department of Sociology and Anthropology and the new Erickson School of Aging Studies at UMBC, which Eckert leads. UMBC also partners with the University of Maryland, Baltimore on an interdisciplinary, multi-campus doctoral program in gerontology, one of a handful nationally.

The GSA meeting was originally scheduled to take place in New Orleans, but was relocated in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. The conference’s closing session will address the lessons learned from Katrina on how government, communities and families can respond more effectively to the needs of the elderly during natural disasters. The closing session will be moderated by Charles Longino, president of the GSA and the first visiting professor to join the UMBC Erickson School of Aging Studies faculty.

According to Eckert, the highlight of the conference for UMBC will be the Saturday, Nov. 19 symposium, “Interpersonal Dynamics in Assisted Living.” The ethnographic study dispatched interviewers to large and small assisted living facilities across Maryland to speak directly to residents about their experiences. “UMBC researchers will be presenting real stories of family relationships around assisted living decision making, what life is like for residents, what it’s like to work in one and the relationship between residents and physicians in assisted living facilities,” Eckert said.

About the Gerontological Society of America:
Founded in 1945, the GSA’s membership includes some 5,000+ researchers, educators, practitioners, and other professionals in the field of aging. The Society's principal missions are to promote research and education in aging and to encourage the dissemination of research results to other scientists, decision makers, and practitioners.

More information online at:
http://www.geron.org/
http://www.agingconference.com

About the Center for Aging Studies at UMBC:
The Center for Aging Studies is a hub for faculty, undergraduate, graduate, and post-doctoral research activities on the policy and sociocultural dimensions of aging in the United States. The Center is the administrative and intellectual home for currently funded research (exceeding $5 million) on such topics as long-term care quality, consumer direction, physician/older patient interactions and practice, among others. Working with the doctoral program in Gerontology, housed jointly at UMBC and the University of Maryland Graduate School, Baltimore, the Center has greatly increased the contributions and visibility of UMBC faculty and students on aging-related issues of State and national importance.

About The Erickson School of Aging Studies:
The Erickson School of Aging Studies at UMBC was established in April 2004 with a $5 million commitment from John Erickson, CEO and founder of Erickson. The School’s goal is to become the preeminent resource for education, research and policy on services for the mid-life and older population.
To achieve this vision, the School will expand upon existing strengths at UMBC in public policy, aging and health services research through credit and non-credit educational programs and activities.

UMBC, an Honors University in Maryland, is a four-year, public research university that is home to leading experts on aging who are active in research, education, and service in the field of gerontology. It is one of a handful of universities in the nation to offer a Ph.D. in Gerontology.

More information online at:
http://www.umbc.edu/erickson

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October 20, 2005

UMBC to Dedicate Robert and Jane Meyerhoff Chemistry Building

Oct. 21 Ceremony Honors Innovative Philanthropy That Made UMBC National Leader in Science Diversity, Excellence

Contact: Mike Lurie
410-455-6380
mlurie@umbc.edu

To understand fully how dramatically Robert and Jane Meyerhoff have changed the face of American science, just consider the numbers.

In 2003, the most recent year for which data are available, only 306 Ph.D.s in science, technology, engineering or math (STEM) fields were awarded to African-Americans nationwide.

The philanthropists established the Meyerhoff Scholarship Program at UMBC in 1988 to address the under-representation of African American men in the sciences and engineering. Since then the Program has produced nearly 600 graduates who are minorities or dedicated to advancing representation of minorities in the sciences. Program graduates go on in large numbers to the country's most prestigious graduate and professional schools, placing UMBC among the top predominantly white institutions nationally producing minority bachelor's degree recipients who go on to earn Ph.D.s in STEM fields.

The Oct. 21 event will honor the Meyerhoffs’ pivotal commitment and generosity by renaming the University’s newly renovated chemistry and biochemistry facility as the Robert and Jane Meyerhoff Chemistry Building.

“Almost two decades ago, Robert Meyerhoff and his late wife, Jane, began to quite literally change the face of science in America,” said UMBC President Freeman A. Hrabowski, III. “It is only fitting that we name in their honor a building where the next generation of chemists and biochemists will train.”

The Meyerhoff Program’s impact is already clear as early graduates begin their careers at top institutions and companies:

  • In 2000, Chester Hedgepeth, (UMBC biological sciences ’93, Parkside High School, Salisbury, MD) became the first African American M.D./Ph.D. to graduate from the University of Pennsylvania. He is now a Fellow in Cardiovascular Medicine at the Harvard Medical School-affiliated Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston.

  • Adam Freeman (chemistry ‘95, Springbrook High School, Silver Spring, MD) received his Ph.D. from University of California-Berkeley in 2003 and is now a Senior Research Scientist at Eastman Kodak.

  • Melanie Smith (biological sciences ‘95, Western High School, Baltimore) was the first African-American M.D./Ph.D. at the University of Maryland, Baltimore and is now in residency at Harvard Medical School’s Brigham and Women’s Hospital.

  • Crystal Watkins (UMBC biological sciences ’95, Dulaney High School, Baltimore) received her M.D./Ph.D. from the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine and is now a Research Fellow and Resident Physician in the Departments of Neuroscience, Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences there.

The Meyerhoffs’ initial $500,000 gift that created the Program in 1988 was at the time the University’s largest private gift ever, and carved the path for future philanthropic support. Since then, the Meyerhoffs have continued their commitment to UMBC by building an endowment of nearly $8 million to support the Meyerhoff Scholarship Program, as well as serving as honorary co-chairs of The Campaign for UMBC.

The Chemistry building’s renovations will benefit all UMBC chemistry and biochemistry students and faculty. “The renovations provide an outstanding environment for the collaborative approach to teaching, learning and research,” said Ralph Pollack, chair and professor of UMBC’s chemistry and biochemistry department. “In addition to the state-of-the-art labs and instruments, we’re especially pleased that the building design encourages communication, mentoring, and shared research.”

The event celebrates the full renovation of the building’s interior and the Meyerhoffs' contributions to the University with a ribbon cutting, plaque dedication and reception.
Several members of the Meyerhoff family will join current and former Meyerhoff Scholars, chemistry and biochemistry faculty, students, alumni and staff along with supporters and friends of the University for the 2 p.m. event.

BACKGROUND FOR MEDIA:

Robert and Jane Meyerhoff:
The Meyerhoffs embarked on a partnership of philanthropy in 1945, creating a national legacy that spans the arts and sciences. Born in 1924, the Meyerhoffs matured during the Great Depression and World War II as members of a generation that believed in giving back to community and country. The Baltimore natives have brought passion and dedication to their varied roles as real estate developer, thoroughbred horse breeders, art collectors, and advocates for education.

After serving in the war, Robert Meyerhoff, a civil engineer and graduate of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, returned home to join the family construction business. He later left to establish Hendersen-Webb, a construction and property management company known for creating communities focused on quality and value. During this period, he and Mrs. Meyerhoff, a graduate of Goucher College, began to build the couple’s outstanding collection of post-World War II art, which they have donated “to the nation” as a gift to the National Gallery of Art in Washington, D.C.

While the Meyerhoffs’ contributions to education are many, perhaps the most significant is the Meyerhoff Scholars Program at UMBC, created in 1988. What began as an initiative to address the under-representation of African-American men in the sciences and engineering has evolved into a diverse program that now includes men and women from a range of backgrounds who share a dedication to advancing minorities in the sciences. The program has received national acclaim for producing an outstanding number of high-achieving minority students in science and engineering and inspiring them to attain advanced degrees at the nation’s most prestigious graduate and professional schools. The couple’s deep personal interest and pride in the Meyerhoff Scholars have added a nurturing element that strengthens the experience.

The Meyerhoff Scholarship Program at UMBC:

Undergraduate students accepted into the program have exceptional retention rates (95%) and GPAs (3.4) and are broadly distributed in scientific fields. Meyerhoff students have impressive research-related internships each year in laboratories throughout the U.S. and abroad; nearly all have presented research at professional conferences, and a number have published in top scientific journals as undergraduates. The program has nearly 600 graduates, almost all currently enrolled in Ph.D., M.D., or M.D./Ph.D. programs across the country (e.g., at Harvard, Yale, Stanford, MIT, Cornell, Hopkins, Penn, Virginia, Rice). Currently, there are just over 200 undergraduates in the Meyerhoff Program at UMBC.

UMBC Chemistry & Biochemistry/ Robert and Jane Meyerhoff Chemistry Building

In recent years, the American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology ranked UMBC first nationally in the total number of undergraduate chemistry and biochemistry degrees awarded to African Americans; second in the total number of undergraduate degrees in chemistry and biochemistry awarded to minorities; and third in chemistry and biochemistry master's degrees awarded to minority students.

The building renovations include: state-of-the-art teaching labs and instrumentation, a new mass spectrometry facility, a laser laboratory and a suite of nuclear magnetic resonance spectrometers. The building design encourages communication, mentoring, and shared research through flexible, interconnected labs; clustered faculty offices; a tutorial center; space for small discussion and problem solving groups and a bridge connecting students and faculty with life sciences colleagues in the Department of Biological Sciences.

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September 19, 2005

AT&T Foundation Donates $50,000 to Center for Women and Information Technology

CONTACT: Mike Lurie, UMBC
Office: 410-455-6380
Cell phone: 443-695-0262
mlurie@umbc.edu

The AT&T Foundation has renewed its generous support of the Center for Women and Information Technology at the University of Maryland Baltimore County (UMBC) with a donation of $50,000.

The Center for Women and Information Technology (CWIT), established at UMBC in July 1998, is dedicated to providing global leadership in all aspects of information technology (IT).

The $50,000 donation from the AT& T Foundation will continue to support two important initiatives at CWIT. The first is Computer Mania Day planned for May 6, 2006, a half day of technology-related activities at UMBC for 750 middle school girls, their parents, and teachers. The second initiative supported by the funds from AT&T is the CWIT Scholars program, a merit scholarship program for talented undergraduates majoring in computer science, computer engineering, information systems, or a related program. Both programs seek to address the declining participation of girls and women in IT education and careers in Maryland and nationally.

AT&T will be recognized for its generosity and ongoing support of CWIT during a ceremony at the CWIT Scholars annual reception. The reception takes place Sept. 20, 2005, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., in the University Commons, Skylight Room. CWIT Scholars and their families along with business leaders will join the UMBC community to thank AT&T and congratulate the new CWIT students selected and enrolled into the prestigious scholars program.

“With the generous support of AT&T Foundation and the men and women of AT&T who volunteer their time, CWIT will be able to continue to encourage and support more women and girls to enter their careers and become leaders in IT and related technology fields,” says CWIT executive director Claudia Morrell.

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September 1, 2005

UMBC Names Lynne Schaefer as Vice President for Finance and Administration


Lynne Schaefer, a veteran university administrator with expertise in financial and facilities management, is the new vice president for administration and finance at UMBC.


CONTACT: Mike Lurie
Office: 410-455-6380
Cellphone: 443-695-0262
mlurie@umbc.edu

Lynne Schaefer, a veteran university administrator with expertise in financial and facilities management, is the new vice president for administration and finance at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC).

Schaefer, who has 26 years of budget management and higher education administration experience in the state of Michigan, assumed her position on July 1. She succeeds Mark Behm, who has retired after 32 years of service to UMBC.

Schaefer comes to UMBC from Oakland University (Rochester, Mich.), where she was vice president for finance and administration. In that role, she had lead responsibilities for financial and facilities management, human resources, and business services. Under her guidance, Oakland University strengthened its financial management, redesigned its budget development process, and re-engineered its procurement process. Schaefer was also responsible for more than $100 million in capital improvements construction and development, and implementation of a new market-based compensation structure for 400 professional staff.

“We especially want to welcome Lynne Schaefer, who joined us after a national search," said Freeman Hrabowski, president of UMBC. "She has substantial experience, having served as administrative vice president at two other universities, President of the Michigan Education Trust, and earlier as a budget analyst in that state. We are very fortunate to have recruited her here."

Schaefer served Wayne State University as vice president of administrative services, a position she assumed after serving the school as director of the budget office. Schaefer also held positions at various state agencies, including the Michigan Department of Treasury, the Michigan Department of Management and Budget, and the Governor’s Council on Jobs and Economic Development.

Schaefer received a B.A. in political science from Michigan State and an MBA from Wayne State. A recipient of numerous awards, Schaefer was selected twice as one of the 100 Most Influential Women in Detroit and was named the 1981 Michigan Budget Person of the Year. She is active on several boards, including the Women’s Economic Club Advisory Board, the Michigan Women in Finance Board, Cranbrook Institute of Science Board, and the Auburn Hills Chamber of Commerce.

Note to Editors & Reporters:
To download a hi-res photo of Lynne Schaefer, please click on the photo above, then right-click with your mouse and select "save image as."

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August 29, 2005

Peabody Awards Director Horace Newcomb to Speak on the Changing Media Industry

4:00 p.m., Thursday, September 15, 2005
UMBC, Albin O. Kuhn Library, 7th Floor

CONTACT: Mike Lurie
Office: 410-455-6380
Cellphone: 443-695-0262
mlurie@umbc.edu

BALTIMORE – Horace Newcomb, director of the prestigious George Peabody Awards Program, will speak at UMBC on “Studying Television in the Post-Network Era: Responses to a Changing Media Industry.” The lecture, scheduled for Thursday, September 15, at 4:00 p.m. on the 7th floor of the Albin O. Kuhn Library, celebrates the recent establishment of UMBC’s upper-level undergraduate Certificate in Communications and Media Studies.

Professor Newcomb, who holds the Lamdin Kay Chair for the Peabody Awards in the Grady College of Journalism and Mass Communication at the University of Georgia, pioneered UMBC’s first popular culture and mass media courses as an American Studies faculty member in the mid-1970s. During those years he also served as television columnist for the Baltimore Sun.

A widely respected scholar in mass media studies, he is author of “TV: The Most Popular Art” (Doubleday, 1974), co-author of “The Producer’s Medium” (Oxford, 1983), and editor of six editions of “Television: The Critical View” (Oxford, 1976-2000). From 1994 to1996 he served as Curator for the Museum of Broadcast Communications in Chicago, with primary duties as editor of The Museum of Broadcast Communications Encyclopedia, considered the definitive library reference work for the study of television.

Newcomb’s research and teaching interests are in media, society, and culture, and he has written widely in the field of television criticism and history. Recent lectures in the U.S. and abroad have focused on cultural exchange and international media industries. Known during his years at UMBC as an outstanding teacher, he was named one of three Outstanding Teachers in the Graduate School at the University of Texas at Austin in 1989.

The Peabody Awards, established in 1941 and based at the University of Georgia, are considered the most prestigious recognition of distinguished achievement by radio and television networks, stations, producing, organizations, cable television organizations and individuals. In 2004 32 awards were made, including one to WBAL-TV for a series of reports on the Chesapeake Bay, credited with spurring state environmental policies, and Bill Moyers was recognized for his life-time of contributions to electronic media.

The lecture is sponsored by the Department of American Studies, the Social Sciences Forum, and the Humanities Forum. For further information, contact the American Studies Department at UMBC, 410-455-2106.

Posted by mlurie

August 16, 2005

Executive Development at Erickson School to Address 'Finance, Underwriting & Investment Analysis'

Contact Chip Rose
UMBC News
410-455-5793
crose@umbc.edu

or

Renee Tilton
410-626-0805


Financiers who lend to and invest in the senior living industry, as well as financial professionals within management and development companies, will benefit from an upcoming, four-day Executive Development course at the Erickson School of Aging Studies at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC). “Finance, Underwriting & Investment Analysis,” led Raymond Braun, president and CFO of Health Care REIT, will be offered on November 2-5, 2005.

“Financing and underwriting for seniors housing has its own set of challenges, mostly due to its unique composition of being part real estate, part health care,” said Braun. “Those who understand the industry’s inherent challenges and how to best assess its risks will also be the ones to reap the rewards of participating in this growing asset class.”

The intensive course assumes that students have a basic level of financial education. Highlights include:


  • How seniors housing and care compares to other commercial real estate asset classes.
  • An exploration of the business versus real estate components of senior living properties and how to measure each.
  • Detailed financial concepts and investment analysis techniques – including calculating the cost of capital; the use, risk and reward of leverage; discounted cash flow analysis; net present value and other investment return measures – applied to seniors housing and care examples.
  • Financial analysis issues unique to lenders, such as measuring default risk and using loan portfolio theory.
  • Financial analysis issues unique to equity investors, such as personal guarantees, construction risks and the use of land value toward equity requirements.
  • The due diligence process, including the proper use of market research, financial feasibility studies and appraisals.
  • The capital markets and the choices for different types of debt, equity and hybrids, including the use of sale/leaseback, mezzanine loans, low-floating rate bonds and other less traditional options that exist for seniors housing and care properties.

Other financial professional teaching portions of the course are: James Hands, managing partner, Salem Equity; Craig Jones, senior managing director, Red Capital Group; Anthony J. Mullen, research director, National Investment Center for the Seniors Housing & Care Industries (NIC); R. Buford Sears, SVP and manager, Health Care Services Group, M&T Bank; Chris Simon, senior analyst, Health Care REIT; and Rachel M. Watson, portfolio manager, Health Care REIT.

Since the launch of the NIC Executive Development Program last fall at the Erickson School of Aging Studies at UMBC, every course has sold out. All courses are conducted in a participatory, seminar format. Each four-day course is $2750. To register, visit www.umbc.edu/erickson or call (410) 455-1570. For more information, email ericksonschool@umbc.edu or call (410) 455-3361.

About The Erickson School of Aging Studies

The Erickson School of Aging Studies at UMBC was established in April 2004 with a $5 million commitment from John Erickson, CEO and founder of Erickson. The school focuses on credit and non-credit professional education, research, and policy in aging services and care.

The Executive Development Program at the Erickson School of Aging Studies at UMBC is presented in partnership with NIC, a nonprofit organization that has been the leading source of business and financial information for the senior living industry since 1991. For the last six years, NIC has conducted executive development courses in operations, management, sales, marketing, development, finance, and service quality for emerging industry leaders.

UMBC, an Honors University in Maryland, is a four-year, public research university that is home to leading experts on aging who are active in research, education, and service in the field of gerontology. It is one of a handful of universities in the nation to offer a Ph.D. in Gerontology.

Posted by crose

July 26, 2005

Mayo Shattuck New Chair of UMBC Board of Visitors

Greg Barnhill to Head Board of Alex. Brown Center

Greg Barnhill to Head Board of Alex. Brown Center

CONTACT: Mike Lurie
Office: 410-455-6380
Cellphone: 443-695-0262
mlurie@umbc.edu


BALTIMORE – Two prominent members of the greater Baltimore business community are assuming new positions in their ongoing volunteer leadership roles with the University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC). Mayo A. Shattuck, III is the new chair of the UMBC President’s Board of Visitors. Greg Barnhill will succeed Shattuck as chair of the external advisory board for the UMBC Alex. Brown Center for Entrepreneurship. The appointments became effective July 1, 2005.

Shattuck, now the Chairman of the board, President, and Chief Executive Officer of Constellation Energy, was the impetus behind a generous gift of $1 million from the Alex. Brown Foundation in Spring 2000 to start the Alex. Brown Center for Entrepreneurship. As new chair of the UMBC Board of Visitors, an advisory board, he succeeds Earl L. Linehan of Woodbrook Capital, Inc. Shattuck received his B.A. from Williams College and his M.B.A. from Stanford University.

The Alex. Brown Center for Entrepreneurship works closely with the Baltimore business community to establish entrepreneurial learning opportunities and business experiences for UMBC students.

Barnhill, a Partner and Member of the Board of Brown Advisory Securities, will help guide the Alex. Brown Center’s mission of developing entrepreneurs for the region. Barnhill and Shattuck have served together on the Center’s board.

“We're very grateful to Mayo Shattuck for his leadership and active involvement in establishing and guiding the Alex. Brown Center for Entrepreneurship,” said Vivian Armor, Director of the Alex. Brown Center. “We've made tremendous progress over the past few years, and we're excited about the opportunity to work with Greg Barnhill to continue to expand our initiatives.”

“Mayo Shattuck is a major asset for greater Baltimore,” said UMBC President Freeman A. Hrabowski, III. “UMBC is honored to have him as one of our leading ambassadors in the business community.”

Says Shattuck, “Greg Barnhill brings 28 years of investment industry experience to this position with the Alex. Brown Center. That background, coupled with his extensive participation in various civic projects throughout the Baltimore region, position Greg well to continue expanding the center’s impact on UMBC students.”

Barnhill is well-known for his extensive activity in civic activities throughout the region. He played a lead role in the winning bids that made Baltimore and Annapolis stopovers in the 1998 and 2002 Volvo Ocean Race, an around-the-world sailing regatta. More recently, he was co-chair of the finance committee for the 2005 Miss USA pageant, broadcast live from the Hippodrome Theater in Baltimore.

“My ongoing relationship with UMBC faculty and students has shown me that the university, through the Alex. Brown Center, is an ideal resource in providing students who make an entrepreneurial impact in our community,” Barnhill says.

Posted by mlurie

June 14, 2005

Alumni Connection Draws Physicians Practice, Inc. to bwtech@UMBC

Edwards and Kelcey Moves Baltimore Office

Contact: Chip Rose
UMBC News
410-455-5793
crose@umbc.edu

bwtech@UMBC, the University of Maryland, Baltimore County's on-campus research and technology park, announced today that two new corporate tenants have agreed to relocate to the park’s second building, 5523 Research Park Drive, recently completed by international property developer Grosvenor.

The new tenants are the healthcare communications and technology firm Physicians Practice, Inc., formerly of Glen Burnie, and the engineering/design firm Edwards and Kelcey, which moves its Baltimore office to UMBC from Caton Avenue.

Physicians Practice is publisher of Physicians Practice: The Business Journal for Physicians, the most widely circulated practice management journal for physicians in the country. The firm is also known for its award-winning Web site, www.PhysiciansPractice.com, and a weekly e-mail newsletter, Physicians Practice Pearls.

Physicians Practice comes to UMBC thanks in part to the close ties to the University by president, co-founder and UMBC alumnus Scott Weber, who graduated in 1985 with a degree in interdisciplinary studies. Weber, a former president of the UMBC Alumni Association, continues to advise students in UMBC's Alex. Brown Center for Entrepreneurship on starting up and running a successful business. The company, which will occupy most of the second floor, currently employs 45 people.

"UMBC offers an excellent strategic location for us to grow our business, with its thriving technology environment, wealth of intellectual capital, and convenient proximity to transportation," said Gerry Hartung, chief executive officer and co-founder of Physicians Practice. "We look forward to partnering with UMBC as our business continues to grow throughout the region and country."

Edwards and Kelcey is a nationally recognized engineering, design, planning and construction management firm which has been in business since 1946. Headquartered in Morristown, NJ, Edwards and Kelcey has 900 employees, 23 regional offices and is ranked 68th among the Top 500 U.S. Design Firms by Engineering News-Record (ENR). Edwards and Kelcey employs 25 transportation engineers and planners locally, and is currently providing services to the Maryland Aviation Administration, Maryland State Highway Administration, City of Baltimore, and other local DOTs.

K.R. Marshall, EK's Baltimore Office Manager said, "Our new location at UMBC will allow us to optimally service our transportation clients in the Baltimore region. With convenient access to BWI and downtown Baltimore, coupled with partnership opportunities with the UMBC engineering department, Edwards and Kelcey looks forward to continued success in the Maryland market."

"UMBC's thriving business community consists of nearly 40 companies in various industries," said Ellen Hemmerly, executive director of UMBC Research Park Corporation. "We are delighted to welcome Physicians Practice and Edwards and Kelcey to our entrepreneurial, research intensive campus."

"UMBC's research and technology park demonstrates the impact of higher education and business coming together," said David S. Iannucci, executive director for the Baltimore County Department of Economic Development. "The mix of new tenants at bwtech@UMBC represents the range of entrepreneurial organizations that will benefit from this unique facility."

bwtech@UMBC's first two buildings were developed by Grosvenor, one of the largest private real estate companies in the world with a global property portfolio of $7 billion. The park's 62,000 square-foot first building has been leased by the information technology firm RWD Technologies since 2001.

UMBC's research park and incubator have received public and private sector funding from the Maryland Economic Development Corporation, the State of Maryland, the City of Baltimore, Baltimore County, the U.S. Department of Commerce, The Abell Foundation, and the Maryland Technology Development Corporation. In 2003, bwtech@UMBC became part of Baltimore County's Southwest Enterprise Zone, making companies moving to the park eligible for credits on real property and income taxes, as well as credits for creating new jobs.

Posted by crose

June 6, 2005

ERICKSON SCHOOL OF AGING STUDIES ANNOUNCES ADVISORY COUNCIL MEMBERS

Contact Chip Rose
UMBC News
410-455-5793
crose@umbc.edu

or

Renee Tilton
410-626-0805

The Erickson School of Aging Studies at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC) announced today the members of its newly created Advisory Council. The council members are comprised of top executives in the aging services arena, who will support the School in identifying, developing, connecting and providing resources for the advancement of educational, applied research and policy activities.

Members of the council include: Jo Anne Barnhart, commissioner, Social Security Administration; Dan Baty, CEO, Emeritus Assisted Living; William E. Colson, CEO, Holiday Retirement Corporation; John C. Erickson, chairman and CEO, Erickson; John Hurson, President, NCSL, Delegate, Maryland Legislature; Thomas J. Hutchinson III, CEO, CNL Retirement Properties, Inc.; Paul Klaassen, founder, chairman and CEO, Sunrise Senior Living; and Robert G. Kramer, president, National Investment Center for the Seniors Housing & Care Industries (NIC).

Other council members are: Mark B. McClellan, M.D., Ph.D., administrator, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS); Larry Minnix, president and CEO, American Association of Homes and Services for the Aging (AAHSA); John J. Mulherin, CEO, Ziegler and Company; Tom Nelson, COO, AARP; Arnie Richman, CEO, The Shelter Group, LLP; William B. Sims, CEO, Herbert J. Sims and Co.; and Michael S. Steele, lieutenant governor, State of Maryland.

“We are delighted by the participation of this distinguished group of high-profile leaders who have agreed to be a part of this important council,” said J. Kevin Eckert, Ph.D., dean, Erickson School of Aging Studies. “As the Erickson School of Aging Studies continues to grow, their guidance will be invaluable in helping to define the needs of those who serve America’s aging population.”

The Advisory Council held its first meeting in early June at the UMBC campus. John C. Erickson, chairman and CEO of Erickson, opened the meeting by talking about the relevance and importance of the school to the aging industry. “The School of Aging Studies will touch every phase of post-retirement aging in America – from health care and housing to finance and development,” he said.

Eckert then led a discussion about the vision for the school – to become the preeminent resource for education, research and public policy on aging and services for the mid-life and older population. UMBC President Freeman A. Hrabowski, III, followed by affirming the Erickson School’s complementary role to the University’s strengths and mission.

“We are a public research university with a strong emphasis on public policy and we are home to one of the largest doctoral programs in gerontology,” Hrabowski said. “This School makes sense for our campus and our region.”

For more information about the Erickson School of Aging Studies at UMBC, visit www.umbc.edu/erickson or call (410) 455-3361.

About The Erickson School of Aging Studies

The Erickson School of Aging Studies was established in April 2004 with a $5 million commitment from John Erickson, CEO and founder, of Erickson. The school focuses on credit and non-credit professional education, research and policy in aging services and care. An Executive Development program designed for seniors housing and care professionals is offered throughout the year with courses ranging from management and operations to sales and marketing. Plans include the creation of specialty degree programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels. For more information, visit http://www.umbc.edu/erickson.

UMBC, an Honors University in Maryland, is a four-year, public research university that is home to leading experts on aging who are active in research, education and service in the field of gerontology. It is one of a handful of universities in the nation to offer a Ph.D. in gerontology.

Posted by crose

May 27, 2005

WOMEN FROM AROUND THE WORLD TO ADDRESS THE ISSUE OF WOMEN IN TECHNOLOGY JUNE 12-14 IN BALTIMORE

The First International Symposium on Women and Information and Communication Technology

Baltimore, MD. -- For the first time, technology leaders from 22 countries and six continents will gather to explore concrete ways in which access by girls and women to technology can be increased in order to effect economic, social and political change. The First International Symposium on Women and Information and Communication Technology (ICT) will convene on Sunday, June 12 through June 14. Participants from developing and developed countries will include leaders from business, government, non-government agencies and education.

Through the exchange of ideas and experiences, the symposium's organizers expect to create an action agenda to significantly increase the international participation of girls and women in ICT - including leadership of women in technology business - in the next five years.

The symposium was organized and is co-hosted by the Center for Women and Information Technology (CWIT) at the University of Maryland, Baltimore Country (UMBC), the World Trade Center Institute, the World Bank and Women in Global Science and Technology; it is held in cooperation with the ACM (Association of Computer Machinery).

"This is an important time for women and technology," said Claudia Morrell, CWIT's executive director. "ICTs for girls and women will either become a new tool for increased access to education, economics, and social equity or it will create a new form of discrimination. In either case, the ramifications for all of us are vast. The symposium will address topics that we know need exploring, and we have sought out the world's leading authorities to discuss current hurdles and possible solutions."

Among the speakers will be authorities on ICT and the global economy, including widely published authors Jo Sanders, Sue Rosser and Sophia Huyer, as well as corporate leaders from North and South America, Europe, Asia, Africa and Australia. The U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Commission for Women, Ellen Sauerbrey, is the honorary Chair. She and Freeman Hrabowski, president of UMBC, will be keynote speakers at the plenary session at 8:30 a.m., Monday, June 13.

"AT&T is proud to sponsor such a robust effort to universally address the technology needs of girls and women," said Jennifer Jones, AT&T Business Sales Center Vice President. "Information is power, and this type of collaboration offers a catalyst for change."

The meeting will be held at Baltimore's World Trade Center (401 E. Pratt Street) and the Renaissance Harborplace Hotel (202 E. Pratt Street).

Major sponsors of the symposium include: platinum sponsor Dell and gold sponsors Microsoft, AT&T, SM Consulting, HP, Xerox, Lockheed Martin, the Maryland Department of Business and Economic Development and the National Science Foundation.

Media Contacts: Sue Hartt
UMBC News
410-455-2276
hartt@umbc.edu

Mike Lurie
410.455.6380
Cell: 443-695-0262
mlurie@umbc.edu

About UMBC and CWIT:
The University of Maryland, Baltimore County is a research university noted for its commitment to furthering the opportunities of women and minorities – especially in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). Strong commitment from the highest levels is exemplified by the Meyerhoff Scholarship Program, which received the first Presidential Awards for Excellence in Science, Mathematics and Engineering Mentoring, and participation in the National Science Foundation's ADVANCE program, which is aimed at increasing the participation of women in the scientific and engineering workforce through representation and advancement of women in STEM careers.

CWIT's programs - all designed to increase the number of women in information technology - include initiatives in schools to introduce middle-school girls to computer technology and engineering, and the CWIT Scholars Program, a merit scholarship program for talented undergraduates majoring in computer science, computer engineering, information systems, or a related program at UMBC. CWIT also provides programs for women in the workforce, including supporting women as technology entrepreneurs through the ACTiVATE program.

As a result of these and other efforts, UMBC was recently named one of the nation's 12 "Hot Schools" by Kaplan/Newsweek's "How to Get Into College" guide and as one CosmoGIRL's top 50 colleges for women.

Press Kit Materials:

Presskit materials and additional background documents are linked below for downloading or viewing as a PDF file. If you have trouble opening or viewing these documents, please contact UMBC News at 410-455-5793.

Agenda


Presentation Abstracts & Speaker Bios

Posted by crose

May 2, 2005

For Sondheim and UMBC, Shared Values Set in Stone

Dedication of Statue, Building Celebrates Walter Sondheim's Civic Leadership, May 11 at UMBC

Contact: Chip Rose
UMBC News
410-455-5793
crose@umbc.edu

UMBC honors Walter Sondheim, Jr., a pivotal leader of school desegregation and economic revitalization in Baltimore, for his achievements in community service, social justice and diversity on May 11 with the dedication of the University's first named academic building, Janet and Walter Sondheim Hall, and an accompanying sculpture.

The event caps off a successful $6 million campaign to endow the Sondheim Public Affairs Scholars Program at UMBC and rename the former social sciences building in honor of Sondheim and his late wife, Janet. The statue dedication and building ribbon cutting will be preceded by a public conversation with Sondheim on Baltimore's social and economic progress, moderated by WYPR 88.1 FM's Marc Steiner.

"Walter Sondheim embodies the values that the UMBC community treasures most," said UMBC President Freeman A. Hrabowski, III. "He is a visionary leader who cares deeply about children, families and education in Baltimore. The statue and building we dedicate in his honor will stand for a long time. But a more fitting and lasting tribute will be the Sondheim Public Affairs Scholars who bear his name as they serve the public and make a difference to generations to come."

Founded in 1999, the Sondheim Public Affairs Scholars Program supports talented undergraduate students who want to become effective leaders in government, non-profits, corporations and the community. Through an interdisciplinary approach combining service learning, internships and intensive advising/mentoring, over 40 Sondheim Public Affairs Scholars have graduated from the program or are currently receiving training for careers in law, social work, public administration, business, education, environmental policy, politics and other fields.

Sondheim is perhaps best known for leading the desegregation of Baltimore City Public Schools as chair of the City School Board and for guiding the "Baltimore Renaissance" of downtown and the Inner Harbor in the 1970s and 1980s as chairman of Charles Center-Inner Harbor Management, Inc.

The campaign to endow the Sondheim Public Affairs Scholars Program at UMBC attracted leadership support from The France-Merrick Foundation, The Abell Foundation, The Jacob and Hilda Blaustein Foundation and The Annie E. Casey Foundation, along with gifts from more than 20 other individual and foundation donors.

While Sondheim has received many honors over his career, the UMBC hall is the first entire structure named in his honor and the statue, sculpted from cast bronze by Maryland artist Antonio Tobias Mendez, is the first life-size rendition. The sculpture installation includes quotes from Sondheim reflecting his values.

"Like Mr. Sondheim, this statue is inspiring and educational," said Mendez. "In the future, students who view it will understand his character and dedication to community service."

Posted by crose

April 26, 2005

Executive Development at Erickson School to Address Risk Management

Contact Chip Rose
UMBC News
410-455-5793
crose@umbc.edu

or

Renee Tilton
410-626-0805

Senior living professionals can now take advantage of a subject not normally offered through executive development. This winter, risk management will be covered at an extensive, four-day course at the Erickson School of Aging Studies at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC).

“Risk Management of Seniors Housing & Care,” will be held on December 5-8. It will be led by Allen Lynch, Esq., partner at Nixon Peabody LLP. Other professionals teaching sections of the course include Robert Noonan, CFO at Benchmark Assisted Living; Phil Balderston, SVP of Risk Management at Sunrise Senior Living; Larry Minnix, president and CEO, and Suzanne Weiss, SVP of Advocacy at the American Association of Homes and Services for the Aging (AAHSA); Joel Goldman, Esq., partner of Hanson Bridgett Marcus Vlahos Rudy LLP; Joseph McCarron, Jr., SVP at Smith/Packett Med-Com; John Atkinson, partner at Thilman & Fillipini, LLC; Larry Cirka, president and CEO of Ultrabridge; Cindy Porter, director of Risk Management at Erickson Retirement Communities; and Cindy Graunke, director of the Division of Nursing Surveys and Certification of the Center for Medicare and Medicaid.

“Senior housing and care could be viewed as the ultimate risky business,” said Mr. Lynch, “due to, among other reasons, the vulnerability of our customers, extensive regulation, financial pressures, media attention, labor shortages and a litigious environment. Through the use of case studies, this course focuses on best practices to identify and manage the key risks important to every stakeholder in seniors housing and care, taught by a dream-team of leading professionals on the front line of risk management.”

Course highlights include:

  • Insights into the prevalent risks in -- and unique to -- each property type: independent living, assisted living, skilled nursing and CCRCs.
  • Seeing the risk management issues and practices in a complex and successful CCRC, as seen through the eyes of the senior risk manager on a guided discussion tour.
  • Building the foundation of risk management, from optimizing insurance protection (whether conventionally or through a captive) to reorganizing the enterprise to protect assets.
  • Understanding and managing the “Achilles Heels” of operations – five areas representing the greatest risk.
  • Learning the nuts and bolts of a state-of-the art risk management program at one of the world’s leading providers.
  • Participating in a mock trial with plaintiffs and defense lawyers, based on an actual case involving a large operator, eliciting powerful lessons learned.
  • Managing non-compliance risks – from the government’s top regulator.
  • Deploying technology to reduce risk.

    Since the launch of the NIC Executive Development Program last fall at the Erickson School of Aging Studies at UMBC, every course has sold out. All courses are conducted in a participatory, seminar format. Each four-day course is $2750. To register, visit www.umbc.edu/erickson or call (410) 455-1570. For more information, email ericksonschool@umbc.edu or call (410) 455-3361.

    About The Erickson School of Aging Studies

    The Erickson School of Aging Studies at UMBC was established in April 2004 with a $5 million commitment from John Erickson, CEO and founder of Erickson. The school focuses on credit and non-credit professional education, research, and policy in aging services and care.

    The Executive Development Program at the Erickson School of Aging Studies at UMBC is presented in partnership with NIC, a nonprofit organization that has been the leading source of business and financial information for the senior living industry since 1991. For the last six years, NIC has conducted executive development courses in operations, management, sales, marketing, development, finance, and service quality for emerging industry leaders.

    UMBC, an Honors University in Maryland, is a four-year, public research university that is home to leading experts on aging who are active in research, education, and service in the field of gerontology. It is one of a handful of universities in the nation to offer a Ph.D. in Gerontology.

    Posted by crose

    Executive Development at Erickson School to Address Organizational Excellence

    Contact Chip Rose
    UMBC News
    410-455-5793
    crose@umbc.edu

    or

    Renee Tilton
    410-626-0805

    Senior living professionals can now take advantage of a subject not normally offered through executive development. This summer organizational excellence will be covered at an extensive, four-day course at the Erickson School of Aging Studies at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC).

    This course, “Organizational Excellence and Continuous Quality Improvement in Seniors Housing & Care,” takes place on June 8-11. Anthony Ingelido, VP of Organizational Excellence at Asbury Services, will lead the course. He’ll be joined by Jill Haselman, SVP for Organizational Development and Culture at Benchmark Assisted Living; Bernie Dana, former executive at Vetter Health Services and associate professor of Business at Evangel University; Harry Furukawa, director of Quality for Goodwill Industries and a senior Baldridge Award examiner; and Dr. Leslie Grant, VP of Research at My InnerView and associate professor of Healthcare Management at the University of Minnesota.

    Topics covered include:


    • The business case for quality service and care.
    • Widely used quality systems and models (Malcolm Baldridge, ISO 9000 and Six Sigma).
    • Quality systems and models specific to senior living (JCAHO, “Quality First,” Eden Alternative and the Pioneer Network), with actual results reviewed by companies using these models.
    • Differences between product and service companies.
    • The link between employee and resident loyalty.
    • The difference between outcome and resident perception.
    • Balanced scorecard and benchmarking techniques.
    • Making service quality and performance management an integral part of company culture.

    Since the launch of the NIC Executive Development Program last fall at the Erickson School of Aging Studies at UMBC, every course has sold out. Only a couple of spaces remain for “Sales and Marketing of Seniors Housing & Care,” which will be held on May 18-21. All courses are conducted in a participatory, seminar format. Each four-day course is $2750. To register, visit www.umbc.edu/erickson or call (410) 455-1570. For more information, email ericksonschool@umbc.edu or call (410) 455-3361.

    About The Erickson School of Aging Studies

    The Erickson School of Aging Studies at UMBC was established in April 2004 with a $5 million commitment from John Erickson, CEO and founder of Erickson. The school focuses on credit and non-credit professional education, research, and policy in aging services and care.

    The Executive Development Program at the Erickson School of Aging Studies at UMBC is presented in partnership with NIC, a nonprofit organization that has been the leading source of business and financial information for the senior living industry since 1991. For the last six years, NIC has conducted executive development courses in operations, management, sales, marketing, development, finance, and service quality for emerging industry leaders.

    UMBC, an Honors University in Maryland, is a four-year, public research university that is home to leading experts on aging who are active in research, education, and service in the field of gerontology. It is one of a handful of universities in the nation to offer a Ph.D. in Gerontology.

    Posted by crose

    April 22, 2005

    Maryland Secretary of Public Safety/Corrections Mary Ann Saar Talks Prison Reform April 25 at UMBC

    Project RESTART Aims to Reduce Repeat Offenders by Increasing Drug Treatment, Education

    Contact: Chip Rose
    UMBC News
    410-455-5793
    crose@umbc.edu

    Mary Ann Saar, secretary of public safety and correctional services, will speak about Maryland's Project RESTART (Reentry Enforcement Services Targeting Addictions, Rehabilitation and Treatment) on Monday, April 25 at 4 p.m. at the Albin O. Kuhn Library as part of UMBC's Spring 2005 Social Sciences Forum lecture series.

    "A New Direction in Corrections" is the theme of Saar's lecture, emphasizing the recent change in philosophy toward the goals of the state's prison system. Saar will talk about the policy implications of RESTART for the future of corrections and parole services and the ways in which the government and communities can collaborate to reduce recidivism.

    Project RESTART, an initiative proposed by Governor Ehrlich and developed by Saar to address the issues of reentry and recidivism in Maryland's correctional system, was launched in 2003. The program focuses not only on control and custody in state facilities but on education, substance abuse treatment and reentry support services to address the needs of inmates returning to the community.

    For more information about this or other UMBC Social Sciences Forum events, contact Delana Gregg at socsciforum@umbc.edu.

    Posted by crose

    April 3, 2005

    UMBC Chess Team Captures Third Consecutive Presidential Cup

    Retrievers Take Down Arch-Rivals UT-Dallas in Chess Final Four

    Contact: Chip Rose
    UMBC News
    410-455-5793
    crose@umbc.edu

    (Lindsborg, KS) The University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC) team won its third consecutive Final Four of College Chess in convincing fashion Sunday afternoon by defeating its arch-rival the University of Texas at Dallas (UTD) by a score of 2.5 to 1.5.

    As expected, UMBC and UTD climaxed the round robin tournament of the nation's top four college chess programs in a hard-fought final match. The rivalry between the two universities had grown even sharper in the past two years after UTD twice upset UMBC in the "Super Bowl of College Chess", the Pan American Intercollegiate Team Chess Tournament, by a half-point margin each time.

    UMBC never lost a game in the 2005 Final Four, dominating Stanford 4 to 0 in the first round and following with a solid 3.5 to 0.5 win over Miami Dade College in the second. The 2005 Final Four was held at the Karpov School of Chess in Lindsborg, Kansas.

    "Our players went into this tournament focused on the here and now, and we are elated to have won the Final Four three years in a row," said UMBC Chess Program Director and computer science professor Alan Sherman. "I'm very proud of how this team bounced back strongly from a disappointing second place finish at the 2004 Pan Am."

    The UMBC team will have a chance to improve its skills later this week, as former world chess champion Grandmaster Anatoly Karpov visits campus Wednesday and Thursday to give some private pointers to the UMBC players.

    Karpov will also lead some public events during his UMBC visit. He will simultaneously challenge up to 60 scholastic chess enthusiasts (grades 1 through 12, bring your own regulation chess set) from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. on Wednesday in the UMBC Commons. On Thursday from 7 to 10 p.m., Karpov will explain some of his best games, including recent encounters with Grandmaster Garry Kasparov. The talk will be held in Lecture Hall 8 of UMBC's Information Technology and Engineering Building.

    UMBC will host the 2006 Pan American Chess Championships, to be held December 27-30 at the Renaissance Hotel in Washington, DC.

    Posted by crose

    March 7, 2005

    The Real Story of UMBC Athletics' Academic Success

    Contact: Chip Rose
    UMBC News
    410-455-5793
    crose@umbc.edu

    Just imagine. You're literally Number One and then you find out that no, there's a report you're actually last among thousands. First there's disbelief, then you laugh -- who could believe it? -- and then you realize that some people might actually believe -- absurd though the notion is -- that you, UMBC, could be LAST in anything relating to academics.

    Such were the reactions of UMBC's athletic director Charlie Brown, his coaches, and athletes -- as well as most of the administration, faculty, staff and students at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County. (Happily, a correction was issued as soon as the absurdity was recognized.)

    The Real Story of UMBC Athletics' Academic Success

    Background: On February 28, 2005, the NCAA released its preliminary (and first) Academic Progress Report, a new system for tracking how many student-athletes are staying in school and making adequate progress toward their degrees. That day the word went out that UMBC's indoor track team ranked last among all of the 5,270 men's and women's teams nationwide. Could not be, was not, true.

    THE FACTS:


    • UMBC is #1 of the ten schools in the America East Conference with an average score of 978 out of a possible 1000. The conference average is 958.

    • UMBC is ranked #2, behind the United States Naval Academy (990), in the ten Division I programs in Maryland.

    • Overall, out of 328 schools nationwide, UMBC ranks 36th.

    • In men's basketball, UMBC scored 1000, one of only 33 schools in the nation to achieve the perfect mark. Men's basketball players' majors include financial economics, history, sociology and environmental studies.

    • Eight of UMBC's 20 programs receive perfect scores and no program is below 925.

    • The accidentally maligned men's indoor track and field program has a score of 947; the team has a 2.85 cumulative GPA.

    • Currently, 228 -- or 52 percent -- of 438 student athletes have 3.0 grade-point averages or higher – 20 more than last spring.

    RECRUITING PRIORITIES AT UMBC

    Because UMBC is an Honors University, coaches recruit athletes who can succeed both athletically and academically at the Division I-AAA level. We want students who will integrate with the general campus population and be involved in the larger community.

    ACADEMIC SUPPORT

    The new Academic Center for Student-Athletes is equipped with 12 computers, individual study carrels, and three full-time staff members who assist the athletes in course selection, academic skills, time management, long-range academic planning and career development.

    The Center's EXCELL program gives special, individualized attention to student athletes who need additional academic and social support.

    Posted by crose

    March 3, 2005

    Journalist Alan Elsner to Speak on America's Prison Crisis

    UMBC Social Sciences Forum Event Open to Public

    Contact: Chip Rose
    UMBC News
    410-455-5793
    crose@umbc.edu

    Alan Elsner, national correspondent for Reuters, will speak on "The Crisis in America's Prisons and Why You Should Care," on Monday, March 7 at 4 p.m. on the 7th floor of the Albin O. Kuhn Library at UMBC. The event, part of UMBC's Social Sciences Forum, is free and open to the public.

    Drawing from his book, Gates of Injustice: The Crisis in America's Prisons, Elsner will talk about the growth of the U.S. prison system, why it happened and why it should matter to the American public. He will also examine the costs of running correctional facilities, the health implications for inmates and address recidivism and how to reduce it. His book will be on sale the evening of the lecture.

    Future Social Sciences Forum speakers include Maryland Secretary of Public Safety and Correctional Services Mary Ann Saarr, who will discuss Maryland's Project RESTART on Monday, April 25.

    For more information on Social Sciences Forum events, contact Delana Gregg at 410-455-2916 or socsciforum@umbc.edu.

    Posted by crose

    United Nations Commission on the Status of Women and UMBC Co-Sponsor a Panel On Women & Technology

    Monday, March 7, 1-3 pm at the UN's Dag Hammarskold Library Auditorium

    Contact: Chip Rose
    UMBC News
    410-455-5793
    crose@umbc.edu

    Claudia Morrell, executive director of the Center for Women and Information Technology (CWIT) at University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC) will be one of five panelists participating in Creating Global Transformation: Women & ICT on Monday, March 7, from 1-3 p.m. at the United Nations.

    The meeting’s purpose is to build on the conclusions of an agreement signed March 14, 2003, in which the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women stated, "globally, there are substantial differences in participation in, access to and use of media and information and communications technologies (ICTs), their content and production."

    "Media and ICT," the agreement also stated, "offer tools for enhancing tools for women’s empowerment and the promotion of gender equality."

    National and international leaders representing business, education and nongovernment sectors will address the ways in which ICTs make a difference in the lives of women, their families and communities.

    Speakers include UN and corporate leaders from this country and the United Kingdom. Morrell will make the concluding remarks that will include suggestions for future opportunities for national and international collaboration.

    CWIT, a global resource building women's participation in information technology, has wide-ranging initiatives, including the annual Computer Mania Day (Saturday, April 9th this year), a designed especially for 11 and 12 year-old girls to have hands-on experiences with computers and technology; and June 12-14, 2005, the first International Symposium on Women and ICT: Creating Global Transformation.

    Posted by crose

    Senior Living Executives to Highlight Selling & Marketing Best Practices at Erickson School's Next Executive Development Course

    ‘Sales and Marketing of Seniors Housing & Care’ to be Held May 18-21, 2005

    Contact Chip Rose
    UMBC News
    410-455-5793
    crose@umbc.edu

    or

    Renee Tilton
    410-626-0805

    David Smith, president of One On One, Service to Seniors, a St. Louis, Mo.-based sales consulting group, and partner of One McKnight Place, a large continuing care retirement community, will lead the next executive development course at the Erickson School of Aging Studies at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC). “Sales and Marketing of Seniors Housing & Care” will be held on May 18-21, 2005.

    Guest lecturers from the senior living industry will join Mr. Smith in facilitating discussions on best practices in sales and marketing, including Brian Swinton, former executive vice president of Sunrise Senior Living; Dan Rexford, senior vice president of marketing for Erickson; Margaret Wylde, Ph.D., president and CEO of ProMatura Group LLC, a marketing research company based in Oxford, Miss.; and Tony Mullen, director of research for the National Investment Center for the Seniors Housing & Care Industries (NIC).

    The four-day course covers the role of marketing and sales, how it is linked to a competitive advantage, and why the best companies treat their entire staff as salespeople. Other topics include: discovering customers’ wants and needs, segmenting markets through research, understanding the relationship of pricing and value, and obtaining honest feedback. Students also learn about the science of promotion, and how to develop leads, design an effective marketing plan, and use successful selling techniques. Lastly, the best ways to manage the marketing and sales process is discussed, including the use of mystery shopping and sales training.

    The cost for “Sales and Marketing of Seniors Housing & Care” is $2750. Classes are conducted in a participatory, seminar format and are limited in size. To register, visit www.umbc.edu/erickson or call (410) 455-1570. For more information, email Jennifer Cathro at ericksonschool@umbc.edu or call (410) 455-3361.

    About The Erickson School of Aging Studies

    The Erickson School of Aging Studies at UMBC was established in April 2004 with a $5 million commitment from John Erickson, CEO and founder of Erickson. The school focuses on credit and non-credit professional education, research, and policy in aging services and care.

    The Executive Development Program at the Erickson School of Aging Studies at UMBC is presented in partnership with NIC, a nonprofit organization that has been the leading source of business and financial information for the senior living industry since 1991. For the last six years, NIC has conducted executive development courses in operations, management, sales, marketing, development, finance, and service quality for emerging industry leaders.

    UMBC, an Honors University in Maryland, is a four-year, public research university that is home to leading experts on aging who are active in research, education, and service in the field of gerontology. It is one of a handful of universities in the nation to offer a Ph.D. in Gerontology.

    Posted by crose

    March 2, 2005

    UMBC Chess Master Juggles Dozens of Matches at Banneker Museum

    Contact: Chip Rose
    UMBC News
    410-455-5793
    crose@umbc.edu

    With 32 pieces and seemingly infinite strategies to contend with, it is difficult enough for most chess players to stay on top of their own games. Multiply that challenge by the more than 90 elementary through high school students participating in the Friends of Benjamin Banneker Museum’s Chess Day for a real concentration challenge. That is exactly what UMBC master Battsetseg Tsagaan and a few other local chess players will do at the Banneker Day of Chess on Saturday, March 5, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. at the museum, 300 Oella Avenue in Catonsville.

    Tsagaan, a UMBC chess team member originally from Mongolia,is ranked No. 11 among U.S. women by the U.S. Chess Federation. While she is known in chess circles as “the Mongolian Terror,” she has shown her softer side to young Howard County students, introducing them to the game and serving as their coach and mentor. Tsagaan will also run the tournament at the Banneker Day of Chess. Joe Summer, president of the Catonsville Chess Club, will assist her.

    According to Arthur Trush, Chess Day chair and board member of the Friends of Benjamin Banneker Historical Park and Museum (BBHPM), the event draws students from Baltimore and Howard Counties, Baltimore City, and from area church chess clubs. Many students playing in the tournament are involved in chess programs offered by Baltimore County Gifted and Talented programs. Prizes and certificates will be awarded to the children for competing and improving their playing and Thinking skills.

    Registration ended on February 23rd.

    Posted by crose

    February 15, 2005

    Tom Grape to Lead Executive Development Course at Erickson School

    ‘Management and Operations of Seniors Housing & Care’ to be Held March 16-19, 2005

    Contact Chip Rose
    UMBC News
    410-455-5793
    crose@umbc.edu

    or

    Renee Tilton
    410-626-0805

    Tom Grape, chairman and CEO of Benchmark Assisted Living, will lead the next executive development course at the Erickson School of Aging Studies at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC). “Management and Operations of Seniors Housing & Care” will be held on March 16-19, 2005. The course will examine best practices in the management and operations of the professional senior living company.

    Paul Klaassen, founder and CEO of Sunrise Senior Living, will join Mr. Grape in instructing the four-day course, along with Jill Haselman, SVP for Organizational Development and Culture at Benchmark Assisted Living; Allen Lynch, II, partner at Nixon Peabody; and Tony Mullen, director of research for the National Investment Center for the Seniors Housing & Care Industries (NIC).

    Topics discussed will include: the science of management and ethical leadership, obtaining a sustainable competitive advantage, attaining employee loyalty, understanding residents, and providing economic value above the cost of capital. Students will also learn about the role of corporate culture, performance measurement, technological systems, financial reporting, risk management, and best practices in food service, hospitality and other areas.

    “We’re excited by the exceptional response to our Executive Development series,” said Mr. Mullen, who is helping the Erickson School to develop and expand the program. “The first two courses were sold out,” he continued, “and the upcoming one in March is filling up very quickly. The feedback we’ve received from those taking the courses, including those who have significant experience in the industry, is that the course material is very sophisticated, and focused on best practices and the tough issues facing professionals in the field.”

    The cost for “Management and Operations of Seniors Housing & Care” is $2750. Classes are limited in size in order to encourage a participatory, seminar-style format. To register, visit www.umbc.edu/erickson or call (410) 455-1570. For more information, email Jennifer Cathro at ericksonschool@umbc.edu or call (410) 455-3361.

    About The Erickson School of Aging Studies

    The Erickson School of Aging Studies at UMBC was established in April 2004 with a $5 million commitment from John Erickson, CEO and founder of Erickson. The school focuses on credit and non-credit professional education, research, and policy in aging services and care.

    The Executive Development Program at the Erickson School of Aging Studies at UMBC is presented in partnership with NIC, a nonprofit organization that has been the leading source of business and financial information for the senior living industry since 1991. For the last six years, NIC has conducted executive development courses in operations, management, sales, marketing, development, finance, and service quality for emerging industry leaders.

    UMBC, an Honors University in Maryland, is a four-year, public research university that is home to leading experts on aging who are active in research, education, and service in the field of gerontology. It is one of a handful of universities in the nation to offer a Ph.D. in Gerontology.

    Posted by crose

    February 13, 2005

    Liz Lerman Dance Exchange Moves and Grooves at UMBC

    The Liz Lerman Dance Exchange's February 4 performance at UMBC offers a sneak peek into a dance company whose moves, grooves and imagery are created from a multitude of voices spanning six decades.

    UMBC presents the Liz Lerman Dance Exchange in concert on Friday, February 4 at 8 p.m. in the UMBC Theatre.

    The Liz Lerman Dance Exchange's performance at UMBC offers a sneak peek into a dance company whose moves, grooves and imagery are created from a multitude of voices spanning six decades.

    The repertory evening includes excerpts from Nocturnes, set to music of Willie Nelson; In Praise of Animals and Their People, which celebrates the prayerful relationships of animal companionship and the kinesthetic beauty of animals; and other favorites from the company's menagerie of movement.

    Founded in 1976, the Liz Lerman Dance Exchange presents a unique brand of dance/theater, breaking boundaries between stage and audience, theater and community, movement and language, tradition and the unexplored. Through explosive dancing, personal stories and intelligent humor, Liz Lerman Dance Exchange stretches the expressive range of contemporary dance.

    Founding Artistic Director Liz Lerman has choreographed works that have been seen throughout the U.S. and abroad. Combining dance with realistic imagery, her works are defined by the spoken word, drawing from literature, personal experience, philosophy, and political and social commentary.

    Over the past 26 years she has received recognition for her work with Liz Lerman Dance Exchange and as a solo artist. In 2002, she received a MacArthur "Genius Grant" fellowship for her visionary work. She has received an American Choreographer Award, the American Jewish Congress "Golda" award, the first annual Pola Nirenska Award, the Mayor's Art Award, and was named Washingtonian Magazine's Washingtonian of the Year in 1988.

    Liz Lerman's work has been commissioned by Lincoln Center, American Dance Festival, Dancing in the Street, BalletMet, and The Kennedy Center. Her choreographic work has received support from AT&T, Meet The Composer, American Festival Project, National Endowment for the Arts, National Performance Network Creation Fund, and the National Foundation for Jewish Culture.

    Tickets for the concert at UMBC are $17 general admission and $7 for students and seniors, available through MissionTix at www.missiontix.com or 410-752-8950.

    An open rehearsal will be held at 2:30 p.m. on Thursday, February 3 in the Theatre. Admission to the open rehearsal is free.

    Posted by dwinds1

    February 7, 2005

    UMBC Names J. Kevin Eckert Dean of Erickson School of Aging Studies

    Residential Care, Aging Services Expert to Lead School
    Focused on Improving Life for Growing Aging Population


    Media Note: Click on the photo above to access/download a high-resolution photo of Kevin Eckert.

    Contact: Chip Rose
    UMBC News
    410-455-5793
    crose@umbc.edu

    BALTIMORE - The University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC) announced today the appointment of J. Kevin Eckert as Dean of the Erickson School of Aging Studies. Eckert, a nationally renowned researcher on residential care, assisted living, and aging services, will lead the new school at UMBC. A primary focus of the school will be improving the quality of education for professionals in the burgeoning aging services and care industry, which is essential to ensuring a decent quality of life for America’s growing aging population.


    The Erickson School of Aging Studies was established in April 2004 with a $5 million gift from John Erickson, founder and chief executive officer of Erickson, the Baltimore-based firm that is a national manager and developer of campuses for middle income people over 62 years of age. The school provides executive education, public policy leadership, and applied investigative research related to aging, aging services and seniors housing and care. Future plans also include offering specialty degree programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels.

    “One of the goals of The Erickson School of Aging Studies at UMBC,” Eckert said, “is to improve the lives of the mid-life and older population,” Eckert said. “I am delighted to have this opportunity to address areas of importance to mid-life and older adults, solidify UMBC’s national reputation in the field and position Maryland as a national leader in innovative aging services, research and policy,” he said.

    Eckert is also the co-director of the joint UMBC/University of Maryland Baltimore doctoral program in gerontology, one of a handful of university programs in the nation offering a Ph.D. in gerontology. He has written or edited three books and 55 articles and book chapters on aging services, residential care and assisted living. Eckert has received several awards, including a prestigious Robert Wood Johnson Health Policy Fellowship, a Senior Fellowship from the National Institutes of Health’s National Research Service Award program and a University System of Maryland Board of Regents Award for Excellence.

    Since coming to UMBC in 1987, Eckert’s research projects have brought over $11 million in funding to the university. He is also Director of the Center for Aging Studies at UMBC and has been a faculty member in the University’s Department of Sociology and Anthropology since 1987.

    The Erickson School of Aging Studies at UMBC:

    The Erickson School of Aging Studies was established in April 2004 with a $5 million gift from John Erickson, CEO and founder, of Erickson. The school focuses on credit and non-credit professional education, research and policy in aging services and care. An Executive Development program designed for seniors housing and care professionals is offered throughout the year with courses ranging from management and operations to sales and marketing. Plans include the creation of specialty degree programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels. For more information, visit http://www.umbc.edu/erickson.

    Posted by crose

    February 2, 2005

    UMBC Humanities Forum Examines History and Identity

    UMBC brings together scholars and professionals who represent the richness of contemporary work in philosophy, history, culture, language, literature, and the arts in the 2005 Humanities Forum. Among the topics to be discussed are the literary precursors to Homer's epics and themes in undergraduate research; speakers will include Walter Mosley, Mortimer Sellers and Jonathan Tuck.

    UMBC brings together scholars and professionals who represent the richness of contemporary work in philosophy, history, culture, language, literature, and the arts in the 2005 Humanities Forum. Among the topics to be discussed are the literary precursors to Homer's epics and themes in undergraduate research; speakers will include Walter Mosley, Mortimer Sellers and Jonathan Tuck.

    All lectures are free and open to the public.

    Wednesday February 16 at 4pmAlbin O. Kuhn Library Gallery
    "Undergraduate Experiences in Humanities Research"
    Students from the departments of History, English and Ancient Studies

    Wednesday March 2 at 4pmAlbin O. Kuhn Library Gallery
    "Darwin, Romantic Geologist?"
    Sandra Herbert, Professor of History, UMBC

    Wednesday March 9 at 4pmAlbin O. Kuhn Library Gallery
    "Straddling Borders: Literature and Identity in Subcarpathian Rus'"
    Elaine Rusinko, Associate Professor of Modern Languages and Linguistics, UMBC

    Thursday March 17 at 4pmAlbin O. Kuhn Library Gallery
    "Sons of Homer: the Genealogy of the Epic Poem"
    Jonathan Tuck, Tutor, St. John's College, Annapolis

    Monday April 4 at 7pmUniversity Center Ballroom
    The Daphne Harrison Lecture: "Bearing Witness"
    Walter Mosley, Novelist and social commentator

    Wednesday April 13 at 4pmAlbin O. Kuhn Library Gallery
    "America: the New Rome"
    Mortimer Sellers, University of Maryland Regents Professor, Director of the Center for International and Comparative Law, University of Baltimore School of Law

    Directions to UMBC and campus locations of the lectures
    For directions go to: http://www.umbc.edu/aboutumbc/campusmap/index_map.html

    Posted by OIT

    January 24, 2005

    UMBC Middle East Experts Recommend Postponing Iraqi Vote, Partitioning Country

    The following experts on the Middle East and terrorism from the University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC) are available to news media for commentary on the Iraqi elections scheduled for Jan. 30.

    The following experts on the Middle East and terrorism from the University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC) are available to news media for commentary on the Iraqi elections scheduled for Jan. 30.

    Reporters may contact the experts directly (email & phone numbers are listed with their profiles below) or contact UMBC News: Chip Rose, 410-455-5793, crose@umbc.edu, or 443-690-0307 (after hours).

    Louis J. Cantori, Ph.D.
    Professor of Political Science
    410-455-2182
    Cellphone: 410-491-7003
    cantori@umbc.edu

    Profile:
    Dr. Cantori is an expert on Middle East politics and policy, having lived almost seven years collectively in the region. He is the author, co-author or editor of four books and over 40 articles on the Middle East and other subjects. A former U.S. Marine, Cantori has taught at the U.S. Military Academy, U.S. Air Force Academy and U.S. Marine Corps University. He has founded or is heavily involved with various groups concerned with Middle East policy and democracy.

    Point of View:
    "Without a smarter vision of Iraq's future, the Jan. 30 election will be meaningless," Cantori said in his Jan. 13 USA Today editorial.

    "Iraq cannot become a beacon of Middle Eastern democracy without full, democratic participation in its elections," Cantori wrote. "This must include Sunni Muslims, who make up 20 percent of the population and the heart of the insurgency."

    In the same editorial, Cantori noted news reports that put the insurgency at more than 200,000 fighters strong, and recommended that the U.S. immediately begin low-level negotiations with the Sunnis, followed by setting a date for a staged withdrawal, possibly January 2007.

    Mark Croatti, M.A.
    Instructor of Political Science
    410-455-2568
    mcroatti@umbc.edu

    Profile:
    Prof. Croatti teaches courses in political science and government at UMBC, The George Washington University, the United States Naval Academy and The Johns Hopkins University. He has lectured on foreign affairs at Georgetown University and served as a consultant to the International Program at the Howard Hughes Medical Institute. His most recent class taught at UMBC was POLI409B "Politics of Iraq: Oil, Terrorism and Weapons of Mass Destruction."

    Point of View:
    "Arabs and Kurds in general, and Shiites and Sunnis in particular, have been fighting each other in one form or another for over a thousand years," said Croatti. "Just because the British created a country called Iraq in 1921 does not mean that the U.S. is obligated to uphold the integrity of its boundaries.

    "The Kurds need a state of their own and the Sunnis and Shiites should not be forced to live together if they don't want to. Partition is a realistic alternative to the ongoing violence, and should be considered before holding an election or writing a new constitution."

    Posted by OIT

    UMBC Middle East Experts Recommend Postponing Iraqi Vote, Partitioning Country

    The following experts on the Middle East and terrorism from the University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC) are available to news media for commentary on the Iraqi elections scheduled for Jan. 30.

    The following experts on the Middle East and terrorism from the University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC) are available to news media for commentary on the Iraqi elections scheduled for Jan. 30.

    Reporters may contact the experts directly (email & phone numbers are listed with their profiles below) or contact UMBC News: Chip Rose, 410-455-5793, crose@umbc.edu, or 443-690-0307 (after hours).

    Louis J. Cantori, Ph.D.
    Professor of Political Science
    410-455-2182
    Cellphone: 410-491-7003
    cantori@umbc.edu

    Profile:
    Dr. Cantori is an expert on Middle East politics and policy, having lived almost seven years collectively in the region. He is the author, co-author or editor of four books and over 40 articles on the Middle East and other subjects. A former U.S. Marine, Cantori has taught at the U.S. Military Academy, U.S. Air Force Academy and U.S. Marine Corps University. He has founded or is heavily involved with various groups concerned with Middle East policy and democracy.

    Point of View:
    "Without a smarter vision of Iraq's future, the Jan. 30 election will be meaningless," Cantori said in his Jan. 13 USA Today editorial.

    "Iraq cannot become a beacon of Middle Eastern democracy without full, democratic participation in its elections," Cantori wrote. "This must include Sunni Muslims, who make up 20 percent of the population and the heart of the insurgency."

    In the same editorial, Cantori noted news reports that put the insurgency at more than 200,000 fighters strong, and recommended that the U.S. immediately begin low-level negotiations with the Sunnis, followed by setting a date for a staged withdrawal, possibly January 2007.

    Mark Croatti, M.A.
    Instructor of Political Science
    410-455-2568
    mcroatti@umbc.edu

    Profile:
    Prof. Croatti teaches courses in political science and government at UMBC, The George Washington University, the United States Naval Academy and The Johns Hopkins University. He has lectured on foreign affairs at Georgetown University and served as a consultant to the International Program at the Howard Hughes Medical Institute. His most recent class taught at UMBC was POLI409B "Politics of Iraq: Oil, Terrorism and Weapons of Mass Destruction."

    Point of View:
    "Arabs and Kurds in general, and Shiites and Sunnis in particular, have been fighting each other in one form or another for over a thousand years," said Croatti. "Just because the British created a country called Iraq in 1921 does not mean that the U.S. is obligated to uphold the integrity of its boundaries.

    "The Kurds need a state of their own and the Sunnis and Shiites should not be forced to live together if they don't want to. Partition is a realistic alternative to the ongoing violence, and should be considered before holding an election or writing a new constitution."

    Posted by dwinds1

    January 21, 2005

    UMBC Gets It: Women Science Faculty Thrive

    As the national debate on gender and science in higher education heats up, UMBC is an excellent example of how a campus can increase the presence and success of women faculty in science and technology.

    Led by President Freeman A. Hrabowski, UMBC is a public research university with a national reputation for academic excellence and diversity. Over the last six years, UMBC has expanded campus-wide initiatives to attract and support female faculty and graduate students in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) fields.

    "Since 2000, when we first began studies on how to tackle the problem,the number of UMBC's tenured or tenure-track women faculty in the STEM fields has more than doubled from 17 to 36," said Lynn Zimmerman, Vice Provost for Academic Initiatives and Professor of Biology at UMBC.

    UMBC now requires all departments to form diversity plans prior to starting faculty job searches. The campus also redesigned its family and medical leave policy to be more visible and attractive to women faculty.

    "Good things can happen once there is a genuine commitment to the issue," said Zimmerman. "UMBC's work is by no means finished, but I am excited about our progress in such a short period of time."

    Initiatives and Expert Sources on Women and Science:

    Hrabowski is leading gender diversity efforts on the campus as the principal investigator for ADVANCE at UMBC, a $3.2 million, five year, National Science Foundation (NSF) institutional transformation grant. ADVANCE is designed to change the campus structure and culture to improve recruitment, retention, career advancement and mentoring for talented women STEM faculty.

    "Programs like ADVANCE show that what's good for women is good for the entire university," said Zimmerman, who also leads the university's day-to-day efforts for ADVANCE and other science diversity programs.

    In 2001, UMBC appointed Janet Rutledge Associate Dean of the Graduate School. Rutledge was instrumental in bringing the PROMISE program to UMBC. Through this $2.5 million NSF grant, UMBC leads an effort by Maryland's three public research universities to increase the number and diversity of Ph.D. graduates in the sciences and engineering who go onto academic careers.

    As the first African American female to receive a Ph.D. from Georgia Tech's electrical engineering program, Rutledge knows firsthand the challenges that women and other minorities face in academia. "There's a feeling of invisibility," said Rutledge, who focused on the scarcity of minority science Ph.D.s at the NSF prior to coming to UMBC.

    In 2000, Zimmerman and fellow biological sciences professor Phyllis Robinson founded UMBC's faculty group Women in Science and Engineering(WISE). The informal support group for women STEM faculty became the foundation for ADVANCE and other efforts at UMBC.

    In 2004, UMBC was one of only five U.S. institutions to receive an award to establish a Clare Boothe Luce Professorship. The Clare Boothe Luce Program is among the most significant sources of private support for women in science, engineering and mathematics in the U.S. When hired, the new professor will make UMBC's Department of Chemical and Biochemical Engineering faculty over 50 percent female.

    UMBC is home to the Center for Women and Information Technology (CWIT),which is dedicated to strengthening the nation's technology workforce by increasing the participation and advancement of women and girls in information technology (IT) and IT careers.

    Claudia Morrell, Executive Director of the Center, has led a dramatic expansion at CWIT, including the development of a scholars program witha 93 percent retention rate and a $6.5 million increase in scholarships, research and program funding.

    Anne Spence is an Assistant Professor of Mechanical Engineering at UMBC and a member of WISE and CWIT's Advisory Board. An aerospace engineer,Spence is used to the challenges of being a woman in a technical field.

    "One of my college professors told me that women should not be engineers, so I got the highest grade in the class to prove him wrong,"she said. "When I graduated I had six job offers. I did encounter initial resistance, but I was always able to get rid of it by proving myself."

    Spence is a volunteer for CWIT's annual educational outreach event, Computer Mania Day. The event works to break stereotypes by building interest in technology among middle school girls, their parents and teachers via hands-on education and mentorship. She is also an advisor for UMBC's chapter of Mentor Net, a national mentoring program for women studying engineering and computer science.

    Posted by dwinds1

    January 15, 2005

    Discover Magazine Names UMBC Professor's 'Man Who Shocked the World' Among Top 20 Science Books of 2004

    Discover Magazine has named The Man Who Shocked the World: The Life and Legacy of Stanley Milgram (Basic Books, 2004) by UMBC psychology professor Thomas Blass as one of the Top 20 Science Books of 2004. The national honor is the latest accolade for Blass's biography of Milgram, one of the most controversial psychologists in modern history.

    Discover Magazine has named The Man Who Shocked the World: The Life and Legacy of Stanley Milgram (Basic Books, 2004) by UMBC psychology professor Thomas Blass as one of the Top 20 Science Books of 2004. The national honor is the latest accolade for Blass's biography of Milgram, one of the most controversial psychologists in modern history.

    Milgram is best known for his "Obedience Experiments" carried out at Yale University in the 1960s. In the experiments, 65 percent of test subjects repeatedly gave seemingly real and painful electrical shocks to another subject (actually an actor) just because a scientific "authority figure" commanded them to. Milgram was also the originator of the "Six Degrees of Separation" theory.

    Discover described Blass's book as "by turns both moving and chilling." The magazine's Top 20 Science Books list put "Shocked..." in good company beside other nationally honored nonfiction, including The Fabric of the Cosmos: Space, Time, and the Texture of Reality by Brian Greene, which was an Amazon.com Top Book of the Year. Blass' book was well received nationally by critics, including the Library Journal, American Scientist, the Washington Post, and the Jerusalem Post.

    "I am delighted to be part of Discover's list of excellent books," said Blass. "This is the kind of honor that helps make 10 years of work worthwhile."

    Blass, a social psychologist and Hungarian-born Holocaust survivor, has studied Milgram for 15 years and authored over 20 publications and an equal number of academic papers on Milgram's life and work. He also runs the Web site www.stanleymilgram.com, devoted to preserving Milgram's legacy and connecting his research to current and historical events.

    Posted by dwinds1

    Discover Magazine Names UMBC Professor's 'Man Who Shocked the World' Among Top 20 Science Books of 2004

    Discover Magazine has named The Man Who Shocked the World: The Life and Legacy of Stanley Milgram (Basic Books, 2004) by UMBC psychology professor Thomas Blass as one of the Top 20 Science Books of 2004. The national honor is the latest accolade for Blass's biography of Milgram, one of the most controversial psychologists in modern history.

    Discover Magazine has named The Man Who Shocked the World: The Life and Legacy of Stanley Milgram (Basic Books, 2004) by UMBC psychology professor Thomas Blass as one of the Top 20 Science Books of 2004. The national honor is the latest accolade for Blass's biography of Milgram, one of the most controversial psychologists in modern history.

    Milgram is best known for his "Obedience Experiments" carried out at Yale University in the 1960s. In the experiments, 65 percent of test subjects repeatedly gave seemingly real and painful electrical shocks to another subject (actually an actor) just because a scientific "authority figure" commanded them to. Milgram was also the originator of the "Six Degrees of Separation" theory.

    Discover described Blass's book as "by turns both moving and chilling." The magazine's Top 20 Science Books list put "Shocked..." in good company beside other nationally honored nonfiction, including The Fabric of the Cosmos: Space, Time, and the Texture of Reality by Brian Greene, which was an Amazon.com Top Book of the Year. Blass' book was well received nationally by critics, including the Library Journal, American Scientist, the Washington Post, and the Jerusalem Post.

    "I am delighted to be part of Discover's list of excellent books," said Blass. "This is the kind of honor that helps make 10 years of work worthwhile."

    Blass, a social psychologist and Hungarian-born Holocaust survivor, has studied Milgram for 15 years and authored over 20 publications and an equal number of academic papers on Milgram's life and work. He also runs the Web site www.stanleymilgram.com, devoted to preserving Milgram's legacy and connecting his research to current and historical events.

    Posted by OIT

    January 10, 2005

    Scientists See Matter Circling Black Hole at Breakneck Speed

    UMBC Joint Center for Astrophysics scientists and their colleagues at Oxford University used a speed-gun technique typical of the highway patrol to clock clumps of hot iron gas whipping around a black hole at 20,000 miles per second, over 10 percent of light speed. The findings, which provided a crucial new measurement for black hole studies, were presented Monday afternoon at a press conference at the American Astronomical Society in San Diego.

    UMBC Joint Center for Astrophysics scientists and their colleagues at Oxford University used a speed-gun technique typical of the highway patrol to clock three separate clumps of hot iron gas whipping around a black hole at 20,000 miles per second, over 10 percent of light speed.

    The observation, made with the European Space Agency's XMM-Newton satellite, marks the first time scientists could trace individual blobs of shredded matter on a complete journey around a black hole. This provides a crucial measurement that has long been missing from black hole studies: an orbital period. Knowing this, scientists can measure black hole mass and other characteristics that have long eluded them.

    Dr. Jane Turner, jointly affiliated with NASA Goddard Space Flight Center and the Joint Center for Astrophysics (JCA) at the University of Maryland Baltimore County (UMBC), presented this result today at a press conference at the American Astronomical Society in San Diego. Her co-presenter is Dr. Lance Miller of Oxford University.

    "For years we have seen only the general commotion caused by massive black holes, that is, a terrific outpouring of light," said Turner. "We could not track the specifics. Now, with XMM-Newton, we can filter through all that light and find patterns that reveal information about black holes never seen before in such clarity."

    Dr. Miller noted that if this black hole were placed in our Solar System, it would appear like a dark abyss spread out nearly as wide as Mercury's orbit. And the three clumps of matter detected would be as far out as Jupiter. They orbit the black hole in a lightning-quick 27 hours (compared to the 12 years it takes Jupiter to orbit the Sun).

    Black holes are regions in space so dense that gravity prevents all matter and light from escaping. What scientists see is not the black hole itself but rather the light emitted close to it as matter falls towards the black hole and heats to high temperatures.

    Turner's team observed a well-known galaxy named Markarian 766, about 170 million light years away in the constellation Coma Berenices (Bernice's Hair). The black hole in Markarian 766 is relatively small although highly active. Its mass is a few million times that of the Sun; other central black hole systems are over 100 million solar masses.

    Matter funnels into this black hole like water swirling down a drain, forming what scientists call an accretion disk. Flares erupt on this disk most likely when magnetic field lines emanating from the central black hole interact with regions on the disk.

    "Calculating the flares' speeds and the black hole mass was straightforward, based on Doppler shifting, the technique used by law officers to nab speeders." said Dr. Ian George of UMBC's JCA and NASA Goddard, a co-author on a scientific journal article the team has prepared. "Light appears to rise in energy as an object moves towards us and then fall in energy as it moves away. A similar phenomenon happens with the sound of a passing car on a highway, going 'eeeeeeyyoool.'"

    "We think we're viewing the accretion disk at a slightly tilted angle, so we see the light from each of these flares rise and fall in energy as they orbit the black hole," Miller said.

    When the scientists made a graph of energy (on the y-axis) and time (on the x-axis), they saw near-perfect sinusoidal curves from each of the three clumps of matter they observed. The width, or period, of the curves is proportional to black hole mass. The height of the curves is related to the viewing angle of the accretion disk. With a known mass and orbital period, the scientists could determine velocity using relatively simple Newtonian physics.

    Two factors made the measurement possible. The scientists observed particularly persistent flares during a long observation, nearly 27 hours. Also, "no telescope before XMM-Newton has had the light-collecting power to allow for a comparison of energy over time," said Dr. James Reeves of NASA Goddard, also part of the team.

    Turner said this observation confirms a preliminary XMM-Newton result announced by a European team in September -- that something as detailed as an orbital period could be detected with the current generation of X-ray telescopes. The combination of results indicates that scientists, given long observation times, are now able to make careful black hole measurements and even test general relativity in the domain of extreme gravity.

    Posted by dwinds1

    Scientists See Matter Circling Black Hole at Breakneck Speed

    UMBC Joint Center for Astrophysics scientists and their colleagues at Oxford University used a speed-gun technique typical of the highway patrol to clock clumps of hot iron gas whipping around a black hole at 20,000 miles per second, over 10 percent of light speed. The findings, which provided a crucial new measurement for black hole studies, were presented Monday afternoon at a press conference at the American Astronomical Society in San Diego.

    UMBC Joint Center for Astrophysics scientists and their colleagues at Oxford University used a speed-gun technique typical of the highway patrol to clock three separate clumps of hot iron gas whipping around a black hole at 20,000 miles per second, over 10 percent of light speed.

    The observation, made with the European Space Agency's XMM-Newton satellite, marks the first time scientists could trace individual blobs of shredded matter on a complete journey around a black hole. This provides a crucial measurement that has long been missing from black hole studies: an orbital period. Knowing this, scientists can measure black hole mass and other characteristics that have long eluded them.

    Dr. Jane Turner, jointly affiliated with NASA Goddard Space Flight Center and the Joint Center for Astrophysics (JCA) at the University of Maryland Baltimore County (UMBC), presented this result today at a press conference at the American Astronomical Society in San Diego. Her co-presenter is Dr. Lance Miller of Oxford University.

    "For years we have seen only the general commotion caused by massive black holes, that is, a terrific outpouring of light," said Turner. "We could not track the specifics. Now, with XMM-Newton, we can filter through all that light and find patterns that reveal information about black holes never seen before in such clarity."

    Dr. Miller noted that if this black hole were placed in our Solar System, it would appear like a dark abyss spread out nearly as wide as Mercury's orbit. And the three clumps of matter detected would be as far out as Jupiter. They orbit the black hole in a lightning-quick 27 hours (compared to the 12 years it takes Jupiter to orbit the Sun).

    Black holes are regions in space so dense that gravity prevents all matter and light from escaping. What scientists see is not the black hole itself but rather the light emitted close to it as matter falls towards the black hole and heats to high temperatures.

    Turner's team observed a well-known galaxy named Markarian 766, about 170 million light years away in the constellation Coma Berenices (Bernice's Hair). The black hole in Markarian 766 is relatively small although highly active. Its mass is a few million times that of the Sun; other central black hole systems are over 100 million solar masses.

    Matter funnels into this black hole like water swirling down a drain, forming what scientists call an accretion disk. Flares erupt on this disk most likely when magnetic field lines emanating from the central black hole interact with regions on the disk.

    "Calculating the flares' speeds and the black hole mass was straightforward, based on Doppler shifting, the technique used by law officers to nab speeders." said Dr. Ian George of UMBC's JCA and NASA Goddard, a co-author on a scientific journal article the team has prepared. "Light appears to rise in energy as an object moves towards us and then fall in energy as it moves away. A similar phenomenon happens with the sound of a passing car on a highway, going 'eeeeeeyyoool.'"

    "We think we're viewing the accretion disk at a slightly tilted angle, so we see the light from each of these flares rise and fall in energy as they orbit the black hole," Miller said.

    When the scientists made a graph of energy (on the y-axis) and time (on the x-axis), they saw near-perfect sinusoidal curves from each of the three clumps of matter they observed. The width, or period, of the curves is proportional to black hole mass. The height of the curves is related to the viewing angle of the accretion disk. With a known mass and orbital period, the scientists could determine velocity using relatively simple Newtonian physics.

    Two factors made the measurement possible. The scientists observed particularly persistent flares during a long observation, nearly 27 hours. Also, "no telescope before XMM-Newton has had the light-collecting power to allow for a comparison of energy over time," said Dr. James Reeves of NASA Goddard, also part of the team.

    Turner said this observation confirms a preliminary XMM-Newton result announced by a European team in September -- that something as detailed as an orbital period could be detected with the current generation of X-ray telescopes. The combination of results indicates that scientists, given long observation times, are now able to make careful black hole measurements and even test general relativity in the domain of extreme gravity.

    Posted by dwinds1

    January 8, 2005

    Maryland Universities Looking for a Few Good Women for Real-Life 'Apprentice'

    UMBC is looking for a few good women to compete in a high-tech, entrepreneurial take on the hit reality TV show "The Apprentice." The National Science Foundation (NSF) program, "Achieving the Commercialization of Technology in Ventures through Applied Training for Entrepreneurs" (ACTiVATE), will select up to 30 Baltimore/Washington-area women for a competitive class that, unlike traditional business courses, doesn't deal in hypothetical widgets.

    UMBC is looking for a few good women to compete in a high-tech, entrepreneurial take on the hit reality TV show "The Apprentice."

    The $600,000 National Science Foundation (NSF) program, "Achieving the Commercialization of Technology in Ventures through Applied Training for Entrepreneurs" (ACTiVATE), will select up to 30 Baltimore/Washington-area women for a competitive class that, unlike traditional business courses, doesn't deal in hypothetical widgets. Instead, ACTiVATE gives real-world lessons from experienced entrepreneurs and venture capitalists as students compete to take patented technology innovations from area universities to market.

    "ACTiVATE is looking for savvy, competitive women to have fun while going after an ultimate prize that's much better than a job with Donald Trump--the chance to start and run a real technology company," said Stephen Auvil, director of UMBC's Office of Technology Development.

    UMBC teams with the Maryland Technology Development Corporation (TEDCO) and six other Maryland universities on ACTiVATE, one of only 16 grants awarded nationwide this year from the NSF's highly competitive Partnerships for Innovation Program. While no one will hear the dreaded words "You're fired," the program aims to create six or more new, university-related, startup companies over the next three years while training 90 new women entrepreneurs in the process.

    Each year, TEDCO will screen 20 existing technology ideas from participating universities and select the 15 best to be used in ACTiVATE. Start-up firms that emerge from the course may be housed in techcenter@UMBC, the University's on-campus business incubator.

    Highly-motivated, mid-career women with business or technical backgrounds who are interested in learning more about ACTiVATE are invited to attend one of two upcoming open houses. These events will provide an overview of how ACTiVATE selects and trains applicants; introduce the entrepreneurs-in-residence at UMBC, give more information on the university technologies to be marketed, and provide details on how to apply for the program.

    The next Open House is January 11 from 6:30 until 8 p.m. at techcenter@UMBC, 1450 South Rolling Road in Catonsville.

    Directions are available online.

    For more information, visit:www.umbc.edu/activateor e-mail cwit@umbc.edu.

    Posted by dwinds1

    January 7, 2005

    Charities Accepting Donations for Tsunami Victims

    Guidelines on choosing a charity: www.guidestar.org.

    ACTION AGAINST HUNGER
    247 West 37th Street, Suite 1201
    New York, N.Y. 10018
    212-967-7800 x108
    www.actionagainsthunger.org

    AMERICAN JEWISH WORLD SERVICE
    45 West 36th Street, 10th Floor
    New York, N.Y. 10018
    800-889-7146
    www.ajws.orgAMERICAN JEWISH JOINT DISTRIBUTION COMMITTEE
    South Asia Tsunami Relief
    Box 321
    847A Second Avenue
    New York, N.Y. 10017
    212-687-6200 ext. 851
    www.jdc.org

    AMERICAN FRIENDS SERVICE COMMITTEE
    AFSC Crisis Fund
    1501 Cherry Street
    Philadelphia, Pa. 19102
    888-588-2372
    www.afsc.org

    AMERICAN RED CROSS
    International Response Fund
    P.O. Box 37243
    Washington, D.C. 20013
    800-HELP NOW
    www.redcross.org

    AMERICARES
    88 Hamilton Avenue
    Stamford, CT 06902
    (800) 486-4357
    www.americares.org

    CARE
    151 Ellis Street
    Atlanta, GA 30303
    800-521-CARE
    www.care.org

    CATHOLIC RELIEF SERVICES
    Tsunami Emergency
    P.O. Box 17090
    Baltimore, Md. 21203-7090
    800-736-3467
    www.catholicrelief.org

    DIRECT RELIEF INTERNATIONAL
    27 South La Patera Lane
    Santa Barbara, Calif. 93117
    805-964-4767
    www.directrelief.org

    DOCTORS WITHOUT BORDERS
    P.O. Box 1856
    Merrifield, Va. 22116-8056
    888-392-0392
    www.doctorswithoutborders.org

    EPISCOPAL RELIEF AND DEVELOPMENT
    Emergency Fund
    P.O. Box 12043
    Newark, NJ 07101
    800-334-7626
    www.er-d.org

    INTERACTION
    American Council for Voluntary International Action
    1717 Massachusetts Ave. NW, Suite 701
    Washington, DC 20036
    (202) 667-8227
    www.interaction.org

    INTERNATIONAL FEDERATION OF RED CROSS/RED CRESCENT
    www.ifrc.org

    INTERNATIONAL MEDICAL CORPS
    Earthquake/Tsunami Relief
    1919 Santa Monica Boulevard, Suite 300
    Santa Monica, Calif. 90404
    800-481-4462
    www.imcworldwide.org

    INTERNATIONAL ORTHODOX CHRISTIAN CHARITIES
    Asia Disaster Response
    P.O. Box 630225
    Baltimore, MD 21263-0225
    877-803-4622
    www.iocc.org

    INTERNATIONAL RESCUE COMMITTEE
    P.O. Box 5058
    Hagerstown, MD 21741-9874
    877-REFUGEE or 733-8433
    www.theIRC.org

    ISLAMIC RELIEF USA
    Southeast Asia Earthquake Emergency
    P.O. Box 6098
    Burbank, Calif. 91510
    888-479-4968
    www.irw.org/asiaquake

    LUTHERAN WORLD RELIEF
    700 Light Street
    Baltimore, Maryland 21230
    800-LWR-LWR-2
    www.lwr.org

    MERCY CORPS
    Southeast Asia Earthquake Response
    Dept. W
    P.O. Box 2669
    Portland, Ore. 97208
    800-852-2100
    www.mercycorps.org

    NETWORK FOR GOOD
    www.networkforgood.org

    OPERATION USA
    8320 Melrose Avenue, Suite 200
    Los Angeles, Calif. 90069
    800-678-7255
    www.opusa.org

    OXFAM AMERICA
    Donor Services Department
    26 West Street
    Boston, MA 12111-1206
    800-77-OXFAM
    www.oxfamamerica.org

    SAVE THE CHILDREN
    Asia Earthquake/Tidal Wave Relief Fund
    54 Wilton Road
    Westport, Conn. 06880
    800-728-3843
    www.savethechildren.org

    UNICEF
    General Emergency Fund
    333 E. 38th Street
    New York, NY 10016
    800-4-UNICEF
    www.unicef.org

    WORLD FOOD PROGRAMME
    US Friends of the WFP
    PO Box 11856
    Washington, D.C. 20008
    www.wfp.org/donate

    WORLD HEALTH ORGANIZATION
    www.who.int

    Posted by dwinds1

    January 3, 2005

    UMBC Chess Team Fights the Good Fight

    Wichita, KA The fierce rivalry between the chess teams of the University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC) and the University of Texas, Dallas (UTD) lost none of its intensity this week when 23 teams competed in the Pan American Intercollegiate Chess Championships, the Super Bowl of college chess.

    Wichita, KA The fierce rivalry between the chess teams of the University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC) and the University of Texas, Dallas (UTD) lost none of its intensity this week when 23 teams competed in the Pan American Intercollegiate Chess Championships, the Super Bowl of college chess.

    At the 2003 Pan Am, UMBC was knocked off its throne by UTD. This year, the only round UMBC's first team lost was the fourth to UTD the loss that ultimately meant the championship because UTD lost none, but tied in the fifth round.

    "Oddly, the first time we lost to UTD last year we also lost 5 to 5.5 points," said Alan Sherman, director of the UMBC chess program and associate professor of computer science. "We have a strong team, so the loss is disappointing, but we're one of the top four U.S. teams that will compete in the President's Cup this spring." The other teams will be from UTD, Miami Dade Community College and Stanford University. The meet will be in Wichita, presumably in April.

    The top ten teams were, in rank order: UTD, first team; UMBC, first team; UTD, second team; University of Waterloo; University of Toronto; Miami Dade; Catholic University of Peru; Stanford; UMBC, second team; Yale University.

    While the Retrievers were in Kansas, Dr. Sherman learned that UMBC will host the 2006 Pan American Chess Championships, to be held December 27-30 at the Renaissance Hotel in Washington, DC.

    Posted by dwinds1

    December 22, 2004

    Route 32 Expansion Will Reduce Congestion, Study Finds

    The best way to relieve congestion on Route 32 between Interstate 70 and Route 108 in Maryland is to adopt the State Highway Administration (SHA) plan to widen Route 32 to four lanes, according to a study by graduate students in the UMBC Department of Public Policy.

    The best way to relieve congestion on Route 32 between Interstate 70 and Route 108 in Maryland is to adopt the State Highway Administration (SHA) plan to widen Route 32 to four lanes, according to a study by graduate students in the UMBC Department of Public Policy.

    The study, Maryland Route 32: A Policy Analysis, examined alternatives for addressing the congestion on the heavily traveled, undivided two-lane stretch of road in Howard County. The SHA proposed that the road be widened to four lanes, with interchanges and service roads, and received an exemption from the Maryland's Smart Growth law to allow state funding for the project. However, community activists and environmental groups oppose the SHA plan, and one group has announced that it will file suit to stop state funding for the $220 million expansion.

    The students first analyzed projected growth for the region, and determined that population and the number of vehicles in Howard and neighboring Carroll and Frederick counties will continue to grow over the next 25 years. The study concluded that given projected growth rates, traffic on Route 32 will increase regardless of the width of the road.

    The study then evaluated three options: keep the road as it is (no-build); convert Route 32 to a limited access highway with interchanges (structural upgrades); or move forward with the SHA plan to widen Route 32 to four lanes (four-lane expansion). The report found that if reducing congestion is the primary objective, the SHA plan to widen Route 32 to four lanes receives the highest ranking.

    Recognizing the controversy surrounding major road projects in Maryland, the report also identified drawbacks to the four lane expansion, which include higher costs, negative environmental impacts, more noise and the potential to spur construction and urban sprawl.

    "If decision makers place more importance on these criteria than on reducing congestion, then we recommend that the structural upgrade alternative be pursued," the report said. The authors also questioned whether stopping the four lane expansion would actually slow the rate of sprawl in light of local economic development plans, noting: "One county's sprawl is another county’s economic lifeline." The study suggested that drawbacks such as cost, environmental impacts and noise will be offset by a widened and improved road with better access and an increased level of safety.

    About UMBC Public Policy Department:
    UMBC Public Policy graduate students analyzed Route 32 expansion alternatives in the state as part of their Public Policy Capstone seminar, a course where students, working with faculty and outside experts in relevant fields, prepare a policy analysis of a current topic. The study is available online as a PDF file at http://www.umbc.edu/mipar.

    The UMBC Department of Public Policy provides quality education for a diverse range of students who wish to pursue or further a career in a public policy related area. The interdisciplinary program offers both a Master of Public Policy and a Ph.D. in Public Policy.

    Posted by dwinds1

    December 20, 2004

    The Kiev Killer Comes to Kansas

    The Cuban Cyclone, The Polish Magician and The Kiev Killer are headed to Kansas, and they're out for revenge. Residents of Wichita may feel they aren't in Kansas anymore later this month when the international, intellectual sport of college chess brings top UMBC players from Cuba, India, Poland and the Ukraine to town for the 2004 Pan American Intercollegiate Chess Tournament, the Super Bowl of college chess.

    The Cuban Cyclone, The Polish Magician and The Kiev Killer are headed to Kansas, and they're out for revenge. Residents of Wichita may feel they aren't in Kansas anymore later this month when the international, intellectual sport of college chess brings top UMBC players from Cuba, India, Poland and the Ukraine to town for the 2004 Pan American Intercollegiate Chess Tournament, the Super Bowl of college chess.

    Recruited from around the globe, the Cyclone, Magician and Killer are nicknames for members of the University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC) team, which is determined to recapture its standing as the number one college chess team in the western hemisphere.

    At the 2003 Pan Am, UMBC was knocked off the throne by arch-rival University of Texas at Dallas (UTD). Dozens of national and international universities participate annually, including Harvard, MIT, Princeton, Stanford, and the Universities of Chicago, Peru and Toronto; still, the only team able to defeat UMBC in recent years is UTD. If UMBC recaptures the top spot this year, it will be their seventh title in ten years and will break the record for the most wins by one team.

    The UMBC Retrievers team includes the number one player in Canada, Pascal "The Frenchman" Charbonneau, as well as the number one player in the U.S., Alexander "The Invincible" Onischuk, who is Ukrainian. Pawel "The Polish Magician" Blehm and and Bruci "The Cuban Cyclone," Lopez complete the Team A roster.

    Team B is comprised of Beenish "The Indian Tiger" Bhatia, Katerina "The Kiev Killer" Rohonyan, John "The Maryland Mauler" Rouleau and Battsetseg "The Mongolian Terror" Tsagaan.

    About the Pan American Intercollegiate Chess Tournament:

    Dates: December 27 through 30, 2004

    Place: Hilton Hotel and Conference Center, Wichita Airport, Wichita, KS

    More information on the Pan American Intercollegiate Chess Tournament is online here.

    Posted by dwinds1

    December 15, 2004

    Discover Magazine Names UMBC Professor's 'Man Who Shocked the World' Among Top 20 Science Books of 2004

    Discover Magazine has named "The Man Who Shocked the World: The Life and Legacy of Stanley Milgram" by UMBC psychology professor Thomas Blass as one of the Top 20 Science Books of 2004. The national honor is the latest accolade for Blass's biography of Milgram, one of the most controversial psychologists in modern history.

    Discover Magazine has named "The Man Who Shocked the World: The Life and Legacy of Stanley Milgram" (Basic Books, 2004) by UMBC psychology professor Thomas Blass as one of the Top 20 Science Books of 2004. The national honor is the latest accolade for Blass's biography of Milgram, one of the most controversial psychologists in modern history.

    Milgram is best known for his "Obedience Experiments" carried out at Yale University in the 1960s. In the experiments, 65 percent of test subjects repeatedly gave seemingly real and painful electrical shocks to another subject (actually an actor) just because a scientific "authority figure" commanded them to. Milgram was also the originator of the "Six Degrees of Separation" theory.

    Discover described Blass's book as "by turns both moving and chilling." The magazine's Top 20 Science Books list put "Shocked..." in good company beside other nationally honored nonfiction, including "The Fabric of the Cosmos: Space, Time, and the Texture of Reality" by Brian Greene, which was an Amazon.com Top Book of the Year. "Shocked..." was well received nationally by critics, including the Library Journal, American Scientist, the Washington Post, and the Jerusalem Post.

    "I am delighted to be part of Discover's list of excellent books," said Blass. "This is the kind of honor that helps make 10 years of work worthwhile."

    Blass, a social psychologist and Hungarian-born Holocaust survivor, has studied Milgram for 15 years and authored over 20 publications and an equal number of academic papers on Milgram's life and work. He also runs the website www.stanleymilgram.com, devoted to preserving Milgram's legacy and connecting his research to current and historical events.

    Posted by dwinds1

    December 8, 2004

    UMBC's 2005 Legislative Audit

    While three years may seem like a long time between legislative audits, there is no downtime for the Management Advisory Services Department (MAS)--and for the rest of the campus community--when it comes to preparation.

    While three years may seem like a long time between legislative audits, there is no downtime for the Management Advisory Services Department (MAS)--and for the rest of the campus community--when it comes to preparation.

    We work on a daily basis to educate everyone on the importance of internal controls, including proper separation of duties and complete and timely approvals, said Michele Evans, director of MAS. Especially important for our 2005 audit will be the conversion of our financial and human resources systems to PeopleSoft. The auditors will examine our conversion, the security in our new systems and our current business processes. MAS continues to work with the Office of Information Technology, Financial Services, Human Resources and the campus community to ensure the adequate controls were built into the system and are included in updated business processes.

    Frances Toth and Sharon Doherty-Ritter, MAS management analysts, just completed a wave of Internal Control Sessions for Campus Administrators, at the request of President Hrabowski. The president wanted us to get the message out to vice presidents, deans, directors and department chairs, who are often responsible for authorization and approval functions, so they would take an active interest in maintaining a proper system of internal controls in their areas of responsibility. The sessions were a big success, with over 200 people attending, said Evans.

    Evans added that although previous auditors had a high opinion of UMBC and felt that the campus community was putting forth a good effort, MAS is still concerned about problems that remain unresolved since the University's 2002 audit.

    One of the biggest issues is management of the University's VISA Purchasing or P-card, a matter made especially serious because the campus spends more than $10 million annually via the card. More than 70 percent of MAS P-card reviews uncovered insufficient supervision, while more than 55 percent of reviews revealed inaccuracies in purchasing records. The situation not only places the campus at risk that this item may be cited in a third Legislative Audit, it also jeopardizes UMBC's use of the card.

    Other problems that MAS recently assisted with include:

    *An employee who personally benefited from a relationship with a vendor.

    *An employee who falsified time/leave records, so that the employee's leave would not be charged.

    *An inadequately secured forced access code (FAC), which allowed unauthorized long distance calls to be made on campus.

    Evans encourages all departments to be aggressive in resolving problems, practice fiscal responsibility and use MAS as a resource. We offer solutions that people aren't aware of. For instance, some departments have a small staff and don't know how to handle issues like controls or separation of dutieswe can suggest ways to solve this problem, said Evans.

    Dates and other important information about the legislative audit will be sent to the campus via Insights Weekly. MAS's Audit Information Fact Sheet is available on the MAS Web site (click on Audit Information).

    For more information, visit the MAS Web site or call Michele Evans at ext. 5-1354.

    Posted by dwinds1

    December 4, 2004

    Kudos

    UMBC Photography Collections Images Seen Around the World

    Tom Beck, Chief Curator, Special Collections at the Albin O. Kuhn Library & Gallery, is proud to report that not only does UMBC send students abroad, but also images from its Photography Collections.

    Currently onloan to the Maison Europenne de la Photographie in Paris are 13photographs by Ted Serios from the Jules Eisenbud/Ted Serios Archive ofthe Special Collections of the Albin O. Kuhn Library & Gallery. Thephotographs are part of a major exhibition titled "Le troisime oeil, Laphotographie et l'occulte (scroll down at http://www.mep-fr.org/actu_1.htm, which is accompanied by a substantialbook of the same title (Paris: ditions Gallimard, 2004).

    The bookincludes reproductions of the images and an essay by Professor StephenE. Braude, Chair of UMBC's Department of Philosophy. The exhibitionwill be on view until Feb. 6, 2005, then will be presented at NewYork's Metropolitan Museum of Art from Sept. 27 to Dec. 31, 2005.

    Also on loan abroad from UMBC's Photography Collections are 22photographs by Lewis Hine which are currently on view at the TokyoMetropolitan Museum of Photography (TMMP) in their exhibition titled"Dreaming of Tomorrow."The exhibition, which is made up of works selected by TMMP CuratorYoshiko Susuki, includes works from UMBC as well as several otherimportant U.S. collections. It continues until Jan. 16, 2005.

    UMBC Represented at AAC&U Conference
    Diane M. Lee, vice provost for undergraduate education; Patricia A. Perillo, director, Office of Student Life; David Hoffman, coordinator, leadership and engagement initiatives; and Jordan Hadfield, chief of staff, SGA, represented UMBC at the Association of American Colleges and Universities (AAC&U) conference November 12 in Philadelphia. The conference theme was "Educating Intentional Learners: New Connections for Academic and Student Affairs" and the UMBC team presented at the session Making Civic Empowerment a Whole-Campus Enterprise.

    New Patent for Yung Jui Chen
    Yung Jui Chen's new patent, Integrated Spectral Encoder/Decoder for Optical CDMA Communication System, patent number US 6,807,372 B1, was issued on October 19. This encoder/decoder design for spectrum-encoded optical CDMA systems uses waveguide circuits monolithically integrated on one chip to fulfill essential encoding and decoding functions. The entire patent can be viewed in its entirety at www.uspto.gov. For more information on patents, trademarks, copyrights or start-up companies, please call the Office of Technology Development at 410-455-1414.

    Philosophers on Parade
    Assistant Professor Joseph Berkovitz recently had two papers accepted for publication. The first (co-authored with Meir Hemmo) is How to Reconcile Modal Interpretations of Quantum Mechanics with Relativity, forthcoming in Philosophy of Science. The second (also co-authored with Meir Hemmo) is Modal Interpretation and Relativity: A Reconsideration, forthcoming in Foundations of Physics.

    Professor and Department Chair Stephen Braude published "The Nature and Significance of Dissociation," in J. Radden's (ed.) The Philosophy of Psychiatry: A Companion (Oxford University Press, 2004). His paper, "Personal Identity and Postmortem Survival," presented last spring at the Bowling Green State University Conference on Personal Identity, is forthcoming in Social Philosophy and Policy 22 (2005).

    Braude has also given a number of invited lectures recently. On October 16, he gave a plenary address, "Personal Identity and Postmortem Survival," at the 26th Annual Conference of the Humanities & Technology Association in York, PA. On October 26, he gave a talk, "The Argument from Crippling Complexity," at the Division of Personality Studies at the University of Virginia. Later that day, he spoke on "The Creativity of Dissociation" at the University of Virginia Medical School's Department of Psychiatry. Then on November 15, he spoke on "Postmortem Survival: The State of the Debate" at Mt. St. Mary's University.

    Last April, Associate Professor Susan Dwyer developed and ran a workshop for Erickson Retirement Communities entitled "Ethics and Social Work with Seniors: Resident, Institutional and Personal Challenges." She also participated in the Workshop on Moral Psychology at Dartmouth May 24 and 25.

    Visiting Assistant Professor Matt McCabe published a book review of Physician Assisted Suicide: The Anatomy of a Constitutional Law Issue, by Susan M. Behuniak and Arthur G. Svenson, in The Social Science Journal (Vol. 41, No. 3, Fall 2004).

    Assistant Professor Jessica Pfeifer was accepted to and attended the Dibner Institute Summer Biological Seminar on Molecular Evolution at the Marine Biological Lab in Woods Hole, which took place May 19 through 26. She will present a paper, Why Selection and Drift Might be Distinct, at the Philosophy of Science Association meeting in Austin this month; and it was also accepted for publication in Philosophy of Science.

    In October, Visiting Lecturer Anna Ribeiro gave a talk at the annual meeting of the American Society for Aesthetics (ASA) entitled "Experiencing Poetry." The talk was part of "Cognitive Poetics," a panel discussion Ribeiro organized. Her guests were Morris Halle (linguistics, MIT), Nigel Fabb (literary linguistics, Strathclyde, Glasgow), Kristin Hanson (English, Berkeley) and Alex Neill (philosophy, Southhampton). Ribeiro also has a book review [Peter Lamarque's and Stein Haugom Olsen's Aesthetics and the Philosophy of Art: The Analytic Tradition (Blackwell, 2004)]forthcoming in the fall issue of the ASA Newsletter.

    Associate Professor Steven Yalowitz's article, "Anomalous Monism," will appear in the Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy.

    Michael Patrick Smith '99 in the News
    Michael Patrick Smith's play, Woody Guthrie Dreams Before Dying, will be performed at the Creative Alliance at the Patterson November 18-21, 26, 27(www.missiontix.com). It is the longest running production sponsored by the Creative Alliance.

    The play has been the subject of features in the Washington Post, Baltimore Sun and Patuxent Publishing Papers, and on MPT's Art Works and WYPR's (88.1 FM) The Signal.

    Chamber of Commerce Recognizes the Shriver Center's Professional Practice Staff
    The Greater Catonsville Chamber of Commerce recognized the internship and cooperative education programs of the Shriver Center's Professional Practice staff at their Education-Business Partnership Breakfast on November 9. The staff was highlighted for maintaining a consistently outstanding effort in support of students enriching their education with meaningful work.

    The Office of Professional Practice cultivated and secured over 700 internship and cooperative education placements in more than 300 public and private organizations in the Baltimore/Washington area, nationally, and abroad during the 2003-2004 academic year. Additionally, the staff developed and managed several internship programs on behalf of partnering organizations including the Governor's Summer Internship Program, MDOT Fellows Internship Program, Kauffman Entrepreneur Internship Program and the WORTHY Program. All of these professional practice programs serve as a major resource for employers in the region and an excellent training ground for students.

    For more information on the Shriver Center's Professional Practice Programs, contact Christine Routzahn, associate director of professional practice, at 410-455-2493.

    Kunakorn Yisomruay and Tim Ward Named America East Swimmer and Diver of the Week
    Kunakorn Yisomruay and Tim Ward have been named America East Men's Swimming and Diving Performers of the Week, respectively.

    Yisomruay, a freshman, won first place in the 200 IM (1:55.59) and 200 backstroke (1:54.98) in the tri-meet against Binghamton and Seton Hall. He also swam the third leg of the 400 freestyle relay to help UMBC win with a time of 3:13.78. His closest competitor in the 200 IM came in at 1:58.55, while his closest competitor in the 200 back came in at 1:56.27. Ward, also a freshman, placed first in the 3-meter event in the tri-meet against Binghamton and Seton Hall with a score of 262.55. UMBC went 2-0 at this tri-meet to improve to 5-0 on the season.

    Matt Watson Named America East Midfielder, Rookie of the Year in Men's Soccer
    UMBC freshman midfielder Matt Watson was named America East Midfielder of the Year and the conference's Rookie of the Year. Watson earned First Team All America East honors, as did junior defender Marcus Gross.

    Other Retrievers honored were senior forward Derek McElligott, who earned Second Team All Conference honors and freshman defender Bryan Moffa, who joined Watson on the all-rookie team.

    Watson, the lone freshman to earn First Team honors, leads the America East and ranks fifth in the nation in assists with 9 in 17 games (0.60). He is sixth in the conference in scoring with 4 goals and 9 helpers for 17 points. The nine assists is the most ever by a UMBC freshman. He is UMBC's first conference Rookie of the Year since McElligott earned the honors in the Northeast Conference in 2001.

    Gross, a two-time First Team honoree, continued his dominating play on the Retriever backline. He also added a pair of goals and an assist in 2004.

    McElligott lead UMBC for the fourth straight year in goals scored, tallying eight in his final campaign. He set UMBC Division I marks for career goals (47), points (106), and game-winning goals (18).

    Moffa became a starter midway through the season and excelled as a marking back. He also added three assists in his eleven starts.

    UMBC completed its season with an 8-6-3 record, its seventh straight winning season.

    J.J. Young Selected to America East Women's Soccer All-Rookie Team
    Freshman J.J. Young was selected to the 2004 America East Conference Women's Soccer All-Rookie Team by the league's head coaches. Young, who led UMBC in goals (6) and points (16), was also tied for the team lead in assists, with four. In addition, she ranked third in the conference in shots per game (3.56), and tenth in both assists per game (0.25), and points per game (1.00).

    Young was a key component in the Retrievers' 2-1 upset of Northeastern, who at the time, was the top seed in the America East. In that game, Young scored both UMBC goals to record her second multi-goal game of the year and fourth contest with three or more points.

    Field Hockey's Julie Moore and Ashly Meehan Receive All-Conference Honors
    Sophomore Julie Moore was named to the 2004 America East All-Conference Second Team, while freshman Ashly Meehan was named to the All-Rookie Team.

    For the season, Moore led the Retrievers in goals (9) and points (21), and was ranked seventh in the conference in those categories. In addition, she finished seventh in the league in goals per game (0.53), ninth in points per game (1.24), and tenth in shots per game with 2.18.

    Meehan finished the year with six goals and three assists, good enough to be third on the UMBC team in goals in scoring. On Sept. 7, she received Rookie of the Week honors for her performance the week prior when she scored the first goal of her collegiate career, and assisted on another goal, as UMBC lost a heartbreaker during the season opener at Appalachian State in double overtime. During that same week, she netted two goals in just three shots as the Retrievers cruised to a 5-0 victory over Robert Morris.

    Carlo DiClemente, Psychology, Joins HealthAtoZ Advisory Board
    Carlo DiClemente, professor and chair of psychology, joined HealthAtoZ's Medical Advisory Board to aid in development of the next generation of online behavioral modification and condition management.

    Founded in 1995 by a team of physicians, nurses and pharmacists, HealthAtoZ's interactive tools, Web sites, community builders and information centers promote wellness, better condition management and compliance, improve communication between patients and health providers, and motivate patients to seek early treatment for their health concerns.

    Posted by dwinds1

    December 3, 2004

    Maryland Universities Looking for a Few Good Women for Real-Life 'Apprentice'

    UMBC is looking for a few good women to learn high-tech, entrepreneurial skills in ACTiVATE, a real-world class that could be as competitive as the hit reality TV show "The Apprentice."

    The University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC) islooking for a few good women to compete in a high-tech,entrepreneurial take on the hit reality TV show "The Apprentice."

    The $600,000 National Science Foundation (NSF) program, "Achieving theCommercialization of Technology in Ventures through Applied Training forEntrepreneurs" (ACTiVATE), will select up to 30Baltimore/Washington-area women for a competitive class that, unliketraditional business courses, doesn't deal in hypothetical widgets. Instead, ACTiVATE gives real-world lessons from experiencedentrepreneurs and venture capitalists as students compete to takepatented technology innovations from area universities to market.

    "ACTiVATE is looking for savvy, competitive women to have fun whilegoing after an ultimate prize that's much better than a job with DonaldTrump the chance to start and run a real technology company," saidStephen Auvil, director of UMBC's Office of Technology Development.

    UMBC teams with the Maryland Technology Development Corporation (TEDCO)and six other Maryland universities on ACTiVATE, one of only 16 grantsawarded nationwide this year from the NSF's highly competitivePartnerships for Innovation Program. While no one will hear the dreadedwords "You're fired," the program aims to create six or more new,university-related, startup companies over the next three years whiletraining 90 new women entrepreneurs in the process.

    Each year, TEDCO will screen 20 existing technology ideas fromparticipating universities and select the 15 best to be used inACTiVATE. Start-up firms that emerge from the course may be housed intechcenter@UMBC, the University's on-campus business incubator.

    Highly-motivated, mid-career women with business or technicalbackgrounds who are interested in learning more about ACTiVATE areinvited to attend one of two upcoming open houses. These events willprovide an overview of how ACTiVATE selects and trains applicants;introduce the entrepreneurs-in-residence at UMBC, give more informationon the university technologies to be marketed, and provide details onhow to apply for the program.

    Open House dates:
    December 7, 2004 or January 11, 2005

    6:30 until 8 p.m.

    techcenter@UMBC
    1450 South Rolling Road
    Catonsville, Maryland 21227

    Directions online:
    http://www.umbc.edu/Business/Research/location/directions.html

    For more information, please visit:
    http://www.umbc.edu/activate/ or email cwit@umbc.edu.

    About the ACTIVATE Team: Funded by the National Science Foundation,ACTIVATE partner universities include UMBC, The Johns HopkinsUniversity, the University of Maryland College Park, the University ofMaryland Baltimore, the University of Maryland Biotechnology Institute,Towson University and the University of Maryland School of Law. Privatepartners include Legg Mason Wood Walker, Constellation Energy, GrantThornton, Venable LLP, Whiteford, Taylor & Preston LLP, New MarketsGrowth Fund, MGH Public Relations, The Eager Street Group, Darrah TaxAdvisory Services, BioPlan Associates, Inc., Anthem Capital Managementand American Express Tax & Business Services.

    Posted by dwinds1

    December 1, 2004

    Albin O. Kuhn Library Gallery Presents A Thousand Hounds: A Walk with the Dogs Through the History of Photography

    Photography has offered a means of documentation and expression for more than 160 years. Focusing on a seemingly obscure subject, curators Raymond Merritt and Miles Barth have unearthed a delightful and varied array of images in which the dog's presence serves as a central trope in the history of the medium.

    UMBC's Albin O. Kuhn Library Gallery presents A Thousand Hounds: A Walk with the Dogs Through the History of Photography, on display from September 20 through December 11, 2004. The exhibition was organized by the Cygnet Foundation and curated by Ray Merritt and Miles Barth.

    Photography has offered a means of documentation and expression for more than 160 years. Focusing on a seemingly obscure subject, curators Raymond Merritt and Miles Barth have unearthed a delightful and varied array of images in which the dog's presence serves as a central trope in the history of the medium. A Thousand Hounds: A Walk with the Dogs Through the History of Photography is based in part on the Cygnet Foundation's popular and critically acclaimed book of the same title, which, when it was released by Taschen in 2000, was announced as "a completely original history of photography told through images of canines."

    The exhibition celebrates the endearing and enduring partnership between human and dog in more than 150 photographs and one photographic sculpture, which date from 1840 to the current day and have been created by both masters of the medium and lesser-known practitioners.

    Among the noted artists included from the nineteenth century are Gustav Le Gray, W.A. Mooers and Henry Fox Talbot, and from the twentieth century, Bill Brandt, Henri Cartier-Bresson, Andr Kertsz, Jacques-Henri Lartigue, Man Ray, Robert Mapplethorpe, Paul Strand, and Weegee.

    Also prominently featured are works by contemporary artists, including William Wegman, Elliott Erwitt, and Keith Carter, all renowned for their images of dogs, as well as by Larry Clark, Robert Frank, Ralph Gibson, Sally Mann, Vik Muniz, and Sandy Skoglund.

    The exhibition is serious and scholarly in its considered presentation of the dog's place in momentous historical and cultural events of the past century and a half, ranging from polar expeditions to the Great Depression to the World Wars. It is also light-hearted and engaging in its celebration of photographers' longstanding artistic interest in the canine as model, muse and metaphor.

    Presented in two parts, its historical organization illuminates technological innovations, as well as cultural, sociological and aesthetic developments related to the medium, while contemporary work is organized thematically, with individual sections devoted to the notions of pathos, whimsy, elegance, companionship and inspiration.

    The Albin O. Kuhn Library Gallery presents a panel discussion for the exhibition at 4 p.m. November 15. Discussants will include curator Ray Merritt, photographer Keith Carter, and Tom Beck, the chief curator of the Albin O. Kuhn Library Gallery. A reception will follow. For more information, call 410-455-2270.

    The local presentation of the exhibition is generously funded by the Maryland State Arts Council and the Friends of the Library & Gallery. The Gallery is open Monday through Friday, 12 noon to 4:30 p.m., on Thursday until 8 p.m., and Saturday 1 to 5 p.m. Admission is free. For more information, call 410-455-2270.

    Posted by dwinds1

    November 24, 2004

    Second Executive Development Course Offered at Erickson School of Aging Studies at UMBC

    ‘Development of Seniors Housing & Care’ Takes Place on January 26-29, 2005

    Contact Chip Rose
    UMBC News
    410-455-5793
    crose@umbc.edu

    or

    Renee Tilton
    410-626-0805

    The second executive development course at the recently established Erickson School of Aging Studies at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC) is being held on January 26-29, 2005. The course, “Development of Seniors Housing & Care,” is geared to industry professionals and will examine the entire development process of the professionally managed, senior living company.

    The intensive, four-day course will include discussions on the crucial role of strategy, market and consumer research, financial feasibility and site selection. Other topics will cover project financing, architectural design, land planning and the construction process.

    Senior living executives who have personally directed and managed the development process in their own companies are teaching the course. Leading the course is Phil Golden, president of The Shelter Group, a national real estate development and management company of senior living properties. He will be joined by other guest lecturers, including Joe McElwee, senior vice president of development, Sunrise Senior Living; Jim May, vice president of construction, Sunrise Senior Living; David Segmiller, partner, CSD People Architecture; and Anthony J. Mullen, research director, National Investment Center for the Seniors Housing & Care Industries (NIC).

    The Executive Development Program is presented in partnership with NIC, a nonprofit organization that has been the leading source of business and financial information for the senior living industry since 1991. For the last five years, NIC has conducted executive development courses in operations, management, sales, marketing, development, finance and service quality for emerging industry leaders.

    UMBC, an honors university, is a four-year, public research university that is home to leading experts on aging who are active in research, education and service in the field of gerontology. It is one of a handful of universities in the nation to offer a Ph.D. in Gerontology.

    The Erickson School of Aging Studies at UMBC was started through a $5 million gift made by John Erickson, founder and chief executive officer of Erickson. Along with executive development, the school will eventually offer specialty degree programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels relating to senior care and aging.

    The cost for the “Development of Seniors Housing & Care” course is $2750 and space is limited. To register and for more information, visit www.umbc.edu/erickson or call UMBC at (410) 455-3361.

    2005 NIC Executive Development Courses at the Erickson School of Aging Studies at UMBC


    Development
    January 26-29, 2005

    Management & Operations
    March 16-19, 2005

    Sales & Marketing
    May 18-21, 2005

    Service Quality & Performance Measurement
    June 8-11, 2005

    Risk Management
    July 13-16, 2005

    Finance & Underwriting
    November 2-5, 2005

    Posted by crose

    November 12, 2004

    Meet UMBC's New Faculty

    Meet the newest members of the UMBC community.

    UMBC welcomes its newest faculty. If you are a new faculty member and would like to be profiled in Insights, e-mail insights@umbc.edu.

    Dawn J. Bennett
    Assistant Professor of Mechanical Engineering
    Ph.D., 2004, New Jersey Institute of Technology

    Prof. Bennett's dissertation examined dielectrophoresis of biological and non-biological particles. Before coming to UMBC, she was a research engineer at Sandia National Laboratories in Albuquerque, New Mexico as part of Sandia's MESA Institute Program, where she designed microfluidic channels and ran experiments in dielectrophoresis. Bennett has worked as a product and manufacture engineer for General Motors and Rockwell Automation Corporation, respectively. Bennett stresses the value of microfluidics research for its ability to aid in the detection of anthrax spores and other dangerous biological agents, to separate cancerous cells from noncancerous cells in blood, and to remove pollutant particles from fuel. Currently, Bennett is collaborating with the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) and is supported by the NSF-funded ADVANCE Program and the Henry C. Welcome Fellowship from the Maryland Higher Education Commission. Bennett most recently co-authored an article featured in Applied Physics Letters on particle manipulation in microfluidics. She enjoys traveling and spent a year teaching in the rural villages of Kenya, Africa. In addition, she enjoys skiing and has recently been hiking and sailing in the Baltimore area.

    Charissa S. L. Cheah
    Assistant Professor of Psychology
    Ph.D., 2000, University of Maryland, College Park

    Prof. Cheah's dissertation examined the parenting beliefs and practices of Mainland Chinese and European American mothers of preschoolers, regarding children's adaptive and maladaptive social behaviors. Before coming to UMBC, she was an assistant professor of psychology at the University of Saskatchewan, Canada in the Culture and Human Development program. Cheah is interested in the social emotional development and health of children and adolescents and the ways in which cultural factors contribute to this development. Her research is supported by the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council. Cheah relates her research to the growing minority population in the United States and the need for an understanding of their parenting styles and developmental expectations in order to effectively inform public policy and address practices in education. She is the co-author of a recent article featured in the International Journal of Behavioral Development, which compares cross-cultural responses to asocial behavior in preschoolers.

    Carolyn Forestiere
    Assistant Professor of Political Science
    Ph.D., 2004, Emory University

    Prof. Forestiere's dissertation, which she is currently developing into a manuscript, examined opposition politics in parliamentary systems. A graduate Fulbright recipient, Forestiere spent a year in Italy working on her dissertation research. Last year she taught Italian and Italian politics at Emory University as a visiting lecturer. Her current research considers how opposition parties influence legislation in parliamentary systems, and she emphasizes the essential role of an official opposition in democratic politics. Last year Forestiere gave a series of lectures at a retirement community and encourages others to be active volunteers. She enjoys scuba diving and is a trained classical pianist.

    Amy M. Froide
    Assistant Professor of History
    Ph.D., 1996, Duke University

    Before coming to UMBC, Prof. Froide was a history professor at Clark University in Worcester, Massachusetts. She joins her husband, Terry Bouton, who is also a professor in UMBC's history department. Froide's research examines women in early modern Europe, and is particularly concerned with how marital status affected their lives. She addresses topics involving single mothers and welfare, the issue of marital choice and stereotypes about never-married women. Froide's research has been supported by the British Academy, the Rockefeller Foundation, the American Historical Association, the Rutgers Center for Historical Analysis, the Folger Shakespeare Library, the Newberry Library and Yale University's Walpole Library. Froide's forthcoming book, Never Married: Single women in early modern England (Oxford University Press) will be published in early 2005. While her one-year-old daughter takes up most of her time, she enjoys traveling in Europe and hopes to lead trips for UMBC students in the future.

    Theodosia Gougousi
    Assistant Professor of Physics
    Ph.D., 1996, University of Pittsburgh

    Before coming to UMBC, Prof. Gougousi was a research associate at North Carolina State University, where she studied the stability and electrical and interfacial properties of several rare earth and transition metal-based oxide and silicate materials. Gougousi was drawn to UMBC for the research prospects it offers to people in her field. In her research she studies the properties of thin film materials, such as those used in nanotechnology. Gougousi points out that advances in her field will contribute to the enrichment of people's lives with better, faster computers and electronic gadgets, impact space exploration and even offer new instrumentation for health care. Among Gougousi's most recent publications is a co-authored article in the Journal of Applied Physics examining the reactivity of thin films with other materials. She enjoys reading and watching movies when she is not spending time with her four-year-old daughter.

    John E. Nelson
    Clinical Assistant Professor of Education
    Ph.D., 1980, McGill University

    Prof. Nelson was brought to UMBC by Ron Schwartz in 1988 and has been teaching in the ESL MA Program as an adjunct lecturer. This year Schwartz retired and asked Nelson to take over his position as clinical assistant professor. Before coming to UMBC, Nelson worked as the parent involvement specialist and staff development specialist for the ESOL program in Prince George's County public schools. He is concerned with the growing numbers of non-English speaking children in American schools and the shortage of ESOL teachers despite the increasing influence of English in the world. Nelson considers UMBC's ESOL program to be one of the strongest in the country and is committed to its continued improvement. For the past several years he has coordinated a spring biking program bringing together adults and high school ESOL students from Prince George's County.

    -Steffany Magid

    Posted by dwinds1

    November 10, 2004

    UMBC Research Park Welcomes IT Firm, NASA Centers to Second Building

    UMBC announced today that three new tenants have agreed to move into the second building in bwtech@UMBC, the university's on-campus research and technology park. The new arrivals include the award-winning information technology firm BDMetrics, Inc.; the $148 million NASA Goddard Earth Sciences and Technology Center; and all UMBC departments related to technology transfer and entrepreneurship education.

    The University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC) announced today that three new tenants have agreed to move into the second building in bwtech@UMBC, the university's on-campus research and technology park. The new arrivals include the award-winning information technology firm BDMetrics, Inc.; the $148 million NASA Goddard Earth Sciences and Technology Center; and all UMBC departments related to technology transfer and entrepreneurship education.

    BDMetrics has leased approximately 7,000 square feet of office space in the recently completed, 60,000 square-foot, multi-tenant facility developed by Grosvenor. BDMetrics, which provides software and services to aid technology companies with business development, was previously located at techcenter@UMBC, the university's high-tech business incubator. Earlier this year, BDMetrics was named the Best New Incubator Company by the Maryland Business Incubation Association.

    "UMBC's wealth of brainpower and convenient location makes bwtech@UMBC an excellent place to grow our company," said Rick Geritz, CEO of BDMetrics. "UMBC is a thriving, entrepreneurial institution that embraces collaboration with business, which makes it an attractive environment for nurturing cutting edge technologies."

    The Goddard Earth Sciences and Technology (GEST) Center -- a $148 million, 10-year research collaboration with NASA-Goddard Space Flight Center to study the atmosphere, oceans and climate change -- is the second addition to the building. GEST is one of four major NASA-related research centers -- along with the Joint Center for Earth Systems Technology, Center for Advanced Studies in Photonics Research and the Joint Center for Astrophysics -- at UMBC, which is ranked 16th nationally in NASA funding. Elements of JCET will share office space with GEST in the new building.

    All UMBC departments engaged in technology transfer and entrepreneurship education will also move into the new building, including the Alex. Brown Center for Entrepreneurship.

    "This proves that our campus commitment to economic development is serious and strong," said Ellen Hemmerly, executive director of the UMBC Research Park Corporation. "We hope it will also make it more likely for future research park tenants to emerge from the growing number of bioscience tool and service firms located in techcenter@UMBC," Hemmerly said.

    bwtech@UMBC is being developed by Grosvenor, one of the largest private real estate companies in the world with a global property portfolio of $7 billion. The park's 62,000 square-foot first building has been leased by the information technology firm RWD Technologies since 2001.

    UMBC's research park and incubator have received public and private sector funding from the Maryland Economic Development Corporation, the State of Maryland, the City of Baltimore, Baltimore County, the U.S. Department of Commerce, The Abell Foundation, and the Maryland Technology Development Corporation. In 2003, bwtech@UMBC became part of Baltimore County's Southwest Enterprise Zone, making companies moving to the park eligible for credits on real property and income taxes, as well as credits for creating new jobs.

    Posted by dwinds1

    November 5, 2004

    Azar Nafisi and Lolita's Exodus to Iran

    Azar Nafisi's New York Times best-seller Reading Lolita in Tehran has raised a lot of interesting questions about women's roles in the expanding global community and the often underestimated power of literature to move ideological mountains. What's more, her memoirs depicting her experience as a resigned university professor hosting a clandestine reading group in her home reminds us how freedom can find a voice in the most repressive circumstances. Nafasi will discuss her book at UMBC on November 9 (7 p.m., U.C. Ballroom).

    The test of a first-rate intelligence is the ability to hold two opposing ideas in mind at the same time and still retain the ability to function. -- F. Scott Fitzgerald

    Azar Nafisi's New York Times best-seller Reading Lolita in Tehran has raised a lot of interesting questions about women's roles in the expanding global community and the often underestimated power of literature to move ideological mountains. What's more, Nafisi's memoirs depicting her experience as a resigned university professor hosting a clandestine reading group in her home reminds us how freedom can find a voice in the most repressive circumstances.

    "The Women's Studies program has chosen to sponsor Nafisi's talk because we want to encourage debate about the meaning of fundamentalism for the lives of women, as well as men, in the Middle East, says Marjoleine Kars, associate professor of history and affiliate faculty in Women's Studies. Nafisi's book undoubtedly sheds light on the state of affairs in Iran, which is one of the key elements that make her memoirs so meaningful. However, the fact that the release of her book coincided with the increasing relevance of the situation in the Middle East has drawn many readers to the political aspect of Reading Lolita and has perhaps created a focus that otherwise oversimplifies Nafisi's initial motivation for recording her memoirs.

    I think it will be too bad if we read her book and then congratulate ourselves on not being like Iran, says Thomas Field, director of the Center for the Humanities, one of the sponsors of the event. Nafisi's memoirs represent two years (1995-1997) in post-revolutionary Iran and reflect the repressive Islamist policies first introduced by the Ayatollah Khomeini in the late 1970's. Conversely, reformist parties in Iran are currently fighting against the tight restrictions of the conservative government and are struggling to promote a more democratic perspective. Iran is one of the first Muslim nations seeking a new way toward modernity that isn't based on the West, explains Field.

    But keep in mind, Nafisi's book is not just about politics and the effects of fundamentalist policies. The book is about how important it is for a woman to have an opportunity to expand her mind, says Field. Great literature gives you a broader range of experiences; it takes you places you can't get on your own. Kars agrees. We thought the talk would provide a great opportunity for students to think about the transformative power of literature: how it can help people make sense of their lives, especially in situations where open political discussion is prohibited."

    At UMBC, we encourage students majoring in the social sciences to take part in experiential learning, says Roy Meyers, director of the Sondheim Public Affairs Scholars program, which is also sponsoring the event. One way students do that is to interact with speakers who are working on interesting issues or doing important work to improve society. Nafisi would perhaps agree that the best way to realize our potential is to take advantage of the full range of our intellectual resources.

    Similarly, Field endorses the prospect that Nafisi's presentation will inspire students to exercise the first amendment and acknowledge literature's ability to enhance their understanding of the world. I hope people have an appreciation of the fact that we can say and do what we want [in the United States] and that people take advantage of that and read controversial literature that rubs them the wrong way, that stretches their minds in ways that are painful. That's very important.

    Azar Nafisi, visiting fellow and professorial lecturer at the Foreign Policy Institute of the Johns Hopkins University's School of Advanced International Studies, will present her book Reading Lolita in Tehran on Tuesday, November 9, at 7 p.m. in the University Center Ballroom.

    The event is sponsored by the Center for the Humanities, the Sondheim Public Affairs Scholars Program, the Office of the Provost, the Department of English and the Women's Studies Program.

    -Steffany Magid

    Posted by dwinds1

    November 4, 2004

    UMBC Self-Study Moves Forward

    UMBC achieved an important milestone in its 2006 reaccreditation process when the Middle States Commission on Higher Education approved the University's self-study design.

    UMBC achieved an important milestone in its 2006 reaccreditation process when the Middle States Commission on Higher Education approved the University's self-study design.

    Every 10 years, UMBC undertakes a University-wide review, or self-study, as part of the requirements for reaccreditation. The purpose of the self-study is to determine how well UMBC educational programs and services accomplish the University's goals and meet the Middle States Commission standards.

    In addition to responding to the Commission, UMBC will use the 2006 self-study to advance the campus planning process. Marvin Mandell, professor and chair of the Department of Public Policy, and Nancy Ochsner, director of the Office of Institutional Research, are co-chairing the 2006 self-study.

    Before proceeding with the self-study, UMBC must submit a plan, or design for the self-study to the Commission. The design, which was prepared by the self-study steering committee, outlines how the University will conduct the self-study, including areas of review, expected outcomes, organization and timetable. The Commission approved the UMBC design in late October.

    The steering committee is close to completing another major task-organizing work groups of faculty, staff and students to conduct the self-study. The work groups have already started to meet and gather information to address their charges. The design also includes a communications plan that describes how the committee will obtain feedback from the UMBC community on the self-study draft before finalizing the report.

    The self-study report will be completed by the end of 2005, in advance of the Middle States Evaluation Team visit to UMBC in spring 2006.

    To read the design document, or learn more about the self-study, visit the self-study Web site.

    -Anne Roland

    Posted by dwinds1

    In the News

    Please note: Some newspapers require registration in order to read articles.

    BD Metrics, in the news
    BD Metrics, a start-up based at techcenter@UMBC and soon moving to bwtech@UMBC, was featured in a Dec. 1 Baltimore Business Journal story, announcing former Advertising.com Chief Financial Officer Mike Woosley's appointment as their new CFO. Digital Harbor Online also covered the story.

    Dennis Coates, Economics, in Cato.org
    Dennis Coates, professor of economics, was quoted in a Nov. 30
    Cato Institute news feature, "D.C. Ballpark Vote Expected Today," about the anticipated decision of whether the D.C. Council will fund the construction of a new stadium.

    ACTiVATE in the news
    ACTiVATE, an entrepreneurial competition for women funded by the National Science Foundation and led by UMBC, was featured in The Baltimore Business Journal and The Daily Record this week. ACTiVATE teams UMBC with six other Maryland universities plus private and public sector partners with the ultimate goal of creating new startup companies using patented technologies from Maryland universities.

    Model UN Team in The Baltimore Chronicle
    UMBC's Model UN Team, led by Political Science professor and chair Cynthia Hody, was featured in the Dec. 3 Baltimore Chronicle. The team was recognized at the 15th Annual American Model United Nations International Conference as a Distinguished Delegation for their representation of the United Kingdom on five committees.

    AVIcode, techcenter@UMBC, in Digital Harbor Online
    AVIcode, an affiliate company of techcenter@UMBC, was highlighted in a Nov. 22 Digital Harbor Online news feature, AVIcode Launches Microsoft Operations Manager Add-in.

    Thomas Blass, Psychology, in Choice
    The Nov. issue of Choice magazine, a publication that reviews books for academic libraries, features a review of Professor of Psychology Thomas Blass' book, The Man Who Shocked the World: The Life and Legacy of Stanley Milgram.

    Terry Bouton, History, in the Baltimore Sun
    Terry Bouton, assistant professor of history, was quoted in a Nov. 21 Baltimore Sun story, Building democracy tougher than it looks, about the naivet of the idea that democracy is the most fundamental kind of government and how the history of our country proves it.

    Vondina Brown, Meyerhoff Scholar, in the Baltimore Sun
    Vondina Brown, a UMBC Meyerhoff Scholar, was mentioned in a Nov. 27 Baltimore Sun story, Getting careers down to a science, about Building STEPS, an innovative science program offered to students at Dunbar, Digital Harbor and Woodlawn High Schools.

    Christopher Corbett, English, in Style
    English Lecturer Christopher Corbett's December Back Page column, Aliens Among Us, appears in Style's print and online editions.

    George LaNoue, Political Science, in the Asbury Park Press
    Professor of Political Science George LaNoue was quoted in a Nov 21. Ashbury Park Press story, New Jersey's set-aside program on hold, about a state program intended to secure business contracts for women and minority-owned small businesses.

    Donald Norris, Public Policy, in the Baltimore Sun
    Donald Norris, professor of public policy and MIPAR director, was quoted in a Nov. 19 Baltimore Sun story, Inviting O'Malley onto Ehrlich's turf, about Baltimore Mayor O'Malley's appearance at the Arbutus Roundtable.

    Robert Provine, Psychology, in the Baltimore Sun
    Robert Provine, professor of psychology and modern laugh research pioneer, was quoted in a Nov. 29 Baltimore Sun story, Synthesizing human emotions, about research being done to make computers sensitive to and able to mimic emotions.

    Thomas Schaller, Political Science, in Baltimore Magazine
    Associate Professor of Political Science Thomas Schaller's Jim Smith, the Un-Politician, in the Dec. issue of Baltimore Magazine looks at the first-term Baltimore County executive's surprisingly apolitical nature.

    The Shriver Center in the Jeffersonian
    The Shriver Center's "Outstanding Transitioning program" award from the chamber of commerce was mentioned in a Nov. 22 Jeffersonian article, Chamber recognizes students' charity.

    Ellen Handler Spitz, Honors College and Visual Arts, in the San Francisco Chronicle
    Ellen Handler Spitz, honors professor of visual arts, was quoted in a Nov. 17 San Francisco Chronicle story, Childhood Isn't What It Used to Be. In the Arts, It's Dark and Complex," about the increasingly polarized notions of childhood being represented in contemporary art.

    UMBC Oral History Consortium, in the Detroit Free Press
    A UMBC panel chose two retired Marquette County, Michigan teachers to receive the 2004 Betty Key Oral History Award for their work with the Red Dust project, a chronicle of the region's mining history they started in 1983.

    Simon Carn, JCET, in the Baltimore Sun
    Simon Carn, JCET research associate and volcano expert, was quoted in a Nov. 12 Baltimore Sun story, Fire Alarm, about the largest man-made release of SO2 ever recorded when a sulfur plant in Al-Mishraq, Iraq was set ablaze.

    The research carried out by Carn and his associates is also mentioned in a Nov. 17 EurekAlert report.

    Dennis Coates, Economics, in the Business Gazette
    In a Nov. 11 Business Gazette story, Despite slow economy, demand high for stadium skyboxes, Dennis Coates, professor of economics, claims that tax benefits and large businesses can explain the continued demand for skyboxes, despite an ailing economy.

    Prof. Coates' Nov. 7 OpEd story for the Washington Post was reprinted online on Nov. 12 at the Cato Institute's Web site.

    UMBC's Hillel in Hillel.org
    Students in Hillel, a Jewish student organization on campus, were quoted in a Nov. 15 Hillel.org story, Baltimore Students Build Bears for Sick Children about the Hillel of Greater Baltimore's donation of 40 custom-made teddy bears to sick children.

    Albin O. Kuhn, UMBC's First Chancellor, in the Western Howard County View
    In a
    Nov. 10 Western Howard County View story, Farmer Kuhn, UMBC's first Chancellor remembers UMBC's early years.

    Senior Aaron Merki, Sondheim Public Affairs Scholar, in the Daily Record
    Aaron Merki, a senior who wrote a legal brief while interning for the Maryland Public Defender's Office that helped overturn an unjust sentence in a criminal case, was featured in a Nov. 17 Daily Record story, Court of Appeals rejects conundrum' of enhanced penalty.

    The Shriver Center in the Arbutus Times
    The Shriver Center's award from Catonsville's Chamber of Commerce is mentioned in a Nov. 18 Arbutus Times story, School efforts honored that intersect with society.

    UMBC's SGA in the Catonsville Times, Jeffersonian
    On Nov. 10 and 11, Patuxent Publishing newspapers the Catonsville Times and Jeffersonian published, UMBC celebrates elections, community acknowledges the success of the SGA's Election Night Extravaganza event held Nov. 2.

    UMBC in the Washington Post
    UMBC participated in the National Survey of Student Engagement (NSSE) and is listed in the Nov. 16 Washington Post story, Finding the Best, Not the Best-Known, Colleges.

    UMBC in the Washington Times
    UMBC is mentioned in a Nov. 14 Washington Times story, Bringing their spirit home, as one of the local universities participating in the Peace Corps Fellows program, which places returning Peace Corps volunteers in public service internships.

    UMBC in the Hagerstown Morning Herald
    UMBC is one of the schools that will be offering courses for students enrolled in the new education program at UM Hagerstown, according to a Nov. 12 Hagerstown Morning Herald story.

    Christopher Corbett, English, in the Baltimore Sun
    English instructor Christopher Corbett's November 12 talk at this weekend's Carroll Community College's Book Fair was mentioned in the November 12 Baltimore Sun.

    Rick Geritz, techcenter@UMBC, in the Daily Record Business Writer
    Rick Geritz, CEO of BD Metrics Inc., has been appointed to the new Entrepreneur Council of Baltimore's National Foundation for Teaching Entrepreneurship, a volunteer advisory group that works with teachers who want to give their students more training in business skills.

    Dennis Coates, Economics, in the Washington Post
    Dennis Coates, professor of economics, wrote a Nov. 7 Washington Post story, A Stadium Deal For Suckers about the false belief that new sports stadiums necessarily create economic growth in the surrounding area. He predicts that bringing the Expos to D.C. will potentially result in a per capita income loss in the restaurant and hospitality businesses around the stadium.

    Doctoral student David Gurzick, Information Systems, in the Baltimore Sun
    David Gurzick, a UMBC doctoral student and the first employee of Sonum Technologies, Inc., an artificial intelligence start-up, was mentioned in the Nov. 7 Baltimore Sun story, Hoping to be heard. The article was the first in a multi-part series to chronicle the beginnings of the Sonum start-up.

    Gurzick was also mentioned in the Baltimore Sun's Nov. 7 Sonum's players, a profile of all of the employees of the company.

    Donald F. Norris, Public Policy, in the Houston Chronicle
    Donald Norris, professor of public policy and MIPAR director, was quoted in a Nov. 6 Houston Chronicle story about the lift of a 51-year ban on bear hunting in Maryland.

    Thomas Schaller, Political Science, in the NewsHour
    Thomas Schaller, associate professor of political science, was quoted in a Nov. 3 PBS NewsHour story, GOP Gains Senate Seats in Hotly Contested Races, about the Republican win of four new seats in the Senate.

    He was also quoted in the Nov. 3 Reuters story, Election Will Prompt Democratic Soul-Searching, about the significance of the Democratic loss in the presidential election.

    Prof. Schaller was a guest-host on WBAL's Rob Douglas Show Nov. 8.

    Christopher Corbett, English, in Baltimore Style Magazine and the Baltimore Sun
    English instructor Christopher Corbett's November Baltimore Style column, The Back Page is now available online.

    In his Oct. 31 Baltimore Sun op-ed, Corbett discusses Maryland's recent first bear hunt in more than 50 years and the image of bears throughout children's literature.

    Alumnus Douglas Gearhart in Philosophy Now Magazine
    Douglas Gearhart, philosophy '97, a member of the Army Reserve, chronicles his Bronze Star medal-winning service in Iraq and gives practical moral guidance for frontline soldiers in a Philosophy Now article.

    Senior Kevin Hurley in the Gloucester County Times
    Kevin Hurley, a senior in economics, won the Jonas Cattell Run, a 10-mile foot race started in 1969 to commemorate the anniversary of his maternal relative's contribution to the British defeat at Red Bank Battlefield in 1777.

    Roy Meyers, Political Science, in the Baltimore Sun
    Roy Meyers, associate professor of political science, was quoted in a Nov. 1 Baltimore Sun story about $230 million in government bonds for public works projects that Baltimore County is asking its residents to vote on.

    Music Department in the Baltimore Sun
    The Nov. 2 Baltimore Sun story Autumn offers an ample menu of music highlights the opening of the music department's fall music program, which debuted with a classical Brahms program and will continue with more classical and contemporary performances in the coming weeks.

    Donald Norris, Public Policy, in the News
    Donald Norris, professor of public policy and MIPAR director, was quoted in an Oct. 28 Baltimore Sun story, Tough race brewing for Ehrlich, survey shows about the serious challenge Ehrlich faces for reelection in view of the two strong Democratic candidates that oppose him.

    He also was quoted in the Oct. 28 Baltimore Sun story, Schaefer continues to draw solid backing, survey shows about 82-year-old comptroller and former mayor William Donald Schaefer's overall support among Maryland voters.

    On Oct. 31, Norris was quoted in the Washington Post story, Parties eye shifts in Maryland voting about the speculation that Republicans are gaining ground amongst Maryland voters.

    He was quoted in two Baltimore Sun stories on Nov. 3. House incumbents fend off challenges across state, looks at the ease with which reigning Maryland Representatives defeated their challengers, and O'Malley win sets stage for governor's race in 2006 examines political speculation regarding O'Malley's potential win of Maryland's gubernatorial election in 2006.

    On Nov. 4, Norris was quoted in the Baltimore Sun stories Election results show a growing partisan divide in Maryland" and "O'Malley's huge win is clouded."

    Thomas Schaller, Political Science, in the News
    Thomas Schaller, associate professor of political science, was quoted in an Oct. 29 WTOP story Ruppersberger Solidifies Hold on Md.'s 2nd District about the probability of Democratic Rep. Ruppersberger's reelection and the consequent challenges faced by his opponent, Jane Brooks.

    He was quoted in a Nov. 1 Detroit News story Now America decides giving political expert speculation about the election results and what it would take for each candidate to win the race.

    Also on Nov. 1, Schaller was quoted in the Nov. 1 Christian Science Monitor story Winner's tough task: governing about the difficulties the next president will have to face concerning America's polarized electorate, and the Cherry Hill Courier (New Jersey) article Roles reversed throughout history about the reversal since the 19th century of what the Democratic and Republican parties stand for and who is voting for them.

    Schaller was quoted in a Nov. 3 Baltimore Sun story Turnout propels Democrats about the question of whether certain Maryland precincts are becoming more Republican and if the GOP is taking advantage of the presidential elections to begin campaigning for 2006.

    Students' Election Night Extravaganza in the Baltimore Sun
    On Nov. 3, the Baltimore Sun mentions UMBC's bipartisan Election Night Extravaganza amongst the local gatherings organized to watch the results of the election. The event was sponsored by UMBC's SGA.

    Timmie Topoleski, Mechanical Engineering, in Chemical & Engineering News
    Timmie Topoleski, professor of mechanical engineering, was quoted in a Nov.1 Chemical & Engineering News story about the development of a biocompatible polymer layer graft that is being tested by Japanese researchers at the University of Tokyo to reduce wear and bone loss from artificial joints.

    Posted by dwinds1

    November 1, 2004

    UMBC Students to Hold Bipartisan Election Night Extravaganza

    As the increased number of bumper stickers, yard signs and TV debate ratings attest, passions are running high this election season. Students at UMBC, many of them first-time voters, are no exception and will be making their voices heard by bringing their elected officials to campus for a bipartisan Election Night Extravaganza.

    As the increased number of bumper stickers, yard signs and TV debate ratings attest, passions are running high this election season. Students at UMBC, many of them first-time voters, are no exception and will be making their voices heard by bringing their elected officials to campus for a bipartisan Election Night Extravaganza..

    The event, sponsored by the UMBC Student Government Association, will take place on Tuesday, Nov. 2 at 8 p.m. in the University Commons Building. Students of all political stripes are expected to join the festivities, which will include refreshments, music, remarks by Maryland politicians and many, many televisions to follow election returns. Approximately 600 people are expected to attend.

    "My sense is that UMBC students are especially fired up about this election," says David Hoffman, coordinator of leadership and engagement for the UMBC Office of Student Life. "National and local issues are touching students' lives deeply. Tuition increases hit them in the pocketbook. Their peers are fighting, and some are dying, in a controversial war in Iraq. And ever since 9/11, students have become keenly aware of the connection between national and international events and their personal well-being."

    In addition to hearing remarks from elected officials, students will have the opportunity to ask questions and share their concerns individually with:

    • The Hon. Steven J. DeBoy, Sr., State Delegate, District 12A
    • The Hon. Adrienne A. Jones, Speaker Pro Tem, Maryland House of Delegates (District 10)
    • The Hon. Edward J. Kasemeyer, State Senator, District 12
    • The Hon. James E. Malone, Jr., State Delegate, District 12A
    • The Hon. S.G. Samuel Moxley, Chair, Baltimore County Council (District 1)

    Posted by dwinds1

    October 29, 2004

    UMBC Researchers in Nature This Month

    Research by UMBC faculty and graduate students was published in the prestigious Nature family of scientific journals four times in October, including work in molecular biochemistry, earth science and quantum photonics.

    Research by faculty and graduate students at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC) was published in the prestigious Nature family of scientific journals four times in October, including work in molecular biochemistry, earth science and quantum photonics. Overviews of the findings by UMBC researchers follow below, with links to further coverage.

    Synchronize Quantum Watches
    Nature, October 14
    UMBC physics graduate students Alejandra Valencia and Giuliano Scarcelli teamed with UMBC physics professor and co-principal project investigator Yanhua Shih on a method for synchronizing distant clocks, an important function for telecommunications and global positioning satellite systems. Their experiment showed that quantum entanglement of photon pairs allowed the synchronization of two clocks three kilometers apart to within picoseconds of each other. The research was also featured in Applied Physics Letters and Science News.

    As the World Turns, It Drags Space and Time
    Nature, October 21

    UMBC Joint Center for Earth Systems Technology (JCET) scientist Erricos Pavlis co-led a team that proved how shifts in satellite orbits are caused by the Earth warping space and time as it rotates, a phenomenon first predicted in 1918 by Albert Einstein's theory of general relativity. The international team of NASA and university researchers studied the orbits of two satellites over an 11 year span to arrive at the first direct proof of what is known as "frame dragging." "It's like a bowling ball spinning in molasses," said Pavlis. "As the Earth rotates, it pulls space-time in its vicinity around itself, which shifts the orbits of satellites near Earth." The findings were covered by newspapers and science websites across the globe.

    Iraqi Fire Pollution Rivaled 1980 Mt. St. Helens Eruption
    Nature News, October 25

    JCET volcano expert Simon Carn led a group of earth scientists who used satellite monitoring to show how pollution caused by the ongoing war in Iraq has rivaled the output of one of the most powerful volcanic eruptions in recent history. Carn's group observed how a June, 2003 fire at a sulphur plant near Mosul, Iraq, probably started by arsonists, caused the largest man-made release of polluting sulphur dioxide ever recorded, which was similar in magnitude to the same type of pollution released by the 1980 Mount Saint Helens volcanic eruption. The story was covered by BBC News online and other national and international science media.

    Why Retrovirus Replication Takes Two
    Nature News & Views, October 28; Nature, Sept. 30
    UMBC molecular biochemist and AIDS researcher Michael Summers, the only Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI) investigator at a Maryland public university, and UMBC HHMI research associate Victoria D'Souza discovered a potential answer to a question that has baffled scientists for 20 years, namely how and why retroviruses must make two copies of their RNA in order to successfully infect other cells. By studying MoMULV, a retrovirus commonly used in the lab to learn more about lethal viruses like HIV, the UMBC team discovered a potential "RNA switch" instrumental to this process that could lead to a next generation of antiretroviral drug therapies. The work originally appeared in Nature on Sept. 30 and was then reviewed in the Oct. 28 "News and Views" section of the journal.

    About UMBC Research:
    UMBC's research funding has quadrupled during the past decade to over $85 million and the campus ranks sixth nationally in inventions disclosed and ninth nationally in U.S. patent applications filed per million dollars spent on research. UMBC, which is ranked 16th nationally in NASA funding, is home to three major collaborative NASA research centers. Michael Summers, the only Howard Hughes Medical Institute investigator at a Maryland public university, has led student researchers in solving three of the seven protein structures which make up HIV. In 2000, Summers was one of only 10 recipients nationwide of the National Science Foundation's Presidential Award for Excellence in Science, Mathematics and Engineering Mentoring.

    Posted by dwinds1

    October 26, 2004

    Employee of the Quarter: Call for Nominations

    The Department of Human Resources seeks nominations for the next Employee of the Quarter. Please recognize the dedication and hard work of our staff by nominating a colleague that demonstrates outstanding qualities and makes contributions toward his/her department's and UMBC's goals and mission.

    The next Employee of the Quarter will be selected in December. Nomination forms are due by November 30. Previous nominations will be eligible for consideration for one year from the date received.

    Click here for nomination forms and further information.

    Posted by dwinds1

    October 25, 2004

    UMBC Presents
    Azar Nafisi

    On Tuesday, November 9th at 7 p.m. in the University Center Ballroom, UMBC presents a lecture by Azar Nafisi, author of Reading Lolita in Tehran: A Memoir in Books. Azar Nafisi is a Visiting Professor and the director of the SAIS Dialogue Project at the Foreign Policy Institute of Johns Hopkins University's School of Advanced International Studies in Washington, D.C.

    Azar NafisiOn Tuesday, November 9th at 7 p.m. in the University Center Ballroom, UMBC presents a lecture by Azar Nafisi, author of Reading Lolita in Tehran: A Memoir in Books.

    Azar Nafisi is a Visiting Professor and the director of the SAIS Dialogue Project at the Foreign Policy Institute of Johns Hopkins University’s School of Advanced International Studies in Washington, D.C. A professor of aesthetics, culture and literature, Dr. Nafisi held a fellowship at Oxford University, teaching and conducting a series of lectures on culture and the important role of Western literature and culture in Iran after the revolution in 1979. She taught at the University of Tehran, the Free Islamic University and Allameh Tabatabii before her return to the United States in 1997, earning national respect and international recognition for advocating on behalf of Iran’s intellectuals, youth and especially young women. She was expelled from the University of Tehran for refusing to wear the mandatory Islamic veil in 1981 and did not resume teaching until 1987.

    Dr. Nafisi conducted workshops in Iran for women students on the relationship between culture and human rights; the material culled from these workshops formed the basis of a new human rights education curriculum. She has lectured and written extensively in English and Persian on the political implications of literature and culture as well as the human rights of the Iranian women and girls and the important role they play in the process of change for pluralism and an open society in Iran. She has been consulted on issues related to Iran and human rights both by the policy makers and various human rights organizations in the United States and elsewhere.

    Dr. Nafisi has written for The New York Times, The Washington Post and The Wall Street Journal, and her cover story, “The Veiled Threat: The Iranian Revolution's Woman Problem” published in The New Republic (February 22, 1999) has been reprinted into several languages. She is the author of Anti-Terra: A Critical Study of Vladimir Nabokov’s Novels. She is currently teaching on the relation between culture and politics at SAIS and her new book, Reading Lolita in Tehran, was published by Random House in April 2003.

    This event is sponsored by the Center for the Humanities, the Sondheim Public Affairs Scholars Program, the Office of the Provost, the Department of English and the Women’s Studies Program.

    Admission
    Admission is free.

    Telephone
    Public information: 410-455-6798
    Media inquiries only: 410-455-3370

    Web
    UMBC Center for the Humanities website: http://www.umbc.edu/humanities
    UMBC News Releases: http://www.umbc.edu/NewsEvents/releases/index.phtml

    Directions

    • From Baltimore and points north, proceed south on I-95 to exit 47B. Take Route 166 toward Catonsville and then follow signs to the University Center.
    • From I-695, take Exit 12C (Wilkens Avenue) and continue one-half mile to the entrance of UMBC at the roundabout intersection of Wilkens Avenue and Hilltop Road. Turn left and follow signs to the University Center.
    • From Washington and points south, proceed north on I-95 to Exit 47B. Take Route 166 toward Catonsville and then follow signs to the University Center.
    • Daytime metered visitor parking is available in Lot 10, near the Administration Building. Visitor parking regulations are enforced on all University calendar days. Hilltop Circle and all campus roadways require a parking permit unless otherwise marked.
    • Online campus map: http://www.umbc.edu/aboutumbc/campusmap/

    Images for Media
    A high resolution image for media is available online: http://www.umbc.edu/newsevents/arts/hi-res/ or by email or postal mail.

    ###

    Posted by dwinds1

    UMBC Panel to Explore Media Bias

    As the subject of media bias continues to be a storyline in the homestretch of the 2004 presidential election, an interdisciplinary group of faculty media and political critics will debate "Bias and the American Media" on Oct. 27 at UMBC.

    As the subject of media bias continues to be a storyline in the homestretch of the 2004 presidential election, an interdisciplinary group of faculty media and political critics will debate "Bias and the American Media" on Oct. 27 at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC).

    UMBC's 2004 Interdisciplinary Studies Mosaic Roundtable, "Bias in the American Media," will bring together four UMBC faculty experts on the media and politics along with special guest Terry Eastland, publisher of The Weekly Standard and a contributing columnist to The Dallas Morning News.

    The panel will discuss the issue in light of recent controversies such as Maryland-based Sinclair Broadcasting Group's plans to air a film criticizing Democratic presidential candidate John Kerry's protests of the Vietnam War (the final broadcast was altered after pro-Kerry protests hurt Sinclair's stock price), and the retraction of a "60 Minutes" story questioning President Bush's National Guard service that lead to an on-air apology by CBS News anchorman Dan Rather.

    Faculty experts include:

    Christopher Corbett, a former reporter and news editor with The Associated Press, has been a journalist for over 30 years. His latest book, Orphans Preferred: The Twisted Truth and Lasting Legend of the Pony Express (Random House/Broadway Books, 2003) is in its seventh printing and was published in paperback this fall. In 1990, Corbett was the James Thurber Journalist-in-Residence at the Thurber House in Columbus, Ohio, where he also taught in the Ohio State University's journalism school. Since 1994, he has written The Back Page for Baltimore's Style magazine, which received the City and Regional Magazine Award for best column in 1998 and 1999. At UMBC, Corbett serves as faculty advisor to The Retriever Weekly and teaches journalism courses in the English department.

    Susan Dwyer (moderator) is a specialist in moral psychology and ethics and public policy, and has published on reconciliation, moral development, feminist theory, free speech and cyberpornography. She is editor (with the late Joel Feinberg) of The Problem of Abortion and The Program of Pornography. Dwyer is associate professor of philosophy and director of the master's program in applied and professional ethics at UMBC and is an adjunct member of the philosophy department at the University of Maryland College Park.

    Jason Loviglio is co-editor (with Michele Hilmes) of Radio Reader: Essays in the Cultural History of Radio (Routledge, 2002) and is author of the forthcoming The Intimate Public: Network Radio and Mass Mediated Democracy ( University of Minnesota Press). In 2003, he was awarded the J. Franklin Jameson Fellowship by the Library of Congress and the American Historical Association to conduct research in the NBC archives at the Library of Congress. Loviglio is a founding member of the North American Radio Studies Network, a member of the international Radio Studies Network and a member of the International Advisory Board of Radio Journal. At UMBC, he is assistant professor of American studies and teaches courses in media, popular culture and multiculturalism.

    Thomas Schaller has published commentaries and op-ed features in the Washington Post, the Los Angeles Times, the Boston Globe, the Baltimore Sun, Salon.com and the American Prospect online, and is frequently interviewed on public television and radio. He is co-founder and executive editor of Gadflyer.com, a progressive Internet magazine. Schaller has published academic articles in American Review of Politics, Constitutional Political Economy, Presidential Studies Quarterly, Public Choice and Publius: The Journal of Federalism. He is co-author of a forthcoming book on black state legislators (State University of New York Press). At UMBC, Schaller is associate professor of political science.

    "The notion of a liberal media is largely a myth," says Schaller. "There is a liberal tilt to university faculty, some print reporters and the Internet blogging community. But most everywhere else--among think tanks, on network and especially cable television, among print editors and publishers, and certainly on talk radio--the bias is decidedly and often unabashedly conservative."

    "The news media's role in the circulation of the attacks [between the presidential candidates] has become highly controversial," Loviglio says. "More and more, Americans are becoming turned off and distrustful of media bias in political coverage."

    "Americans live in a free society--and they are free to choose," says Corbett. "They have chosen not to be well informed."

    The Mosaic series is the creation of UMBC's Interdisciplinary Studies (INDS) program, with a goal of bringing diverse expertise together twice per year to examine a controversial societal issue.

    "What we hope students will come away with after this forum is the ability to look at media with a critical eye," says Patricia La Noue, chair of the INDS program at UMBC.

    The 2004 Mosaic Roundtable forum is open to the public. The event will be held Wednesday, October 27, from 1 to 3 p.m. on the 7th floor of the Albin O. Kuhn Library & Gallery on the UMBC Campus.

    Posted by dwinds1

    October 19, 2004

    Anita Maddox Jackson Elected UMBC Alumni Association President

    As UMBC celebrates its 2004 homecoming this week, the University also welcomes alumna and Baltimore Gas and Electric Company (BGE) executive Anita Maddox Jackson as the newly elected president of the UMBC Alumni Association.

    As the University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC) celebrates its 2004 homecoming this week, UMBC also welcomes alumna and Baltimore Gas and Electric Company (BGE) executive Anita Maddox Jackson as the newly elected president of the UMBC Alumni Association.

    "I am delighted that Anita has been elected President of our Alumni Association," says UMBC president Freeman A. Hrabowski, III. "She brings substantial experience both in the corporate world and in connecting institutions across the public and private sectors. She has a stellar reputation in Baltimore as a highly respected professional and caring human being."

    Currently director of supplier diversity for BGE, Jackson credits UMBC as "the foundation for my professional success. UMBC helped me forge a satisfying career and, at the same time, broaden my view of the world."

    Jackson's role as president of UMBC's Alumni Association is fitting, given her commitment to become more involved with the University. "When I returned to campus recently, I couldn't believe how much had changed," she explains.

    Jackson's first priority will be to increase alumni involvement. "We need alumni time and talent to help UMBC continue to excel," she says. The UMBC Alumni Association offers social events, professional development activities and volunteer opportunities to more than 36,000 graduates of the university.

    Jackson's 21-year tenure with BGE, a subsidiary of Constellation Energy (NYSE:CEG), has included positions in human resources, marketing and sales and corporate communications. Jackson, a native of the Eastern Shore and a resident of Catonsville, is a 1980 UMBC alumna, having earned a B.S. in Health Science & Policy. She also holds an M.A.S. from Johns Hopkins University.

    Nationally, Jackson is a committee vice chair of the Edison Electric Institute. She sits on the regional board of the MD/DC Minority Supplier Development Council and the local boards of BB&T Bank and Alliance, Inc. She is a member of the Executive Committee of the Rho Xi Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.

    Like many UMBC alumni, Jackson will return to her alma mater this week for UMBC's Homecoming/Family Day Celebration. The event, held October 20 through 24, is open to all members of the UMBC community. A complete schedule of events is available online at http://www.umbc.edu/StudentLink/homecoming/schedule.html.

    Posted by dwinds1

    October 15, 2004

    Important Update: Flu Vaccine Available at UHS Until 11/4

    University Health Services (UHS) has revised its deadline for getting a flu vaccination at UHS, in order to free up vaccine sooner for other facilities that need vaccine for high risk individuals. If you are at high risk, as stated in the CDC guidelines, please call for an appointment at UHS to have your flu shot before November 4. (We had previously set November 15 as the deadline.)

    CDC GUIDELINES:

    Who should be vaccinated? The existing flu vaccine supplies should be given to protect people who are at greatest risk from serious complications from influenza disease.Everyone in this group should seek vaccination:
    *People 65 years of age or older
    *Children ages 6 months to 23 months
    *Adults and children 2 years of age and older with chronic lung or heart disorders including heart disease and asthma
    *Pregnant women
    *Adults and children 2 years of age and older with chronic metabolic diseases (including diabetes), kidney diseases, blood disorders (such as sickle cell anemia), or weakened immune systems, including persons with HIV/AIDS
    *Children and teenagers, 6 months to 18 years of age, who take aspirin daily
    *Residents of nursing homes and other chronic-care facilities
    *Household members and out-of-home caregivers of infants under the age of 6 months
    (Children under the age of 6 months cannot be vaccinated.)
    *Healthcare workers who provide direct, hands-on care to patients

    Who should go without vaccination? Healthy people 2 to 64 years of age are asked to not get vaccinated this year at all or to wait to get their vaccine after persons in priority groups in their area have had a chance to be vaccinated, so that available vaccine can go to protect those at greater risk for flu complications.

    What about the nasal vaccine, FluMist ? FluMist , the nasal-spray flu vaccine, is an option for healthy individuals, ages 5 to 49 years of age, who are in contact with infants under 6 months of age or who are healthcare workers who provide direct patient care. FluMist is not recommended for healthcare workers taking care of severely immunocompromised people when they are in a protective environment and cannot be given to pregnant women.

    What else can you do to prevent the spread of flu? There are certain good health habits that can help prevent the spread of flu.*Avoid close contact with people who are sick. When you are sick, keep your distance from other to protect them from getting sick too.
    *Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze--and dispose of the tissue afterward.
    *If you don't have a tissue, cough or sneeze into your sleeve.
    *Wash your hands after you cough or sneeze with soap and warm water, or an alcohol-based hand cleaner.
    *If you get the flu, stay home from work or school. You will help prevent others from catching your illness.

    What if you are in a high risk group and your clinic has no vaccine?
    Contact your local health department and ask your regular vaccine provider about other options for influenza vaccination. Health departments throughout the United States are trying to make sure that as many high-risk people as possible will eventually be able to go to either their regular vaccine provider or a flu shot clinic to get the vaccine. Some public vaccination clinics may also be posted at www.lungusa.org.

    Information provided by the Minnesota Department of Health.

    Posted by dwinds1

    WALKER AVENUE CLOSURE 10/16

    Walker Avenue is scheduled to be closed Saturday, October 16, between 8 a.m. and 12 p.m. Repairs and maintenance are necessary at the intersection of Walker Avenue and Hilltop Circle for safety concerns. The campus police will assist in re-directing traffic during this time. We regret any inconvenience caused from this road closure.

    Posted by dwinds1

    October 14, 2004

    UMBC Trains Future Entrepreneurs

    The Kauffman Entrepreneur Internship Program (KEIP) introduces UMBC students to the challenges and rewards of becoming entrepreneurs through intensive internships.

    The Kauffman Entrepreneur Internship Program (KEIP) introduces UMBC students to the challenges and rewards of becoming entrepreneurs through intensive internships. UMBC's Shriver Center and the Alex. Brown Center for Entrepreneurship launched KEIP in the fall of 2002 with the goal of offering graduates and undergraduates a first-hand learning experience in entrepreneurship while providing companies with outstanding students at half the cost.

    Since its inception, KEIP has exposed 48 students to entrepreneurship through mentoring and internships in 28 start-up and emerging firms in Maryland. The types of industries include: 40 percent information technology, 21 percent health care consulting/manufacturing and 21 percent engineering firms. Students hail from many disciplines, including: information systems, history, economics, bioinformatics, graphic design, computer engineering, psychology, computer science, mathematics and mechanical engineering.

    The program is cost effective for participating companies, paying nearly 50% of the internship. Companies obtain access to a pool of pre-screened, high achieving UMBC students with an entrepreneurial interest. Organizations participating in the program's third year include: Absolute Quality Inc., Athena Environmental Sciences Inc., Carter International Concierge Inc., Cybergroup Inc., E-Global Interactive, Engenium Technologies Inc. and PCTechSource.

    AthenaES, a techcenter@UMBC incubator graduate, has utilized several UMBC student interns during its ten year history. Interns have been a great resource for the company and an excellent way of developing the talent that the company needs to continue its growth, says Sheldon Broedel, chief executive and science officer.

    AthenaES, which is developing a reagent tool that will allow researchers to monitor contamination levels in preparations of recombinant proteins, has taken on two Kauffman interns this year. A UMBC bioinformatics and computational biology major, Nabila Bashir-Bello, will learn the technical aspects of developing biotechnology-based products and will become acquainted with the process of commercialization. This is a fantastic opportunity, how many students get the chance to actually develop a product, says Bashir-Bello.

    AthenaES' second student, Melissa Taylor, is a UMBC graphic arts major. Taylor will help design marketing collateral for the company. It is very exciting working for a small company," she says. "I cannot believe the level of responsibility I have been given.

    Christine Routzahn, project director for KEIP, says, The Shriver Center and the Alex. Brown Center for Entrepreneurship are pleased with the program's results and are eager to move forward to implement our third year of the Kauffman Entrepreneur Internship Program. Given the vision of UMBC and the quality of our existing efforts, we have developed a model that will continue to impact our students and entrepreneurial firms in a positive way.

    UMBC encourages students to explore entrepreneurship at all levels. Students who break new ground in science and technology, push the envelope in the creative arts and provide solutions to society's problems can all become future entrepreneurs.

    For more information about KEIP visit www.umbc.edu/entrepreneurship.

    Posted by dwinds1

    October 7, 2004

    New Executive Development Program Launches at Erickson School of Aging Studies at UMBC

    BALTIMORE - Executive education for senior living professionals is now offered at the new Erickson School of Aging Studies, established earlier this year at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC). The executive development program is created in partnership with the National Investment Center for the Seniors Housing & Care Industries (NIC). The first course, "The Business and Strategy of Seniors Housing & Care," will take place on November 10-13, 2004.


    BALTIMORE - Executive education for senior living professionals is now offered at the new Erickson School of Aging Studies, established earlier this year at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC). The executive development program is created in partnership with the National Investment Center for the Seniors Housing & Care Industries (NIC). The first course, "The Business and Strategy of Seniors Housing & Care," will take place on November 10-13, 2004.

    The four-day course will analyze the strategy and underpinnings of seniors housing and care, including the drivers of success, real demographics of aging, cost of capital and the evolving marketplace. A major focus will be placed on the role of health care delivery within seniors housing, with attention devoted to the critical role of continuous quality improvement, performance measurement and the determinants of quality care, and resident/family satisfaction. The course will also explore the current legal, regulatory and public policy environments confronting seniors housing, and the challenges they pose for management.

    The course is being led by Brian Swinton, recently retired executive vice president of Sunrise Senior Living. Guest lecturers include John Erickson, chairman and CEO, Erickson, Dr. Charles Roadman, former president of the American Health Care Association and former surgeon general for the Air Force, Allen Lynch, partner, Nixon Peabody LLP, and Tony Mullen, NIC research director.

    The Erickson School of Aging Studies at UMBC was started through a $5 million commitment made by Mr. Erickson through The Erickson Foundation. His Baltimore-based company has 13 campuses in eight states that are home to approximately 15,000 middle-income people.

    In addition to the Erickson support, the school will seek matching funds from other external sources. Along with executive development, the school will eventually offer specialty degree programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels relating to senior care and aging.

    UMBC, an honors university, is a four-year, public research university that is home to leading experts on aging who are active in research, education and service in the field of gerontology. It is one of a handful of universities in the nation to offer the Ph.D. in Gerontology.

    NIC, a nonprofit organization, has been the leading source of business and financial information for the senior living industry since 1991. For the last five years, it has conducted executive development courses in operations, management, sales, marketing, development, finance and service quality for emerging industry leaders.

    The cost for "The Business and Strategy of Seniors Housing & Care" course is $2750 and space is limited. To register and for more information, visit www.umbc.edu/erickson or call UMBC at (410) 455-3361.

    Posted by dwinds1

    October 1, 2004

    Q & A with John Martello, Vice Provost and Executive Director of the Shriver Center, and President/CEO, UMBC Training Centers; and Kent Malwitz, Director of Business Development, UMBC Training Centers

    UMBC, a regional leader in workforce development, established UMBC Training Centers, LLC as its noncredit continuing education and industry training company, addressing critical regional employment priorities in areas such as information technology, biotechnology, engineering, professional development, business, and allied health. Insights spoke with the Centers' President/CEO and Director of Business Development--both UMBC alumni--about the Center's mission and campus partnerships.

    UMBC, a regional leader in workforce development, established UMBC Training Centers, LLC as its noncredit continuing education and industry training company, addressing critical regional employment priorities in areas such as information technology, biotechnology, engineering, professional development, business and allied health.

    UMBC Training Centers is currently settling into its new home at techcenter@umbc on the University's South Campus. Insights spoke with the Centers' President/CEO and Director of Business Development--both UMBC alumni--about the Center's mission and campus partnerships.

    What is the mission of the UMBC Training Centers?
    John Martello: Our mission is to provide high quality, reasonably priced training and certification to both individuals and organizations throughout the region and State. Our focus is non-credit short courses in information technology, biotechnology, engineering, professional development and business, as well as allied health.

    Across the nation, universities are being called on to demonstrate how their research and programs benefit the needs of our society. The Training Centers could be UMBC's results-oriented, private sector response to that call.

    Kent Malwitz: It's also important to point out that since we are a privately held company, that we are not part of the public subsidy that UMBC receives, so we aren't competing with the rest of the campus for funding.

    JM: Kent's point is critical. We receive funding through contracts and Training Centers tuition. Taxpayers aren't subsidizing the Training Centers.

    How does UMBC Training Centers respond to the needs of today's workforce?
    JM: We provide high quality, short-term, non-credit courses that are focused and outcomes-oriented. Our courses provide skilled training in areas of need. In addition to our outstanding faculty and an excellent facility, we offer affordable prices and convenient schedules.

    We attract a broad audience--since there are no entrance requirements (SAT, GRE) we cast a broader net. Our students can also learn more about UMBC, which might lead them to enroll in for-credit courses. The private sector platform also empowers us to move quickly and efficientlywhich is an appropriate way to be organized as a for-profit business.

    KM: Our courses are designed to meet the needs of working professionals. We can also customize courses for organizations to help them to achieve their specific organizational objectivesand training can be delivered at our facilities or we can go to them. It's very flexible.

    How many students are enrolled at UMBC Training Centers?
    JM: Annually, we have about 2,000 students, on- and off-site.

    Who are some of your clients? How do you work with clients?
    JM: Our clients include T. Rowe Price, the Social Security Administration, the FDA, Computer Science Corporation (CSC), the State of Maryland and CareFirst, among others.

    KM: We work with organizations to help them determine their professional development needs and to develop and deliver training programs that meet those needs. We also help them to promote Training Centers' programs to their staff.

    How do you plan to work with the UMBC community?
    JM: We hope to play a key role as training partner for faculty and staff.

    For example, this fallin partnership with UMBC's Human Resources department--we will begin offering short, two to three day courses in business communication, accounting for non-financial managers, supervision and leadership. Staff can use their tuition reimbursement benefitthey pay for courses up front and are reimbursed when they satisfactorily complete the course.

    We want to do a needs-assessment for the campus, and are very open to suggestions on how we can help train our outstanding staff. We are working closely with HR to target real needs and welcome any direct feedback from UMBC staff.

    Are UMBC students involved with UMBC Training Centers?
    JM: We offer test preparation--GRE, LSAT, licensing exams for engineers, among others--to help our students move on to the next level of their academic and professional careers. They can also complement their UMBC degree with additional training in one of our IT certification programs and become even more valuable in the marketplace.

    Students can also get hands-on experience through internships in marketing, Web site design, IT, etc. We currently have a UMBC visual arts major on board helping us with several online marketing initiatives. We'll be launching a new Web site this fall.

    For more information, visit the UMBC Training Centers Web site.

    Posted by dwinds1

    UMBC Students to Discuss Summer Internship Experiences

    Three UMBC undergraduates will discuss their recent summer internships with Baltimore-area news organizations at a panel discussion on internships October 6. Amy Segreti, Patrick Tyler and Grant Huang, who are also on the Retriever Weekly editorial staff, will speak at 1 p.m. on the 7th floor of the Albin O. Kuhn Library. The panel discussion is open to the public and all members of the UMBC community are welcome to attend.

    Three UMBC undergraduates will discuss their recent summer internships with Baltimore-area news organizations at a panel discussion on internships October 6. The three students, Amy Segreti, Patrick Tyler and Grant Huang, who are also on the editorial staff of UMBC's Retriever Weekly, will speak at 1 p.m. on the 7th floor of the Albin O. Kuhn Library.

    The panel discussion is open to the public and all members of the UMBC community are welcome to attend.

    Segreti, a 21-year-old senior from Lakewood, New Jersey, is currently the features editor for the Retriever Weekly. During the past summer she interned at the Baltimore Sun as a reporter on the City Desk.

    Joining Segreti will be Patrick Tyler, a senior majoring in English and economics. During the previous summer months, Tyler interned for the Baltimore Sun at its Harford County bureau in his hometown of Bel Air where he covered news ranging from a mustard gas release at the nearby Aberdeen Proving Ground to murder trials. Tyler is the current news editor at the Retriever Weekly.

    Also working as an intern last summer was 20-year-old Grant Huang, a resident of Columbia and native of China.Huang, who previously worked for the Baltimore Sun on its City Desk in downtown Baltimore, was a reporter for the Baltimore Messenger, one of the Patuxent Publishing Company's weekly newspapers, part of a chain that covers much of Maryland. Huang, who is currently the assistant features editor at the Retriever Weekly, is a junior majoring in political science with a concentration in international relations.

    In summing up his summer internship experience, Huang observed: "Virtually everything I learned about journalism in the real world came from my internship experiences. My internships, one at a large metropolitan daily and one at a small community weekly, gave me a tremendous amount of firsthand experience about the career. I could see the real thing happening: from covering stories to observing office politics to talking casually with industry veterans, I felt thrilled to know that everything I was experiencing wasn't somehow prepared or simulated for my benefit. Myinternships allowed me to network with professional journalists, but more importantly they were the best opportunity I've had to sample that life and career choice without committing to it.

    Posted by dwinds1

    Employee of the Quarter Awards Announced

    The Human Resources Department has announced the Employee of the Quarter Awards.

    The Department of Human Resources has announced UMBC's Employee of the Quarter award recipients.

    Danita Eichenlaub, assistant director of the Joint Center for Earth Systems Technology (JCET), is the exempt Employee of the Quarter. Eichenlaub, who has been at UMBC for four years, is known for demonstrating outstanding leadership skills during the PeopleSoft implementation, while assisting two other UMBC NASA Centers, Goddard Earth Sciences and Technology Center (GEST) and the Center for Advanced Studies in Photonics Research (CASPR). This year, she has taken on additional responsibilities since the passing of Sharon Davis, JCET's business manager.

    Gayle E. Chapman, assistant director of CASPR, says, Danita is knowledgeable, sensitive and helpful to the UMBC community at large and to those she supervises. After the unfortunate passing of Sharon Davis, Danita has been responsible for Sharon's work as well as her own. In addition, she is taking classes in a Ph.D. program at University of Maryland University College. Danita handles all of this daunting responsibility with grace.

    "Recognition and acknowledgement are strong motivators, so it was adelightful surprise to be selected for the Employee of the Quarter Award, says Eichenlaub. Being notified of the award during our monthly JCET Faculty meeting allowed me to share the moment with many of the people that I work so closely with at UMBC."

    Sylvia Wickham, administrative assistant II in the procurement office, is the non-exempt Employee of the Quarter. After 13 years as an administrative assistant at the University of Maryland Baltimore, Wickham began her UMBC career in 1998 as an administrative assistant to the Director of Capital Planning and the Assistant Vice President of Administrative Services. In September 2000, she became an administrative assistant in procurement, providing complex administrative and clerical support to both procurement and Management Advisory Services.

    Sylvia has outstanding people and customer service skills, says Ann Fusselbaugh, administrative assistant in procurement. She is very proficient in helping others. If she doesn't know the answer, she will know the best way to find the answer. She is a designated peer mentor' for the campus community and as such, she fields inquiries regarding technical difficulties. She is improving the functioning of the department and helping to keep the purchasing/receiving aspect of the PeopleSoft system running smoothly. Her professionalism is an asset to our department and to the UMBC campus community.

    Wickham says, "I try to do my job here at UMBC to the best of my ability. I never expected to receive this award. I am very appreciative and honored that my peers think so highly of me that they nominated me for this award."

    Each recipient will receive a check for $500, a personalized parking space, one day of administrative leave, a certificate, his/her name on the Employee of the Quarter plaque and an invitation to the annual luncheon for all the recipients.

    Human Resources offers special thanks to everyone that nominated an employee for the award. Previous nominations received will be eligible for consideration for one year from the date received. The next Employee of the Quarter recipients will be selected in December. Nomination forms and information may be found on the Human Resources Web site.

    Posted by dwinds1

    UMBC Celebrates!

    Mark your calendars for the Graduate School Welcoming Reception October 6.

    Take part as UMBC celebrates our growing graduate student community.

    The Human Resources department has granted release time for employees to take part in these events, and everyone is encouraged to attend. All campus offices will remain open and services should continue to be offered. Supervisors and staff are asked to work together to coordinate staffing.

    GRADUATE SCHOOL WELCOME RECEPTION
    Wednesday, October 6
    4:30-6 p.m. (Candidacy ceremony begins at 5 p.m.)
    U.C. Ballroom
    Take part as faculty, staff and continuing students welcome to campus all new master's and doctoral students and also recognize doctoral students who have attained candidacy status. All members of the UMBC community are invited to join President Hrabowski and Provost Johnson in the welcoming ceremony.

    Previous UMBC Celebrates! Events

    FALL OPENING MEETING
    Thursday, August 26
    8:30-10:30 a.m.
    U.C. Ballroom
    Take part as UMBC celebrates the start of the '04-'05 academic year. Join President Hrabowski and Provost Johnson at an opening meeting focused on what undergraduate and graduate students need to succeed, and programs on campus that support students in innovative ways. In addition, Vice President Mark Behm will present a special facilities update to help you navigate your way around renovated and relocated campus sites.

    FALL CONVOCATION
    Tuesday, August 31
    2-3 p.m.
    Retriever Activities Center
    Take part as we welcome our new students and kick off the academic year. President Hrabowski and Provost Johnson will deliver remarks and Presidential Teaching Professor, Dr. Alan Rosenthal (Modern Languages & Linguistics), will present the Keynote Address.

    PRESIDENTIAL FACULTY & STAFF AWARDS CEREMONY
    Wednesday, September 29
    1-2 p.m.
    U.C. Ballroom
    Take part in this new University event designed to honor the accomplishments of UMBC's Presidential Award recipients. President Hrabowski will present his State of the University Address to the campus community and acknowledge the special achievements of:

    Cynthia Hody, Associate Professor and Chair, Political Science
    Presidential Teaching Professor

    James Grubb, Professor, History
    Presidential Research Professor

    Jack Suess, Chief Information Officer, Office of Information Technology
    Presidential Distinguished Staff Award
    Professional Staff

    Terry Aylsworth, Executive Administrative Assistant, College of Arts andSciences
    Presidential Distinguished Staff Award
    Non-Exempt Staff

    Posted by dwinds1

    September 8, 2004

    UMBC Changing Information Technology World One Girl at a Time

    On Tuesday, September 14, UMBC will formally welcome a new class of scholarship students from a program that has changed the lives and career directions of dozens of young women interested in information technology careers.

    On Tuesday, September 14, UMBC will formally welcome a new class of scholarship students from a program that has changed the lives and career directions of dozens of young women interested in information technology careers.

    The Center for Women and Information Technology (CWIT) Scholars program at UMBC is dedicated to reaching girls as early as middle school to help them resist gender stereotypes and peer pressure as they pursue computer technology-related college majors and career tracks.

    CWIT Scholars receive four-year scholarships and major in computer science, computer engineering, information systems, or a related program at UMBC. The students are mentored by faculty and successful IT business professionals, and participate in programs and internships throughout their college years. Graduates of the CWIT Scholars Program are expected to take a leadership role in the IT field and to foster the continued growth of women in the industry.

    One of the new scholars is Lindsey Beaubien, of Gaithersburg, Md. Although she was accepted at Penn State and Virginia Tech, she says, "the only college I really considered attending was UMBC...I know that since I am in CWIT, there will always be somebody to turn to and ask for help."

    Candice Scarborough, a third-year CWIT scholar, will address the incoming class. She confirms Beaubien's expectations, stating, "CWIT is the reason I remain a computer science major. CWIT is the reason I am still in college." Another third-year scholar, Heidi Brueckner, adds, "Even though my parents encouraged, even expected, me to excel, it was difficult to feel comfortable without any other girls in my classes" at Montgomery Blair High School. "I never had a strong female role model in IT until I...met my CWIT mentor. Meeting women in the IT field has definitely encouraged me to continue my studies."

    The CWIT Scholars reception, to be held from 6 until 8 p.m. Tuesday evening in the Skylight Room of the UMBC Commons building, will also give the scholars and their families a chance to connect directly with corporate and government sponsors supporting CWIT's mission.

    During the reception, AT&T will present a check for $50,000, their latest in a series of ongoing gifts in support of the program.

    "Programs such as these help create confidence in women to help them achieve their potential in all professions, including the IT industry," said Jennifer Jones, Sales Vice-President, AT&T Business Services. "AT&T is delighted to make this important contribution to CWIT, providing invaluable support to the students and their families."

    Maryland State Delegate Jean Cryor (R- Montgomery County), President of the Women Legislators of Maryland and another CWIT supporter, will discuss her work to pass a recent bill that established the Taskforce on the Status of Women and IT in Maryland, the first of its kind in the nation.

    While recent studies show that female college students are gradually closing the tech gender gap, enrollment of women in college IT programs continues to decline. The CWIT Scholars Program at UMBC is designed to address this imbalance. The merit-based program is open to both women and men who support women's full involvement in information technology. The 11 entering students are the third and largest class of CWIT scholars to date.

    The Center for Women and Information Technology (www.umbc.edu/cwit/) established at UMBC in 1998, has a four-fold mission: to encourage more women and girls to study computer science and/or information systems and to pursue careers in IT; to enable all women and girls to use IT comfortably and knowledgeably; to assure that the richness and breadth of women's lives and concerns are fully represented and readily available on the Internet; and to foster research concerning the relationship between gender and IT.

    The University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC) is a distinguished research university with a deep commitment to the education of undergraduates. The University was recently named one of the nation's 12 "Hot Schools" by Kaplan/Newsweek's How to Get into College, and is one of only 151 U.S. institutions to be ranked as "Doctoral/Research Universities Extensive" by the Carnegie Foundation.

    AT&T (Corporate Sponsor). For more than 125 years, AT&T (NYSE "T") has been known for unparalleled quality and reliability in communications. Backed by the research and development capabilities of AT&T Labs, the company is a global leader in local, long distance, internet and transaction-based voice and data services.

    Posted by dwinds1

    September 2, 2004

    From the CIO

    CIO Jack Suess provides the UMBC community with an update on changes and ongoing developments in technology.

    By Jack Suess, Chief Information Officer

    As we prepare to start another academic year I want to give you an update on changes you will see upon your return and also highlight ongoing developments. I am privileged to lead an organization that has a great staff and great leadership. While I have been focused primarily on PeopleSoft you will see that OIT continues to provide a quality technology infrastructure.

    One of the most visible changes faculty and students will see is that we have upgraded from Blackboard 5 to Blackboard 6. We continue to see increased usage with Blackboard and expect to have almost 500 courses utilizing it this fall (twice as many as 2 years ago). As part of this upgrade, OIT upgraded the hardware infrastructure that Blackboard utilizes and enhanced some of the software integration services we offer to the campus. For example, we are able to auto-create courses in Blackboard, auto-enroll students in the course, and provide options for integrating the Scantron exams into the Blackboard grade book. As we evolve Blackboard 6 you will see better integration with the UMBC portal and more services integrated into the Blackboard portal.

    A second initiative, though not as visible, is our work this past year focusing on enhancing IT security. As the risk of worms, viruses and hacking continues to increase we have had to rethink and reengineer the way we provide IT services. Our goal is to make sure you have a safe computing environment in which to work or perform scholarship. Some of these projects are driven by State audit requirements but many of these are also something we feel are necessary to ensure that you can safely use your computer. Over the spring and summer we have implemented the following initiatives:

    Installed a campus firewall to begin adding a layer of initial protection for many of the computers on campus (generally those on our Novell network) ;

    For windows machines using our Novell servers we have integrated those machines into a Microsoft System Management Domain. This allows OIT to install critical patches and updates on your machine as needed;

    We have made a major effort on enhancing security on the residential network. We developed a special CD that students can load that will install our virus protection and configure their machines to use OIT's Microsoft System Update Service (SUS) to keep them patched;

    We have added authentication to our campus wireless service to limit unauthorized access and also to allow us to identify machines with viruses or worms and work with that person to get the machine corrected;

    Finally, over the fall semester OIT will be launching a campaign to inform people about the dangers of spyware, provide tools and instructions for removing spyware, and work to make sure you can protect your privacy.

    A third initiative has been focusing on our mail processing infrastructure. Because of Spam and email-based viruses we have been seeing tremendous increases in mail volumes. It is not uncommon to see UMBC process over 1 million messages in a single day! In addition, with the use of attachments now common we see much larger mail messages on average. We have turned spam filtering on by default (level 4, which is a safe level with few false positives) for all users who are not currently using it, changed the mail box format to speed up message folder searching, and added more capability into our mail processing environment to support virus and Spam filtering. During the academic year we will be working on an initiative to raise all student and faculty disk quotas to a minimum of 100 megabytes.

    A fourth initiative is working to improve classroom technology. We have updated the projectors in lecture halls two and six, updated the laptop carts, brought two new classrooms online in Chemistry with integrated technology and added technology to three additional classrooms in Social Sciences. Our goal is to continue to make certain we can provide faculty with a quality classroom environment.

    Beyond these projects, our major work this academic year will be planning a replacement for the myUMBC portal. This portal was launched in 1999 and among the first in higher education; however, it is clear we need to move on. Today, portals are expected to provide much more customized content, have a finer granularity of roles and provide better integration with applications like PeopleSoft. Our intent is to work this fall and select a new portal technology to build upon. During the winter and spring we will integrate our existing content into this portal and launch the portal before next fall. OIT is working closely with the campus eMedia group on this project and will keep the campus informed as we go forward.

    Posted by dwinds1

    UMBC Awarded NSF Grant To Increase University Technology Commercialization

    UMBC has been awarded a $600,000 grant for Achieving the Commercialization of Technology in Ventures through Applied Training for Entrepreneurs (ACTiVATE) from the National Science Foundation (NSF). The ACTiVATE program will create a systematic model for increasing the commercialization of technology innovations from universities by training women entrepreneurs to create technology-based, start-up companies.

    UMBC has been awarded a $600,000 grant for Achieving the Commercialization of Technology in Ventures through Applied Training for Entrepreneurs (ACTiVATE) from the National Science Foundation (NSF). The ACTiVATE program will create a systematic model for increasing the commercialization of technology innovations from universities by training women entrepreneurs to create technology-based, start-up companies.

    The ACTiVATE program will provide an awareness of entrepreneurship for a significant number of women, who traditionally have been underrepresented among entrepreneurs, while also providing a model for commercializing innovations at universities and federal labs that can be used at other institutions across the country, says UMBC President Freeman Hrabowski.

    Although Maryland is a leader in R&D activity due to a high concentration of research universities and national research laboratories, a relatively low number of start-up companies are formed from university technology. According to the Corporation for Enterprise Development's 2002 Development Report Card, Maryland is ranked 32nd nationally in university spinouts.

    Increasing the availability of experienced entrepreneurs is critical to raising the number of technology-based start-up companies. Governor Ehrlich's Commission on the Development of Advanced Technology Business (the Pappas Commission) supports the need for more entrepreneurial development in the State. UMBC's ACTiVATE program will address these needs by introducing 90 mid-career women to the basics of entrepreneurship and technology commercialization. One of the Program's goals is to create six to nine new companies during the first three years.

    Women entrepreneurs are a vital part of Maryland's and America's economy. We are highly supportive of this joint effort to support women entrepreneurs and, at the same time, commercialize promising technologies from Maryland's research institutions, said Christopher C. Foster, deputy secretary of the Maryland Department of Business and Economic Development.

    UMBC will partner with the Maryland Technology Development Corporation (TEDCO) to identify appropriate technologies for the ACTiVATE program. The UMBC team includes the Office of Technology Development, techcenter@UMBC, Alex. Brown Center for Entrepreneurship and the Center for Women and Information Technology (CWIT). In addition to commercializing technologies from UMBC, the ACTiVATE team will work with other Maryland institutions, including Johns Hopkins University, University of Maryland College Park, University of Maryland Baltimore, University of Maryland Biotechnology Institute, Towson University and the University of Maryland School of Law

    The ACTiVATE program will partner with the public and private sectors to train entrepreneurs, with a focus on women, through a hands-on approach using university technologies, says Ellen Hemmerly, executive director of the UMBC Research Park Corporation. Marylanders benefit from the Program through job creation and increases in tax revenue.

    Private partners involved in the ACTiVATE program include Legg Mason Wood Walker, Constellation Energy, Grant Thornton, Venable LLP, Whiteford, Taylor & Preston LLP, New Markets Growth Fund, MGH Public Relations, The Eager Street Group, Darrah Tax Advisory Services, BioPlan Associates, Inc., Anthem Capital Management and American Express Tax & Business Services.

    -Tammi Thomas

    Posted by dwinds1

    August 30, 2004

    Tip Sheet: Homeland Security Research & Training Projects at UMBC

    As both the 2004 presidential election and the third anniversary of the 9-11 attacks grow nearer, homeland security remains a top priority for government and citizens. Whether they're working to train first responders, developing new technologies to detect dangers, or helping to map new threats and resources, UMBC researchers are partnering with state and federal agencies to improve homeland security in Maryland and across the U.S.

    As both the 2004 presidential election and the third anniversary of the 9-11 attacks grow nearer, homeland security remains a top priority for government and citizens. Whether they're working to train first responders, developing new technologies to detect dangers, or helping to map new threats and resources, UMBC researchers are partnering with state and federal agencies to improve homeland security in Maryland and across the U.S.

    1. Mapping the Unthinkable

    As first responders and homeland security officials prepare for the new threats and challengesof post-9-11 America, the need for a new type of map became clear. Recently, faculty, staffand student mapmakers in UMBC's Geography andEnvironmental Sciences department rose to the challenge as part of a project for theU.S. Census Bureau and the Department of Homeland Security.

    The department's Cartography Lab, one of only a handful of such map production facilities atU.S. universities today, helped design new map symbols to depict the new threats and resources thatfirst responders and state and federal homeland security officials must be aware of whenlooking at the map of post-9-11 America.

    Contact: TomRabenhorst, Lecturer
    JoeSchool, Director of Cartographic Services Laboratory;
    UMBC Geography andEnvironmental Systems

    410-455-3845, tom.rabenhorst@umbc.edu /410-455-2900, school@umbc.edu.

    2. Online Training for First-Responders -- more than 16,000 reached sofar

    UMBC Emergency Health Services (EHS) participates in theU.S. Department of Homeland Security's National Disaster MedicalSystem (NDMS) by providing online training for first-responders. To date, UMBC EHShas used the Internet to train more than 16,000 physicians, nurses, paramedics, andlogistical staff in emergency preparedness and disaster-response and created over 130online courses through the NDMS program.

    Contact: Lori Riegert, Program Director, UMBC Emergency Health Services, 410-455-1741, riegert@umbc.edu.

    3. Finding the Face of Terror

    The emerging field of biometrics technology uses optical scanning among other technologiesto rapidly identify individuals based on biological traits such as fingerprints or facerecognition. Through an anti-bioterror grant from the National Institute of Standards &Technology (NIST), UMBC mathematics professor Andrew Rukhin islooking to improve biometric visual recognition of faces. Rukhin hopes to improve thealgorithms used in facial identification software that will be used in the near future byhomeland security officers at border crossings, transportation hubs, and other sensitivelocations.

    Contact: Andrew Rukhin, Professor, UMBC department of mathematics410-455-2408, rukhin@math.umbc.edu

    4. Replacing Fido with Fiber Optics

    Bradley Arnold, professorof Chemistry at UMBC, is working with Dr. George Murray of the Johns Hopkins AppliedPhysics Lab (APL), on an invention that may give a high-tech break to bomb-sniffing dogsin homeland security K-9 units. The duo is developing a hand-held, fiber-optic devicethat changes color based on the presence of explosives.

    "We hope our detector will beas sensitive as the bomb detecting dogs - plus you will not have to feed it and it never needs arest," says Arnold.

    Contact: Bradley Arnold, Assistant Professor, UMBC Chemistry Department
    410-455-2503 or barnold@umbc.edu

    5. On-Site Training of Emergency Workers

    Through a two-yearcontract with the Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, UMBC'sEmergency Health Services (EHS) department is training hospital staff membersacross the state of Maryland in disaster-preparedness skills and planning. The day-longtraining workshops cover both man-made disaster scenarios such as terrorist acts and naturaldisaster situations such as snow collapsing a building roof.

    Contact: Rick Bissell, Graduate Program Director, UMBC EHS410-455-3776 or bissell@umbc.edu

    Posted by dwinds1

    August 12, 2004

    New UMBC e-Government Program to Debut This Fall

    UMBC's departments of Public Policy and Information Systems will debut a new graduate certificate program in electronic government (e-government) this fall. The program is the first in the Baltimore/Washington area focused on skills needed to increase and improve online transactions and services offered by federal, state and local government to individuals and businesses.

    The University of Maryland, Baltimore County's (UMBC) departments of Public Policy and Information Systems will debut a new graduate certificate program in electronic government (e-gov) this fall. The program is the first in the Baltimore/Washington area focused on skills needed to increase and improve online transactions and services offered by federal, state and local government to individuals and businesses.

    Professors in the program include three of the nation's top e-gov experts:

    Pattee Fletcher, a professor in UMBC's Public Policy department, has extensive federal information technology (IT) experience, having worked for the General Accounting Office and consulted for the U.S. Treasury and Freddie Mac.

    Stephen Holden brought 16 years of federal government IT experience to UMBC's Information Systems department after helping to develop the Internal Revenue Service's (IRS) e-file system. The increasingly popular program, which enables taxpayers to securely file and pay their taxes electronically, has made the IRS a pioneer in e-government at the federal level.

    Donald F. Norris, director of the Maryland Institute for Policy Analysis and Research and a professor of Public Policy at UMBC, is a nationally known analyst, author and consultant on state and local government IT management. Norris and Fletcher are co-editors in chief of The International Journal of Electronic Government Research.

    According to Holden, the push towards e-government comes straight from the White House, a process started under Clinton/Gore and continuing in the Bush administration. "In his February 2002 budget, President Bush outlined a management agenda for making government more focused on citizens and results, which includes expanding electronic government," Holden says.

    The federal government has recognized the need for additional training in the area of e-government. A recent study by the CIO Council found that less than 5 percent of more than 19,000 federal IT workers have extensive knowledge in e-government. Private sector contractors supporting public agencies can also benefit from UMBC's graduate certificate and help to fill this knowledge gap.

    Holden notes that customer satisfaction ratings in the public sector lag far behind private industry when governments continue to use paper transactions. "The payoff for e-government is significant, because customer satisfaction ratings for e-gov rival, and in some cases, beat private sector standards," says Holden.

    The new certificate will bring management, policy and IT perspectives to a slate of courses aimed at mid-career professionals with technical or management backgrounds. The 15-credit program starts its first classes this fall semester.

    For more information on e-gov at UMBC, please call 410-455-2336, email egov@umbc.edu or visit http://www.umbc.edu/egov/.

    Posted by dwinds1

    August 5, 2004

    In the News

    Charles Brown, Athletics, in the Baltimore Sun
    Director of Athletics Charles Brown, the longest-tenured college athletic director in Maryland, was interviewed in the Baltimore Sun on August 22.

    Jack Suess, CIO, in the Washington Post
    Chief Information Officer Jack Suess is featured in a August 23 Washington Post article on the recent Microsoft Windows upgrade and its effects on campus technology.

    UMBC in Baltimore Magazine
    The September 2004 Baltimore magazine Fall Arts Preview, Baltimore icons are interviewed by up-and-comers in the arts. Brian Dannelly 97 interviews filmmaker John Waters, while music faculty Lafayette Gilchrist interviews pianist Leon Fleisher.

    The upcoming Albin O. Kuhn Library Gallery exhibition, A Thousand Hounds, is featured in the magazine's exhibit section.

    Tim Brennan, Public Policy, in Alternet
    Tim Brennan, professor of public policy, was quoted in AlterNet on August 26. He discusses how, despite the Bush administration's refusal to sign the Kyoto climate change agreements, some forward-thinking companies are already voluntarily trading greenhouse emission credits in the Chicago Climate Exchange.

    UMBC Incubator Grad Cybergroup in the Baltimore Business Journal
    Baltimore IT firm Cybergroup, a recent graduate of the business incubator program at techcenter@UMBC, was featured in the Baltimore Business Journal on August 23. Cybergroup is putting its expertise to work for over a dozen startup companies located in the Chesapeake Innovation Center (CIC), the homeland security incubator in Annapolis.

    Cleopatra Borel '02 Places 11th, Brings Home Diamond from Athens
    UMBC All American and former NCAA champion Cleopatra Borel, interdisciplinary studies '02, placed 11th in the women's shot put in the Olympic Games in Athens, Greece. Following the competition, former Retriever athlete Balvin Brown '02, Borel's longtime boyfriend, proposed. The story was featured in the Baltimore Sun on August 19. Registration is required to view the story.

    techcenter@UMBC Tenant in the Daily Record
    Aurora Analytics LLC was profiled in the Daily Record on August 16. The article is available to subscribers only.

    Melanie Smith '95 and Meyerhoff Scholarship Program in Baltimore Sun
    On August 8, Baltimore Sun education columnist Mike Bowler profiled Melanie Smith, biological sciences '95. The former Meyerhoff Scholar recently began a four-year residency in obstetrics and gynecology at Harvard-affiliated Brigham and Women's Hospital, having graduated in the spring with combined medical and doctorate degrees from the UMB. Bowler's article also provided an historic perspective on the Meyerhoff Program while reinforcing UMBC as a leader in STEM areas and outreach to underrepresented minorities.

    Bill LaCourse, Chemistry, and the techcenter@UMBC's Aurora Analytics in The Jeffersonian
    Aurora Analytics, led by UMBC chemistry professor Bill LaCourse and Aris Kalivretenos was profiled in The Jeffersonian on August 11. Aurora Analytics is the first technology company UMBC has launched from techcenter@umbc.

    Christopher Hewitt, Sociology, on Fox 45 News
    Christopher Hewitt, professor of sociology and one of UMBC's resident terrorismexperts, was interviewed by Fox 45 TV News for a segment broadcastAugust 9. Hewitt commented on the reaction to the FBI raid of an Albany,NY, mosque as part of a sting operation and investigation.

    Anthony Johnson, Physics and CASPR, in Physics Today
    Anthony Johnson, professor of physics and director of the Center for Advanced Studies in Photonics Research, was quoted in an article that appeared in the August 2004 issue of Physics Today. The article discusses the efforts of the Optical Society of America and the International Society for Optical Engineering to create educational programs for underrepresented middle school students.

    Tom Schaller, Political Science, on WYPR
    Assistant professor of political science Tom Schaller was on WYPR 88.1 FM's Marc Steiner Show on August 2 to discuss the upcoming presidential election.

    UMBC Company in Baltimore Business Journal
    Aurora Analytics, LLC, the first spinout of UMBC's Office of Technology Development, was the subject of a story in the Baltimore Business Journal on July 30. The company, headed by adjunct assistant professor of chemistry and biochemistry Aris Kalivretenos and associate professor of chemistry and biochemistry William LaCourse, is developing test kits for seafood processors to check for spoiled fish-a technology that they believe can be made applicable for the poultry and meat industries as well.

    UMBC's New Systems Engineering Program in Baltimore Business Journal
    On August 6, the Baltimore Business Journal published an article on two new graduate programs in systems engineering which debut this fall through UMBC's Department of Professional Education & Training.

    Posted by dwinds1

    Kudos

    President Hrabowski Speaks at NCSU Convocation
    President Freeman Hrabowski was a guest speaker at North Carolina State University's Convocation ceremony.

    Lou Cantori, Political Science, to Give Keynote Address
    Professor of Political Science Lou Cantrori was invited to give the keynote address to the fall faculty assembly at Metropolitan State University (St. Paul, MN) on September 18. The topic of the assembly is "Student Centered Teaching and Learning."

    Undergraduate Allison Buckley Wins Taking It Global Photo Contest
    UMBC junior Allison Buckley won TakingITGlobal Gallery's July photo contest. The gallery is one of the world's largest and most diverse online collections of youth artwork. Thousands of pieces of artwork have been submitted by youth from more than 50 countries. TakingITGlobal (TIG) is an international organization helping youth find inspiration, access information, get involved, and take action to improve their local and global communities. It is the most popular online community for young people interested in connecting across cultures and making a difference, with hundreds of thousands of visitors each month. TIG also works with global partners--from UN agencies, to major companies, and especially youth organizations--in order to build the capacity of youth for development, support youth artistic and media expression, make education more engaging and involve young people in global decision-making.

    UMBC Alumna to Serve as Peace Corps Volunteer in East TimorEunice Eun Hae Ban, biological sciences and psychology '03, has been accepted into the Peace Corps. She will be departing for East Timor on August 13 to train and serve as a community development volunteer. Ban will focus on enhancing the development of community-based organizations while increasing participation of rural communities in their own development.

    "I've always had a strong desire and will to help others in need and help, somehow, to promote peace in our world today," says Ban. "The Peace Corps has found a very realistic and genuine approach to fulfill these dreams: integrating our lives by living and working with communities in developing countries."

    Ban joins the 107 UMBC graduates who have served in the Peace Corps since the agency was established in 1961. Today 10 UMBC alumni are working in places such as Niger, Ecuador, Kazakstan, Costa Rica and Madagascar.

    Lauren Traber '03 Named Assistant Women's Lacrosse Coach at UMBC
    A standout on the field during her four-year tenure for the Retrievers, Lauren Traber information systems '03, has been named assistant women's lacrosse coach at UMBC after serving as a volunteer assistant coach during the 2004 campaign.

    Traber tallied 83 goals and 105 points as a midfielder for UMBC. She recorded her best season in her senior year, tallying 35 goals, 42 points and 60 ground balls. She earned First Team All Northeast Conference honors in both 2002 and 2003 and served as one of the team's captains in both seasons.

    UMBC Student Honored by the Computing Research Association as an Outstanding Undergraduate
    UMBC undergraduate Katherine Hirsch received honorable mention in the Computing Research Association's tenth annual CRA Outstanding Undergraduate Awards competition, which recognizes undergraduate students who show outstanding research potential in an area of importance to computing research. The awards were presented on July 28 at the 2004 National Conference of the American Association of Artificial Intelligence in San Jose, California.

    The candidates, nominated by their departments, had to be majoring in computer science, computer engineering, or an equivalent program and possess outstanding research potential, academic talent and achievements. The 2004 awards were made possible by the generous support of Mitsubishi Electric Research Labs. Microsoft Research and Mitsubishi Electric Research Labs sponsor the awards in alternate years.

    Katherine will graduate from UMBC in December 2004 with a BS in computer science and a BA in imaging and digital arts with a concentration on animation. Her emphasis has been on the intersection of these two fields, encompassing computer graphics from two sides--the technical details of algorithms and current research, as well as the artistic aspect of the content. She has worked with Professors Mark Olano and Penny Rheingans in the CSEE Department and is a student fellow in the UMBC Imaging Research Center. In addition to her strong academic work in two majors, she has been very active with the Center for Women and Information Technology and is a varsity pole vaulter.

    CSEE Student Team Wins Second Place in Supply Chain Contest
    A team of three graduate students from the UMBC Department of Computer Science and Electrical Engineering developed a software agent that won second place in the finals of the 2004 Trading Agent Competition for Supply Chain Management held in New York City on July 22, 2004.

    Guang Huang, Yang Yu, and Xu Fei developed an agent that competed in a field of 30 entries implemented by teams from universities, research labs and companies from around the world. Each agent acted as a virtual computer manufacturer that interacted over the Internet with other software agents representing virtual suppliers of computer components and customers for the completed PCs.

    The agents participated in rounds in which they competed for customer orders and for procurement of a variety of components over a period of several months. Each day customers issued requests for quotes and selected from quotes submitted by the agents, based on delivery dates and prices. The agents are limited by the capacity of their simulated assembly lines and have to procure components from a set of eight suppliers. Four types of components are represented in the game: CPUs, motherboards, memory, and hard drives with several varieties of each type. Customer demand comes in the form of requests for quotes for different types of PCs, each requiring a different combination of components.

    The UMBC agent competed in a series of qualifying and seeding rounds during June and July and, based on its performance, was invited to participate in the final contest held at Columbia University as part of the Third International Joint Conference on Autonomous Agents and Multi Agent Systems. The final showdown involved six agents that bought and sold for eight hours, simulating over eight years of business. The UMBC agent ended the contest with a simulated profit of over $120 million.

    Derek McElligott, Men's Soccer, Honored by College Soccer News
    UMBC senior forward Derek McElligott was recently named Third Team Pre-Season All America by College Soccer News.

    McElligott is a three-time First Team all conference standout and earned Second Team All South Atlantic region honors in his last two years. He enters the 2004 season with 38 career goals, already third on UMBC's all-time scoring list and within range of school record-holder Ray Ford's (1977-18) 51 career goals. McElligott needs just four goals to surpass current Baltimore Blast standout Giuliano Celenza (1999-2000) and become UMBC's Division I all-time leading scorer.

    In addition, UMBC was ranked #38 in the 2004 College Soccer News Top 30 National Poll. The Retrievers were among 20 teams cited as those "To Keep An Eye On" by the Web site.

    Posted by dwinds1

    August 3, 2004

    New UMBC Graduate Programs Developed to Meet Regional Workforce Need for Systems Engineers

    The Division of Professional Education and Training (DPET) at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC) is responding to the staffing needs of regional high-tech industries by offering two graduate programs in Systems Engineering (SE) this fall.

    The Division of Professional Education and Training (DPET) at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC) is responding to the staffing needs of regional high-tech industries by offering two graduate programs in Systems Engineering (SE) this fall.

    According to officials with Northrop Grumman Corporation's (NYSE: NOC) Electronic Systems Sector -- headquartered close to UMBC near BWI Airport and a sponsor of the new programs -- the shortage of qualified systems engineers (SEs) is urgent and will grow over the next few years.

    "We need 90 to 100 more systems engineers than we currently have, and when you factor in program growth and retirements, Northrop Grumman and many other similar high-technology companies across the region and the nation will continue to face a long term shortage of such specialized technical talent," says Jim Armitage, vice president of Engineering at Northrop Grumman, who played a key role in founding the SE training at UMBC.

    The two new programs differ from traditional systems engineering training by offering curricula that is focused more on the technical (i.e., hands-on) side of the field instead of management. UMBC's DPET programs will offer both the masters of science in electrical engineering and the graduate certificate in systems engineering.

    Systems engineers typically work on large-scale projects in high-tech industries including aerospace, information technology, defense, transportation, space exploration, manufacturing and telecommunications.

    "There will be a heavy emphasis on problem solving, practical application, mentoring by experienced systems engineers and a teamwork approach," says Ted Foster, assistant dean of the college of engineering at UMBC and director of the new SE program.

    Northrop Grumman's Electronic Systems sector will select 15 employees to start the first two UMBC classes this fall. Both courses will be taught in UMBC's new, state-of-the-art Information Technology and Engineering building located on UMBC's main campus.

    For more information, please visit http://www.csee.umbc.edu/se/ or call 410-455-1564.

    Posted by dwinds1

    July 29, 2004

    In the News, 7/30/04

    UMBC in Baltimore Magazine's "Best of" Issue
    Two members of the UMBC community received kudos in Baltimore magazine's annual "Best of Baltimore" issue. Brian Dannelly, visual and performing arts '97, received best feature film debut for Saved! (p. 166, August 2004).

    The Music According to Lafayette Gilchrist by Lafayette Gilchrist, instructor of music and director of UMBC's jazz ensemble, was named Baltimore's best jazz CD (p. 168, August 2004).

    Tom Schaller, Political Science, in the News
    Assistant Professor of Political Science Tom Schaller
    wrote an editorial that appeared in the Philadelphia Inquirer on July 25. The editorial, which originally appeared in the Washington Post in April, discusses the possibility that November's presidential election could result in one candidate winning the popular vote and the other winning the election through the Electoral College. Free registration is required to view the article online.

    Schaller was also quoted in the Washington Post on July 28 in a story about the roles Baltimore mayor Martin O'Malley and Montgomery County Executive Doug Duncan are playing at this week's Democratic National Convention and their impact on a possible 2006 gubernatorial run.

    Dennis Coates, Economics, in the Business Journal of Kansas City
    Professor of Economics Dennis Coates was quoted in an article about the economic impact of professional sports teams on their surrounding cities and localities that appeared on July 16 in the Business Journal of Kansas City.

    Alumna Amanda Miracle, History, in the Baltimore Sun
    Alumna Amanda Miracle, history '02 and '04, was featured in the Baltimore Sun on July 25 in a story detailing her pursuit of the world endurance record for women for the longest continual row on a rowing machine. Miracle set the record of 25 hours and 170,425 meters in January.

    Ellen Handler Spitz, Honors College, in the Baltimore Sun
    Honors College Professor of Visual Arts Ellen Handler Spitz was quoted in an article about what the Cinderella fairy tale has to say about women and society that appeared July 25 in the Baltimore Sun.

    Thomas Blass, Psychology, in the Washington Post
    The Man Who Shocked the World (Basic Books, 2004), a biography of psychologist Stanley Milgram written by Professor of Psychology Thomas Blass, was reviewed by the Washington Post on July 25.

    Stephen Holden, Information Systems, in USA Today
    Assistant Professor of Information Systems Stephen Holden was quoted in an article on the latest methods used by government agencies to make secure online transactions that appeared on July 27 in USA Today.

    Lou Cantori, Political Science, in the Baltimore Sun
    Professor of Political Science Lou Cantori was quoted in an op-ed piece about the United States' policy options with Iran that appeared in the Baltimore Sun on July 25.

    Sheldon Caplis, Institutional Advancement, in the Baltimore Business Journal
    Vice President for Institutional Advancement Sheldon Caplis was quoted in a story about fundraising within USM institutions that appeared in the July 23-29 edition of the Baltimore Business Journal. The article is not available online.

    Posted by dwinds1

    Kudos, 7/30/04

    UMBC's GEST Center Hosts GEWEX Executive Meeting
    The Global Water and Energy Cycle Experiment (GEWEX) held its annual Executive Level meeting at UMBC on July 21-22. GEWEX is the principal component of the World Climate Research Programme (WCRP) concerned with hydrometeorological aspects of the global climate system.

    In 2003, the UMBC Goddard Earth Sciences and Technology (GEST) Center was awarded a 3-year grant by NASA to host the International GEWEX Project Office (IGPO). The IGPO is responsible for planning and coordinating all international aspects of GEWEX research involving global observing systems (satellites and ground-based systems); theoretical and experimental physical process studies; land/atmosphere/ocean coupled modeling; and data assimilation and prediction. For further information about GEWEX, contact either Robert Schiffer or Rick Lawford at the GEST Center.

    Alumna Lana Khvalina Named America East Women's Scholar-Athlete of the Year
    Lana Khvalina '04 was selected as the 2003-04 America East Women's Scholar-Athlete of the Year. Khvalina, who was a member of UMBC's women's tennis team, was chosen from the 22 scholar-athletes in each of the America East conference's sports by a committee of athletics administrators and NCAA Faculty Athletics Representatives at America East institutions.

    Khvalina completed her bachelor's degree in political science in three years with a perfect 4.0 GPA. She was recently selected one of 174 student-athletes from the more than 360,000 student-athletes at NCAA Division I, II and III institutions to receive an NCAA Postgraduate Scholarship. She will apply that scholarship toward her first year at the College of William and Mary Law School.

    On the tennis court, she finished her singles career with a record of 62-20. The first two-time First Team Academic All-American in UMBC history, Khvalina twice earned all-conference honors and competed on teams that went to the NCAA Championships in 2002 and 2003.

    Posted by dwinds1

    July 22, 2004

    Kudos, 7/23/04

    Dawn Bennett, Mechanical Engineering, Awarded Henry C. Welcome Fellowship
    Assistant Professor of Mechanical Engineering Dawn Bennett is one of ten faculty members from universities in Maryland awarded a 2004 Henry C. Welcome Fellowship Grant by the Maryland Higher Education Commission. The Welcome Fellowship program is an incentive grant program designed to help institutions attract and maintain a diverse faculty. Awards are made to new, tenure-track or tenured, full-time minority faculty members nominated by their college president. The grants provide each fellow with $20,000 over a three-year period for research and education expenses.

    The fellowship honors the late Dr. Henry C. Welcome, a prominent Baltimore physician who served on the State Board of Higher Education, the predecessor of the Maryland Higher Education Commission. Welcome was also active in politics and the civil rights movement with his wife, the late Senator Verda F. Welcome, the first black woman in the United States to be elected a state senator.

    UMBC Student-Athletes Named America East Conference Scholar-Athletes
    UMBC's Lana Khvalina and Adam Grossman were named America East Conference Scholar-Athletes for their respective sports.

    For Khvalina, the award was another in her celebrated career as one of UMBC's best-ever student-athletes. The tennis standout recently became UMBC's first-ever two-time First Team Academic All American after completing her undergraduate program with a 4.0 grade-point average in three years. The native of Rochester, New York also received an NCAA Postgraduate Scholarship, which she will use to attend law school at the College of William & Mary in the fall. A political science major, Khvalina posted a 62-20 record on the court and participated in a pair of NCAA Tournaments for the Retrievers.

    Grossman earned the award for both indoor and outdoor men's track and field. The sophomore won the 55 meters and finished second in the 200 meters at the America East Indoor Track & Field Championships, and was having an excellent outdoor season until suffering an injury at the outdoor championships. The Pikesville (MD) High School graduate is majoring in environmental sciences.

    The America East Conference awards the honor in each of its 22 championship sports.

    UMBC to Host 2005 America East Swimming & Diving Championships
    UMBC has been selected as host to the 2005 America East Swimming & Diving Championships. With the opportunity comes UMBC's first chance to host an America East Championship in any sport since joining the league in 2003.

    The championships, which are scheduled for February 18-20, will be held in the UMBC Natatorium, an indoor facility that houses an eight-lane, 25-yard pool, separate diving well, and balcony seating for spectators. In past years, it has served host to numerous competitions, including the Northeast Conference Championships.

    At the three-day event, the UMBC men's swimming & diving team will look to defend their crown as America East champions, while winning their eighth straight league title overall. The Retriever women, who finished second to conference rival Northeastern in 2004, will vie for their first America East crown.

    Corris Davis and David Sanders, UMBC Classic Upward Bound, Participate in Workshop Panel
    Corris Davis, assistant director, and David Sanders, academic advisor/counselor of the UMBC Classic Upward Bound Program, participated as panelists at the Counselors of Color Workshop of the National Association of College Admissions Counselors (NACAC) on July 16.

    The panel, entitled, "Establishing Partnerships that Work: the Value of Non-Profit Organizations in Counseling and Recruitment of Diverse Populations," was designed to give counselors responsible for recruiting underserved populations insight into programs that help these populations with the college admissions process. Other members of the panel were Jessica Arkin, National Director of the Ventures Scholars Program, Alexandra Quinn of College Summit and Jimmy Tadlock of The College Bound Foundation.

    The UMBC Upward Bound Programs, a federally funded TRiO program hosted by UMBC, is designed to help low-income, first generation high school students gain the skills necessary to successfully matriculate to and graduate from post-secondary education. The program currently serves 70 students from the Baltimore metropolitan area. If you would like more information about the Upward Bound Program, please visit the office in Mathematics/Psychology Building, room 007, or call ext. 5-2700.

    Posted by dwinds1

    In the News, 7/23/04

    Tom Schaller, Political Science, in the Gazette
    Assistant Professor of Political Science Tom Schaller was quoted in a story about Montgomery County Executive Doug Duncan's early campaigning for the 2006 Democratic gubernatorial nomination that appeared in the Gazette on July 16.

    Tom Cronin, Biological Sciences, in the New York Times
    Tom Cronin, professor of biological sciences, was quoted in an article about animal markings and color that appeared in the New York Times on July 20. Cronin's research on the visual systems of manta shrimp offers insight into how these shrimp perceive color. (Free registration required to view the article online.)

    techcenter@UMBC in the Baltimore Business Journal
    The Baltimore Business Journal ran a story on July 20 announcing techcenter@UMBC's newest tenant, AVIcode, Inc. AVIcode Inc., a privately held software products company, will become the fourth new company to move into the techcenter@UMBC incubator this year. AVIcode develops products to detect and report application faults in interconnected systems. The company was formerly based in Hartford, Connecticut.

    Posted by dwinds1

    July 16, 2004

    In the News, 7/16/04

    Tom Schaller, Political Science, In the News
    Assistant Professor of Political Science Tom Schaller appeared on Maryland Public Television's "Direct Connection" on July 12. Schaller appeared on a panel with Baltimore Sun columnist Gregory Kane to discuss this year's presidential election. Also on July 12, he discussed the upcoming presidential election on WYPR 88.1 FM's "Marc Steiner Show."

    Schaller has also made several recent radio appearances to comment on the selection of John Edwards as vice president for the Democratic presidential ticket. These appearances have included: WEAA 88.9 FM's "Daybreak with Anthony McCarthy" on July 8; the nationally-syndicated "Tony Trupiano Show" on July 7; WBAL 1090 AM's "Chip Franklin Show" on July 9; and WBAL 1090 AM's "Bruce Elliott Show" on July 10.

    On July 2, Schaller appeared on WYPR's "Marc Steiner Show" to comment on the possible political implications of the war with Iraq.

    Constantine Vaporis, History, in Japanese Newspaper
    Constantine Vaporis, associate professor of history, authored an article that appeared on June 15 in Nikkei Shinbun, a Japanese national daily newspaper similar to the Wall Street Journal. The article is entitled "Lord's Procession, People's Show--Alternate Attendance as Theater." It briefly explains Vaporis' research on the annual processions of the feudal lords to Edo (modern-day Tokyo) during the Tokugawa period (1603-1868) from the perspective of political power and theater, as well as sites of competing production, with multiple levels of performance and audience.

    Vaporis has spent the last year in Kyoto, Japan as a visiting professor of research at the International Research Center for Japanese Studies.

    UMBC Athletics in the Baltimore Sun
    UMBC Athletics made two appearances in the education supplement to the July 11 Baltimore Sun.

    UMBC athletic facilities and quotes from Gary Wohlstetter, associate athletic director for recreation and physical education, were featured in an article discussing the expanded facilities and athletic activities offered to students at Baltimore area colleges and universities.

    Geoff Rupert, assistant athletic director for recreation and intramurals, discussed his course on sports officiating in an article about unusual electives titled "Unexpected Courses Add Dimension to Learning."

    Posted by dwinds1

    Kudos, 7/16/04

    UMBC Artists Participate in Artscape
    UMBC's Center for Art and Visual Culture (CAVC) will be well-represented at Artscape this weekend. Symmes Gardner, director of the CAVC, and Renee van der Stelt, projects coordinator for the CAVC, both have artwork in exhibitions showing in conjunction with Artscape.

    Gardner's work is on display with the "Baltimore/Chicago Show," running now through July 31 at the Decker Gallery in the Station Building at the Maryland Institute College of Art and in "Our Perfect World", running through July 24 at Maryland Art Place.

    Van der Stelt's work will be on display in "Surplus: Buy the Square Foot," an exhibition showing at Area 405 through July 24 and in "achromatic/maximum-minimum," showing now through August 7 at the Villa Julie College Gallery.

    Members of the campus community who are participating in Artscape can send information about their work to insights@umbc.edu.

    Alyson Spurgas, Sociology and Anthropology, Given Award
    Alyson Spurgas, a master's degree student studying applied sociology, has been selected as the First Prize Winner of the 2004 Alpha Kappa Delta Graduate Student Paper Competition for her paper entitled "Body Image and Cultural Background." First prize includes $600 and a travel allowance of up to $600 to travel to this year's American Sociological Association meetings where she will be presented with a certificate. If she chooses, Spurgas can also submit her paper for publication in Alpha Kappa Delta's official journal, Sociological Inquiry.

    Judith Schneider, MLL, Participates in Panel
    Judith Schneider, professor and chair of the Department of Modern Languages & Linguistics, participated in a panel discussion about the documentary Terrorists in Retirement after its Baltimore premiere on July 14. This controversial documentary tells the story of French Resistance fighters in WWII--many of them illegal Jewish refugees-who assassinated Nazis and carried out incredibly dangerous assignments. The surviving fighters, now elderly men, recount their experiences as "terrorists". Others joining Schneider in the panel discussion following the movie were Edith Cord, French occupation survivor and Nicole Dombrowski, associate professor of history, Towson University. The event was presented by the Creative Alliance and The Jewish Museum of Maryland.

    CUERE Research Assistants Awarded EPA Grant
    CUERE research assistants and public policy Ph.D. candidates Steve Sharkey,Bernadette Hanlon, and Tom Vicino have been awarded a grant under U.S. EPA's P3 national student design competition. Their winning submission is entitled "Using An 'Impervious Permit' Allowance System to Reduce Impervious Surface Coverage for Environmental Sustainability".

    The EPA P3 Award program provides grants to teams of students to research, develop and design solutions to sustainability challenges. P3 highlights people, prosperity, and the planet--the three pillars of sustainability--as the next step beyond P2 or pollution prevention.

    The proposed design is an application of a permit allowance system to reduce impervious surface coverage of the landscape. The design would establish a "cap" on impervious surfaces on a per lot basis in watersheds of specific size. Similar to the acid rain "cap and trade" program, this policy design would allow land developers to trade "impervious surface credits" and would offer flexibility in how developers choose to reduce impervious surface coverage. This design applies market-based approaches to reduce pollution, making pervious surface a valued good. The product of this design will be a strategic manual for policymakers and practitioners interested in implementing the policy program.

    Faculty advisors for the design team are Claire Welty, director, Center forUrban Environmental Research and Education and professor of civil and environmental engineering, and Royce Hanson, professor of practice in public policy.

    Center for Art and Visual Culture Wins Awards
    UMBC's Center for Art and Visual Culture won two awards in the 2004 Museum Publication Design Competition, sponsored by the American Association of Museums. It won first prize in the books category for Paul Rand: Modernist Design and second prize in the scholarly journals category for Postmodernism: A Virtual Discussion. An article that appeared in the July/August edition of Museum News described both prize-winning publications as "creative and effective, easily competing with publications produced at higher budgets."

    Posted by dwinds1

    In the News, 7/16/04

    Tom Schaller, Political Science, In the News
    Assistant Professor of Political Science Tom Schaller appeared on Maryland Public Television's "Direct Connection" on July 12. Schaller appeared on a panel with Baltimore Sun columnist Gregory Kane to discuss this year's presidential election. Also on July 12, he discussed the upcoming presidential election on WYPR 88.1 FM's "Marc Steiner Show."

    Schaller has also made several recent radio appearances to comment on the selection of John Edwards as vice president for the Democratic presidential ticket. These appearances have included: WEAA 88.9 FM's "Daybreak with Anthony McCarthy" on July 8; the nationally-syndicated "Tony Trupiano Show" on July 7; WBAL 1090 AM's "Chip Franklin Show" on July 9; and WBAL 1090 AM's "Bruce Elliott Show" on July 10.

    On July 2, Schaller appeared on WYPR's "Marc Steiner Show" to comment on the possible political implications of the war with Iraq.

    Constantine Vaporis, History, in Japanese Newspaper
    Constantine Vaporis, associate professor of history, authored an article that appeared on June 15 in Nikkei Shinbun, a Japanese national daily newspaper similar to the Wall Street Journal. The article is entitled "Lord's Procession, People's Show--Alternate Attendance as Theater." It briefly explains Vaporis' research on the annual processions of the feudal lords to Edo (modern-day Tokyo) during the Tokugawa period (1603-1868) from the perspective of political power and theater, as well as sites of competing production, with multiple levels of performance and audience.

    Vaporis has spent the last year in Kyoto, Japan as a visiting professor of research at the International Research Center for Japanese Studies.

    UMBC Athletics in the Baltimore Sun
    UMBC Athletics made two appearances in the education supplement to the July 11 Baltimore Sun.

    UMBC athletic facilities and quotes from Gary Wohlstetter, associate athletic director for recreation and physical education, were featured in an article discussing the expanded facilities and athletic activities offered to students at Baltimore area colleges and universities.

    Geoff Rupert, assistant athletic director for recreation and intramurals, discussed his course on sports officiating in an article about unusual electives titled "Unexpected Courses Add Dimension to Learning."

    Posted by dwinds1

    July 15, 2004

    Jessica Soto Perez University of Puerto Rico Mayaguez-UMBC Graduate School Bridge Fund to be Announced at Campuswide Memorial

    At a campuswide memorial for UMBC graduate student Jessica Soto Perez, the University will announce the establishment of the "Jessica Soto Perez University of Puerto Rico Mayaguez-UMBC Graduate School Bridge Fund" and award Perez a posthumous master of science degree in chemical and biochemical engineering, with a conferral date of August 2004. The Perez memorial will be held Friday, July 16 at 3 p.m. in Lecture Hall III of the Administration Building at UMBC.

    At a campuswide memorial for UMBC graduate student Jessica Soto Perez, the University will announce the establishment of the "Jessica Soto Perez University of Puerto Rico Mayaguez-UMBC Graduate School Bridge Fund" and award Perez a posthumous master of science degree in chemical and biochemical engineering, with a conferral date of August 2004.

    The Perez memorial will be held Friday, July 16 at 3 p.m. in Lecture Hall III of the Administration Building at UMBC. Perez was the victim of a fatal shooting on the edge of the campus June 29.

    An outstanding Ph.D. student and engaged member of the UMBC community, Perez was a peer mentor for PROMISE, one of many UMBC pacesetting initiatives to increase the number and diversity of Ph.D. graduates in the sciences and engineering who go on to careers in academia. (UMBC's partners in the NSF-funded PROMISE program are the University of Maryland Baltimore and the University of Maryland College Park.)

    Faculty and students say Perez embodied the spirit of PROMISE, as she hoped to return to the University of Puerto Rico Mayaguez-where she received her B.S. in chemical engineering-to teach and to encourage young people to consider careers in the sciences and engineering.

    Now, UMBC and the University of Puerto Rico are working to ensure that Perez's legacy lives on. The "Jessica Soto Perez University of Puerto Rico Mayaguez-UMBC Graduate School Bridge Fund" will provide financial support for University of Puerto Rico Mayaguez students to study at UMBC's Graduate School.

    Tax-deductible contributions to the fund can be sent to: Kim Robinson, Director of Capital Campaigns and Stewardship, Office of Institutional Advancement, UMBC, 1000 Hilltop Circle, Baltimore, Maryland 21250. Checks must be made to University of Maryland Foundation, Inc. Online contributions are also welcome at www.umbc.edu/giving. Please call 410-455-3700 for more information.

    UMBC is recognized nationally as a leader in producing diverse undergraduates who are well-prepared for graduate school and the workforce. The Meyerhoff Scholarship Program is a flagship of more than 10 programs-including PROMISE-targeted at strengthening the presence of underrepresented minorities in a variety of disciplines.

    # # #

    Posted by dwinds1

    July 13, 2004

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    Posted by dwinds1

    July 12, 2004

    Jessica Soto Perez University of Puerto Rico Mayaguez-UMBC Graduate School Bridge Fund Announced at Campuswide Memorial

    At a recent campuswide memorial for UMBC graduate student Jessica Soto Perez, the University will announce the establishment of the "Jessica Soto Perez University of Puerto Rico Mayaguez-UMBC Graduate School Bridge Fund" and awarded Perez a posthumous master of science degree in chemical and biochemical engineering, with a conferral date of August 2004.

    At a recent campuswide memorial for UMBC graduate student Jessica Soto Perez, the University announced the establishment of the "Jessica Soto Perez University of Puerto Rico Mayaguez-UMBC Graduate School Bridge Fund" and awarded Perez a posthumous master of science degree in chemical and biochemical engineering, with a conferral date of August 2004. Perez was the victim of a fatal shooting on the edge of the campus June 29.

    An outstanding Ph.D. student and engaged member of the UMBC community, Perez was a peer mentor for PROMISE, one of many UMBC pacesetting initiatives to increase the number and diversity of Ph.D. graduates in the sciences and engineering who go on to careers in academia. (UMBC's partners in the NSF-funded PROMISE program are the University of Maryland Baltimore and the University of Maryland College Park.)

    Faculty and students say Perez embodied the spirit of PROMISE, as she hoped to return to the University of Puerto Rico Mayaguez--where she received her B.S. in chemical engineering--to teach and to encourage young people to consider careers in the sciences and engineering.

    Now, UMBC and the University of Puerto Rico are working to ensure that Perez's legacy lives on. The "Jessica Soto Perez University of Puerto Rico Mayaguez-UMBC Graduate School Bridge Fund" will provide financial support for University of Puerto Rico Mayaguez students to study at UMBC's Graduate School.

    Tax-deductible contributions to the fund can be sent to:
    Kim Robinson, Director of Capital Campaigns and Stewardship
    Office of Institutional Advancement
    UMBC
    1000 Hilltop Circle
    Baltimore, Maryland 21250.

    Checks must be made to University of Maryland Foundation, Inc. Online contributions are also welcome at www.umbc.edu/giving. Please call 410-455-3700 for more information.

    UMBC is recognized nationally as a leader in producing diverse undergraduates who are well-prepared for graduate school and the workforce. The Meyerhoff Scholarship Program is a flagship of more than 10 programs--including PROMISE--targeted at strengthening the presence of underrepresented minorities in a variety of disciplines.

    Posted by dwinds1

    July 9, 2004

    Kudos, 7/9/04

    Andrew Sears, Information Systems, Receives Award from IBM
    Dr. Andrew Sears, professor and chair of information systems, was selected to receive a 2004 IBM Faculty Award. This highly competitive award recognizes outstanding research programs of importance to IBM's industry. The accompanying $40,000 will be used to support research on accessibility, speech recognition and mobile computing.

    Center for History Education Awarded U.S. Department of Education Grant
    The Center for History Education--in partnership with Anne ArundelCounty Schools--has won a $994,000 "Teaching American History" grant from the U.S. Department of Education. The grant will fund a three-year professional development program for AACPS teachers of American history. Supporting partners for this program include the Maryland State Archives and the Martha Ross Center for Oral History. This is the third such grant the CHE has won; the CHE's previous TAH grants were with the Baltimore County and Baltimore City Schools. The U.S. Department of Education awarded 122 grants under the FY 2004 TAH competition; the CHE grant was the only grant funded in Maryland. The full text of the grant abstract is available online.

    Devendra Mistry, Chemistry and Biochemistry, Awarded Professional Staff Senate Scholarship
    Devendra Mistry, an undergraduate majoring in biochemistry and molecular biology, has been selected the winner of the 2003-2004 Professional Staff Senate (PSS) $500 Book Scholarship. Mistry has demonstrated a strong commitment to helping others by tutoring at the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry's Chemistry Tutorial Center. In addition, he has worked at the Department of Sociology and Anthropology as a student assistant, as well as a research assistant at the Howard Hughes Medical Institute.

    115 UMBC Student-Athletes Named to America East Academic Honor Roll
    115 UMBC student-athletes were among the 1,114 student athletes named to the 2003-2004 America East Winter/Spring Academic Honor Roll. The honor roll recognizes students who earned GPAs of 3.0 or higher while competing during the last athletic season. In addition, 49 UMBC student-athletes were named to the Commissioner's Honor Roll, which recognizes athletes who earned a 3.5 or higher GPA during the last athletic season.

    With 13 student-athletes named to the Academic Honor Roll, UMBC's women's lacrosse team led all women's lacrosse teams in the America East Conference.

    The following students were named to the America East Winter/Spring Academic Honor Roll. Asterisks note students named to the Commissioner's Honor Roll as well.

    Baseball
    Chris Becraft*, Matthew Buchholz, Dan Carpenter, Jonathan Gossard*, Jerry Long, Michael Orlando, Bryan Owens*, John Saffran

    Men's Basketball
    Seth Davis, Jerrell Dinkins, Andrew Feeley, Robert Gogerty

    Women's Basketball
    Anastasia Goncharova, Heather Luttrell, Matea Pender*, Tyecia Powell*, Erin Voss*

    Men's Lacrosse
    Franklin Berry*, Jeff Clark, David Coker, Brooks Fisher*, Andrew Gallagher, Joseph Gallagher, James Hyland, Brian Johnson*, Kelvin Moulden, Patrick Muston, Luke Powell, Drew Westervelt

    Women's Lacrosse
    Jennifer Dragoni, Kelly Fahey, Kelly Fiorani*, Anna Jacobs*, Jennifer Kasper, Heather Licht*, Erin Lynn, Traci McClintic*, Megan Mullins*, Christina Raab, Kelly Reese*, Emily Sawyer*, Ashley Wilson

    Softball
    Heather Bennett*, Sarah Crowell, Jessica Keenan*, Lauren Nicholson, Kristie Pickeral, Amy Sadowl, Jen San Filippo*, Jessica Taylor, Kristian Troster*

    Men's Swimming and Diving
    Adam Blais, Carlos Canepa*, Ian Carey*, Timothy Conway*, Brad Green, Brian Jaeggi*, Nicolas Lombo*, John Saums, Geza Szabo*, Patrick Woodward

    Women's Swimming and Diving
    Stehpanie Alexander, Elizabeth Bigelow-Rubin*, Casey Conner*, Amber Harris, Katrin Harrsen*, Cara Linehan, Elizabeth Maldin*, Amy Mensch*, Kristen Moorby*, Amanda Otis*, Lindsey Prather*, Peggy Preston, Jessica Prosen, Astrid Sperling, Katherine Spohnholz, Holly Wittsack

    Men's Tennis
    Luis Baraldi*,Djan Gusmao, Mehrban Iranshad*, Mikhail Kouznetsov, Josef Novotny, James Tyler

    Women's Tennis
    Tia Kaasalainen*, Svetlana Khvalina*, Aimee Lim*, Sarah Mostellar*, Alessandra Pedergnana, Anne Perez

    Men's Track and Field
    Michael Caputi, Ryan Cartwright, John Commins, Nicholas Demianovich, Jonathan Desi*, Adam Driscoll, Adam Grossman*, Kevin Hurley, Issac Mathews*, James Simms, Aaron Smith, Edward Warner*, John Wetzel

    Women's Track and Field
    Crystal Barkley*, Yasmin Fields, Kathleen Galan, Pamela Hobbs, Alesia Hovatter, Anita Lawver*, Morgan Little*, Chiagoze Obionwu, Desiree Tubb, Francine Ward, Cara Wettlaufer*, Dellisa Williams*, Jenelle Wilson

    Posted by dwinds1

    In the News, 7/9/04

    techcenter@UMBC and bwtech@UMBC in the Business Monthly
    An article on UMBC's role in technology development through the techcenter@UMBC business incubator and the bwtech@UMBC research park is featured in the July edition of the Business Monthly.

    Don Norris, Public Policy and MIPAR, on WJZ News
    Don Norris, professor of public policy and director of MIPAR, appeared on WJZ's evening news on July 1 to discuss the harmful effects of personal attacks on political debate.

    Computer Mania Day, CWIT in the Business Monthly
    Computer Mania Day and its founder, Howard County business leader Shirley Collier, were featured in a story in the July edition of the Business Monthly. UMBC's Center for Women and Information Technology has administered Computer Mania Day, a program designed to encourage girls to study information technology, since 2002; Collier is also on CWIT's External Advisory Board.

    UMBC in The Gazette
    A proposed new partnership between UMBC and Wheaton High School in Montgomery County was featured in the July 7 edition of The Gazette. The new partnership would create a pre-college academy for the students of Wheaton High, offering additional assistance to first-generation college students and underrepresented minorities, as well as offering courses to complement a new high-tech curriculum to be offered at Wheaton beginning this fall.

    Lorie Logan-Bennett, Career Development Center, in the Business Monthly
    Lorie Logan-Bennett, interim associate director of the Career Development Center, wrote an article about job prospects for 2004 college graduates for the July edition of the Business Monthly.

    Thomas Blass, Psychology, in the San Francisco Chronicle
    On July 4, San Francisco Chronicle reviewed The Man Who Shocked the World: The Life and Legacy of Stanley Milgram (Basic Books, 2004) written by Professor of Psychology Thomas Blass.

    Posted by dwinds1

    July 8, 2004

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    Posted by dwinds1

    July 7, 2004

    Lana Khvalina '04 is First UMBC Student-athlete to Receive NCAA Postgraduate Scholarship

    UMBC tennis standout Lana Khvalina '04 has become the first student-athlete in school history to receive a scholarship from the NCAA Postgraduate Scholarship Committee. Khvalina, who will utilize the $7,500 award to attend law school at the College of William & Mary this fall, is one of 174 NCAA student-athletes to receive the scholarship in the 2003-04 academic year.

    A month ago, the Rochester, New York native Khvalina became the first student-athlete in school history to earn First Team Academic All American honors in back-to-back years. Another tennis player, Oscar Lopez, earned First Team honors in 1998-99 and Second Team honors in 1999-2000.

    Khvalina earned her undergraduate degree in three years with a 4.0 GPA in political science and was the University's salutatorian this spring. On the tennis court, she finished her singles career with a record of 62-20 and reached the "B" flight singles final the the Old Point National Bank ITA Invitational last fall. A state finalist for a Rhodes Scholarship, the two-time All Conference honoree competed on two squads which went to the NCAA Championships (2002, 2003).

    She also recently earned a 2004 post-graduate scholarship from the Maryland Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics.

    Khvalina is just one of many outstanding student-athletes at UMBC. The Retrievers broke four school records in the classroom for the spring 2004 semester.

    Posted by dwinds1

    July 2, 2004

    UMBC Athletics Grieves for Passing of Tom Rider, Former Coach, Administrator and Teacher

    Tom Rider, 63, a former UMBC Head Coach of several sports and an administrator, passed away after a lengthy illness on Sunday, June 27. Rider, who coached UMBC's first baseball and soccer teams, was associated with UMBC Athletics, Physical Education, and Recreation since the early days of the university until 2003.

    To read the full tribute to Tom, please visit the UMBC Athletics web site at:http://www.umbcretrievers.com/sports/news/release.asp?RELEASE_ID=1454.

    Posted by dwinds1

    In the News: 7/2/2004

    UMBC in Maryland Family Magazine

    UMBC is featured in the July edition of Patuxent Publishing's Maryland Family magazine.

    Rebecca Boehling, History, on WAMU 88.5 FM

    Rebecca Boehling, associate professor and graduate program director in the department of history, was a guest on the Monday, June 28 broadcast of Washington, DC, National Public Radio affiliate WAMU 88.1 FM's "Kojo Nnamdi Show." Boehling spoke about lessons learned from the Post-World-War-II American occupation of Germany and comparisons with the current occupation of Iraq.

    Donald Norris, MIPAR and Public Policy, In the News

    Donald Norris, professor of public policy and director of MIPAR, was quoted in June 27 article in the Baltimore Sun discussing the political impact of tax increases in Baltimore City.

    Norris was also quoted in The Sun on June 28 in an article about John Kerry's recent campaign visit to Baltimore.

    The Washington Post quoted Norris in a story that appeared on June 27 about the Ehrlich administration's new public relations efforts.

    Posted by dwinds1

    July 1, 2004

    Kudos: 7/2/2004

    UMBC to be Represented in Maryland Arts Festival Production

    UMBC connections run high in the upcoming production of Cabaret, which is headlining the Maryland Arts Festival in the Stephens Hall Theatre on the campus of Towson University.

    Michael Stebbins (UMBC student 1986-89, adjunct faculty from 1995-1997 in UMBC's theatre and music departments and actor for several seasons with the UMBC-based Maryland Stage Company) is appearing as the Emcee.

    The set for Cabaret was built in the theatre shop at UMBC, as much of TowsonUniversity's arts departments are under construction. Greg Schraven, technical director of UMBC's Theatre, is overseeing the construction of the set. Gary Hiel, a UMBC student majoring in ancient studies is directing the production.

    Show dates/times are:

    Friday, July 9 and Saturday, July 10 @ 8 pm
    Friday, July 16 and Saturday, July 17 @ 8 pm
    Sunday, July 18 @ 2 pm
    Thursday - Saturday, July 22 - 24 @ 8 pm

    For ticket info call 410-704-2787 or log on to www.new.towson.edu/maf.

    Posted by dwinds1

    UMBC Community Mourns the Loss of Graduate Student Jessica Soto Perez

    The UMBC administration, faculty and staff are grieving for the tragic loss of student Jessica Soto Perez. Ms. Perez, an outstanding, 26-year-old Ph.D. student in the department of chemical & biochemical engineering, was the victim of a fatal shooting on the edge of the UMBC campus early in the evening on Tuesday, June 29.

    The Baltimore County Police department has determined that the tragedy was an isolated domestic incident. There is no threat to the campus or campus community as a whole.

    Ms. Perez earned her B.S. in Chemical Engineering from the University of Puerto Rico in Mayaguez prior to coming to UMBC. An active and engaged member of the UMBC community, Ms. Perez was a graduate teaching assistant in the department of Chemical & Biochemical Engineering and served as a peer mentor and counselor to other graduate and undergraduate students. She also served as a senator in the graduate student association.

    "Our Jessica was dear to all of us and this will be hard to deal with," said Govind Rao, chair of chemical and biochemical engineering. "While every such tragedy is senseless, hers seems particularly more so, given her absolutely positive and life-embracing spirit. While this is hard for us, it is even more important to keep her family in our thoughts and prayers, as it must be far worse for them."

    Perez was one of the first peer mentors for PROMISE, an alliance of the three public research universities in Maryland, led by UMBC and funded by the National Science Foundation (NSF.) PROMISE is dedicated to increasing the number and diversity of Ph.D. graduates in the sciences and engineering who go on to academic careers.

    According to a tribute to Perez on the PROMISE website, "Jessica was a light to all who knew her. She always had a smile, a word of encouragement, a wink, or a laugh. She shared her passion for life. She loved her family and her friends. She loved PROMISE, her lab, the people in the TRC building, her department (Chemical and BioChemical Engineering), and her schools (UMBC and the University of Puerto Rico Mayaguez). We will miss her!"

    University Counseling Services (410-455-2473 or ext. 5-2474) has trained counselors available to lend support to students, faculty and staff who knew Ms. Perez or who are otherwise affected by this incident. University Counseling Services hours are Monday Friday, from 8:30 a.m. 5:00 p.m. No appointments are needed.

    Funeral and/or memorial arrangements will be announced to the campus community as soon as the information becomes available.

    Posted by dwinds1

    In the News: 7/2/2004

    UMBC in Maryland Family Magazine

    UMBC is featured in the July edition of Patuxent Publishing's Maryland Family magazine.

    Donald Norris, MIPAR and Public Policy, In the News

    Donald Norris, professor of public policy and director of MIPAR, was quoted in June 27 article in the Baltimore Sun discussing the political impact of tax increases in Baltimore City.

    Norris was also quoted in The Sun on June 28 in an article about John Kerry's recent campaign visit to Baltimore.

    The Washington Post quoted Norris in a story that appeared on June 27 about the Ehrlich administration's new public relations efforts.

    Posted by dwinds1

    UMBC Community Mourns the Loss of Graduate Student Jessica Soto Perez

    The UMBC administration, faculty and staff are grieving for the tragic loss of student Jessica Soto Perez. Ms. Perez, an outstanding, 26-year-old Ph.D. student in the department of chemical & biochemical engineering, was the victim of a fatal shooting on the outer edge of the UMBC campus early in the evening on Tuesday, June 29.

    The Baltimore County Police department has determined that the tragedy was an isolated domestic incident. There is no threat to the campus or campus community as a whole.

    Ms. Perez earned her B.S. in Chemical Engineering from the University of Puerto Rico in Mayaguez prior to coming to UMBC. An active and engaged member of the UMBC community, Ms. Perez was a graduate teaching assistant in the department of Chemical & Biochemical Engineering and served as a peer mentor and counselor to other graduate and undergraduate students. She also served as a senator in the graduate student association.

    "Our Jessica was dear to all of us and this will be hard to deal with," said Govind Rao, chair of chemical and biochemical engineering. "While every such tragedy is senseless, hers seems particularly more so, given her absolutely positive and life-embracing spirit. While this is hard for us, it is even more important to keep her family in our thoughts and prayers, as it must be far worse for them."

    Perez was one of the first peer mentors for PROMISE, an alliance of the three public research universities in Maryland, led by UMBC and funded by the National Science Foundation (NSF.) PROMISE is dedicated to increasing the number and diversity of Ph.D. graduates in the sciences and engineering who go on to academic careers.

    According to a tribute to Perez on the PROMISE website, "Jessica was a light to all who knew her. She always had a smile, a word of encouragement, a wink, or a laugh. She shared her passion for life. She loved her family and her friends. She loved PROMISE, her lab, the people in the TRC building, her department (Chemical and BioChemical Engineering), and her schools (UMBC and the University of Puerto Rico Mayaguez). We will miss her!"

    University Counseling Services (410-455-2473 or ext. 5-2474) has trained counselors available to lend support to students, faculty and staff who knew Ms. Perez or who are otherwise affected by this incident. University Counseling Services hours are Monday Friday, from 8:30 a.m. 5:00 p.m. No appointments are needed.

    Funeral and/or memorial arrangements will be announced to the campus community as soon as the information becomes available.

    Posted by dwinds1

    June 25, 2004

    In the News, 6/25/04

    Thomas Blass, Psychology, in American Scientist

    The July-August 2004 issue of American Scientist contained a review of professor of psychology Thomas Blass's "The Man Who Shocked the World: The Life and Legacy of Stanley Milgram" (Basic Books, 2004).Lou Cantori, Political Science, on WYPR

    Lou Cantori, professor of political science, was a guest on 88.1 WYPR's "Marc Steiner Show" on June 21 as part of a panel discussion about the current situation in Iraq.

    Posted by dwinds1

    Kudos 6/25/2004

    UMBC Student-Athletes Break School Academic Records in Spring 2004

    UMBC's student-athletes broke four school records in the classroom for the Spring 2004 semester.208 of UMBC's 393 student-athletes earned 3.00 grade-point averages or higher, for a record of 52.9 percent of student-athletes with 3.00 or higher GPAs for the Spring 2004 semester.

    The combined athletic team grade-point average was 2.92.

    The combined overall team (to include the support teams of student trainers, pep band, dance team, and tumbling team) grade point average was 2.94.

    A record 12 athletic and support teams, Volleyball, Men's Tennis, Field Hockey, Women's Swimming & Diving, Pep Band, Tumbling Team, Women's Basketball, Women's Soccer, Women's Lacrosse, Women's Tennis, Student-Trainers, and Women's Track & Field, earned 3.00 or higher semester grade-point averages.

    Moreover, 91 student-athletes (23.1 percent) earned semester honors (3.50 GPA or higher) and 23 Retrievers produced perfect 4.00 semesters.

    Judit Pap, GEST Center, Publishes New Book

    Judit Pap, senior research scientist with the Goddard Earth Sciences and Technology Center, is the lead editor of a new monograph published by the American Geophysical Union entitled "Solar Variability and Its Effects on Climate."

    An interview with Pap on the subject of solar variability and climate change is forthcoming in the journal EOS, Transactions of the American Geophysical Union.

    Posted by dwinds1

    Kudos 6/25/04

    UMBC Student-Athletes Break School Academic Records in Spring 2004

    UMBC's student-athletes broke four school records in the classroom for the Spring 2004 semester.208 of UMBC's 393 student-athletes earned 3.00 grade-point averages or higher, for a record of 52.9 percent of student-athletes with 3.00 or higher GPAs for the Spring 2004 semester.

    The combined athletic team grade-point average was 2.92.

    The combined overall team (to include the support teams of student trainers, pep band, dance team, and tumbling team) grade point average was 2.94.

    A record 12 athletic and support teams, Volleyball, Men's Tennis, Field Hockey, Women's Swimming & Diving, Pep Band, Tumbling Team, Women's Basketball, Women's Soccer, Women's Lacrosse, Women's Tennis, Student-Trainers, and Women's Track & Field, earned 3.00 or higher semester grade-point averages.

    Moreover, 91 student-athletes (23.1 percent) earned semester honors (3.50 GPA or higher) and 23 Retrievers produced perfect 4.00 semesters.

    Judit Pap, GEST Center, Publishes New Book

    Judit Pap, senior research scientist with the Goddard Earth Sciences and Technology Center, is the lead editor of a new monograph published by the American Geophysical Union entitled "Solar Variability and Its Effects on Climate."

    An interview with Pap on the subject of solar variability and climate change is forthcoming in the journal EOS, Transactions of the American Geophysical Union.

    Posted by dwinds1

    In the News 6/25/2004

    Thomas Blass, Psychology, in American Scientist

    The July-August 2004 issue of American Scientist contained a review of professor of psychology Thomas Blass's "The Man Who Shocked the World: The Life and Legacy of Stanley Milgram" (Basic Books, 2004).

    Lou Cantori, Political Science, on WYPR

    Lou Cantori, professor of political science, was a guest on 88.1 WYPR's "Marc Steiner Show" on June 21 as part of a panel discussion about the current situation in Iraq.

    Posted by dwinds1

    June 18, 2004

    Kudos, 6/18/04

    UMBC's BD Metrics Takes State's Top Honor for New Incubator Firms
    BD Metrics Inc., a technology startup located at UMBC, was named the Best New Incubator Company at Maryland Business Incubation Association's fourth annual awards, the statewide group announced Thursday. The awards, presented at the Center Club in Baltimore City, recognized the achievements of six current and graduate companies based on each company's goals and success in achieving its objectives.

    Suzanne Ostrand-Rosenberg, Biological Sciences, Elected to Johns Hopkins University Society of Scholars
    Suzanne Ostrand-Rosenberg, professor of biological sciences, has been elected to The Johns Hopkins University Society of Scholars. Ostrand-Rosenberg, a former postdoctorial fellow at Hopkins, and 14 other scientists and clinicians were honored during the society's 35th induction ceremony on May 19 and again at the university's commencement ceremony the following day.

    The Society of Scholars was created on the recommendation of former Hopkins president Milton S. Eisenhower and approved by the university board of trustees on May 1, 1967. The society--the first of its kind in the nation--inducts former postdoctoral fellows and junior or visiting faculty at Johns Hopkins who have gained marked distinction in their fields of physical, biological, medical, social, or engineering sciences or in the humanities. The Committee of the Johns Hopkins Society of Scholars elects the scholars from among nominations made by Johns Hopkins faculty members. The society now has 460 members.

    Posted by dwinds1

    Kudos, 6/18/04

    UMBC's BD Metrics Takes State's Top Honor for New Incubator Firms
    BD Metrics Inc., a technology startup located at UMBC, was named the Best New Incubator Company at Maryland Business Incubation Association's fourth annual awards, the statewide group announced Thursday. The awards, presented at the Center Club in Baltimore City, recognized the achievements of six current and graduate companies based on each company's goals and success in achieving its objectives.

    Suzanne Ostrand-Rosenberg, Biological Sciences, Elected to Johns Hopkins University Society of Scholars
    Suzanne Ostrand-Rosenberg, professor of biological sciences, has been elected to The Johns Hopkins University Society of Scholars. Ostrand-Rosenberg, a former postdoctorial fellow at Hopkins, and 14 other scientists and clinicians were honored during the society's 35th induction ceremony on May 19 and again at the university's commencement ceremony the following day.

    The Society of Scholars was created on the recommendation of former Hopkins president Milton S. Eisenhower and approved by the university board of trustees on May 1, 1967. The society--the first of its kind in the nation--inducts former postdoctoral fellows and junior or visiting faculty at Johns Hopkins who have gained marked distinction in their fields of physical, biological, medical, social, or engineering sciences or in the humanities. The Committee of the Johns Hopkins Society of Scholars elects the scholars from among nominations made by Johns Hopkins faculty members. The society now has 460 members.

    Posted by dwinds1

    June 17, 2004

    2004 Legislative Session Ends with Modest Budget Increases for the University System

    While the 2004 legislative session featured much debate about the relationship between State funding and access to high quality public education, a modest increase in State funds has been approved for the University System of Maryland for FY 2005. Governor Ehrlich also announced that his administration is using its best efforts to provide additional operating and capital support to USM in FY 2006.

    While the 2004 legislative session featured much debate about the relationship between State funding and access to high quality public education, a modest increase in State funds has been approved for the University System of Maryland for FY 2005. Governor Ehrlich also announced that his administration is using its best efforts to provide additional operating and capital support to USM in FY 2006.

    Session outcomes

    The Governor included funds in the State operating budget for a $752 flat-rate COLA for employees, while the General Assembly approved a 2.5 percent merit raise, which each State agency must "self-fund." (Click here to read details in President Hrabowski's recent budget update).

    One of the most high profile bills during the session, The Higher Education Affordability and Access Act (SB770/HB1188), was vetoed by the Governor. The bill would have limited tuition increases for resident undergraduates to 5 percent, and required the Governor to include an increase in funding for higher education in his annual budgets.

    Despite the bill's veto and the State's continuing budget deficit, the 2004 session ended with Governor Ehrlich, legislators and USM committing to work together to provide students affordable access to a quality education, and to meet the demands that come with a projected increase in statewide college enrollments.

    Voices for UMBC heard throughout session

    The UMBC community was a significant voice in Annapolis during the Session, demonstrating a commitment to excellence in public education. Letters and calls to representatives and local papers, as well as testimony before special legislative committees, were just a few of the ways that UMBC students, faculty, staff, alumni and friends demonstrated their commitment to the University and its students.

    The UMBC Legislative Reception hosted by the Alumni Association in February was a tremendous success. In spite of very late bill hearing schedules and multiple events on the calendar, attendance by legislators and State agency representatives was excellent. Students, faculty and staff spoke with elected officials on the importance of higher education in Maryland and the need for continued support of UMBC. UMBC advocacy groups, including the President's Advisory Council, Board of Visitors and Alumni Board and Association members, provided an equally important perspective on the importance to business of maintaining quality higher education for Marylanders.

    UMBC students were particularly active in Annapolis during the Session. Several students worked hard to energize the campus student community on significant issues, including tuition concerns. They created a strong campus advocacy group, SPIN@UMBC, whose members identified, contacted and visited with legislative leaders working on higher education issues. They attended budget proceedings and bill hearings and testified before Senate and House Committees. "The University was well represented by these student activists who got their message across while earning the respect of elected officials throughout the legislature," says Joan Kennedy Cody, UMBC's director of community and government relations.

    Strengthening USM and the State of Maryland

    Other important bills that will strengthen the University System and the Maryland workforce were passed during the 2004 session. The General Assembly passed legislation -- which Governor Ehrlich signed into law -- that assures the autonomy of the University System and its institutions and reduces the steps involved in working with the Department of Budget and Management and other State agencies.

    The legislation specifically states that the authority of the USM Board of Regents may not be superseded by any other State agency or office in managing the affairs of the USM or of any constituent institutions. The USM will retain independence in areas of governance including position control, development of policies, guidelines and plans, but will submit an annual report to the Department of Budget and Management, Department of Legislative Services and the Maryland Higher Education Commission.

    "This legislation is particularly important during challenging budgetary times," explains Cody. "With the USM retaining autonomy and independence, the institutions can work better and more creatively with what we are given."

    Lawmakers also adopted legislation which changes the procedures governing the approval of new programs offered at USM institutions. "The process for program development between USM and the Maryland Higher Education Commission will be more streamlined, so we can continue to create and offer programs that will prepare graduates to work in areas of greatest demand in the state," says Cody.

    UMBC's Center for Women and Information Technology (CWIT), led by Director Claudia Morrell, was instrumental in the creation and successful passage of a bill establishing the Task Force on the Status of Women and Information Technology to address women's under-representation in information technology. Morrell and CWIT worked closely with bill sponsors to establish the purpose, membership and staffing necessary to prepare a comprehensive report to the Maryland General Assembly.

    The Task Force will present an annual report on its findings and recommendations to the Governor and the General Assembly on or before October 1 of each year, beginning on October 1, 2004, for a five-year period.

    What's Next?

    Although the 2004 session is over, it is important that the UMBC community continue its commitment to advocacy. "It is clear that our students and their families appreciate the first-rate education available at UMBC and that they want it to remain affordable," notes Cody. "We appreciate the UMBC community's support during the 2004 legislative session, and our voices on these issues must continue to be heard." Be sure to bookmark the Voices for UMBC advocacy site and sign up for e-mail updates and action alerts on how to be a voice for quality public higher education in Maryland.

    Posted by dwinds1

    In the News, 6/18/04

    Diane Crump-Fogle, Career Development Center, in the Towson Times
    Diane Crump-Fogle, interim director of the Career Development Center, was quoted in the Towson Times on June 16 in an article about the job market for this year's college graduates.

    Thomas Blass, Psychology, on WYPR
    Thomas Blass, professor of psychology, appeared on WYPR 88.1 FM's "Marc Steiner Show" on June 17. Blass discussed his new biography of controversial psychologist Stanley Milgram, The Man Who Shocked the World, and how Milgram's famous experiments on obedience to authority are still relevant today.

    Dennis Coates, Economics, on Maryland Public Television
    Dennis Coates, professor of economics and an expert on the economics of sports, appeared on MPT's "Business Connection" to discuss what economic impact a proposed Major League Baseball team in Washington, D.C., would have on the Baltimore Orioles and the greater Baltimore economy.

    Kriste Lindenmeyer, History, on WYPR
    Associate professor of history Kriste Lindenmeyer was a guest on WYPR 88.1 FM's "Marc Steiner Show" on June 7 as part of a panel discussing the "greatest generation."

    Posted by dwinds1

    Kudos, 6/18/04

    Suzanne Ostrand-Rosenberg, Biological Sciences, Elected to Johns Hopkins University Society of Scholars
    Suzanne Ostrand-Rosenberg, professor of biological sciences, has been elected to The Johns Hopkins University Society of Scholars. Ostrand-Rosenberg, a former postdoctorial fellow at Hopkins, and 14 other scientists and clinicians were honored during the society's 35th induction ceremony on May 19 and again at the university's commencement ceremony the following day.

    The Society of Scholars was created on the recommendation of former Hopkins president Milton S. Eisenhower and approved by the university board of trustees on May 1, 1967. The society--the first of its kind in the nation--inducts former postdoctoral fellows and junior or visiting faculty at Johns Hopkins who have gained marked distinction in their fields of physical, biological, medical, social, or engineering sciences or in the humanities. The Committee of the Johns Hopkins Society of Scholars elects the scholars from among nominations made by Johns Hopkins faculty members. The society now has 460 members.

    Posted by dwinds1

    June 11, 2004

    In the News, 6/11/04

    Lou Cantori, Political Science, on Iranian TV
    Lou Cantori, professor of political science, appeared on Iranian television station Alalam TV on June 8. Cantori was interviewed by phone on the impact that the recent resignation of George Tenet will have on the CIA.

    President Hrabowski in the Kalamazoo Gazette
    On June 4, the Kalamazoo Gazette covered a speech President Hrabowski gave before the Kalamazoo Community Foundation. In his speech, President Hrabowski discussed the need to create higher academic expectations for American students, especially those from disadvantaged backgrounds.

    Alumnus Brian Dannelly in the News
    UMBC alum and filmmaker Brian Dannelly appeared on National Public Radio's Fresh Air on June 7 to discuss his new film, Saved!

    Dannelly was also featured in the June 9 City Paper and the June 10 Washington Post.

    Mark Croatti, Political Science, in the Business Monthly
    Mark Croatti, adjunct professor of political science, was quoted on the political and economic impact of redeveloping historic Ellicott City's riverfront in a story about the economic development of the town that appeared in the June 2004 issue of the Business Monthly.

    Posted by dwinds1

    Kudos, 6/11/04

    Ellen Handler Spitz, Honors College, Awarded Fellowship
    Ellen Handler Spitz, Honors College professor of visual arts, was awarded one of six Clark Fellowships at the Sterling and Francine Clark Art Institute for this summer of 2004 in Williamstown, Massachusetts. This is a coveted fellowship for art historians from all over the world, and it enables them to write scholarly works in a peaceful and collegial setting.

    UMBC Students Among Regents Scholars Award Winners
    Three UMBC students have been awarded Regents Scholars Awards by the University System of Maryland. Danielle Allor has been named the Loughran Regents Scholar; Gregory Johnson has been named the Burgee Regents Scholar; and Michael Patoka has been named the Kelly Regents Scholar. These awards cover costs for in-state tuition and fees, room and board costs, and include a $500/semester stipend for books and educational costs.

    Two UMBC Students Named Goldwater Scholars
    Two UMBC students have been named Goldwater Scholars. Kenny Gibbs is a Meyerhoff Scholar with a 4.0 in biochemistry and molecular biology, and Aliya Frederick is a Meyerhoff Scholar with a 3.82 GPA in biochemistry and molecular biology. Nationally, there were a total of 310 scholarships awarded from a field of 1,113 nominees. Four UMBC students were nominated to this program.

    Claire Welty, CUERE, Named to National Research Council
    Claire Welty, director of the Center for Urban Environmental Research and Education (CUERE) and professor of civil and environmental engineering, has been appointed to the National Research Council's Water Science and Technology Board, effective July 1, 2004, for a term of three years. The Water Science and Technology Board provides a focal point for studies related to water resources under the aegis of the National Academy of Sciences and the National Academy of Engineering. The board's objective is to improve the scientific and technological basis for resolving important questions and issues associated with the efficient management and use of water resources. The scope of the board's work covers all dimensions of water resources, including science, engineering, economics, policy, educational issues and social aspects.

    Kathy O'Dell, Associate Dean of Arts and Sciences, Participating in Panel at Guggenheim
    Associate Dean of Arts and Sciences Kathy O'Dell will be participating in a panel discussion, "The Tactile Photograph," at the Guggenheim Museum in New York City on June 29. The panel addresses the ways in which tactility is evoked in photographs, whether through the representation of form or as an integral part of the creative process. The panel is being held in conjunction with the exhibition "Speaking With Hands: Photographs from the Buhl Collection," on display now through September 8.

    Khvalina, Canepa Named Academic All Americans
    UMBC tennis standout Lana Khvalina (Rochester, N.Y./Brighton) has been named to the 2003-04 CoSIDA Academic All America University Division Women's At-Large First Team.

    Senior swimmer Carlos Canepa earned Second Team All District II honors. The teams are selected by the College Sports Information Directors of America.

    Khvalina becomes the first student-athlete in school history to earn First Team Academic All American honors in back-to-back years. Another tennis player, Oscar Lopez, earned First Team honors in 1998-99 and Second Team honors in 1999-2000.

    Khvalina, who carries a 4.0 GPA in political science, earned her undergraduate degree in three years, and will attend William & Mary law school this fall. She finished her singles career with a record of 62-20 and reached the B flight singles final the the Old Point National Bank ITA Invitational last fall. A state finalist for a Rhodes Scholarship, the two-time All Conference honoree competed on two squads which went to the NCAA Championships (2002, 2003).

    She also recently earned a 2004 post-graduate scholarship from the Maryland Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics.

    Khvalina also recently earned a 2004 post-graduate scholarship from the Maryland Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics.

    Canepa spearheaded the men's swimming team's 12-1 record and helped UMBC capture the University's first America East Conference title this past winter. He won both the 500 and 1650 freestyle events and is currently training to compete for the Peruvian Olympic team. Canepa carries a 3.50 GPA in information systems.

    Posted by dwinds1

    June 10, 2004

    Kudos, 6/11/04

    Ellen Handler Spitz, Honors College, Awarded Fellowship
    Ellen Handler Spitz, Honors College professor of visual arts, was awarded one of six Clark Fellowships at the Sterling and Francine Clark Art Institute for this summer of 2004 in Williamstown, Massachusetts. This is a coveted fellowship for art historians from all over the world, and it enables them to write scholarly works in a peaceful and collegial setting.

    UMBC Students Among Regents Scholars Award Winners
    Three UMBC students have been awarded Regents Scholars Awards by the University System of Maryland. Danielle Allor has been named the Loughran Regents Scholar; Gregory Johnson has been named the Burgee Regents Scholar; and Michael Patoka has been named the Kelly Regents Scholar. These awards cover costs for in-state tuition and fees, room and board costs, and include a $500/semester stipend for books and educational costs.

    Two UMBC Students Named Goldwater Scholars
    Two UMBC students have been named Goldwater Scholars. Kenny Gibbs is a Meyerhoff Scholar with a 4.0 in biochemistry and molecular biology, and Aliya Frederick is a Meyerhoff Scholar with a 3.82 GPA in biochemistry and molecular biology. Nationally, there were a total of 310 scholarships awarded from a field of 1,113 nominees. Four UMBC students were nominated to this program.

    Claire Welty, CUERE, Named to Water Science and Technology Board
    Claire Welty, Director of CUERE and Professor of Civil and Environmental Engineering, has been appointed to the National Research Council's Water Science and Technology Board, effective July 1, 2004, for a term of three years. The Water Science and Technology Board provides a focal point for studies related to water resources under the aegis of the National Academy of Sciences and the National Academy of Engineering. The board's objective is to improve the scientific and technological basis for resolving important questions and issues associated with the efficient management and use of water resources. The scope of the board's work covers all dimensions of water resources, including science, engineering, economics, policy, educational issues and social aspects.

    Kathy O'Dell, Arts & Sciences, Participating in Panel at Guggenheim
    Associate Dean of Arts and Sciences Kathy O'Dell will be participating in a panel discussion, "The Tactile Photograph," at the Guggenheim Museum in New York City on June 29. The panel addresses the ways in which tactility is evoked in photographs, whether through the representation of form or as an integral part of the creative process. The panel is being held in conjunction with the exhibition "Speaking With Hands: Photographs from the Buhl Collection," on display now through September 8.

    Khvalina, Canepa Named Academic All Americans
    Junior tennis standout Lana Khvalina was named to the District II First Team Women's At-Large Verizon Academic All America team.

    Senior swimmer Carlos Canepa earned Second Team All District II honors. The teams are selected by the College Sports Information Directors of America.

    Khvalina is seeking to become UMBC's first two-time First Team Academic All American. She was the lone sophomore in the nation to earn First Team honors in the Women's At-Large category last spring. Khvalina, who carries a 4.0 GPA in political science, earned her undergraduate degree in three years, and will attend William & Mary law school this fall. She finished her singles career with a record of 62-20 and reached the "B" flight singles final at the Old Point National Bank ITA Invitational last fall. A state finalist for a Rhodes Scholarship, the two-time All Conference honoree competed on two squads which went to the NCAA Championships (2002, 2003).

    Khvalina also recently earned a 2004 post-graduate scholarship from the Maryland Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics.

    Canepa spearheaded the men's swimming team's 12-1 record and helped UMBC capture the University's first America East Conference title this past winter. He won both the 500 and 1650 freestyle events and is currently training to compete for the Peruvian Olympic team. Canepa carries a 3.50 GPA in information systems.

    Posted by dwinds1

    In the News, 6/11/04

    Lou Cantori, Political Science, on Iranian TV
    Lou Cantori, professor of political science, appeared on Iranian television station Alalam TV on June 8. Cantori was interviewed by phone on the impact that the recent resignation of George Tenet will have on the CIA.

    President Hrabowski in the Kalamazoo Gazette
    On June 4, the Kalamazoo Gazette covered a speech President Hrabowski gave before the Kalamazoo Community Foundation. In his speech, President Hrabowski discussed the need to create higher academic expectations for American students, especially those from disadvantaged backgrounds.

    Alumnus Brian Dannelly in the News
    UMBC alum and filmmaker Brian Dannelly appeared on National Public Radio's Fresh Air on June 7 to discuss his new film, Saved!

    Dannelly also discussed Saved! in an article that appeared in the Baltimore City Paper on June 9.

    Mark Croatti, Political Science, in the Business Monthly
    Mark Croatti, adjunct professor of political science, was quoted on the political and economic impact of redeveloping historic Ellicott City's riverfront in a story about the economic development of the town that appeared in the June 2004 issue of the Business Monthly.

    Posted by dwinds1

    Kudos, 6/11/04

    Ellen Handler Spitz, Honors College, Awarded Fellowship
    Ellen Handler Spitz, Honors College professor of visual arts, was awarded one of six Clark Fellowships at the Sterling and Francine Clark Art Institute for this summer of 2004 in Williamstown, Massachusetts. This is a coveted fellowship for art historians from all over the world, and it enables them to write scholarly works in a peaceful and collegial setting.

    UMBC Students Among Regents Scholars Award Winners
    Three UMBC students have been awarded Regents Scholars Awards by the University System of Maryland. Danielle Allor has been named the Loughran Regents Scholar; Gregory Johnson has been named the Burgee Regents Scholar; and Michael Patoka has been named the Kelly Regents Scholar. These awards cover costs for in-state tuition and fees, room and board costs, and include a $500/semester stipend for books and educational costs.

    Two UMBC Students Named Goldwater Scholars
    Two UMBC students have been named Goldwater Scholars. Kenny Gibbs is a Meyerhoff Scholar with a 4.0 in biochemistry and molecular biology, and Aliya Frederick is a Meyerhoff Scholar with a 3.82 GPA in biochemistry and molecular biology. Nationally, there were a total of 310 scholarships awarded from a field of 1,113 nominees. Four UMBC students were nominated to this program.

    Claire Welty, CUERE, Named to Water Science and Technology Board
    Claire Welty, director of the Center for Urban Environmental Research and Education (CUERE) and professor of civil and environmental engineering, has been appointed to the National Research Council's Water Science and Technology Board, effective July 1, 2004, for a term of three years. The Water Science and Technology Board provides a focal point for studies related to water resources under the aegis of the National Academy of Sciences and the National Academy of Engineering. The board's objective is to improve the scientific and technological basis for resolving important questions and issues associated with the efficient management and use of water resources. The scope of the board's work covers all dimensions of water resources, including science, engineering, economics, policy, educational issues and social aspects.

    Kathy O'Dell, Associate Dean of Arts and Sciences, Participating in Panel at Guggenheim
    Associate Dean of Arts and Sciences Kathy O'Dell will be participating in a panel discussion, "The Tactile Photograph," at the Guggenheim Museum in New York City on June 29. The panel addresses the ways in which tactility is evoked in photographs, whether through the representation of form or as an integral part of the creative process. The panel is being held in conjunction with the exhibition "Speaking With Hands: Photographs from the Buhl Collection," on display now through September 8.

    Khvalina, Canepa Named Academic All Americans
    Junior tennis standout Lana Khvalina was named to the District II First Team Women's At-Large Verizon Academic All America team.

    Senior swimmer Carlos Canepa earned Second Team All District II honors. The teams are selected by the College Sports Information Directors of America.

    Khvalina is seeking to become UMBC's first two-time First Team Academic All American. She was the lone sophomore in the nation to earn First Team honors in the Women's At-Large category last spring. Khvalina, who carries a 4.0 GPA in political science, earned her undergraduate degree in three years, and will attend William & Mary law school this fall. She finished her singles career with a record of 62-20 and reached the "B" flight singles final at the Old Point National Bank ITA Invitational last fall. A state finalist for a Rhodes Scholarship, the two-time All Conference honoree competed on two squads which went to the NCAA Championships (2002, 2003).

    Khvalina also recently earned a 2004 post-graduate scholarship from the Maryland Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics.

    Canepa spearheaded the men's swimming team's 12-1 record and helped UMBC capture the University's first America East Conference title this past winter. He won both the 500 and 1650 freestyle events and is currently training to compete for the Peruvian Olympic team. Canepa carries a 3.50 GPA in information systems.

    Posted by dwinds1

    Kudos, 6/11/04

    Ellen Handler Spitz, Honors College, Awarded Fellowship
    Ellen Handler Spitz, Honors College professor of visual arts, was awarded one of six Clark Fellowships at the Sterling and Francine Clark Art Institute for this summer of 2004 in Williamstown, Massachusetts. This is a coveted fellowship for art historians from all over the world, and it enables them to write scholarly works in a peaceful and collegial setting.

    UMBC Students Among Regents Scholars Award Winners
    Three UMBC students have been awarded Regents Scholars Awards by the University System of Maryland. Danielle Allor has been named the Loughran Regents Scholar; Gregory Johnson has been named the Burgee Regents Scholar; and Michael Patoka has been named the Kelly Regents Scholar. These awards cover costs for in-state tuition and fees, room and board costs, and include a $500/semester stipend for books and educational costs.

    Two UMBC Students Named Goldwater Scholars
    Two UMBC students have been named Goldwater Scholars. Kenny Gibbs is a Meyerhoff Scholar with a 4.0 in biochemistry and molecular biology, and Aliya Frederick is a Meyerhoff Scholar with a 3.82 GPA in biochemistry and molecular biology. Nationally, there were a total of 310 scholarships awarded from a field of 1,113 nominees. Four UMBC students were nominated to this program.

    Claire Welty, CUERE, Named to Water Science and Technology Board
    Claire Welty, director of the Center for Urban Environmental Research and Education (CUERE) and professor of civil and environmental engineering, has been appointed to the National Research Council's Water Science and Technology Board, effective July 1, 2004, for a term of three years. The Water Science and Technology Board provides a focal point for studies related to water resources under the aegis of the National Academy of Sciences and the National Academy of Engineering. The board's objective is to improve the scientific and technological basis for resolving important questions and issues associated with the efficient management and use of water resources. The scope of the board's work covers all dimensions of water resources, including science, engineering, economics, policy, educational issues and social aspects.

    Kathy O'Dell, Arts & Sciences, Participating in Panel at Guggenheim
    Associate Dean of Arts and Sciences Kathy O'Dell will be participating in a panel discussion, "The Tactile Photograph," at the Guggenheim Museum in New York City on June 29. The panel addresses the ways in which tactility is evoked in photographs, whether through the representation of form or as an integral part of the creative process. The panel is being held in conjunction with the exhibition "Speaking With Hands: Photographs from the Buhl Collection," on display now through September 8.

    Khvalina, Canepa Named Academic All Americans
    Junior tennis standout Lana Khvalina was named to the District II First Team Women's At-Large Verizon Academic All America team.

    Senior swimmer Carlos Canepa earned Second Team All District II honors. The teams are selected by the College Sports Information Directors of America.

    Khvalina is seeking to become UMBC's first two-time First Team Academic All American. She was the lone sophomore in the nation to earn First Team honors in the Women's At-Large category last spring. Khvalina, who carries a 4.0 GPA in political science, earned her undergraduate degree in three years, and will attend William & Mary law school this fall. She finished her singles career with a record of 62-20 and reached the "B" flight singles final at the Old Point National Bank ITA Invitational last fall. A state finalist for a Rhodes Scholarship, the two-time All Conference honoree competed on two squads which went to the NCAA Championships (2002, 2003).

    Khvalina also recently earned a 2004 post-graduate scholarship from the Maryland Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics.

    Canepa spearheaded the men's swimming team's 12-1 record and helped UMBC capture the University's first America East Conference title this past winter. He won both the 500 and 1650 freestyle events and is currently training to compete for the Peruvian Olympic team. Canepa carries a 3.50 GPA in information systems.

    Posted by dwinds1

    June 3, 2004

    In the News, 6/4/04

    Tom Schaller, Political Science, In the News
    Assistant professor of political science Tom Schaller appeared on May 29 on "The Laura Flanders Show," which airs weekend evenings on Air America Radio. The topic of discussion for the show was the recent increase in gas prices and the political impact of higher gas prices.

    Schaller also appears in the June 2004 issue of Baltimore magazine as the author of a profile of Ken Mehlman, a Pikesville native who is now manager for the Bush-Cheney '04 campaign. The article is not available online.

    Claudia Morrell, CWIT, in Tech Target
    Claudia Morrell, director of CWIT, was quoted in an article on opportunities for women in information technology careers that appeared on May 26 in Tech Target.

    Albin O. Kuhn Library Gallery Photography Exhibit in The Sun
    The current exhibit on display at the Albin O. Kuhn Library Gallery, "We Shall Overcome: Photographs from the American Civil Rights Era," was featured in The Sun on June 1.

    Lou Cantori, Political Science, In the News
    Professor of Political Science Lou Cantori discussed the current political situation in the Sudan on June 2 on the radio show, "The Breakfast Club," which is broadcast throughout the Caribbean from Jamaica's Hot 102 FM.

    Cantori also was a guest in a discussion on the war in Iraq on May 25 that was broadcast on "AirTalk," a radio show produced by Los Angeles NPR affiliate KPCC.

    President Hrabowski on WBFF Fox 45 News
    President Hrabowski appeared on June 2 on WBFF Fox 45's nightly news. In the segment, President Hrabowski discusses the need for higher standards in public education, especially for minority students.

    Endowment Honoring Professor Joseph Arnold Featured in Catonsville Times
    On June 2, the Catonsville Times featured a story on the Albin O. Kuhn Library's new Joseph L. Arnold Endowment. The endowment, established in honor of the late Joseph L. Arnold, professor of history, will support a Maryland history collection, also named in memory of Professor Arnold.

    Posted by dwinds1

    UMBC Historian Awarded Top Honor in Field

    Warren I. Cohen, distinguished university professor of history at UMBC, has been awarded one of the top honors given to American historians--the Norman and Laura Graebner Prize of the Society for Historians of American Foreign Relations. Given every two years, the Graebner Prize is a career achievement honor that recognizes a senior historian of U.S. foreign relations who has made significant contributions to the field through excellence in teaching, scholarship and service.

    Warren I. Cohen, distinguished university professor of history at UMBC, has been awarded one of the top honors given to American historians--the Norman and Laura Graebner Prize of the Society for Historians of American Foreign Relations. Cohen is the ninth person to ever win the award.

    Given every two years, the Graebner Prize is a career achievement honor that recognizes a senior historian of U.S. foreign relations who has made significant contributions to the field through excellence in teaching, scholarship and service. The award was established by the former students of Norman A. Graebner, professor of diplomatic history at the University of Illinois and the University of Virginia, to honor Graebner and his wife Laura for their years of devotion to teaching and research.

    Cohen is one of the world's leading experts on the history of American-East Asian relations. He has been a pioneer in the study of U.S.-Chinese relations as a bilateral phenomenon, examining closely the Chinese side of the relationship. He has also been a keen observer and, at times, harsh critic of evolving American policy on the Korean Peninsula.

    A prolific writer, Cohen is author or editor of some 17 books, including the recently published fourth edition (revised) of his book, America's Response to China, which continues to be a standard text on the history of Chinese-American relations, used by officials of the U.S. and Chinese governments, as well as by students and scholars of both countries.

    He was general editor of the authoritative Cambridge History of American Foreign Policy, and author of the concluding book in the series, America in the Age of Soviet Power, 1945-1991.

    Most recently, the Harvard University Press published his book, The Asian American Century, which has already been published in Japanese and Italian versions. In addition to his scholarly publications, Cohen writes for the Atlantic Monthly, Times Literary Supplement, and the Nation, as well as many of the nation's leading newspapers.

    "Professor Cohen is quite accurately described by his peers as a towering figure among historians of American foreign relations," says John Jeffries, professor and chair of history at UMBC. "The recipient of numerous prizes and awards, he is one of the most distinguished and accomplished historians in the United States, and he is a superb teacher as well. We are delighted to have a scholar of his stature on our faculty."

    Cohen came to UMBC in 1993 as distinguished university professor of history. He was named a presidential research professor at UMBC for 2001 through 2004.

    In 1994, he was appointed the first scholar-in-residence at the National Foreign Affairs Training Center at the U.S. State Department. Shortly thereafter he served a term as director and is now senior scholar in the Asia Program at the Smithsonian's Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars. Cohen holds a BA from Columbia University, a master's degree from the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy of Tufts University and a Ph.D. from the University of Washington.

    Posted by dwinds1

    Kudos, 6/4/04

    Christopher Corbett, English, Reading at Chicago's Printer's Row Book Fair
    The English Department's Christopher Corbett will be reading this weekend (June 5-6) at the Printer's Row Book Fair in Chicago. Corbett will read from Orphans Preferred: The Twisted Truth and Lasting Legend of the Pony Express (Random House/Broadway Books). Sponsored by the Chicago Tribune, the Printer's Row Book Fair is the nation's second largest book festival and is the largest free literary event in the Midwest--featuring five tented blocks in the historic Printer's Row district. Annually, the Book Fair offers more than 90 free literary programs including readings and book-signings by famous authors, panel discussions of cutting edge issues, non-stop poetry readings, a Writers' Marketplace and two full days of children's programming.

    Franklin Berry, Men's Lacrosse, Selected to Play in North-South Classic
    Senior midfielder Franklin Berry has been selected to play in the United States Intercollegiate Lacrosse Association's 63rd annual North-South Classic, which will be held at Nazareth College in Rochester, New York on Saturday, June 12.

    Berry, one of the Retrievers' tri-captains this season, recorded a career high 13 goals and 20 points in his final campaign. During his four seasons as a Retriever, Berry competed in all 51 games and tallied 34 goals and 18 assists for a total of 52 points.

    Kenneth Dovale, Residential Life, Presents at Conference
    Kenneth Dovale, community director in the Office of Residential Life, recently presented at the University of Maryland College Park Black Faculty and Staff Association's 17th Annual Conference for African Americans in Higher Education. His presentation was titled "Reviewing Our Past to Redefine Our Future: Hip Hop and Academic Excellence."

    NCAA President Myles Brand Visits UMBC
    NCAA President Myles Brand came to UMBC on May 30 for the NCAA Youth Education through Sports (YES) lacrosse clinic. The NCAA hosts YES clinics at various NCAA championship sites across the nation allowing young people from ages 10-18 to work with college student-athletes and coaches on sports skills development while emphasizing NCAA principles of fair play, character, learning, balance, spirit and community.

    Posted by dwinds1

    Roots of Iraqi Prison Abuse Seen in Famous 60's Psychology Experiments

    As news coverage of the abuse and torture of Iraqi POWs at Baghdad's Abu Ghraib Prison continues, many Americans are trying to fathom what made the accused U.S. soldiers behave so inhumanely towards other human beings.More puzzling still is the question of why some soldiers blew the whistle while others carried out violations of the Geneva Conventions so routinely that souvenir snapshots were taken.

    There are many historical precedents of soldiers "just following orders" and comparisons to My Lai and the Holocaust have already been made in the mass media, but perhaps the most troubling questions about Abu Ghraib are the underlying ones about human nature and authority.

    Thomas Blass, UMBC professor of psychology, thinks many of the answers lie in his research and writing about the work of Dr. Stanley Milgram, one of the most controversial psychologists in modern history, known for his experiments on obedience to authority.

    "We should all be shocked by the sheer humiliating, degrading aspect of it," Blass said in a recent Houston Chronicle interview about the abuse at Abu Ghraib, "But...I'm not that surprised, given what we know about the power of an authority whom a person accepts as legitimate enough to dictate my behavior."

    Milgram is best known for his "Obedience Experiments" carried out at Yale University in the 1960's. These experiments showed how 65 percent of test subjects repeatedly gave seemingly real and painful electrical shocks to another subject (actually an actor) just because a scientific authority figure running the experiment commanded them to.

    Blass, a social psychologist and Hungarian-born Holocaust survivor, has studied Milgram for 15 years and authored over 20 publications and an equal number of academic papers on Milgram's life and work, including a recent article for Psychology Today.

    Blass recently completed The Man Who Shocked the World: The Life and Legacy of Stanley Milgram (Basic Books, 2004), which Library Journal called "among the best biographies of psychologists...highly recommended." He also runs the website www.stanleymilgram.com, devoted to preserving Milgram's legacy and connecting his research to current events.

    In 1965, Milgram, who is also famous for originating the "small world" or "Six Degrees of Separation" method, summed up his infamous obedience experiments with an observation that still echoes through today's headlines:

    "A substantial proportion of people do what they are told to do, irrespective of the content of the act and without limitations of conscience, so long as they perceive that the command comes from a legitimate authority," Milgram said.

    For more information on Blass, his book and Stanley Milgram, please visit www.stanleymilgram.com.

    Posted by dwinds1

    UMBC Graduates Over 2,400 Students at May Commencement Ceremonies

    UMBC awarded degrees to 2,226 undergraduates and nearly 200 graduate students from the Class of 2004 during the University's 42nd commencement ceremonies on May 19 and May 20.

    The UMBC Class of 2004 includes students headed to prestigious graduate programs at universities including Princeton, Stanford, Johns Hopkins, UNC-Chapel Hill, William & Mary, Rice and Columbia. Graduates have secured jobs across a wide spectrum of corporations, nonprofits and government agencies, including IBM, Northrop Grumman, Booz Allen Hamilton, ABC News, Titan Systems and SAIC.

    Anthony Hoffman, who maintained a 4.0 GPA while earning a B.S. in physics with a minor in mathematics, is UMBC's 2004 valedictorian. He will begin Princeton University's Ph.D. program in electrical engineering this fall on a Princeton Graduate School Endowed Fellowship.

    Hoffman says he chose to attend UMBC because of opportunities to conduct research in the new Physics building's facilities. Another strong draw was the dedication of UMBC's faculty. "The professors here seemed the most welcoming," Hoffman says. "They aren't just teachers; they reach out to mentor students."

    Also graduating was former University System of Maryland student regent Phil Shockley, a double major in political science and information systems. Shockley, who served as UMBC Student Government Association president during the 2002-03 academic year, was just the second student in UMBC history to be named to the Board of Regents, and holds the distinction of being the only student regent to never miss a meeting. While serving on the Board, Shockley became known as a consistent voice for students during state budget cuts to higher education and resulting tuition increases.

    The Graduate School Commencement speaker was Dr. William A. Haseltine, chairman and chief executive officer of Human Genome Sciences, Inc. (HGSI). Haseltine, who founded HGSI in 1992, is a former professor at Harvard's schools of medicine and public health. He has received numerous honors and awards for his cancer and AIDS research and work in the field of regenerative medicine and is active on many corporate boards and civic organizations. Haseltine received a doctorate of science at the Graduate School ceremony.

    At the Undergraduate Commencement ceremony, Ursula M. Burns, president of Business Group Operations and corporate senior vice president at Xerox Corporation, delivered the keynote address to the Class of 2004. President Freeman A. Hrabowski presented Burns with her first honorary degree, a doctorate of engineering. Burns' career highlights include being named to Fortune magazine's 2002 list of "Most Powerful Black Executives;" Time magazine/CNN's annual list of "Global Business Influentials;" and U.S. Black Engineering & Information Technology magazine's 2004 list of the "50 Most Important African-Americans in Technology."

    Posted by dwinds1

    In the News, 6/4/04

    Tom Schaller, Political Science, In the News
    Assistant Professor of Political Science Tom Schaller appeared on May 29 on "The Laura Flanders Show," which airs weekend evenings on Air America Radio. The topic of discussion for the show was the recent increase in gas prices and the political impact of higher gas prices.

    Schaller also appears in the June 2004 issue of Baltimore magazine as the author of a profile of Ken Mehlman, a Pikesville native who is now manager for the Bush-Cheney '04 campaign. The article is not available online.

    Claudia Morrell, CWIT, in Tech Target
    Claudia Morrell, director of CWIT, was quoted in an article on opportunities for women in information technology careers that appeared on May 26 in Tech Target.

    Albin O. Kuhn Library Gallery Photography Exhibit in The Sun
    The current exhibit on display at the Albin O. Kuhn Library Gallery, "We Shall Overcome: Photographs from the American Civil Rights Era," was featured in The Sun on June 1.

    Lou Cantori, Political Science, In the News
    Professor of Political Science Lou Cantori discussed the current political situation in the Sudan on June 2 on the radio show, "The Breakfast Club," which is broadcast throughout the Caribbean from Jamaica's Hot 102 FM.

    Cantori also was a guest in a discussion on the war in Iraq on May 25 that was broadcast on "AirTalk," a radio show produced by Los Angeles NPR affiliate KPCC.

    President Hrabowski on WBFF Fox 45 News
    President Hrabowski appeared on June 2 on WBFF Fox 45's nightly news. In the segment, he discusses the need for higher standards in public education, especially for minority students.

    Endowment Honoring Professor Joseph Arnold Featured in Catonsville Times
    On June 2, the Catonsville Times featured a story on the Albin O. Kuhn Library's new Joseph L. Arnold Endowment. The endowment, established in honor of the late Joseph L. Arnold, professor of history, will support a Maryland history collection, also named in memory of Professor Arnold.

    Posted by dwinds1

    Nafi Shahegh and Gary Rupert Named Employees of the Quarter

    The Department of Human Resources has announced UMBC's first Employee ofthe Quarter award recipients. Nafi Shahegh, an administrative assistant II for the Departments of Philosophy and Ancient Studies, is the nonexempt Employee of the Quarter. Gary Rupert, the senior major gifts officer in the Office of Institutional Advancement, is the exempt Employee of the Quarter.

    The Department of Human Resources has announced UMBC's first Employee ofthe Quarter award recipients.

    Nafi Shahegh, an administrative assistant II for the Departments of Philosophy and Ancient Studies, is the nonexempt Employee of the Quarter. She has 12 years of service at UMBC, beginning as a contractual employee with the education department. Since then, Shahegh has also worked for the history and physics departments before coming to philosophy in May 2000. Last summer, she was assigned to handle the administrative affairs for both the philosophy and ancient studies departments.

    Shahegh acknowledges that it was a significant challenge to take on the administrative responsibilities for two departments, but, according to those who work with her, she has managed the added workload with competence and grace. Says Terry Aylsworth, executive administrative assistant in the College of Arts and Sciences, "Nafi is a dedicated UMBC employee. She has taken on two departments without complaint and has managed them beautifully, asking for nothing in return. She has taken a difficult situation and managed to make everyone extremely happy."

    Despite these kind words, Shahegh never expected to be honored for her work. "I was very surprised when I was informed about the award," she says. "I am very proud to be one of the first to be given the new Employee of the Quarter award and it feels good that my colleagues recognize the effort I put into my work."

    Gary Rupert, the senior major gifts officer in the Office of Institutional Advancement, is the exempt Employee of the Quarter.

    Rupert came to UMBC as the associate director of athletics and has been working in Institutional Advancement for nearly 15 years. Under his leadership, both the alumni and faculty/staff fundraising campaigns have exceeded their goals, with the last faculty/staff campaign raising over $1 million.

    David Moore, a former colleague from the Office of Institutional Advancement, says, "Because people know Gary cares, they feel comfortable talking with him about philanthropic support. People also know that Gary is not just there for their money. He builds relationships with people across the campus in all capacities. He knows that faculty and staff contribute in many ways beyond their dollar-they give of their time, their talent and, like Gary, they give of their heart."

    "It's always nice to be recognized by one's peers," says Rupert, reflecting on this honor. "But it's even nicer to be rewarded for something you love doing. I believe in UMBC, which makes it very easy to do my job well."

    Each recipient will receive a check for $500, a personalized parking space, one day of administrative leave, a certificate, his/her name on the Employee of the Quarter plaque and an invitation to the annual luncheon for all the recipients.

    Human Resources offers special thanks to everyone that nominated an employee for the award and encourages members of the campus community to nominate employees deserving of the award. Nominations received during the first quarter are eligible for consideration throughout 2004. The next Employee of the Quarter award will be given in August. Nomination forms and additional information may be found on the Human Resources Web site: www.umbc.edu/hr/EOQ.html.

    Posted by dwinds1

    May 27, 2004

    UMBC Historian Awarded Top Honor in Field

    Warren I. Cohen, distinguished university professor of history at UMBC, has been awarded one of the top honors given to American historians--the Norman and Laura Graebner Prize of the Society for Historians of American Foreign Relations. Cohen is the ninth person to ever win the award.

    Warren I. Cohen, distinguished university professor of history at UMBC, has been awarded one of the top honors given to American historians-- the Norman and Laura Graebner Prize of the Society for Historians of American Foreign Relations. Cohen is the ninth person to ever win the award.

    Given every two years, the Graebner Prize is a career achievement honor that recognizes a senior historian of U.S. foreign relations who has made significant contributions to the field through excellence in teaching, scholarship and service. The award was established by the former students of Norman A. Graebner, professor of diplomatic history at the University of Illinois and the University of Virginia, to honor Graebner and his wife Laura for their years of devotion to teaching and research.

    Cohen is one of the world's leading experts on the history of American-East Asian relations. He has been a pioneer in the study of U.S.-Chinese relations as a bilateral phenomenon, examining closely the Chinese side of the relationship. He has also been a keen observer and, at times, harsh critic of evolving American policy on the Korean Peninsula.

    A prolific writer, Cohen is author or editor of some 17 books, including the recently published fourth edition (revised) of his book, America's Response to China, which continues to be a standard text on the history of Chinese-American relations, used by officials of the U.S. and Chinese governments, as well as by students and scholars of both countries.

    He was general editor of the authoritative Cambridge History of American Foreign Policy, and author of the concluding book in the series, America in the Age of Soviet Power, 1945-1991.

    Most recently, the Harvard University Press published his book, The Asian American Century, which has already been published in Japanese and Italian versions. In addition to his scholarly publications, Cohen writes for the Atlantic Monthly, Times Literary Supplement, and the Nation, as well as many of the nation's leading newspapers.

    "Professor Cohen is quite accurately described by his peers as a towering figure among historians of American foreign relations," says John Jeffries, professor and chair of history at UMBC. "The recipient of numerous prizes and awards, he is one of the most distinguished and accomplished historians in the United States, and he is a superb teacher as well. We are delighted to have a scholar of his stature on our faculty."

    Cohen came to UMBC in 1993 as distinguished university professor of history. He was named a presidential research professor at UMBC for 2001 through 2004.

    In 1994, he was appointed the first scholar-in-residence at the National Foreign Affairs Training Center at the U.S. State Department. Shortly thereafter he served a term as director and is now senior scholar in the Asia Program at the Smithsonian's Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars. Cohen holds a B.A. from Columbia University, a master's degree from the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy of Tufts University, and a Ph.D. from the University of Washington.

    Posted by dwinds1

    UMBC Historian Awarded Top Honor in Field

    Warren I. Cohen, distinguished university professor of history at UMBC, has been awarded one of the top honors given to American historians-the Norman and Laura Graebner Prize of the Society for Historians of American Foreign Relations. Cohen is the ninth person to ever win the award.

    Warren I. Cohen, distinguished university professor of history at UMBC, has been awarded one of the top honors given to American historians--the Norman and Laura Graebner Prize of the Society for Historians of American Foreign Relations. Cohen is the ninth person to ever win the award.

    Given every two years, the Graebner Prize is a career achievement honor that recognizes a senior historian of U.S. foreign relations who has made significant contributions to the field through excellence in teaching, scholarship and service. The award was established by the former students of Norman A. Graebner, professor of diplomatic history at the University of Illinois and the University of Virginia, to honor Graebner and his wife Laura for their years of devotion to teaching and research.

    Cohen is one of the world's leading experts on the history of American-East Asian relations. He has been a pioneer in the study of U.S.-Chinese relations as a bilateral phenomenon, examining closely the Chinese side of the relationship. He has also been a keen observer and, at times, harsh critic of evolving American policy on the Korean Peninsula.

    A prolific writer, Cohen is author or editor of some 17 books, including the recently published fourth edition (revised) of his book, America's Response to China, which continues to be a standard text on the history of Chinese-American relations, used by officials of the U.S. and Chinese governments, as well as by students and scholars of both countries.

    He was general editor of the authoritative Cambridge History of American Foreign Policy, and author of the concluding book in the series, America in the Age of Soviet Power, 1945-1991.

    Most recently, the Harvard University Press published his book, The Asian American Century, which has already been published in Japanese and Italian versions. In addition to his scholarly publications, Cohen writes for the Atlantic Monthly, Times Literary Supplement, and the Nation, as well as many of the nation's leading newspapers.

    "Professor Cohen is quite accurately described by his peers as a towering figure among historians of American foreign relations," says John Jeffries, professor and chair of history at UMBC. "The recipient of numerous prizes and awards, he is one of the most distinguished and accomplished historians in the United States, and he is a superb teacher as well. We are delighted to have a scholar of his stature on our faculty."

    Cohen came to UMBC in 1993 as distinguished university professor of history. He was named a presidential research professor at UMBC for 2001 through 2004.

    In 1994, he was appointed the first scholar-in-residence at the National Foreign Affairs Training Center at the U.S. State Department. Shortly thereafter he served a term as director and is now senior scholar in the Asia Program at the Smithsonian's Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars. Cohen holds a BA from Columbia University, a master's degree from the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy of Tufts University and a Ph.D. from the University of Washington.

    Posted by dwinds1

    May 26, 2004

    UMBC Historian Awarded Top Honor in Field

    Warren I. Cohen, Distinguished University Professor of History at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC), has been awarded one of the top honors given to American historians the Norman and Laura Graebner Prize of the Society for Historians of American Foreign Relations. Cohen is the ninth person to ever win the award.

    Warren I. Cohen, Distinguished University Professor of History at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC), has been awarded one of the top honors given to American historians the Norman and Laura Graebner Prize of the Society for Historians of American Foreign Relations. Cohen is the ninth person to ever win the award.

    Given every two years, the Graebner Prize is a career achievement honor that recognizes a senior historian of U.S. foreign relations who has made significant contributions to the field through excellence in teaching, scholarship and service. The award was established by the former students of Norman A. Graebner, professor of diplomatic history at the University of Illinois and the University of Virginia, to honor Graebner and his wife Laura for their years of devotion to teaching and research.

    Cohen is one of the world's leading experts on the history of American-East Asian relations. He has been a pioneer in the study of U.S.-Chinese relations as a bilateral phenomenon, examining closely the Chinese side of the relationship. He has also been a keen observer and, at times, harsh critic of evolving American policy on the Korean Peninsula.

    A prolific writer, Cohen is author or editor of some 17 books, including the recently published fourth edition (revised) of his book, America's Response to China, which continues to be a standard text on the history of Chinese-American relations, used by officials of the U.S. and Chinese governments, as well as by students and scholars of both countries.

    He was general editor of the authoritative Cambridge History of American Foreign Policy, and author of the concluding book in the series, America in the Age of Soviet Power, 1945-1991.

    Most recently, the Harvard University Press published his book, The Asian American Century, which has already been published in Japanese and Italian versions. In addition to his scholarly publications, Cohen writes for the Atlantic Monthly, Times Literary Supplement, and the Nation, as well as many of the nation's leading newspapers.

    "Professor Cohen is quite accurately described by his peers as a towering figure among historians of American foreign relations," says John Jeffries, professor and chair of History at UMBC. "The recipient of numerous prizes and awards, he is one of the most distinguished and accomplished historians in the United States, and he is a superb teacher as well. We are delighted to have a scholar of his stature on our faculty."

    Cohen came to UMBC in 1993 as Distinguished University Professor of History. He was named a Presidential Research Professor at UMBC for 2001 through 2004.

    In 1994, he was appointed the first Scholar-in-Residence at the National Foreign Affairs Training Center at the U.S. State Department. Shortly thereafter he served a term as director and is now Senior Scholar in the Asia Program at the Smithsonian's Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars. Cohen holds a BA from Columbia University, a master's degree from the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy of Tufts University, and a Ph.D. from the University of Washington.

    Posted by dwinds1

    May 18, 2004

    UMBC to Graduate Over 2,400 Students This Week

    The University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC) will awarddegrees to 2,226 undergraduates and nearly 200 graduate students from the Class of 2004during the University's 42nd commencement ceremonies to be held Wednesday, May 19and Thursday, May 20.

    The University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC) will awarddegrees to 2,226 undergraduates and nearly 200 graduate students from the Class of 2004during the University's 42nd commencement ceremonies to be held Wednesday, May 19and Thursday, May 20.

    Graduate student commencement will be held Wednesday, May 19 at 10 a.m. on theUMBC campus at the Retriever Activities Center (RAC.) Dr. William A. Haseltine, Chairman and ChiefExecutive Officer of Human Genome Sciences, Inc. (HGSI), will be the keynote speaker.

    The undergraduate ceremony will be held on Thursday, May 20, at 1 p.m., at the 1stMariner Arena (formerly Baltimore Arena) in downtown Baltimore. Ursula M. Burns, President of Business Group Operations and Corporate SeniorVice President at Xerox Corporation, will deliver the commencement keynote address tothe Class of 2004.

    At this spring's ceremonies, UMBC will award degrees in disciplines ranging fromphysics to visual arts, biological sciences to information systems. The UMBC Class of2004 includes students headed to prestigious graduate programs at universities includingPrinceton, Stanford, Johns Hopkins, UNC-Chapel Hill, William & Mary, Rice andColumbia.

    UMBC graduates have secured jobs across a wide spectrum of corporations, nonprofitsand government agencies, including IBM, Northrop Grumman, Booz Allen Hamilton,ABC News, Titan Systems and SAIC.

    Anthony Hoffman, UMBC's 2004 valedictorian, will alsospeak at Thursday's ceremony. Hoffman, who maintained a 4.0 GPA while earning aB.S. in physics with a minor in mathematics, will begin Princeton University's Ph.D.program in electrical engineering this fall on a Princeton Graduate School EndowedFellowship.

    Hoffman, whose ultimate goal is to become a NASA astronaut, says he chose to attendUMBC because of opportunities to conduct research in the new Physics building'sfacilities. Another strong draw was the dedication of UMBC's faculty. "The professorshere seemed the most welcoming," Hoffman says. "They aren't just teachers; they reachout to mentor students."

    Also graduating on Thursday is former University System of Maryland student regent Phil Shockley, a double major in PoliticalScience and Information Systems. Shockley also served as UMBC Student GovernmentAssociation president.

    Shockley was just the second student in UMBC history to be named to the Board ofRegents, and holds the distinction of being the only student regent to never miss ameeting. While serving on the Board, Shockley became known as a consistent voice forstudents during state budget cuts to higher education and resulting tuition increases.

    Commencement Speakers

    Haseltine, who founded HGSI in 1992, is a former professor at Harvard's schools ofmedicine and public health. He has received numerous honors and awards for his cancerand AIDS research and work in the field of regenerative medicine and is active on manycorporate boards and civic organizations.

    At Thursday's ceremony, UMBC President Freeman A. Hrabowski will present Burnswith her first honorary degree, a doctorate of engineering. Burns' career highlightsinclude being named to Fortune magazine's 2002 list of "Most Powerful BlackExecutives;" Time magazine/CNN's annual list of "Global Business Influentials;" andU.S. Black Engineering & Information Technology magazine's 2004 list of the "50 MostImportant African-Americans in Technology."

    For more information on UMBC Commencement Ceremonies, please visit: http://www.umbc.edu/commencement

    Posted by dwinds1

    UMBC to Graduate Over 1,100 Students This Week

    UMBC will awarddegrees to 950 undergraduates and nearly 200 graduate students from the Class of 2004during the University's 42nd commencement ceremonies to be held Wednesday, May 19and Thursday, May 20.

    The University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC) will awarddegrees to 950 undergraduates and nearly 200 graduate students from the Class of 2004during the University's 42nd commencement ceremonies to be held Wednesday, May 19and Thursday, May 20.

    Graduate student commencement will be held Wednesday, May 19 at 10 a.m. on theUMBC campus at the Retriever Activities Center (RAC.) Dr. William A. Haseltine, Chairman and ChiefExecutive Officer of Human Genome Sciences, Inc. (HGSI), will be the keynote speaker.

    The undergraduate ceremony will be held on Thursday, May 20, at 1 p.m., at the 1stMariner Arena (formerly Baltimore Arena) in downtown Baltimore. Ursula M. Burns, President of Business Group Operations and Corporate SeniorVice President at Xerox Corporation, will deliver the commencement keynote address tothe Class of 2004.

    At this spring's ceremonies, UMBC will award degrees in disciplines ranging fromphysics to visual arts, biological sciences to information systems. The UMBC Class of2004 includes students headed to prestigious graduate programs at universities includingPrinceton, Stanford, Johns Hopkins, UNC-Chapel Hill, William & Mary, Rice andColumbia.

    UMBC graduates have secured jobs across a wide spectrum of corporations, nonprofitsand government agencies, including IBM, Northrop Grumman, Booz Allen Hamilton,ABC News, Titan Systems and SAIC.

    Anthony Hoffman, UMBC's 2004 valedictorian, will alsospeak at Thursday's ceremony. Hoffman, who maintained a 4.0 GPA while earning aB.S. in physics with a minor in mathematics, will begin Princeton University's Ph.D.program in electrical engineering this fall on a Princeton Graduate School EndowedFellowship.

    Hoffman, whose ultimate goal is to become a NASA astronaut, says he chose to attendUMBC because of opportunities to conduct research in the new Physics building'sfacilities. Another strong draw was the dedication of UMBC's faculty. "The professorshere seemed the most welcoming," Hoffman says. "They aren't just teachers; they reachout to mentor students."

    Also graduating on Thursday is former University System of Maryland student regent Phil Shockley, a double major in PoliticalScience and Information Systems. Shockley also served as UMBC Student GovernmentAssociation president.

    Shockley was just the second student in UMBC history to be named to the Board ofRegents, and holds the distinction of being the only student regent to never miss ameeting. While serving on the Board, Shockley became known as a consistent voice forstudents during state budget cuts to higher education and resulting tuition increases.

    Commencement Speakers

    Haseltine, who founded HGSI in 1992, is a former professor at Harvard's schools ofmedicine and public health. He has received numerous honors and awards for his cancerand AIDS research and work in the field of regenerative medicine and is active on manycorporate boards and civic organizations.

    At Thursday's ceremony, UMBC President Freeman A. Hrabowski will present Burnswith her first honorary degree, a doctorate of engineering. Burns' career highlightsinclude being named to Fortune magazine's 2002 list of "Most Powerful BlackExecutives;" Time magazine/CNN's annual list of "Global Business Influentials;" andU.S. Black Engineering & Information Technology magazine's 2004 list of the "50 MostImportant African-Americans in Technology."

    For more information on UMBC Commencement Ceremonies, please visit: http://www.umbc.edu/commencement

    Posted by dwinds1

    UMBC to Graduate Over 1,100 Students This Week

    UMBC will award degrees to 950 undergraduates and nearly 200 graduate students from the Class of 2004 during the University's 42nd commencement ceremonies to be held Wednesday, May 19 and Thursday, May 20.

    The University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC) will awarddegrees to 950 undergraduates and nearly 200 graduate students from the Class of 2004during the University's 42nd commencement ceremonies to be held Wednesday, May 19and Thursday, May 20.

    Graduate student commencement will be held Wednesday, May 19 at 10 a.m. on theUMBC campus at the Retriever Activities Center (RAC.) Dr. William A. Haseltine, Chairman and ChiefExecutive Officer of Human Genome Sciences, Inc. (HGSI), will be the keynote speaker.

    The undergraduate ceremony will be held on Thursday, May 20, at 1 p.m., at the 1stMariner Arena (formerly Baltimore Arena) in downtown Baltimore. Ursula M. Burns, President of Business Group Operations and Corporate SeniorVice President at Xerox Corporation, will deliver the commencement keynote address tothe Class of 2004.

    At this spring's ceremonies, UMBC will award degrees in disciplines ranging fromphysics to visual arts, biological sciences to information systems. The UMBC Class of2004 includes students headed to prestigious graduate programs at universities includingPrinceton, Stanford, Johns Hopkins, UNC-Chapel Hill, William & Mary, Rice andColumbia.

    UMBC graduates have secured jobs across a wide spectrum of corporations, nonprofitsand government agencies, including IBM, Northrop Grumman, Booz Allen Hamilton,ABC News, Titan Systems and SAIC.

    Anthony Hoffman, UMBC's 2004 valedictorian, will alsospeak at Thursday's ceremony. Hoffman, who maintained a 4.0 GPA while earning aB.S. in physics with a minor in mathematics, will begin Princeton University's Ph.D.program in electrical engineering this fall on a Princeton Graduate School EndowedFellowship.

    Hoffman, whose ultimate goal is to become a NASA astronaut, says he chose to attendUMBC because of opportunities to conduct research in the new Physics building'sfacilities. Another strong draw was the dedication of UMBC's faculty. "The professorshere seemed the most welcoming," Hoffman says. "They aren't just teachers; they reachout to mentor students."

    Also graduating on Thursday is former University System of Maryland student regent Phil Shockley, a double major in PoliticalScience and Information Systems. Shockley also served as UMBC Student GovernmentAssociation president.

    Shockley was just the second student in UMBC history to be named to the Board ofRegents, and holds the distinction of being the only student regent to never miss ameeting. While serving on the Board, Shockley became known as a consistent voice forstudents during state budget cuts to higher education and resulting tuition increases.

    Commencement Speakers

    Haseltine, who founded HGSI in 1992, is a former professor at Harvard's schools ofmedicine and public health. He has received numerous honors and awards for his cancerand AIDS research and work in the field of regenerative medicine and is active on manycorporate boards and civic organizations.

    At Thursday's ceremony, UMBC President Freeman A. Hrabowski will present Burnswith her first honorary degree, a doctorate of engineering. Burns' career highlightsinclude being named to Fortune magazine's 2002 list of "Most Powerful BlackExecutives;" Time magazine/CNN's annual list of "Global Business Influentials;" andU.S. Black Engineering & Information Technology magazine's 2004 list of the "50 MostImportant African-Americans in Technology."

    For more information on UMBC Commencement Ceremonies, please visit: http://www.umbc.edu/commencement

    Posted by dwinds1

    UMBC to Graduate Over 2,400 Students This Week

The University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC) will award degrees to 2,226 undergraduates and nearly 200 graduate students from the Class of 2004 during the University's 42nd commencement ceremonies to be held Wednesday, May 19 and Thursday, May 20.

The University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC) will awarddegrees to 2,226 undergraduates and nearly 200 graduate students from the Class of 2004during the University's 42nd commencement ceremonies to be held Wednesday, May 19and Thursday, May 20.

Graduate student commencement will be held Wednesday, May 19 at 10 a.m. on theUMBC campus at the Retriever Activities Center (RAC.) Dr. William A. Haseltine, Chairman and ChiefExecutive Officer of Human Genome Sciences, Inc. (HGSI), will be the keynote speaker.

The undergraduate ceremony will be held on Thursday, May 20, at 1 p.m., at the 1stMariner Arena (formerly Baltimore Arena) in downtown Baltimore. Ursula M. Burns, President of Business Group Operations and Corporate SeniorVice President at Xerox Corporation, will deliver the commencement keynote address tothe Class of 2004.

At this spring's ceremonies, UMBC will award degrees in disciplines ranging fromphysics to visual arts, biological sciences to information systems. The UMBC Class of2004 includes students headed to prestigious graduate programs at universities includingPrinceton, Stanford, Johns Hopkins, UNC-Chapel Hill, William & Mary, Rice andColumbia.

UMBC graduates have secured jobs across a wide spectrum of corporations, nonprofitsand government agencies, including IBM, Northrop Grumman, Booz Allen Hamilton,ABC News, Titan Systems and SAIC.

Anthony Hoffman, UMBC's 2004 valedictorian, will alsospeak at Thursday's ceremony. Hoffman, who maintained a 4.0 GPA while earning aB.S. in physics with a minor in mathematics, will begin Princeton University's Ph.D.program in electrical engineering this fall on a Princeton Graduate School EndowedFellowship.

Hoffman, whose ultimate goal is to become a NASA astronaut, says he chose to attendUMBC because of opportunities to conduct research in the new Physics building'sfacilities. Another strong draw was the dedication of UMBC's faculty. "The professorshere seemed the most welcoming," Hoffman says. "They aren't just teachers; they reachout to mentor students."

Also graduating on Thursday is former University System of Maryland student regent Phil Shockley, a double major in PoliticalScience and Information Systems. Shockley also served as UMBC Student GovernmentAssociation president.

Shockley was just the second student in UMBC history to be named to the Board ofRegents, and holds the distinction of being the only student regent to never miss ameeting. While serving on the Board, Shockley became known as a consistent voice forstudents during state budget cuts to higher education and resulting tuition increases.

Commencement Speakers

Haseltine, who founded HGSI in 1992, is a former professor at Harvard's schools ofmedicine and public health. He has received numerous honors and awards for his cancerand AIDS research and work in the field of regenerative medicine and is active on manycorporate boards and civic organizations.

At Thursday's ceremony, UMBC President Freeman A. Hrabowski will present Burnswith her first honorary degree, a doctorate of engineering. Burns' career highlightsinclude being named to Fortune magazine's 2002 list of "Most Powerful BlackExecutives;" Time magazine/CNN's annual list of "Global Business Influentials;" andU.S. Black Engineering & Information Technology magazine's 2004 list of the "50 MostImportant African-Americans in Technology."

For more information on UMBC Commencement Ceremonies, please visit: http://www.umbc.edu/commencement

Posted by dwinds1

May 13, 2004

In the News, May 14, 2004

CWIT in The Sun
UMBC's Center for Women and Information Technology was featured in an article, "Bridging the Gender Gap," in the High-Tech Education special section that appeared in The Sun on May 7. The article on efforts Baltimore-area colleges are making to encourage women to study information technology featured photos and quotes from CWIT director Claudia Morrell and students Verity Rowell and Candice Scarborough.

UMBC Training Centers in The Sun
The UMBC Training Centers were featured in the May 7 High-Tech Education special section of The Sun. "A New Milestone in Project Management," included quotes from Kent Malwitz, director of business development at UMBC/TC, on certifications for project management.

President Hrabowski in The Sun
Sun columnist Gregory Kane featured President Hrabowski and his recent lecture on the Brown vs. Board of Education decision in his column on May 8.

Thomas Blass, Psychology, in the Sunday Telegraph
Thomas Blass, professor of psychology and an expert on the life and work of psychologist Stanley Milgram, was mentioned in an article about the abuse of prisoners in Iraq that appeared on May 9 in London's Sunday Telegraph newspaper.

Stephen Holden, Information Systems, in Federal Computer Week
Assistant professor of information systems Stephen Holden was quoted in the May 10 issue of Federal Computer Week in an article on the technological modernization of the IRS.

Library Gallery Exhibition in the Catonsville Times
The current exhibit on display at the Albin O. Kuhn Library Gallery, "We Shall Overcome: Photographs from the American Civil Rights Era," was featured in the Catonsville Times on May 12.

Tom Schaller, Political Science, in The Sun
Tom Schaller, assistant professor of political science, was quoted on May 13 in The Sun in an article about Governor Ehrlich's recent comments on multiculturalism.

Posted by dwinds1

Kudos, May 14, 2004

Warren Cohen, History, Wins Award
Distinguished University Professor of History Warren Cohen was given the Norman and Laura Graebner Prize of the Society for Historians of American Foreign Relations, which "is awarded biennially to a senior historian of United States foreign relations in recognition of significant contributions to the development of the field, through excellence in teaching, scholarship, and service, over his or her career." Cohen is only the ninth person to win this award, the pre-eminent distinction in his field.

Michael Summers, Chemistry and Biochemistry, Renewed as Howard Hughes Medical Investigator
Michael Summers, professor of chemistry and biochemistry, was renewed as a Howard Hughes Medical Investigator. Summers' appointment now runs through August 31, 2009; he continues to be the only HHMI at a public university in Maryland.

Undergraduate Olusegun Williams Wins First Place in Research Competition
Undergrad biochemistry major Olusegun Williams won first place in the National Organization of Black Chemists and Chemical Engineers' (NOBCCHe) undergraduate research competition in San Diego, California. Williams is a Meyerhoff Scholar and MARC student with a 4.0 GPA; he was nominated for the research competition by his research mentor, assistant professor of chemistry and biochemistry Veronika Szalai.

NSBE Chapter Wins Awards at National Convention
UMBC's chapter of the National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE) won several awards at the organization's recent national convention. The awards included: Medium Chapter of the Year Award, the Region 2 President of the Year award to Nicole Onyeneho, Region 2 Public Relations Chair of the Year Award to Aimee L. Strang, and a second place award in the Undergraduate Students in Technical Research competition to Seth Miller.

techcenter@UMBC Companies Among Finalists for State Award
Three techcenter@UMBC companies, Fluorometrix (a company headed by UMBC professor and chair of the Department of Chemical and Biochemical Engineering, Govind Rao), Cybergroup, Inc., and BD Metrics, were among the 18 finalists chosen in 6 categories for the fourth annual Maryland Incubator Company of the Year Awards. The awards recognize the achievements of current and graduate companies within Maryland's incubators. Winners from each category will be announced at a reception on Wednesday, June 16 at The Center Club in Baltimore. American Express Tax and Business Services, the Maryland Business Incubation Association (MBIA), the Maryland Department of Business and Economic Development (DBED), the Maryland Technology Development Corp. (TEDCO) and Saul Ewing, LLP sponsor the awards. For more information, visit www.mdincubatoraward.com.

Five Retrievers Win All America East Honors in Men's Lacrosse
Five UMBC men's lacrosse players received All America East Conference honors, as the two All-League teams and All-Rookie team were announced on May 6. Sophomore attackman Brendan Mundorf and senior midfielders Franklin Berry and Pat Muston earned First Team All America East honors, senior defender Brad Preisinger was a Second Team selection, and freshman attackman Drew Westervelt earned a spot on the All Rookie Team.

UMBC Crew Shines at Mid-Atlantic Collegiate Crew Championships
UMBC Crew had an outstanding performance at the Mid-Atlantic Collegiate Crew Championships, held May 2 in Occoquan, VA. The women's four boat won a gold medal, beating Johns Hopkins University, Lasalle University, and University of Maryland, College Park with a winning time of 8:08 for 2000 meters. Karyn Lowery, Becca Cluster, Ruthanne Doetzer, and Liz Humphries made up the crew of the boat.

Also at the MACCCS, Amanda Miracle, who set a world record for distance on the ergometer earlier this year, won a third place medal in the women's heavyweight 2000 meter single sculls competition.

UMBC Honors Student-Athletes
UMBC honored its student-athletes at the Varsity Sports Awards, held May 10 at the RAC Arena.

Senior swimmer Astrid Sperling and junior soccer standout Derek McElligott were named Outstanding Female and Male Athletes respectively. Sperling capped a sterling career by becoming the America East Champion in the 200 backstroke. She is the current school record-holder in both the 100 and 200 backstroke events and is part of the 200 and 400 medley relay teams that hold UMBC records. McElligott earned his third straight First Team all league honor this fall, and was a Second Team All South Atlantic striker for the second straight year. He finished seventh in the nation in 2003 with 15 goals scored, and has already climbed to third place on UMBC's all-time scoring chart with 39 career goals and 85 points.

Jen Dragoni and Brad Green were named Outstanding Senior Female and Male Athletes. Dragoni amassed 123 goals, 63 assists, and 186 points in her four-year career with the women's lacrosse program. The 63 assists is a school record, while the 186 points is fourth on UMBC's all-time list. She was a First Team America East selection as a senior, after earning Northeast Conference Player of the Year honors last season. Green led the men's swimming and diving teams to a 12-1 record and UMBC's first America East title. He was named the conference's Most Outstanding Swimmer after capturing four gold and one silver medal at the league championships, and went on to win the 50 yard freestyle at the ECAC Championships, also earning Swimmer of the Meet honors. His best 50 yard freestyle time of 44.82 broke a 12-year old school record.

A pair of tennis standouts, Lana Khvalina and Josef Novotny won the Matt Skalsky Outstanding Scholar Athlete awards. Khvalina, who will earn her undergraduate degree in three years and attend law school at William & Mary next fall, was the lone sophomore in the country last season to earn First Team Women's At-Large Verizon Academic All America honors. The 4.0 student studying political science finished her singles career with a record of 62-20 and was a two-time all conference performer. Novotny has become UMBC's best men's tennis player, climbing to #4 in the Northeast regional rankings. He was 25-5 at #1 singles this season and posted a career mark of 75-17. The two-time Cornell Invitational champion has a 3.58 grade-point average in the major of Visual Arts.

Retriever Club Scholarship Awards were presented to juniors Cecile Banas and Meghan Polek of the field hockey team and junior Mike Orlando of the baseball team. Seniors Lauren Guilfoyle, founder and coach of the tumbling team, and Nancy Nguyen, student-trainer and SAAC President, earned the Leon Upshur Memorial Award, symbolic of outstanding contributions to the Athletic Department outside of the field of play.

Amanda Bile, Softball, Named to American East All-Conference Second Team
Junior outfielder Amanda Bile was selected to the America East Softball All-Conference Second Team. Bile batted .308 with 57 hits, including ten doubles, three triples and six homeruns. As the leadoff batter, she led the team in runs scored with 44, and in stolen bases with eight. In addition, Bile drove in 17 runs and committed just four errors as a starting outfielder.

Posted by dwinds1

May 12, 2004

Roots of Iraqi Prison Abuse Seen in Famous 60's Psychology Experiments

As Americans try to make sense of the abuse and torture of Iraqi POWs by U.S. troops at Baghdad's Abu Ghraib Prison, Thomas Blass, a professor of psychology at UMBC and author of the book "The Man Who Shocked The World: The Life and Legacy of Stanley Milgram," sees connections to Milgram's famous and controversial experiments on obedience to authority.

As news coverage of the abuse and torture of Iraqi POWs at Baghdad's Abu Ghraib Prison continues, many Americans are trying to fathom what made the accused U.S. soldiers behave so inhumanely towards other human beings.

More puzzling still is the question of why some soldiers blew the whistle while others carried out violations of the Geneva Conventions so routinely that souvenir snapshots were taken.

There are many historical precedents of soldiers "just following orders" and comparisons to My Lai and the Holocaust have already been made in the mass media, but perhaps the most troubling questions about Abu Ghraib are the underlying ones about human nature and authority.

Thomas Blass, a professor of psychology at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC), thinks many of the answers lie in his research and writing about the work of Dr. Stanley Milgram, one of the most controversial psychologists in modern history, known for his experiments on obedience to authority.

"We should all be shocked by the sheer humiliating, degrading aspect of it," Blass said in a recent Houston Chronicle interview about the abuse at Abu Ghraib, "But...I'm not that surprised, given what we know about the power of an authority whom a person accepts as legitimate enough to dictate my behavior."

Milgram is best known for his "Obedience Experiments" carried out at Yale University in the 1960's. These experiments showed how 65% of test subjects repeatedly gave seemingly real and painful electrical shocks to another subject (actually an actor) just because a scientific authority figure running the experiment commanded them to.

Blass, a social psychologist and Hungarian-born Holocaust survivor, has studied Milgram for 15 years and authored over 20 publications and an equal number of academic papers on Milgram's life and work, including a recent article for Psychology Today.

Blass recently completed "The Man Who Shocked the World: The Life and Legacy of Stanley Milgram" (Basic Books, 2004), which Library Journal called "among the best biographies of psychologists...highly recommended." He also runs the website www.stanleymilgram.com, devoted to preserving Milgram's legacy and connecting his research to current events.

In 1965, Milgram, who is also famous for originating the "small world" or "Six Degrees of Separation" method, summed up his infamous obedience experiments with an observation that still echoes through today's headlines:

"A substantial proportion of people do what they are told to do, irrespective of the content of the act and without limitations of conscience, so long as they perceive that the command comes from a legitimate authority," Milgram said.

For more information on Blass, his book, and Stanley Milgram, please visit http://www.stanleymilgram.com.

Media Contact Information:

Thomas Blass
Professor of Psychology
University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC)

Office: 410-455-2428

blass@umbc.edu

Personal Homepage:

http://www.umbc.edu/psyc/personal/blass/toms.html

Posted by dwinds1

Roots of Iraqi Prison Abuse Seen in Famous 60's Psychology Experiments

As Americans try to make sense of the abuse and torture of Iraqi POWs at Baghdad's Abu Ghraib Prison, Thomas Blass, a professor of psychology at UMBC and author of the book "The Man Who Shocked The World: The Life and Legacy of Stanley Milgram," sees connections to Milgram's famous and controversial experiments on obedience to authority.

As news coverage of the abuse and torture of Iraqi POWs at Baghdad's Abu Ghraib Prison continues, many Americans are trying to fathom what made the accused U.S. soldiers behave so inhumanely towards other human beings.

More puzzling still is the question of why some soldiers blew the whistle while others carried out violations of the Geneva Conventions so routinely that souvenir snapshots were taken.

There are many historical precedents of soldiers "just following orders" and comparisons to My Lai and the Holocaust have already been made in the mass media, but perhaps the most troubling questions about Abu Ghraib are the underlying ones about human nature and authority.

Thomas Blass, a professor of psychology at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC), thinks many of the answers lie in his research and writing about the work of Dr. Stanley Milgram, one of the most controversial psychologists in modern history, known for his experiments on obedience to authority.

"We should all be shocked by the sheer humiliating, degrading aspect of it," Blass said in a recent Houston Chronicle interview about the abuse at Abu Ghraib, "But...I'm not that surprised, given what we know about the power of an authority whom a person accepts as legitimate enough to dictate my behavior."

Milgram is best known for his "Obedience Experiments" carried out at Yale University in the 1960's. These experiments showed how 65% of test subjects repeatedly gave seemingly real and painful electrical shocks to another subject (actually an actor) just because a scientific authority figure running the experiment commanded them to.

Blass, a social psychologist and Hungarian-born Holocaust survivor, has studied Milgram for 15 years and authored over 20 publications and an equal number of academic papers on Milgram's life and work, including a recent article for Psychology Today.

Blass recently completed "The Man Who Shocked the World: The Life and Legacy of Stanley Milgram" (Basic Books, 2004), which Library Journal called "among the best biographies of psychologists...highly recommended." He also runs the website www.stanleymilgram.com, devoted to preserving Milgram's legacy and connecting his research to current events.

In 1965, Milgram, who is also famous for originating the "small world" or "Six Degrees of Separation" method, summed up his infamous obedience experiments with an observation that still echoes through today's headlines:

"A substantial proportion of people do what they are told to do, irrespective of the content of the act and without limitations of conscience, so long as they perceive that the command comes from a legitimate authority," Milgram said.

For more information on Blass, his book, and Stanley Milgram, please visit http://www.stanleymilgram.com.

Media Contact Information:

Thomas Blass
Professor of Psychology
University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC)

Office: 410-455-2428

blass@umbc.edu

Personal Homepage:

http://www.umbc.edu/psyc/personal/blass/toms.html

Posted by dwinds1

May 11, 2004

Roots of Iraqi Prison Abuse Seen in Famous 60's Psychology Experiments

As Americans try to make sense of the abuse and torture of Iraqi POWs at Baghdad's Abu Ghraib Prison, Thomas Blass, a professor of psychology at UMBC and author of the book "The Man Who Shocked The World: The Life and Legacy of Stanley Milgram," sees connections to Milgram's famous and controversial experiments on obedience to authority.

As news coverage of the abuse and torture of Iraqi POWs at Baghdad's Abu Ghraib Prison continues, many Americans are trying to fathom what made the accused U.S. soldiers behave so inhumanely towards other human beings.

More puzzling still is the question of why some soldiers blew the whistle while others carried out violations of the Geneva Conventions so routinely that souvenir snapshots were taken.

There are many historical precedents of soldiers "just following orders" and comparisons to My Lai and the Holocaust have already been made in the mass media, but perhaps the most troubling questions about Abu Ghraib are the underlying ones about human nature and authority.

Thomas Blass, a professor of psychology at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC), thinks many of the answers lie in his research and writing about the work of Dr. Stanley Milgram, one of the most controversial psychologists in modern history, known for his experiments on obedience to authority.

"We should all be shocked by the sheer humiliating, degrading aspect of it," Blass said in a recent Houston Chronicle interview about the abuse at Abu Ghraib, "But...I'm not that surprised, given what we know about the power of an authority whom a person accepts as legitimate enough to dictate my behavior."

Milgram is best known for his "Obedience Experiments" carried out at Yale University in the 1960's. These experiments showed how 65% of test subjects repeatedly gave seemingly real and painful electrical shocks to another subject (actually an actor) just because a scientific authority figure running the experiment commanded them to.

Blass, a social psychologist and Hungarian-born Holocaust survivor, has studied Milgram for 15 years and authored over 20 publications and an equal number of academic papers on Milgram's life and work, including a recent article for Psychology Today.

Blass recently completed "The Man Who Shocked the World: The Life and Legacy of Stanley Milgram" (Basic Books, 2004), which Library Journal called "among the best biographies of psychologists...highly recommended." He also runs the website www.stanleymilgram.com, devoted to preserving Milgram's legacy and connecting his research to current events.

In 1965, Milgram, who is also famous for originating the "small world" or "Six Degrees of Separation" method, summed up his infamous obedience experiments with an observation that still echoes through today's headlines:

"A substantial proportion of people do what they are told to do, irrespective of the content of the act and without limitations of conscience, so long as they perceive that the command comes from a legitimate authority," Milgram said.

For more information on Blass, his book, and Stanley Milgram, please visit http://www.stanleymilgram.com.

Media Contact Information:

Thomas Blass
Professor of Psychology
University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC)

Office: 410-455-2428

blass@umbc.edu

Personal Homepage:

http://www.umbc.edu/psyc/personal/blass/toms.html

Posted by dwinds1

May 6, 2004

In the News, 5/7/04

CAVC Exhibit in the New York Times
"Fred Wilson, Objects and Installations: 1979-2000," a traveling exhibit organized by the Center for Art and Visual Culture, was reviewed in the New York Timeson April 30. The exhibition remains in Harlem's Studio Museum through July 4.

Lou Cantori, Political Science, in the Christian Science Monitor
Lou Cantori, political science professor and expert on the Middle East, was quoted in April 30's Christian Science Monitor. The story, by staff writer Scott Peterson, examined the likely outcomes of U.S. troops' pullback from the Iraqi city of Fallujah as a new Iraqi security force moves in. The story also appeared on the Web sites of NPR affiliates in Boston, North Texas and Atlanta.

Brian Dannelly '97 in the Sun's "Maryland Live"
Saved!, a movie written and directed by alumnus Brian Dannelly, is mentioned as one of movie critic Chris Kaltenbach's picks for the Maryland Film Festival in the May 6 Baltimore Sun's "Maryland Live" section. Dannelly is also interviewed for "Live's" weekly Q&A.

Posted by dwinds1

Computer Mania Day Aims to Get Girls Excited about Technology

On May 8, 500 sixth through eighth grade girls from public schools in Baltimore City and a dozen surrounding counties will spend a half-day with some of the top women in information technology (IT) fields for hands-on learning sessions aimed at closing the technology gender gap. Soledad O'Brien, anchor of CNN's "American Morning," will launch the "Computer Mania Day" program to be held at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC) on Saturday, May 8.

On May 8, 500 sixth through eighth grade girls from public schools in Baltimore City and a dozen surrounding counties will spend a half-day with some of the top women in information technology (IT) fields for hands-on learning sessions aimed at closing the technology gender gap. Soledad O'Brien, anchor of CNN's "American Morning," will launch the "Computer Mania Day" program to be held at UMBC on Saturday, May 8 from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

Computer Mania Day is a hands-on extension of the mission of UMBC's Center for Women and Information Technology (CWIT), which ABC News.com has named "the best resource on women and technology on the Web."

While recent studies show that female college students are gradually closing the gender gap in computer technology use and competency, enrollment of women in college IT programs continues to decline and the middle school years remain a vital crossroads as girls consider their academic and career choices. A 2003 online survey of 210,000 K-12 students by NetDay and BellSouth showed that "a significant gap in technology adeptness exists along gender lines, with far fewer females considering themselves advanced users of technology."

Research shows that the IT gender gap opens as early as the middle school years, when girls are most image-conscious and do not want to be labeled as "geeks" or "nerds." Girls make up only 14.3 percent of the students who take Advanced Placement courses in computer science, a key to success in IT-related fields at the college level.

Computer Mania Day is based on a program founded by Shirley Collier, CEO of Howard County-based wireless optical technologies firm, Optemax, LLC. Collier chaired the program from 1995 1998 in Howard County as it successfully increased the percentage of high school girls in elective IT classes in Howard County Public School System from 20 percent to 50 percent.

Since the founding program ended, the numbers of female high school students taking IT electives appear to be slipping. Last year, UMBC and CWIT partnered with Collier and area business and education leaders to revive and expand Computer Mania Day. The 2003 event hosted by UMBC drew 300 students from Baltimore and Howard County schools.

"Events like Computer Mania Day allow parents, educators and executives to help young women find their place in the world of information technology and as tomorrow's leaders," said Jennifer Jones, AT&T sales vice-president for the Mid-Atlantic region. AT&T joins several other high profile companies in sponsoring this event.

Computer Mania Day plans to welcome 500 participating girls from the following public school systems: Anne Arundel County, Baltimore City, Baltimore County, Calvert County, Cecil County, Harford County, Howard County, Montgomery County, Prince George's County, Queen Anne's County, Somerset County, and St. Mary's County.

Throughout the day, students will work in small groups, rotating between interactive demonstration sessions covering such topics as "hardware that rocks," digital art and imaging, and the physics of a build-it-yourself hot air balloon.

Area high schools will highlight their elective IT courses and programs to the middle school girls while role-model businesswomen will discuss their high-tech careers. CWIT Scholars--scholarship students at UMBC dedicated to bridging the IT gender gap--will offer real-world advice to girls and parents on college majors and career paths involving technology.

A parallel parent and teacher program will complement the day by providing information about causes for girls' low enrollment in technology courses and what parents can do to encourage girls to embrace technology.

O'Brien will provide the keynote address. Jennifer Jones, Sales Center vice president of AT&T Business, will speak about "Why Businesses Should Care About Girls in Technology." Other scheduled speakers for the day's parent/teacher program include: UMBC President Freeman Hrabowski; Baltimore County Schools superintendent Joe Hairston; Assistant State Superintendent, Maryland State Department of Education Katharine M. Oliver, and CWIT Director Claudia Morrell.

The event ties into ongoing concerns by business and education leaders about long-term growth and workforce diversity in the IT industry. Decisions are being made now by middle school students that will have an impact on the workforce five to 10 years down the road.

For more information on Computer Mania Day, go to www.computer-mania.info. For more information on women and information technology, go to www.umbc.edu/cwit.

Posted by dwinds1

Kudos, 5/7/04

Maryland Film Festival Features Work of UMBC Filmmakers
The work of UMBC faculty, students and alumni takes center stage at the 2004 Maryland Film Festival, being held May 6-9 in Baltimore. Among the highlights of the Festival will be a new feature film, Saved!, by Brian Dannelly (Visual Arts '03, magna cum laude), which had been featured in the 2004 Sundance Festival and is scheduled for national theatrical release later this month.

In addition to Saved!, UMBC's contributions to the Maryland Film Festival include Fulton Fish Market by Mark Street (assistant professor, visual arts); Overpass by Alan Price (assistant professor, visual arts); Site Visits by Carol Hess (associate professor and chair, dance), which features a sound score by Timothy Nohe (associate professor, visual arts); Bludren by Jill Johnston-Price (adjunct assistant professor, visual arts); Today is Thursday and Warp & Weft by Jo Israelson (IMDA '04); L'Invitation and Love and a '61 by Nick Prevas (visual arts '03); Method for Self-Defense Against Scorpions by Tanner Almon (visual arts '03); and Remission by Dan Stack (undergraduate, visual arts).

UMBC Alumna Receives Baltimore County Teacher of the Year Award
Sharon Grimes, English '90, was recently selected as Baltimore County's 17th Teacher of the Year. Grimes, a librarian at Lansdowne Elementary School, was featured in The Sun on May 6.

Four Retrievers Receive America East All-Conference Honors in Women's Lacrosse
Senior Jen Dragoni, junior Stephanie Crouch and sophomore Kelly Fiorani were named to the America East All-Conference First Team, while freshman Kelly Fahey earned Second Team All-Conference honors and was named to the league's All-Rookie Team.

Dragoni, named First Team on Attack, notched 32 goals and 12 assists this season, with multi-goal performances in 11 games, including a four-goal effort on Senior Day against Vermont. She currently ranks fourth in the conference in shots per game, fifth in game-winning goals, seventh in goals per game, eight in points per game and first in free-position goals per game. The 2003 Northeast Conference Player of the Year, she has amassed a career total of 122 goals, good for sixth all-time at UMBC, and 182 points, good for fourth all-time. In addition, her 60 career assists places her atop UMBC's All-Time Assists Leaders.

Crouch, named First Team on Defense, leads the team in caused turnovers with 13, and is second in draw controls with 24. The 2002 Northeast Conference player of the year, she has also scored four goals and posted one assist on the year.

Fiorani, named First Team at Midfield, boasts a team-high 33 ground balls on the season, and is tied with Dragoni for the team lead in goals (32). The 2003 Northeast Conference Rookie of the Year, she also ranks second on the team in assists with 12.

Fahey, selected to the Second Team at Midfield and as part of the All-Rookie Team, had a great freshman campaign. Currently, she leads the team in draw controls (37), and is second in ground balls (30). In addition, her 22 goals and nine assists are good for third on the team in both categories.

Posted by dwinds1

May 4, 2004

Computer Mania Day Aims to Get Girls Excited about Technology

On May 8, 500 sixth through eighth grade girls from public schools in Baltimore City and a dozen surrounding counties will spend a half-day with some of the top women in information technology (IT) fields for hands-on learning sessions aimed at closing the technology gender gap. Soledad O'Brien, anchor of CNN's "American Morning," will launch the "Computer Mania Day" program to be held at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC) on Saturday, May 8, 2004 from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

On May 8, 500 sixth through eighth grade girls from public schools in Baltimore City and a dozen surrounding counties will spend a half-day with some of the top women in information technology (IT) fields for hands-on learning sessions aimed at closing the technology gender gap. Soledad O'Brien, anchor of CNN's "American Morning," will launch the "Computer Mania Day" program to be held at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC) on Saturday, May 8, 2004 from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

Computer Mania Day is a hands-on extension of the mission of UMBC's Center for Women and Information Technology (CWIT), which ABC News.com has named "the best resource on women and technology on the Web."

While recent studies show that female college students are gradually closing the gender gap in computer technology use and competency, enrollment of women in college IT programs continues to decline and the middle school years remain a vital crossroads as girls consider their academic and career choices. A 2003 online survey of 210,000 K-12 students by NetDay and BellSouth showed that "a significant gap in technology adeptness exists along gender lines, with far fewer females considering themselves advanced users of technology."

Research shows that the IT gender gap opens as early as the middle school years, when girls are most image-conscious and do not want to be labeled as "geeks" or "nerds." Girls make up only 14.3% of the students who take Advanced Placement courses in computer science, a key to success in IT-related fields at the college level.

Computer Mania Day is based on a program founded by Shirley Collier, CEO of Howard County-based wireless optical technologies firm, Optemax, LLC. Collier chaired the program from 1995 1998 in Howard County as it successfully increased the percentage of high school girls in elective IT classes in Howard County Public School System from 20% to 50%.

Since the founding program ended, the numbers of female high school students taking IT electives appear to be slipping. Last year, UMBC and CWIT partnered with Collier and area business and education leaders to revive and expand Computer Mania Day. The 2003 event hosted by UMBC drew 300 students from Baltimore and Howard County schools.

"Events like Computer Mania Day allow parents, educators and executives to help young women find their place in the world of information technology and as tomorrow's leaders," said Jennifer Jones, AT&T sales vice-president for the Mid-Atlantic region. AT&T joins several other high profile companies in sponsoring this event.

Computer Mania Day plans to welcome 500 participating girls from the following public school systems: Anne Arundel County, Baltimore City, Baltimore County, Calvert County, Cecil County, Harford County, Howard County, Montgomery County, Prince George's County, Queen Anne's County, Somerset County, and St. Mary's County.

Throughout the day, students will work in small groups, rotating between interactive demonstration sessions covering such topics as "hardware that rocks," digital art and imaging, and the physics of a build-it-yourself hot air balloon.

Area high schools will highlight their elective IT courses and programs to the middle school girls while role-model businesswomen will discuss their high-tech careers. CWIT Scholars - scholarship students at UMBC dedicated to bridging the IT gender gap - will offer real-world advice to girls and parents on college majors and career paths involving technology.

A parallel parent and teacher program will complement the day by providing information about causes for girls' low enrollment in technology courses and what parents can do to encourage girls to embrace technology.

O'Brien will provide the keynote address. Jennifer Jones, Sales Center Vice President of AT&T Business, will speak about "Why Businesses Should Care About Girls in Technology." Other scheduled speakers for the day's parent/teacher program include: UMBC President Freeman Hrabowski; Baltimore County Schools superintendent Joe Hairston; Assistant State Superintendent, Maryland State Department of Education Katharine M. Oliver, and CWIT Director Claudia Morrell.

The event ties into ongoing concerns by business and education leaders about long-term growth and workforce diversity in the IT industry. Decisions are being made now by middle school students that will have an impact on the workforce five to 10 years down the road.

For more information on Computer Mania Day, go to http://www.computer-mania.info For more information on women and information technology, go to http://www.umbc.edu/cwit.

About CWIT:

The Center for Women and Information Technology (CWIT) established at the University of Maryland Baltimore County (UMBC) in July, 1998, has a four-fold mission: to encourage more women and girls to study computer science and/or information systems and to pursue careers in IT; to enable all women and girls to use IT comfortably and knowledgeably; to assure that the richness and breadth of women's lives and concerns are fully represented and readily available on the Internet; and to foster research concerning the relationship between gender and IT.

About UMBC:The University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC), is a distinguished research university with a deep commitment to undergraduate education. UMBC is known for its research centers in gerontology, digital imaging, photonics, structural biochemistry, urban environmental research and education, and the Howard Hughes Medical Institute at UMBC. The University's commitment to engaged learning, and to the social and economic development of the State of Maryland, is put into action through such programs as The Shriver Center for Work and Service-Learning, the Alex. Brown Center for Entrepreneurship, the Center for Women and Information Technology and techcenter@UMBC / bwtech@UMBC, the University's technology center and research park, home to more than 20 companies.

About AT&T (Corporate Sponsor): For more than 125 years, AT&T (NYSE "T") has been known for unparalleled quality and reliability in communications. Backed by the research and development capabilities of AT&T Labs, the company is a global leader in local, long distance, Internet and transaction-based voice and data services.

Posted by dwinds1

April 29, 2004

Low Lecture to Mark 50th Anniversary of Brown vs. Board of EducationDecision

Freeman A. Hrabowski, III -- UMBC president, author and nationally recognized authority on expanding educational standards and opportunities for minority students -- will give UMBC's annual Low Lecture, "Reflections on America's Academic Achievement Gap: A 50-Year Perspective," on May 5 at 7:00 p.m. in UMBC's University Center Ballroom.

Freeman A. Hrabowski, III -- UMBC president, author and nationally recognized authority on expanding educational standards and opportunities for minority students -- will give UMBC's annual Low Lecture, "Reflections on America's Academic Achievement Gap: A 50-Year Perspective," on May 5 at 7:00 p.m. in UMBC's University Center Ballroom.

The lecture will honor the 50th anniversary of the Brown vs. Board of Education decision that desegregated American public schools. From his early participation in the civil rights movement to his groundbreaking work sending young African-Americans into careers in science and technology, Hrabowski has a wealth of personal experience to draw upon for the speech.

Born in 1950 in Birmingham, Alabama, Hrabowski graduated at 19 from Hampton Institute with highest honors in mathematics, and he received his M.A. (mathematics) and Ph.D. (higher education administration/statistics) at 24 from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.

Hrabowski serves as a consultant to the National Science Foundation, the U.S. Department of Education, and universities and school systems nationally. He also is a member of numerous corporate and civic boards. Hrabowski's research and publications focus on science and math education, with special emphasis on minority participation and performance.

Hrabowski is co-author of the books, "Overcoming the Odds: Raising Academically Successful African American Young Women," published by Oxford University Press in 2001, and "Beating the Odds, Raising Academically Successful African American Males," published by Oxford University Press in 1998.

The UMBC History department's annual Low Lecture is named for founding faculty member and distinguished African American historian Augustus (Gus) Low. Low was a noted historian of the U.S. civil rights movement era.

Posted by dwinds1

$5 Million Erickson Foundation Commitment Launches School for Seniors Housing, Aging Services At UMBC

The Erickson Foundation has announced a $5 million commitment to support the formation of a new school to develop leaders in the burgeoning seniors housing and care business and related fields. The Erickson School at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC) will focus on courses and research in seniors housing and aging service. It will be named in honor of John Erickson, chairman and CEO of the Baltimore-based Erickson Retirement Communities, who initiated the gift to establish the school.

The Erickson Foundation has announced a $5 million commitment to support the formation of a new school to develop leaders in the burgeoning seniors housing and care business and related fields. The Erickson School at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC) will focus on courses and research in seniors housing and aging service. It will be named in honor of John Erickson, chairman and CEO of Baltimore-based Erickson, which initiated the gift to establish the school. In addition, the school will seek matching funds from other external sources.

UMBC - a four-year, public research university - is currently home to several leading experts on aging who are active in research, education and service in the field of gerontology. It is one of only five universities in the nation to offer the Ph.D. in Gerontology. The Erickson Foundation gift will allow the University to expand its faculty and array of offerings to reach developing leaders in the seniors housing and care industry and expand its influence in the field.

"We are very excited and fortunate to have received this generous gift from one of the recognized leaders of the senior living industry," said Dr. Freeman A. Hrabowski, III, president of UMBC. In 1983, Mr. Erickson created an award-winning retirement community from an abandoned college campus in Maryland. Its success made it the prototype for other such communities across the country. Today, Erickson Retirement Communities has 13 retirement communities in eight states that are home to nearly 13,000 people.

A strong proponent of the new school, Dr. Hrabowski will be actively involved in its development. "We have great ambitions for this initiative," he added. "We will be training tomorrow's leaders in the field of seniors housing and care, and focusing on key policy questions of aging, including Medicare and Medicaid system funding and other seniors-related issues."

To help develop the school, Dr. Morton I. Rapoport, former head of the University of Maryland Medical System, will lead the Erickson-UMBC partnership. Under Dr. Rapoport's direction, the University of Maryland Hospital was transformed from a public institution with aging facilities and millions of dollars in annual losses to a modern and financially successful private, non-profit organization with six hospitals, a revenue base of $1.2 billion and 10,000 employees. Among his greatest achievements was a capital improvement program of more than $1 billion over 20 years, resulting in outstanding, state-of-the-art hospital facilities and programs.

The Erickson School's first offering will be non-credit Executive Development courses in the fall of 2004 at UMBC. Helping to develop and lead the Executive Development component of the school will be the National Investment Center for the Seniors Housing & Care Industries (NIC). Since 1991, this nonprofit organization has been the leading source of business and financial information for the senior living industry. For the last five years, it has conducted Executive Development courses for emerging industry leaders, including courses in operations, management, sales, marketing, development, finance and service quality.

"John Erickson's leadership, vision and commitment to the senior living industry are truly to be admired," said Robert G. Kramer, president of NIC, which is headquartered in Annapolis, Md. "Many future leaders will benefit from his generosity, which will help to ensure that they get the same professional training as their counterparts in other fields."

For more information about the Executive Development courses at The Erickson School at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County, contact NIC at (410) 267-0504.Media Contact for Erickson Retirement Communities: Mel Tansill, (410) 402-2006

Posted by dwinds1

Low Lecture to Mark 50th Anniversary of Brown vs. Board of Education Decision

Freeman A. Hrabowski, III -- UMBC president, author and nationally recognized authority on expanding educational standards and opportunities for minority students -- will give UMBC's annual Low Lecture, "Reflections on America's Academic Achievement Gap: A 50-Year Perspective," on May 5 at 7:00 p.m. in UMBC's University Center Ballroom.

Freeman A. Hrabowski, III -- UMBC president, author and nationally recognized authority on expanding educational standards and opportunities for minority students -- will give UMBC's annual Low Lecture, "Reflections on America's Academic Achievement Gap: A 50-Year Perspective," on May 5 at 7:00 p.m. in UMBC's University Center Ballroom.

The lecture will honor the 50th anniversary of the Brown vs. Board of Education decision that desegregated American public schools. From his early participation in the civil rights movement to his groundbreaking work sending young African-Americans into careers in science and technology, Hrabowski has a wealth of personal experience to draw upon for the speech.

Born in 1950 in Birmingham, Alabama, Hrabowski graduated at 19 from Hampton Institute with highest honors in mathematics, and he received his M.A. (mathematics) and Ph.D. (higher education administration/statistics) at 24 from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.

Hrabowski serves as a consultant to the National Science Foundation, the U.S. Department of Education, and universities and school systems nationally. He also is a member of numerous corporate and civic boards. Hrabowski's research and publications focus on science and math education, with special emphasis on minority participation and performance.

Hrabowski is co-author of the books, "Overcoming the Odds: Raising Academically Successful African American Young Women," published by Oxford University Press in 2001, and "Beating the Odds, Raising Academically Successful African American Males," published by Oxford University Press in 1998.

The UMBC History department's annual Low Lecture is named for founding faculty member and distinguished African American historian Augustus (Gus) Low. Low was a noted historian of the U.S. civil rights movement era.

Posted by dwinds1

April 23, 2004

Kudos

Theatre Students Receive Awards at Kennedy Center American College Theater Festival
Undergraduate theatre students Jason Roth and Matthew Myer were among the honorees at the Kennedy Center American College Theater Festival. As a result of their performance in the Irene Ryan Evening of Scenes Night, Roth received the Sundance Theater Laboratory Acting Fellowship, the Shakespeare Theater Acting Internship, and was one of two overall winners in the Irene Ryan Acting Scholarship competition. Myers was selected to participate in the Margolis Method Summer Intensive in Minneapolis.

UMBC Ranked in Top 25 of Intel's "Most Unwired College Campuses"
UMBC came in at #23 in a ranking of 100 "Most Unwired College Campuses," conducted by Intel. UMBC is the only Maryland school in the top 25 in the list of colleges with the greatest access to wireless computing and outranked schools such as MIT and Stanford. Indiana University tops the list that was based on the number of wireless hotspots on campus, computer-to-student ratio, and the percentage of campus covered in wireless access. The complete list is available online.

Claudia Morrell, CWIT, Participates in Congressional Briefing
Claudia Morrell, director of the Center for Women and Information Technology, participated in a briefing before members of Congress and their staffs on how technology is being used to provide critical services to women and children. The briefing, held April 5, also addressed current legislation and equity resources that affect the lives of women in areas such as education, job preparation, domestic violence, and eGovernment.

Marjoleine Kars, History, Awarded Mellon Fellowship
Marjoleine Kars, associate professor of history, has been awarded a Mellon Research Fellowship by the John Carter Brown Library at Brown University, a major research institute for the colonial history of North and South America. Kars will be using the award to continue her research on a slave uprising in the 1760s in the Dutch colony of Berbice (now a part of the Republic of Guyana).

Kriste Lindenmeyer, History, Awarded Fulbright Fellowship
Associate professor of history Kriste Lindenmeyer has been awarded a Fulbright Senior Scholar Fellowship. For her fellowship, Lindenmeyer will be teaching at Martin Luther University in Halle, Germany for the 2004-2005 academic year.

Posted by dwinds1

In the News, April 23

President Hrabowski in The Sun
UMBC President Freeman Hrabowski was the subject of "Living and Learning in Black and White," an article about his experiences in segregated schools and the legacy of Brown vs. Board of Education. The article, written by Sun reporter Michael Hill, appeared on April 18.

Emergency Health Services Living Learning Community in The Sun
UMBC's Emergency Health Services (EHS) Living Learning Community (LLC), located in Harbor Hall, was profiled in The Sun's April 18 Education supplement. EHS chair Bruce Walz was quoted along with several student residents of the LLC, all of them future paramedics, fire fighters, EMTs or other emergency first responders.

Roy Meyers, Political Science, in the News
Roy Meyers, associate professor of political science, wrote "Maryland's Counterproductive Constitution," an op-ed that appeared on April 18 in the Washington Post.

Meyers was also quoted in The Sun on April 20 in an article about the results of the Mandel Commission, formed by the governor to find ways to increase efficiency in the Maryland government.

Don Norris, Public Policy and MIPAR, in The Sun
Don Norris, professor of public policy and director of MIPAR, was quoted in "Business Finds Little Fault in the Governor," which appeared in The Sun on April 18.

Norris was also quoted in the April 18 edition of The Sun in an article by Meredith Cohn on the possibility of forming a regional water and sewer authority for the Baltimore metropolitan area.

Christopher Corbett, English, in the Albuquerque Journal
English instructor Christopher Corbett's Orphans Preferred: The Twisted Truth and Lasting Legend of the Pony Express (Random House/Broadway Books division) was reviewed March 28 in the Albuquerque Journal, New Mexico's largest Sunday paper.

Posted by dwinds1

April 16, 2004

Insights In the News, April 16-22, 2004

President Hrabowski on WBAL Radio

UMBC President Freeman Hrabowski is scheduled to be a guest on WBAL (1090 AM) Radio's Bruce Elliott Show on April 17 at 9 a.m. The topic of the show will be academic achievement among minority students.

Men's Lacrosse on Comcast SportsNet

The UMBC men's lacrosse team's long-standing community service relationship with "The Ride With Pride" program will be featured on this month's edition of NCAA On Campus.

Produced by Fox Sports News, the show airs locally on Comcast SportsNet (Mid-Atlantic) this Saturday, April 17 at 6:00 p.m., and Sunday, April 18th at 11:30 p.m.

UMBC men's lacrosse just celebrated its tenth anniversary with "The Ride With Pride" program, sponsored by the Maryland Council for Special Equestrians. The team assists trainers in horseback riding activities for special needs children at the Patapsco Horse Center in Ellicott City, Maryland.

Head Coach Don Zimmerman, seniors Jeff Clark, MattGallagher, and Tommy Tittsworth, and junior Joe Cahillare active participants in the program and are featured along with program director Tina Wehland and some very special young people.

Theatre to be Featured on Maryland Public Television

UMBC's Department of Theatre will be featured on Wednesday, April 21 at 7:30 on Maryland Public Television's ArtWorks program. The program will include an interview with Wendy Salkind, professor and chair of theatre, as well as footage of the department's current production, Female Transport.

UMBC Students in The Sun

UMBC graduate student and Shriver Peaceworker Delana Gregg was quoted in a Sun article on student interest in the Iraq war on April 9. Undergraduates Jun Woo Lee, biology, and Jin Chung, information systems, were also quoted in the article.

UMBC Baseball in The Sun

The Sun featured UMBC's newly updated baseball field on April 9 with quotes from head baseball coach John Jancuska and director of athletics Charlie Brown. The project, a collaboration between UMBC and The Baseball Factory, added lights, a new playing surface and a warning track around the entire field.

Tom Schaller, Political Science, Guest Host on WBAL Radio

Tom Schaller, national politics expert, bravely went where few liberals dare to tread as he filled in for conservative talk radio host Rob Douglas on WBAL Radio 1090 AM on April 10. Schaller manned the popular talk show's booth for a full three hours and took calls from across the Baltimore/Washington political spectrum.

Lou Cantori, Political Science, in The Sun

Lou Cantori, an expert on the Middle East and Iraq, was quoted in the April 11 Perspective section articleby Sun writer Michael Hill. Titled "An Irrelevant Date." Cantori was among several experts on Iraq quoted about the impact of the upcoming June 30 transfer of power to the Iraqi interim government.

Jennifer Rouse, Public Policy, in the Trinidad & Tobago Express

Jennifer Rouse, a public policy doctoral student, was featured in the Trinidad & Tobago Express on April 4. Rouse, who has been named director of Trinidad and Tobago's soon-to-be-formed Division of Aging in the Ministry of Social Development, discusses the challenges faced by aging women.

Donald Norris, Public Policy and MIPAR, in The Sun

Donald Norris, professor of public policy and director of MIPAR was quoted in "Busch Slots Bill Called 'Political Poker'," which ran April 9 in The Sun.

Norris was also quoted in April 12's "Assembly Falls Short on Budget Gap."

techcenter@UMBC Companies Featured in Baltimore Business Journal

Scientific Products & Systems, Athena Environmental Sciences, Inc., Next Breath LLC, MetriGenix, Inc., and In Vitro Technologies, Inc., all located in techcenter@UMBC, were featured in an April 9 article in the Baltimore Business Journal about local companies who make tools and provide services to support the biotechnology industry.

bwtech@UMBC in Baltimore Business Journal

The April 9 Baltimore Business Journal featured a story on the new office building British company Grosvenor is building at bwtech@UMBC.

Durrell Callier, Social Work, in The Sun

Freshman social work major Durrell Callier was quoted in The Sun on April 13 in an article on the Baltimore Algebra Project's efforts on behalf of Baltimore City Public Schools. Callier is a member of the Baltimore Algebra Project, a student-led group that tutors middle and high school students.

Mark Croatti, Political Science, in The Business Monthly

Political Science instructor Mark Croatti authored an article on the impact of this year's state legislative session on business that appeared in the April issue of The Business Monthly.

CWIT & Computer Mania Day in The Business Monthly

UMBC's Center for Women and Information Technology (CWIT) and its signature upcoming community outreach/education event, Computer Mania Day, were part of an article by Jennifer Jones of CWIT corporate sponsor AT&T in the April Business Monthly.

New Journal Co-Edited by Donald Norris, Patricia Fletcher, Public Policy, in NSF Digital Government Research Program News Online

The International Journal of Electronic Government Research, a new peer-reviewed journal on digital government co-edited by Donald Norris, professor of public policy and director of MIPAR, and Patricia Fletcher, associate professor of public policy and information systems, was a featured news story at the National Science Foundation's Digital Government Research Program's website:http://www.diggov.org/news/stories/2004/0404/0404_journal_heyman.jsp

Posted by dwinds1

Kudos, April 16-22

Piot Gwiazda, English, Awarded Mellon Fellowship

Piotr Gwiazda, assistant professor of English, was awarded a Mellon Fellowship from the Harry Ransom Humanities Research Center at The University of Texas at Austin to conduct research on his book project, Merrill's Auden: Poetic Authority in TheChanging Light at Sandover.

Stephanie Jones, Public Policy, Selected for Federal Program

Stephanie Jones, a doctoral student in the Department of Public Policy at UMBC, has been selected by the Department of Health and Human Services to be in the HHS Emerging Leaders Program. Her position will be with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta. Stephanie, who plans to graduate May 2004, was also the recipient of a Southern Regional Education Board Dissertation Year Fellowship.

UMBC Recognized by National Information Assurance Education and Training Program

UMBC has recently been redesignated a Center of Academic Excellence in Information Assurance Education for 2004-2007 by the National Information Assurance Education and Training Program. The program, administered by the National Security Agency, is designed to reduce vulnerabilities in the national information infrastructure by promoting higher education in information assurance and increasing the numbers of information assurance professionals across disciplines.

Kathleen Jackson, Field Hockey, to Represent UMBC at 2004 NCAA Leadership Conference

Junior Kathleen Jackson is one of 324 student-athletes selected for the 2004 NCAA Leadership Conference being held May 30-June 3 in Lake Buena Vista, Florida. The participants were selected from 1175 nominations from 295 institutions.

Donald Norris, Patricia Fletcher, Public Policy, Editors of New Journal

Donald Norris, professor of public policy and director of MIPAR, and Patricia Fletcher, associate professor of public policy and information systems, were recently named co-editors-in-chief of a new peer-reviewed journal on digital government. The journal, titled the International Journal of Electronic Government Research, will release its inaugural issue in January 2005. It will be published quarterly by Idea Group Publishing. Subscription information and submission guidelines are available online.

Eric Hoffman, Erica Lezan, Residential Life, Present at National Meeting

Two staff members from Residential Life recently gave presentations at the April 2-5 American College Personnel Association annual meeting. Eric Hoffman presented, "Yo Peep This: The Language of Today's College Student" and Erica Lezan presented, "Assessing the Impact of Service-Learning On the Outcomes of Leadership, Citizenship and Appreciation of Diversity."

Posted by dwinds1

In The News, April 16-22

President Hrabowski on WBAL Radio

UMBC President Freeman Hrabowski is scheduled to be a guest on WBAL (1090 AM) Radio's Bruce Elliott Show on April 17 at 9 a.m. The topic of the show will be academic achievement among minority students.

Men's Lacrosse on Comcast SportsNet

The UMBC men's lacrosse team's long-standing community service relationship with "The Ride With Pride" program will be featured on this month's edition of NCAA On Campus.

Produced by Fox Sports News, the show airs locally on Comcast SportsNet (Mid-Atlantic) this Saturday, April 17 at 6:00 p.m., and Sunday, April 18th at 11:30 p.m.

UMBC men's lacrosse just celebrated its tenth anniversary with "The Ride With Pride" program, sponsored by the Maryland Council for Special Equestrians. The team assists trainers in horseback riding activities for special needs children at the Patapsco Horse Center in Ellicott City, Maryland.

Head Coach Don Zimmerman, seniors Jeff Clark, MattGallagher, and Tommy Tittsworth, and junior Joe Cahillare active participants in the program and are featured along with program director Tina Wehland and some very special young people.

Theatre to be Featured on Maryland Public Television

UMBC's Department of Theatre will be featured on Wednesday, April 21 at 7:30 on Maryland Public Television's ArtWorks program. The program will include an interview with Wendy Salkind, professor and chair of theatre, as well as footage of the department's current production, Female Transport.

UMBC Students in The Sun

UMBC graduate student and Shriver Peaceworker Delana Gregg was quoted in a Sun article on student interest in the Iraq war on April 9. Undergraduates Jun Woo Lee, biology, and Jin Chung, information systems, were also quoted in the article.

UMBC Baseball in The Sun

The Sun featured UMBC's newly updated baseball field on April 9 with quotes from head baseball coach John Jancuska and director of athletics Charlie Brown. The project, a collaboration between UMBC and The Baseball Factory, added lights, a new playing surface and a warning track around the entire field.

Tom Schaller, Political Science, Guest Host on WBAL Radio

Tom Schaller, national politics expert, bravely went where few liberals dare to tread as he filled in for conservative talk radio host Rob Douglas on WBAL Radio 1090 AM on April 10. Schaller manned the popular talk show's booth for a full three hours and took calls from across the Baltimore/Washington political spectrum.

Lou Cantori, Political Science, in The Sun

Lou Cantori, an expert on the Middle East and Iraq, was quoted in the April 11 Perspective section articleby Sun writer Michael Hill. Titled "An Irrelevant Date." Cantori was among several experts on Iraq quoted about the impact of the upcoming June 30 transfer of power to the Iraqi interim government.

Jennifer Rouse, Public Policy, in the Trinidad & Tobago Express

Jennifer Rouse, a public policy doctoral student, was featured in the Trinidad & Tobago Express on April 4. Rouse, who has been named director of Trinidad and Tobago's soon-to-be-formed Division of Aging in the Ministry of Social Development, discusses the challenges faced by aging women.

Donald Norris, Public Policy and MIPAR, in The Sun

Donald Norris, professor of public policy and director of MIPAR was quoted in "Busch Slots Bill Called 'Political Poker'," which ran April 9 in The Sun.

Norris was also quoted in April 12's "Assembly Falls Short on Budget Gap."

techcenter@UMBC Companies Featured in Baltimore Business Journal

Scientific Products & Systems, Athena Environmental Sciences, Inc., Next Breath LLC, MetriGenix, Inc., and In Vitro Technologies, Inc., all located in techcenter@UMBC, were featured in an April 9 article in the Baltimore Business Journal about local companies who make tools and provide services to support the biotechnology industry.

bwtech@UMBC in Baltimore Business Journal

The April 9 Baltimore Business Journal featured a story on the new office building British company Grosvenor is building at bwtech@UMBC.

Durrell Callier, Social Work, in The Sun

Freshman social work major Durrell Callier was quoted in The Sun on April 13 in an article on the Baltimore Algebra Project's efforts on behalf of Baltimore City Public Schools. Callier is a member of the Baltimore Algebra Project, a student-led group that tutors middle and high school students.

Mark Croatti, Political Science, in The Business Monthly

Political Science instructor Mark Croatti authored an article on the impact of this year's state legislative session on business that appeared in the April issue of The Business Monthly.

CWIT & Computer Mania Day in The Business Monthly

UMBC's Center for Women and Information Technology (CWIT) and its signature upcoming community outreach/education event, Computer Mania Day, were part of an article by Jennifer Jones of CWIT corporate sponsor AT&T in the April Business Monthly.

New Journal Co-Edited by Donald Norris, Patricia Fletcher, Public Policy, in NSF Digital Government Research Program News Online

The International Journal of Electronic Government Research, a new peer-reviewed journal on digital government co-edited by Donald Norris, professor of public policy and director of MIPAR, and Patricia Fletcher, associate professor of public policy and information systems, was a featured news story at the National Science Foundation's Digital Government Research Program's website.

Posted by dwinds1

April 15, 2004

UMBC Mathematician/Author Awarded Guggenheim Fellowship

Manil Suri, a professor of mathematics at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC) and author of the critically acclaimed novel "The Death of Vishnu," has been awarded a 2004 Guggenheim Fellowship for exemplary work in the field of fiction writing.

Manil Suri, a professor of mathematics at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC) and author of the critically acclaimed novel "The Death of Vishnu," has been awarded a 2004 Guggenheim Fellowship for exemplary work in the field of fiction writing.

Suri was among the diverse group of 185 artists, scholars and scientists selected for Guggenheim Fellowships from a field of over 3200 applicants. Results of the John Simon Guggenheim Memorial Foundation's eightieth annual United States and Canadian competition, with the combined awards totaling nearly $7 million, were announced earlier this month by Foundation president Edward Hirsch.

Suri, a seriously engaged mathematics researcher and teacher, has taught at UMBC since 1983. Suri's fiction was largely unknown, even to his UMBC colleagues, until the publication of an excerpt from "Vishnu" appeared in the February 14, 2000 issue of The New Yorker.

Suri was named a Time magazine "Person to Watch" in 2001, and is currently working on the second novel of a planned trilogy. "The Death of Vishnu," published by W.W. Norton & Company in 2001, garnered rave reviews from critics; including those writing for Publisher's Weekly, The New York Times Book Review, The Washington Post, the Boston Sunday Globe, Booklist, and Library Journal.

About the Guggenheim Fellowship Program:

In a time of decreased funding for individuals in the arts, humanities, and sciences, the Guggenheim Fellowship program has assumed a greatly increased importance and the Foundation is successfully raising funds to enable the appointment of a larger number of Fellows each year. Since 1925 the Foundation has granted more than $230 million in Fellowships to over 15,500 individuals. The full list of year 2004 Fellows is online at http://www.gf.org.

Posted by dwinds1

UMBC Mathematician/Author Awarded Guggenheim Fellowship

Manil Suri, a professor of mathematics at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC) and author of the critically acclaimed novel "The Death of Vishnu," has been awarded a 2004 Guggenheim Fellowship for exemplary work in the field of fiction writing.

Manil Suri, a professor of mathematics at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC) and author of the critically acclaimed novel "The Death of Vishnu," has been awarded a 2004 Guggenheim Fellowship for exemplary work in the field of fiction writing.

Suri was among the diverse group of 185 artists, scholars and scientists selected for Guggenheim Fellowships from a field of over 3200 applicants. Results of the John Simon Guggenheim Memorial Foundation's eightieth annual United States and Canadian competition, with the combined awards totaling nearly $7 million, were announced earlier this month by Foundation president Edward Hirsch.

Suri, a seriously engaged mathematics researcher and teacher, has taught at UMBC since 1983. Suri's fiction was largely unknown, even to his UMBC colleagues, until the publication of an excerpt from "Vishnu" appeared in the February 14, 2000 issue of The New Yorker.

Suri was named a Time magazine "Person to Watch" in 2001, and is currently working on the second novel of a planned trilogy. "The Death of Vishnu," published by W.W. Norton & Company in 2001, garnered rave reviews from critics; including those writing for Publisher's Weekly, The New York Times Book Review, The Washington Post, the Boston Sunday Globe, Booklist, and Library Journal.

About the Guggenheim Fellowship Program:

In a time of decreased funding for individuals in the arts, humanities, and sciences, the Guggenheim Fellowship program has assumed a greatly increased importance and the Foundation is successfully raising funds to enable the appointment of a larger number of Fellows each year. Since 1925 the Foundation has granted more than $230 million in Fellowships to over 15,500 individuals. The full list of year 2004 Fellows is online at http://www.gf.org.

Posted by dwinds1

April 14, 2004

UMBC Information Systems Professor: e-Filing Still Best Way to Do Taxes

As the tax deadline looms, UMBC information systems professor Stephen H. Holden says that the IRS' e-Filing program is a convenient, secure way for taxpayers to avoid common errors while getting their refunds faster. Holden is also the author of a new study for the IBM Center for the Business of Government that shows how other federal agencies can benefit from the IRS experience in developing e-signature solutions.

As the midnight deadline for filing federal income taxes looms, UMBC information systems assistant professor and electronic government expert Stephen H. Holden says that filing taxes online through the IRS' e-Filing program is a convenient, secure way for taxpayers to avoid common errors while getting their refunds faster.

Holden, who led efforts to improve IRS e-Filing products and features during six years at the IRS before joining the faculty at UMBC, is also the author of a new study for the IBM Center for the Business of Government that shows how other federal agencies can benefit from the IRS' experience in developing e-signature solutions.

"E-filing remains the best way for taxpayers to file their taxes," says Holden. "In many states, taxpayers can file both their federal and state income taxes in one transaction and get their refunds in less than two weeks."

In the new report released by the IBM Center for the Business of Government (www.businessofgovernment.org), entitled Understanding Electronic Signatures: The Key to E-Government, Holden describes how the IRS pioneered the use of electronicsignatures or e-signatures for tax payers filing electronically. According to the report, the increase in e-filing has helped the IRS to reduce the amount of staff time and resources spent on paperwork, allowing them to dedicate more attention to catching tax errors or fraud.

Holden's report shows how last year, the IRS accepted over 52 million e-filed returns - 40 percent of all individual returns that were filed - with well over 70 percent of those e-filed returns being signed electronically. The report notes how this process made the IRS much more efficient, saving an average of $350 per thousand returns.

"E-filing is one of the federal government's longest standing and most successful electronic government programs," says Holden. "If the IRS can do it - with its size, complexity of stakeholder relationships, and general aversion to change - so can other federal agencies."

About Stephen H. Holden

Holden is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Information Systems at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC). His research interests include electronic government, information policy, electronic authentication policies and practices, the management of IT in the public sector and electronic democracy.

His research has appeared in IEEE Internet Computing, Public Performance and Management Review, Government Information Quarterly and other journals. He has participated on a National Academy of Sciences study team on electronic authentication, consulted for several federal agencies, and is a contributor to Government Computer News. Prior to his six-year tenure with the IRS working on e-filing and other information technology projects, Holden worked for 10 years at the Office of Management and Budget (OMB).

About the IBM Center for the Business of Government

Through stipends for research, the IBM Center for The Business of Government stimulates research and facilitates discussion on new approaches to improving the effectiveness of government at the federal, state, local, and international levels. For additional information on the IBM Center, visit the Web site at www.businessofgovernment.org.

How to obtain the report:

"Understanding Electronic Signatures: The Key to E-Government" can be obtained free of charge by calling (202) 515-4504 or by downloading a copy at http://www.businessofgovernment.org/main/winners/details/index.asp?GID=146.

Posted by dwinds1

President Hrabowski's Tribute to Dr. Severino Koh

Be under no illusion. You shall gather to yourself the images you love. As you go, the shapes, the lights, the shadows of the things you have preferred will come to you, yes, inveterately, inevitably as bees to their hive. And there in your mind and spirit they will leave with you their distilled essence, sweet as honey or bitter as gall, and you will grow unto their likeness because their nature will be in you.

As men see the color in the wave, so shall men see in you the thing you have loved most.
Oliver W.S. McCall, The Hand of God

How does one capture the essence of a man? My grandmother would have said that Bino had a "sweet spirit." He loved his family, his work, and life itself.

Our colleague and dear friend, Bino Koh, skillfully led UMBC's College of Engineering in its early years, through the development of its academic programs and its first accreditation. He also played a major role in recruiting a number of our faculty and in integrating the College into the fabric of the University. I was always taken by his passion for engineering and education, his broad international perspective, and his determination to make us the best. He had a sense of enthusiasm about building both the University and the new College of Engineering.

But what made Bino so special - even more than his rich academic and administrative contributions - were his distinctive personal qualities. In fact, a number of colleagues have talked to me about Bino in recent days, and what they all said, in essence, was that he was a genuinely kind person - something I learned firsthand many years ago.

Bino was one of my closest colleagues during our first years at UMBC, in the late 1980s when I was Vice Provost, as we focused on the challenges that students of color and international students faced on our campus. On many occasions, he and I led discussions with our President's Council about these challenges. In fact, our President, the late Michael Hooker, called us his two experts on diversity - I called Bino our expert on humanity.

I continue to remember Bino telling me about growing up in the Philippines - his is the story of poor young boy who overcame the odds and shared with countless others the transforming power of education. He brought the human touch to engineering and to the academic environment, treating every person he met as someone important, especially our students. He was always thinking about what was best for people.

When I think of Bino, I picture his disarming smile and that look of hope in his eyes, and I hear his comforting voice. If I had to give you one statement from him that stands out, it would be when he looked at me and said with great enthusiasm, "We can do this!" He always believed in the power of the human spirit.

Most important, perhaps, he taught us much about the significance of balancing work and family. Indeed, whenever he mentioned his beloved Paz, or his daughters and grandchildren, his face would light up with a great smile and a twinkle in his eyes. You can tell when someone is happy at home, and he was. It was as if he knew something that others might not know - and indeed he did. He knew what it meant to love deeply and to be loved by his family. And that love extended not only across his family, but also across our campus. We were not simply fond and respectful of Bino; we loved Bino, and we always will.

Posted by dwinds1

April 13, 2004

Faye Gibbs Named Director of Public Relations at UMBC

Faye Gibbs has been named director of public relations at UMBC. With 20 years of experience developing strategic communications programs, Gibbs has served an extensive roster of public, private and non-profit sector clients including the National Science Foundation, National Cancer Institute, Lucent Technologies and Dow Chemical.

Prior to relocating to Maryland, Gibbs was vice president of Ashley Gibbs Associates, a public relations and marketing firm headquartered in New York City. In addition to developing a nationwide public relations program to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the National Science Foundation (a $5 billion federal agency), her firm played an integral role in the creation and delivery of a comprehensive branding and media outreach program that announced the merger of two international telecommunications giants.

"I began my career at Harvard University and have always had a profound respect for the extraordinary impact institutions of higher learning have on everyone who is associated with them--students, faculty and staff, alike," says Gibbs. "I am truly delighted to join the staff at UMBC, a university that is a leader in so many areas, with so many great stories to tell."

Prior to running her own agency, Gibbs served as Director of Corporate Public Relations and Marketing for MJ Health System, a 15-agency regional healthcare system in New York; was Vice President/Senior Account Supervisor for Tier Communications, also of NY; served as Executive Director for an international foundation that promoted cross-cultural education programs; and established the media/public outreach program for a major initiative sponsored by the National Cancer Institute.

Gibbs succeeds former UMBC news and online information director Charlie Melichar, now director of media relations at Colgate University.

Posted by dwinds1

Manil Suri, Professor of Mathematics and Statistics, Receives Guggenheim Fellowship

Manil Suri, professor of mathematics and statistics at UMBC, has been named a 2004 Guggenheim Fellow for his exemplary work in the field of fiction writing.Suri was one of 184 distinguished scientists, scholars and artists selected to receive a Guggenheim Fellowship from a field more than 3,200 applicants.

After the publication of Suri's first novel, The Death of Vishnu (W.W.Norton & Company, 2001), he was named a Time magazine Person to Watch. His book garnered rave reviews from critics, including those writing forThe New York Times Book Review, the Boston Sunday Globe and Minneapolis Star-Tribune.

A scholar who is seriously engaged in the discipline of mathematics, Suri has taught at UMBC since 1983. His fiction was largely unknown, even to UMBC faculty, until the publication of an excerpt from The Death of Vishnu appeared in a February 2001 issue of The New Yorker.

Posted by dwinds1

April 12, 2004

Mathematics' Manil Suri Receives Guggenheim Fellowship

Manil Suri, professor of mathematics and statistics at UMBC, has been named a 2004 Guggenheim Fellow for his exemplary work in the field of fiction writing.Suri was one of 184 distinguished scientists, scholars and artists selected to receive a Guggenheim Fellowship from a field more than 3,200 applicants.

After the publication of Suri's first novel, The Death of Vishnu (W.W.Norton & Company, 2001), he was named a Time magazine Person to Watch. His book garnered rave reviews from critics, including those writing forThe New York Times Book Review, the Boston Sunday Globe and Minneapolis Star-Tribune.

A scholar who is seriously engaged in the discipline of mathematics, Suri has taught at UMBC since 1983. His fiction was largely unknown, even to UMBC faculty, until the publication of an excerpt from The Death of Vishnu appeared in a February 2001 issue of The New Yorker.

Posted by dwinds1

April 9, 2004

Kudos

UMBC Chess Wins "Final Four"
UMBC's chess team celebrated a 3-2 victory over their archrival, the University of Texas at Dallas (UTD), at the prestigious United States Chess Federation's President's Cup in a two-day match (April 3-4) at the Brunswick Plaza in Lindsborg, Kansas.

Christoph Irmscher, English, Awarded Fellowship
Christoph Irmscher, Professor of English, was awarded the prestigious Rodney G. Dennis Fellowship in the Study of Manuscripts at the Houghton Library of Harvard University. Houghton Library is one of the world's foremost repositories of rare books and manuscripts. The fellowship will enable Christoph Irmscher to study the library's holdings of manuscripts and books by Louis Agassiz, the 19th-century scientist, whose biography he is currently writing for the University Press of Virginia.

Irmscher was also selected as one of the participants in the Folger Institute's Spring Faculty Weekend Seminar on "Early Modern Scientific and Intellectual Biography," directed by Professor Steven Shapin (Harvard University), April 2 to April 3, at the Folger Shakespeare Library in Washington, DC.

Alumnus Kevin Armstrong Receives Cartography Award
Alumnus Kevin Armstrong, geography, received a cartographic design award in a map competition held at the recent annual conference of the Department of Justice, National Institute of Justice program: Mapping and Analysis for Public Safety. Armstrong's winning entry was a map of access of parolees/probationers to Division of Parole and Probation offices in Baltimore City. Armstrong is employed at the High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas (HIDA) agency in Greenbelt.

Kelly Fahey, Women's Lacrosse, Receives Honors
Freshman Kelly Fahey was named to the honor roll on womenslacrosse.com and was named America East Rookie of the Week for her performance last week. Fahey tallied the game-winning goal with 16 seconds remaining against American to give UMBC its first victory of the season. In addition, she scored three goals in the league opener versus Stony Brook while grabbing eight draw controls.

Kelly Fiorani, Women's Lacrosse, Receives Honors from Inside Lacrosse
Sophomore Kelly Fiorani received an honorable mention from Inside Lacrosse for her play last week. Fiorani led the Retrievers in scoring in the America East Conference opener against Stony Brook, where she scored five goals and added two assists.

Posted by dwinds1

Kudos

Christoph Irmscher, English, Awarded FellowshipChristoph Irmscher, Professor of English, was awarded the prestigious Rodney G. Dennis Fellowship in the Study of Manuscripts at the Houghton Library of Harvard University. Houghton Library is one of the world's foremost repositories of rare books and manuscripts. The fellowship will enable Christoph Irmscher to study the library's holdings of manuscripts and books by Louis Agassiz, the 19th-century scientist, whose biography he is currently writing for the University Press of Virginia. Irmscher was also selected as one of the participants in the Folger Institute's Spring Faculty Weekend Seminar on "Early Modern Scientific and Intellectual Biography," directed by Professor Steven Shapin (Harvard University), April 2 to April 3, at the Folger Shakespeare Library in Washington, DC.Alumnus Kevin Armstrong Receives Cartography AwardAlumnus Kevin Armstrong, geography, received a cartographic design award in a map competition held t the recent annual conference of the Department of Justice, National Institute of Justice program: Mapping and Analysis for Public Safety. Armstrong's winning entry was a map of access of parolees/probationers to Division of Parole and Probation offices in Baltimore City. Armstrong is employed at the High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas (HIDA) agency in Greenbelt.Kelly Fahey, Women's Lacrosse, Receives HonorsFreshman Kelly Fahey was named to the honor roll on womenslacrosse.com and was named America East Rookie of the Week for her performance last week. Fahey tallied the game-winning goal with 16 seconds remaining against American to give UMBC its first victory of the season. In addition, she scored three goals in the league opener versus Stony Brook while grabbing eight draw controls.Kelly Fiorani, Women's Lacrosse, Receives Honors from Inside LacrosseSophomore Kelly Fiorani received an honorable mention from Inside Lacrosse for her play last week. Fiorani led the Retrievers in scoring in the America East Conference opener against Stony Brook, where she scored five goals and added two assists.

Posted by dwinds1

Kudos

Christoph Irmscher, English, Awarded Fellowship
Christoph Irmscher, Professor of English, was awarded the prestigious Rodney G. Dennis Fellowship in the Study of Manuscripts at the Houghton Library of Harvard University. Houghton Library is one of the world's foremost repositories of rare books and manuscripts. The fellowship will enable Christoph Irmscher to study the library's holdings of manuscripts and books by Louis Agassiz, the 19th-century scientist, whose biography he is currently writing for the University Press of Virginia.

Irmscher was also selected as one of the participants in the Folger Institute's Spring Faculty Weekend Seminar on "Early Modern Scientific and Intellectual Biography," directed by Professor Steven Shapin (Harvard University), April 2 to April 3, at the Folger Shakespeare Library in Washington, DC.

Alumnus Kevin Armstrong Receives Cartography Award
Alumnus Kevin Armstrong, geography, received a cartographic design award in a map competition held at the recent annual conference of the Department of Justice, National Institute of Justice program: Mapping and Analysis for Public Safety. Armstrong's winning entry was a map of access of parolees/probationers to Division of Parole and Probation offices in Baltimore City. Armstrong is employed at the High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas (HIDA) agency in Greenbelt.

Kelly Fahey, Women's Lacrosse, Receives Honors
Freshman Kelly Fahey was named to the honor roll on womenslacrosse.com and was named America East Rookie of the Week for her performance last week. Fahey tallied the game-winning goal with 16 seconds remaining against American to give UMBC its first victory of the season. In addition, she scored three goals in the league opener versus Stony Brook while grabbing eight draw controls.

Kelly Fiorani, Women's Lacrosse, Receives Honors from Inside Lacrosse
Sophomore Kelly Fiorani received an honorable mention from Inside Lacrosse for her play last week. Fiorani led the Retrievers in scoring in the America East Conference opener against Stony Brook, where she scored five goals and added two assists.

Posted by dwinds1

In the News

Tim Brennan, Public Policy, in the Baltimore Sun
On April 3, Tim Brennan, professor of public policy, was quoted in an article by Lorraine Mirabella on the impact that expiring price caps will have on electricity prices.

Tom Schaller, Political Science, in the Washington Post
Assistant professor of political science Tom Schaller wrote an article, "This Time, Bush Could Get the Gore Treatment," that appeared in the April 4 Washington Post. The article discusses the possibility that this year's presidential election could see George W. Bush win the popular vote, but lose the general election through the electoral college process.

Donald Norris, Public Policy and MIPAR, in the Baltimore Sun
Donald Norris, professor of public policy and director of MIPAR, was quoted on April 4 in an article, The Fee State," written by Sun reporter Michael Hill.

techcenter@UMBC in Baltimore Business Journal
The Baltimore Business Journal featured a story about techcenter@UMBC's newest tenant, MetriGenix US, Inc., on April 5.

Alumnus Gib Mason in Baltimore Sun
Alumnus Gib Mason, economics '95 and chief operating officer of Baltimore company 180s, was quoted in a Sun article featuring 180s on April 6. 180s was recently named to the top spot on a list of 100 fastest-growing private companies in U.S. inner cities by the Initiative for a Competitive Inner City, a nonprofit business research organization based in Boston, and Inc. magazine.

UMBC Featured in Daily Record's March 2004 Growth Report
UMBC figures prominently in the Daily Record's March 2004 Growth Report, "Baltimore County: Leverages Strengths, Targets Growth."

*Baltimore County Executive James T. Smith, Jr. mentions the opening of the second building at bwtech@UMBC as a highlight of the coming year in Baltimore County economic growth in "Advantage: Baltimore County" on page 2.
*bwtech@UMBC is featured on page 6 with the story, "Building a Unique Tech Park."
*Also on page 6, UMBC is mentioned in, "Resilient Tech," an article by Penny Lewandowski, Greater Baltimore Technology Council (GBTC) Executive Director.
*In "Land for Opportunity," on page 10, UMBC is mentioned as one of the central locations of biosciences innovation along the I-95 corridor; bwtech@UMBC is mentioned as one of major sites within the Southwest Enterprise Zone for Baltimore County.
*In "Future Focus," beginning on page 4, UMBC is mentioned along with Johns Hopkins University and the University of Maryland, College Park as one of three local institutions whose scientific discoveries have made significant impact; In Vitro Technologies' president Paul Silber is quoted about the benefits techcenter@UMBC has offered his company.

Posted by dwinds1

April 8, 2004

UMBC Baseball Set to Debut Lights in Inaugural Night Game on April 13

By Andy Warner, Assistant Director of Athletic Communications

UMBC Athletics, in conjunction with The Baseball Factory, is set to debut the new lighting system installed at the Retrievers' home baseball stadium, The Baseball Factory Field at UMBC, on Tuesday, April 13. The game will mark the Retrievers' first-ever night game at UMBC, with a first pitch scheduled for 7 p.m. against George Mason University.

"We are extremely excited with our partnership with The Baseball Factory Organization," said UMBC Director of Athletics Charles Brown. "UMBC has a long successful history with its baseball program and legendary head coach John Jancuska (27th season with over 575 career wins), developing major leaguers, All-Americans and putting NCAA Division-I caliber programs on the field each year. The Baseball Factory runs a class program and our agreement with them will benefit both UMBC baseball as well as the Baseball Factory."

The 350,000-dollar project includes a new lighting system that features eight poles surrounding the stadium, which highlights the brand new playing surface and warning track around the entire field. Most stadiums in the surrounding states use a six-pole system while The Baseball Factory Field at UMBC will utilize the eight-pole system that features the Musco lighting system, considered as one of the best lighting systems for sports complexes.

In the addition, the Duraturf Service Corporation out of Richmond, Va., has redesigned the Retrievers' playing field and added a warning track around the inside of the entire ball park.

"With the brand new playing surface and lighting system along with future renovations to the dugout, press box and expanded seating, The Baseball Factory Field at UMBC will truly be one of the premier facilities in the region," commented Brown.

A pre-game ceremony will take place prior to the opening game. Brown and members of The Baseball Factory will be on hand for the lighting of the field. The Baseball Factory CEO and Founder Steve Sclafani is scheduled to throw out the first pitch.

"We are very excited to be associated with a class act like UMBC," said Sclafani on the partnership with UMBC. "This is a win-win situation for both organizations to make The Baseball Factory Field at UMBC a top notch facility and bring the great state of Maryland a first-class lighted baseball complex."

Posted by dwinds1

Campus Memorial Service for Richard Neville, Emeritus Dean

The UMBC community is invited to a memorial service for Richard (Dick) Neville on April 26 at 3 p.m. on the 7th Floor of the Albin O. Kuhn Library & Gallery. Neville, who passed away last month, was one of our founding faculty members and played a critical role in the University's development. The service is an opportunity for the campus community to pay tribute to Neville and his numerous accomplishments. The historical significance of his work, which helped to shape UMBC's vision and direction, is of lasting importance to all of us at UMBC.

Neville first joined the UMBC faculty in 1969 as professor and chair of the Department of Education. During his 27-year career at UMBC, he also served as dean of education and dean of arts and sciences, and as senior advisor to the president and provost. He served as acting provost at University of Maryland Biotechnology Institute from 1991 to 1994. In recognition of his outstanding academic leadership and service, he was named dean emeritus at UMBC after he retired in 1995.

Please share information about the memorial service with faculty, staff, alumni and students who might be interested in attending. For more information, please contact Faye Gibbs, director of public relations, at fgibbs@umbc.edu or at 410-455-6380.

Richard Neville obituary in Insights.

Tribute to Richard Neville in Insights.

Posted by dwinds1

April 1, 2004

Kudos

Thomas Blass, Psychology, Releases New Book
Thomas Blass, professor of psychology, has authored the first-ever biography of one of the most important psychologists of the 20th century, Stanley Milgram. Titled The Man Who Shocked the World: The Life and Legacy of Stanley Milgram (Basic Books), it is a comprehensive biography, presenting both Milgram's life and his scientific achievements.

Milgram was best known for his controversial experiments on obedience to authority, which demonstrated the surprising degree of readiness of normal individuals to obey destructive orders, even when those orders were in conflict with one's moral principles. The ethical controversy stirred up by this research, together with a handful of other studies, led to the governmental regulation of research with human subjects, in the form of Institutional Review Boards (IRBs). Milgram and his work are more widely known today for his studies on the small-world phenomenon, popularly known as "six degrees of separation." A photograph of the book can be seen on Blass's Web site on Milgram's life and work.

Ramachandra Hosmane, Chemistry, Issued Patent
Ramachandra Hosmane, professor of chemistry, was issued a patent entitled "Ring-Expanded Nucleosides and Nucleotides," patent number US 6,677,310 B1, on January 13, 2004. This invention relates to compositions comprising analogues of purine nucleosides containing a ring-expanded heterocyclic ring, in place of purine, and an unmodified or modified sugar residue, pharmaceutically acceptable derivatives of such compositions, as well as methods of use thereof. The patent can be viewed it its entirety on the US Patent and Trademark Office's web site. If you would like more information about patents, trademarks, or copyrights, please call the Office of Technology Development at ext. 5-1414 or visit us in our new location, ECS329.

Lou Cantori, Political Science, Teaches Graduate Seminar at School for Islamic Studies
Lou Cantori, Political Science, taught a graduate seminar titled "Non-liberal Democracy" over Spring Break at the Graduate School of Islamic and Social Sciences in Leesburg, VA. The school, which primarily educates scholars, educators and clerics, is the first Muslim-governed, campus-based institution of Islamic graduate education in the United States.

Alan Price, Visual Arts, Receives Second Prize at Film Festival
Alan Price, associate professor of visual arts, was awarded Jury's Citation Award, second prize, at the 2004 Black Maria Film and Video Festival for his animation, "Overpass."

Jill Johnston-Price, Visual Arts, Receives First Prize at Film Festival
Jill Johnston-Price, adjunct assistant professor of visual arts, was awarded the Grand Jury Award for Best Animation at the 2004 D.C. Independent Film Festival for her animation, "Bludren."

English Faculty to Participate in Enoch Pratt's CityLit Festival
Several faculty members from UMBC's Department of English will be among those reading at the first ever CityLit Festival, to be held on April 17 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Enoch Pratt Central Branch on Cathedral Street. Instructor Michael Fallon, who is author of the collection History of the Color Black, will read from his poetry in the Poe Room at 10:30 a.m. Piotr Gwiazda, assistant professor, will read from his poetry in the Poe Room at 1:30 p.m. Instructor Rosemary Klein, author of Dark Smoke Burning, will read from her poetry in the Poe Room at 1:40. Chris Corbett, lecturer and faculty advisor for The Retriever Weekly, will read from his award-winning book, Orphans Preferred: The Twisted Truth and Lasting Legacy of the Pony Express, in the Poe Room at 2 p.m.

Play Written by UMBC Undergraduate to Be Performed in May
The Spectator, a play written by UMBC student R. Eric Thomas, an undergraduate majoring in interdisciplinary studies, will be running at Baltimore's new Run of the Mill Theater from May 7-30. At times hilarious and at times tragic, the play focuses on a modern day, 98% white, suburban school, Meadowview, that is dealing with pressure to diversify its curriculum and its community. The diversity committee at the school decides to put on an original musical to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Brown v. Board of Education decision. The musical--a subject of much ballyhoo months before its premiere--features a cast of singing, dancing high school students. There's only one problem: there are no black students at Meadowview. As the school administrators are divided by the event, scenes from the musical play out in the background--all while two black spectators watch from the audience, and are slowly drawn into the action. The Spectator examines how we view and represent each other as races, and what, if anything, has changed in the last fifty years. For show times and ticket information, please visit the Web site of the Run of the Mill Theater Company.

Posted by dwinds1

Faye Gibbs Named Director of Public Relations at UMBC

Faye Gibbs has been named director of public relations at UMBC. With 20 years of experience developing strategic communications programs, Gibbs has served an extensive roster of public, private and non-profit sector clients.

Faye Gibbs has been named director of public relations at UMBC. With 20 years of experience developing strategic communications programs, Gibbs has served an extensive roster of public, private and non-profit sector clients including the National Science Foundation, National Cancer Institute, Lucent Technologies and Dow Chemical.

Prior to relocating to Maryland, Gibbs was vice president of Ashley Gibbs Associates, a public relations and marketing firm headquartered in New York City. In addition to developing a nationwide public relations program to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the National Science Foundation (a $5 billion federal agency), her firm played an integral role in the creation and delivery of a comprehensive branding and media outreach program that announced the merger of two international telecommunications giants.

"I began my career at Harvard University and have always had a profound respect for the extraordinary impact institutions of higher learning have on everyone who is associated with them--students, faculty and staff, alike," says Gibbs. "I am truly delighted to join the staff at UMBC, a university that is a leader in so many areas, with so many great stories to tell."

Prior to running her own agency, Gibbs served as Director of Corporate Public Relations and Marketing for MJ Health System, a 15-agency regional healthcare system in New York; was Vice President/Senior Account Supervisor for Tier Communications, also of NY; served as Executive Director for an international foundation that promoted cross-cultural education programs; and established the media/public outreach program for a major initiative sponsored by the National Cancer Institute.

Gibbs succeeds former UMBC news and online information director Charlie Melichar, now director of media relations at Colgate University.

Posted by dwinds1

In the News

Joseph Tatarewicz, History, on the Marc Steiner Show
Joseph Tatarewicz, associate professor of history, was a guest on WYPR 88.1 FM's Marc Steiner Show on April 1. Tatarewicz and his fellow guests discussed the Bush space initiative and the cancellation of the final servicing mission to the Hubble Space Telescope.

President Hrabowski in the Baltimore Sun
The Baltimore Sun covered President Hrabowski's statement before the State Board of Education in "A Call to Raise the Standards" on March 31.

Warren Cohen, History, in Los Angeles Times
Warren I. Cohen, distinguished university professor of history, reviewed Jonathan Fenby's Chiang Kai-shek: China's Generalissimo and the Nation He Lost for the March 28 Los Angeles Times. The article, "On an Island, With Dreams of the Mainland," is available online only for subscribers.

Tom Schaller, Political Science, in the News
Assistant professor of political science, Tom Schaller was quoted in the March 28 Washington Post article, "Speaker's Strategy Highlights Party Split."

Schaller also participated in a live discussion of this year's presidential campaign on Maryland Public Television's "Direct Connection" on March 29.

He was quoted in a March 21 Tampa Tribune article about the significance of Florida as a "battleground state" in the upcoming presidential election.

Theatre in the Baltimore Sun
The March 25 Baltimore Sun article, "Risks Paying Off for UMBC Theater," detailed UMBC's participation in the upcoming American College Theater Festival. The article discusses Buried, an original puppet production about the casualties of war conceived and directed by Colette Searls, assistant professor of theatre. Buried is the first puppet work to reach the finals in more than 20 years. Sophomore Jason Roth, who will be competing for a second year in the festival's Irene Ryan Acting Scholarship competition, is also mentioned in the article.

Theatre Alumnus Michael Patrick Smith Featured in the Baltimore Sun
"Woody Guthrie Dreams Before Dying," a play starring and written by alumnus Michael Patrick Smith, theatre '99, was featured in the Baltimore Sun on March 25.

techcenter@UMBC in the Baltimore Business Journal
The Baltimore Business Journal published an article on March 24 about techcenter@UMBC's new entrepreneur in residence, David Fink. (Free registration is required for online access to the article.)

Vivian Armor, Alex. Brown Center for Entrepreneurship, in the Baltimore Business Journal
The March 22 issue of the Baltimore Business Journal featured an interview with Vivian Armor, interim director of the Alex. Brown Center for Entrepreneurship. (Free registration is required to view the article online.)

GEST Research Featured in the Baltimore Sun
A study by GEST researchers from UMBC and the NASA Goddard Space Flight Center on the causes of the Dust Bowl droughts of the 1930s was featured in Baltimore Sun article on March 22.

Albin O. Kuhn Library's "Havana" Exhibit Featured in the Baltimore Sun
The Albin O. Kuhn Library's current exhibition, "Havana: The Revolutionary Moment," was featured in the March 23 edition of the Baltimore Sun.

Christopher Corbett, English, in the News
Orphans Preferred: The Twisted Truth and Lasting Legend of the Pony Express, written by English instructor Christopher Corbett, was reviewed in the Salt Lake Tribune on March 21 and the Reno Gazette-Journal on March 22.

Don Norris, Public Policy and MIPAR, in the Baltimore Sun
In the March 21 Baltimore Sun, Don Norris, professor of public policy and director of MIPAR, was quoted in an article on the ongoing legislative standoff in Annapolis based around political parties and personalities.

Lou Cantori, Political Science, in the News
Political Science professor and Middle East expert Lou Cantori was a guest on WYPR 88.1 FM's "Marc Steiner Show" on March 18. Dr. Cantori appeared alongside the foreign news editor of La Paiz, Spain's most prominent newspaper.

On March 17, Cantori was on al-Alam ("The World") TV in Tehren, Iran for 1 1/2 hours along with journalists from Jordan and Cairo, Egypt. Cantori described al-Alam as similar in reputation to al-Jazeera in the Persian Gulf.

Jazzman's in the Daily Record
The March 18 issue of the Daily Record noted a recent award given to Sodexho USA for its Jazzman's Cafe concept and included a photo of UMBC's cafe. The "Hot Concept" award is sponsored by the trade publication Nation's Restaurant News and Tyson's Food, Inc.; UMBC's Jazzman's is one of only five locations in Maryland. (Online access to article for subscribers only.)

Posted by dwinds1

Human Resources Announces New Quarterly Staff Recognition Award

UMBC's human resources office has established a new quarterly staff recognition award. The deadline to nominate the first recipient is April 9.

UMBC's human resources office has established a new quarterly staff recognition award. Changes to the previous employee of the month format were made after the Personnel Review and Employee of the Month Committees expressed concern over a lack of participation.

The Personnel Review Committee, Associate Staff Senate and Non-exempt Senate worked together to suggest changes to the award, and after Director of Human Resources Valerie Bell made her recommendations, a proposal was sent to Presidents Council and eventually approved. "I'm very happy with the new award," says Bell, who feels that the quarterly format will give the award more significance. "UMBC staff are outstanding, and I encourage everyone to nominate colleagues they feel are deserving of this honor."

The award includes one significant change: recipients will receive $500, a substantially larger award than the $100 given in the past to employees of the month. Award winners, who will be profiled on the UMBC homepage, also receive a personalized parking space for the quarter, one day of administrative leave and a certificate. They will be invited to a special annual luncheon for quarterly award winners, and their names will also appear on a plaque that will be on view in the Administration lobby.

There is still time to nominate the first recipient of the Quarterly Staff Recognition Award. The deadline for submission of nominations is Friday, April 9. A nomination form is available online.

Posted by dwinds1

March 12, 2004

UMBC HEAD MEN'S BASKETBALL COACH RESIGNS

The UMBC Department of Athletics has accepted the resignation of Tom Sullivan as Head Men's Basketball Coach, UMBC Director of Athletics Dr. CharlesBrown announced today.

In nine seasons at UMBC, Sullivan compiled a 106-145 record, becoming just the second coach in the University's basketball history to record 100 victories.During the 1997-98 season, UMBC improved by 8 games to finish at 14-14, and Sullivan was named Big South Conference Coach of the Year. The followingyear, UMBC's first in the Northeast Conference, Sullivan and the Retrievers set a league record for consecutive wins to begin a season (15) and won theconference's regular season title with a 17-3 mark. Sullivan was named Northeast Conference Coach of the Year for the 1998-99 season.

In 2001-02, Sullivan led the Retrievers to amass 20 victories for the first and only time in their 18-year NCAA Division I history.

In Sullivan's final season at UMBC-the Retrievers' first in the America East Conference- UMBC completed the 2003-04 season with a 7-21 record. Sullivan'scareer record stands at 260-270 in 19 seasons as a head coach.

Tom Sullivan provided UMBC Basketball with many fine moments during his tenure here, said Director of Athletics Dr. Charles Brown. We wish him the best of luck in his future endeavors.

I want to thank the University for affording me the opportunity to have coached so many fine student-athletes in my nine years as head coach here at UMBC, Mr. Sullivan said. I am very proud of our successes on the court as well as our excellent graduation rate. It has been a very challenging experience. I hope I leave my players with skills that will serve them well as they go through life. I wish everyone at UMBC, students and administration, every future success.

A decision regarding the search process for Coach Sullivan's successor has not been made at this time. Randy Monroe is currently serving as Acting Head Men'sBasketball Coach.

Posted by dwinds1

March 2, 2004

UMBC Study Highlights Need for Affordable Housing in Maryland

Housing in Maryland is getting increasingly expensive, and many police, firefighters, nurses and teachers can't afford to live in the same neighborhoods they serve, according to a study by graduate students in the UMBC Department of Public Policy presented at a meeting of the Governor's Commission on Housing Policy today.

Housing in Maryland is getting increasingly expensive, and more needs to be done by state and metropolitan county governments to provide adequate, affordable housing for residents - many of them vital service providers like police, firefighters, nurses and teachers - according to a study by graduate students in the UMBC Department of Public Policy presented at a meeting of the Governor's Commission on Housing Policy today.

The new study, Affordable Housing in Metropolitan Maryland: A Policy Analysis, examines the housing market in eight counties that make up Maryland's two urban areas (Montgomery and Prince George's Counties in metropolitan Washington, DC; Baltimore City, Anne Arundel; Baltimore, Carroll, Harford, and Howard Counties in metropolitan Baltimore).

The analysis found that existing county housing policies do not go far enough in making units affordable, and most jurisdictions are not even meeting established goals to increase the number of affordable housing units.

The lack of affordability means that many low-and-moderate income residents are being squeezed out of housing. "Too many service workers, such as teachers, nurses, police and firefighters, cannot afford to live in the jurisdiction where they serve," the study concludes. "The consequences of not acting are grave because the soaring cost of housing is unlikely to abate soon."

The report offers three recommendations for programs that could increase the availability of affordable housing in Maryland:

Increase the Maryland Affordable Housing Trust Fund (MAHT).
This fund, established by the Maryland General Assembly in 1992, provides funds to build affordable housing units. This program is attractive to all jurisdictions because it reduces the housing shortage, a major goal in housing affordability.

Expand loans for first time homebuyers.
The Community Development Administration (CDA) Maryland Mortgage Program provides low-interest loans to first-time low and moderate income homebuyers that lack affordable housing. This program is the best alternative for counties that are already heavily developed, such as Baltimore City, Baltimore, Howard and Montgomery Counties, because it helps families that lack affordable rental housing to purchase homes.

Create additional incentives for the Moderately-Priced Dwelling Units (MPDU) Program.
MPDU programs require developers to sell a specific percentage of newly constructed homes as affordable units. The program is attractive in developing counties because it uses market techniques to produce affordable housing and keeps the county in control of its zoning decisions.

UMBC Public Policy graduate students analyzed affordable housing in the state as part of their Public Policy Capstone seminar, a course where students, working with faculty and outside experts in relevant fields, prepare a policy analysis of a current topic. The study is available online as a PDF file at http://www.umbc.edu/mipar.

About UMBC Public Policy Department:

The UMBC Department of Public Policy provides quality education for a diverse range of highly qualified students who wish to pursue or further a career in a public policy related area. The interdisciplinary program offers both a Master of Public Policy and a Ph.D. in Public Policy.

About Governor's Commission on Housing Policy:

Governor Ehrlich established the Governor's Commission on Housing Policy by Executive Order in March, 2003 to make recommendations to the Governor on actions that can be taken to increase affordable housing in Maryland communities. The Commission is chaired by Victor L. Hoskins, Secretary, Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development.

Posted by dwinds1

March 1, 2004

Legislative Session Update

On February 25, a Senate committee of the Maryland General Assembly will begin to review proposed legislation that links predictable, stable tuition rates to predictable, adequate funding for higher education.

On February 25, a Senate committee of the Maryland General Assembly will begin to review proposed legislation that links predictable, stable tuition rates to predictable, adequate funding for higher education.

Thirty senators led by Senator Brian Frosh have sponsored the Access to Quality in Higher Education Act of 2004, SB 112. Similarly, on the House side, UMBC alumna and House Speaker Pro Tem, Delegate Adrienne Jones with Appropriations Committee Chairman Norman Conway and House Speaker Michael Busch have led thirty colleagues to sponsor the Higher Education Affordability and Access Act of 2004, HB1188.

Both bills address key criteria endorsed by the USM Board of Regents in a resolution which has been widely disseminated to both elected officials and USM advocates:

**Protect the high quality of the UMBC education valued by our students, alumni and their families, through appropriate and more stable funding levels, and

**Provide for affordable access to that quality higher education through reasonable tuition.

We can achieve stable tuition, adequate funding, a valued work force and continued momentum for all that UMBC has achieved with your help. Please contact your representatives and let them know that you value quality and access in Maryland public education.

Write or e-mail your representatives about SB 112 and HB 1188
Take a few minutes now to write, call or e-mail your representatives. Ask them for their support for legislation that protects high quality and affordability. Tell them your UMBC success story, express your pride in Maryland public higher education and ask for their help in sustaining its great strides.

Need to locate your delegate or senator?

Read the February 25 USM testimony to the Senate Budget & Taxation Committee.

For the latest information on the legislative session, visit Voices for UMBC.

Posted by dwinds1

February 16, 2004

Swimming and Diving Gets Ready for Its First-Ever America East Championships

After dominating the East Coast Athletic Conference (ECAC) and Northeast Conference (NEC) for the past several years, the UMBC men's and women's swimming and diving teams prepare to extend that dominance into the America East Conference.

After dominating the East Coast Athletic Conference (ECAC) and Northeast Conference (NEC) for the past several years, the UMBC men's and women's swimming and diving teams prepare to extend that dominance into the America East Conference.

Participating in their first ever championship in the new league on February 20-22, the Retrievers enter the post-season boasting a 12-1 record on both sides, setting a new school record for single-season wins for the men's and women's teams, individually as well as combined.

It's great to have our teams be the one people fear, said Head Coach Chad Cradock. When we come into meets, other teams look at us as the team to beat. It shows that we have gained the respect of the swimming world.

During his three years as head coach at UMBC, Cradock has posted an incredible 62-15 combined record, good for a .805 winning percentage.

This year, the women's only loss came at the hands of East Carolina, while the Retriever men's lone defeat came from a heartbreaking one point loss to state rival Navy. Entering the final event with a 117-109 lead, UMBC generated just four points in the 400 freestyle relay, while the Midshipmen claimed 13 points, and the Retrievers saw themselves on the short end of a 122-121 decision.

I'm upset about the loss to Navy, but that loss helped our men focus and be more competitive, said Cradock. As we went into the rest of the season, that one loss pushed us to win others.

Next week, UMBC will continue to push as they take on new their new league foes at the America East Championships in Orono, Maine. The Retriever men look to get their seventh consecutive conference title (ECAC Champions 1998-2003), while the women go for their third straight and fifth in the last six years (NEC 1999-2000, 2002-2003).

It was great to have both men and women break school records and I am so proud to be working with such dedicated and loyal athletes, said Cradock. They definitely deserved every victory that they have gotten so far, but they remain aggressive and I know they have the drive to win the conference title.

Posted by dwinds1

February 11, 2004

A Note on The Quality and Cost of Education at UMBC

Important questions about the quality and cost of public higher education are being raised nationally and in Maryland in light of the current economy: How good should our public colleges and universities aspire to be? Are these institutions well managed? How should the cost of higher education be shared between state governments and students?

During most of the past 10 years, the State of Maryland has strongly supported UMBC, helping us become a national leader in linking the excitement of research with excellent education across the liberal arts and sciences. In recent years, Newsweek has called UMBC a "powerhouse in Baltimore, offering a topnotch, rigorous education to scholars who don't want to pay for an Ivy," and one of the nation's "Hot Schools." It is clear that students and their families also recognize this quality. Large numbers of top students want to be on our campus. As a result, UMBC's student body has never been larger, better prepared, or more diverse.

As a result of State budget cuts, a 20-percent tuition increase was necessary this year to maintain the quality of education and services our students deserve. Some have asked why a university education is so expensive. The fact is that providing a first-rate education at a research university is both people-intensive and technology-intensive. Our students don't want to be numbers. They want individual attention from faculty, access to advising and mentoring, and opportunities for hands-on experience in up-to-date laboratories, studios, and performance spaces. This is why students come to UMBC, and we are committed to meeting their needs.

Our challenge is to continue to meet our commitments to students during these difficult times while keeping tuition affordable. In recent years, our State support has been cut by $15 million while our enrollment, the number of students living on campus, and research activity have continued to grow. Unlike companies that make cutbacks during a business downturn, we have faced budget reductions at a time when demand for our services has never been stronger. We have cut millions of dollars in administrative personnel and operating expenses, while continuing to invest wisely in instruction and services that support students' academic progress and our growing enrollment, including hiring faculty, building and renovating classroom and laboratory space, expanding computer access, and maintaining library hours.

While we continue to be conservative in administrative spending, we must also invest in areas important to our students' progress. In the coming academic year, we will face increased costs associated with recent enrollment growth, including new faculty positions, growth in academic and student support services, and additional library materials, as well as growing costs for student financial aid, faculty and staff salaries, health insurance and utilities, and debt service on bonds funding new and renovated classroom and laboratory space.

Because State funding is expected to remain flat for the coming year, the Board of Regents approved, and the Governor accepted, an additional tuition increase of 10 percent for undergraduates and 6.5 percent for graduate students beginning in the fall 2004 semester to maintain the quality of services provided at UMBC and other public universities. In the past, the State would support at least half of these necessary budget increases, and the rest would be supported by modest tuition increases. To assist students and families with the challenge of rising tuition, UMBC's financial aid web site (www.umbc.edu/financialaid/faq.html) provides information on financial aid and loan programs. Now is the time to apply for aid for the 2004-2005 school year by visiting www.fafsa.ed.gov and completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) by the February 14 deadline.

What makes the UMBC experience particularly special is that students from all backgrounds have access to a first-rate education. The message from our students and their families is clear: "good enough" is not good enough for public higher education in Maryland. Our students appreciate the excellent education available to them, and they want it to remain affordable. Employers and outstanding graduate and professional schools respect and value degrees from UMBC more than ever. We cannot afford to go backward.

It is encouraging that the Governor's budget provides level funding to the University System of Maryland and an additional $15.9 million in need-based financial aid for higher education statewide at a time when many other agencies continue to face budget reductions. The State's future role in supporting higher education is a key issue under discussion in the current Legislative session. Universities, public officials, and citizens must do even more to ensure predictable funding, access to quality public education, and sound return on higher education investments. It is important that our students and their families participate in this dialogue. Please let our leaders know that the State's support is vital to our ability to continue providing excellent opportunities for students at UMBC. If you would like to receive periodic updates about these issues, please e-mail voicesforumbc@umbc.edu and provide your e-mail address.

Thank you for choosing UMBC and for your continued support.

Freeman A. Hrabowski, III
President

Posted by dwinds1

CWIT Video Wins Medals at International Film and Video Awards

The Center for Women and Information Technology (CWIT) video, "You Can Be Anything," was awarded the prestigious Gold World Medal in the category of Best Original Music/Lyrics and a World Silver Medal for Motivation by the New York Festivals.

The Center for Women and Information Technology (CWIT) video, "You Can Be Anything," was awarded the prestigious Gold World Medal in the category of Best Original Music/Lyrics and a World Silver Medal for Motivation by the New York Festivals. The 2004 International Film & Video Awards were presented in the Hudson Theatre on January 30, and were attended by senior executives from the broadcast and film industry from around the world. Claudia Morrell, CWIT's director and executive producer for the video, and Michael Bacon, who composed the music, accepted the award.

"You Can Be Anything" uses the techniques of music videos and the power of media to portray a wide variety of women, both past and present, working in diverse careers using technology. The music and images are combined in exciting ways that appeal to young people, engage their emotions, capture their attention and convey the message that science and technology are cool, exciting fields for women as well as men. CWIT intends the video to be used by a speaker from the center's speaker's bureau who will discuss informal programs, classes and careers in more detail.

Morrell says the project was the result of collaboration between students, faculty, staff and alumni. "Congratulations go to Video Press' Susan Hannah Hadary and Bill Whiteford '80 for the award submission, as well as their contact with Michael Bacon, the composer. Congratulations also to the Video Project Team, which included Bill Shewbridge, OIT New Media Studio; Dan Bailey, Imaging Research Center; Iohanna Sakellion, graduate student; and Anne Spence, Department of Mechanical Engineering. Thanks also to Joan Korenman, CWIT founding director, for her continuous behind the scenes support; Joan Lawrence; our CWIT scholars and UMBC students; and CWIT External and Internal Board members who helped us to achieve excellence -- including being filmed, providing input and keeping it 'cool.'"

Click here to watch the video: www.umbc.edu/be-anything/.

Posted by dwinds1

February 4, 2004

The California Kids

Seth Davis and Cory McJimson shook off the cold as they entered the RAC Arena on a gray, chilly November afternoon in 2002. The duo had arrived from Californiaand were taking their an official visit to UMBC to see if they wanted to consider continuing their academic and athletic careers 3,000 miles from home.A tough sell, right? Obviously not, because both student-athletes signed National Letters of Intent just a couple of weeks later, and have performed admirably for the Retrievers in the first half of their initial seasons in Baltimore.

Seth Davis and Cory McJimson shook off the cold as they entered the RAC Arena on a gray, chilly November afternoon in 2002. The duo had arrived from Californiaand were taking their an official visit to UMBC to see if they wanted to consider continuing their academic and athletic careers 3,000 miles from home.

A tough sell, right?

Obviously not, because both student-athletes signed National Letters of Intent just a couple of weeks later, and have performed admirably for the Retrievers in the first half of their initial seasons in Baltimore. At press time, Davis has started in all 14 games, and the 6'7" power forward was third in the America East Conference in blocked shots through the midway point of the season. The 6'6" wingman McJimson comes off the bench, but leads UMBC with eleven games in double figures and is the team's leading rebounder at 6.1 per game.

So what made them come to UMBC?

They were both impressed by the campus, the academic program, the coaching staff's outlook and the vision of UMBC President Freeman Hrabowski. But,neither would have left their families, friends, and familiar lifestyle to come east without the other agreeing to make the journey as well.

"We both liked it a lot," said McJimson, who intimated that Davis did some convincing to get him to come. "I felt, 'we can do this together.' I would not have felt comfortable coming here, so far from home, by myself."

The two met on the courts during the spring after their senior seasons in high school. Davis added John Muir High School in Pasadena, California, while McJimson was enrolled at Eisenhower in the town of Rialto, about 30 miles away. Jeff Estis was the head coach at Pierce (Washington) College at the time, and convinced both that a trek north would be beneficial when preparing to enter the ranks of Division I basketball.

When Estis was hired by UMBC Head Coach Tom Sullivan several months later as an assistant coach, he knew immediately the California Kids could be very good players for the Retrievers. Both Cory and Seth came back to Baltimore during the second summer session and have only ventured back to California for Thanksgiving and Christmas for two days at a time. That has not been easy.

"It was fine for the first two or three months," admitted Davis. "Then I really began to miss my family and the lifestyle I enjoyed in California."

"It's really hard," said McJimson. "I've only seen my dad a couple of times in the past two years; before I was used to being around him every day. But I talk to my parents often, and my friends have been great, calling me nearly every day."

Assistant Coach Randy Monroe has been a great asset, as he planted the seeds upon their arrival in Baltimore by inviting the pair to attend services at the NewPsalmist Baptist Church (in Baltimore). The two enjoyed it so much that they decided to join and have attended nearly every Sunday that the team is in town.

"The message that is delivered every Sunday is very powerful, but one that can be put into practice in day-to-day life," said Coach Monroe. "It's great to see young people try to incorporate things other than basketball or the latest rap group into their lives."

"It (worship) keeps us level-headed and grounded-it's helped a lot," said Davis.

Although the duo has been major contributors in their first 14 games as Retrievers, each feels they are not close to having tapped their potential. "Defensively, it's been kind of hard to pick things up," said McJimson. "I'm doing alright, but the breakout game that I have been waiting for hasn't come yet."

"It's more of a mental game now," said Davis. "I am accepting this year as a learning year and am glad that the coaches have been patient with us. I know I have the ability, and eventually, I'll prove that I am a talented Division I basketball player."

Through all the adjustments that McJimson and Davis have had to make, the lone constant over the past two years has been their own relationship.

"I think they both saw the drive to be successful in each other," said Coach Estis. "Although they both had other 'best friends' when they came to (junior) college, the two of the team searched each other out because they were so positive in their energies as to what could accomplish and they bonded together even more when the opportunity to come to UMBC presented itself."

"He can tell me anything and I feel I can tell him anything," said McJimson. "We've been through a lot together in just two years. I consider Seth a brother."

Davis agrees with that assessment of their relationship. "We come from the same environment...The coaches and my teammates have done everything to make usfeel welcome, but I don't know if I could be here without Cory."

Retriever fans should be thankful that the California Kids are now calling Baltimore "home."

Posted by dwinds1

Phoenix Dance Company Performs at UMBC

UMBC's Department of Dance presents the Phoenix Dance Company, known for its radical dance collaborations with UMBC videographers, mechanical engineers, computer programmers and visual artists, in concert February 11 through 14.

UMBC's Department of Dance presents the Phoenix Dance Company, known for its radical dance collaborations with UMBC videographers, mechanical engineers, computer programmers and visual artists, in concert February 11 through 14.

The venerable Phoenix Dance Company, a professional company in residence at UMBC, was founded in 1983. Over the last several years, Phoenix has explored the intersection between art and technology. The company has recently collaborated with Steve Bradley, an intermedia artist who has generated live computer-enhanced video images and a system for generating sounds based on dancers' movements; Tony Farquhar, a mechanical engineer who developed a spunky six-legged dancing robot (Maurice Tomb); Vin Grabill, an MIT-trained videographer; and composer Linda Dusman. Phoenix is co-directed by choreographers Carol Hess and Doug Hamby.

Featured on the program are the following works:

Mobile II by Carol Hess, a dance of visual beauty and complexity, featuring six women with an original score by Neal Woodson. An installation of plexiglass screens becomes a projection surface for video images by Vin Grabill and Carol Hess. Throughout the piece, the dancers perform, re-orient and re-combine clusters of movement in open spaces, behind layers of fabric, and amid sheets of plexiglass and changing projections.

In a new video piece by Carol Hess, dancer Margaret Terry wanders along a dark hallway with many doors, to find herself dancing in unexpected environments. The choreography moves across multiple settings which include a river, a forest, a field, and a city. Sound design is by Timothy Nohe.

Doug Hamby's Interplay, a beautiful and boldly dynamic dance for four women that brings to life Robert Moran's energetic music. In this quartet, the dance enlivens and intertwines the rich physical, temporal and spatial connections between the performers.

Edgewater Park by Doug Hamby, a sensuous duet for two men combining live video images from the dance with images of carnival rides. Beautiful and intriguing video images of the live dance are simultaneously edited by filmmaker, Nick Prevas and projected onto a movie screen that blocks much of the viewer's direct access to the dance, with a sound score by artist Timothy Nohe.

Part One Parting, a solo choreographed by Jeanine Durning and performed by Sandra Lacy, with original electronic music by composer Chris Peck. Structured like a short story, Part One Parting follows a woman who recalls an event in her life over and over again. In this episodic solo, the dream-like sequences reflect the idea of memory and how we remember and re-experience events.

All performances will be held at 8 p.m. in the UMBC Theatre. Tickets are $15 general admission and $7 for students and seniors, available through the box office at 410-455-6240.

Posted by dwinds1

Flat State Funds for Public Universities Spark Focus on Quality and Cost

As the Maryland legislative session begins, public universities face a year of flat State funding, raising important questions about the quality and cost of public higher education.

As the Maryland legislative session begins, public universities face a year of flat State funding, raising important questions about the quality and cost of public higher education.

"During much of the past 10 years, the State of Maryland has invested new resources in UMBC, supporting campus growth in enrollment, student body quality, research grants and facilities," says Mark Behm, vice president for administration and finance. "However, since the economy faltered in 2002, our State support was cut by $15 million."

As a result of these cuts, a 20-percent tuition increase was necessary for the current academic year to maintain the level of service to students, says Behm. Companies usually make cutbacks during a business downturn, he explains, noting that UMBC has managed major budget reductions at a time when demand for services has never been stronger. Behm says that campus leaders cut millions of dollars in administrative personnel and operating expenses, while continuing to make strategic investments to support students' academic progress, growing enrollment, and the infrastructure for research, including hiring faculty, building and renovating classroom and laboratory space, expanding computer access and maintaining library hours.

The Fiscal Year 2005 budget submitted by the Governor includes $65-million in State general funds for UMBC, the same amount as in the current fiscal year. The budget includes a 2.5-percent merit pay fund for University System of Maryland faculty and staff and a 1.6-percent cost of living adjustment for all State employees, which must be approved by the Legislature.

Because State funding is expected to remain flat for the coming year, the Board of Regents approved, and the Governor accepted, an additional tuition increase of 10 percent beginning in the fall 2004 semester. This will support increased costs associated with recent enrollment growth, including new faculty positions, growth in academic and student support services, and additional library materials, as well as growing costs for student financial aid, faculty and staff salaries, health insurance, utilities and debt service on construction bonds.

In the past, notes Behm, the State would support at least half of these necessary budget increases and the rest would be supported by more modest tuition increases.

"Our challenge is to continue to meet our commitments to students, faculty and staff during these difficult times while keeping tuition affordable," says Provost Arthur Johnson. "This means we must continue to be conservative in our spending, while continuing to carefully invest in faculty hiring, advising, academic facilities and technology."

The future role of the State in supporting higher education will be a key policy issue in the Legislative Session. Some bills will seek to establish more predictable funding for higher education, some will propose tuition caps and some will link additional funding for higher education with tuition caps, says Joan Kennedy Cody, director of government and community relations.

"It is clear that our students and their families appreciate the first-rate education available at UMBC and that they want it to remain affordable," notes Cody. "It is important that our voices are heard on these issues." Cody encourages the UMBC community to attend the University's annual Legislative Reception in Annapolis February 18 to communicate the importance of preserving both quality and access at UMBC. For more information and to register online, go to www.umbc.edu/alum/annapolis.

Posted by dwinds1

February 3, 2004

Graduation Application Deadlines - February 13 and 16

Undergraduates should pick up an application for graduation from the Registrar's Office in the Academic Services Bldg. by Monday, February 16. The Undergraduate Commencement Ceremony will be held on Thursday, May 20, at 1 p.m. at the 1st Mariner Arena.

Graduate students should pick up an application for graduation from the Graduate School Office in the Administration Bldg. by Friday, February 13. (For more information, see www.umbc.edu/gradschool/requirements/.) The Graduate School Commencement Ceremony will be held on Wednesday, May 19, at 10 a.m. in the Retriever Activities Center.

Posted by dwinds1

February 2, 2004

2004 Alumni Awards: Submit Nominations by 2/13

The UMBC Alumni Association is seeking nominations for its 2004 Alumni Awards, which will be presented at a ceremony on April 21 in the UniversityCenter Ballroom.

The Alumni Association's Board of Directors has made some significant changes to the award categories and criteria. The awards now represent acombination of professional, personal and community-minded accomplishments and give the opportunity to recognize outstanding alumni fromdifferent academic areas.

Alumna/us of the Year Awards will be given to graduates who have brought distinction to UMBC through personal and professional achievement. An award may be made in each of the following academic areas: Engineering and Information Technology, Humanities, Life Sciences, Social and Behavioral Sciences, Visual and Performing Arts. Also, a Distinguished Service Award will recognize an alumna/alumnus for exceptional service to UMBC, its students and alumni.

For more information and nomination forms, please call Alumni Relations at ext. 5-ALUM or e-mail alum@umbc.edu. Nominations should be submitted by February 13.

Posted by dwinds1

January 8, 2004

A Decade of Learning and Service

In December, the Shriver Center celebrated ten years of service to the UMBC community and beyond. Founded on December 14, 1993, in honor of Sargent and Eunice Kennedy Shriver, the Shriver Center was created to engage the strengths and resources of higher education to find creative solutions to the most pressing of social problems. It has since become a national leader in promoting service-learning, civic engagement, and community-based service delivery.

In December, the Shriver Center celebrated ten years of service to the UMBC community and beyond. Founded on December 14, 1993, in honor of Sargent and Eunice Kennedy Shriver, the Shriver Center was created to engage the strengths and resources of higher education to find creative solutions to the most pressing of social problems. It has since become a national leader in promoting service-learning, civic engagement, and community-based service delivery.

The following are just a few of the Shriver Center's many accomplishments over the last ten years:

*The Choice Programs, which have been administered in the Shriver Center since its opening, have served 15,000 youth from across the state of Maryland during its 15-year history. Choice Programs, which include the Choice Program and Choice Jobs, work directly with young people and their families to provide job skills and reduce delinquency. These programs have now been replicated in California and Connecticut.

*Ninety percent of the Shriver Peaceworker Program's alumni are currently employed full-time and 100 percent continue in careers of public service. More than 80 percent of the participants in this program for returned Peace Corps volunteers came from outside the Baltimore-Washington metropolitan area, but 74 percent continue to live in the area after graduation as they pursue careers in public service.

*Over the last ten years, the Shriver Center has placed over 10,000 undergraduate and graduate students in internships, cooperative education and service-learning opportunities.

Building upon these accomplishments, the Shriver Center continues to expand its services to UMBC and the surrounding community.

*The Shriver Living Learning Center, now in its fourth year, offers 29 undergraduates with interests in public service the opportunity to live together in Erickson Hall. These students commit to performing five hours of community service per week and taking a practicum class that allows them to reflect on their service experience.

*The Shriver Center collaborates with the Department of Biological Sciences, College of Engineering and five Baltimore areas middle schools in the Teaching Enhancement Partnership Project (TEPP), an effort funded by the National Science Foundation. This program, now in its second year, brings UMBC students into classrooms to provide support to teachers in math, science, engineering and technology education.

*In 2001, the Shriver Center initiated the Kauffman Entrepreneur Internship Program, which provides undergraduates with first-hand learning experience in entrepreneurship. Students in the program work in a semester-long internship with start-up or emerging companies, including some located in techcenter@UMBC.

Posted by dwinds1

January 7, 2004

Memorial Service for Professor Joseph Arnold, Department of History

January 6, 2004

To: The UMBC Community

I am deeply saddened to inform the campus that our colleague and friend,Professor Joe Arnold, died on Monday evening.

Like many of you, I was privileged to have had a close professional andpersonal relationship with Joe. I can think of no one during myprofessional career for whom I have had greater respect and deeperaffection. In fact, I had a wonderful conversation with him in my officeimmediately before the holiday break. He told me of his intent to retireand wanted me to know how proud he was of our university, how specialhis experience in the History Department had been, and how much helooked forward to continuing his research here on campus in the KuhnLibrary.

As a university, we are who we are today in large part because of Joeand other pioneers in the UMBC story. As I told him that day in myoffice, he will always be a part of UMBC.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, January 10, in the 7th floor reception area of the Albin O. Kuhn Library and Gallery. The family will receive friends in the reception area from 9:30 to 11 a.m., with the memorial service to follow from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. Interment will be at 12:30 p.m. at St. John's Cemetery on St. John's Lane in Ellicott City.

It is fitting that one of Joe's closest colleagues and friends, Professor John Jeffries, Chair of the History Department, has provided the following eloquent tribute.

Freeman Hrabowski

Joe Arnold was a vital and enormously important member of the UMBCfaculty for some three and a half decades. Born in Chicago, Joe grew upon Chicago's North Shore, received his B.A. from Denison University in1959 and his Ph.D. from The Ohio State University in 1968, and taught atSouthern Connecticut State College before coming to UMBC in 1968. Thoughhis interests and learning were remarkably wide-ranging, his primaryfocus as a scholar and teacher was on urban history and the history ofBaltimore and Maryland. His first book, The New Deal in the Suburbs,quickly became and remains the standard account of New Deal communityplanning efforts.

In addition to innumerable scholarly articles, he subsequently publishedbooks on the Flood Control Act of 1936, on the Army Corps of Engineersand the Chesapeake Bay, on Maryland's economic history, and (with EdOrser of American Studies) on the development of Catonsville as a"streetcar suburb" in the late-19th and early-20th centuries. At hisdeath, he remained at work on a major book that will become thedefinitive study of modernizing Baltimore. His teaching and mentoring,especially in his heavily enrolled courses on American urban history andon the history of Baltimore, engaged and gave new insights andperspectives to legions of UMBC undergraduate and graduate students, whoprofited not only from Joe's expertise but also from his kindness andhis manifest love of learning.

Joe served as Acting UMBC Librarian at a critical time, as president ofthe UMBC Faculty-Staff Assembly, as Chair of the Academic Planning andBudget Committee, and in other major departmental and Universitypositions far too numerous to mention. He brought his characteristichumanity, sagacity, sense of responsibility, and good judgment to all ofthose duties, and was instrumental in the development of UMBC. He playedan active and often leading role with a variety of private and publichistorical institutions in the area.

But as Joe's many friends will know, his extraordinary professionalaccomplishments and contributions are but part of the story. Simply, hewas as fine and generous a person as I have known. However big or smallthe task, however inconvenient to him it might have been, he couldalways be counted upon to do whatever he could for friends, for thedepartment, and for the University. He leaves behind his wonderfulfamily--his wife, Mary Jane; their children, Elizabeth, David, and Ben;and their six grandchildren.

All of us who have known Joe Arnold as friend and colleague are much thebetter for it; and UMBC is a far stronger institution for his yearshere.

John Jeffries
Professor and Chair
Department of History

Condolences may be sent to
Mary Jane Arnold
10016 Whitworth Way
Ellicott City, MD 21042

Memorial contributions may be made to the UM Foundation for the UMBC Library Joseph Larkin Arnold Endowment Fund. Please send contributions in care of Tom Beck.

Members of the UMBC Community who wish to share their memories and reflections foran Insights online feature on Professor Arnold can send text to EleanorLewis at elewis@umbc.edu by Friday, January 9.

Posted by dwinds1

January 6, 2004

UMBC Chess Team Takes Second Place in National Championship

UMBC's chess team earned second place at one of the most competitive Pan American Intercollegiate Chess Championships to date. UMBC's first team was edged by its rival team from the University of Texas at Dallas (UTD), which has shared the title with UMBC in the past but never won the championship outright. UMBC team captain Eugene Perelshteyn earned top player honors for his performance on board three.

UMBC's chess team earned second place at one of the most competitive Pan American Intercollegiate Chess Championships to date. UMBC's first team was edged by its rival team from the University of Texas at Dallas (UTD), which has shared the title with UMBC in the past but never won the championship outright. UMBC team captain Eugene Perelshteyn earned top player honors for his performance on board three.

"Colleges across the country are starting to take chess more seriously and that is proven by the tough competition at this year's tournament," said Alan Sherman, director of the UMBC chess program and associate professor of computer science. "Even beyond UMBC and UTD, the perennial powerhouses, teams from Brooklyn College, Miami Dade Community College, Princeton and Duke were very strong. The competition is good for the sport and good for the players."

UMBC and UTD have developed a strong rivalry over the past few years, often tying or barely edging each other for national titles. The two teams will face off again in April at the Final Four of College Chess.

Final scoring had the UTD team with 5.5 points and UMBC's team with 5 points. The decisive match was a head-to-head game between the top teams from UMBC and UTD, which UTD won. In the four-on-four match up, the teams tied on three boards but UMBC lost on the fourth, giving UTD the win.

The top ten teams were: UTD's first team, UMBC's first team, UTD's second team, Miami Dade Community College, Brooklyn College's first team, UMBC's second team, University of Toronto's first team, Catholic University of Peru, MIT, and Princeton.

A total of 36 teams competed in this year's PanAm, representing such schools as Princeton, Stanford, the University of Chicago and Emory. This year's six-round competition was held from December 26-30 at the Embassy Suites in Miami, Florida. The tournament used Swiss-style scoring, which awards one point for a team win, a half-point for a draw and zero points for a loss. The highest possible score was six points.

UMBC's first team included Alex Onischuk, Pawel Blehm, Eugene Perelshteyn and Pascal Charbonneau. They faced off against the University of Toronto's first team (win), Princeton (win), Miami Dade Community College (win), UTD's second team (win), UTD's first team (loss), and the Catholic University of Peru (win) for a total of five points.

UMBC's second team included Bruci Lopez, Beenish Bhatia, Battsetseg Tsagaan, and Thomas Hartwig. The team played Georgia Tech (win), Emory (win), UTD's first team (loss), MIT (win), UTD's second team (loss), and the University of Chicago's first team (win) for a total of four points.

UMBC's third team included Andrew Samuelson, Eddie Tsibulevskiy, Sachin Singhal, Jeremy Hummer and James Kinsman (alternate). They played Montgomery College (win), Brooklyn College's first team (loss), Duke (draw), the University of Toronto's second team (win), the University of Puerto Rico (win) and UTD's second team (loss) for a total of three and a half points.

UMBC's chess coach is Igor Epshteyn.

Posted by dwinds1

December 31, 2003

UMBC Chess Team Takes Second Place in National Championship

Miami, FL - The University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC) chess team earned second place at one of the most competitive Pan American Intercollegiate Chess Championships to date. UMBC's first team was edged by its rival team from the University of Texas at Dallas (UTD), which has shared the title with UMBC in the past but never won the championship outright. UMBC team captain Eugene Perelshteyn earned top player honors for his performance on board three.

Miami, FL - The University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC) chess team earned second place at one of the most competitive Pan American Intercollegiate Chess Championships to date. UMBC's first team was edged by its rival team from the University of Texas at Dallas (UTD), which has shared the title with UMBC in the past but never won the championship outright. UMBC team captain Eugene Perelshteyn earned top player honors for his performance on board three.

"Colleges across the country are starting to take chess more seriously and that is proven by the tough competition at this year's tournament," said Alan Sherman, director of the UMBC chess program and associate professor of computer science. "Even beyond UMBC and UTD, the perennial powerhouses, teams from Brooklyn College, Miami Dade Community College, Princeton and Duke were very strong. The competition is good for the sport and good for the players."

UMBC and UTD have developed a strong rivalry over the past few years, often tying or barely edging each other for national titles. The two teams will face off again in April at the Final Four of College Chess.

Final scoring had the UTD team with 5.5 points and UMBC's team with 5 points. The decisive match was a head-to-head game between the top teams from UMBC and UTD, which UTD won. In the four-on-four match up, the teams tied on three boards but UMBC lost on thefourth, giving UTD the win.

The top ten teams were: UTD's first team, UMBC's first team, UTD's second team, Miami Dade Community College, Brooklyn College's first team, UMBC's second team, University of Toronto's first team, CatholicUniversity of Peru, MIT, and Princeton.

A total of 36 teams competed in this year's PanAm, representing such schools as Princeton, Stanford, the University of Chicago and Emory. This year's six-round competition was held from December26-30 at the Embassy Suites in Miami, Florida. The tournament used Swiss-style scoring, which awards one point for a team win, a half-point for a draw and zero points for a loss. The highest possible score was six points.

UMBC's first team included Alex Onischuk, Pawel Blehm, Eugene Perelshteyn and Pascal Charbonneau. They faced off against the University of Toronto's first team (win), Princeton (win), Miami Dade Community College (win), UTD's second team (win), UTD's first team(loss), and the Catholic University of Peru (win) for a total of five points.

UMBC's second team included Bruci Lopez, Beenish Bhatia, Battsetseg Tsagaan, and Thomas Hartwig. The team played Georgia Tech (win), Emory (win), UTD's first team (loss), MIT (win), UTD's second team(loss), and the University of Chicago's first team (win) for a total of four points.

UMBC's third team included Andrew Samuelson, Eddie Tsibulevskiy, Sachin Singhal, Jeremy Hummer and James Kinsman (alternate). They played Montgomery College (win), Brooklyn College's first team (loss), Duke (draw), the University of Toronto's second team (win), the University of Puerto Rico (win) and UTD's second team (loss) for a total of three and a half points.

UMBC's chess coach is Igor Epshteyn.

Posted by dwinds1

December 16, 2003

Record Book, Rivalry at Stake as Nation's Top College Chess Teams Battle for Bragging Rights

One of the fiercest, most closely contested battles for bragging rights in all of college sports will commence Dec. 27 as America's top two chess powerhouses The University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC) and the University of Texas at Dallas (UTD) - once again face off as the favorites to win the 2003 Pan American Intercollegiate Team Chess Championship, the World Series of College Chess.

North Carolina vs. Duke. Kansas vs. Oklahoma. Kentucky vs. Louisville. This winter, sports fans across the country are licking their chops in anticipation of the renewal of these classic college basketball rivalries.

Before most of those contests tip off, a lesser-known but equally contentious matchup will get underway on Dec. 27 in Miami.

The battleground is a chessboard instead of the hardwood, but one of the fiercest, most closely contested battles for bragging rights in all of college sports will commence as America's top two chess powerhouses - The University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC) and the University of Texas at Dallas (UTD) - once again face off as the favorites to win the 2003 Pan American Intercollegiate Team Chess Championship, the World Series of College Chess.

UTD and UMBC are the undisputed top two teams in the nation, and among only a handful of schools nationwide who attract the world's best chess players with full scholarships and hold pep rallies to celebrate victories.

This year's UMBC team has a dual goal: win the title and earn a place in the college chess record book. A UMBC win this year would shatter the University of Toronto's record for overall (1965, 1973, 1974, 1980, 1981, 1982) and most consecutive (the run from '80 to '82) titles or ties for first place.

"Last year UMBC made the Grand Slam of college chess, winning the Pan-Am, the President's Cup, and the National Collegiate Chess League (NCCL)," says Alan Sherman, Director of the Chess Program and Associate Professor of Computer Science at UMBC. "This year, we intend to make chess history with an unprecedented seventh win at the Pan-Am."

Meanwhile, UTD, who lost the past two Pan Ams by a combined margin of just two points, is just as determined to regain the title. And the trash talking has already begun.

Tim Redman, director of the chess program and professor of literary studies at UTD, said in a UTD press release, UMBC no doubt will be favored on the basis of the chess ratings of its players. But we have some excellent new players, and UMBC will be making a big mistake if it takes us too lightly.

UMBC player Pascal "The Frenchman" Charbonneau, for one, doesn't seem intimidated. Well, I can't stop them from dreaming, now can I? says Charbonneau. "In all seriousness, they are a great team, but I believe UMBC will have the upper hand."

No matter which university comes away with the title this year, it will be a victory for and a reaffirmation of the importance of academic sports at public universities. Both UMBC and UTD's chess programs have earned national recognition for celebrating the life of the mind and intellectual achievement while regularly beating strong teams from Harvard, Yale, MIT, and Stanford.

"Our players are winners over the board and in the classroom," says Sherman. UMBC's four top players boast an average chess rating of 2582 and an average GPA of 3.58.

The Pan Am will be held Dec. 27-30 at Embassy Suites near the Miami International Airport.

About UMBC

UMBC, named a 2003 "Hot School" by Kaplan/Newsweek, is a medium-sized, selective, public research university situated on 500 acres between Baltimore and Washington, D.C. With an enrollment of more than 11,000, UMBC has earned national recognition for giving undergraduates early research opportunities and for its programs aimed at increasing the numbers of women and minorities in science and technology fields. The campus is home to the nationally-known Meyerhoff Scholarship Program, the Shriver Center, and a number of major research centers. For additional information about UMBC, please visit the university's web site at www.umbc.edu

About UTD

The University of Texas at Dallas, located at the convergence of Richardson, Plano and Dallas in the heart of the complex of major multinational technology corporations known as the Telecom Corridor, enrolls more than 13,700 students. The school's freshman class traditionally stands at the forefront of Texas state universities in terms of average SAT scores. The university offers a broad assortment of bachelor's, master's and doctoral degree programs. For additional information about UTD, please visit the university's web site at www.utdallas.edu.

Posted by dwinds1

December 9, 2003

UHS HAS FLU VACCINE

Although the manufacturers have run out, University Health Services (UHS) has plenty of flu vaccine left. You can schedule an appointment or walk in to protect yourself against what will reportedly be a severe flu season.

The cost is $10 which can be paid with your campus card or, for students, billed to your student account.

For more information, call (410) 455-2542.

Posted by dwinds1

October 9, 2003

Soccer's Derek McElligott Makes National and Local News

UMBC junior forward Derek McElligott's performance on the soccer field this season has earned him honors from College Soccer News. McElligott leads the South Atlantic region in goals and points (25), and, entering this week, he was second in the country in goals per game at 1.10.

UMBC junior forward Derek McElligott, who has helped UMBC to a 5-1-5 record and a ranking of #8 in the South Atlantic region, was named to College Soccer News' Team of the Week for the week of September 29-October 5.

McElligott scored a pair of goals in each of UMBC's two games last week, a 2-2 tie with visiting Albany and a 3-0 win at Hartford. McElligott added a goal vs. Binghamton and now has 12 goals in 11 games this season and leads the South Atlantic region in goals and points (25).

Entering this week, McElligott was second in the country in goals per game at 1.10, trailing only sophomore Daniel Wasson of Air Force, who has 9 goals in 8 games (1.13 per game). He is tied with two other players in total goals -- Tulsa's Ryan Pore and Michigan's Mychal Turpin each have 11 goals. The UMBC standout was fifth in the country in points per game at 2.30 (11g, 1a).

His 36 career goals is third on UMBC's all-time list, behind Ray Ford's 51 (1977-81) and Giuliano Celenza's 41 (1999-2000). McElligott has seven goals over the last four games. He is a two-time First Team All NEC performer and was the league's Rookie of the Year in 2001.

McElligott will be a featured guest on Fox 45's Sports Unlimited after the Sunday, October 12 Fox news cast at 10 p.m.

Posted by dwinds1

September 16, 2003

UMBC's Response to Hurricane Isabel

UMBC officials continue to keep a close eye on the movement of Hurricane Isabel as it approaches the U.S. East Coast. Current forecasts predict that Isabel could possibly impact the Baltimore-Washington region on Thursday or Friday.

A UMBC emergency response team -- chaired by the Vice President for Student Affairs and the Chief of UMBC Campus Police, and including representatives from the Physical Plant, Campus Police, Office of Residential Life, Office of Institutional Advancement, and numerous offices across campus -- is at work communicating with resident students, readying emergency generators, securing loose items on campus that could create hazards in high winds, preparing in case of flooding, and taking other actions to ensure the safety of UMBC students, faculty, and staff, in the event that the hurricane or other related weather events occur.

Parents or family members with questions or concerns about resident students at UMBC should call the Office of Residential Life at 410-455-2591. To report an emergency or safety hazard, call the UMBC Campus Police at ext. 5-5555 on campus or 410-455-5555 off campus.

A decision on whether to close the campus will not be made until early Thursday morning when officials have a better understanding of how Isabel will impact the Baltimore-Washington region. The University will share initial announcements about campus closings with radio and TV stations; however, for the most current information, please call the UMBC hot line numbers: 410-455-8881/8882/8883/8884/8885 with an on-campus number of 5-8881/8882/8883/8884/8885. Everyone is encouraged to pick one of these numbers at random to reduce the likelihood of inundating one number with calls.

UMBC's safety Web site (www.umbc.edu/safety) includes campus closing/reopening updates, hotline numbers, and links to forecasts and resources on preparedness and emergency procedures from State and Federal officials.

While UMBC's severe weather policy states that we will try to conduct business as usual whenever possible, we highly recommend that parents, students and other members of our campus community monitor the situation closely and use their own judgement and individual discretion in preparing for the potential storm and determining if students should leave campus in advance of the storm.

Posted by dwinds1

September 8, 2003

AT&T Foundation Grants $50,000 to UMBC Center for Women & Information Technology

The AT&T Foundation will donate $50,000 to the University of Maryland, Baltimore County's (UMBC) Center for Women and Information Technology (CWIT) on Sept. 9, as UMBC welcomes a new group of CWIT Scholars -- college students who receive scholarship support to pursue information technology careers -- to campus.

BALTIMORE - The AT&T Foundation will donate $50,000 to the University of Maryland, Baltimore County's (UMBC) Center for Women and Information Technology (CWIT) on Sept. 9, as UMBC welcomes a new group of CWIT Scholars -- college students who receive scholarship support to pursue information technology careers -- to campus.

The grant will support CWIT's educational and community outreach programs that work to bridge the IT gender gap. Annual events like Computer Mania Day connect CWIT Scholars, business leaders and other role models to middle school girls to help spark their interest in computing and technology careers.

The CWIT Scholars Program identifies a limited number of high-achieving high school seniors annually and provides four years of financial and programmatic support to pursue a bachelor's degree at UMBC in an IT-related field. The program is open to both women and men who support women's full involvement in information technology.

"A solid educational foundation for today's workplace must include information technology and computers," said Freeman A. Hrabowski, III, President of UMBC. "UMBC and CWIT are delighted to have this crucial support from a national leader in technology like AT&T as we work together to close the IT gender gap."

"AT&T is proud to support CWIT and its students in pursuing their IT education and career aspirations," said Jennifer Jones, Sales Vice-President - AT&T Business Services. "We recognize the importance of investing in the future of technology directly and indirectly through programs such as these that encourage advancement in information sciences."

In spite of reports that the Internet gender gap is closing, women are still seriously under-represented as developers of IT, and they are often not well served as IT users. Women make up 51 percent of the population and earn more than half of all bachelor-level degrees awarded, but earn only about one-quarter of the bachelor-level computer and information sciences degrees awarded in the U.S. - down from the 1980s when those numbers were in the mid 30's. Business and educators alike are concerned about what this means for long-term growth in the IT industry.

AT&T will present the $50,000 grant to UMBC at 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 9 in room 312 of the UMBC University Center.

About AT&T Foundation
AT&T is among the world's premier voice and data communications companies, serving consumers, businesses, and government. Public service and social responsibility are traditions deeply embedded at AT&T. The AT&T Foundation (www.att.com/foundation) invests in projects that serve the needs of people in communities throughout the nation, particularly for initiatives that use technology in innovative ways and for programs in which AT&T employees are actively involved as contributors or volunteers.

About CWIT
The Center for Women and Information Technology (CWIT) established at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC) in July, 1998, seeks to address and rectify the above-mentioned problems and to enhance our understanding of the relationship between gender and IT. The Center has a four-fold mission: to encourage more women and girls to study computer science and/or information systems and to pursue careers in IT; to enable all women and girls to use IT comfortably and knowledgeably; to assure that the richness and breadth of women's lives and concerns are fully represented and readily available on the Internet; and to foster research concerning the relationship between gender and IT. The Center plans to accomplish its mission through varied initiatives. Three projects already under way are the CWIT Scholars Program, the Speakers Series, and the CWIT web site, which ABCNews.com has called "the best resource on women and technology on the Web."

About AT&T
AT&T (www.att.com) is among the premier voice and data communications companies in the world, serving businesses, consumers, and government. The company runs one of the most sophisticated communications networks in the U.S., backed by the research and development capabilities of AT&T Labs. A leading supplier of data, Internet and managed services for the public and private sectors, AT&T offers outsourcing and consulting to large businesses and government. The company is a market leader in local, long distance and Internet services, as well as transaction-based services like prepaid cards, collect calling and directory assistance. With approximately $37 billion of revenue, AT&T has about 40 million residential customers and 4 million business customers, who depend on AT&T for high-quality communications. AT&T has garnered several awards for outstanding performance and customer service.

Posted by dwinds1

September 4, 2003

Strategic Framework for 2016

Over the past five years, the Planning Leadership Team (PLT) has guided the campus through an evolving strategic planning process that included input from faculty, staff and students. UMBC has established a vision to be known for integrating research, teaching and learning, and civic engagement, as well as a commitment to ranking in the top tier of research universities and building our undergraduate and graduate student bodies. Building on this groundwork, the PLT's new "Strategic Framework for 2016" report includes direction for short-term and long-term planning and budgeting at the University, college, division and department levels.

Over the past five years, the Planning Leadership Team (PLT) has guided the campus through an evolving strategic planning process that included input from faculty, staff and students. UMBC has established a vision to be known for integrating research, teaching and learning, and civic engagement, as well as a commitment to ranking in the top tier of research universities and building our undergraduate and graduate student bodies.

Building on this groundwork, the PLT's new "Strategic Framework for 2016" report includes direction for short-term and long-term planning and budgeting at the University, college, division and department levels. This past week, 150 faculty, staff and students had an opportunity to discuss the report when it was presented at this year's University Retreat, and it is now available for the entire campus community to review.

"Strategic Framework for 2016" includes two major goals:

*To provide a distinctive undergraduate experience, strengthening UMBC's performance as a research university that integrates a high-quality undergraduate education with faculty scholarship and research through a curriculum and set of experiences promoting student engagement, such as seminars, study groups, research opportunities, mentoring, advising, co-curricular learning experiences, and exposure to diversity.

*To continue to build research and graduate education, by pursuing growth in Ph.D.s granted, faculty awards, and federal research grants and contracts in order to strengthen the culture of UMBC as a research university and continue to rank in a prestigious cohort of research universities.

To spur the achievement of those goals, the PLT has established supporting goals and objectives in the areas of undergraduate education; research and graduate education; student body size and composition; faculty size and composition; curriculum and program mix; management, organization and staffing; and relationship with the Baltimore/Washington region.

In addition to the recommendations of campus wide task forces and committees, studies of UMBC's size and development helped to frame the PLT's discussions of UMBC's future. Professor Marilyn Demorest's report on faculty size, composition and allocation of resources provided insight into factors affecting faculty/student ratio. Professor Brad Humphreys' cost benefit analysis of enrollment growth provided a model for understanding when increased enrollment provides financial advantage and when it does not.

To stimulate thinking about the circumstances and strategies that push universities to new levels of distinction and success, the PLT developed profiles of eight "exemplar" institutions: University of Delaware, Georgia Tech, University of California Santa Barbara, University of Pittsburgh, William & Mary, Carnegie Mellon, Drexel and Rensselear. The research helped PLT members understand strategies that have been transformative for other campuses and to incorporate those most applicable to UMBC.

As we face a new economic and political climate, extensive planning is more crucial than ever. "We can't do business as we have been. We need planning to succeed in a turbulent environment," Provost Art Johnson said at the retreat. "But that does not mean we will change our vision or our goals, which are rooted in who we are. We'll just find a different way to achieve them."

You can read "Strategic Framework for 2016" online.

Previous PLT reports are also available on the Provost's Web site.

Posted by dwinds1

Center for Biological Sciences Archives Established at UMBC

Capping nearly three decades of collecting biological sciences archives, UMBC has established an international Center for Biological Sciences Archives (CBSA) in the Special Collections Department of the Albin O. Kuhn Library Gallery.

Capping nearly three decades of collecting biological sciences archives, UMBC has established an international Center for Biological Sciences Archives (CBSA) in the Special Collections Department of the Albin O. Kuhn Library Gallery. The CBSA already holds 13 major biological sciences archives and plans to develop and promote these and other holdings in the coming years.

Among the CBSA's holdings are the archives of the American Society for Cell Biology, the Tissue Culture Association (now called the Society for Invitro Biology), Society for Developmental Biology, International Union of Immunological Societies, American Type Culture Collection, the American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, American Association of Immunologists, Society for Protozoologists, the Biophysical Society, the Society for Industrial Microbiology, the University of Maryland Biotechnology Institute (UMBI), and archives of Keith R. Porter and R.D. Allen.

Also located at UMBC are the Archives of the American Society for Microbiology, which in addition holds the archives of the International Union of Microbiological Studies, the Anne Sayre Collection of Rosalind Franklin materials, and the Rita Colwell papers. Dr. Colwell is director of the National Science Foundation, and already has placed the papers from her tenure as director of the University of Maryland Biotechnology Institute at UMBC.

The mission of the CBSA is to identify, preserve and provide access to manuscripts, personal papers and archives generated by individuals and institutions involved in the biological sciences. In addition, the CBSA will encourage research, scholarship, and publication of writings on the history, policy implimentations, and social and cultural impact of the biological sciences. Public programs concerning the archives will be featured in the future as the archives and its activities are developed.

Provost Arthur Johnson says, "The CBSA will fill a unique niche at UMBC. It fits very well within the campus mission and the bioscience activities we have in place."

For more information, contact Tom Beck.

Posted by dwinds1

August 26, 2003

Parking Update

September 5, 2003

To: UMBC Faculty and Staff

Fr: Mark Behm, Vice President for Administration and Finance

Re: Parking Update

As the fall semester opens, it is important to be prepared for a parking "crunch period," since campus community members tend to come to campus more often and stay longer as they acclimate to the new academic year. The hours between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. are the busiest. With the addition of classrooms and lecture halls in the newly opened ITE Building, the number of students registered in classes will be larger during the peak period than in previous years.

In order to facilitate traffic flow and assist people in finding spaces, Parking Services' staff and UMBC police officers will monitor lots and direct drivers to open spaces during peak parking times. The new Hilltop Road Parking Lot becomes available on or about September 25 (the opening date has been pushed back due to inclement weather affecting construction) and will provide 474 additional spaces. Overflow parking is available at South Campus, and the UMBC Shuttle will be available to transport faculty and staff to and from the main campus.

This year we must require the use of parking hangers beginning with the very first day of classes. On weekdays, parking will be enforced Monday through Thursday from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. and on Friday from 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. This will allow us to monitor the requirement that freshmen who live in the residence halls park in the Satellite Lot at South Campus during these periods to maximize the number of spaces available for commuter students, faculty and staff.

Faculty/staff enrolled in the payroll deduction program have received their new parking hangers through their departments and may continue to use their current gate cards. For additional information regarding purchase and distribution of faculty/staff permits and/or gate cards and important information about parking regulations, please visit the Parking Services web site.

If you have any questions or concerns, please call Parking Services at ext. 5-2551, or e-mail parking@umbc.edu.

Posted by dwinds1

August 20, 2003

In the News

Freeman Hrabowski in the Washington Post and Christianity Today
UMBC President Freeman Hrabowski was quoted in Courtland Milloy's Aug. 24 Washington Postcolumn on the 40th anniversary of Dr. Martin Luther King's march on Washington D.C.
www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A40383-2003Aug24.html

President Hrabowski was also quoted in a Christianity Today profile (September 2003) of National Security Adviser Condoleezza Rice.
www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2003/009/1.42.html

Tim Brennan in the Washington Post
Tim Brennan, a professor of public policy and an expert on deregulationof utilities, was part of a Washington Post article examining the recentmassive blackout in the Northeast U.S. and Canada.
www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A37543-2003Aug23_3.html

UMBC Entrepreneurship Programs in the Sun
UMBC's Alex. Brown Center for Science and Technology Entrepreneurship,Idea Lab, CEO Chats and other programs encouraging and teachingentrepreneurship skills to students were part of a Aug. 28 businessarticle in the Baltimore Sun.

UMBC's ongoing competition with 14 other universities for up to $5million in grant money from the Kauffman Foundation to encourageentrepreneurship campus-wide was also mentioned, along with a quote fromfoundation spokeswoman Wendy Guilles.
www.sunspot.net/business/bal-bz.kidbiz28aug28,0,4678326.story?coll=bal-business-headlines

Alumnus Paul Comfort in the Easton Star Democrat
UMBC alum and Queen Anne's County Administrator Paul Comfort '87 was appointed to a new blue ribbon commission to study the structure and efficiency of state government.
www.zwire.com/site/news.cfm?newsid=10049664&BRD=2101&PAG=461&dept_id=392170&rfi=6

UMBC in the Catonsville Times
UMBC's growing resident population is the focus of the article "Commuter School? UMBC freshmen flood into campus housing" in the Catonsville Times on August 27.
http://news.mywebpal.com/news_tool_v2.cfm?pnpID=351&NewsID=485426&CategoryID=11091&show=localnews&om=0

UMBC Chess in Chess Life
UMBC Chess Team Advisor Alan Sherman wrote "UMBC's Speed Spectacular - a Sporting Smash," for the September 2003 issue of Chess Life. The article is not available online.

IMDA Graduate Student Jon Routson in the New York Times
Imaging and Digital Arts graduate student and video artist Jon Routson was mentioned in an August 17 New York Times article on artist Matthew Barney. Greg Allen writes, "And a young Baltimore video artist, Jon Routson, whose work explores bootlegging itself, has tackled Matthew Barney's work head-on. In April at New York's Team Gallery, Mr. Routson showed his "made for TV" version of 'Cremaster 4.' He cut a grainy VHS bootleg of Mr. Barney's 45-minute film down to 22 minutes, dropped in actual commercials, compressed the end credits and even floated ABC's logo inthe lower corner of the screen. The result: a hilarious, smart, and brazen work, which drew critical praise and which may be a sign of things to come."
www.nytimes.com/2003/08/17/arts/design/17ALLE.html?ex=1062202858&ei=1&en=70cc17312d2a7841

Robert Carpenter in the Baltimore Sun
Associate Professor of Economics Robert Carpenter's study of slots was part of an August 20 Baltimore Sun story.
www.sunspot.net/news/local/bal-md.slots20aug20,0,715121.story?coll=bal-local-headlines

Thomas Schaller in Baltimore Magazine
Assistant Professor of Political Science Thomas Schaller profiles political fundraiser Colleen Martin-Lauer in the September issue of Baltimore Magazine. You can read Schaller's article on page 106. Watch for more features by Schaller in future issues of the magazine.

Alumni Omari Ruiz and Avery Smith in the Baltimore Sun
As a member of The Baltimore Collegetown Network, UMBC's key role inkeeping talented young people living and working in Maryland aftercollege graduation is highlighted in an article on the organization in the August 22 Baltimore Sun. The story highlights how 77 percent of UMBC alumni continue to live and work in Maryland and features quotes from two recent graduates who are among that majority: Omari Ruiz '03 and Avery Smith '03.
www.sunspot.net/news/education/bal-te.bz.students22aug22,0,3647317.story?coll=bal-home-headlines

Posted by dwinds1

Kudos

John Rennie Short Appointed to National Screening Committee, Fulbright-Hays Graduate Program
John Rennie Short, professor and chair, Department of Geography and Environmental Systems, has been appointed by the Institute of InternationalEducation Board of Trustees to serve a three-year term on the National Screening Committee of the Fulbright-Hays graduate program. The program allocates grants to U.S. students to enable them to pursue research opportunities with universities overseas.

Alumnus Kevin Griffith Receives Doctoral Dissertation Endowment Award
Kevin Griffith is the recipient of UMBC's Richard E. Wolf, Jr. Doctoral Dissertation Endowment award for 2002-2003. Griffith received his Ph.D. from UMBC's Department of Biological Sciences, Molecular and Cell Biology Program, in January, 2003. After graduation Kevin began postdoctoral training in the laboratory of Dr. Alan Grossman, Department of Biology, M.I.T. in March, 2003.

The criteria for the award are (1) exceptional research productivity and (2) the dissertation research made a significant contribution to a discipline with in the biological sciences. Candidates were nominated by their Doctoral Dissertation Committee after their dissertation was successfully defended. Candidates graduated from either the August, 2002, January, 2003 or May 2003 commencement. An impartial committee of faculty members appointed by the Chair of the Department of Biological Sciences was established to make the selection.

Jason Loviglio, Fellow at the Library of Congress, to Lecture in DC (9/10)
Assistant Professor of American Studies Jason Loviglio is currently J. Franklin Jameson Fellow in American History in the Library of Congress' John W. Kluge Center. He will lecture on "Network Radio and Mass-Mediated Democracy, 1932-1947" at 2:30 p.m. on September 10 at the Library of Congress, room LJ119, on the first floor of the Jefferson Building. For more information, call (202) 707-3302.

Doctoral Student Chevell Thomas Finalist for Service to America Medal
Chevell Thomas, a doctoral student (health policy track) in theDepartment of Public Policy, was a 2003 finalist for the Service to America Medal. Thomas is a health insurance specialist at the Centers for Medicare andMedicaid Services, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
www.ourpublicservice.org/staff_name3761/staff_name_show.htm?doc_id=184781

Baltimore's Best Award for Kuhn Library
BAROC (Baltimore Art Research and Outreach Consortium) has received BaltimoreMagazine's "Best Baltimore of 2003" award for "Best Online Arts Resource--Maryland ArtSource," the online art database and arts news source (www.marylandartsource.org). BAROC is a consortium of librarians at UMBC, Johns Hopkins University, Walters Art Museum, Maryland Historical Society, Maryland State Department of Education, Maryland Institute College of Art, and Baltimore Museum of Art. Tom Beck is UMBC's representative to BAROC.

Posted by dwinds1

Men's Soccer to Christen 2003-04 Home Season in adidas Kick-off Classic

UMBC's era in the America East Conference will be kicked off by the men's soccer team, as they host the adidas Kick-Off Classic on Friday, August 29 through Sunday, August 31 at UMBC Soccer Stadium.

UMBC's era in the America East Conference (AEC) will be kicked off by the men's soccer team, as they host the adidas Kick-Off Classic on Friday, August 29 through Sunday, August 31 at UMBC Soccer Stadium. After Robert Morris takes on Lafayette at 2 p.m., the Retrievers entertain Colgate at 4:30 p.m. UMBC faces Lafayette in the tournament's final game on Sunday at 1 p.m.

The women's soccer team will have the distinction of playing the first AEC game, as they host Hartford on Wednesday, September 10. Michelle Salmon's team begins its season on Saturday, August 30, when they host Delaware State at 1 p.m. Field hockey and volleyball also begin play on that weekend. Kristy Hartman's field hockey squad entertains non-league foe Colgate on Saturday, August 30 at noon, while Head Coach Greg Giovannazzi makes his debut with the volleyball team at the Jacksonsville Tournament on Friday and Saturday.

Pete Caringi's men's soccer squad returns nine staters from last year's 11-6-3 team, including leading scorer Derek McElligott (12 goals) and the entire starting defensive unit. But it will be a difficult road for the Retrievers, as they may face as many as three 2002 NCAA qualifiers (George Washington, Old Dominion, and possibly, Loyola) in a four-game span and end the month by taking on AEC foe, Northeastern, a team ranked in the top 30 in the nation by College Soccer News.

For more information on the upcoming season visit www.umbcretrievers.com.

Posted by dwinds1

August 10, 2003

Schedule of 9-11 Commemorative Activities at UMBC

A variety of commemorative activities are planned at UMBC to mark the second anniversary of the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001.

A variety of commemorative activities are planned at UMBC to mark the second anniversary of the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001. Scheduled events include:

8:45 AM
The National Anthem and Taps
Performed by the UMBC Pep Band
Location: Flagpoles in front of Administration Building

11:00 AM
Drumming for World Peace: UMBC 9/11 Commemoration
The Commons, Main Street

The UMBC Community is invited to a day of inter-cultural drumming for global understanding and peace. Share your thoughts in a commemoration of September 11, 2001 at The Commons. Sponsored by the English Language Center, the Intercultural Living Exchange, the Office of Student Life, and Students for Intercultural Exchange.

Expression Boards will be placed on Main Street in The Commons beginning Wednesday, September 10 and will remain up through Friday, September 12. These boards are a chance for the UMBC community to write and creatively express their thoughts, feelings, and emotions on the 9/11 tragedy. Please stop by to read the comments and to add your own.

In addition, the UMBC Study Abroad Fair will be held from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. on the Commons Terrace. Take steps to greater international understanding and find out more about summer, semester and year programs all over the world! For more information, contact the Office of International Education Services at 410-455-2624 or by e-mail at ies@umbc.edu.

Posted by dwinds1

July 18, 2003

UMBC Training Centers Launch Paralegal Program

In its latest new program aimed at fast-growing career fields, UMBC Training Centers announced today the launch of the University's first Paralegal training program, targeting both existing professionals in the legal arena, and those interested in exploring the field and learning more about the law.

In its latest new program aimed at fast-growing career fields, UMBC Training Centers announced today the launch of the University's first Paralegal training program, targeting both existing professionals in the legal arena, and those interested in exploring the field and learning more about the law.

"This is an area that we have been anxious to address for some time, with so many prestigious law firms, and so much governmental and legislative activity based in the region," says Doug Kendzierski, Associate Vice-Provost and President/CEO of UMBC Training Centers.

The Center for Legal Studies (CLS) manages a nationally acclaimed curriculum that boasts over 10,000 graduates in the last twenty-three years. Scott A. Hatch, J.D., President of CLS says, "The quality and effectiveness of any paralegal program should be measured not only by its reputation, but by the opportunity for on-the-job-experience, the satisfaction of the employers that hire these individuals, and the assurance of a solid delivery provider. We cover all of these bases in our offering through UMBC."

Law-related careers rank among the rapid-risers in the US economy, with the US Bureau of Labor Statistics projecting an increase of 62 percent in paralegal employment by 2008, the sixth largest occupation growth rate resulting in 74,000 new paralegal hires. Paralegal salaries currently average in the mid to high 30's in the region, with projected averages near $45,000 by 2005.

Class sections are forming now and slated to begin in September, with more to be scheduled throughout the year. The six-weekend course is taught by local attorneys, and includes 84 hours of intensive training, all required texts and materials, and a voluntary internship opportunity for the top quarter of each graduating class.

Students will be trained to assist trial attorneys, interview witnesses, investigate complex fact patterns, research the law, and assist in preparing cases for courtroom litigation. The instruction is practice-oriented and focuses on those areas of the law in which paralegals are in highest demand.

For more information on these programs, contact UMBC Training Centers at (410) 594-2282, or visit their paralegal training website at www.continuinged.umbc.edu/paralegal.

About UMBC Training Centers, LLC
The University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC), a regional leader in workforce development, established UMBC Training Centers, LLC as its continuing education and industry training operation, addressing critical regional employment priorities through responsive programming in areas such as Professional Engineering, BioTechnology/Regulatory Affairs, Federal Regulation Compliance, Professional Human Resource Management, Certified Financial Planning, LSAT/GMAT/GRE Test Preparation, PMI Project Management Certification, Certified Professional Bookkeeping, Call Center Management and a full range of industry-standard computer certification programs.

In partnership with such renowned organizations as The College for Financial Planning, the Project Management Institute, the HIPAA Academy, the Society for Human Resources Management, Microsoft, Oracle and Sun Microsystems, the LLC offers the finest content available in the marketplace, while maintaining the University's reputation for affordable programming. Programs include instructor-led and web-based training, with part-time, full-time, evening, weekend and weekday class schedules, and customized contract training available.

About The Center for Legal Studies
The Center for Legal Studies, in partnership with over 600 colleges and universities around the world, has been dedicated to the instruction and preparation of students to work as full-time, part-time, or freelance paralegals, legal secretaries, legal investigations, mediators, legal nurse consultants, and victim advocates since 1980. For more information, call 1-800-522-7737 or visit www.legalstudies.com.

Posted by dwinds1

July 16, 2003

Library Catalog and Some Services Unavailable 7/31-8/4

In order to bring the UM at Baltimore Health Sciences and Human Services Library into the University System of Maryland shared library automation system, that system will be shut down from noon on Thursday, July 31 through 8 a.m. on Monday, August 4. This means that the following services will be unavailable:

o Online Catalog (catalogUSMAI)
o "My Account" information
o Hold Requests
o Renewals
o Return receipts
o Collection of overdue fines and billings

The Library will keep its regular hours during this system outage; circulation of materials and other functions will be achieved manually. Check out of materials will require a valid campus ID and an additional picture ID during this outage.

For further information, call ext. 5-2346 or e-mail aok@umbc.edu.

Posted by dwinds1

July 15, 2003

UMBC Training Centers, ICMI Launch Call Center Training Partnership

As the remarkable response to the National Do Not Call Registry has shown, American consumers are serious about wanting companies to respect their wishes when it comes to calling them at home. But what about the other side of the equation - when consumers pick up the phone to call a company with a question about a bill, a problem with installing new software, or a change in a reservation?

A new partnership between UMBC Training Centers, LLC, and the Annapolis-based Incoming Call Management Institute (ICMI), two of the region's top names in workforce and call center training, will kick off in September with customized classes providing a new standard of training for agents and managers in the growing call center business.

As the remarkable response to the National Do Not Call Registry has shown, American consumers are serious about wanting companies to respect their wishes when it comes to calling them at home. But what about the other side of the equation - when consumers pick up the phone to call a company with a question about a bill, a problem with installing new software, or a change in a reservation?

A new partnership between UMBC Training Centers, LLC, and the Annapolis-based Incoming Call Management Institute (ICMI), two of the region's top names in workforce and call center training, will kick off in September with customized classes providing a new standard of training for agents and managers in the growing call center business.

"The only thing consumers appreciate less than an unwanted telemarketing call is poor customer service or being stuck on hold when they're making a call to a company with a question or problem," says Doug Kendzierski, President/CEO of UMBC Training Centers, and an Associate Vice-Provost in UMBC's Division of Professional Education & Training.

"Unfortunately, there's no national list or program to mandate customer service standards for incoming call centers," Kendzierski says. "But now, by teaming with ICMI for our new call center training courses, we hope to not only increase consumer satisfaction, but also offer paths to fast-track careers in a rapidly growing industry while continuing to improve its image nationwide."

"We are very excited to be working with such a top-ranked, established educational leader as UMBC," says Brad Cleveland, President and CEO of ICMI. "ICMI's goal is the advancement of our industry, and combined with UMBC's mission of advancing the region's workforce, we are confident that this partnership will result in unparalleled educational opportunities."

The call center industry has grown rapidly in the Mid-Atlantic. According to Customer Interface's 2000 survey, our region leads the country with 23.5% of the estimated 78,000 domestic call centers in existence. "Organizations such as ADP, BGE, the Social Security Administration, and T. Rowe Price are just a few that operate high-volume call centers in the Baltimore metropolitan area," notes Kendzierski.

Although an increasing number of consumers go online when they need help with a product or service, a recent study by Jupiter Media Metrix found that 33 percent of retail Web sites either took more than 3 days or failed to respond to customer inquiries. Other industry surveys have shown that consumers still rely on the phone when they need quick service or answers to a question.

Telemanagement Search (TMS) estimates that the current base of 7 million call center agents employed will grow at an annual rate of 20%, with salaries on the rise as well. "Recent research indicates average salaries for line supervisors are at $30,000, with managers averaging in the low 60's, and directors averaging almost $93,000," says Kendzierski. "This is a great fast-track career opportunity for everyone from high school graduates, to graduate-schooled business students."

But like any growth industry, Kendzierski emphasizes the need for the concurrent rise of high-quality education programs that groom an emerging workforce for productivity and performance mapped to the precise business objectives of the operation. "Successful training not only provides for individual advancement opportunities, but serves to boost the image of this sector as professional realm of employment," he says.

Cleveland emphasized that the call center industry requires very specialized knowledge and skills. "Business-as-usual won't cut it, because what worked a few years go, won't necessarily serve today's environment," he says. "Call Center environments have become more sophisticated and complex as we face multi-channels dealing with more complex transactions from a customer who is savvier than ever."

For more information on these programs, contact UMBC Training Centers at (410) 594-2282, or visit the Call Center training website at www.continuinged.umbc.edu/callcenter.

About UMBC Training Centers, LLC
The University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC), a regional leader in workforce development, established UMBC Training Centers, LLC as its continuing education and industry training operation, addressing critical regional employment priorities through responsive programming in areas such as Professional Engineering, BioTechnology/Regulatory Affairs, Federal Regulation Compliance, Professional Human Resource Management, Certified Financial Planning, LSAT/GMAT/GRE Test Preparation, PMI Project Management Certification, Certified Professional Bookkeeping, Paralegal and a full range of industry-standard computer certification programs.

In partnership with such renowned organizations as The College for Financial Planning, the Project Management Institute, the HIPAA Academy, the Society for Human Resources Management, Microsoft, Oracle and Sun Microsystems, the LLC offers the finest content available in the marketplace, while maintaining the University's reputation for affordable programming. Programs include instructor-led and web-based training, with part-time, full-time, evening, weekend and weekday class schedules, and customized contract training available.

About ICMI
Established in 1985, Incoming Calls Management Institute (ICMI) is recognized as the premier resource on call center management training and services. ICMI was the first company in the world to offer training seminars on call center management and operations, including "Essential Skills and Knowledge for Effective Incoming Call Center Management," attended by more than 55,000 call center professionals to date. ICMI has consulted to organizations in more than 20 countries, offering applied business expertise based on "real-life" hands-on experience of the company's executive team.

With global membership reaching over 40 countries, ICMI Membership provides unparalleled support in helping call center managers improve the effectiveness and efficiency of their operations. ICMI's President and CEO, Brad Cleveland, is co-author of the industry?s acclaimed "how-to" textbook, Call Center Management on Fast Forward, and is among the most sought after key note speakers and experts in the call center industry.

Posted by dwinds1

July 10, 2003

Maxine Cote '82, Former Director of Advisement

Maxine Marie Cote, former director of advisement and one of the "building blocks of UMBC," died on June 29. After graduating from UMBC in 1982, Cote was appointed to the position of assistant to the dean of humanities. She eventually became director of advisement until her retirement in 1993. In the position of Director, she devised a centralized advisement system, many elements of which are still in use today. Charles "Tot" Woolston, retired vice provost, remembers Cote's many contributions.

By Charles "Tot" Woolston, Vice Provost, Retired

Maxine Marie Cote, former director of advisement at UMBC, died on June 29. Maxine -- universally known as "Max" -- came to UMBC as an older student in a very young university. She had a wry sense of humor, a sharp intellect, and an extraordinary amount of common sense which made her a respected counselor to students and faculty alike. She majored in philosophy, and when her department started a self-paced logic program, she was the natural head tutor, for she was a patient and gifted teacher.

After graduating in 1982, she was appointed to the position of assistant to the dean of humanities. She eventually became director of advisement until her retirement in 1993. In the position of director, she devised a centralized advisement system, many elements of which are still in use today.

Her knowledge of UMBC's rules and regulations and especially of the general requirements (through several iterations) was legendary. If there was ever any doubt about a regulation or when it took effect, there was only one solution -- call Max. Faculty, staff, and students deferred to her personal knowledge of past and present regulations. Her answers often included the effective date of the rule and why it was passed. She left a codified rule book when she retired, but it wasn't the same as getting her detailed explanation.

She was a caring and careful advisor. She believed that student success was directly tied to preparation and planning. She developed advisement manuals and conducted training sessions for advisors. She hired and trained faculty to be summer orientation advisors and assisted many academic departments in developing their advising systems. Additionally, she was instrumental in implementing a program with Baltimore City to bring strong seniors from Walbrook and Edmondson High Schools to UMBC to take courses.

Maxine Cote was one of the building blocks on which the foundation of UMBC rests. She was a proud alumnus and an important person in the growth and development of this campus. Two of her three children, Patricia and Glenn, are UMBC alumni. She is also survived by her husband Henry, son John and 7 grandchildren.

Posted by dwinds1

July 7, 2003

Evelyn Barker, Associate Professor Emerita of Philosophy

Evelyn Barker, associate professor emerita of philosophy, passed away on Wednesday, June 25. Dr. Barker, who retired in 1992, was a charter member of the philosophy faculty and played a critical role in UMBC's development. Stephen Braude, John Titchner and Gary Rupert reflect on Barker's contributions.

Evelyn Barker, associate professor emerita of philosophy and longtime champion of UMBC, passed away on Wednesday, June 25.

Dr. Barker, who retired in 1992, was a charter member of the philosophy faculty. Through her contributions to the University and to the Department of Philosophy, she played a critical role in the development of the University, including serving on many important University committees. She was instrumental in developing the Master of Arts in Applied and Professional Ethics, and was responsible for launching the careers of several philosophers.

Even after her retirement, Dr. Barker played an active role in the life of the philosophy department, taking a special interest in new and junior faculty."She was a wise counselor and advisor to a young chair, was the authorial member of the committee initiating the Honors Program, and an original member of the Graduate Faculty in Applied and Professional Ethics," says John Titchener, former philosophy chair and associate professor emeritus. "She cared about philosophy and UMBC in a way which inspired those of us privileged to know her."

The former Evelyn Masi was born in Franklin, Massachusetts in 1927. She graduated summa cum laude from Wheaton College in 1948, obtained an M.A. from Vassar College in 1949, and received both the M.A. and the Ph.D. in philosophy from Harvard University in 1956. She married fellow philosopher Stephen F. Barker in 1961. During her teaching and scholarly career, Dr. Barker also held posts at Smith College and Mount Holyoke College. She authored numerous books and articles, ranging in scope from logic to the ethics of health care. Her work was noted for its rigor and clarity.

Stephen Braude, chair of the Department of Philosophy, says, "Evelyn Barker had been my colleague and my friend since my arrival at UMBC in 1971. She was a perceptive and admirably feisty philosophical interlocutor, a dedicated and generous member of the UMBC community, and a valued personal friend. My colleagues and I dedicated our conference room to Evelyn to honor her contributions to the university and to express our deep affection and respect for her.

"We were surprised and dismayed when Evelyn informed us, a couple of months ago, that she was too ill to attend one of our guest lectures," Braude says. "Now we're all greatly saddened by her passing, and I know we will all miss her penetrating insights, quick wit, and warm, vital presence."

Gary Rupert, associate director of alumni relations, adds, "Evelyn was one of the true gems of UMBC. She loved the university, she loved the students and she loved her colleagues. She epitomized this place - she really cared! The University, and a great many of us, lost a dear friend."

A memorial mass for Barker will be held in Baltimore on Thursday, September 25 at 7 p.m. in the Lady Chapel of the Cathedral of Mary Our Queen, 5200 North Charles Street. (The Lady Chapel is at the west end of the building, behind the main altar) A reception will follow in the parish hall.

Members of the campus community have asked how they can honor Dr. Barker. A generous supporter of the University, she established The Evelyn M. Barker Endowment to provide financial support for the Department of Philosophy, as well as an annual award to a philosophy major who is going on to graduate studies in the field. To contribute to the Evelyn Barker Endowment, please make checks payable to UM Foundation and mail to Gary Rupert at the Alumni House, UMBC, 1000 Hilltop Circle, Baltimore, MD 21250.

Condolences may be sent to Stephen Barker, 4003 Keswick Road Baltimore, MD 21211-2228. Survivors also include her sons, Charles and George, and a brother and a sister.

Posted by dwinds1

Doug Hamby Dance Performs at Dance Place

On July 19 and 20, Doug Hamby Dance will perform its annual concert at Dance Place in Washington, D.C. The program includes premieres of Edgewater Park and Vial.

Fluid and languid, Aaron Jackson and Chip Scuderi slide, tumble, and splash their way across the silent room, following UMBC dance professor Doug Hamby's choreography. In Edgewater Park, these two talented dancers bring to life rides in an amusement park -- water slides, roller coasters and carousels. Carefully recorded and mixed, the images of the two men are woven together to create very different perspectives of the freefall and motion that accompanies each ride.

A curtain separates the dancers from the audience, who will watch the performance on a projection screen placed in the middle of the stage. Only patches of fabric removed from the curtain panels let the audience know that the dance is being performed live. Videographer Nick Prevas intertwines Jackson and Scuderi's movements on the large screen, at times fading one in and the other out, and other times capturing one moment of the two together and freezing it.

On July 19 and 20, Doug Hamby Dance will perform its annual concert at Dance Place in Washington, D.C. In addition to the premiere of Edgewater Park, the program includes the premiere of the memory-based Vial and the Washington, DC premiere of Short'nin Bread Variations, about a three-year old boy's kitchen mischief. Also on the program are the World Cup Soccer-inspired Opus `98; Interplay; and Women at Work.

Hamby is excited about all of the pieces scheduled to be performed, but Edgewater Park makes the eyes of this charismatic and talented dancer/choreographer burn a little brighter. "Technology is a conduit used to manipulate the perception of the audience," he remarks. "They see the dance through the eyes of the mixer." In this piece, Hamby is collaborating with UMBC visual arts professor Tim Nohe. "The challenging thing about collaboration is that you don't realize how much control you've relinquished."

Women at Work, a dance Hamby created in 1983, interprets a short story by D.H. Lawrence about fighting sexual harassment in the workplace. This is a piece featuring Emily Gibbs, Ali Linthicum, Allyson Gebken, and Margaret Terry, and is designed to show the empowerment of women. Dancing to frantic music, frenzied and rushed, yet languorous and smooth at the same time, these women are evocative, sensual and completely in control.

"A dance to me is a celebration," Hamby says, "and this is definitely a celebration."

Tickets are $18 general admission, $14 for Dance Place members, seniors, students and artists, and $6 for children and teens (17 and under). The concert begins at 8 p.m., on the 19th, and 7 p.m., on the 20th. Dance Place is located at 3225 8th Street N.E., Washington, D.C. Tickets may be purchased through the Dance Place box office at (202) 269-1600 or online at www.danceplace.org.

- Jennifer Leigh Gibson

Posted by dwinds1

July 3, 2003

Testing Insights

Posted by dwinds1

July 2, 2003

In the News

Freeman Hrabowski in the Baltimore Sun and the New York Times
President Freeman Hrabowski's oped, "Elevating Minorities," appeared in the Baltimore Sun on June 29. He was quoted in a June 29 New York Times article on affirmative action.
www.sunspot.net/news/opinion/oped/bal-op.court29jun29,0,7251739.story
www.nytimes.com/2003/06/29/weekinreview/29WINT.html?ex=1057464000&en=

Lou Cantori in the News
Professor of Political Science Lou Cantori's oped, "The Quagmire in Iraq," was published in the Baltimore Sun on June 30.
www.sunspot.net/news/opinion/oped/bal-op.military30jun30,0,6194037.story?coll=bal-oped-headlines

He was also a guest on WBAL Radio June 30 and on WYPR's Marc Steiner Show July 2.

Posted by dwinds1

PeopleSoft Peer Mentors Now on Call

Now that PeopleSoft has "gone live," the first users of the system are taking what they've been learning in training and putting it to use back at their desks. As with any change, there are some feelings of fear and trepidation as PeopleSoft becomes a part of the way we do business at UMBC. Peer mentors are a much-welcomed first line of support for new PeopleSoft users.

Now that PeopleSoft has "gone live," the first users of the system are taking what they've been learning in training and putting it to use back at their desks. As with any change, there are some feelings of fear and trepidation as PeopleSoft becomes a part of the way we do business at UMBC.

"I'm scared to death!" was just one of the concerned comments from a new PeopleSoft user. Fortunately, the group has a safety net in PeopleSoft Peer Mentors -- a much-welcomed first line of support for new PeopleSoft users.

"Trust me, we all are," replied UMBC CIO Jack Suess, who, along with OIT, Human Resources and Finance staff, have been working overtime to get PeopleSoft off the ground. "There's a lot of angst. It'll take patience and perseverance on everyone's part until we can shake the kinks out."

Peer mentors actually have two different roles. Over the last few months, mentors were trained and helped put the system through it paces, in order to offer constructive criticism and identify issues to provide better training. The second role is to answer questions or help refer users to a contact in OIT, Human Resources or Finance, or, for less time-sensitive questions, the online support form. (Training for all users will be available throughout the summer.)

Administrators hope the peer mentors will provide some relief during an understandably stressful time. "One support hotline would not be enough," says Nancy Young, a member of the Delta Initiative Committee and director of Residential Life. "We've been able to make a number of 'fixes' through peer mentor feedback. They've made an incredibly positive difference to the process."

Peer mentors like Cathy Kafer, administrative assistant in the Department of Theatre, say that OIT and others have been listening well to feedback and making good progress with needed changes. Kafer indicates that patience will be important to the success of the project. "It's ultimately been positive, but it will take time to get there. It's always that way with change.

"This is powerful accounting software that some people aren't accustomed to and a lot of people don't feel they have the computer skills to use it," Kafer adds. "However, once you get the skills behind you it's user friendly. I think it's awesome, but there will be kinks."

Tim Sparklin, peer mentor and research services administrator in the Dean's Office, College of Arts and Sciences, agrees that PeopleSoft becomes easier to use with experience. "The reason I became a peer mentor was two-fold: one, to be on the forefront of this revolutionary project for UMBC but more importantly to be a resource on campus to assist in its implementation. As one of the first to be trained to use PeopleSoft, I got easily confused and am still. But, by repeating tasks, using the system and practice, practice, practice, comfort levels and user-friendliness will increase. Spending the time, finding the patience and maintaining the support of each other (especially in these days) is important to the success of working at UMBC and with using PeopleSoft."

Click here for a list of PeopleSoft Peer Mentors. For more information on PeopleSoft, go to www.umbc.edu/peoplesoft.

Posted by dwinds1

Kudos

Three Members of UMBC Community are Innovator of the Year Finalists
Three UMBC community members are among the 25 finalists in The Daily Record's second annual "Innovator of the Year Awards" competition. They are:

Govind Rao, Professor and Chair, Chemical and Biochemical EngineeringWilliam F. Geritz III, BDMetric, Inc. (techcenter@UMBC tenant)David Bach, Scientific Products and Systems Inc. (techcenter@UMBC tenant)

The Innovator competition recognizes Maryland residents and companies who have introduced innovations that have had positive effects on their businesses, industries or communities. The 25 winners and one top winner will be honored at an awards dinner at the Wyndham Hotel in downtown Baltimore on September 17.

Philosophers on Parade
Over the past several months, members of the philosophy department have been busy publishing and presenting papers. Associate Professor Susan Dwyer spoke on "Moral Responsibility and Moral Development" at Georgetown University in April, and a copy of this paper appeared in The Monist (April, 2003). At a July conference on Culture and the Innate Mind at the University of Sheffield, she gave two presentations: "Moral Competence and Moral Relativism," and "How Good is the 'Linguistic Analogy'?" In August, she will be speaking at a meeting in Lund, Sweden, of the International Association of Social Philosophy and Philosophy of Law. Her talk will be "Prospects for a Universal Morality in a Diverse World."

Assistant Professor Joseph Berkowitz, on research leave this semester, has given nine presentations of three papers in various locations throughout the U.K., Holland, and Germany. The papers are "Newcomb's Problem: A Dilemma for Bayesian Decision Makers," "A Relational Modal Interpretation of Quantum Mechanics" (co-authored with Meir Hemmo), and "The Ergodic Hierarchy, Decay of Correlations and Chaos" (co-authored with R. Frigg and F. Kronz).

Professor and department chair Stephen Braude published two books recently. The first is a revised edition of ESP and Psychokinesis: A Philosophical Examination (Brown Walker Press). The second is Immortal Remains: The Evidence for Life After Death (Rowman & Littlefield). An article of his, "The Nature and Significance of Dissociation," is due to appear in J. Radden's (ed), Companion to the Philosophy of Psychiatry (Oxford University Press). But it was beaten into print by a translation of the paper into Serbian, which appeared in the journal Pedagogic Reality, published by the University of Novi Sad.

Like his aforementioned colleagues, Braude has also been lecturing overseas. In April he spoke on "Synchronicity, Super Psi, and Survival" at the University of Edinburgh, and "Postmortem Survival: The State of the Debate" at Glasgow University. Then in June, he presented two talks in Novi Sad, Serbia. The first, "Multiple Personality and Dissociation: A Philosophical Approach," was given to the Faculty of Medicine at the University of Novi Sad. The second, "Multiple Personality and Moral Responsibility," was presented to the Novi Sad Faculty of Management. (Before that second lecture, Prof. Braude was named Honored Professor of Philosophy at the Faculty of Management.)

Back in the U.S., in July, Prof. Braude gave three lectures at the Rhine Research Center in Durham, NC: "Psi and the Physical World," "Taking Physical Mediumship Seriously," and "Mental Mediumship."

Anne Brodsky Reading (8/4)
Assistant Professor of Psychology Anne Brodsky reads from her new book, With All Our Strength: The Revolutionary Association of Women in Afghanistan, on August 4 at 7 p.m., Black Planet Bookstore, 1621 Fleet Street in Baltimore. For more information call (410) 537-5005.

CWIT Web Site One of Baltimore's Best
The Center for Women and Technology's Web site (www.umbc.edu/cwit)was named Best Web Site by Baltimore Magazine (August 2003, page 183): "Named the best resource for women and technology on the Web by ABCNews.com correspondent Dianne Lynch, The Center for Women and Information Technology Web site isn't flashy. It isn't filled with complex graphics or colorful pop-ups. However, this site, produced by Joan Korenman and her staff out of the University of Maryland, Baltimore County, does what so few Web sites manage to do: It communicates clearly. CWIT ranks as one of the most comprehensive sites for information on IT and it provides a message board for women hoping to join the field."

New Book by Robert Deluty
Associate Professor of Psychology and Presidential Teaching Professor Robert Deluty has published a new book of essays and poetry, The Long and Short of It (Gateway Press, July 2003). The book is available in the UMBC Bookstore and in selected stores in the Baltimore/Washington area.

Public Policy Doctoral Student Stephanie Jones Receives Fellowship
The Department of Public Policy is pleased to announce that Stephanie Jones, a doctoral student, was offered the Southern Regional Education Board's Dissertation Fellowship. In addition to a stipend, the fellowship includes funding to participate in the fall SREB conference, Compact for Faculty Diversity Institute of Teaching. At the conference, Jones will present a piece of her dissertation research, and have opportunities to meet hiring university officials for a potential fall 2004 faculty appointment.

Public Policy Doctoral Student Yael Harris Goldwater Co-winner of Research Award; Susanne Dragun Receives Honorable Mention
Yael Harris Goldwater was the Co-Winner of the 2003 Laurence G. Branch Doctoral Student Research Award. Susanne Dragun was one of three honorable mentions. There were 64 applicants nationally. The award is sponsored by the Gerontological Health Section of the American Public Health Association. Larry Branch, nationally recognized in the field of gerontology, founded the award to recognize doctoral student research in the field of aging.

Praise for Curtis Menyuk's Paper in Tech Trends
The editor of the National Security Agency's Tech Trends magazine recently referred to Curtis Menyuk's paper, "The Future of the Network is Optical," as setting a new "Gold Standard" for such articles due to its readability and technical depth.

William Semancik, chief of the Laboratory for Telecommunications Sciences, praised Menyuk for his outstanding contributions to the paper and "for his sustained, continuous and important contributions to the development of theoretical concepts and models that aid in the understanding of fundamental characteristics in optical fiber based transmission systems.

Kuhn Library Gallery and the Center for Art and Visual Culture, Receive AAM Awards
The Albin O. Kuhn Library Gallery received first prize in the American Association of Museums' (AAM) 2003 Museum Publications Design Competition, Exhibition Catalogues category (Institutions with Budgets Under $500,000), for "Typographically Speaking: The Art of Matthew Carter," designed by visual arts professor Margaret "Peggy" Re. "Typographically Speaking" was curated by Re and organized by the Albin O. Kuhn Library Gallery under the direction of Cynthia Wayne, curator of exhibitions.

The Center for Art and Visual Culture (CAVC) received an honorable mention in the CD-ROM category (Institutions with Budgets Under $500,000), for "Fred Wilson: Objects and Installations, 1979-2000." The CD-ROM was designed by William-John Tudor, CAVC exhibition and technology designer, and recent visual arts graduates Rebecca Flanders and Celina Kim. The Wilson exhibition was curated by Maurice Berger, curator, CAVC.

The annual AAM competition, which acknowledges excellence in the graphic design of museum publications, is the only national juried event involving publications produced by museums of all kinds and sizes. This year's contest drew nearly 1000 entries. A selection of the winners was displayed at AAM's annual meeting in May, and the results will be featured in the July/August 2003 issue of AAM's national magazine, Museum News, and on AAM's Web site at www.aam-us.org.

Ph.D. Candidate Jennifer Rouse Coordinates First Aging Policy for Trinidad/Tabago
Jennifer Rouse, Master of Policy Sciences '01 and a doctoral candidate in the Policy Sciences Graduate Program, has accepted a position as director of the Division of Aging under the Ministry of Social Development for Trinidad and Tobago. As part of its function, the newly created Division of Aging will coordinate the implementation of Trinidad and Tobago's first national aging policy. Rouse's doctoral dissertation research is a case study of aging policy in Trinidad and Tobago. She begins her new position in August.

Cross Country Squads Complete Recruiting Class for 2003
UMBC head cross country coach Murray Davis announced that 11 freshmen (five men and six women) will compete for the Retrievers this coming fall.

Mike Brady (Monsignor Donovan/Toms River, NJ), Isaac Matthews (Oxon Hill/Oxon Hill, MD), Peter Ramdial (Bowie/Bowie, MD), Shawn Shokry (Hanover Park/Florham Park), and J.J. Wetzel (Archbishop Spalding/Crofton, MD) will join the men's squad. Kathleen Galan (Highland Regional/Sicklerville, NJ), Morgan Little (C. Milton Wright/Bel Air, MD), Jazzmon Morgan (Toms River/Toms River, NJ), Britta Nelson (Havre de Grace/Havre de Grace, MD), Desireee Tubb (Kingsway Regional/Swedesboro, NJ) and Francine Ward (Byram Hills/Pleasantville, NY) will compete on the women's squad.

"I'm very pleased with this incoming class," said Davis. "All of them are outstanding student-athletes, and will help us become extremely competitive in the America East Conference." For more Retriever news, go to www.umbcretrievers.com.

Posted by dwinds1

Kudos

Cross Country Squads Complete Recruiting Class for 2003
UMBC head cross country coach Murray Davis announced that 11 freshmen (five men and six women) will compete for the Retrievers this coming fall.

Mike Brady (Monsignor Donovan/Toms River, NJ), Isaac Matthews (Oxon Hill/Oxon Hill, MD), Peter Ramdial (Bowie/Bowie, MD), Shawn Shokry (Hanover Park/Florham Park), and J.J. Wetzel (Archbishop Spalding/Crofton, MD) will join the men's squad. Kathleen Galan (Highland Regional/Sicklerville, NJ), Morgan Little (C. Milton Wright/Bel Air, MD), Jazzmon Morgan (Toms River/Toms River, NJ), Britta Nelson (Havre de Grace/Havre de Grace, MD), Desireee Tubb (Kingsway Regional/Swedesboro, NJ) and Francine Ward (Byram Hills/Pleasantville, NY) will compete on the women's squad.

"I'm very pleased with this incoming class," said Davis. "All of them are outstanding student-athletes, and will help us become extremely competitive in the America East Conference." For more Retriever news, go to www.umbcretrievers.com.

Posted by dwinds1

In the News

Chris Corbett on NPR (8/16)
English faculty member Chris Corbett will discuss his forthcoming book, Orphans Preferred: The Twisted Truth and Lasting Legend of the Pony Express, on National Public Radio's "Weekend Edition" this Saturday, August 16. In Baltimore, WYPR (88.1 FM) broadcasts "Weekend Edition" from 8 to 10 a.m. For more information on NPR, please visit WYPR's Web site.

Tom Schaller in the Baltimore Sun
Assistant Professor of Political Science Tom Schaller's OpEd, "Authenticity's/sp/electricity," appeared in the Baltimore Sun on August 10.
www.sunspot.net/news/opinion/oped/bal-pe.dean10aug10,0,5745451.story?coll=bal-oped-headlines

UMBC Student Bernadette Hanlon in the Baltimore Sun
Bernadette Hanlon's OpEd, " 'Park tax' would help restore neighborhood green spaces," appeared in the Baltimore Sun on August 13.
www.sunspot.net/news/opinion/oped/bal-op.diary13aug13,0,6282452.story?coll=bal-oped-headlines

BDMetrics and Sphere in Baltimore Business Journal
BD Metrics and Sphere, techcenter@UMBC tenants, were featured in the Baltimore Business Journal on August 11.
www.bizjournals.com/baltimore/stories/2003/08/11/newscolumn6.html?t=printable

Anne Brodsky on Democracy Now
On August 7, Assistant Professor of Psychology Anne Brodsky was a guest on Democracy Now, with Amy Goodman. Brodsky is the author of With All Our Strength: The Revolutionary Association of the Women of Afghanistan. For more information or to listen to the interview, go to www.democracynow.org/article.pl?sid=03/08/07/1431259

Symmes Gardner in the Baltimore Sun
Work by Symmes Gardner, director of the Center for Art and Visual Culture, was included in Glenn McNatt's favorable review of the Artscape Juried Exhibition in the Baltimore Sun on July 25.
www.sunspot.net/features/lifestyle/bal-to.art25jul25,0,3247122.story?coll=bal-artslife-today

Chris Corbett in Booklist
Gilbert Taylor of Booklist gives high praise to English department faculty Chris Corbett's forthcoming release, Orphans Preferred: The Twisted Truth and Lasting Legend of the Pony Express. Taylor writes, "If MBAs existed in 1860, they'd have advised Russell, Majors & Waddell that their business plan for a cross-contintental courier service was a loser. But the firm's folly was the Old West's gain, created one of its most myth-encrusted mirages - the fabled Pony Express. In Corbett's discerning hands, the saga splits in two. The first part is his rollicking account of the Express, in which Corbett wryly picks his way through the embellishments that surround its short year-and-a-half existence. The second part ambles through the afterlife of the Pony Express as entertainment, accumulating Corbett's gallery of newspaper hacks, cheap novelists, showman Buffalo Bill, filmmakers, and local history antiquarians who peddled truths and fabrications about it. It makes for fun reading as Corbett handicaps which writer was a jolly liar, who was a conscientious chronicler, or what old timer's memories of his days on horseback have a smidgen of believability. The book is great entertainment in and of itself, but buffs of the West will virtually gallop to the checkout line."

Kriste Lindenmeyer in Newhouse News Service
Associate Professor of History Kriste Lindenmeyer was quoted in a July 7 Newhouse News Service story on the popularity of an anonymous Internet essay about childhood nostalgia.
www.newhouse.com//archive/melendez070703.html

techcenter@UMBC in the Baltimore Business Journal
On July 28, the Baltimore Business Journal noted that BD Metrics Inc., one of the Baltimore area's more promising software startups, is the newest tenant at techcenter@UMBC.
www.bizjournals.com/baltimore/stories/2003/07/28/daily30.html?t=printable

Lou Cantori in Salon and on Fox 45 News
Professor of Political Science Lou Cantori was quoted in a July 18 Salon article on the U.S. occupation in Iraq. The full text is available to subscribers only.
www.salon.com/news/feature/2003/07/18/pre_war/index_np.html

Cantori was also interviewed about the current situation in Iraq on Fox 45 News July 22.

Doug Hamby Dance Review in the Washington Post
Doug Hamby Dance's recent Dance Place concert was reviewed by the Washington Post on July 22.
www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A26000-2003Jul21.html

Jaclyn Pavelec and Janet McGlynn in the Daily Record
"Social entrepreneurship: Profits for progress," co-written by Jaclyn Pavelec, CEO of Bokk Tech, a techcenter@UMBC Student Idea Lab company, and Janet McGlynn, UMBC director of communication and outreach, appeared in the Daily Record on July 11. The online article is available to subscribers only.
www.mddailyrecord.com/pub/4_9_friday/saturdaycolumns/143554-1.html

Anne Brodsky on the Marc Steiner Show
Assistant Professor of Psychology Anne Brodsky discussed her new book, With All Our Strength: The Revolutionary Association of the Women of Afghanistan, on WYPR's Marc Steiner Show on July 14.

Wallace McMillan's Lighthouse Project in the Virginia Pilot
On July 12, the Virginia Pilot featured Assistant Professor of Physics Wallace McMillan's global climate research at a former lighthouse off Virginia Beach.
(Note "continuation" link at top of the page)
http://epilot.hamptonroads.com/Repository/getFiles.asp?Style=OliveXLib:ArticleToMailGif&Type=text/html&Path=VirginianPilot/2003/07/12&ID=Ar02000&ChunkNum=0

techcenter@UMBC in the Baltimore Business Journal
"As the Baltimore region angles for a bigger slice of the life sciences pie -- long the domain of Montgomery County and its 'DNA Alley' -- the University of Maryland, Baltimore County's technology incubator continues to emerge as a cradle for promising startups," said Robert Terry, the Baltimore Business Journal, in the July 14 feature, "UMBC tech incubator booming." The article features Executive Director, UMBC Research Park Corp. Ellen Hemmerly.
http://baltimore.bizjournals.com/baltimore/stories/2003/07/07/story7.html

Lou Cantori on "Newshour with Jim Lehrer"
On July 8, Professor of Political Science Lou Cantori was a guest on PBS's "Newshour with Jim Lehrer." Cantori discussed the situation facing U.S. forces in postwar Iraq.
www.pbs.org/newshour/bb/middle_east/july-dec03/iraq_07-08-03.html

Ellen Hemmerly in the Daily Record and the Baltimore Business Journal
Ellen Hemmerly, executive director, techcenter@umbc, was interviewed for the June 20 Daily Record article, "Partnerships provide small biotechs with a big brother."
www.mddailyrecord.com/cgi-bin/udt/im.display.printable?client.id=mddailyrecord&story.id=142731

Hemmerly was also featured in the Baltimore Business Journal's "UMBC tech incubator booming" on July 7.
http://baltimore.bizjournals.com/baltimore/stories/2003/07/07/story7.html?t=printable

Lou Cantori in the News
Professor of Political Science Lou Cantori's oped, "The Quagmire in Iraq," was published in the Baltimore Sun on June 30.
www.sunspot.net/news/opinion/oped/bal-op.military30jun30,0,6194037.story?coll=bal-oped-headlines

He was also a guest on WBAL Radio June 30 and on WYPR's Marc Steiner Show July 2.

Posted by dwinds1

July 1, 2003

Katie Rokus has been named Assistant Women's Basketball Coach

Katie Rokus, who enjoyed a successful academic and athletic career at University of South Carolina Aiken, is UMBC's new assistant women's basketball coach.

Katie Rokus has been named assistant women's basketball coach at UMBC. Rokus, who earned a communications degree from the University of South Carolina Aiken this past May, will be heavily involved in all areas of the Retrievers' program. The St. Johns College High School (Washington D.C.) product was a guard for the Lady Pacers from 1999 through 2003 and was originally recruited by Stern, who coached at Aiken from 1998 through 2002.

"Katie will be a tremendous addition to our program," said Head Coach Phil Stern. "She is extremely bright, and obviously knows our system very well, which will help greatly since we will have so many new players this season. She will also be involved in recruiting and the daily operation of our office."

Rokus enjoyed a tremendous combination of academic and athletic success at Division II Aiken, and as a result, was named the school's outstanding senior student at convocation. Rokus, who completed her academic career with a 3.88 grade point average, also wrote for the Pacer Times newspaper and created a running, behind-the-scenes commentary through the basketball team's Web page.

A captain this past season, Aiken went a combined 78-38 during her four-year tenure. In 2001-2002, the Lady Pacers made their first-ever NCAA Tournament appearance and captured the school's first Peach Belt Conference Regular Season Championship.

Rokus was also the salutatorian of her senior class at St. Johns College High School, where she played basketball and soccer. Her team compiled a record of 107-21, including a #16 national ranking her senior season.

"I am thrilled to be reunited with coach Stern and Assistant Coach Beth Wandyes," Rokus said. "I look forward to being a part of all of the great things that we are going to accomplish over the next few years."

Posted by dwinds1

Katie Rokus has been named Assistant Women's Basketball Coach

Katie Rokus, who enjoyed a successful academic and athletic career at University of South Carolina Aiken, is UMBC's new assistant women's basketball coach.

Katie Rokus has been named assistant women's basketball coach at UMBC. Rokus, who earned a communications degree from the University of South Carolina Aiken this past May, will be heavily involved in all areas of the Retrievers' program. The St. Johns College High School (Washington D.C.) product was a guard for the Lady Pacers from 1999 through 2003 and was originally recruited by Stern, who coached at Aiken from 1998 through 2002.

"Katie will be a tremendous addition to our program," said Head Coach Phil Stern. "She is extremely bright, and obviously knows our system very well, which will help greatly since we will have so many new players this season. She will also be involved in recruiting and the daily operation of our office."

Rokus enjoyed a tremendous combination of academic and athletic success at Division II Aiken, and as a result, was named the school's outstanding senior student at convocation. Rokus, who completed her academic career with a 3.88 grade point average, also wrote for the Pacer Times newspaper and created a running, behind-the-scenes commentary through the basketball team's Web page.

A captain this past season, Aiken went a combined 78-38 during her four-year tenure. In 2001-2002, the Lady Pacers made their first-ever NCAA Tournament appearance and captured the school's first Peach Belt Conference Regular Season Championship.

Rokus was also the salutatorian of her senior class at St. Johns College High School, where she played basketball and soccer. Her team compiled a record of 107-21, including a #16 national ranking her senior season.

"I am thrilled to be reunited with coach Stern and Assistant Coach Beth Wandyes," Rokus said. "I look forward to being a part of all of the great things that we are going to accomplish over the next few years."

Posted by dwinds1

Katie Rokus has been named Assistant Women's Basketball Coach

Katie Rokus, who enjoyed a successful academic and athletic career at University of South Carolina Aiken, is UMBC's new assistant women's basketball coach.

Katie Rokus has been named assistant women's basketball coach at UMBC. Rokus, who earned a communications degree from the University of South Carolina Aiken this past May, will be heavily involved in all areas of the Retrievers' program. The St. Johns College High School (Washington D.C.) product was a guard for the Lady Pacers from 1999 through 2003 and was originally recruited by Stern, who coached at Aiken from 1998 through 2002.

"Katie will be a tremendous addition to our program," said Head Coach Phil Stern. "She is extremely bright, and obviously knows our system very well, which will help greatly since we will have so many new players this season. She will also be involved in recruiting and the daily operation of our office."

Rokus enjoyed a tremendous combination of academic and athletic success at Division II Aiken, and as a result, was named the school's outstanding senior student at convocation. Rokus, who completed her academic career with a 3.88 grade point average, also wrote for the Pacer Times newspaper and created a running, behind-the-scenes commentary through the basketball team's Web page.

A captain this past season, Aiken went a combined 78-38 during her four-year tenure. In 2001-2002, the Lady Pacers made their first-ever NCAA Tournament appearance and captured the school's first Peach Belt Conference Regular Season Championship.

Rokus was also the salutatorian of her senior class at St. Johns College High School, where she played basketball and soccer. Her team compiled a record of 107-21, including a #16 national ranking her senior season.

"I am thrilled to be reunited with coach Stern and Assistant Coach Beth Wandyes," Rokus said. "I look forward to being a part of all of the great things that we are going to accomplish over the next few years."

Posted by dwinds1

June 23, 2003

UMBC Chosen for Kauffman Campuses Initiative

The University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC) is among 15 U.S. universities to receive a $50,000 planning grant from the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation to take part in the Kauffman Campuses Initiative, a new program aimed at making entrepreneurship education a common and accessible campus-wide opportunity.

The University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC) is among 15 universities across the country to receive a $50,000 planning grant from the Kansas City-based Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation to take part in the Foundation's Kauffman Campuses Initiative, a new program aimed at making entrepreneurship education a common and accessible campus-wide opportunity.

The new Kauffman program builds on the emerging trend among colleges and universities to expand entrepreneurship education beyond business schools so that entrepreneurship training and experiences are available across departments and to students in diverse disciplines.

"At UMBC, we are firm believers in the potential of entrepreneurship education," said UMBC president Freeman A. Hrabowski, III. "The Kauffman Campuses Initiative is a perfect fit with UMBC's emphasis on giving our students across all academic disciplines access to entrepreneurship courses and programs. We look forward to presenting our ideas in December for the next stage of the Initiative."

UMBC will use the $50,000 planning grant to help fund development of a proposal to be presented in December for the next stage of the Kauffman Campuses Initiative. The Foundation will award five to seven challenge grants of up to $5 million by year's end to universities that best demonstrate their abilities to make entrepreneurship a common and accessible experience for all students; infuse entrepreneurship into the campus culture; adopt a unique, innovative and potentially break-away approach; provide the support of top university leadership; and position themselves to serve as a model for other colleges and universities.

UMBC's previous efforts to expand student and faculty entrepreneurship have earned the support of prominent Baltimore business leaders. Mayo Shattuck, III, President and CEO of Constellation Energy Group, is chair of UMBC's Alex. Brown Center for Science and Technology Entrepreneurship Advisory Board.

"I'm delighted to see UMBC recognized by the Kauffman Foundation for its innovative entrepreneurship programs," said Shattuck. "I look forward to taking part in developing programs and curricula that will help UMBC continue to emerge as a national leader in entrepreneurship education."

UMBC established the Alex. Brown Center for Science and Technology Entrepreneurship in 2000 through a million-dollar gift from The Alex. Brown Foundation. Since its inception, UMBC has worked closely with the Baltimore business community towards the vision of creating one of the leading university centers for science and technology entrepreneurism.

Posted by dwinds1

June 12, 2003

UMBC to Co-Host BioParks 2003 Conference

UMBC is co-hosting BioParks 2003, an international conference highlighting the importance of Maryland's four research universities in the state's biotechnology industry to be held June 20 and 21 in downtown Baltimore.

Maryland Governor Robert Ehrlich and Baltimore Mayor Martin O'Malley are among the invited speakers at BioParks 2003, an international conference highlighting the importance of Maryland's four research universities in the state's biotechnology industry to be held June 20 and 21 in downtown Baltimore.

Economic development and research park leaders from across North America and as far away as Europe will join federal, state, University System of Maryland, Johns Hopkins University and city officials for a day and a half of talks, tours of research/tech parks and strategy sessions. Prominent guest speakers include: Bruce P. Mehlman, Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Technology Policy, Bureau of Technology Administration, U.S. Department of Commerce; and Matt Zuga, Managing Director of Legg Mason's Life Sciences Investment Banking Group.

Some of Maryland's top names in economic development and education will be there, including State Department of Business and Economic Development Secretary Aris Melissaratos, University System of Maryland Chancellor William Kirwan, and the presidents of Baltimore's four research universities (UMBC, Johns Hopkins, University of Maryland Baltimore and University of Maryland, College Park.)

Maryland's powerful combination of an established biotech industry and research universities in close proximity to key federal agencies and labs (NIH, FDA, etc.) is fueling national and international interest in the Baltimore-Washington region as a prime biotech business location.

A recent comprehensive study by the Brookings Institution's Center on Urban and Metropolitan Policy entitled "Signs of Life: The Growth of Biotechnology Centers in the U.S." described the Baltimore-Washington region as one of four 'biotechnology centers' on the rise. The DC-based think-tank ranked the region alongside Philadelphia-Wilmington, New York and LA as part of the top nine U.S. metro areas with above-average levels of biotech research and commercialization.

BioParks 2003 leads up to the world's biggest biotechnology conference -- the Biotechnology Industry Organization's (BIO) Annual Convention to be held June 22-25 in Washington DC -- making for a bustling week for the Baltimore/Washington region's biotech industry.

Last year's BIO Convention drew more than 15,000 participants from 52 countries, including more than 1,000 exhibitors and speakers and nearly 400 journalists. BIO participants discussed everything from science and medicine to business development, ethics and religion.

BioParks 2003 is sponsored by the Association of University Research Parks (AURP) and the Council of Biotechnology Centers (CBC), which both have ties to the University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC). Ellen Hemmerly, executive director of bwtech@UMBC, the University's research and tech park, is also president of AURP. Tony Moreira, vice provost for academic affairs at UMBC, is chair of CBC. Hemmerly and Moreira worked extensively behind the scenes to bring the influential conference to Baltimore this year.

"Hosting BioParks 2003 is a great opportunity for Baltimore," said Hemmerly. "I look forward to spreading the word about not just bwtech@UMBC, but all of Baltimore's excellent existing and planned research parks. I'm personally excited to learn more about Johns Hopkins' planned East Baltimore Biotechnology Park and UMB's Baltimore Health Sciences Research Park located in West Baltimore."

Hemmerly and Moreira will be joined by other officials from area universities, including William Brody, president of Johns Hopkins and UMBC president Freeman Hrabowski. Research park officials from as far away as St. Louis' Emerging Technology Center will offer a perspective on national trends and case studies for biotech parks.

The event will be hosted by UMBC, Johns Hopkins University, the University of Maryland Baltimore, University of Maryland Biotechnology Institute and the University of Maryland, College Park. The conference is sponsored in conjunction with the City of Baltimore, Baltimore Development Corporation, Maryland Department of Business and Economic Development, Maryland Technology Development Corporation (TEDCO) and the Greater Baltimore Technology Council.

Posted by dwinds1

Retriever Signs Pro-Baseball Contract

UMBC junior lefthanded pitcher Joe Wilson signed a professional contract with the Philadelphia Phillies. Wilson was selected in the 13th round by the Philadelphia Phillies in the June 2003 Major League Baseball Draft. Wilson, the 385th overall selection, was the 11th pick by the Phillies.

UMBC junior lefthanded pitcher Joe Wilson signed a professional contract with the Philadelphia Phillies. Wilson was selected in the 13th round by the Philadelphia Phillies in the June 2003 Major League Baseball Draft. Wilson, the 385th overall selection, was the 11th pick by the Phillies.

Wilson enjoyed his finest campaign in 2002 as a sophomore, going 9-3 with a 2.26 ERA. He earned First Team All Northeast Conference honors that season. This past year, Wilson went 4-6 and fanned 57 batters in 61.0 innings, while finishing with 6 complete-games. San Diego Padres' reliever Jay Witasick and Milwaukee Brewers starting lefthander Wayne Franklin are two former Retrievers who are now in the majors.

"We are extremely happy for Joe," said UMBC head coach John Jancuska. "He has worked extremely hard since arriving at UMBC and really has improved tremendously over the last couple of years. We wish him the best of luck with the Phillies."

Posted by dwinds1

The Class of 2003

Meet some of UMBC's outstanding graduates!

Read about some of UMBC's outstanding graduates at www.umbc.edu/newsevents/Commencement/profiles03/.

Posted by dwinds1

Lana Khvalina Named First Team At-Large Verizon Academic All America

UMBC tennis standout Lana Khvalina was named First Team At-Large Verizon Academic All America, it was announced by the College Sports Information Directors of America (CoSIDA). She is UMBC's 13th Academic All American in the last two years, the highest figure in any two-year period in school history.

UMBC tennis standout Lana Khvalina was named First Team At-Large Verizon Academic All America, it was announced by the College Sports Information Directors of America (CoSIDA).

Khvalina was the lone sophomore in the country named to the teamincludes the sports of crew, fencing, field hockey golf, gymnastics, icehockey, lacrosse, rifle, skiing, swimming, tennis, men's volleyball,water polo, and wrestling.

Khvalina, who maintains a 4.0 GPA in political science and is a member of UMBC's Student-Athlete Advisory Council, becomes UMBC'sthird First Team Academic All American. Cross Country's Jen Ecker (2001) and tennis' Oscar Lopez (1999) also earned those honors. Khvalina is UMBC's thirteenth Academic All American in the last two years, the highest figure in any two-year period in school history.

On the court, Khvalina just earned All Northeast Conference honors at #5singles, after compiling a record of 16-3 at that position for thefive-time league champions. She also played #1 doubles this season, compiling a 12-6 record and earning All NEC honors with partner Tia Kaasalainen. For her career, Khvalina is a remarkable 36-6 in singles competition.

Posted by dwinds1

June 11, 2003

UMBC Training Centers, LLC Expands HIPAA Services through Partnership with Accumentor

Legal compliance, not behavioral change, has been the focus of many HIPAA Privacy Standards educational programs, made necessary by the April 14, 2003 deadline for HIPAA compliance. In addition, significant numbers of smaller providers remain non-compliant due to a lack of reliable resources, or triage remediation concentrating on the HIPAA compliance team, but not extending to awareness among their larger workforce.

Legal compliance, not behavioral change, has been the focus of many HIPAA Privacy Standards educational programs, made necessary by the April 14, 2003 deadline for HIPAA compliance. In addition, significant numbers of smaller providers remain non-compliant due to a lack of reliable resources, or triage remediation concentrating on the HIPAA compliance team, but not extending to awareness among their larger workforce.

These realities have prompted UMBC's workforce development company to expand its HIPAA solutions beyond the existing intensive, professional certification program, to a much shorter and but effective overview course that is conveniently available as an online HIPAA Privacy Essentials module. UMBC Training Centers, LLC, will partner with Accumentor, an Annapolis-based provider of HIPAA content nationally recognized for outstanding content and delivery systems, for this initiative.

The aggressive compliance deadline has driven a plethora of training activities, but the impact on daily workplace behavior change has been modest. Clearly, there is a need for learning experiences that drive substantive change, consistent with the goals of the regulations. This need will intensify as the enforcement of the Office for Civil Rights and the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, along with the general case law increases,,says Richard Hughen, principal of Accumentor.

The UMBC- Accumentor partnership will ensure an effective learning continuum, across a spectrum that now ranges from general awareness for employees of any healthcare organization, to advanced certification for compliance officers and implementation team members through the HIPAA Academy network, explains Doug Kendzierski, Associate Vice-Provost with UMBC's Division of Professional Education. Our goals in expanding to this partnership are simple: deliver great content that will satisfy every organization's obligation to create awareness; make the education convenient via a nimble and reliable online delivery system; and keep it very affordable

Kendzierski, who also serves as President/CEO of UMBC Training Centers, LLC, notes that the same partnership is developing additional programs designed to address the October Security Rule deadline, and future deadlines involving identifiers and transaction requirements, and is anxious to partner with local healthcare organizations with a need for customized HIPAA training solutions.

The new, HIPAA Privacy Essentials overview is currently available on an open-entry, open-exit basis for $65 per enrollee, or even more affordably on a volume-license basis for organizations with many employees to train. Kendzierski estimates that the typical enrollee can complete the program in 30-60 minutes. The course is designed to orient healthcare workers to the HIPAA Act, its component elements, the particular importance of HIPAA Privacy, and how the Privacy Rule fits within the larger construct of the Act. It ensures an understanding of the main requirements of the Privacy Rule, and illustrates the implications of applying the Privacy Rule in terms of behavior changes necessary in the workplace. A companion publication, HIPAA Privacy Reference Manual is also available for purchase, as a go-to desktop reference. Course details and online registration information are available at www.continuinged.umbc.edu/hipaa, or by calling UMBC Training Centers at (410) 594-2282.

About UMBC Training Centers, LLC
The University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC), a regional leader in workforce development, established UMBC Training Centers, LLC as its continuing education and industry training operation, addressing critical regional employment priorities through responsive programming in areas such as Professional Engineering, BioTechnology/Regulatory Affairs, Federal Regulation Compliance, Professional Human Resource Management, Certified Financial Planning, LSAT/GMAT/GRE Test Preparation, PMI Project Management Certification, Certified Professional Bookkeeping and a full range of industry-standard computer certification programs. In partnership with such renowned organizations as The College for Financial Planning, the Project Management Institute, the HIPAA Academy, the Society for Human Resources Management, Microsoft, Oracle and Sun Microsystems, the LLC offers the finest content available in the marketplace, while maintaining the University's reputation for affordable programming. Programs include instructor-led and web-based training, with part-time, full-time, evening, weekend and weekday class schedules, and customized contract training available.

About Accumentor
Accumentor is a leading provider of turnkey learning and performance support solutions for health care professionals. The company's focus is health, safety, quality assurance and regulatory compliance. Accumentor tools improve patient care by increasing quality and compliance, reducing errors, and lowering institutional & individual risk and liability. Accumentor solutions reduce costs associated with training delivery, administration, litigation and non-compliance.

Posted by dwinds1

June 6, 2003

Student Career Development

In addition to being a great resume builder, a career-related summer job helps you make contacts, can lead to a full-time job, and enables you to put what you learn in the classroom to the test. The Career Development Center (CDC) has some ideas to help you find that rewarding summer job experience.

By Melisa Steffans, Assistant Director, Career Development Center

In addition to being a great resume builder, a career-related summer job helps you make contacts, can lead to a full-time job, and enables you to put what you learn in the classroom to the test. The Career Development Center (CDC) has some ideas to help you find that rewarding summer job experience.

Impress employers by your initiative in seeking the best job to prepare you for future career opportunities. Even if you don't need the extra money, look into volunteering your skills to help build your resume!

Keep in mind that most job seekers will have a degree and many will have experience -- you don't want to be left out. In addition to being a great resume builder, a career-related summer job helps you make contacts, can lead to a full-time job, and enables you to put what you learn in the classroom to the test.

The Career Development Center (CDC) has some ideas to help you find that rewarding summer job experience:

1. Begin your self assessment
What do you like to do? What are you good at doing? What do you look for in a job? Let the CDC help you determine your interests, skills and values so you can begin identifying careers that would fit best.

2. Identify a position
Now that you know what you want to do, the next step is finding the perfect job. There are many ways to go about a job search. You might want to start in the Career Resource Center (CRC) in MP 212 with the Summer Job Binders containing up-to-date job listings. Then, from the CDC Web site, you can search job banks by clicking on "students" and then "career Web sites." Internet job banks are a great resource especially if you are interested in relocating.

Another tool is the newspaper, where you to search local want ads (don't forget about searching large city newspapers online or in the library). And finally, one of the best ways to find out about jobs is through networking with people you already know in the field.

3. Conduct thorough research
Utilize the CRC to help you research position descriptions, company information and industry news. This information can help you write a targeted resume and demonstrate your preparedness during the interview. Job shadowing and informational interviewing are also great ways to learn about a particular work environment and career, while building networking skills and making great contacts.

4. Develop a cover letter and resume
With your research complete you are prepared to write an outstanding cover letter and resume. Don't forget to target both documents to the specific company and position for which you are applying. Make an appointment with a Career Specialist for your cover letter and resume critique today!

5. Apply for the job
This step is very important. Make sure you read the application thoroughly and fill out or answer every question completely, honestly and accurately.

6. Practice for the interview
This is often one of the most intimidating phases of the job search process, but it does not have to be. Take advantage of your friends at the CDC. Let us help you fine-tune your interviewing skills. Sign up for a mock interview today and be on your way to learning how to impress recruiters.

7. Start your new job!
Congratulations! You have accepted the job and you are on your way to developing your career. Remember to honor your job commitments and enjoy your new position!

For more information, contact the CDC at (410) 455-2216, Math/Psychology 204careers@umbc.edu. Visit the CDC Web site at www.careers.umbc.edu.

Posted by dwinds1

June 5, 2003

UMBC Chosen for Kauffman Campuses Initiative

UMBC is among 15 universities across the country to receive a $50,000 planning grant from the Kansas City-based Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation to take part in the Foundation's Kauffman Campuses Initiative, a new program aimed at making entrepreneurship education a common and accessible campus-wide opportunity.

UMBC is among 15 universities across the country to receive a $50,000 planning grant from the Kansas City-based Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation to take part in the Foundation's Kauffman Campuses Initiative, a new program aimed at making entrepreneurship education a common and accessible campus-wide opportunity.

The new Kauffman program builds on the emerging trend among colleges and universities to expand entrepreneurship education beyond business schools so that entrepreneurship training and experiences are available across departments and to students in diverse disciplines.

"At UMBC, we are firm believers in the potential of entrepreneurship education," said UMBC President Freeman A. Hrabowski, III. "The Kauffman Campuses Initiative is a perfect fit with UMBC's emphasis on giving our students across all academic disciplines access to entrepreneurship courses and programs. We look forward to presenting our ideas in December for the next stage of the Initiative."

UMBC will use the $50,000 planning grant to help fund development of a proposal to be presented in December for the next stage of the Kauffman Campuses Initiative. The Foundation will award five to seven challenge grants of up to $5 million by year's end to universities that best demonstrate their abilities to make entrepreneurship a common and accessible experience for all students; infuse entrepreneurship into the campus culture; adopt a unique, innovative and potentially break-away approach; provide the support of top university leadership; and position themselves to serve as a model for other colleges and universities.

UMBC's previous efforts to expand student and faculty entrepreneurship have earned the support of prominent Baltimore business leaders. Mayo Shattuck, III, President and CEO of Constellation Energy Group, is chair of UMBC's Alex. Brown Center for Science and Technology Entrepreneurship Advisory Board.

"I'm delighted to see UMBC recognized by the Kauffman Foundation for its innovative entrepreneurship programs," said Shattuck. "I look forward to taking part in developing programs and curricula that will help UMBC continue to emerge as a national leader in entrepreneurship education."

UMBC established the Alex. Brown Center for Science and Technology Entrepreneurship in 2000 through a million-dollar gift from The Alex. Brown Foundation. Since its inception, UMBC has worked closely with the Baltimore business community towards the vision of creating one of the leading university centers for science and technology entrepreneurism.

Posted by dwinds1

Ceil Nedeloff: The Voice of Telecommunications

Director of Telecommunications George Vitak remembers colleague Ceil Nedeloff, who worked in the Telecommunications office from 1966 to 1992. Nedeloff died on April 16, 2003.

Director of Telecommunications George Vitak remembers colleague Ceil Nedeloff, who worked in the Telecommunications office from 1966 to 1992. Nedeloff died on April 16, 2003.

I was asked to become involved in campus voice operations 17 years ago. My acceptance of that charge sent me to the basement area of Central Plant, down a dimly lit stairwell, through even a less illuminated hallway, past storage drums of something, to the entrance to a room--a well lit office definitely out of place with the surroundings. The sole occupantCeil Nedeloff.

To my surprise, there actually was an embodiment of the voice that resolved problems with those funny new telephones named after a place in Italy. A friendly person, unpretentious, one who knew how to get the task completed, someone who truly understood the words customer service. I, of course, was the new boss and I knew unequivocally how we were going to establish a regimen, a routine, to streamline the operation. Ceil smiled and informed me that no two days would ever be the same in my newly chosen profession. Sure!

Seventeen years later, I've had 6,205 days of never ending change and excitement. Ceil had an innate wisdom, a very down to earth style, that were simply marvelous. She quickly became a coworker, a mentor, a friend.

Ceil was at UMBC on opening day in 1966, as the campus operator, seated at a traditional switchboard, headset on, completing calls by actually plugging a cord into the correct circuit. Her handwritten log shows the first outbound call she handleda call to Rockville from extension 245, by an assistant professor in the English department named Larry Lasher.

As the call volume grew, another switchboard was added, student operators joined the staff, the process became automated with on-premise Centrex, the campus moved into the independence of the PBX realm. Ceil was there for the changes, and played a part in all things voice. While her operator days were relatively short, there were always questions or requests being called in. Ceil was the voice on that other end of the line and nearly all knew that voice during their time at UMBC. Few, if any, were not well served when they called and more than a few friendships developed over the years.

Ceil was old Bell (Atlantic) and knew how The Telephone Company actually worked. One of her duties was the review of monthly phone charges. A commercial telephone bill, ours weighs 3.7 pounds, and the associated Customer Service Record, another 1 pound, is a compilation of acronyms, abbreviations, technical terms and incantations. In the late 1980's, the University hired an auditing firm to review, and recoup, the accumulated overcharges commonly associated with that billing process. Some of the campuses enjoyed a significant windfall that year. UMBC had to settle for 63 cents. This was Ceil's world and, far beyond the billing, if something was needed from Bell Atlantic, a phone call, or visit, to an old Bell friend, produced an amazingly quick response. UMBC was well served when it came to telecommunications.

I imagine there are still a few at UMBC who share fond memories of this lovely, charming person. I have a personal favorite concerning her reaction to a fire alarm at 2 a.m. while we were away for ROLM training in 1987. I suspect there are numerous others. Moving into telecommunications was a big challenge for me that turned out to be a lot easier because of the person in that basement room. I became much wiser by simply listening. We became a department in 1989 and Ceil was there. She helped me hire our first employee, an old Bell technician, and saw the department beginning to take on form and substance as additional staff were hired and new responsibilities were added.

Ceil retired at the end of 1992. She loved family life and I'm happy that she had the opportunity to have those years of enjoyment. I hope her decision to leave her UMBC family was made easier by what she saw developing. Her legacy, the telephone office that for most of UMBC's history consisted of one staff member known mainly as a voice on the phone, had reached fruition. Time may have silenced that voice but the results of Ceil's efforts continue to grow and prosper.

Ceil's voice shall remain strong in the department's memory, recalled with unfailing appreciation, respect and gratitude. We shall never forget our heritage and the one voice that was there on day one and throughout the decades that defined UMBC.

Photo caption: Ceil Nedeloff (second from left) and colleagues mark 10 years of service at UMBC. Also pictured in the photo, taken in 1977, are Phil Martin, Doris Maygers, Julie Enos, Kay Keafawver, Sue Kemp (Thompson), and Simmona Simmons-Hodo.

Posted by dwinds1

PeopleSoft at UMBC Reaches a Major Milestone

Every project has to start somewhere, and what better place than 0001.That's the number assigned to a requisition - the first recognition to makeits way through the PeopleSoft system.

Every project has to start somewhere, and what better place than 0001.That's the number assigned to a requisition - the first recognition to makeits way through the PeopleSoft system. Starting with FY 04 requisitions,which departments will continue to submit using paper until latesummer/early fall when online requisitons will be rolled out to the campus,the Procurement Office is entering each requisition into the system as ifthey were the individual departments. This will allow Procurement to besure that the system works, become "experts" on requisition entry and beable to train and assist departments as they come online with requisitionentry.

On the surface it doesn't seem like much, a single requisition. However, tocreate a requisition the Finance module must have a list of valid accountnumbers, security established as to who can request and approverequisitions, and the general ledger configured to pre-encumber the amount.

"This is a major milestone for the PeopleSoft project at UMBC," said ClolitaWilliams, assistant vice president for Administrative Services. "As we headtoward 'Go Live' on July 1, it is very encouraging to not only see thesystem working to know that we will be successful. We will get thisfunctionality out to the departments as quickly as we can."

Procurement is a function within the finance module of the new PeopleSoftsystem. Phase I of training on finance and human resources modules have beengoing on since May 19 and will continue through June 30. Approximately 150end-users are involved in Phase I of training.

For more information on PeopleSoft at UMBC, go to www.umbc.edu/peoplesoft.

Posted by dwinds1

June 2, 2003

Baltimore to Host International Biotech Research Park Convention

Maryland Governor Robert Ehrlich and Baltimore Mayor Martin O'Malley are among the invited speakers at BioParks 2003, an international conference highlighting the importance of Maryland's four research universities in the state's biotechnology industry to be held June 20 and 21 in downtown Baltimore.

Maryland Governor Robert Ehrlich and Baltimore Mayor Martin O'Malley are among the invited speakers at BioParks 2003, an international conference highlighting the importance of Maryland's four research universities in the state's biotechnology industry to be held June 20 and 21 in downtown Baltimore.

Economic development and research park leaders from across North America and as far away as Europe will join federal, state, University System of Maryland, Johns Hopkins University and city officials for a day and a half of talks, tours of research/tech parks and strategy sessions. Prominent guest speakers include: Bruce P. Mehlman, Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Technology Policy, Bureau of Technology Administration, U.S. Department of Commerce; and Matt Zuga, Managing Director of Legg Mason's Life Sciences Investment Banking Group.

Some of Maryland's top names in economic development and education will be there, including State Department of Business and Economic Development Secretary Aris Melissaratos, University System of Maryland Chancellor William Kirwan, and the presidents of Baltimore's four research universities (UMBC, Johns Hopkins, University of Maryland Baltimore and University of Maryland, College Park.)

Maryland's powerful combination of an established biotech industry and research universities in close proximity to key federal agencies and labs (NIH, FDA, etc.) is fueling national and international interest in the Baltimore-Washington region as a prime biotech business location.

A recent comprehensive study by the Brookings Institution's Center on Urban and Metropolitan Policy entitled "Signs of Life: The Growth of Biotechnology Centers in the U.S." described the Baltimore-Washington region as one of four 'biotechnology centers' on the rise. The DC-based think-tank ranked the region alongside Philadelphia-Wilmington, New York and LA as part of the top nine U.S. metro areas with above-average levels of biotech research and commercialization.

BioParks 2003 leads up to the world's biggest biotechnology conference -- the Biotechnology Industry Organization's (BIO) Annual Convention to be held June 22-25 in Washington DC -- making for a bustling week for the Baltimore/Washington region's biotech industry.

Last year's BIO Convention drew more than 15,000 participants from 52 countries, including more than 1,000 exhibitors and speakers and nearly 400 journalists. BIO participants discussed everything from science and medicine to business development, ethics and religion.

BioParks 2003 is sponsored by the Association of University Research Parks (AURP) and the Council of Biotechnology Centers (CBC), which both have ties to the University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC). Ellen Hemmerly, executive director of bwtech@UMBC, the University's research and tech park, is also president of AURP. Tony Moreira, vice provost for academic affairs at UMBC, is chair of CBC. Hemmerly and Moreira worked extensively behind the scenes to bring the influential conference to Baltimore this year.

"Hosting BioParks 2003 is a great opportunity for Baltimore," said Hemmerly. "I look forward to spreading the word about not just bwtech@UMBC, but all of Baltimore's excellent existing and planned research parks. I'm personally excited to learn more about Johns Hopkins' planned East Baltimore Biotechnology Park and UMB's Baltimore Health Sciences Research Park located in West Baltimore."

Hemmerly and Moreira will be joined by other officials from area universities, including William Brody, president of Johns Hopkins and UMBC president Freeman Hrabowski. Research park officials from as far away as St. Louis' Emerging Technology Center will offer a perspective on national trends and case studies for biotech parks.

The event will be hosted by UMBC, Johns Hopkins University, the University of Maryland Baltimore, University of Maryland Biotechnology Institute and the University of Maryland, College Park. The conference is sponsored in conjunction with the City of Baltimore, Baltimore Development Corporation, Maryland Department of Business and Economic Development, Maryland Technology Development Corporation (TEDCO) and the Greater Baltimore Technology Council.

Posted by dwinds1

June 1, 2003

Katie Rokus Named Assistant Women's Basketball Coach

Katie Rokus, who enjoyed a successful academic and athletic career at University of South Carolina Aiken, is UMBC's new assistant women's basketball coach.

Katie Rokus has been named assistant women's basketball coach at UMBC. Rokus, who earned a communications degree from the University of South Carolina Aiken this past May, will be heavily involved in all areas of the Retrievers' program. The St. Johns College High School (Washington D.C.) product was a guard for the Lady Pacers from 1999 through 2003 and was originally recruited by Stern, who coached at Aiken from 1998 through 2002.

"Katie will be a tremendous addition to our program," said Head Coach Phil Stern. "She is extremely bright, and obviously knows our system very well, which will help greatly since we will have so many new players this season. She will also be involved in recruiting and the daily operation of our office."

Rokus enjoyed a tremendous combination of academic and athletic success at Division II Aiken, and as a result, was named the school's outstanding senior student at convocation. Rokus, who completed her academic career with a 3.88 grade point average, also wrote for the Pacer Times newspaper and created a running, behind-the-scenes commentary through the basketball team's Web page.

A captain this past season, Aiken went a combined 78-38 during her four-year tenure. In 2001-2002, the Lady Pacers made their first-ever NCAA Tournament appearance and captured the school's first Peach Belt Conference Regular Season Championship.

Rokus was also the salutatorian of her senior class at St. Johns College High School, where she played basketball and soccer. Her team compiled a record of 107-21, including a #16 national ranking her senior season.

"I am thrilled to be reunited with coach Stern and Assistant Coach Beth Wandyes," Rokus said. "I look forward to being a part of all of the great things that we are going to accomplish over the next few years."

Posted by dwinds1

May 13, 2003

Commencement Regalia Update

Please note that due to an unexpected delay from the vendor, regalia for faculty and staff will not be available for pick up at the Bookstore until Friday, May 16. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause and thank you for your patience.

Posted by dwinds1

May 9, 2003

Retriever Third Baseman Kristie Pickeral Named NEC Softball Player of the Year

UMBC third baseman Kristie Pickeral, last year's NEC Rookie of the Year, was voted by league head coaches as the 2003 NEC Player of the Year. The sophomore standout was dominant in league play, batting .507 with 17 runs, 37 hits, five doubles, seven home runs, 32 runs batted in and a .863 slugging percentage, while also posting a .977 fielding percentage from her post at third base. On the season, she tops the NEC in hits (74) and RBIs (56), ranks third in batting average (.396) and home runs (11) and is tied for fourth in runs scored (33).

UMBC third baseman Kristie Pickeral, last year's NEC Rookie of the Year, was voted by league head coaches as the 2003 NEC Player of the Year.

After being named NEC Rookie of the Year in 2002, Pickeral didn't waste any time in making the jump to NEC Player of the Year in 2003. The sophomore standout was dominant in league play, batting .507 with 17 runs, 37 hits, five doubles, seven home runs, 32 runs batted in and a .863 slugging percentage, while also posting a .977 fielding percentage from her post at third base. On the season, Pickeral topped the NEC in hits (74) and RBIs (56), ranks third in batting average (.396) and home runs (11) and is tied for fourth in runs scored (33).

In addition to Piceral, the all-conference first team includes her Retriever teammate, junior outfielder Lauren Hebb. In her first year at UMBC, Hebb is currently batting .382 overall and .400 in NEC action, while leading the league in runs scored (59), home runs (15) and total bases (125). She also ranks second in the conference in hits (65) and runs batted in (50).

The Northeast Conference second team includes four Retrievers. Senior shortstop Lisa Boone -- a four-time all-conference selection -- making her first appearance on the postseason team at an infield position. She was named all-NEC first team the last two years and all-NEC second team during her rookie campaign, all in the outfield. Boone is batting .332 and currently ranks third in the league in hits (63) and runs scored (38), while also tallying 12 doubles, three triples, two home runs and 24 RBI on the year.

Senior outfielder Abbie Kahn, junior utility player Sarah Crowell and freshman pitcher Lauren Nicholson all make their first appearance on the all-conference team. Kahn is hitting .318 overall and .356 in league play, while recording 24 runs, 57 hits, 14 doubles, two home runs and 34 runs batted in. Crowell is batting at a .324 clip with 23 runs, 45 hits, three doubles, one home run and 19 runs batted in. Nicholson was dominant in NEC action from the mound, going 10-0 with a 2.16 ERA and 18-7 overall with a 2.13 ERA.

Posted by dwinds1

May 8, 2003

Retriever Jen Dragoni Named NEC Women's Lacrosse Player of the Year

Retriever junior attacker Jen Dragoni was selected the Northeast Conference Women's Lacrosse Player of the Year in a vote by league head coaches. Dragoni was the offensive catalyst for UMBC this season, as she led the Retrievers in goals, assists and scoring. Freshman Kelly Fiorani, who claimed the Rookie of the Year Award, ranked second on the squad in goals, assists and scoring.

UMBC junior attacker Jen Dragoni was selected the Northeast Conference Women's Lacrosse Player of the Year in a vote by league head coaches. The high-scoring Dragoni led the Retrievers to a share of the NEC regular season title this spring, as well as the #2 seed in this weekend's NEC Tournament. UMBC freshman midfielder Kelly Fiorani claimed the Rookie of the Year award.

Dragoni, a two-time all-conference honoree, becomes just the third Retriever to earn NEC Player of the Year accolades, joining former UMBC greats Heather Kormanik (98) and Jamie Gerhart (02). Dragoni was the offensive catalyst for UMBC this season, as she led the Retrievers in goals (34/2.13 game), assists (19/1.19 game) and scoring (53 points/3.31 game).

More impressively, Dragoni boosted her scoring average to 4.00 points per game in NEC action this year. Her offensive production also helped UMBC average a league-best 12.81 goals per game, which ranks fourth nationally in the latest NCAA statistics. Dragoni, who was named 2002 NEC Tournament MVP, will be a key factor as UMBC looks to defend its conference title at this year's NEC Tournament.

Fiorani makes it back-to-back Rookie of the Year winners for UMBC (teammate Stephanie Crouch took home the hardware last season). Fiorani teamed with Dragoni to give the Retrievers a potent scoring tandem, as she ranked second on the squad in goals (32/2.00 game), assists (10/0.63 game) and scoring (42 points/2.63 game). Fiorani earned NEC Rookie of the Week honors once this season after registering a hat trick in a victory over in-state rival Mount St. Mary's in mid-March.

Three other Retrievers join Dragoni as first team honorees. Senior midfielder Stephanie Allen, a two-time all-NEC selection, is once again among Division I's top draw control specialists this year. In the latest NCAA statistics, Allen ranks third nationally in draw controls (68/4.25 game). Teaming with Allen in a loaded UMBC midfield is senior Lauren Traber, also a two-time honoree. Traber ranks third on the squad in scoring (35 points/28 g/7 a), while also contributing 53 ground balls and 16 turnovers caused. Rounding out the Retrievers' first team contingent is junior defender Emily Sawyer, who emerged as one of the team's top defenders this spring, while also adding four goals on the offensive end.

Posted by dwinds1

Anthony Adams, Randy Monroe Named AFLAC National Assistant Coaches of the Year

Assistant Men's Soccer Coach Anthony Adams and Assistant Men's Basketball Coach Randy Monroe have been named AFLAC National Assistant Coaches of the Year. Adams and Monroe are two of only 27 Division I coaches nationwide to receive the honor.

Assistant Men's Soccer Coach Anthony Adams and Assistant Men's Basketball Coach Randy Monroe have been named AFLAC National Assistant Coaches of the Year. Adams and Monroe are two of only 27 Division I coaches nationwide to receive the honor. Winners were selected from a field of more than 350,000 coaches across the nation.

A panel of judges from Scholastic Coach and Athletic Director magazine, the nation's leading publication for the team athletic marketplace, made the selections. The criteria in the second annual AFLAC National Assistant Coach of the Year program allowed for coaches to win based on longevity, expertise, contributions to the school and community, and special achievements throughout their careers. The selections were based on nominations made by head coaches, athletic administators, past and current student-athletes, fans and the Board members.

Adams, a 1997 UMBC graduate and four-year letterwinner in men's soccer, has assisted Head Men's Soccer Coach Pete Caringi for the past six seasons. The Retrievers have captured two regular season NEC titles and made one NCAA appearance in that span. The Baltimore native has also been recognized as one of the nation's top assistant soccer coaches by CollegeSoccerNews.com.

"I am very thankful to Coach Caringi, (Director of Athletics) Dr. Charles Brown and AFLAC to have the opportunity to win this award," said Adams. "It is always nice to be recognized."

"This is a well-deserved award," said Coach Caringi. "Anthony is very dedicated and loyal, and, as an assistant coach, those qualities are very important in any program."

Monroe has been at UMBC for nine seasons and has helped Head Coach Tom Sullivan build the Retrievers into a perennial league contender and a three-time Battle of Baltimore champion. The Philadelphia native and former basketball standout at Cheyney University ('82) is very involved with UMBC's Community Service program.

"I am extremely happy to receive this honor," said Monroe. "To be named along with people the quality of a (Maryland Assistant Men's Basketball Coach) Dave Dickerson, and our own Anthony Adams, is quite an honor."

"Randy's steadfast loyalty to the players, along with his personal integrity, are the attributes that made him deserving of this honor," said Coach Sullivan. "On the practice courts and in the community, he is a role model to the student-athletes."

"AFLAC is pleased to sponsor the AFLAC National Assistant Coach of the Year Program," Joe Kuechenmeister, AFLAC senior vice president, stated. "Assistant coaches are the unsung heroes of American sport. So many of us were positively affected by our participation in sports that we wanted to pay tribute to these hard-working, under-recognized coaches who do so much to improve the young people that they work with."

"We were extremely impressed with the quality of the nominees," Bruce Weber, publisher of Scholastic Coach and Athletic Director commented. "The majority of the nominations were prepared in great detail. The nominators obviously felt very deeply about the assistant coaches they were recommending."

AFLAC is one of the world's leading providers of insurance at the worksite and insures more than 40 million people worldwide.

Posted by dwinds1

May 6, 2003

May Arts Events

Take a break from studying or grading exams and support the arts at UMBC! Many of the events are free; all are open to the public.

Looking for something to do besides study or grade exams? Take a break and attend some of the visual and performing arts events happening this month.

Continuing through May 31
The Albin O. Kuhn Library Gallery presents "100 Years of Camera Work." Camera Work, the great quarterly journal dedicated to photography, criticism, and modernist art, is the central focus of the exhibition "100 Years of Camera Work." Published between 1903 and 1917 by Alfred Stieglitz, the journal was one of the stellar achievements of 20th century American culture, and contributed greatly to establishing photography as a high art. "100 Years of Camera Work" celebrates the impact that the journal had by exhibiting UMBC's entire holding in a very rare public display of an exceedingly rare publication. In recognition of the powerful influence that Camera Work had upon the development of Modernism in photography, 20th century art photographs made following 1917 have been selected from UMBC's Photography Collections to complement the exhibition.

The Gallery is open Monday through Friday, 12 noon to 4:30 pm, on Thursday until 8 pm, and Saturday 1 - 5 pm. Admission is free. Read a Insights feature on the exhibition here. For more information call (410) 455-2270 or visit the online press release.

May 12
The Department of Music presents the Percussion/African Drumming Ensemble under the direction of Barry Dove. Free admission. 8 pm, Fine Arts Recital Hall. For more information, call (410) 455-MUSC.

May 14
The Department of Music presents the UMBC New Music Emsemble. Free admission. 8 pm, Fine Arts Recital Hall. For more information, call (410) 455-MUSC.

May 14 - June 14
The Center for Art and Visual Culture presents the Senior Exit Exhibition, which reflects the interdisciplinary orientation and the technological focus of the Department of Visual Arts. The exhibition provides an opportunity for graduating seniors to display their work within a professional setting prior to exiting the university. An opening reception will be held on Thursday, May 15 from 5 to 7 pm. Admission to the exhibition and reception is free. The Center for Art and Visual Culture (formerly known as the Fine Arts Gallery) is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 am to 5 pm and is located in the Fine Arts Building. For more information call (410) 455-3188.

Posted by dwinds1

PeopleSoft Orientation Sessions Extended Through May 20

Due to high demand, the "Introduction to PeopleSoft" orientation sessions have been extended through Tuesday, May 20.

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PeopleSoft Orientation Schedule


Introduction to PeopleSoft sessions are limited to 12 users and will last one hour.
Register Online

Tues. April 29, 2:30 p.m., ECS 122A
Wed., April 30, 11 a.m., ECS 122A
Thur., May 1, 9:30 a.m., ECS 122A

Tues., May 6, 10 a.m., ACIV 219
Wed., May 7, 2 p.m., ACIV 219
Thur.., May 8, 10 a.m., ACIV 219

Tues., May 13, 2 p.m., ACIV 219
Wed., May 14, 10 a.m., ACIV 219
Thur., May 15, 2 p.m., ACIV 219

Tues., May 20, 10 a.m., ACIV 219

If less than three (3) people have registered for a workshop 48 hours before it meets, OIT will either cancel or reschedule the workshop and notify registered users.

PeopleSoft Orientation Sessions Extended, Division Training Coordinators Announced

Due to high demand, the Introduction to PeopleSoft orientation sessions have been extended through Tuesday, May 20.

While these are not formal training sessions on any finance, procurement or HR functions, participants have found them to be helpful in becoming more familiar with general PeopleSoft features like how to login, set "favorites" (or shortcuts) and navigate to key content.

More than 93 percent of participants have rated the sessions as excellent or good, and anonymous responses to a post-workshop survey have included the following:

I most liked the hands-on nature of the demo.

It was easy to follow

It finally gave me a chance to see the screens that will be used.

The workshops include a hands-on demonstration of 1-2 generic tasks in the new human resources and financial systems, as well as PeopleSoft's own online navigation tutorial that participants can use and refer to before core functional training begins in mid-May.

In addition to helping end users, supervisors may find the orientation sessions helpful as a way to gain insight into what their staff will be learning and doing. To register online for the hour-long sessions, visit www.umbc.edu/training.

In related news, each division has identified a training and support coordinator who is working with the Delta Initiative to help shape the PeopleSoft training plan. The training and support coordinators are:

Administrative Affairs
Clolita Williams (5-2772 or cwilliam@umbc.edu)

Arts and Sciences
Janie Stevenson (5-3228 or jstevens@umbc.edu)

College of Engineering
Jim Milani (5-3556 or milani@umbc.edu)

Graduate School
Patty Keys (5-3578 or pkeys1@umbc.edu)

President and OIA
Sandy Campbell (5-6878 or campbell@umbc.edu)

Provost
Bill Hoffman (5-6517 or whoffman@chpdm.umbc.edu)

Student Affairs
Deb Moriarty (5-3797 or moriarty@umbc.edu)

As reported in the March 20 Issue of Insights Online, each divisional training and support coordinator will be helping to

Make sure the right people are identified for training;
Work within the division to provide backup and support, if necessary, when people are out for training;
Identify peer mentors within the division for early training;
Work with OIT to reschedule training, if necessary;
Keep the division head apprised of progress in training people; and
Provide feedback on training back to the Delta Steering Committee.

- John Fritz

Posted by dwinds1

In the News

SunSpot Chat with Alumnus James Mathias
On May 21, the Baltimore Sun's SunSpot hosted a live chat with alumnus James Mathias '74, the mayor of Ocean City, Maryland.
www.sunspot.net/travel/custom/bayandbeach/bal-artslifechat-mathias,0,1788388.htmlstory?coll=bal%2Dhome%2Dextra

techcenter@UMBC Company in the Baltimore Business Journal
Optyxx, a techcenter@UMBC company, was mentioned in a May 19 Baltimore Business Journal article.
www.bizjournals.com/baltimore/stories/2003/05/19/daily35.html

Tom Cronin in Science Now
Professor of Biological Sciences Tom Cronin was quoted in the article, "Sea Travelers See Better" in the May 13 issue of Science Now.
http://sciencenow.sciencemag.org/cgi/content/full/2003/513/4

Computer Mania Day in the Baltimore Sun
On May 4, the Baltimore Sun featured UMBC's first Computer Mania Day.
www.sunspot.net/news/local/bal-md.computer04may04.story

Posted by dwinds1

April 25, 2003

UMBC Training Centers Responds to Demand for Microsoft .NET Application Development Skills

The UMBC Computer Certification Training Center (CCTC) has launched a new Microsoft Certified Application Developer (MCAD) program in response to an increasing need for IT professionals trained in Microsoft's recently released .NET application development platform.

The UMBC Computer Certification Training Center (CCTC), an operating division of UMBC Training Centers, LLC, the University's commercial workforce development operation, has launched a new "Microsoft Certified Application Developer (MCAD)" program in response to an increasing need for IT professionals trained in Microsoft's recently released .NET application development platform.

"This program and credential are really most appropriate for the professional interested in the back-end, production-side of the software development cycle," says Doug Kendzierski, President/CEO of UMBC's training companies, and an Associate Vice-Provost at UMBC.

Microsoft's website promotes the credential comparably, emphasizing the certification for individuals interested in "developing, testing, deploying, and maintaining department-level applications, components, Web or desktop clients, or database and network services using Microsoft tools and technologies."

"Windows and Web-based applications remain the current and future standard of programming," says Kendzierski. "As the economy rebounds, the number of shops re-investing in this latest evolution of the Visual Studio products is going to explode exponentially. Even during these slower economic times, development shops simply can't find enough programmers with .NET experience, and it is literally crippling these organizations' ability to respond to task orders."

The MCAD sequence at UMBC is structured as three modules, which can be taken together or independently, much like CCTC's MCSE (Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer) offering. The total program length is 168 hours, making it one of the longer and more intensive offerings at the UMBC Center.

Kendzierski justifies the length as "necessary to truly validate the transfer of knowledge with these sophisticated tools. CCTC clients coming out of here with the MCAD certification will possess hardcore proof that they know their stuff in a market desperate for these skill-sets, and these same individuals will be in very high-demand."

Additional coverage within the UMBC MCAD program includes ADO.NET, ASP.NET, XML Web Services, and building COM+ applications using Microsoft .NET Enterprise Services. The non-credit training program is designed for current developers with Visual Basic experience, and includes such amenities as Microsoft Official Courseware (MOC), retake privileges, VUE exam vouchers, and Transcender simulation exam licenses.

Initial sections of the MCAD program will begin in late Spring 2003, and registrations are currently being accepted.

About UMBC Training Centers:

The UMBC Computer Certification Training Center (CCTC) is a Microsoft Certified Partner, Sun Authorized Education Center, and a member of the Oracle Workforce Development Initiative. In addition, CCTC is a CIW Authorized Training Partner, Discreet Training Center, CompTIA Partner, VUE & Prometric Authorized Testing Center, and an Approved Transcender Training Partner.

A national leader in technology education, UMBC established the CCTC to deliver technology training and industry-standard certification programs for individuals, businesses, government agencies and organizations in the Baltimore-Washington corridor. The UMBC CCTC is located at 3108 Lord Baltimore Drive, Executive Park West in the Windsor Mill Business Community of Baltimore County, just off Exit 17/18 of the Baltimore Beltway. The Center offers instructor-led and web-based training programs, with part-time, full-time, evening, weekend and weekday classes. For further information on any IT training programs at UMBC, contact (410) 594-2282, or visit the training website at www.umbc.edu/cctc.

Posted by dwinds1

UMBC Training Responds to Demand for Microsoft .NET Application Development Skills

The UMBC Computer Certification Training Center (CCTC) has launched a new "Microsoft Certified Application Developer (MCAD)" program in response to an increasing need for IT professionals trained in Microsoft's recently released .NET application development platform.

The UMBC Computer Certification Training Center (CCTC), an operating division of UMBC Training Centers, LLC, the University's commercial workforce development operation, has launched a new "Microsoft Certified Application Developer (MCAD)" program in response to an increasing need for IT professionals trained in Microsoft's recently released .NET application development platform.

"This program and credential are really most appropriate for the professional interested in the back-end, production-side of the software development cycle," says Doug Kendzierski, President/CEO of UMBC's training companies, and an Associate Vice-Provost at UMBC.

Microsoft's website promotes the credential comparably, emphasizing the certification for individuals interested in "developing, testing, deploying, and maintaining department-level applications, components, Web or desktop clients, or database and network services using Microsoft tools and technologies."

"Windows and Web-based applications remain the current and future standard of programming," says Kendzierski. "As the economy rebounds, the number of shops re-investing in this latest evolution of the Visual Studio products is going to explode exponentially. Even during these slower economic times, development shops simply can't find enough programmers with .NET experience, and it is literally crippling these organizations' ability to respond to task orders."

The MCAD sequence at UMBC is structured as three modules, which can be taken together or independently, much like CCTC's MCSE (Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer) offering. The total program length is 168 hours, making it one of the longer and more intensive offerings at the UMBC Center.

Kendzierski justifies the length as "necessary to truly validate the transfer of knowledge with these sophisticated tools. CCTC clients coming out of here with the MCAD certification will possess hardcore proof that they know their stuff in a market desperate for these skill-sets, and these same individuals will be in very high-demand."

Additional coverage within the UMBC MCAD program includes ADO.NET, ASP.NET, XML Web Services, and building COM+ applications using Microsoft .NET Enterprise Services. The non-credit training program is designed for current developers with Visual Basic experience, and includes such amenities as Microsoft Official Courseware (MOC), retake privileges, VUE exam vouchers, and Transcender simulation exam licenses.

Initial sections of the MCAD program will begin in late Spring 2003, and registrations are currently being accepted.

About UMBC Training Centers:

The UMBC Computer Certification Training Center (CCTC) is a Microsoft Certified Partner, Sun Authorized Education Center, and a member of the Oracle Workforce Development Initiative. In addition, CCTC is a CIW Authorized Training Partner, Discreet Training Center, CompTIA Partner, VUE & Prometric Authorized Testing Center, and an Approved Transcender Training Partner.

A national leader in technology education, UMBC established the CCTC to deliver technology training and industry-standard certification programs for individuals, businesses, government agencies and organizations in the Baltimore-Washington corridor. The UMBC CCTC is located at 3108 Lord Baltimore Drive, Executive Park West in the Windsor Mill Business Community of Baltimore County, just off Exit 17/18 of the Baltimore Beltway. The Center offers instructor-led and web-based training programs, with part-time, full-time, evening, weekend and weekday classes. For further information on any IT training programs at UMBC, contact (410) 594-2282, or visit the training website at www.umbc.edu/cctc.

Posted by dwinds1

UMBC Champs to Challenge Ivy League Rivals in Speed Chess Spectacular

UMBC's top chess brains will shift their sport into high gear as they challenge elite players from MIT, Harvard, Yale, Princeton, Stanford, and Duke for $2,000 in prize money in the 2003 UMBC Speed Chess Spectacular from 11 am to 2 pm on May 1 on Main Street inside the UMBC Commons.

UMBC's top chess brains will shift their sport into high gear as they challenge elite players from MIT, Harvard, Yale, Princeton, Stanford, and Duke for $2,000 in prize money in the 2003 UMBC Speed Chess Spectacular from 11 am to 2 pm on May 1 on Main Street inside the UMBC Commons.

The speed chess, 16-player, knockout event format promises a dramatic contrast to the slower, quieter pace of traditional tournament chess, where players agonize for minutes between each move and the atmosphere is as tense and silent at the 18th hole at the Masters.

"Speed chess is a really exciting format since each player has just five minutes to complete the entire game," says Alan Sherman, UMBC Chess Team faculty advisor and a professor of computer science at UMBC. "There's often more than five minutes between single moves in traditional tournaments, so this will be some fast and furious chess," says Sherman.

The UMBC Speed Chess Spectacular will be made even more exciting by move-by-move sports commentary by "Those Sports Guys," Paul Mittermeier and Steve Stofberg of WJFK 1300 AM "The Jock," the hosts of Baltimore's top sports radio show.

In addition to the inevitable trash talking, spectators can also enjoy entertainment by members of the UMBC Dance Team and will be able to see each move computer-projected onto the Commons' big-screen TV.

Selected by invitation, the competitors include top chess players from the UMBC Chess Teams, other universities, and the Mid-Atlantic region. UMBC players include International Grandmasters Alex "The Great" Wojtkiewicz, Pawel "The Polish Magician" Blehm, Alex "The Surgeon" Sherzer, as well as Pascal "The Frenchman" Charbonneau,William "The Exterminator" Morrison, John "The Maryland Malice" Rouleau,and Battsetseg "The Mongolian Terror" Tsagaan. A small number of "wildcard" slots will be available at the event to the highest-rated playerswho show up by 10:45am.

In addition to bragging rights, prize money is up for grabs as the final four players will receive $1,000, $500, $250, and $250, respectively.

For more information: See www.umbc.edu/chess, email ChessClub@umbc.edu,or call (410) 455-8499. Players seeking invitations must contact Dr.Alan T. Sherman, sherman@umbc.edu, (410) 455-2666.

Posted by dwinds1

UMBC Training Centers Responds to Demand for Microsoft .NET Application Development Skills

The UMBC Computer Certification Training Center (CCTC) has launched a new Microsoft Certified Application Developer (MCAD) program in response to an increasing need for IT professionals trained in Microsoft's recently released .NET application development platform.

The UMBC Computer Certification Training Center (CCTC), an operating division of UMBC Training Centers, LLC, the University's commercial workforce development operation, has launched a new "Microsoft Certified Application Developer (MCAD)" program in response to an increasing need for IT professionals trained in Microsoft's recently released .NET application development platform.

"This program and credential are really most appropriate for the professional interested in the back-end, production-side of the software development cycle," says Doug Kendzierski, President/CEO of UMBC's training companies, and an Associate Vice-Provost at UMBC.

Microsoft's website promotes the credential comparably, emphasizing the certification for individuals interested in "developing, testing, deploying, and maintaining department-level applications, components, Web or desktop clients, or database and network services using Microsoft tools and technologies."

"Windows and Web-based applications remain the current and future standard of programming," says Kendzierski. "As the economy rebounds, the number of shops re-investing in this latest evolution of the Visual Studio products is going to explode exponentially. Even during these slower economic times, development shops simply can't find enough programmers with .NET experience, and it is literally crippling these organizations' ability to respond to task orders."

The MCAD sequence at UMBC is structured as three modules, which can be taken together or independently, much like CCTC's MCSE (Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer) offering. The total program length is 168 hours, making it one of the longer and more intensive offerings at the UMBC Center.

Kendzierski justifies the length as "necessary to truly validate the transfer of knowledge with these sophisticated tools. CCTC clients coming out of here with the MCAD certification will possess hardcore proof that they know their stuff in a market desperate for these skill-sets, and these same individuals will be in very high-demand."

Additional coverage within the UMBC MCAD program includes ADO.NET, ASP.NET, XML Web Services, and building COM+ applications using Microsoft .NET Enterprise Services. The non-credit training program is designed for current developers with Visual Basic experience, and includes such amenities as Microsoft Official Courseware (MOC), retake privileges, VUE exam vouchers, and Transcender simulation exam licenses.

Initial sections of the MCAD program will begin in late Spring 2003, and registrations are currently being accepted.

About UMBC Training Centers:

The UMBC Computer Certification Training Center (CCTC) is a Microsoft Certified Partner, Sun Authorized Education Center, and a member of the Oracle Workforce Development Initiative. In addition, CCTC is a CIW Authorized Training Partner, Discreet Training Center, CompTIA Partner, VUE & Prometric Authorized Testing Center, and an Approved Transcender Training Partner.

A national leader in technology education, UMBC established the CCTC to deliver technology training and industry-standard certification programs for individuals, businesses, government agencies and organizations in the Baltimore-Washington corridor. The UMBC CCTC is located at 3108 Lord Baltimore Drive, Executive Park West in the Windsor Mill Business Community of Baltimore County, just off Exit 17/18 of the Baltimore Beltway. The Center offers instructor-led and web-based training programs, with part-time, full-time, evening, weekend and weekday classes. For further information on any IT training programs at UMBC, contact (410) 594-2282, or visit the training website at www.umbc.edu/cctc.

Posted by dwinds1

April 19, 2003

PeopleSoft Training Plans

As the PeopleSoft project prepares to launch new human resources and financial services on July 1, user training plans are starting to emerge.

PeopleSoft Training Plans

Spring Training Timeline
Early April Finance & HR Staff training begins (through implementation)
System training begins
Mid April Introduction to PeopleSoft sessions begin
End of April Peer mentor training begins*
Mid May to End of July In-depth training for employees with financial responsibilities*
Early June to Mid July In-depth training for employees with HR responsibilities*
July 1 Go Live
* OIT will work with training coordinators in each division to schedule training (see below)

As thePeopleSoft project prepares to launch new human resources and financial serviceson July 1, usertraining plans are starting to emerge. For example:

Currently, the Delta Steering Committee estimates about 400 employees will trainand work with at least one of seven PeopleSoft touchpoints related to finance,procurement and human resources. These include:

Finance
-
General ledger andfinancial reporting
-
Grant proposals

Procurement
-
PCard reallocation
-
Receivers
-
Requisitions

HumanResources
-
Timesheets/entry
-
Payroll
-
New hires

Currently, the Delta Project'sFinance Module Advisory Committee (MAC) is working with divisions to identifywho needs PeopleSoft training. The HR MAC will be conducting a similar survey.

Because the PeopleSoft implementation is so broad, the Delta Steering Committeeis establishing a divisional model to coordinate end-user training and support.By March 31, each division will appoint a training coordinator who will

oHelp make surethe right people are identified for training;
oWork within thedivision to provide backup and support, if necessary, when people areoutfor training;
oIdentify peermentors within the division for early training;
o
Work with OIT toreschedule training, if necessary;
o
Keep thedivision head apprised of progress in training people; and
o
Provide feedbackon training back to the Delta Steering Committee

In addition, each division will identify peer trainers who can assist withfollow up support. Once identified, these division peer mentors will be amongthe first cohort to receive PeopleSoft training near the end of April. Thenumber of peer trainers may vary with the size of each division, but each onewill be supported by the Delta team as well as OIT's New Media Learning &Developmentunit. In addition to helping respond to user questions, perhaps on acampus-wide PeopleSoft listserve, peer trainers will also work closely with eachdivision's training coordinator to help identify issues or concerns to the DeltaSteering Committee.

The Delta Steering Committee has hired Donna Meek, a PeopleSoft trainingconsultant with seven years experience, including one year with the most recentversion (8) that UMBC will be implementing. Her clients have included AirCanada, the US Mint, Bell Atlantic, Honda America, Capital One, and Freddie Mac.After working at her alma mater Penn State as a grants and contract analystsheearned a bachelor's degree in accounting in 1983 and her teaching certificationin secondary English in 1990Meek taught in a local high school on a part-timebasis for five years. She then began her PeopleSoft financials consultingpractice which has included creating documentation and developing courses forPeopleSoft General Ledger, Accounts Payable, Purchasing, nVision, Query, CostManagement, Budgets, Projects, eExpense, and eProcurement. She started at UMBCon March 17 and will be developing an overall training plan as well assupporting documentation and workshops.

To help get the campus oriented to the new system, Introduction to PeopleSoftgeneral orientation sessions will likely begin in mid-April. While these are notformal training sessions on any finance, procurement or HR functions, theyshould help the campus become more familiar with general PeopleSoft featureslike how to login, set personal preferences and navigate to key content. Thiswill be useful for prospective users as well as managers and supervisors. Lookfor an orientation session schedule the first week of April atwww.umbc.edu/peoplesoft andwww.umbc.edu/training.

Since the ramp-up for training is intense, all OIT training workshops currentlyscheduled after April 1 have been cancelled. OIT's training coordinator, Marie Toomes (x53679 or marie@umbc.edu),will schedule refresher courses on Windows basics, using email or the Web fordepartments who feel this would help them be more efficient with a Web-basedsystem like PeopleSoft. But for the next 4-6 months, most of OIT's trainingefforts will be focused on PeopleSoft.

Whilethe breadth of PeopleSoft use almost dictates a divisional model of usersupport, I also think this approach reflects UMBC's day-to-day business culturevery well, says Jack Suess, UMBC's chief information officer and theDelta Project's director.

For moreinformation on PeopleSoft, visitwww.umbc.edu/peoplesoft.

Posted by dwinds1

April 18, 2003

Experts to Debate Health Impact of Baltimore's Air

A panel of expert researchers from NASA and UMBC will discuss the science, public policy, economic and health issues affecting the air we breathe in Baltimore at the 2003 Mosaic Roundtable at UMBC, an annual panel discussion sponsored by UMBC's Interdisciplinary Studies Program. The roundtable, "Air Quality and Human Health in Baltimore," will be held Wednesday, April 23, 2003, from 1 to 3 p.m. in Room 312 of UMBC's University Center. This event is free and open to the public.

How are code red days determined? What is a code purple day? How does the Baltimore area?s poor air quality affect our health? What are the sources of Baltimore's pollutants? What are the costs and benefits of environmental regulation? Is there a relationship between asthma attacks in children and high ozone days?

These and other questions about the science, public policy, economics and health issues affecting the air we breathe in Baltimore will be addressed in the Mosaic Roundtable at UMBC, an annual panel discussion sponsored by UMBC's Interdisciplinary Studies Program.

The roundtable, titled "Air Quality and Human Health in Baltimore," will be held Wednesday, April 23, 2003, from 1 to 3 p.m. in Room 312 of UMBC's University Center. This event is free and open to the public.

This year's panel is made up of UMBC faculty and Baltimore area researchers, including:

"Regional air quality managers in Maryland have to worry not only about locally generated pollution, but also pollution from the Midwest carried here by weather patterns and possibly some natural sources," says Hoff. "We're doing the science to determine where these substances come from to help regulators protect Marylanders' health."

For more information on the 2003 Mosaic Roundtable, please call (410) 455-2004 or visit http://www.umbc.edu/mosaic.

Posted by dwinds1

April 14, 2003

PeopleSoft Update

When asked why new business systems don't reach their full potential, business leaders overwhelmingly give one answer - the change was not well managed. This is why UMBC has launched a Change Management process, which will work in concert with the introduction of PeopleSoft and Human Resource systems on campus.

When asked why new business systems don't reach their full potential, business leaders overwhelmingly give one answer - the change was not well managed. The technology was capable, but not enough attention was paid to how users would interact with the system and how it would change the way they do their jobs. This is why UMBC has launched a Change Management process, which will work in concert with the introduction of PeopleSoft and Human Resource systems on campus. The process was launched on February 25 with a workshop attended primarily by prospective users of the systems, as well as managers and faculty.

Nearly seventy members of the campus community participated in the February 25 workshop, where they were given an introduction to PeopleSoft and an opportunity to share their thoughts about how they feel the change will affect how people do business and work together at UMBC. The session focused on the Human Resources and Finance components of the system, providing answers to four basic questions: What is it? When will it happen? What's in it for me? Who's going to help me learn and use it? Video clips of all the presentations are available online at www.umbc.edu/peoplesoft/video.htm

Presentations were followed by an interactive survey (similar to the "Ask the Audience" feature on "Who Wants to be a Millionaire?"), which posed 52 questions about how UMBC has handled change in the past, how prepared people feel for the change, and how supported they feel as they take on the change.

A smaller group of about thirty "Change Partners" spent the next two days analyzing the results of the poll with the goal of identifying trends and making recommendations about how best to move forward with the implementation of PeopleSoft. The group identified several points which came across clearly:

- The systems we are currently using no longer do an effective job (90% agreed)
- PeopleSoft will greatly change the way we do business (97% agreed)
- Implementation of this change will be complex (61% agreed)
- We (UMBC) do a good job of communicating change to all levels (52% disagree)
- Change projects are on time and on budget because management closely monitors them (67% disagree)
- I support the benefit that UMBC will achieve by implementing this change even it if means I have to do things differently (100% agreed)

While summarizing the data, the group drew from personal experiences to provide context to the figures. They shared their feelings on the importance of personal contact with end-users, specific information about training timelines and formats, the importance of backup support during training, as well as understanding, appreciation and support from managers.

The sessions were pulled together by the PeopleSoft Change Management Team, responsible for thinking broadly about how such a large-scale change will affect the entire campus -- from frequent users to those who are indirectly impacted by the system. This group will continue to rely on the Change Partners to help guide the change process. Additional change events are planned in April for supervisors of PeopleSoft users, department directors and faculty researchers.

Members of the Change Management Team are: Lisa Akchin (Associate VP, Marketing and Public Relations), Linda Brown (Associate Director, MIPAR), Carlo DiClemente (Chair, Department of Psychology), Gerhard Friedrich (Executive Director, RWD), John Fritz (Director, New Media Learning and Development), Charlie Melichar (Director, News and Information), Kathy Raab (Executive Assistant, Office of the President), Jack Suess (Chief Information Officer), and Nancy Young (Director, Residential Life).

Information on the change process, including frequently asked questions, a list of "who's who," and upcoming events is now online at www.umbc.edu/peoplesoft. The site will continue to grow as questions are posed, events are scheduled and members of the community share their experiences working with the system.

If you have any questions/comments or would like to become more involved in the change process, contact Lisa Akchin at akchin@umbc.edu.

For information on training, see a new article by John Fritz, articledirector of New Media Learning and Development.

Posted by dwinds1

Highly Selective National Award Supports Outstanding Undergraduate Research at UMBC

UMBC is one of only 13 institutions nationwide to receive the prestigious Beckman Scholars Award given by the Arnold and Mabel Beckman Foundation to support undergraduate research in the sciences.

UMBC is one of only 13 institutions nationwide to receive the prestigious Beckman Scholars Award given by the Arnold and Mabel Beckman Foundation to support undergraduate research in the sciences. Carnegie Mellon, Macalester College, New York University, the University of Arizona, the University of California-San Diego, and William and Mary are among the other award recipients.

The Beckman Scholars Program provides outstanding undergraduates with research stipends and opportunities for sustained, in-depth, faculty-mentored undergraduate laboratory research experiences in chemistry and biological sciences. A maximum of five UMBC students will be named Beckman Scholars over the next three years. As a capstone to their experiences, they will present their research at the Beckman Scholars Annual Research Symposium in Irvine, California.

Institutions considered for the Beckman Award were invited to apply based on extremely selective criteria, including a significant level of research support, grants, and awards from major federal and private organizations and evidence of students' active participation at the National Conference on Undergraduate Research.

Support for undergraduate research at UMBC is extensive. Many undergraduates already work with faculty on their research; a number of undergraduates are co-authors of papers published in leading academic journals. UMBC young scientists are involved in a range of programs, including the BCURE (Breast Cancer Undergraduate Research Experience) Program, funded by the Department of Defense; the EMBARC (Experiences in Molecular Biology Academic Research Careers) Program, funded by the National Science Foundation; the Howard Hughes Medical Institute Scholars Program; and the Minority Access to Research Careers Program and Summer Biomedical Training Program, funded by the National Institutes of Health and the National Institute of General Medical Sciences.

Additionally, UMBC's Annual Undergraduate Research and Creative Achievement Day showcases students' work in all disciplines. This year's event, which takes place on Wednesday, April 30, 2003, features a day of oral presentations, poster sessions, and artistic exhibits and performances. Read more about the 2003-03 Undergraduate Research Award Scholars here.

Posted by dwinds1

April 11, 2003

PeopleSoft Orientation Sessions Begin April 22

To help get the campus oriented to PeopleSoft, the Office of Information Technology is offering general "Introduction to PeopleSoft" sessions starting Tuesday, April 22.

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By John Fritz, Director of New Media Learning and Development

Orientation Schedule


Each session can accomodate 12 participants in ECS 025 and will last one hour. Register online to reserve a place.

Tuesday, April 22

Using Internet Explorer (optional), 9:30 a.m.
Introduction to PeopleSoft, 11 a.m.
Introduction to PeopleSoft, 1 p.m.
Introduction to PeopleSoft, 2:30 p.m.

Wednesday, April 23

Using Internet Explorer (optional), 9:30 a.m.
Introduction to PeopleSoft (11 a.m.)

Thursday, April 24

Using Internet Explorer (optional), 1 p.m.
Introduction to PeopleSoft, 2:30 p.m.

Friday, April 25

Using Internet Explorer (optional), 9:30 a.m.
Introduction to PeopleSoft, 11 a.m.

Depending on demand, OIT will schedule and announce more sessions at www.umbc.edu/training.

To help get the campus oriented to PeopleSoft, the Office of Information Technology is offering general "Introduction to PeopleSoft" sessions starting Tuesday, April 22.

While these are not formal training sessions on any finance, procurement or HR functions, they should help the campus become more familiar with general PeopleSoft features like how to login, set "favorites" (or shortcuts) and navigate to key content.

The workshops are appropriate for those with direct human resources, procurement and finance responsiblities as well as managers and supervisors. The sessions will include a demonstration of 1-2 generic tasks in the new human resources and financial systems, as well as PeopleSoft's own online navigation tutorial that participants can use and refer to before core functional training begins in mid May.

Each day an orientation session is scheduled, OIT will also be providing optional hands-on training in using Internet Explorer (IE), which is required for using PeopleSoft. The IE workshops will cover how to find and launch the web browser, subtle differences between IE and Netscape, and generally how to enter and view a Web site.

To register online for either workshop, visit www.umbc.edu/training. For more information on Peoplesoft visit www.umbc.edu/peoplesoft/questions.htm.

Related Article

PeopleSoft Training Plans (Insights Online, March 20, 2003)

Posted by dwinds1

April 9, 2003

Cell Therapy Firm Cognate Therapeutics Moves to UMBC Incubator

Cognate Therapeutics, Inc., a biotech company formed by the state-supported venture fund Toucan Capital, is the newest tenant at techcenter@UMBC, the University of Maryland, Baltimore County's on-campus incubator for emerging and start-up tech companies. Cognate finalized a lease on 14,000 square-feet of office and lab space in late 2002 and is now fully operational.

Cognate Therapeutics, Inc., a biotech company formed by the state-supported venture fund Toucan Capital, is the newest tenant at techcenter@UMBC, the University of Maryland, Baltimore County's on-campus incubator for emerging and start-up tech companies. Cognate finalized a lease on 14,000 square-feet of office and lab space in late 2002 and is now fully operational.

Cognate Therapeutics is focused on regenerative medicine, in particular the repair and regeneration of tissues and organs through the use of cellular therapeutics. Cognate currently provides development services such as GMP manufacturing, preclinical animal studies and quality management.

Cognate also provides clinical and regulatory development for the cellular therapies being developed by the Toucan family of companies including Layton BioSciences, Theradigm and Vesta Therapeutics. These companies' core technologies rely on using stem cells and other cell types to address major tissue engineering markets, such as stroke, spinal cord injury, liver failure and potentially other organ and tissue regeneration applications.

Cognate Therapeutics has key financial support from Toucan II, a $120 million venture capital fund that works closely with the Maryland Technology Development Corporation (TEDCO) and the state's Department of Business and Economic Development. Toucan II is the second venture fund for Bethesda-based Toucan Capital Corp., the small business investment company (SBIC) set up by the two state agencies to specialize in early stage investments.

"We're excited to be at UMBC," said Dr. Alan Smith, Chief Operating Officer of Cognate. "We now have a prime business location to go along with our strong financial support from Toucan. Add our core technology to the mix and we think that's a successful combination."

Smith and Cognate CEO, Dr. Annemarie Moseley, have over 30 years of combined experience in the biotech industry. Prior to starting Cognate, Moseley and Smith both worked at Osiris Therapeutics, Inc., where they served as CEO and COO respectively. Linda Powers, Chairman of Cognate, is an experienced venture capitalist and one of two managing directors of Toucan Capital. Cognate employs 15 people at the techcenter@UMBC location and 15 at its Sunnyvale, CA, location.

"UMBC is delighted to welcome Cognate Therapeutics to our tech center," said UMBC President Freeman Hrabowski. "Combining the talent and experience of Drs. Moseley and Smith, the expertise and innovation of our faculty, and the support of TEDCO and DBED is a very positive development for Maryland's biotech industry."

Philip Singerman, TEDCO's executive director, said "On behalf of the State, TEDCO managed the process of selecting Toucan Capital to receive a $4 million investment by DBED. Toucan's commitment to the State of Maryland is reflected in its investment and creation of Cognate, a central element in their bioscience strategy, and its placement of the company at the UMBC Tech Center."

"Cognate Therapeutics is the type of tenant company we look for at UMBC," said Ellen Hemmerly, executive director of the UMBC Research Park Corporation. "They have experienced leadership, a solid business plan, a strong financial base from Toucan Capital, and biomedical technology with huge potential." Hemmerly added that Cognate is an excellent prospect for future expansion into bwtech@UMBC, the University's on-campus research and technology park.

About Toucan II:
The Maryland Department of Business and Economic Development is a limited partner in Toucan's fund. Maryland TEDCO helps Toucan identify investment opportunities in Maryland's research universities and federal laboratories. Toucan II is a $120 million venture capital fund specializing in seed and first round funding for start-up companies. The investment focus is about 60% life sciences and 40% IT and other areas.

About techcenter@UMBC and bwtech@UMBC:
techcenter@UMBC offers a dynamic, fully-equipped facility for start-up and emerging companies and is a magnet for high-technology business development. Its specialized environment and services provide the 20 techcenter@UMBC resident companies with a competitive edge. The Maryland Department of Business and Economic Development, the Baltimore County Department of Economic Development, the Greater Baltimore Alliance, the Maryland Technology Development Corporation and area foundations and corporations work with the tech center to attract and retain high-quality companies by facilitating access to capital, and providing other business support services. techcenter@UMBC also promotes strategic alliances among tenants and connections between tenants, UMBC faculty and external companies in the region.

bwtech@UMBC is the University's 41-acre, on-campus business park. With 350,000 square feet of planned office and lab space, bwtech@UMBC is a progressive business environment for the most discerning companies in today's high-tech world. bwtech@UMBC's strong team includes its developer Grosvenor, one of the largest private real estate companies in the world with over 400 years of investment and development roots, and Colliers Pinkard. bwtech@UMBC is home to RWD Technologies' eLearning and eCommerce division, RWD Applied Technology Solutions.

Posted by dwinds1

April 7, 2003

CNN Market Reporter to Forecast Future of IT Stocks

Rhonda Schaffler, New York Stock Exchange Senior Correspondent for CNNfn and CNN Business News, will discuss "The Economic Outlook for Information Technology" at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County's (UMBC) "Visionaries in Information Technology (IT)" breakfast forum on April 16th. The forum will be held from 7:30 to 9:30 a.m. at the Baltimore Marriott Waterfront Hotel. Admission to the event is free and a continental breakfast is included.

Rhonda Schaffler, New York Stock Exchange Senior Correspondent for CNNfn and CNN Business News, will discuss "The Economic Outlook for Information Technology" at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County's (UMBC) "Visionaries in Information Technology (IT)" breakfast forum on April 16th. The breakfast forum will be held from 7:30 to 9:30 a.m. at the Baltimore Marriott Waterfront Hotel. Admission to the event is free and a continental breakfast is included.

"With world events making today's market even tougher to predict, we're excited to bring some valuable, timely advice from a nationally known expert like CNN's Rhonda Schaffler to the greater Baltimore region's IT community," said Greg Simmons, Associate Director of Corporate Relations at UMBC. "Rhonda has her thumb on the market's pulse every day and I'm sure that she will have some savvy insights to offer IT investors and professionals from across the Baltimore/Washington area."

Schaffler is the New York Stock Exchange senior correspondent for CNNfn and CNN Business News, the division of the CNN News Group that produces business news and updates for CNN/U.S., CNN International, CNN Headline News, CNN Airport Network, CNNRadio and the Web site CNNfn.com. Schaffler is also the anchor of Market Call, which offers an insightful look at the markets and business news during the first half of the trading day. Schaffler provides viewers with an understanding of early market trading and a well-connected perspective on activity that may lie ahead in the business day.

Schaffler joined CNN Business News as a field producer in 1995 and was promoted to correspondent in November 1996. Prior to joining CNN, Schaffler served as a reporter and writer covering business and general news for WPHL-TV's Inquirer News Tonight in Philadelphia.

The Visionaries in IT Forum series offers a twist on traditional networking by directly connecting representatives from regional financial and IT companies with UMBC students and faculty in their fields. For more information and to register, please visit: http://techport.umbc.edu/partners/visionary.asp

The UMBC Visionaries in Information Technology Forum breakfast series was established in 2000 to help elevate the prominence and recognition of Maryland as a central hub of information and emerging technologies. Over the past three years, the forum has drawn over 2,600 IT professionals, research scientists, UMBC faculty and students. Proceeds from sponsorship support IT-related majors at UMBC.

Posted by dwinds1

April 6, 2003

UMBC Chess Wins First-Ever President's Cup

The University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC) Chess Team further solidified its place as one of the greatest in the history of college chess with its first-ever President's Cup title, secured on April 6 with a win over arch-rival University of Texas, Dallas (UTD).

Baltimore, Md. The University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC) Chess Team further solidified its place as one of the greatest in the history of college chess with its first-ever President's Cup title, secured on April 6 with a win over arch-rival University of Texas, Dallas (UTD).

The President's Cup, also known as the Final Four of college chess, was held at World Chess Hall of Fame in Miami, FL and pitted UMBC against UTD, the University of Chicago and Miami Dade Community College. The schools were chosen based on their performance at the Pan American Intercollegiate Chess Championships held in December where UMBC won its sixth Pan Am title in seven years.

While the UMBC team has clearly been dominant at the Pan Ams, they were not able to best the team from Texas, which has won the past two President's Cups. UMBC and UTD have developed quite a rivlalry, meeting in the finals of the Pan Ams and the President's Cup time and time again over the past three years.

UMBC's team included: Grandmaster Alex Onischuk (Alex the Invincible); Grandmaster Pawel Blehm (The Polish Magician); Grandmaster Alex Sherzer (The Surgeon); International Master Pascal Charbonneau (The Frenchman); and International Master Eugene Perelshtyen (Captain).

Posted by dwinds1

April 4, 2003

Computer Mania Day Aims to Get Girls Excited about Technology

Three hundred sixth and seventh grade girls from Baltimore and Howard County Public Schools will spend a half-day with some of the top women in information technology (IT), learning about how technology can be an exciting part of their lives now and in the future. Dr. Sally Ride, the first American woman in space, will launch the four-hour Computer Mania Day program to be held at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC) on Saturday, May 3, 2003 from 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

BALTIMORE, Md. Three hundredsixth and seventh grade girls from Baltimore and Howard County Public Schoolswill spend a half-day with some of the top women in information technology(IT), learning about how technology can be an exciting part of their livesnow and in the future. Dr. Sally Ride, the first American woman in space,will launch the four-hour Computer Mania Day program to be held at theUniversity of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC) on Saturday, May 3, 2003from 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Students will work in small groups,rotating between interactive demonstration sessions covering such topicsas fingerprint technology, designing the next generation of the Internetand the role of technology on Wall Street. Students will also visitbooths where area high schools will present information and encourage participationin their elective IT courses and programs.

A parallel parent and teacher programwill complement the day by providing information about causes for girls'low enrollment in technology courses and what parents can do to encouragegirls to embrace technology. Dr. Ride will provide the keynoteaddress. Dr. Nancy S. Grasmick, State Superintendent of Schools,will provide remarks relative to the IT education in the State's K-12 system.

Throughout the day, students willhave an opportunity to speak with women who are already working in IT andfemale high school and college students studying Information Technology.

Shirley Collier, CEO of ParagonSmart Technologies and co-chair of Computer Mania Day, said Thisprogram is an important first step in addressing the under enrollment ofwomen in IT. The program will help middle school girls see that womenand girls interested in IT are not geeks. It's fun for everyone,it's intellectually and financially rewarding and it's cool.

Computer Mania Day is based on aprogram that Ms. Collier chaired from 1995 1998 in Howard County.That program successfully increased the percentage of high school girlsin elective IT classes in Howard County Public School System from 20% to50%. Unfortunately, since the program ended, those numbers appearto be slipping.

This is consistent with the nationaldata. In spite of reports that the Internet gender gap is closing,women are still seriously under-represented as developers of IT, and theyare often not well served as IT users. Women make up 51 percent of thepopulation and earn more than half of all bachelor-level degrees awarded,but earn only about one-quarter of the bachelor-level computer and informationsciences degrees awarded in the U.S. down from the 1980s when those numberswere in the mid 30's. Business and educators alike are concernedabout what this means for long-term growth in the IT industry. Decisionsare being made now by middle school students that will have an impact onthe workforce five to ten years down the road.

"Computer Mania will help young girlsto explore the use of technology and IT career options, said State Superintendentof Schools Nancy Grasmick. With exposure during this stage, girls willhave better opportunities to participate in high school Career TechnologyEducation courses and programs, especially those leading to high-skillcareers."

Research shows that the IT gendergap opens as early as the middle school years, when girls are most image-consciousand do not want to be labeled as geeks or nerds. Girls make up only14.3% of the students who take Advanced Placement courses in computer science,a key to success in IT-related fields at the college level.

If we want to increase the numberof women in IT careers, we need to reach them when they're youngideally,in middle schooland get them excited about technology, said Dr. JoanKorenman, Director of the Center for Women and Information Technology. The good news is that we know Computer Mania Day can do this, and itwill be open to girls throughout the state. This is our first yearso we will limit the numbers to three hundred, but next year we hope toinvite many more girls and their parents and teachers.

Sheila Heinze, CEO of SM Consultingand the other co-chair of Computer Mania Day, has provided multiple staffto work on this event. As an IT business owner, I appreciate theimportance of a diverse workforce, but I find it difficult to find thewomen to hire. If we want women to be full participants in usingand developing IT, we need to roll up our sleeves, work together, and makeit happen.
For more information on ComputerMania Day, go to http://www.computer-mania.infoFor more information on women and information technology, go to http://www.umbc.edu/cwit

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NOTE TO EDITORS: High-resolution versions of the Computer Mania Day logo and press shot of Sally Ride are available.
Click here for Sally Ride
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The Center for Women and InformationTechnology (CWIT) established at the University of Maryland BaltimoreCounty (UMBC) in July, 1998, seeks to address and rectify the above-mentionedproblems and to enhance our understanding of the relationship between genderand IT. The Center has a four-fold mission: to encourage more women andgirls to study computer science and/or information systems and to pursuecareers in IT; to enable all women and girls to use IT comfortably andknowledgeably; to assure that the richness and breadth of women's livesand concerns are fully represented and readily available on the Internet;and to foster research concerning the relationship between gender and IT.The Center plans to accomplish its mission through varied initiatives.Three projects already under way are the CWIT Scholars Program, the SpeakersSeries, and the CWIT web site, which ABCNews.com has called "the best resourceon women and technology on the Web."

Posted by dwinds1

April 3, 2003

Japanese Music Festival Comes to UMBC

As the cherry blossoms bloom in DC, another gift from Japan is in residence at UMBC - the Music of Japan Today Festival.

As the cherry blossoms bloom in DC, another gift from Japan is in residence at UMBC - the Music of Japan Festival. This is the first time this event has been held in the Baltimore-Washington area, having previously been held at Hamilton College in New York. The brainchild of music professors E. Michael Richards and Kazuko Tanosaki, this five-day extravaganza will feature performances by several guest composers, by RUCKUS, UMBC's contemporary music ensemble, and student ensembles, a dance performance, as well as lectures on the evolution of Japanese music.

Putting together this event was not an easy undertaking. "This is probably the largest festival of Japanese music outside of Japan," says Richards. "We are trying to combine music history and theory with performance."

"The topics of the lectures are varied," Richards adds, "It ranges from Japanese composition to Japanese rap music."

There is a strong student presence in this festival. This semester, Tanosaki is teaching MUSC 480: Topics in Music, Art and Society - Japanese Music and Culture. Students from this class will be performing in the piece entitled Calling Together. They will be focusing on the musical properties of language, tone and pitch. "[The work] takes on a musical quality because of the words that they choose and they way that they speak them," Richards says.

Four guest composers will be in attendance at the festival: Toshi Ichiyanagi, Joji Yuasa, Akira Nishimura, and Tokuhide Niimi. This decorated and world-renowned quartet will lecture and perform. Their compositions will be performed by both RUCKUS and student ensembles. "Just about all of the music will be by Japanese composers," Richards says. "It's been a lot of work, but we're all very excited."

The Music of Japan Today festival runs through April 6. For more information and a schedule of events, go to www.umbc.edu/arts or call (410) 455-MUSC.

Jennifer Leigh Gibson

Posted by dwinds1

Community Essay by Reginald Nettles, Director (Retired), University Counseling Center

As many of you may know, I recently retired from the position of Director, University Counseling Services at UMBC. Leaving UCS after 10 years also marks the end of my career in college student mental health, which spans some 30 years. Prior to coming to UMBC, I held several positions in college and university counseling settings, both public and private, in New York City, Washington, D.C., and finally Maryland. I feel privileged to have been able to spend the latter third of my college and university counseling center career at UMBC during this period as it has become one of the premier institutions of higher education in the nation.

While no two colleges or university counseling centers can be the same, I was privileged to have been able to join a counseling center that was already well established with 10 years of full accreditation by The International Association of Counseling Services. IACS accreditation is a prestigious distinction, but its substance is more noteworthy. More than any other set of guidelines, IACS Standards provide the basis for a university counseling center uniquely and intentionally designed with the needs of college and university students, the educational community and its mission in mind.

Individual and group counseling, emergency and crisis intervention services, referral resources, outreach programming, consultation to faculty and staff, program evaluation/research, and training for graduate students in mental health and paraprofessional staff, are all among the core services expected of IACS accredited centers. UCS has held IACS accreditation now for over 20 years, and had its second successful 10-year field visit in 2001. I am grateful for the consultation and guidance of IACS throughout my tenure at UCS.

Between 1995 and 1999, I also served as director of Student Health Services at UMBC. With the collaborative efforts of our UMBC Procurement and Management Advisory Services departments during these difficult years, we were able to salvage a moribund health center, develop its first RFP for Health Insurance for International Students, and develop cash handling procedures that provided for safety and security of its revenues. We were also, with collaboration of the Department of Family Medicine, University of Maryland Medical Systems, able to establish a physician's services contract that has provided the necessary support for the nurse practitioner model to remain viable to date. Sincere thanks to all who made those successes possible.

I owe a special debt of gratitude to the officers of the Division of Student Affairs that I have reported to and learned from since coming to UMBC: Drs. Susan T. Kitchen, Charles (Tot) Woolston, Charles Fey, Deb Moriarty, and finally Felicia McGinty, for various periods. I know I am not alone in owing a debt of gratitude to UMBC's President, Freeman Hrabowski. Over the years, Dr. Hrabowski has referred many students to me and to others at UCS. Always caring and concerned, and equally respectful of their privacy, his understanding of college student development and the work of UCS has been a constant source of support throughout my tenure at UMBC.

Many highly skilled and dedicated staff members have also made my stay at UMBC rewarding. Dr. Bonnie Johnsen, who interviewed me for the job at the American Psychological Association Convention in Washington, D.C., August 1992, and Jaheda Begum, UCS Office Supervisor and Administrative Assistant, for eight years, together have kept UCS afloat through the leanest of times. Drs. Wendy Buskey and Keum-Hyeong Choi of UCS will continue to work with Dr. Johnsen and now Interim Director Nancy West in the months to come.

Last, but certainly not least, my sincere thanks to the many students of UMBC who have allowed me the honor and privilege of sharing your confidences and innermost struggles as you unburden, and journey on to fulfillment of your dreams. Your trust is nothing short of sacred. I am grateful to each of you for sharing so freely and honor you for having had the courage to do so. My work with each of you has been most important and fulfilling throughout my career in college student mental health. Thank you.

On a sad note, UCS has been ravaged by the current statewide budget crisis and hiring freeze. UCS will be down to three full-time psychologists after April 1, its lowest level on record. The number of students at UMBC is now at an all time high of over 11,700, and the residence hall population is now over 3,000. In addition, the new organizational structure for UCS, driven by budget constraints, leaves UCS at risk for loosing its IACS accreditation.

We have learned a great deal about college students and their mental health needs over the last 30 years. Increases in utilization of college and university counseling services nationally are well known. The stresses of college student life are measurably higher than in decades past. Many major universities are augmenting their campus mental health services because of the increased need among students. It is my hope that the university leadership team will find the funds needed to replenish UCS staff to a level that would permit it to continue to provide vital supports to increasingly higher percentages of UMBC students. Thank you for giving it your best shot!

Posted by dwinds1

April 2, 2003

UMBC Junior from Baltimore City Wins National Public Service Scholarship

Alicia Wilson, a UMBC Public Affairs Scholar and former valedictorian at Mergenthaler HS (Baltimore), has been awarded the prestigious Harry S. Truman Scholarship, awarded annually to 75 outstanding college juniors who are preparing for careers in government. Wilson is majoring in political science and plans to pursue joint degrees in public interest law and urban policy after completing her studies at UMBC.

BALTIMORE, Md. Alicia Wilson, a UMBC Public Affairs Scholar and former valedictorian at Mergenthaler HS (Baltimore), has been awarded the prestigious Harry S. Truman Scholarship, awarded annually to 75 outstanding college juniors who are preparing for careers in government. Wilson is majoring in political science and plans to pursue joint degrees in public interest law and urban policy after completing her studies at UMBC.

The Truman Scholarship, the official federal memorial to America's 33rd president, is a $30,000 merit-based grant awarded to undergraduate students who need financial support to attend graduate or professional school in preparation for careers in government. The Truman Foundation is particularly interested in students who have extensive records of public and community service, are committed to careers in government or elsewhere in public service, and have outstanding leadership potential and communication skills.

Alicia enters each new situation with the expectation that she can do something positive, and she has a wonderful way of relating to others so that the positive becomes more likely, said Roy Meyers, director of the Public Affairs Scholars Program.

Wilson, a native of Baltimore City and valedictorian of her class at Merganthaler Vocational-Technical High School, draws on her experiences growing up in inner-city Baltimore for inspiration to help others realize their dreams.

As a resident of the inner city, at many times in my life I have had to beat the odds and expectations that many have for someone with my background. My story is not unlike many coming from an urban environment, but what has made all the difference was the supportive people in my life. My family, friends, and mentors have given me overwhelming support and set me on the course to achieve great things. It is my goal to help others as I have been helped.

Wilson is engaged in public service efforts both on campus and off. She works as a change leader for Oxfam America, organizing hunger and social justice awareness events at college campuses across the country, from Harvard to Georgia Tech. She is Director of Community Service for UMBC's NAACP Chapter and a regional conference delegate with the University's Model United Nations group.

Wilson spends time in the city as a Literacy Tutor with Baltimore City's Learning Bank Adult Literacy Program and a Peer Counselor with Baltimoreans United in Leadership Development (BUILD is the city's labor-faith organization coalition for school and neighborhood improvement). She has held a legal internship with a Maryland Circuit Court judge, and worked for five summers with Baltimore's Public Justice Center.

My career goals and aspirations have been greatly shaped by my experiences living in the city of Baltimore, said Wilson. As a resident of Baltimore and a student of the public school system, I have been able to witness the difference that an adequate education can make in the life of an individual.

The time to perform service is now. It is not contingent upon my social status or background, rather it is contingent upon my willingness to help. Armed with knowledge of the problems and ways to address them, I have been able to understand that it is not impossible for one person or small group to make a difference and that it is not too idealistic to believe that change can happen.

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The Truman Foundation is a federal executive branch agency that administers the Truman Scholarship program. The agency is governed by a board of trustees appointed by the President and Congress, endowed by a $55 million trust fund in the U.S. Treasury, and supported by a staff of six and more than 100 distinguished public servants and former Truman Scholars who participate in the selection process.

The UMBC Public Affairs Scholars Program supports talented undergraduate students interested in pursuing careers in government and politics, the non-profit sector, corporations and the community. Students learn about American and world societies, develop a deep understanding of public policy and acquire skills for being effective public leaders. Drawing upon the strengths of UMBC's faculty and the wealth of opportunities in the Baltimore-Washington corridor, Public Affairs Scholars link theory and practice.

Posted by dwinds1

April 1, 2003

UMBC and Achillion Pharmaceuticals Research Identifies New Class of Agents With Potential to Treat HIV/AIDS

Researchers from The University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC) and Achillion Pharmaceuticals today announced the discovery of a new target on the HIV molecule that could potentially lead to a new class of drugs to fight the virus that causes AIDS. The study, headed by Dr. Michael Summers, UMBC professor of chemistry/biochemistry and Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI) Investigator, is featured on the cover of this week's Journal of Molecular Biology.

Researchers from The University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC) and Achillion Pharmaceuticals today announced the discovery of a new target on the HIV molecule that could potentially lead to a new class of drugs to fight the virus that causes AIDS. The study, headed by Dr. Michael Summers, UMBC professor of chemistry/biochemistry and Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI) Investigator, is featured on the cover of this week's Journal of Molecular Biology.

Click here for hi-resolution photos accompanying this story.

"The greatest challenge in treating HIV today is drug resistance brought on when the virus mutates and renders existing drugs ineffective at stopping viral replication," said Summers. "Our research has led to the identification of a new class of compounds that inhibit a novel target in HIV. These compounds disrupt the assembly of the HIV-1 capsid protein, which is a vital step in changing immature, non-infectious HIV into its mature, infectious form."

According to Summers, "Investigators around the world have been looking at the HIV-1 capsid protein as a potential anti-viral drug target for more than a decade, and we are therefore particularly pleased to finally have solid leads to guide these efforts. While we are encouraged by the laboratory tests of the compounds we've identified so far, additional testing needs to be undertaken before this approach can be tested in humans."

The discovery is all the more remarkable considering the youth of Summers' research team at UMBC, a group of two graduate and two undergraduate students. The team includes biochemistry graduate student Chun Tang; sixteen-year-old college sophomore and Presidential Fellow Erin Loeliger; Meyerhoff Scholar and HHMI Undergraduate Scholar Isaac Kinde; and former Meyerhoff Scholar Samson Kyere, now an MD/PhD student at the University of Maryland, Baltimore.

Dr. Summers and his team identified the target at the UMBC HHMI Lab and discovered a number of compounds that bound to a specific area of the capsid protein thought to play a key role in the assembly process necessary for HIV to mature to its infectious form. The identification process leveraged the nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) technology resources and target validation expertise at Summers' HHMI laboratory.

Once the new capsid assembly target and compounds inhibiting the target were identified using computer models, researchers from Achillion Pharmaceuticals, a privately held firm located in New Haven, CT, tested the compounds in a number of biochemical assays, as well as in human cells infected with live HIV. These experiments demonstrated that the anti-HIV activity of inhibitors was indeed due to disruption of the HIV-1 capsid protein. Three patents have been filed based on the findings reported in today's publication.

"These findings offer exciting opportunities for the discovery of new drugs to treat HIV," said William G. Rice, Ph.D., CEO of Achillion Pharmaceuticals. "These compounds are part of the portfolio of drug candidates we are building to treat infectious diseases, including antiviral drugs to treat hepatitis B and C viruses (HBV and HCV) and HIV. Achillion will continue to collaborate with Dr. Summers' team to identify additional candidates for optimization and clinical testing."

"This work is yet another pivotal achievement on the part of Dr. Summers and his students," says Anthony S. Fauci, M.D., director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID). "The fact that undergraduate students played pivotal roles in this research makes it even more impressive." The UMBC team's research is funded in part by NIAID, a component of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), along with the National Institute of General Medical Sciences and the Howard Hughes Medical Institute.

About HIV/AIDS

HIV/AIDS continues to be a major worldwide health issue, with over 40 million people estimated by the World Health Organization to be living with HIV/AIDS worldwide in 2002, including over 900,000 individuals in the US. Drug resistance remains a major issue in the treatment of HIV/AIDS. The Centers for Disease Control estimates that over one half of US HIV/AIDS patients are infected with strains that are resistant to at least one class of existing drugs, and that up to 16 percent of new HIV infections are due to drug-resistant strains. New classes of drugs working through novel mechanisms are needed to add to the combination therapy, or "drug cocktail", that is the standard of care for suppressing HIV replication in patients.

About the UMBC Research Team

Dr. Summers' previous work on the protein structure of HIV, particularly with undergraduate students, has received much national attention. Working from the only Howard Hughes Medical Institute lab at a public university in Maryland, Dr. Summers and his students have successfully solved three of the seven protein structures which make up HIV. Dr. Summers has also been nationally recognized for his work mentoring undergraduate and graduate student researchers in his lab through the Meyerhoff Scholars Program at UMBC. In 2000, Dr. Summers was one of ten national recipients of the 2000 Presidential Award for Excellence in Science, Mathematics and Engineering Mentoring. The award is administered and funded through the National Science Foundation (NSF).

About Achillion

Achillion www.achillion.com) is a privately-held pharmaceutical company focused on the discovery, development and commercialization of innovative small molecule drugs that combat drug resistance in infectious diseases. Achillion's drug development pipeline is led by the product candidate elvucitabine (Beta-L-Fd4C or ACH-126,443), which is currently in human clinical trials for the treatment of infections caused by hepatitis B virus or human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Achillion's drug discovery pipeline embodies an innovative program-based approach to identifying new infectious disease targets and designing small molecule drugs to attack these targets, with a particular emphasis on antiviral drugs to treat diseases caused by hepatitis B and C viruses (HBV and HCV), HIV, and new antimicrobial drugs.

Posted by dwinds1

UMBC Center for Health Program Development and Management Presents Symposium on Minority Doctors and Socially Vulnerable Populations in Maryland

The relationships among managed care, minority physicians, and the provision of health care services to vulnerable populations, including racial minorities, in Maryland will be examined at a half-day symposium sponsored by the Center for Health Program Development and Management at UMBC. National and Maryland-specific policy issues and alternatives drawn from Maryland Physician Survey data will also be examined. The symposium will be held on Wednesday, March 26, from 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. in the UMBC Technology Center.

The relationships among managed care, minority physicians, and the provision of health care services to vulnerable populations, including racial minorities, in Maryland will be examined at a half-day symposium sponsored by the Center for Health Program Development and Management at UMBC. National and Maryland-specific policy issues and alternatives drawn from Maryland Physician Survey data will also be examined. The symposium will be held on Wednesday, March 26, from 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. in the UMBC Technology Center.

The Maryland Study on Physician Experience with Managed Care (Maryland Physician Survey) is a comprehensive survey that measures the experience of over 3,000 Maryland physicians in the growing managed care environment. Subject areas covered in the survey include practice characteristics, reimbursement levels, administrative requirements, physician-patient relationship, perceptions of managed care, managed care contracts and physician commitment and satisfaction. The Center for Health Program Development and Management developed and conducted the survey on behalf of the Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene in 2000 based on a request from the Maryland legislature.

The symposium consists of three presentation sessions: Managed Care and Physician Practice (9:30-10); Managed Care and Physician-Patient Relationships (10:15-11); and Managed Care and Socially Vulnerable Populations (11:15-11:45), to be followed by a keynote presentation by Marsha Lillie-Blanton, Vice President, Kaiser Family Foundation and closing panels and participant reactions (11:45-2:30).

The day's presenters are:

Llewellyn Cornelius, Ph.D.
Llewellyn Cornelius is currently an associate professor and the associate director of theInstitute for Human Services Policy at the University of Maryland, School of Social Work. He received his doctorate from the University of Chicago, School of Social Services Administration and has extensive research experience in examining access to Medical Delivery and the Outcome of Care for African Americans and Latinos. Cornelius is a recipient of the University of Chicago's 1996 Elizabeth Butler young alumni award for his contributions to health care research on African Americans and Latinos and was inducted into the Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi.

Mary Catherine Beach, M.D., M.P.H.
Mary Catherine Beach is an assistant professor of Medicine in the Johns Hopkins Schoolof Medicine, a core faculty member in the Phoebe R. Berman Bioethics Institute and a board-certified general internist. She currently serves as an associate editor of the Journal of General Internal Medicine. Beach also completed a Greenwall Fellowship in Bioethics and Health Policy, during which she worked for Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton on health policy issues in the U.S. Senate. Her research focuses on the ethical foundation for patient-physician interactions and on disparities in interpersonal aspects of care for ethnic minorities. She received her B.A. from Barnard, M.D. from Mount Sinai and M.P.H. from Johns Hopkins.

Marsha Lillie-Blanton, Dr.P.H.
Vice president of the Henry J. Kaiser Family Foundation, Marsha Lillie-Blanton directs the policy research on access to care for vulnerable populations. Prior to joining the foundation, she served as associate director of health services quality and public health issues of the U.S. General Accounting Office. She has over 15 years of work experience in health policy research and management positions. Lillie-Blanton currently holds an adjunct faculty position in the JHU School of Public Health, where she earned her master's and doctorate degree. Her primary research and policy interests are in the areas of substance abuse, HIV/AIDS and minority health.

Lisa Cooper, M.D., M.P.H.
Lisa Cooper is an associate professor of medicine and health policy and management,a core faculty member in the Welch Center for Prevention, Epidemiology & Clinical Research at Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions and an active full-time member of the Johns Hopkins Hospital Medical Staff. She is a board-certified general internist, health services researcher and medical educator. Cooper received her medical degree from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Her research focuses on patient involvement in medical decision-making and access to health care for African Americans, particularly as they relate to treatment of common problems in primary care settings. Her recent work has identified patient-physician communication as an important contributor to racial and ethnic disparities in health care.

Todd Eberly
Before joining the center, Todd Eberly was a policy analyst for the American Medical Directors Association. He has over six years of experience in public health program financing and policy. Eberly has been a primary or contributing author on several studies and was an editor and columnist for a bi-monthly industry newsletter. Eberly graduated cum laude from Clarion University with a bachelor's degree in political science. He is currently pursuing his doctorate in the Policy Sciences Graduate Program at UMBC.

Keith Elder, Ph.D.
Keith Elder is an NIH Minority Pre-Doctoral Fellowship recipient. His fields of interest include managed care, minority health and racial disparities as it relates to access and quality of care. Elder obtained his Ph.D. in policy sciences from UMBC and has a master's degree in public health and public administration from the University of Alabama at Birmingham. His dissertation focused on managed care's impact on minority

Sipi Gupta
Sipi Gupta is a candidate for the M.A. degree in applied sociology at UMBC. She isa graduate of UMBC.

David R. Nerenz, Ph.D.
A professor in the College of Human Medicine at Michigan State University (MSU) and director of MSU's Institute for Health Care Studies, David Nerenz is responsible for directing a set of research and continuing education activities that have the ultimate goal of improving quality of care in the state's Medicaid program. He is a published author in the health care industry and his research interests include quality of care and performance measures for health plans and health care delivery systems; racial disparities in health care; risk adjustment models and use of patient surveys for obtaining data on quality of care. Nerenz obtained his Ph.D. in social psychology from the University of Wisconsin and his master's degree in psychology from the University of California, San Diego.

William G. Rothstein, Ph.D.
William Rothstein is professor of sociology in the Department of Sociology and Anthropology at UMBC. He is the author of several books on the history of American medicine, including his forthcoming Public Health and the Risk Factor: A History of an Uneven Medical Revolution, to be published this spring by the University of Rochester Press. His interests also include cultural differences in health beliefs and other aspects of medical sociology.

Stephanie Sims-Boykin, M.D.
Stephanie Sims-Boykin is an assistant professor in the Department of Family Medicine at the University of Maryland School of Medicine. She is a graduate of Howard University College of Medicine and practices in an urban underserved community where she sees a large number of Medicaid and managed care patients. She completed a one-year faculty development fellowship at the University of California at San Diego in the Department of Family Medicine, focusing on Addressing the Health Needs of the Underserved. Sims-Boykin is responsible for resident and medical student education and spends 40 percent of her time in direct patient care. She also holds interest in women's health and preventive medicine, with a focus on cancer health disparities. She is currently the principal investigator on an NCI sponsored pilot project, "Factors Affecting Mammograms by Race and SES."

Posted by dwinds1

March 21, 2003

Religious Scholar Karen Armstrong to Examine Rise of Fundamentalism

In a rare U.S. appearance, religious scholar Karen Armstrong will discuss the rise of Christian, Jewish, and Muslim fundamentalism as a response to modernity in an upcoming Humanities Forum lecture at UMBC. Armstrong's talk, "The Battle for God," will be held Tuesday, April 15 at 7:00 p.m. in UMBC's University Center Ballroom.

In a rare U.S. appearance, religious scholar and best-selling author Karen Armstrong will discuss the rise of Christian, Jewish, and Muslim fundamentalism as a response to modernity in an upcoming Humanities Forum lecture at UMBC. Armstrong's talk, "The Battle for God," will be held Tuesday, April 15 at 7:00 p.m. in UMBC's University Center Ballroom.

Armstrong is one of the most vigorous and incisive commentators on religious affairs writing today. She turned to the comparative study of religions after leaving the convent where she spent seven years as a Roman Catholic nun. Armstrong currently teaches at the Leo Baeck College for the Study of Judaism and has written many books on world religion, including the best-selling A History of God, The Battle for God, and Muhammad: A Biography of the Prophet.

This event is part of UMBC's Spring 2003 Humanities Forum lecture series and is free and open to the public. It is co-sponsored at UMBC by the Center for the Humanities, The Honors College, Summer and Winter Programs, and Friends of the Albin O. Kuhn Library and Gallery.

For more information, visit http://www.umbc.edu/humanities/forum.html or call 410-455-6798.

Posted by dwinds1

March 19, 2003

PeopleSoft Training Plans

testY_CLOB()

PeopleSoft Training Plans

Spring Training Timeline
Early April Finance & HR Staff training begins (through implementation)
System training begins
Mid April Introduction to PeopleSoft sessions begin
End of April Peer mentor training begins*
Mid May to End of July In-depth training for employees with financial responsibilities*
Early June to Mid July In-depth training for employees with HR responsibilities*
July 1 Go Live
* OIT will work with training coordinators in each division to schedule training (see below)

As thePeopleSoft project prepares to launch new human resources and financial serviceson July 1,

usertraining plans are starting to emerge. For example:

Currently, the Delta Steering Committee estimates about 400 employees will trainand work with at least one of seven PeopleSoft touchpoints related to finance,procurement and human resources. These include:

Finance
-
General ledger andfinancial reporting
-
Grant proposals

Procurement
-
PCard reallocation
-
Requisitions

HumanResources
-
Timesheets/entry
-
Payroll
-
New hires

Currently, the Delta Project'sFinance Module Advisory Committee (MAC) is working with divisions to identifywho needs PeopleSoft training. The HR MAC will be conducting a similar survey.

Because the PeopleSoft implementation is so broad, the Delta Steering Committeeis establishing a divisional model to coordinate end-user training and support.By March 31, each division will appoint a training coordinator who will

oHelp make surethe right people are identified for training;
oWork within thedivision to provide backup and support, if necessary, when people areoutfor training;
oIdentify peermentors within the division for early training;
o
Work with OIT toreschedule training, if necessary;
o
Keep thedivision head apprised of progress in training people; and
o
Provide feedbackon training back to the Delta Steering Committee

In addition, each division will identify peer trainers who can assist withfollow up support. Once identified, these division peer mentors will be amongthe first cohort to receive PeopleSoft training near the end of April. Thenumber of peer trainers may vary with the size of each division, but each onewill be supported by the Delta team as well as OIT's New Media Learning &Developmentunit. In addition to helping respond to user questions, perhaps on acampus-wide PeopleSoft listserve, peer trainers will also work closely with eachdivision's training coordinator to help identify issues or concerns to the DeltaSteering Committee.

The Delta Steering Committee has hired Donna Meek, a PeopleSoft trainingconsultant with seven years experience, including one year with the most recentversion (8) that UMBC will be implementing. Her clients have included AirCanada, the US Mint, Bell Atlantic, Honda America, Capital One, and Freddie Mac.After working at her alma mater Penn State as a grants and contract analystsheearned a bachelor's degree in accounting in 1983 and her teaching certificationin secondary English in 1990Meek taught in a local high school on a part-timebasis for five years. She then began her PeopleSoft financials consultingpractice which has included creating documentation and developing courses forPeopleSoft General Ledger, Accounts Payable, Purchasing, nVision, Query, CostManagement, Budgets, Projects, eExpense, and eProcurement. She started at UMBCon March 17 and will be developing an overall training plan as well assupporting documentation and workshops.

To help get the campus oriented to the new system, Introduction to PeopleSoftgeneral orientation sessions will likely begin in mid-April. While these are notformal training sessions on any finance, procurement or HR functions, theyshould help the campus become more familiar with general PeopleSoft featureslike how to login, set personal preferences and navigate to key content. Thiswill be useful for prospective users as well as managers and supervisors. Lookfor an orientation session schedule the first week of April atwww.umbc.edu/peoplesoft andwww.umbc.edu/training.

Since the ramp-up for training is intense, all OIT training workshops currentlyscheduled after April 1 have been cancelled. OIT's training coordinator, Marie Toomes (x53679 or marie@umbc.edu),will schedule refresher courses on Windows basics, using email or the Web fordepartments who feel this would help them be more efficient with a Web-basedsystem like PeopleSoft. But for the next 4-6 months, most of OIT's trainingefforts will be focused on PeopleSoft.

Whilethe breadth of PeopleSoft use almost dictates a divisional model of usersupport, I also think this approach reflects UMBC's day-to-day business culturevery well, says Jack Suess, UMBC's chief information officer and theDelta Project's director.

For moreinformation on PeopleSoft, visitwww.umbc.edu/peoplesoft.

Posted by dwinds1

Test

testY_CLOB()

PeopleSoft Training Plans

Spring Training Timeline

Early April

Finance & HR Staff training begins  (through implementation)

System testing begins

 

Mid April

Introduction to PeopleSoft sessions begin

 

End of April

Peer mentor training begins*

 

Mid May to  End of July

In-depth training for employees with financial responsibilities*

 

Early June to Mid July

In-depth training for employees with HR responsibilities*

 

July 1

Go Live

 

* OIT will work with training coordinators in each division to schedule training (see below)

 

As thePeopleSoft project prepares to launch new human resources and financial serviceson July 1, user training plans are starting to emerge. For example:

 

       Currently, theDelta Steering Committee estimates about 400 employees will train and work withat least one of seven PeopleSoft touchpoints related to finance, procurementand human resources. These include:

 

o      Finance

- General ledger and financialreporting

- Grant proposals

o      Procurement

- PCard reallocation

- Requisitions

o      Human Resources

- Timesheets/entry

- Payroll

- New hires

 

Currently, the Delta Project'sFinance Module Advisory Committee (MAC) is working with divisions to identifywho needs PeopleSoft training. The HR MAC will be conducting a similar survey.

 

       Because thePeopleSoft implementation is so broad, the Delta Steering Committee isestablishing a divisional model to coordinate end-user training and support. ByMarch 31, each division will appoint a training coordinator who will

o      Help make surethe right people are identified for training;

o      Work within thedivision to provide backup and support, if necessary, when people are out fortraining;

o      Identify peermentors within the division for early training;

o      Work with OIT toreschedule training, if necessary;

o      Keep thedivision head apprised of progress in training people; and

o      Provide feedbackon training back to the Delta Steering Committee

 

       In addition,each division will identify peer trainers who can assist with follow upsupport. Once identified, these division peer mentors will be among the firstcohort to receive PeopleSoft training near the end of April. The number of peertrainers may vary with the size of each division, but each one will be supportedby the Delta team as well as OIT's New Media Learning & Developmentunit. In addition to helping respond to user questions, perhaps on acampus-wide PeopleSoft listserve, peer trainers will also work closely with eachdivision's training coordinator to help identify issues or concerns to the DeltaSteering Committee.

 

       The DeltaSteering Committee has hired Donna Meek, a PeopleSoft training consultantwith seven years experience, including one year with the most recent version (8)that UMBC will be implementing. Her clients have included Air Canada, the USMint, Bell Atlantic, Honda America, Capital One, and Freddie Mac. After workingat her alma mater Penn State as a grants and contract analystshe earned abachelor's degree in accounting in 1983 and her teaching certification insecondary English in 1990Meek taught in a local high school on a part-timebasis for five years. She then began her PeopleSoft financials consultingpractice which has included creating documentation and developing courses forPeopleSoft General Ledger, Accounts Payable, Purchasing, nVision, Query, CostManagement, Budgets, Projects, eExpense, and eProcurement. She started at UMBCon March 17 and will be developing an overall training plan as well assupporting documentation and workshops.

 

       To help get thecampus oriented to the new system, Introduction to PeopleSoft generalorientation sessions will likely begin in mid-April. While these are not formaltraining sessions on any finance, procurement or HR functions, they should helpthe campus become more familiar with general PeopleSoft features like how tologin, set personal preferences and navigate to key content. This will be usefulfor prospective users as well as managers and supervisors. Look for anorientation session schedule the first week of April atwww.umbc.edu/peoplesoft andwww.umbc.edu/training.

 

       Since theramp-up for training is intense, all OIT training workshops currently scheduledafter April 1 have been cancelled. OIT's training coordinator, Marie Toomes(x53679 or marie@umbc.edu), will schedulerefresher courses on Windows basics, using email or the Web for departments whofeel this would help them be more efficient with a Web-based system likePeopleSoft. But for the next 4-6 months, most of OIT's training efforts will befocused on PeopleSoft.

 

Whilethe breadth of PeopleSoft use almost dictates a divisional model of usersupport, I also think this approach reflects UMBC's day-to-day business culturevery well, says Jack Suess, UMBC's chief information officer and the DeltaProject's director.

 

For moreinformation on PeopleSoft, visitwww.umbc.edu/peoplesoft.

Posted by dwinds1

Test

testY_CLOB()

PeopleSoft Training Plans

Spring Training Timeline

Early April

Finance & HR Staff training begins (through implementation)

System testing begins

Mid April

Introduction to PeopleSoft sessions begin

End of April

Peer mentor training begins*

Mid May to End of July

In-depth training for employees with financial responsibilities*

Early June to Mid July

In-depth training for employees with HR responsibilities*

July 1

Go Live

* OIT will work with training coordinators in each division to schedule training (see below)

As thePeopleSoft project prepares to launch new human resources and financial serviceson July 1, user training plans are starting to emerge. For example:

Currently, theDelta Steering Committee estimates about 400 employees will train and work withat least one of seven PeopleSoft touchpoints related to finance, procurementand human resources. These include:

oFinance

- General ledger and financialreporting

- Grant proposals

oProcurement

- PCard reallocation

- Requisitions

oHuman Resources

- Timesheets/entry

- Payroll

- New hires

Currently, the Delta Project'sFinance Module Advisory Committee (MAC) is working with divisions to identifywho needs PeopleSoft training. The HR MAC will be conducting a similar survey.

Because thePeopleSoft implementation is so broad, the Delta Steering Committee isestablishing a divisional model to coordinate end-user training and support. ByMarch 31, each division will appoint a training coordinator who will

oHelp make surethe right people are identified for training;

oWork within thedivision to provide backup and support, if necessary, when people are out fortraining;

oIdentify peermentors within the division for early training;

oWork with OIT toreschedule training, if necessary;

oKeep thedivision head apprised of progress in training people; and

oProvide feedbackon training back to the Delta Steering Committee

In addition,each division will identify peer trainers who can assist with follow upsupport. Once identified, these division peer mentors will be among the firstcohort to receive PeopleSoft training near the end of April. The number of peertrainers may vary with the size of each division, but each one will be supportedby the Delta team as well as OIT's New Media Learning & Developmentunit. In addition to helping respond to user questions, perhaps on acampus-wide PeopleSoft listserve, peer trainers will also work closely with eachdivision's training coordinator to help identify issues or concerns to the DeltaSteering Committee.

The DeltaSteering Committee has hired Donna Meek, a PeopleSoft training consultantwith seven years experience, including one year with the most recent version (8)that UMBC will be implementing. Her clients have included Air Canada, the USMint, Bell Atlantic, Honda America, Capital One, and Freddie Mac. After workingat her alma mater Penn State as a grants and contract analystshe earned abachelor's degree in accounting in 1983 and her teaching certification insecondary English in 1990Meek taught in a local high school on a part-timebasis for five years. She then began her PeopleSoft financials consultingpractice which has included creating documentation and developing courses forPeopleSoft General Ledger, Accounts Payable, Purchasing, nVision, Query, CostManagement, Budgets, Projects, eExpense, and eProcurement. She started at UMBCon March 17 and will be developing an overall training plan as well assupporting documentation and workshops.

To help get thecampus oriented to the new system, Introduction to PeopleSoft generalorientation sessions will likely begin in mid-April. While these are not formaltraining sessions on any finance, procurement or HR functions, they should helpthe campus become more familiar with general PeopleSoft features like how tologin, set personal preferences and navigate to key content. This will be usefulfor prospective users as well as managers and supervisors. Look for anorientation session schedule the first week of April atwww.umbc.edu/peoplesoft andwww.umbc.edu/training.

Since theramp-up for training is intense, all OIT training workshops currently scheduledafter April 1 have been cancelled. OIT's training coordinator, Marie Toomes(x53679 or marie@umbc.edu), will schedulerefresher courses on Windows basics, using email or the Web for departments whofeel this would help them be more efficient with a Web-based system likePeopleSoft. But for the next 4-6 months, most of OIT's training efforts will befocused on PeopleSoft.

Whilethe breadth of PeopleSoft use almost dictates a divisional model of usersupport, I also think this approach reflects UMBC's day-to-day business culturevery well, says Jack Suess, UMBC's chief information officer and the DeltaProject's director.

For moreinformation on PeopleSoft, visitwww.umbc.edu/peoplesoft.

Posted by dwinds1

Symposium: Effects of Managed Care on Minority Doctors and Socially Vulnerable Populations in Maryland

The relationships among managed care, minority physicians, and the provision of health care services to vulnerable populations, including racial minorities, in Maryland will be examined at a half-day symposium sponsored by the Center for Health Program Development and Management at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC).

BALTIMORE The relationships amongmanaged care, minority physicians, and the provision of health care services tovulnerable populations, including racial minorities, in Maryland will beexamined at a half-day symposium sponsored by the Center for Health ProgramDevelopment and Management at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County(UMBC). National and Maryland-specific policy issues and alternatives drawn fromMaryland Physician Survey data will also be examined. The symposium will be heldon Wednesday, March 26, from 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. in the UMBC Technology Center.

The Maryland Study on Physician Experience with Managed Care (Maryland PhysicianSurvey) is a comprehensive survey that measures the experience of over 3,000Maryland physicians in the growing managed care environment. Subject areascovered in the survey include practice characteristics, reimbursement levels,administrative requirements, physician-patient relationship, perceptions ofmanaged care, managed care contracts and physician commitment and satisfaction.The Center for Health Program Development and Management developed and conductedthe survey on behalf of the Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene in2000 based on a request from the Maryland legislature.

The symposium consists of three presentation sessions: Managed Care andPhysician Practice (9:30-10); Managed Care and Physician-Patient Relationships(10:15-11); and Managed Care and Socially Vulnerable Populations (11:15-11:45),to be followed by a keynote presentation by Marsha Lillie-Blanton, VicePresident, Kaiser Family Foundation and closing panels and participant reactions(11:45-2:30).


The day's presenters are:

Llewellyn Cornelius, Ph.D.
Llewellyn Cornelius is currently an associate professor and the associatedirector of the
Institute for Human Services Policy at the University of Maryland, School ofSocial Work. He received his doctorate from the University of Chicago, School ofSocial Services Administration and has extensive research experience inexamining access to Medical Delivery and the Outcome of Care for AfricanAmericans and Latinos. Cornelius is a recipient of the University of Chicago's1996 Elizabeth Butler young alumni award for his contributions to health careresearch on African Americans and Latinos and was inducted into the HonorSociety of Phi Kappa Phi.

Mary Catherine Beach, M.D., M.P.H.
Mary Catherine Beach is an assistant professor of Medicine in the JohnsHopkins School
of Medicine, a core faculty member in the Phoebe R. Berman Bioethics Instituteand a board-certified general internist. She currently serves as an associateeditor of the Journal of General Internal Medicine. Beach also completed aGreenwall Fellowship in Bioethics and Health Policy, during which she worked forSenator Hillary Rodham Clinton on health policy issues in the U.S. Senate. Herresearch focuses on the ethical foundation for patient-physician interactionsand on disparities in interpersonal aspects of care for ethnic minorities. Shereceived her B.A. from Barnard, M.D. from Mount Sinai and M.P.H. from JohnsHopkins.

Marsha Lillie-Blanton, Dr.P.H.
Vice president of the Henry J. Kaiser Family Foundation, MarshaLillie-Blanton directs the policy research on access to care for vulnerablepopulations. Prior to joining the foundation, she served as associate directorof health services quality and public health issues of the U.S. GeneralAccounting Office. She has over 15 years of work experience in health policyresearch and management positions. Lillie-Blanton currently holds an adjunctfaculty position in the JHU School of Public Health, where she earned hermaster's and doctorate degree. Her primary research and policy interests are inthe areas of substance abuse, HIV/AIDS and minority health.

Lisa Cooper, M.D., M.P.H.
Lisa Cooper is an associate professor of medicine and health policy andmanagement,
a core faculty member in the Welch Center for Prevention, Epidemiology &Clinical Research at Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions and an active full-timemember of the Johns Hopkins Hospital Medical Staff. She is a board-certifiedgeneral internist, health services researcher and medical educator. Cooperreceived her medical degree from the University of North Carolina at ChapelHill. Her research focuses on patient involvement in medical decision-making andaccess to health care for African Americans, particularly as they relate totreatment of common problems in primary care settings. Her recent work hasidentified patient-physician communication as an important contributor to racialand ethnic disparities in health care.

Todd Eberly
Before joining the center, Todd Eberly was a policy analyst for the AmericanMedical Directors Association. He has over six years of experience in publichealth program financing and policy. Eberly has been a primary or contributingauthor on several studies and was an editor and columnist for a bi-monthlyindustry newsletter. Eberly graduated cum laude from Clarion University with abachelor's degree in political science. He is currently pursuing his doctoratein the Policy Sciences Graduate Program at UMBC.

Keith Elder, Ph.D.
Keith Elder is an NIH Minority Pre-Doctoral Fellowship recipient. His fieldsof interest include managed care, minority health and racial disparities as itrelates to access and quality of care. Elder obtained his Ph.D. in policysciences from UMBC and has a master's degree in public health and publicadministration from the University of Alabama at Birmingham. His dissertationfocused on managed care's impact on minority

Sipi Gupta
Sipi Gupta is a candidate for the M.A. degree in applied sociology at UMBC.She is
a graduate of UMBC.


David R. Nerenz, Ph.D.
A professor in the College of Human Medicine at Michigan State University (MSU)and director of MSU's Institute for Health Care Studies, David Nerenz isresponsible for directing a set of research and continuing education activitiesthat have the ultimate goal of improving quality of care in the state's Medicaidprogram. He is a published author in the health care industry and his researchinterests include quality of care and performance measures for health plans andhealth care delivery systems; racial disparities in health care; risk adjustmentmodels and use of patient surveys for obtaining data on quality of care. Nerenzobtained his Ph.D. in social psychology from the University of Wisconsin and hismaster's degree in psychology from the University of California, San Diego.

William G. Rothstein, Ph.D.
William Rothstein is professor of sociology in the Department of Sociologyand Anthropology at UMBC. He is the author of several books on the history ofAmerican medicine, including his forthcoming Public Health and the Risk Factor:A History of an Uneven Medical Revolution, to be published this spring by theUniversity of Rochester Press. His interests also include cultural differencesin health beliefs and other aspects of medical sociology.

Stephanie Sims-Boykin, M.D.
Stephanie Sims-Boykin is an assistant professor in the Department of FamilyMedicine at the University of Maryland School of Medicine. She is a graduate ofHoward University College of Medicine and practices in an urban underservedcommunity where she sees a large number of Medicaid and managed care patients.She completed a one-year faculty development fellowship at the University ofCalifornia at San Diego in the Department of Family Medicine, focusing onAddressing the Health Needs of the Underserved. Sims-Boykin is responsible forresident and medical student education and spends 40 percent of her time indirect patient care. She also holds interest in women's health and preventivemedicine, with a focus on cancer health disparities. She is currently theprincipal investigator on an NCI sponsored pilot project, "Factors AffectingMammograms by Race and SES."

# # #

The Center for Health ProgramDevelopment and Management is a multi-faceted health services researchorganization which develops, manages, and evaluates healthcare programs andpolicies, focusing on improving overall quality and purchaser value. Since itsinception, the Center has maintained a partnership with the Maryland Departmentof Health and Mental Hygiene to analyze and develop solutions for the MedicaidProgram. It is also involved in projects for federal agencies, privatefoundations, and Maryland counties.

Posted by dwinds1

March 17, 2003

Laura Wexler, Author of Fire in a Canebrake, Speaks at UMBC

"What they didn't consider, however, was that the men who'd killed Roger and Dorothy Malcom, and George and Mae Murray Dorsey, had committed a murder so extreme that it would become an icon of postwar violence, a symbol of the chasm between the promise of democracy and the reality of life for black people in America, in 1946."

Laura Wexler
-Fire in a Canebrake

The 1950s saw the birth of New Journalism, a literary genre where writers took real events and produced works that had a distinctly fiction feel. Truman Capote, Tom Wolfe, and Joan Didion were the early pioneers of the Wild West that was New Journalism, creating works that revolutionized literature. Capote's masterpiece In Cold Blood told the tale of the Clutters, a Kansas family that was brutally murdered by two recently released convicts. Its incredible detail, colorful dialogue and vivid imagery are a hallmark of this form of writing, used by College of Notre Dame of Maryland professor and Style Magazine Senior Editor Laura Wexler, author of the acclaimed non-fiction work Fire in a Canebrake, the story of the last mass lynching in America.

Canebrake tells the story of four young African-Americans who were shot to death in the late 1940s at the now infamous Moore's Ford Bridge in Walton County, Georgia. After being released on bond for the attempted murder of his landlord, Roger Malcom and three close family members were returning with farmer Loy Harrison, who paid for Malcom's release in exchange for working as a farmhand. A mob of white men met them at the bridge, dragged them from Harrison's vehicle and murdered them, shooting the four with rifles and shotguns approximately sixty times. Bodies obliterated by the force of the shots, families shattered, a race's sense of safety destroyed, this is the carnage that lay in the grass and gravel of Moore's Ford.

This mass murder occurred in 1946, in rural Georgia, in a place where the Ku Klux Klan instilled fear in the lives of African-Americans, haunting them like ghosts in the night. Extensive inquiries were conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI), evidence was collected, autopsies were done -- but, in 1998 when Wexler started what would turn into two years of research, all of the evidence had over 50 years of dust settled firmly on them. Many of those who lived in Hestertown and were linked with the case were dead, with those who were alive young children when the lynching took place. These were just a few of the obstacles Wexler had to deal with in order to tell the story of the four victims - Roger Malcom, his common-law wife Dorothy Malcom, her brother George Dorsey and his common-law wife Mae Murray Dorsey.

"It was a very challenging first book," Wexler says. "There was no blueprint on how to write this." What Wexler had to do was give these victims life and breath to tell a story, people who left no written word about themselves, no means to convey any aspect of their personality. This meant that the Cockeysville native had to go up against a degree of reluctance with members of the community in order to accurately portray the situation and those involved, the same reluctance that hindered the investigation by the FBI and GBI more than fifty years ago.

Another challenging aspect to the writing of this novel was that because there was no way to interview the majority of those involved, Wexler had to rely on the plot, not people, to move the story along. "This is action driven, not character driven," she states. "There is no hero in this book, no one that the reader can root for."

Beyond the theme of race relations, the underlying ideas of truth and accountability are key in the understanding of the reasons why this book was written. "I think that something this book touches on is the impermanence of truth, what is true, what someone tells you is true." Wexler is referring to Clinton Adams, who was a child when the lynching occurred, and his statement about what he saw at the bridge. Adams claimed to have witnessed the lynching and came forward in 1991 because he did not want to live in fear of the KKK anymore. Over the course of the next several years, Adams continuously contradicted himself, his story changing slightly with each telling.

Wexler interviewed Roy Jackson, now dying of cancer, but in 1946 claimed to be witness to the lynching. Jackson claimed that he saw certain people at the event, but when questioned by FBI agents, these people denied being at Moore's Ford Bridge. Throughout Canebrake, stories, alibis, accounts are all given, but pages later recanted, retracted, taken back. "I used that as a metaphor to show that racism destroys truth," she reflects.

The descendents of those linked with the lynching also destroyed the truth. Wexler describes a wall of silence that surrounded the town. Some people would answer questions, while others were irate that she was retelling a story that they considered finished. But it was not finished. This is the point this talented writer is trying to make. "There is no real ending because the case wasn't solved," Wexler says. "There is no closure."

Laura Wexler will discuss Fire in a Canebrake on Wednesday, March 19 at 1 p.m. in The Commons Cabaret.

This article was originally printed in The Retriever Weekly.

- Jennifer Leigh Gibson

Posted by dwinds1

March 5, 2003

Women's History Month Lecture to Focus on Islamic Religion and Culture

Scholar Carol Bier will be exploring the historical roots of Islam in the 2003 Women's History Month Celebratory Lecture at UMBC. Bier's lecture, "Islam: Religion and Culture," will take place on Tuesday, March 11, 2003 at 4:30 p.m. in the Skylight Room of UMBC's University Commons. The event is free of charge and open to the public.

Scholar Carol Bier will be exploring the historical roots of Islam in the 2003 Women's History Month Celebratory Lecture at UMBC. Bier's lecture, titled "Islam: Religion and Culture," will take place on Tuesday, March 11, 2003 at 4:30 p.m. in the Skylight Room of UMBC's University Commons. The event is free of charge and open to the public.

The lecture will introduce Islam by considering the Qur'an in historical perspective. Beginning with the five pillars of the religion (creed, prayer, pilgrimage, fasting, alms-giving), Bier will examine the basic tenets of Islam in light of its early historical growth and development into a major world religion. Bier will also explain many misunderstood elements of Islam and generate discussion about a shared heritage of monotheism.

A historian of Islamic art, Carol Bier is Research Associate at The Textile Museum in Washington, DC, where she served as Curator for Eastern Hemisphere Collections for seventeen years. For the past eight years, she has taught about pattern in Islamic art at the Maryland Institute College of Art.

This program is handicapped accessible and sign language interpretation is availableupon advance request. Inquiries regarding the program can be directed to 410-455-2714.

This program is funded by the Maryland Humanities Council in conjunction with the UMBC Women's History Month Planning Committee. UMBC sponsors include the Office of Student Life, President's Commission for Women, the Departments of Women's Studies and Interdisciplinary Studies, Women Involved in Learning and Leadership Program, Women's Center, Center for Women and Information Technology, EnglishLanguage Center, and the Office of the Provost.

Posted by dwinds1

February 27, 2003

Student Career Development

Need to launch your career? It's a daunting task; however, experts say that if you break a task down into digestible bites, it doesn't seem quite so overwhelming. That's the idea behind this Career Planning and Job-Search Calendar -- to break down the task of starting your career into monthly components.

    January -- February

  • Ask yourself where you are in your career, where you are headed, and where you want to be.

  • This is also a good time to take steps toward both short- and long-term career planning.

  • Set a course for yourself for the next year (and perhaps the rest of your life) by writing a personal mission statement.

  • If you think you might need some outside guidance in getting your career on track and achieving balance in your career and personal life, make an appointment with the Career Development Center.

  • Network! It's the most effective way to get a job or change careers. Tell everyone you know you're looking for a new job or career and ask for advice and referrals (don't ask for a job!).

  • Get to know yourself better. Take some assessments to learn more about your skills, interests, personality, and values.

  • If you don't already do so, start tracking your accomplishments in your current job and brainstorming achievements from your past jobs or from your education. This information will be important when you start sending out resumes and cover letters and going on interviews.

  • Start thinking about your resume. Start thinking about cover letters. Your cover letter and resume should be specific for every job you apply for, but you can write the basic "guts" of your documents so you'll have something you can adapt for each job.

February -- March

  • Work on identifying the skills you possess that are transferable and applicable to multiple jobs and careers. Identifying transferable skills is especially important for job-seekers with minimal experience.

  • Spend the months researching companies and careers, critical preparatory steps both in planning your job search and which companies you'll apply to and later when you prepare for interviews.

March -- April

  • Review the list of companies you researched earlier and narrow it down to those you'd really like to work for so you can target them in your job search. Twenty companies is a good goal to shoot for. Work on identifying hiring managers for the companies you've decided to target.

  • Begin to explore a technique that's a highly effective subset of networking -- informational interviewing. Conduct informational interviews at the companies you've targeted.

  • Summer is a surprisingly great time to network, so take advantage of this time to network as much as you can.

May -- June

  • Since about 80 percent of employers now want resumes to be sent to them online, you'll need a text version of your resume for at least some of those submissions (for others, employers will ask you to send your resume as an attachment, usually as a Microsoft Word document).

  • Begin to learn everything you can about interviewing so you'll be ready when you start getting called for interviews.

  • Before you go full throttle with your job search, make sure you have all your references lined up.

  • As you prepare for interviews, are you ready to negotiate your compensation package?

  • Consider compiling a portfolio to take to interviews and showcase your skills and accomplishments.

  • Be sure you are poised to write a thank-you note after you go on each job interview.

  • Beyond the thank-you note, be sure you are following up after each interview.

  • Keep networking!

Stacey Brown is Coordinator of the UMBC Career Development Center.

Posted by dwinds1

February 21, 2003

Women's Swimming and Diving Captures Northeast Conference Title; Men Win NEC Invitational

For the fourth time in five years, the UMBC women's swimming team emerged victorious at the NEC Women's Swimming and Diving Championships, easily outdistancing second place Wagner by 300 points. The Retriever men captured their fourth consecutive NEC Invitational crown by more than doubling the score of second place Howard in the three-team event.

For the fourth time in five years, the UMBC women's swimming team emerged victorious at the NEC Women's Swimming and Diving Championships, easily outdistancing second place Wagner by 300 points. The Retriever men captured their fourth consecutive NEC Invitational crown by more than doubling the score of second place Howard in the three-team event. UMBC has now swept the men's and women's meet two years in a row and in three of the last four years. Both competitions took place over three days at the UMBC Natatorium.

UMBC finished the women's meet with 949.5 points, with Wagner (649.5) in second and Central Connecticut State (457) taking third. On the men's side, UMBC totaled 1,077 points, while Howard finished with 504 and St. Francis (NY) with 464.

Two meet records were broken on Sunday. Astrid Sperling eclipsed her own record in the 200 yard backstroke, clocking in at 2:02.21. Sperling won three races and set two records in total at the event. Josh Farley, also a three-event winner, was timed at 16:27.66 in the men's 1,650 yard freestyle to lower the three-year old record in the event by nearly 13 seconds.

Lindsey Prather earned her second victory of the weekend, securing the gold in the 200 breaststroke in 2:21.66.

Geza Szabo joined Farley, his teammate, as three-time winners at the Invitational. Szabo smoked the field in the 200 butterfly, winning by seven seconds in 1:50.90. David Landgren corralled his second gold of the meet, taking the 200 breaststroke in 2:10.61. Jakub Sroczynski finished ahead of the field by nearly four seconds in the 200 backstroke with a time of 1:53.72.

Sroczynski was one of the meet's Co-Outstanding Male Swimmers. Amber Harris was chosen Outstanding Rookie performer for the women, while Geza Szabo took rookie honors for the men.

Posted by dwinds1

February 19, 2003

Inclement Weather Update

UMBC will be open on Thursday, February 20. All day and evening classes are cancelled.

UMBC will be open on Thursday, February 20. All day and evening classes are cancelled. For more information on UMBC's inclement weather policy, go to http://www.umbc.edu/newsevents/snow.html

Posted by dwinds1

February 13, 2003

Verizon's Michelle Brown Dutton is UMBC's 2003 Engineer of the Year

PLEASE NOTE: THE ENGINEER OF THE YEAR EVENT ON FEB. 19 HAS BEEN POSTPONED.

The UMBC College of Engineering Industrial Advisory Board will honor Michelle Brown Dutton as the 2003 Engineer of the Year. Dutton is director of network planning and engineering for Verizon.

PLEASE NOTE: THE ENGINEER OF THE YEAR EVENT ON FEB. 19 HAS BEEN POSTPONED. A NEW DATE WILL BE POSTED AS SOON AS IT BECOMES AVAILABLE.

The UMBC College of Engineering Industrial Advisory Board will honor Michelle Brown Dutton as the 2003 Engineer of the Year. The event, originally scheduled for February 19, has been postponed.

Dutton, director of network planning and engineering for Verizon, began her career with Bell of Pennsylvania in 1988 in network engineering in Philadelphia. During more than 14 years with Verizon, she has worked in large business marketing as a systems engineer; outside plant managing as the design manager; marketing as the ISP market product manager; and regulatory as a Pennsylvania docket manager.

Currently, Dutton is responsible for providing a cost-effective, reliable telecommunications network of first choice to meet customer requirements. Her responsibilities include the planning and engineering of the central office, interoffice transport and power network infrastructure for West Virginia and Western Pennsylvania, which generates in excess of $4 billion in annual revenue.

A native of Philadelphia, Dutton earned a bachelor's degree in electrical engineering from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and a master's degree in organizational dynamics from the University of Pennsylvania. In addition to her professional accomplishments, her civic leadership includes service on the boards of the INNterim House, a shelter for homeless single mothers, and INROADS/Greater Baltimore-Washington, a mentoring program that helps prepare young adults for corporate careers. She is also a charter member of the National Coalition of One Hundred Black Women.

Posted by dwinds1

Valentine's Day Menu at the Skylight Room

February 14, 2003

Bring an office mate to lunch!

ACTION STATION
Prince Edward Island Mussels in Saffron Broth over Fresh Fettucini

HOT ENTREES
Grilled Mahi with a herb tomato coulis
Polynesian Chicken
Roasted Fresh Vegetables
Grilled Asparagus
Lemon Risotto

DESSERTS
Strawberry Shortcake
Sweetheart Novelty Cake
Cupid's Individual Torts

For more information visit www.umbc.edu/umbcfood/.

Posted by dwinds1

February 12, 2003

On a Collision Course with the Future New!

Doug Hamby's first new dance in two years, Interplay, makes its debut at Phoenix Dance Company's concerts at UMBC.

A break from the monotony of the everyday routines of life is a necessity in today's world. Taking time to regroup and rediscover your passion for your calling is important. This need is something that dance professor Doug Hamby acknowledged recently with a much deserved sabbatical. After taking some time off to recharge, Hamby has returned to the studio with new pieces and renewed drive.

During his sabbatical, Hamby stayed in London and spent two months learning yoga, which he now teaches the RAC on Monday evenings. But his creative energy is focused in the dance studio, with the creation of his first new dance in two years, Interplay, which makes its debut at Phoenix Dance Company's concerts at UMBC.

"My idea for the dance is really to make up a lot of movement and mix and match it," Hamby says. "This dance is very energetic, it is constantly redefining movement." The music for the piece is composed by Philadelphia native Robert Moran and offers a challenge to the veteran dancer. "The music is very demanding," he says, adding, "There's a lot spewing forth."

This summer, Hamby plans to collaborate with a videographer on a new work. The videographer will film a dancer and that edited film will be projected on a big screen while another dancer is on stage. "It will show what is going on in the dancer's head, kind of like a superego," Hamby says.

He will also work with UMBC dance students preparing for the upcoming American College Dance Festival, held at North Carolina State. During the festival, student dances are professionally performed and the burgeoning choreographers receive feedback on their work.

Hamby is enthusiastic about his next project with visual arts faculty Tim Nohe and Deborah Gorski. "One of my favorite things is collaboration," Hamby says. "You've got it all set in your mind and it's a challenge to relinquish your control and merge with other people." The collision of ideas as seen in the final product is something that Hamby enjoys. "That's part of the fun because it's only partly what you envision," he says. "It's the diversion that is where the interest is."

Phoenix Dance Company performs in the UMBC Theatre February 12 through 15. Click here for more information.

- Jennifer Leigh Gibson

Posted by dwinds1

A Call to Be Heard New!

Sorry, Your Call Did Not Go Through by Linda Dusman is the score for a new work by Carol Hess, which premieres at Phoenix Dance Company's UMBC concert.

Everyone is connected. Cell phones, pagers, instant messenger, there is always some way to be reached when we do not want to be. Voicemail -- and more specifically answering machines -- can be a saving grace for all the times when we just miss the phone. These ideas are the foundation of Sorry, Your Call Did Not Go Through by Linda Dusman, chair of the Department of Music.

The composition has now been put into motion as the score for a new dance by Carol Hess, chair of the Department of Dance. The work receives its premiere during Phoenix Dance Company's concerts at the UMBC Theatre.

Hess' dance involves the intricate manipulation of sounds, as movements by dancers interact with a "wired" set piece to create layers of random rings, buzzes and beeps from telephones and cell phones. Underlying these sounds is Dusman's score, which includes a mixture of voice messages from answering machines.

A series of speakers will be lined up at the front of the stage and each of the dancers will take a message and bring it to life. "The dancers attempt to take the sonic aspect and make it larger," Dusman says. "It's fun because we are taking a piece that was not meant to be performed and turning it into a performance."

Dusman's composition has been in the process of creation for over two years."A couple of years ago, I spent a chunk of my summer listening to answering machine messages," she says, "This piece of technology is omnipresent.

"We think we have privacy with this device, but you don't know where it will go," Dusman adds. "Given that we move very much now, this is a way people can stay so called 'in touch' with each other. We just leave sonic residue in one another's houses."

Phoenix Dance Company will perform Sorry, Your Call Did Not Go Through as part of its program at the UMBC Theatre on February 14 and 15. For reservations and information call the Box Office at (410) 455-6240. To read more about the concert click here.

- Jennifer Leigh Gibson

Posted by dwinds1

February 10, 2003

Film Screening and Discussion with President Hrabowski

The UMBC Community is invited to a showing of Spike Lee's award-winningdocumentary film, 4 Little Girls, in Lecture Hall II (ChemistryBuilding) on Tuesday, February 11 from 7:30 to 10 p.m. This will befollowed by a discussion with President Freeman Hrabowski. The programis sponsored by Residential Life (ext. 5-2591).

Synopsis of the Documentary
On a Sunday morning, September 15, 1963, while attending Sunday schoolin Birmingham, Alabama, four little girls were brutally murderedwhen a bomb ripped through the basement of the Sixteenth Street BaptistChurch. Dead were Addie Mae Collins (14), Carole Denise McNair(11), Cynthia Wesley (14) and Carole Rosamond Robertson (14). Thebombing was one in a series of racially motivated attacks across thecountry, and one that had a tremendous impact on America. Told throughthe eyes of people who were there--survivors, witnesses, defendersand prosecutors--this account records the impact and aftermath of thissenseless act.

Posted by dwinds1

Faculty Development

At this early point in the semester, students have set their schedules and committed themselves to classes, and instructors are well into their syllabi. As we work our way more or less systematically through the major issues in our courses, do we know whether the majority of students are making sense of the material and following our explanations and organization? How clearly can most of us gauge the quality of learning taking place in our courses week to week?

By Jack Prostko, Director, Faculty Development Center

At this early point in the semester, students have set their schedules and committed themselves to classes, and instructors are well into their syllabi. As we work our way more or less systematically through the major issues in our courses, do we know whether the majority of students are making sense of the material and following our explanations and organization? How clearly can most of us gauge the quality of learning taking place in our courses week to week?

Traditionally, exams and papers let us know what and how well students are learning. But in many courses, exams won't occur for another few weeks, and papers may not be due until just before spring break. Waiting this long to see what's going on inside our students' heads may mean that many students are struggling with a concept from week one, some are harboring misconceptions about what they understand, and others are simply not connecting with the way we're presenting or using information. In order to avoid problems later in the semester, it might be useful to employ some simple classroom assessment techniques to get feedback on student learning.

Classroom assessment focuses on the learner, and provides feedback to both the professor and students on the quality of learning and the effectiveness of teaching taking place in the classroom. Because they are not meant to be tests that classify students, assessments are often anonymous; their purpose is to inform the teacher whether there are gaps between what the students know and what the teacher expects them to have understood.

The kinds of information assessments can provide fall into three main categories:

*the level of students' academic skills and intellectual development
*students' awareness of the effectiveness of their own learning skills
*student reactions to various teaching methods, materials, and assignments.

In understanding where students stand in their academic development (e.g., do they have sufficient background knowledge or academic skills?) and in immediately knowing students' reactions to specific aspects of the class (e.g., do they believe the exams cover the material stressed in class?) instructors can adjust their teaching to help students learn better.

One of the most well know assessment techniques is the "one minute paper," an easy and effective way of getting feedback on a particular question you have for your class. End the class a few minutes early and ask students to respond to a question such as "What was the muddiest point in today's lecture?" or "What were the main points in today's class?" or "What one question to you still have about today's material?" Even in a large class, reading through student responses takes relatively little time. Teachers can then explain in the next class session whether the majority of the class has grasped important material, and can also address questions or problems students have raised.

Thomas Angelo and Patrician Cross, in Classroom Assessment Techniques: A Handbook for College Teachers, list dozens of simple methods for measuring students' knowledge and skills. For example, for courses testing problem-solving skills, students can be asked to produce a 'documented problem solution.' In this assessment, students are asked to explain how they go about approaching and solving one of the problems assigned as homework. Instead of assigning the normal number of homework problems, reduce it, but ask students to take one of the problems and, as they solve it, to write down step-by-step what they are thinking at each stage of the problem-solving process.

Since students can often solve problems without understanding larger concepts or why certain steps are necessary, this assessment helps instructors see students' strategies and the degree to which they are concentrating on developing specific thinking skills.

In classes rich in conceptual material, students can be asked to produce 'concept maps,' demonstrating how well they grasp the relationships among concepts in a course. Or ask students to document their use of study time; if you want to increase their awareness of their proficiency in the study skills necessary to succeed in your course, as them to estimate, check, document, and then reflect on how well they use study time. Using one assignment or activity, students estimate how much time it should take to complete the assignment. Afterwards, they write a brief account of the process and the results-allowing you to see how well they use their time and whether their learning skills are sufficiently developed to handle the course material. At the least, students will become much more aware of their habits regarding study time, and this self-consciousness usually encourages them to use this time more effectively.

The resources listed below explain a variety of assessment techniques in greater detail. When using any of these techniques, ask only for information that you feel will help both you and the students. Ask specific questions and use the information as soon as possible; look at the results immediately and respond to them in class. Unless you show that these are an important part of your approach to student learning, many students will stop taking them seriously. Explain, in your response, what good feedback is since students need to learn how to give useful responses. And be very clear about the fact that these assessments are not going to be graded.

Overall, getting this kind of information from your students early in the semester can help you tailor the course more specifically to the needs of the students and improve the learning taking place.

Books (available at the Faculty Development Center)

Thomas A. Angelo and K. Patricia Cross, Classroom Assessment Techniques: A Handbook for College Teachers, 2nd ed., San Francisco: Jossey-Bass, 1993.

K. Patricia Cross and Mimi Harris Steadman, Classroom Research: Implementing the Scholarship of Teaching, San Francisco: Jossey-Bass, 1996.

Web Resources:

Pennsylvania State University
www.psu.edu/celt/CATs.html

Frederick Mosteller, The "Muddiest Point in the Lecture" as a Feedback Device
http://bokcenter.harvard.edu/docs/mosteller.html

University of New Orleans, Teacher Explorer Center
http://ss.uno.edu/SS/TeachDevel/Asses/AssemTechMenu.html

Indiana University
www.indiana.edu/%7Eteaching/feedback.html

Southern Illinois University
www.siue.edu/%7Ededer/assess/catmain.html

Honolulu Community College
www.hcc.hawaii.edu/intranet/committees/FacDevCom/guidebk/teachtip/assess-2.htm

Middle Tennessee State University
www.mtsu.edu/%7Eitconf/proceed99/Martin.htm

Posted by dwinds1

February 7, 2003

UMBC Official to Lead International Research Park Group

Ellen Wiggins Hemmerly, executive director of the UMBC Research Park Corporation, has been named president of the Association of University Research Parks (AURP), a non-profit group that supports over 200 university research parks and technology incubators worldwide.

Ellen Wiggins Hemmerly, Executive Director of the UMBC Research Park Corporation, has been named president of the Association of University Research Parks (AURP), a non-profit group that supports over 200 university research parks and technology incubators worldwide.

"Thanks to Ellen Hemmerly's leadership, UMBC's research park and business incubator are among the nation's best," said UMBC President Freeman Hrabowski. "Past AURP presidents have come from such outstanding places as North Carolina's Research Triangle Park and Rensselaer's Technology Park. We are delighted that UMBC is being recognized for its contributions to economic growth through research and technology development."

Hemmerly oversees the University's bwtech@UMBC Research and Technology Park and works closely with the Park's developer, Grosvenor. According to Hemmerly,she hopes her appointment will help draw more high-tech businesses to Baltimore.

"AURP's mission is to help connect the innovations of academia with regionaleconomic growth and development," Hemmerly said. "With so many excellentresearch universities in greater Baltimore, I look forward to helping new ideasbecome solid business models that add to our region's high-tech economy."

The announcement is a timely one for Baltimore, as the city prepares to host the international 2003 BioParks convention later this year. AURP and The Council of Biotechnology Centers (CBC) will co-sponsor the gathering of representatives from biotech research parks around the world on June 20 through 21. The convention is co-sponsored by a consortium of regional universities including UMBC, The Johns Hopkins University, the University of Maryland Baltimore, the University of Maryland College Park and the University of Maryland Biotechnology Institute, in partnership with city and state economic development agencies.

Hemmerly, a member of AURP for seven years, is also a special assistant to the vice president for administration and finance at UMBC. She oversees the development of bwtech@UMBC, the University's on-campus research park that houses RWD Technologies' Applied Technology Laboratory. Hemmerly also directs techcenter@UMBC, the University's business incubator that is home to 30 start-up and emerging tech firms.

Prior to joining UMBC, Hemmerly was a vice president at the Baltimore Development Corporation (BDC) serving as its senior lender and director of the Enterprise Development Fund, the City's venture capital fund. While at BDC, she successfully started a business incubator as executive director of the Technology Development Center. Hemmerly also spent two years as a business development officer specializing in marketing Baltimore to high technology businesses.

Hemmerly's background also includes extensive real estate development, venture capital and banking experience. She has an M.B.A. from Cornell University's Johnson School of Management and a B.S. from Moravian College.

Posted by dwinds1

February 6, 2003

Community Essay

Contemporary elections are more often about what citizens do not hear than partisanship. When asked by a correspondent to reflect on why Kathleen Kennedy Townsend lost to Robert Ehrlich, Congressman Elijah Cummings (CD-7) perhaps summed it up best: the Democrats failed to effectively get their message out to voters.

By Tyson King-Meadows, Visiting Assistant Professor, Political Science

Contemporary elections are more often about what citizens do not hear than partisanship. When asked by a correspondent to reflect on why Kathleen Kennedy Townsend lost to Robert Ehrlich, Congressman Elijah Cummings (CD-7) perhaps summed it up best: the Democrats failed to effectively get their message out to voters. During Ehrlich's victory speech, he presented a different spin to why KKT lost: the number of white and black Democrats in his electoral coalition, and their physical presence at his victory party. Strangely, both Ehrlich and Cummings were right: KKT failed to get the appropriate messages to the voters.

Ehrlich's choice of Michael S. Steele as the Lt. Gov.-nominee signaled (for many blacks) a real opportunity to diversify the character and content of Maryland's leadership. Many black Democrats saw a vote for Ehrlich-Steele as both an explicit indictment on the exclusionary practices of the Glendening Administration and the KKT campaign, and their collective inability or unwillingness to forcefully address critical issues of concern.

Of course issues cross party and racial lines, and KKT was consistently hammered for the current administration's failure to address those issues. Ehrlich's campaign message mirrored that of another Republican, Ronald Reagan, when he debated President Jimmy Carter: Are you better off today then you were four years ago? For many Marylanders, Tuesday was a "referendum" on the success of Glendening's eight years in office, made increasingly possible because KKT never effectively distanced herself from the administration's failures. Nor did KKT adequately convince voters of two things:

1) whatever successes were made during the previous eight years could be improved upon because of her unique vision and style; and

2) whatever failures were made would be avoided because of her unique programmatic, fiscal and administrative plans. Her inability to present a clear and concise message to disgruntled voters made it possible for Ehrlich to encapsulate desire for a directional shift and executive leadership in one word - "change."

For many Ehrlich supporters, KKT represented a failed approach to governance - a path riddled with fiscal thorns and broken programmatic promises - but one the Democratic candidate (and sitting Lt. Gov) could potentially encourage citizens to take once again. By invoking the slogan "Time for a Change," Ehrlich successfully tapped into citizen aversion to narrow historic choices, particularly when such paths have been proven ineffective and when leaders display visionary inertia. As such, the enormity of the budget deficit and the impending necessary cuts in programs revealed the weaknesses in Glendening-KKT's fiscal strategy.

By the time KKT presented her fiscal strategy, the damage had already been done to citizen morale. Many likely voters thus became tuned into the chorus of "Change" and turned off to being persuaded by KKT. Unlikely voters also became tuned into the chorus, and wondered aloud what would 12 years of such leadership produce that was not already apparent; and questionable. Relatedly, claims of corruption and administrative mismanagement only strengthened skepticism about the executive's willingness to protect and promote citizen interests above interest group politics and uncontrolled delegation of responsibilities.

On the other hand, for KKT, the issues were clear and the necessary direction of Maryland clearer. Change for the sake of change held no intrinsic value. The value of change rested in its ability to be guided in order to reshape the social order and address the needs of communities. In this regard, the philosophies underlying Ehrlich's plans for economic development, funding for education, and balancing the state budget could actually fail to address larger community needs in their implementation.

For example, Ehrlich's plan to raise funds through gambling was deemed short sighted given its faith that citizen patronage would continue (if not grow) in targeted establishments. If not, revenue shortfalls would necessitate the very deep cuts in programs that short-term fiscal solutions allowed Annapolis and Maryland citizens to avoid. Also, economic development could raise revenues and morale in the short-term, but would be offset by damages to Maryland's ecological system, its overall environmental health, and certain business sectors. The associated costs would thus be paid in increased expenditures related to health care costs, social service programs and potential higher prices for commodities and luxury items as the remaining businesses passed on their new economic burdens to consumers.

Ehrlich's strong campaign and KKT's weak campaign prevented the latter from fully triangulating these issues, her strategy and the voters. This became particularly true as news coverage of the area sniper moved the gubernatorial campaign slightly off the front pages of local newspapers as KKT's campaign began to build momentum. With neither a consistent believable message nor momentum, KKT's gubernatorial campaign strategy was soon boxed into the politics of avoiding blame. It was a box from which no political Houdini could escape unscarred.

In the end, Ehrlich's win was not surprising. And given the changing demographic character and policy preferences of Maryland county residents, where KKT lost decisively to Ehrlich was neither a surprise What is more surprising perhaps is that it took Maryland Republicans more than 30 years to recapture the governor's mansion and to defeat the Democratic speaker of the House. The nationwide rumbles have long indicated that Democrats often fail to adapt to America's changing electorate.

Like the rest of America, on November 5, Maryland voters suggested that a new untested plan was better than an old failed plan.

King-Meadows' essay originally appeared in The Retriever Weekly.

All members of the UMBC community are invited to contribute community essays to Insights. Please send ideas to insights@umbc.edu.

Posted by dwinds1

February 4, 2003

Tech Watch

What worries me most as a professor is the balancing act of research, teaching, and service. Keeping up with the torrent of literature in one's field and staying at the research front in some specialty or another is a huge and unrelenting job.

By Joseph N. Tatarewicz, Associate Professor of History

Professor Tatarewicz will present "Night Sweats of a Geek Humanist Professor: Liberal Arts, Technology, and Labor" on Thursday, February 13 at noon in The Commons, Room 318.

I started my dissertation in the '70s at 300-baud with a Radio Shack TRS-80 hooked to the Indiana University main frame, and I have been the office Geek ever since. I have always gotten along well with gadgetry, am an "early adopter," and even made my living as a mechanic for a very long time. I watch Tech TV for fun. I'm proud to be a technological enthusiast.

At the same time, I consider myself a humanist -- a scholar firmly planted in the liberal arts, even though my field of study is the history of science and technology. I find particularly fascinating how technologyis a "Trojan Horse" filled with culture. Especially with complex technology, you don't just buy and use a gadget -- you enter into a long term social relationship with the whole community behind it. Using it forces you to bend your ways toward theirs, changes you.

Technology lets you do only the things its makers and programmers considered important, and often makes formerly trivial tasks more complex. For example, early word processors, aimed entirely at routine business needs, did not have automatic formatting and numbering of footnotes -- forcing us to scotch-tape printed scraps of paper together and photocopy them into whole pages with footnotes. As scholars, we were bound to ages of tradition and the Chicago Manual of Style, a far too narrow and idiosyncratic vertical market for designers at that time.

While I decry monopolies, I also never want to go back to the days of 20 word processing formats, all mutually incompatible. At least now we can all exchange documents and other files without worrying too much about who has what version of what. Standardization has its disadvantages, to be sure, but it does assist us in many ways. So I really like the notion of empowerment through common tools -- so long as there is always room for a diversity of approaches and a recognition that sometimes the best approach is just a bunch of people gathering around a book and discussing it.

While much is made of business's agility, businesses are also agile enough to go rushing off the edge prematurely. The very hidebound, traditional, and slow-moving ways of the university -- committees as a way of organizing work, for instance -- also mean that a lot of bad ideas die a well-deserved, albeit slow death. This makes for a clash of cultures, since universities have a lot of business, financial, and administrative functions that seem best approached with standard practices -- except that standard practices were never designed to take account of scholarship or learning. As a sometime manager and administrator, I respect my colleagues who make this place run, even if they never see the inside of a classroom. On the other hand, we're not selling widgets here-among other things, we're introducing young people to their cultural heritage, helping them find their way, cultivating their humanity -- and that's a very different game from most other "knowledge dissemination."

What worries me most as a professor is the balancing act of research, teaching, and service. Keeping up with the torrent of literature in one's field and staying at the research front in some specialty or another is a huge and unrelenting job, requires a lot of quiet time, and tends to make one a little peculiar. Being producer, choreographer, and performer for classes is similarly challenging, and showtime comes right as scheduled, each and every class. Service -- well, it's like looking at a long list of wonderful charities and having only a few pennies in your pocket. Anything that requires retraining, a large investment of time, has to compete with those three -- even if it promises to simplify or empower later on. I went cold turkey from overhead transparencies to Powerpoint in one semester, and it hurt. I'm transitioning from video tape to digital right now, and it hurts even worse.

Not only are we now writers, multimedia producers and performers, but we are all also doing a great deal of administration and management -- keeping the Web and Blackboard sites populated, keystroking student information to and fro, responding to e-mails, exceeding our disk quotas at the worst possible time, and often called on for tech support.

Traditionally, we have had physical and procedural boundaries to help us compartmentalize our time and availability -- office hours, class time, research time, etc. -- and, frankly, manage scarcity (Dave Barry oncementioned the "American Association of University Professors Who are Never in their Offices"). In a virtual, connected, 24/7 world we have yet to find the cyber-equivalents of office hours and closed doors, and we're all at least a little bit frazzled and anxious about it.

From one perspective, we are just the typical workers caught up in a vast technological change that is altering many familiar aspects of our world. For me, it's a choice: do I take the increasing overhead demands out of my research, my teaching, or my service?

Read Professor Tatarewicz' Community Essay on the space shuttle Columbia disaster in this month's Insights.

Posted by dwinds1

February 3, 2003

Phoenix Dance Company Performs at UMBC

Carol Hess and Doug Hamby will premiere new work at Phoenix Dance Company's concert at UMBC February 12 through 15.

Carol Hess and Doug Hamby will premiere new work at Phoenix Dance Company's concert at UMBC February 12 through 15.

Hess' new work involves the intricate manipulation of sounds, as movements by dancers Mandi Brown, Evan Davidson and Pamela Stevens interact with a "wired" setpiece to create layers of random sounds that include rings, buzzes and beeps from telephones and cell phones. Underlying these sounds is a score by UMBC music department chair Linda Dusman entitled Sorry, Your Call Did Not Go Through, a mixture of voice messages from telephone answering machines. Onstage will be an array of speakers, enabling the voice messages to come from various locations in space.

Interplay by Hamby is a quartet which enlivens and intertwines the rich physical, temporal and spatial connections between the performers.

The program also includes Hess' Private Property (1995), a "duet" for dancer and cameraperson to music by UMBC music professor Stuart Saunders Smith. The dancer's movements are captured by the camera, then manipulated and projected onto a large screen onstage. The piece, performed by Pamela Stevens and Nick Prevas, alludes to issues of privacy and surveillance.

Bonds, an excerpt from Hess' Four Gestures (2002), features three dancers who explore different interactions through inventive partnering. The dancers themselves (Mandi Brown, Evan Davidson, Eileen Mitchell) capture the piece on camera, using a variety of hand-held camera techniques. The images of the live performance are mixed (live) with an unusual combination of images of Ground Zero and nature, with a music score by Linda Dusman.

Artist-in-Residence Jeanine Dunning contributes Part One Parting, a solo performed by Sandra Lacy, with original electronic music by composer Chris Peck. Structured like a short story, Part One Parting follows a woman who recalls an event in her life over and over again. In this episodic solo, the dream-like sequences reflect the idea of memory and how we remember and re-experience events.

A professional company in residence at UMBC, Phoenix is co-directed by Hess and Hamby. Operating at the intersection between art and technology, the Phoenix Dance Company has explored radical dance collaborations with UMBC videographers, mechanical engineers, computer programmers and visual artists. Founded in 1983, Phoenix Dance Company has played in venues such as the Kennedy Center, Lincoln Center, the Baltimore Museum of Art, Baltimore Theatre Project, Ohio State University, Judson Church, Goucher College, McDaniel College, Salisbury University and Temple University.

All performances will be held at 8 p.m. in the UMBC Theatre. Admission is $15 general and $7 students/seniors. For more information and reservations call (410) 455-6240.

Posted by dwinds1

February 2, 2003

Eight Former Retriever Greats Enter the UMBC Hall of Fame

Seven former UMBC student-athletes and one former coach, all representing different Retriever sports, were selected to the UMBC Athletic Hall of Fame. The 2003 Dinner and Induction ceremony was held on February 1.

Seven former UMBC student-athletes and one former coach, all representing different Retriever sports, were selected to the UMBC Athletic Hall of Fame. The 2003 Dinner and Induction ceremony was held on February 1.

The class of 2003 features Jeff Berman (baseball, 1994-97), David Bobb (track and field, 1994-97), Chris Cain (lacrosse, 1988-91), Chad Cradock (swimming, 1993-97), Michael Meyer (golf, 1992-94), Jim Pfrogner (head cross country/track and field coach, 1971-2000), Darius Taylor (soccer, 1988-91), and Amy Wolff (softball, 1994-97).

Berman was a three-time All Big South First Team selection, earning top honors in 1995 and 1996 at second base and repeating as a shortstop in 1997. He hit .345 for his career, starting all available 173 games. He is currently ranked #1 in UMBC history in games played, at bats, and base hits and is fifth in runs scored.

Bobb is UMBC's most decorated athlete ever, with five All American citations. He placed third in the NCAA Championships in both the 55m and 200m at the 1997 NCAA Indoor Championships and was second in the 100m at the outdoor championships later that year. Bobb, who was the top American sprinter in thenation as a senior, is currently UMBC's head track and field coach.

Cain was a two-time All American who revolutionized the position of long-stick defensive midfielder by stymieing the opposition's top offensive threats and keying offensive transition opportunities. He still owns the UMBC Division I record for ground balls in a career with 294 and led the 1991 team to UMBC's firstwinning record in a decade. Cain competed in the 1991 North-South All Star Classic.

Cradock, UMBC's second-year head swimming coach, was the 1997 ECAC Swimmer of the Year. He set records in the 200, 500 and 1650 freestyle events, and still maintains the latter two. The Canadian native also earned the department's Matt Skalsky Scholar Athlete Award in his senior season and posted his country's top time in the 1650 freestyle at the US Open in 1996.

Meyer is the first Retriever golfer to be selected to the Hall of Fame. He won four tournaments in 1992-93, including the prestigious 1992 ECAC Championship in a playoff with a +4 score of 148. The native of South Africa set a school record scoring average of 75.8 and once held UMBC's 36-hole and 54-hole records.

Coach Pfrogner, who retired in 2001, coached for 30 seasons from 1971-72 through 2000-2001. His last five cross country teams all won Baltimore Metro titles. The Pennsylvania native produced an Olympian in Jean Yves Mallat early in his tenure, an All American cross country athlete in Michael Sterling in the '80's and a five-time All American sprinter in David Bobb in the late 1990's.

Taylor accomplished a very rare feat in intercollegiate athletes. He earned the East Coast Conference's Most Valuable Player Award in 1991as a sweeper (defender) in men's soccer. He also earned Third Team All South Atlantic honors that year, helping UMBC to a school-record tying 15 victories. He earned the firstRetriever Club Scholarship Award and despite playing defense, finished his collegiate career with 11 goals and 9 assists.

Wolff was a three-time First Team All Big South outfielder for the fledgling softball program. She was named UMBC's Most Outstanding Athlete in 1997, after leading her teams to a combined record of 142-63 and a pair of berths in Big South title games (1994, 1995) in four years. She hit .363 in her career, currently 3rd on UMBC's all-time list, scored 142 runs (2nd) and stole 79 bases (2nd).

UMBC's John Blecheisen and WMAR-TV Sports will receive the Dr. Charles Woolston Award for outstanding service to the UMBC Department of Athletics.

Tickets are $35 and include a ticket to the basketball doubleheader. For additional information, please contact Debbie Franklin at (410) 455-1532.

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UMBC Wins Sixth National Chess Championship

UMBC's Chess Team has won its sixth Pan-American Intercollegiate Chess Championship in seven years. The three-day match came to an unexpected finish with UMBC's B team winning the championship with UMBC's A team tying for second place with rival school University of Texas at Dallas.

UMBC's Chess Team has won its sixth Pan-American Intercollegiate Chess Championship in seven years. The three-day match, which took place from December 27-29 at the Embassy Suites Hotel in Miami, Fla., came to an unexpected finish with UMBC's B team winning the championship with UMBC's A team tying for second place with rival school University of Texas at Dallas. UMBC won on points in the tie-breaker. First place comes with a trophy and prize money totaling $1000.

UMBC faced its toughest competition in a team from the University of Texas, Dallas (UTD). UMBC tied UTD for the Pan Am Championship in 2000 and 2001.

More than thirty universities, including Stanford, Princeton, MIT and the University of Chicago, sent teams to the 2002 Pan Am competition in Miami. International teams included Catholic University of Peru, the University of Toronto and the University of Puerto Rico. The UMBC and UT Dallas teams represent two of the most powerful in the history of this event.

The two universities sent a total of seven Grandmasters -- the highest possibleranking for a chess player -- to the tournament. There are approximately 40,000chess players in the United States today, only forty of which are Grandmasters.

UMBC's A team included Grand Masters Alex Onischuk (Alex the Invincible), Alex Wojtkiewicz (Alex the Great) and Pawel Blehm (The Polish Magician). International Master and reigning Canadian chess champion Pascal Charbonneau, "The Frenchman," was the fourth player on Team A.

UMBC's B team included Grand Master Alex Sherzer (The Surgeon), International Master Eugene Perelshteyn (The Captain), Fide Master William Morrison (The Exterminator) and John Rouleau (Maryland Mauler). The alternate was Battsetseg Tsagaan (The Mongolian Terror).

UMBC's Chess Team is coached by Life Master Igor Epshteyn. The Chess Team Advisor is Alan Sherman, an associate professor of computer science at UMBC.

Photo by Doug Kapustin

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February 1, 2003

UMBC's Teamwork Contributes to a Positive 2002 Audit

President Freeman Hrabowski began a meeting about UMBC's recent legislative audit by saying, "We are in a different place from five years ago -- the campus can help us to look good or bad and we are looking good."

A legislative mandate dictates that all State agencies are audited every two and a half to three years. UMBC's audits generally examine departments heavily involved in financial transactions. Clolita M. Williams, assistant vice president for administrative services, says that the audits are an important way of communicating UMBC's fiscal responsibility. "A good audit result is crucial in order to demonstrate to others --including the legislature, donors and other funding sources -- that we are fiscally responsible and that they should continue to invest in UMBC because the investment will be protected, managed ethically in compliance with sound fiscal and operating procedures."

In 1997's audit, 16 issues became report items, three of which were repeated from the 1994 audit, which only contained four report items. In response to the increase, the campus held discussions on how to respond to the audit and address the problems, which involved cash receipts, disbursements, payroll, financial aid, student accounts receivable, computer security and verification of student residencies.

To correct the problems and improve future audits, Management Advisory Services (MAS) was created. MAS conducts management reviews and follow-up to legislative audit reports and assists University departments in improving existing procedures, implementing new procedures and providing periodic training where needed to meet the requirements for internal controls.

In addition, President Hrabowski began holding bimonthly meetings to review and discuss progress, and an Audit Advisory Committee was formed to serve in an advisory capacity to MAS and as a point of contact for audit issues and resolutions. Initial members of the committee represented those departments that were cited in the audit.

Most recently, a Management Advisory Oversight committee replaced the Audit Advisory Committee. The new committee is broadening the focus of previous meetings from the resolution of audit issues to proactive planning. It also examines internal business, fiscal and operational accountability.

These measures, combined with sustained leadership and involvement by the president, administrative vice president and other senior administrators, contributed substantially to improvements in UMBC's administrative operations, and the University has made positive strides in its last two audits. Michele Evans, director of Management Advisory Services, says, "We are making progress. Everyone has worked hard and it shows."

The tone of UMBC's 2002 audit was very favorable and cooperative. Only two issues were repeated from the last audit and were of a more minor nature than in the past. "We are all very happy and proud of the way UMBC worked with MAS and other departments in addressing issues raised by the audit," says Williams. "There was a real spirit of teamwork which was communicated very clearly to the auditors."

Williams adds that even though UMBC generally did very well on this last audit, the campus needs to focus on what made it good and what issues still need work. "We still need to pay attention to compliance issues, especially those related to cash handling and purchasing cards, but overall we should feel very good about this audit." She is pleased that recent training sessions on internal compliance were extremely well attended, demonstrating the campus community's dedication to continuing improvements for future audits.

Evans agrees. "We're heading in the right direction so we just need to keep up the good work. The next legislative audit is only a little over two years away!"

For more information on the audit or internal controls, contact Williams at cwilliam@umbc.edu.

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UMBC Community Encouraged to Voice Support at Legislative Reception on Feb. 20

State leaders are balancing the budget and Maryland's shortfall is affecting higher education, making this year's Alumni Reception in Annapolis a very important opportunity for the faculty, staff, alumni and students to let elected officials know that continued financial support for higher education is vital.

State leaders are balancing the budget and Maryland's shortfall is affecting higher education, making this year's Alumni Reception in Annapolis a very important opportunity for the faculty, staff, alumni and students to let elected officials know that continued financial support for higher education is vital.

"This is an excellent time to speak face-to-face with legislators about the programs and people that make UMBC an outstanding university worthy of continued investment," says President Freeman Hrabowski.

All University System of Maryland schools, including UMBC, are working together to educate newly elected lawmakers and Governor Robert Ehrlich about the importance of continued support for public higher education in Maryland.

However, given the current budget climate, it is important for the entire UMBC community to be a voice in Annapolis. "The legislators need to hear first hand about the faculty and programs that UMBC offers students and about the value of a UMBC education," says Shirley Bigley, general counsel for UMBC.

Funding also benefits Maryland's economy. Mark Behm, vice president for administration and finance, says, "It's higher education that provides the skilled workforce and brings in research dollars that help develop new technology to be transferred to industry - particularly in this region."

The Annapolis event was launched four years ago by Jack Neil, American studies and political science '77, a longtime lobbyist and political consultant. The goal is to highlight UMBC's successes while providing a forum for the UMBC community to mingle with legislators.

"The reception is an unbelievable networking opportunity," says Neil, who also founded the Alumni Association's Public Policy Forum. "The number of legislators who attend is amazing." The event typically draws between 300 to 400 attendees. "That's definitely a tribute to President Hrabowski and his team, and the success of our alumni who work in various policy positions," he adds.

Those who have attended past receptions say they are glad they took the time to attend. "Every year, the students in our department's political internship program join me and other members of our faculty at the Annapolis legislativereception," says Tom Schaller, assistant professor of political science. "The event is a fantastic opportunity for these students to mingle with legislators, university administrators and the many UMBC alumni who work in key positions in state government. For our supporters in Annapolis and around the state, the students provide a vivid reminder of the importance of the state's investment in higher education."

The reception will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. To RSVP (deadline Feb. 13), visit http://www.umbc.edu/alum/annapolis. Transportation is available; to reserve a space on the bus call Pat Granger at ext. 53718.

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Retriever of the Month

Millette Green's collegiate career hasn't exactly been all milk and cookies.

By David Gansell, UMBC Athletics

Millette Green's collegiate career hasn't exactly been all milk and cookies.

The Retrievers' senior forward has played at two different universities and has been tutored by four different head coaches. She has suffered through a painful shoulder injury, been hobbled by a stress fracture in her foot and has endured a long rehabilitation period following a difficult wrist surgery this past summer.

"I believe that everything happens for a reason," says the Chesapeake, Virginia native. "All of my struggles will be worth it if we go to the NCAA Tournament."

After a coaching change at East Carolina, Green decided to bolt from the Greenville, North Carolina campus and transfer to UMBC following the 1999-2000 season. She was heavily recruited by the Retrievers' previous coaching staff when she was a prep star at Western Branch High School, where she enjoyed a standout career that landed her a spot on Street & Smith's magazine's honorable mention All-American Team as a senior.

Green made her Retrievers' debut last season after red-shirting the 2000-2001 campaign and struggled in the offense. "I never felt comfortable last season," Green admits. "I played the center position and I was unhappy about playing with my back-to-the-basket, on the block all the time. I feel like my greatest strength is my ability to face the basket and drive to the hole."

Fast-forward a season and Green is now being given an opportunity to do what she feels she does best in first-year Head Coach Phil Stern's Princeton-style offense. After converting back to a more natural forward spot, she is beginning to use her strength and quickness to her advantage, and is becoming much more of an offensive threat. These days, Green is one of the most feared slashers in the Northeast Conference and has added an elusive spin-move to her repertoire, which allows her to drive by defenders with regularity.

After a bit of a slow start in the first five games of the season, Green averaged 10.8 points and 7.3 rebounds per game over the Retrievers next seven contests. She leads the team in free-throw attempts, a direct correlation to her ability to muscle her way to the bucket. "It took some time for me to feel confident with my role in the new offense, but I feel like I have much more of an understanding now. The coaching staff told me to be more aggressive, so that is what I have tried to do," she says.

Green began her stretch of good play at home against NEC rival Mount St. Mary's on December 14, when she tied a career-high with 15 points and snatched 9 rebounds. She followed the solid performance with another one at Maryland on December 21, posting 15 points, 8 rebounds and a career-best 3 blocks.

Coach Stern is excited about Green's good play of late and considers her a team-leader. "As a senior, we expect to be able to count on "Mill" each and every night," Stern says. "She was unable to play all summer because of her wrist injury, and I think that hurt her a bit. She is just starting to hit her stride and I believe that she will get better and better as the season goes along."

Green maintains that she leads by example, but claims that she will speak up if she feels the need. "I am definitely not afraid to voice my opinion. I believe that my teammates feed off my energy and I respond to theirs as well." One such opportunity came in the locker room following the Retrievers 56-38 loss at Maryland.

"Millette pleaded with the team to stay together and not go off in separate directions," senior guard Jessie Brown says. "Mill usually doesn't say a lot, but when she blocks a shot or makes a basket and has a chance for a three-point play, she goes crazy, and that fires us all up."

Green, who will attempt to gain an MBA and become an entrepreneur following her career at UMBC, and perhaps play oversees, feels that the women's basketball program is in great hands with Stern at the helm. "Coach Stern is going to win because he simply will not accept losing," she says. "Right now, we are struggling, but we feel like we will turn things around."

If they do, a large glass of milk and a box of Mrs. Fields' Oatmeal Cookies could be in order for Green. Her favorite brand.

Click here for more information on women's basketball.

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Head Coach Don Zimmerman, Alumnus Gary Clipp Selected to Greater Baltimore Chapter of U.S. Lacrosse Hall of Fame

UMBC Head Men's Lacrosse Coach Don Zimmerman and Retriever alum Gary Clipp '77 were inducted into the Greater Baltimore Chapter of the U.S. Lacrosse Hall of Fame on January 25.

UMBC Head Men's Lacrosse Coach Don Zimmerman and Retriever alum Gary Clipp '77 were inducted into the Greater Baltimore Chapter of the U.S. Lacrosse Hall of Fame on January 25.

Coach Zimmerman has been an integral part of the Baltimore lacrosse community for the last three-plus decades. He prepped at St. Paul's School, where he was a member of three M.S.A. "A" Conference championship teams. He continued his playing career at Johns Hopkins, where he earned All America honors and the Turnbull-Reynolds Award for Sportsmanship and Leadership in his senior season of 1976. After assistant coaching stints at Princeton and North Carolina, he returned to take the helm of the Johns Hopkins program in 1984. Zimmerman won national titles as head coach of the Blue Jays in 1984, 1985 and 1987, compiling a 73-15 record in seven seasons. He came to UMBC in 1994, and has rebuilt the program, leading the Retrievers to their first two NCAA Division I Tournament berths in 1998 and 1999.

Clipp was a three-time All American defenseman for the Retrievers. He earned Third Team honors in 1975 and was a First Team selection in both 1976 and 1977. The Poly graduate also competed in the North-South All-Star game in his senior season and was later elected to the UMBC Athletic Hall of Fame.

For ticket information, contact the Greater Baltimore Chapter of US Lacrosse at 671 Kirkcaldy Way, Abingdon, MD 21009.

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Choreographer Jeanine Durning to Perform at UMBC

Dancer Jeanine Durning, currently artist-in-residence at UMBC, brings her company to the UMBC Theatre on February 5. The program features Durning's newest work, half URGE, which explores the human dynamic of desire and the attempts to fulfill those desires through relationships and interactions.

Dancer Jeanine Durning, currently artist-in-residence at UMBC, brings her company to the UMBC Theatre on February 5. The program features Durning's newest work, half URGE, which explores the human dynamic of desire and the attempts to fulfill those desires through relationships and interactions.

half URGE was inspired by Durning's dream about being abandoned in an unnamed, desolate city that was crumbling and collapsing. She began working on the piece by writing a series of narrative passages based on typical anxiety dreams -- flying that turns into falling, swimming that turns into drowning, climbing stairs that suddenly collapse, being abandoned or losing one's way. The writings all referred to structures or constructs that are created to provide a sense of comfort and freedom, a sense of safety and stability that are then shifted against the initial desire.

Durning then used improvisation to develop movement based around simple word ideas such as collapse or incomplete. She allowed time for the dancers to investigate the words through movement, physical interaction and behavior. Through this process, Durning created a dance that amplifies our desire to control that which is inevitably beyond control.

Dubbed by Jennifer Dunning of the New York Times as "choreographer to watch for," Durning is dedicated to her ongoing research of movement, which includes ballet, Release Technique, Alexander Technique, Pilates, Yoga and Contact Improvisation. She is interested in drawing from and bringing together those movement methodologies, as well as invited modalities in her work as a dancer/performer and in her work as a choreographer. Her artistic mission is to offer a multi-layered experience to the viewer in which boundaries of literal and linear interpretation are extended.

Durning's choreography has been presented in New York at Dance Theater Workshop, at St. Mark's Church, Movement Research at Judson Church, Central Park SummerStage, among other venues, and as part of the Jacob's Pillow Inside/Out series. Her choreography has been recognized with commissions from the Jerome Foundation through Dance Theater Workshop's Bessie Schnberg/First Light Commissioning program and Danspace Project's Commissioning Initiative.

Admission to the concert is $15 general, $7 students/seniors. For reservations and information call the Box Office at (410) 455-6240. The event is sponsored by UMBC's InterArts and the Department of Dance. For information on other upcoming dance events, click here.

Posted by dwinds1

Rising Retriever

Following a 22-point effort in UMBC's 73-68 loss to Northeast Conference rival St. Francis (PA) earlier this year, sophomore Andrew Feeley was still unsatisfied with his performance. "I could have rebounded more," says the 6'9" Retriever center, who rounded out the night with seven boards, while shooting 10-for-11 in field goals and 2-for-2 at the line, en route to a career-high 22 points.

By Roxanne Reyes, UMBC Athletics

Following a 22-point effort in UMBC's 73-68 loss to Northeast Conference rival St. Francis (PA) earlier this year, sophomore Andrew Feeley was still unsatisfied with his performance. "I could have rebounded more," says the 6'9" Retriever center, who rounded out the night with seven boards, while shooting 10-for-11 in field goals and 2-for-2 at the line, en route to a career-high 22 points.

"Andrew is a young player with a great deal of upside and a great deal of desire to get better," says Head Coach Tom Sullivan. "He is a very strong kid with a good work ethic."

Coming off a year in which Sullivan's Retrievers won a Division I school record 20 games, Feeley maintains high expectations of the team and of himself. "During the summer, I spent much of my time in the weight room, where [Head Strength and Conditioning] Coach Fred Cantor helped me a lot. Together with last year's experiences, the training has given me more confidence now than I had in the games last season," says Feeley.

The increased confidence of the Scotch Plains, New Jersey native undoubtedly shows as he has been brilliant in numerous games this year, including double-double performances against NCAA basketball powers Villanova (14pts/12reb), # 23 Maryland (12p/12r), and Oral Roberts (14p/10r). "He has been fortunate to have had a good amount of playing time, and it has helped him develop. His offensive game has improved," says Sullivan.

"On the court, I'm starting to understand how the game really works, offensively and defensively," said Feeley, whose efforts against State Farm Classic opponent Oral Roberts, along with a 13-point performance against host College of Charleston, earned him a spot on the All-Tournament team.

It wasn't Feeley's first honor of the kind, however, as he also received the same recognition at the 2002 Battle of Baltimore Classic. In the season-opener, the sophomore had 16 points and seven rebounds against Towson, and then scored nine while pulling down six and blocking three in the championship game versus Loyola, to aid UMBC to its third Battle crown in three years.

"Coach Sullivan still places emphasis on defense, so we still consider it as the most important aspect. Basically, I try to help by playing well defensively, especially by rebounding," says Feeley. "I don't try to force anything or do too much. I just let the game come to me."

As part of a young Retriever squad that lost players who accounted for nearly 60 percent of their offense, Feeley can see why UMBC was picked to finish ninth by the NEC league coaches this season. "I understand why they made that prediction, but the league doesn't know how we've matured. People who didn't get much of a chance to play last year are stepping up, and the freshmen have played well and picked up the slack. Even though we lost four players, the way we play the game hasn't changed," says Feeley. "Actually, I feel that this year's team has more chemistry. We play better together."

Unfortunately, in addition to losing key players, the Retriever team has also been plagued with other difficulties. In fact, six members of its eleven-man roster have suffered at least one injury this year, including Feeley, who had back spasms at the season's start.

Nonetheless, the sophomore's main goal remains uniform with the rest of the team: to win the conference tournament. UMBC, who has made the 8-team, post-season tournament in all four of its NEC seasons, has not yet been able to take home the conference title. "We will be better when everyone is healthy," says Feeley. "By then, we'll be a tough team to contend with in the NEC."

Click here for more information on men's basketball.

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UMBC Community Invited to Participate in Black History Month Events

The entire UMBC community is invited to learn more about Black history and to share in the celebration of culture showing "Pride in our Past" and "Faith in our Future."

By Renique Quick, Community Director, Susquehanna Hall

It is common, to say the least, that as children we are taught history in our classrooms, and at times, in our homes. We have experienced historical journeys through Roman empires, world wars, and even the many fascinating luxuries that we enjoy today due to the inventive genius of those before us.

The reason that we have taken the time to learn where we came from is so that we can be more aware of where we are going and so that we hold on to an appreciation of those who have paved the paths before us. This is what the celebration of Black History is all about. We celebrate our ancestors' contribution to the land that we stand on. We honor the lives that were lost due to hatred, backbreaking efforts, and commitment to the struggle. We are sure to share these moments with our children so that they are aware that there are others who looked like them that may not have made it into their history books, but will hopefully make it into their minds and their hearts. We remember, lest we forget.

Dr. Carter G. Woodson, founder of the Journal of Negro History, set out to assure that we do remember. Dr. Woodson identified the second week in February as Negro History Week. He chose this week because both Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass share birthdays in this week. Both of these gentlemen played significant roles in the lives of Blacks throughout history.

Since 1926, Americans have acknowledged and celebrated Black History Month and this year we will continue to carry on the tradition right here at UMBC. We encourage you to take a moment to honor part of the history that has built the foundation for many of our lives. This year we are excited to offer a variety of opportunities for the entire UMBC community to learn more about Black History and to share in the celebration of culture showing "Pride in Our Past" and "Faith in Our Future."

Upcoming Black History Month Events
"Pride in Our Past, Faith in Our Future"

February 27 at 7 p.m.
THIS EVENT HAS BEEN CANCELLED

Speaker: Congressman Elijah Cummings

February 24 at 6 p.m.
Significance of Hairstyles in African Culture
PMC Community Room
Sponsor: ASA

February 26 at 1 p.m.
UMOJA Ceremony
Library, 7th Floor
Come and enjoy the sounds of the UMBC Jubilee Singers and hear speaker Dr. Jamie Washington, former assistant vice president for student affairs. as we wrap up our Black History Month Celebration!

February 26 at 7:30 p.m.
Movie: "Get on the Bus"
Chesapeake Hall Lobby
Sponsor: NPHC

February 27
African Culture Workshop: Food, Clothing, Music and Art
Location TBA
Sponsor: ASA

February 28 at 1 p.m.
Movie: "Their Eyes Were Watching God"
The Commons 2B10
Sponsor: Office of Diversity and Social Justice Initiatives
For more information contact Danette Gerald at ext. 53918

Coming Up:
April 9, Multi-Ethnic Job Fair

Sponsor: Career Development Center

Posted by dwinds1

January 23, 2003

UMBC Library Announces Longer Processing Time for Reserves

We regret to inform the campus that the processing of reserves (both hardcopy and e-reserves) will take slightly longer this semester than inprevious semesters.

We regret to inform the campus that the processing of reserves (both hardcopy and E-reserves) will take slightly longer this semester than inprevious semesters. There are several reasons for this situation.

1. The Albin O Kuhn Library, like the rest of UMBC, has been hard hit by the current financial crisis. Several positions, essential to the timely processing of reserves are now vacant with no chance of filling them in the foreseeable future.

2. The USM has installed a new Library Information Management System (Aleph) as of January 2003. This new system necessitates the reprocessing of all reserve material carried over from previous semesters in addition to the processing of any new material for the Spring 2003 semester. We are also experiencing some technical difficulties with the new system that still need to be worked out.

3. The scanning equipment for e-reserves is also experiencing some technical problems. The Library computer staff is working to correct the problems as quickly as possible, but this has caused a delay in scanning new material.

Please be aware that the Library is doing its utmost to ensure that the processing of reserves will go as smoothly and quickly as possible. We ask for your patience and understanding when the inevitable delays occur.Thank you for your consideration.

Questions should be directed to Jessame Ferguson, head of circulation, at ext. 53604

Posted by dwinds1

January 21, 2003

UMBC Hosts Look at 'Frontiers of Photonics Research'

UMBC welcomes some of the nation's top fiber optics and photonics researchers from industry, academia and government today as the University's new, NASA-funded Center for Advanced Studies in Photonics Research (CASPR) hosts the conference "Frontiers of Photonics Research."

The University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC) welcomes some of the nation's top fiber optics and photonics researchers from industry, academia and government today as the University's new, NASA-funded Center for Advanced Studies in Photonics Research (CASPR) hosts the conference "Frontiers of Photonics Research."

CASPR, a new center funded by a June, 2002 NASA grant, is managed under the NASA-Goddard Space Flight Center's Engineering Directorate. The creation of CASPR builds upon research that has been conducted at several UMBC departments for many years. Eight research projects from UMBC's departments of Computer Science and Electrical Engineering, Physics, and Mathematics/Statistics were chosen as CASPR's inaugural programs.

A prestigious list of speakers is scheduled for the forum. Corvis Corp. CEO David Huber and former American Optical Society president Anthony Johnson are among those scheduled to discuss the future of research in fields such as optical communications, optical sensing, and quantum optics and how it will impact the Baltimore/Washington economy.

Scheduled speakers include:

  • Dennis Andrucyk, Program Director, Mission and Science Measurement Technologies, NASA Headquarters
  • Dr. Thomas Giallorenzi, Superintendent, Optical Sciences Division, Naval Research Laboratories
  • Dr. David Huber, Chairman and CEO, Corvis Corp.
  • Dr. Erich Ippen, Elihu Thomson Professor Electrical Engineering and Physics, Massachusetts Institute of Technology
  • Dr. Anthony M. Johnson, Foundation Professor of Optics and Photonics and Distinguished Professor of Physics, New Jersey Institute of Technology and past president, Optical Society of America
  • Dr. Curtis Menyuk, Professor of Computer Science and Electrical Engineering, UMBC
  • Dr. Morton Rubin, Professor of Physics, UMBC
  • Dr. Terrance Worchesky, Associate Professor of Physics, UMBC

"It's very important to talk about the role of photonics research in economic development and innovation in the Baltimore-Washington region," said UMBC President Freeman A. Hrabowski, III. "I'm pleased to see our research strengths in optics and photonics recognized by the private and public sectors."

"CASPR is an outgrowth of years of ground-breaking photonics research at UMBC that is supported by the federal government and the excellent private companies in the Baltimore-Washington corridor," says Dr. Robert Schiffer, interim administrator of CASPR. "The fact that such a prestigious group of scientists is gathering here speaks volumes about how UMBC and this region are increasingly being seen as the place to be for the future of photonics research."

"Frontiers of Photonics Research" will take place from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. today in UMBC's University Center Ballroom. The invited speakers, UMBC officials, and photonics faculty researchers will give talks and presentations throughout the day, which will conclude with tours of UMBC's photonics research facilities.

Posted by dwinds1

January 14, 2003

UMBC to Host "Frontiers of Photonics Research" Conference

UMBC will welcome some of the nation's top fiber optics and photonics researchers from industry, academia and government on Jan. 21 as the University's new, NASA-funded Center for Advanced Studies in Photonics Research (CASPR) hosts the conference "Frontiers of Photonics Research."

UMBC will welcome some of the nation's top fiber optics and photonics researchers from industry, academia and government on Jan. 21 as the University's new, NASA-funded Center for Advanced Studies in Photonics Research (CASPR) hosts the conference "Frontiers of Photonics Research." The event will be held from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the U.C. Ballroom. Invited speakers, UMBC officials, and photonics faculty researchers will give talks and presentations throughout the day, which will conclude with tours of UMBC's photonics research facilities.

CASPR, a new center funded by a June, 2002 NASA grant, is managed under the NASA-Goddard Space Flight Center's Engineering Directorate. The creation of CASPR builds upon research that has been conducted at several UMBC departments for many years. Eight research projects from UMBC's departments of Computer Science and Electrical Engineering, Physics, and Mathematics/Statistics were chosen as CASPR's inaugural programs.

A prestigious list of speakers is scheduled for the forum. Corvis Corp. CEO David Huber and former American Optical Society president Anthony Johnson are among those scheduled to discuss the future of research in fields such as optical communications, optical sensing, and quantum optics and how it will impact the Baltimore/Washington economy.

Scheduled speakers include:

*Dennis Andrucyk, Program Director, Mission and Science Measurement Technologies, NASA Headquarters
*Dr. Thomas Giallorenzi, Superintendent, Optical Sciences Division, Naval Research Laboratories
*Dr. David Huber, Chairman and CEO, Corvis Corp.
*Dr. Erich Ippen, Elihu Thomson Professor Electrical Engineering and Physics, Massachusetts Institute of Technology
*Dr. Anthony M. Johnson, Foundation Professor of Optics and Photonics and Distinguished Professor of Physics, New Jersey Institute of Technology and former president, Optical Society of America
*Dr. Curtis Menyuk, Professor of Computer Science and Electrical Engineering, UMBC
*Dr. Morton Rubin, Professor of Physics, UMBC
*Dr. Terrance Worchesky, Associate Professor of Physics, UMBC

"CASPR is an outgrowth of years of ground-breaking photonics research at UMBC that is being supported by the federal government and the excellent private companies in the Baltimore-Washington corridor," says Dr. Robert Schiffer, interim administrator of CASPR. "The fact that such a prestigious group of scientists is gathering here speaks volumes about how UMBC and this region are increasingly being seen as the place to be for the future of photonics research."

Posted by dwinds1

UMBC to Host "Frontiers of Photonics Research" on Jan. 21 New!

UMBC will welcome some of the nation's top fiber optics and photonics researchers from industry, academia and government on Jan. 21 as the University's new, NASA-funded Center for Advanced Studies in Photonics Research (CASPR) hosts the conference "Frontiers of Photonics Research."

The University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC) will welcome some of the nation's top fiber optics and photonics researchers from industry, academia and government on Jan. 21 as the University's new, NASA-funded Center for Advanced Studies in Photonics Research (CASPR) hosts the conference "Frontiers of Photonics Research."

CASPR, a new center funded by a June, 2002 NASA grant, is managed under the NASA-Goddard Space Flight Center's Engineering Directorate. The creation of CASPR builds upon research that has been conducted at several UMBC departments for many years. Eight research projects from UMBC's departments of Computer Science and Electrical Engineering, Physics and Mathematics/Statistics were chosen as CASPR's inaugural programs.

A prestigious list of speakers is scheduled for the forum. Corvis Corp. CEO David Huber and former American Optical Society president Anthony Johnson are among those scheduled to discuss the future of research in fields such as optical communications, optical sensing, and quantum optics and how it will impact the Baltimore/Washington economy.

Scheduled speakers include:

*Dennis Andrucyk, program director, Mission and Science Measurement Technologies, NASA Headquarters
*Dr. Thomas Giallorenzi, superintendent, Optical Sciences Division, Naval Research Laboratories
*Dr. David Huber, chairman and CEO, Corvis Corp.
*Dr. Erich Ippen, Elihu Thomson professor electrical engineering and physics, Massachusetts Institute of Technology
*Dr. Anthony M. Johnson, foundation professor of optics and photonics and distinguished professor of physics, New Jersey Institute of Technology and former president, Optical Society of America
*Dr. Curtis Menyuk, professor of computer science and electrical engineering, UMBC
*Dr. Morton Rubin, professor of physics, UMBC
*Dr. Terrance Worchesky, associate professor of physics, UMBC

"CASPR is an outgrowth of years of ground-breaking photonics research at UMBC that is being supported by the federal government and the excellent private companies in the Baltimore-Washington corridor," says Dr. Robert Schiffer, interim administrator of CASPR. "The fact that such a prestigious group of scientists is gathering here speaks volumes about how UMBC and this region are increasingly being seen as the place to be for the future of photonics research."

"Frontiers of Photonics Research" will take place from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. in UMBC's University Center Ballroom on Tuesday, Jan. 21. The invited speakers, UMBC officials, and photonics faculty researchers will give talks and presentations throughout the day, which will conclude with tours of UMBC's photonics research facilities. For registration information, click here.

Posted by dwinds1

January 6, 2003

Faculty Development

First Year Seminars are a valuable addition to the undergraduate curriculum because they provide new students with an intellectually challenging introduction to university academic life. UMBC faculty who taught seminars this semester discuss the benefits for students.

By Jack Prostko, Director, Faculty Development Center

For a variety of social and economic reasons, students are entering college generally unprepared for what awaits them.
-- Robert Leamnson, Thinking about Teaching and Learning
This fall semester UMBC's First Year Seminar Program was launched, with six new courses taught by faculty members in philosophy, economics, English, American studies, physics, and modern languages and linguistics. The program continues spring semester, and plans are in place to increase the number of offerings next year to twenty courses. Currently, the provost is circulating a request for proposals for AY 2003-04 to all tenured and tenure-track faculty, along with examples of the kinds of courses offered here and at other universities. This information is also available on the Provost's Web site. The deadline for submitting course proposals is Friday, January 31, 2003.

First Year Seminars are a valuable addition to the undergraduate curriculum because they provide new students with an intellectually challenging introduction to university academic life. Yet despite the challenge, the atmosphere of the seminars is supportive: the classes are small, and emphasize discussion, collaboration and exploration.

Such seminars are not, of course, unique to UMBC. According to the National Resource Center for The First-Year Experience & Students in Transition, more than 200 schools now offer some sort of academic seminar for incoming students, (while over 400 schools offer some sort of students success or "college survival" course). These academic seminars serve several purposes, including helping students adjust to college-level academic expectations and form valuable connections with their peers and professors. As the current request for proposals explains, "the small size and collaborative seminar structure make them ideal for encouraging critical thinking, serious intellectual inquiry, and the development of communications skills, both verbal and written."

For new students who may be enrolled in several large lecture courses, the FY Seminar offers a more personalized opportunity to learn about campus life and scholarly work. Focusing on both theoretical and local concerns, professor Jessica Berman (English and women's studies) taught What Makes a Community? this semester and found her students intrigued by the variety of communities surrounding them.

Berman notes, "I have been very pleased by the work that students have done on the issue of campus community. One said, 'I was so surprised to find out how many groups there are at UMBC -- there's no excuse not to get involved with one.' She was very skeptical at first. This kind of discovery helps them realize that research can have a direct effect on how they perceive and experience the world around them. I think this is an important experience to have early in college. I have also found that they have grown in their ability to think through a difficult issue -- they are less likely to stick to the easy, common sense responses that they would offer at the beginning of the course. Now they know I will ask them to look at both sides of the question, and to support their claims, and this too is important for success in college."

A course taught by modern languages and linguistics professor John Stolle McAllister on Seeking Truth and Justice: Human Rights Today also forced students to think more carefully about their assumptions and ideas. "I enjoyed working with the first year students because most of them seemed to bring a genuine curiosity to the material," McAllister explains. "As the semester went on, their comments and papers became noticeably more sophisticated as they were able to articulate more reasoned arguments for their beliefs. Lastly, the small class size (I had 13) let me have a more personal relationship with students, and felt like I was making some (small) difference in encouraging them to be successful at UMBC."

For instructors, the flexible nature of the seminar allows for experimentation with new teaching strategies and student assignments. Professor Ed Orser (American studies) says of his FY Seminar course, Sense of Place, "has stimulated some of my most creative teaching, especially in devising ways for more 'active' learning contexts in seminar sessions. One of the most satisfying aspects of the experience was the way in which the seminar participants welcomed the opportunity to become an intellectual and social community -- clearly very much enjoying their experience together and providing an important support system for one another."

These seminars also offer the chance to teach a course that might not otherwise fit into a department's curriculum -- and to teach it without worrying that it serves as a prerequisite to other courses (and therefore that the schedule and agenda are rigid). Stolle McAllister notes that "For me, the FY Seminar has been a good experience in part because I got to teach a topic that is very important to me both personally and intellectually. I found the format to be particularly rewarding because, since I was not really under any pressure to get through a certain amount of material, as I would be with other types of beginning level courses, I had more flexibility to let students explore and argue about topics that weren't necessarily originally on my agenda."

Check out this opportunity to explore new topics or issues with a small group of enthusiastic students. If you have questions about the FYS program please contact Assistant Vice Provost for Undergraduate Education Jill Randles(x53715).

If you would like to explore resources for teaching first year courses, contact me at the Faculty Development Center (x51829).

Other examples of First Year Seminar Programs and Classes:
University of North Carolina: www.unc.edu/fys/
Princeton University: www.princeton.edu/pr/pub/fs/booklet.htm
University of Minnesota: www.evpp.umn.edu/evpp/freshsem/
Harvard University: www.fas.harvard.edu/~seminars/fs/offerings.html
Stanford University: introsems.stanford.edu/
University of California, Berkeley: fsp.berkeley.edu/flist.html

Useful books on teaching first year students:
Leamnson, Robert. (1999). Thinking about Teaching and Learning: Developing Habits of Learning with First Year College and University Students. Sterling, VA: Stylus.

Erickson, Bette LaSere, and Strommer, Diane Weltner. (1991). Teaching College Freshmen. San Francisco, CA: Jossey-Bass.

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Tech Watch

Science 100 Instructor Karin Readel has been surveying more than 600 students about their incoming technology skills since Fall 2001. Why is technology fluency so important?

By John Fritz, Director, New Media Learning and Development

(Adapted from the Fall 2002 OIT Newsletter)

Last month, Science 100 Instructor Karin Readel gave a Brown Bag presentation on how and why she's been surveying more than 600 students about their incoming technology skills since Fall 2001. While she's found that students tend to overestimate their own technology skills, I was curious why technology fluency was so important to her.

"I recently read an article by a bio teacher who has groups do web pages," Readel wrote in an initial e-mail explaining her need for OIT support. "It was interesting to see how they split up the tasks and then how things were assessed."

In other words, technology was a means to an end. In this case, Readel wanted to try something new -- a virtual application of her belief in the pedagogical value of group learning -- and needed students who could function in that environment. But as we explored her needs further, it became apparent she was also trying to solve a resulting problem. 1

"When I've assigned group Web projects in the past, usually the job of producing them falls on the one person who has the skill and personal Web space in his or her account," says Readel, who has taught at UMBC for four years. "Apart from not being fair to that one person, I thought other students should learn these skills and how to work cooperatively in teams. They'll certainly need to do so in their jobs."

Readel is not the only one trying to assess students' technology fluency.Led by Matthias Gobbert, chair of the Faculty Senate Computer PolicyCommittee and assistant professor of mathematics, Readel, AssociateProfessor of History Kriste Lindenmeyer, Assistant Professor of SociologySheila Cotten and others have been working with OIT to develop a pilotInformation Technology Awareness Questionnaire (ITAQ) other faculty mightvoluntarily use in their classrooms. We're still working out logistics,but if you'd be interested in using the questionnaire or would like tooffer input on the draft version, send e-mail to gobbert@umbc.edu.

In addition, as I mentioned in this column last month, OIT has been developing a draft technology fluency "self-assessment" to help guide us on relevant technology training topics and delivery methods. More than 30 of UMBC's 90 departmental payroll preparers completed a pilot version that may be used more widely by faculty and staff looking to develop their own skills.

However it is eventually assessed at UMBC, defining technology fluency is the holy grail of any assessment effort. For example, is there one set of skills or conceptual understanding all students should attain, or are there differences among majors like computer science and dance? What should we require of incoming or graduating students?2 And how does the technology fluency of faculty and staff influence teaching, learning, business operations and the UMBC community? These are all tough questions the Provost's Office and IT Steering Committee have been attempting to address in UMBC's Interim Policy on Technology Fluency.

One reason I think technology fluency is hard to define and assess is because using technology effectively requires us to constantly reflect on how we do things now and how we might do them better -- in part because the technology itself changes so frequently. And how many of us wake up each morning yearning for a little "continuous improvement"? But even if technology only serves as a catalyst or lens for making us more aware of what we're trying to accomplish, I think that's being technologically fluent.

One quote I came across recently sums it up nicely: "If you never change how you do something, how do you ever expect to get different results."

1I first heard "solving problems and trying new things" used as a technology litmus test by Tom Cantu, an instructional designer formerly at Towson University and now with Eduprise.

2A few years ago, the state of Virginia got a lot of attention for its use of tekxam, an online certification the state thought would help graduates and employers better demonstrate and evaluate technology fluency. To test your own fluency, try the 10-question sample exam. It's challenging, but fun.

Posted by dwinds1

UMBC Official to Lead International Research Park Group

Ellen Wiggins Hemmerly, Executive Director of the UMBC Research Park Corporation, has been named president of the Association of University Research Parks (AURP), a non-profit group that supports over 200 university research parks and technology incubators worldwide.

Ellen Wiggins Hemmerly, Executive Director of the UMBC Research Park Corporation, has been named president of the Association of University Research Parks (AURP), a non-profit group that supports over 200 university research parks and technology incubators worldwide.

"Thanks to Ellen Hemmerly's leadership, UMBC's research park and business incubator are among the nation's best," said UMBC President Freeman Hrabowski. "Past AURP presidents have come from such outstanding places as North Carolina's Research Triangle Park and Rensselaer's Technology Park. We are delighted that UMBC is being recognized for its contributions to economic growth through research and technology development."

Hemmerly oversees the University's bwtech@UMBC Research and Technology Park and works closely with the Park's developer, Grosvenor. According to Hemmerly, she hopes her appointment will help draw more high-tech businesses to Baltimore.

"AURP's mission is to help connect the innovations of academia with regional economic growth and development," Hemmerly said. "With so many excellent research universities in greater Baltimore, I look forward to helping new ideas become solid business models that add to our region's high-tech economy."

The announcement is a timely one for Baltimore, as the city prepares to host the international 2003 BioParks convention later this year. AURP and The Council of Biotechnology Centers (CBC) will co-sponsor the gathering of representatives from biotech research parks around the world on June 20 through 21. The convention is co-sponsored by a consortium of regional universities including UMBC, The Johns Hopkins University, the University of Maryland Baltimore, the University of Maryland College Park and the University of Maryland Biotechnology Institute, in partnership with city and state economic development agencies.

Hemmerly, a member of AURP for seven years, is also a Special Assistant to the Vice President for Administration and Finance at UMBC. She oversees the development of bwtech@UMBC, the University's on-campus research park that houses RWD Technologies' Applied Technology Laboratory. Hemmerly also directs techcenter@UMBC, the University's business incubator that is home to 30 start-up and emerging tech firms.

Prior to joining UMBC, Hemmerly was a Vice President at the Baltimore Development Corporation (BDC) serving as its Senior Lender and Director of the Enterprise Development Fund, the City's venture capital fund. While at BDC, she successfully started a business incubator as Executive Director of the Technology Development Center. Hemmerly also spent two years as a business development officer specializing in marketing Baltimore to high technology businesses.

Hemmerly's background also includes extensive real estate development, venture capital and banking experience. She has an M.B.A. from Cornell University's Johnson School of Management and a B.S. from Moravian College.

About AURP:
Founded in 1986, AURP (www.aurp.net) is a non-profit, international organization that represents over 200 research, science or technology parks. AURP's mission is to promote and support the development and operation of university research parks worldwide.

About Grosvenor:
Grosvenor (www.grosvenor.com ) is a privately owned property development and investment group that has been active in North America for almost 50 years. With a North American portfolio of approximately 9.5 million square feet, Grosvenor's properties span metropolitan areas throughout the U.S. and Canada. The company is an integral part of Grosvenor Group Holdings Limited, an international property group with operating companies in the Americas, Britain and Ireland, Continental Europe and the Australia/Asia Pacific Region.

Posted by dwinds1

December 30, 2002

UMBC Wins Sixth National Chess Championship

The University of Maryland, Baltimore County Chess Team has won its sixth Pan-American Intercollegiate Chess Championship in seven years. The three-day match, which took place from December 27-29 at the Embassy Suites Hotel in Miami, Fla., came to an unexpected finish with UMBC's B team winning the championship with UMBC's A team tying for second place with rival school University of Texas at Dallas. UMBC won on points in the tie-breaker. First place comes with a trophy and prize money totaling $1000.

Miami, FL The University of Maryland, Baltimore County Chess Team has won its sixth Pan-American Intercollegiate Chess Championship in seven years. The three-day match, which took place from December 27-29 at the Embassy Suites Hotel in Miami, Fla., came to an unexpected finish with UMBC's B team winning the championship with UMBC's A team tying for second place with rival school University of Texas at Dallas. UMBC won on points in the tie-breaker. First place comes with a trophy and prize money totaling $1000.

UMBC faced its toughest competition in a team from the University of Texas, Dallas (UTD). UMBC tied UTD for the Pan Am Championship in 2000 and 2001.

More than thirty universities, including Stanford, Princeton, MIT and the University of Chicago, sent teams to the 2002 Pan Am competition in Miami. International teams included Catholic University of Peru, the University of Toronto and the University of Puerto Rico. The UMBC and UT Dallas teams represent two of the most powerful in the history of this event.

The two universities sent a total of seven Grandmasters the highest possible ranking for a chess player to the tournament. There are approximately 40,000 chess players in the United States today, only forty of which are Grandmasters.

UMBC's A team included: Grand Masters Alex Onischuk (Alex the Invincible), Alex Wojtkiewicz (Alex the Great), and Pawel Blehm (The Polish Magician). International Master and reigning Canadian chess champion Pascal Charbonneau, The Frenchman, was the fourth player on Team A.

UMBC's B team included: Grand Master Alex Sherzer (The Surgeon), International Master Eugene Perelshteyn (The Captain), Fide Master William Morrison (The Exterminator) and John Rouleau (Maryland Mauler). The alternate was Battsetseg Tsagaan (The Mongolian Terror).

UMBC's Chess Team is coached by Life Master Igor Epshteyn. The Chess Team Advisor is Alan Sherman, an associate professor of computer science at UMBC.

Note to Editors: Photos of the UMBC Chess Team are available for download. Click here for a directory.

Posted by dwinds1

December 11, 2002

UMBC Professor Ram Hosmane is Maryland Chemist of the Year

UMBC chemistry professor Ramachandra "Ram" Hosmane has been named the Maryland Chemist of the Year by the Maryland division of the American Chemical Society. Hosmane's career breakthroughs include the development of anti-cancer and anti-viral drugs as well as the creation of reagents for a powdered, artificial blood mix for use in emergency transfusions.

UMBC chemistry professor Ramachandra "Ram" Hosmane has been named the Maryland Chemist of the Year by the Maryland division of the American Chemical Society.

Hosmane, a faculty member at UMBC for 20 years, was honored on Dec. 11 in a ceremony in Towson for his career contributions to biomedical research. Hosmane's career breakthroughs include the development of anti-cancer and anti-viral drugs as well as the creation of reagents for a powdered, artificial blood mix for use in emergency transfusions.

Hosmane is the third UMBC chemist to be named Chemist of the Year since the Society began giving the award in 1962. "This award is well-deserved recognition for the outstanding contributions that Ram Hosmane has made to synthetic and medicinal chemistry." said Ralph Pollack, UMBC chemistry department chair and professor.

"I was surprised and shocked to win this honor," said Hosmane. "The fact that the nominations came from all over Maryland, including academia, industry and government, made it even more special to me."

Hosmane's recent breakthroughs include development of bulkier and leaner forms of the natural building blocks of genetic material, nucleosides and nucleotides. The compounds have shown potential to fight against cancers including prostate, breast, lung, leukemia, colon, skin, kidney, brain, and ovarian. The compounds also show promise against a dozen different viral infections, the major ones being hepatitis B and C, West Nile, and herpes.

Hosmane's artificial blood invention holds promise as a universal substitute for whole blood during emergency transfusions. The artificial blood requires no typing or cross-matching, is free of bacteria or viruses, and is storable as a dry powder for indefinite periods of time. It can be carried to the scene of accident and administered as a buffered salt solution in water without having to transport the patient to the nearest hospital.

Since joining the UMBC faculty in 1982, Hosmane has contributed well over a hundred original research articles in peer-reviewed, international scholarly journals and he is also the author of a half-dozen patents and disclosures on a variety of themes. He has been continuously funded since 1984 by both federal agencies and industrial partnerships. In addition to his research endeavors, Hosmane has trained in his labs more than 75 scientists from all over the world, including undergraduate and graduate students, postdoctoral fellows, visiting scientists as well as visiting professors.

Two years ago, Hosmane won the "Outstanding Educator of the Year" award from the Maryland Association for Higher Education (MAHE). He was the UMBC Presidential Research Professor during 1998-2001, and has been the Provost's Exceptional Sponsored Research Fellow ever since that program was initiated at UMBC.

Posted by dwinds1

December 6, 2002

Who Cares About College Football Bowl Rivalries When UMBC and U.T. Dallas Get Ready to Rumble?

Dozens of other universities will participate in the Pan Am, which is regarded as the top college chess tournament in the Western Hemisphere and will be held Dec. 27-30 at Embassy Suites near the Miami International Airport. But it is the UMBC-UTD rivalry that makes the event so special. UTD and UMBC are without question the two best teams in college chess, at least in the United States, and they are so evenly matched that they are separated by scarcely a nanometer.

Baltimore, Md. In late December and during the first week of 2003, the attention of sports enthusiasts throughout the United States will be riveted on the college football bowl games to see who emerges Number One. But if they really want to learn who is the best (and brightest) and to take in the most heated rivalry intercollegiate competition has to offer, they should plan their tailgating parties for Miami, not to watch the Orange Bowl, but to catch The University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC) and The University of Texas at Dallas (UTD) going king-to-king in the Pan American Intercollegiate Team Chess Championship.

Dozens of other universities will participate in the Pan Am, which is regarded as the top college chess tournament in the Western Hemisphere and will be held Dec. 27-30 at Embassy Suites near the Miami International Airport. But it is the UMBC-UTD rivalry that makes the event so special. UTD and UMBC are without question the two best teams in college chess, at least in the United States, and they are so evenly matched that they are separated by scarcely a nanometer. Texas-Oklahoma? Florida-Florida State? Notre Dame-Michigan? They pale in comparison.

How evenly matched are UMBC and UTD?

Would you believe that they have tied for first place in the Pan Am two years in a row?

This year's competition figures to be an All-Star game of sorts: seven of the eight competitors on the two teams carry the title of grandmaster, which is reserved for the most highly ranked players in all of chess. It is estimated that 40 million people play chess in the United States; only 40 are grandmasters. As in previous years, it is simply too difficult to predict whether UMBC and UTD will come out on top.

UMBC Chess fans are quick to point out that their chess team has finished first, or tied for first, in the prestigious Pan American tournament five of the last six years, an unparalleled record of achievement. UMBC also earned the Chess College of the Year title from the USCF -- in 2000.

The UTD enthusiasts will quickly counter that their kings of the square board have won the last two Final Four of Chess championships held each year in April, albeit by the narrowest of margins, and that UTD was named Chess College of the Year more recently (last year) by the U.S. Chess Federation.

There may be no crying in baseball, but in chess there is no talking, especially of the trash variety.

Academics do not indulge in trash talking, said Dr. Tim Redman, professor of literary studies at U.T. Dallas and director of the school's six-year-old chess program. I would never, for example, refer to our esteemed opponents as 'Baltimorons' or threaten to clean their clocks, especially since tampering with the clocks is illegal in chess."

I agree with Tim that with chess, one should always take the high road, said Alan Sherman, UMBC Chess Team advisor and associate professor of computer science. I mean, speaking of clocks, I could always say that UTD's time has passed and that when our two teams meet in Miami UTD is going to go gently into that good night. But it would be unseemly for an academic to say such a thing.

The presidents of the two universities, UMBC's Freeman A. Hrabowski and UTD's Franklyn G. Jenifer, both view chess as a metaphor for academic excellence and intellectual rigor. And both universities have established themselves as places where it is cool to be smart.

UMBC's team, which has menacing nicknames for each of its players, will be represented by Alex Onischuk (Alex the Invincible) of Ukraine, Alex Wojtkiewicz (Alex the Great) of Poland, Pawel Blehm (The Polish Magician) of Poland and Alex Sherzer (The Surgeon) of Maryland.

The UTD team in Miami is expected to be composed of Yuri Shulman of Belarus, Marcin Kaminski of Poland, Dmitry Schneider of New York and Andrei Zaremba of Michigan. Andrew Whatley of Alabama will serve as first alternate and Dennis Rylander of Sweden as second alternate.

About UMBC
UMBC, named a 2003 Hot School by Kaplan/Newsweek, is a medium-sized, selective, public research university situated on 500 acres between Baltimore and Washington, D.C. UMBC has an enrollment of more than 11,000 students in undergraduate and graduate programs in the liberal arts and sciences and engineering. A campus community rich in cultural and ethnic diversity, UMBC promotes cutting-edge research and creative activity. The campus is home to the nationally-known Meyerhoff Scholarship Program, the Shriver Center, and a number of major research centers. UMBC is a member of the University System of Maryland and is accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Secondary Schools. For additional information about UMBC, please visit the university's web site at www.umbc.edu

About UTD
The University of Texas at Dallas, located at the convergence of Richardson, Plano and Dallas in the heart of the complex of major multinational technology corporations known as the Telecom Corridor, enrolls more than 13,000 students. The school's freshman class traditionally stands at the forefront of Texas state universities in terms of average SAT scores. The university offers a broad assortment of bachelor's, master's and doctoral degree programs. For additional information about UTD, please visit the university's web site at www.utdallas.edu.

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UMBC Wins Council of Graduate Schools Award

The University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC) has been honored by the Council of Graduate Schools (CGS) for its efforts to build a comprehensive, supportive environment for women and minority graduate students.

WASHINGTON, DC -- The University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC) has been honored by the Council of Graduate Schools (CGS) for its efforts to build a comprehensive, supportive environment for women and minority graduate students.

"There has been a 50 percent rate of attrition for doctoral students at U.S. graduate schools over the past 20 years, and among minority students this figure is even higher," said Scott Bass, Dean of the UMBC Graduate School, as he accepted the CGS/Peterson's Award for Innovation in Promoting an Inclusive Graduate Community at the Council's annual meeting Thursday evening in Washington, DC.

"We must diversify and support our graduate student population for the nation to remain a world leader in science, engineering, and technology," Bass said. "I'm receiving this award on behalf of the entire UMBC community. This is at the core of our academic mission."

UMBC, one of Newsweek's hottest schools in America, has earned national acclaim for its comprehensive support for minority science and technology undergrads. The university is best known for its Meyerhoff Scholars Program. Founded in 1988, the program regularly sends large numbers of minorities on to advanced studies in science, technology and engineering at such institutions as Harvard, Stanford, and MIT. The scholars are among the best in the nation, many of whom turn down scholarship offers from Ivy League schools in favor of the personal attention they receive at UMBC.

Now Bass and Janet Rutledge, the Associate Dean of the UMBC Graduate School, are on a mission to expand that comprehensive approach to graduate students. "UMBC has done a tremendous job at the undergraduate level, so we're primed to do the same at the graduate level," Bass says. "There has been so little progress nationally, we've got to step it up."

Rutledge, the first African American female to receive a PhD from Georgia Tech's electrical engineering program, knows firsthand the challenges minority PhD students face. "There's a feeling of invisibility," says Rutledge, who concentrated on the scarcity of minority science PhD's as program director in the Division of Graduate Education at the National Science Foundation prior to coming to UMBC.

Hrabowski, Bass and Rutledge preach the mantra of better mentorship between faculty and graduate students as the key to getting more minorities and women to excel in science, math, engineering and technology graduate programs. "I'm a product of the national minority engineering education movement of the 1970's," says Rutledge. "There was a big emphasis on mentoring. If we're to achieve the diversity we're looking for with graduate students, we must mentor."

Rutledge sees the two-year award from as a big step towards drawing national attention to the problem and hopefully spreading the comprehensive model to other U.S. campuses.

Earlier this year, Rutledge was instrumental in landing a $2.5 million grant from the National Science Foundation to establish the Maryland Alliance for Graduate Education and the Professoriate (MAGEP), a consortium of universities led by UMBC that includes the University of Maryland, College Park and the University of Maryland, Baltimore. MAGEP seeks to expand the principles of UMBC's Meyerhoff Program throughout other disciplines to build graduate student recruitment, mentoring and professional development statewide.

Bass and Rutledge point out that the UMBC faculty is dedicated to the mission as much as they are. Michael Summers, the only Howard Hughes Medical Institute Investigator at a Maryland public university and winner of the 2000 Presidential Award for Excellence in Science, Mathematics and Engineering Mentoring, recently volunteered to expand the Meyerhoff graduate biomedical program. Summers started with two minority students and has since grown the program to include 31 students across six departments.

"Our faculty sees this opportunity to be unique in the nation, and they have seized it," Bass says. "At other campuses, often this type of mission is peripheral; you'll see an office of minority affairs on the side somewhere. But here, as administrators, we're just responding to faculty who really want to do this. They're saying 'Give us the tools and we'll do it.'"

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UMBC Professor is Maryland Chemist of the Year Coming Soon!

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November 20, 2002

UMBC Debuts Wireless Technologies Certificate

The UMBC Computer Certification Training Center (CCTC) is expanding further into the distance education arena with the launch of a new, non-credit, online training program: the Wireless Technologies Certificate.

The UMBC Computer Certification Training Center (CCTC) is expanding further into the distance education arena with the launch of a new, non-credit, online training program: the Wireless Technologies Certificate.

The wireless program focuses on standards-based development and multi-platform capability. The guided, online curriculum is aimed at working professionals, and allows students to learn at their own pace. The first 12-week sequence began on November 11, 2002, with students expected to commit an average of 10 hours per week to online participation and study.

The wireless training is the most recent in a series of online courses, a slight departure from the UMBC Center's main focus on established, industry-standard certifications like Microsoft and Cisco. According to Doug Kendzierski, Associate Vice-Provost with UMBC's Division of Professional Education and Training, the move reflects UMBC's confidence in the prospect of wireless development at companies like Aether Systems, Verizon, Motorola and AT&T.

"We're putting a significant investment into this program," says Kendzierski. "CCTC will maintain a focus on mainstream credentials, and instructor-led programs, but we're also convinced that there are a number of very progressive IT professionals and organizations in our region who are justifiably obsessed with the 'latest and greatest' technologies, like wireless."

Industry experts seem to agree. David H. Tai, District Manager of Learning Strategies and Technologies for AT&T Business, says, "The speed to access information or knowledge is key to the success of any business today and in the future. With more devices available to deliver information in multiple ways, the content gap in the mobile industry can be easily filled if we can have more certified mobile content developers."

Dr. David Metcalf, Chief Technologist at RWD Technologies, will teach the course. Metcalf has taught for other prominent online universities, including Walden University, Nova Southeastern University, and Webster University. Metcalf has produced several award-winning Web-based training applications, including the Web Interactive Training Project (WIT) at NASA's Kennedy Space Center. Metcalf has also won eLearning Excellence Awards including a Gold Award in 2000 for the Wireless eLearning IP Troubleshooting Guide for Palm VII and the 2001 Worthy of Note Award for Grinnell Fire System's Voice-based eLearning Portal.

Additional sections are planned, including a January 2003 section start, and an Advanced Certification is being developed as a follow-up course. Details are available at http://www.continuinged.umbc.edu/cctc/courses/wireless.html, or by calling the UMBC Computer Certification Training Center at (410) 594-2282.

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November 19, 2002

New Faculty New!

Insights continues its profiles of new UMBC faculty.

Piotr Gwiazda
Assistant Professor, English

Piotr Gwiazda's teaching and research interests include modern and contemporary poetry, as well as translation theory and utopian studies. His current project, a monograph on James Merrill's verse trilogy "The Changing Light at Sandover," considers the problems of literary history, intertextuality, and influence, focusing on the poetic relationship between Merrill and W.H. Auden as portrayed in the epic.

Gwiazda, who left his native Poland 11 years ago, says Merrill is one of the first poets he read in English. He appreciates Merrill's "sense of craft, irony, comic spirit, and sophistication as a poet and as a human being."

In addition to publishing scholarly articles in such journals as Postmodern Review, Translation Review and Texas Studies in Literature & Language, Gwiazda has published his own poetry in Columbia: A Journal of Literature and Art, Connecticut Review, The Southern Review and Rattle. His poetry manuscript, Gagarin Street, is under consideration with publishers. He has translated several writers into Polish, including work by Paul Auster and Charles Simic.

Gwiazda received his M.A. and Ph.D. from NYU.

At UMBC, Gwiazda is teaching Analysis of Literary Forms, American Literature 1865-1930, and Contemporary American and British Poetry.

Matthew McCabe
Visiting Assistant Professor, Philosophy

Matthew McCabe recently received his Ph.D. from the University of Maryland, College Park. A California native, he has a M.A. in Philosophy from California State Long Beach, and a B.A. in History and Philosophy from University of California Santa Barbara.

McCabe's dissertation deals with bioethics and ethical theory. He is bridging the two areas by taking a new theory, the virtue ethic of care, and applying it to the context of medical ethics. The theory blends two traditions -- one an old tradition of virtue ethics that goes back to the ancient Greeks and looks at such issues as what it means to be a good person -- mixed with the contemporary ethics of care, where caring for others becomes the centerpiece for determining right and wrong.

He says the challenge is that many believe the physician's job is to cure, not to care. McCabe addresses this argument and looks at ways to talk meaningfully about care in the context of medical practice. He hopes to expand his examination of ethical care to other professions.

This semester, McCabe is teaching Bioethics and Introduction to Philosophy. He will teach a seminar in Applied Ethics this spring and another introductory philosophy course.

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November 11, 2002

Shifty-Eyed Crabs Are an Extreme Discovery

From a crab-loving city comes research on a shifty-eyed species of crab that only a scientist could love. The Nov. 7 issue of Nature features the work of UMBC marine biologist and vision scientist Tom Cronin, who was part of a team studying the amazing eyes of a rare species of crab that thrives in the extreme heat and darkness of thermal vents deep beneath the Galapagos Islands.

From a crab-loving city comes research on a shifty-eyed species of crab that only a scientist could love.

The Nov. 7 issue of Nature features the work of UMBC marine biologist and vision scientist Tom Cronin, who was part of a team of researchers studying the amazing eyes of Bythograea thermydron, a rarely seen species of crab that thrives in the extreme heat and darkness of thermal vents two-and-a-half kilometers beneath the Pacific Ocean. The crab's unusual and little-understood visual system makes it quite a scientific catch, since its vision changes three times during its life cycle as it adapts to environmental changes.

Cronin is a marine vision specialist who has dived around the globe while conducting research as a faculty member at UMBC. For two years, Cronin's colleagues at the University of Delaware searched the dark depths of the Pacific near the Galapagos Islands before making a lucky grab with the claws of the deep-sea submersible ALVIN that yielded an adult Bythograea thermydron with a cluster of eggs attached to its shell.

"It's a radical change in vision and an exciting discovery because these crabs are so hard to come by and the larvae are even tougher to find," says Cronin.

The research team successfully hatched the eggs in a darkened lab to track the visual metamorphosis and was amazed at what they saw. The larval stage, which develops in the blue light of the ocean's middle depths, has a compound eye like an insect. As they mature, they head for deeper, darker waters, and their eyes adapt to see fainter light like that of bioluminescence. By the adult stage, the crabs reach the thermal vents where their retinas seem to be capable of visualizing heat from water percolating from the vents.

This is the third Nature appearance for Cronin, who was also recently awarded a Graduate Education Award for Excellence in Teaching and Dedicated Service from the University of Maryland Graduate Student Organization. Earlier this fall, Cronin was elected as a Fellow of the American Academy for the Advancement of Science for his work on the ecology of animal vision.

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UMBC's New Faculty

Meet some of UMBC's newest faculty members.

David Johnson Teaches the Ancients in Modern Day

Professor David Johnson is new not only to the Catonsville area, but also to UMBC's philosophy department, having lived the majority of his years on the West Coast. Growing up in Los Angeles, Johnson went to nearby UC Berkeley majoring in philosophy and history. It was in these halls that Johnson found his true passion -- ancient Greek and Roman philosophy. "I had a professor who showed me how interesting studying ancient culture is," Johnson says.

Jumping across the Atlantic Ocean, Johnson traveled to England's famed Cambridge University, where he completed his M. Phil., studying the classics in a program that specialized in philosophy. "By this time I knew I wanted to study philosophy seriously." Which is exactly the path he took. After taking a year off to work and study Greek and Latin, Johnson enrolled in Stanford's Ph.D. program. Johnson's dissertation focused on Plato and Aristotle and the development of practical reason and moral theory. "My first professor was the one who convinced me that this is a wonderful field," Johnson relates, adding, "and he was on the board that reviewed my dissertation."

Johnson's role in the department is two fold. First, he teaches ancient Greek and Roman philosophy. Also, he works a great deal with contemporary ethics and the philosophy of action. Although he taught classes at Stanford while completing his Ph.D., this is Johnson's first full-time academic position. This semester he is teaching History of Ancient Philosophy and Introduction to Moral Theory, two subjects that Johnson is extremely well versed in.

Next semester in addition to Introduction to Moral Theory, Johnson will be teaching a seminar, which will focus on Plato and Aristotle. "Although the seminar will be focused on ancient philosophy, we'll be reading a lot of contemporary articles that use Aristotle as a resource," he says. "Studying ancient philosophy, we'll have one foot in the contemporary debates about ethics," Johnson states, elaborating, "One reason why I'm in ancient philosophy is because I think it has a lot to say, especially about ethics."

- Jennifer Leigh Gibson

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UMBC's New Faculty

Meet some of the newest members of UMBC's faculty

Michele Osherow Helps Bring the Bard to Life

Michele Osherow is in love with William Shakespeare. He is her passion, he demands her focus. These are two things that she gives unwillingly. These are also the reasons why Osherow came to UMBC without a moment's hesitation. Filling the rather large shoes of Executive Director of the Shakespeare Association of America (SAA) Lena Orlin, currently on sabbatical, Osherow is by no means a slouch. This is a decorated academic who has molded her professional life around one single subject and became something amazing.

Osherow went to Carnegie Mellon as an undergrad, majoring in professional writing and literary and cultural studies, and minoring in drama. While there, she won numerous awards and later continued her education at the University of Maryland College Park, studying English Literature for her master's degree, and both English literature and Renaissance literature for her doctorate. Osherow's dissertation looked at how biblical women challenge the notion of female silence and ends discussing the feminization of the biblical character David, describing him as a "model for early modern women."

While completing her graduate studies, Osherow was first a teaching assistant, and then a lecturer at the University of Maryland College Park. Since this time, her attention has been turned more towards her family - she recently had a baby. Having taught at Seneca Valley High School, Osherow is now devoted to SAA and is looking forward to teaching Introduction to Shakespeare as a visiting assistant professor this spring. Something else to look forward to next year - her article "A Poore Shepherde and his Sling: A Biblical Model for a Renaissance Queen" will be published in the book Elizabeth I: Always Her Own Woman.

Osherow is not confined to the classroom or academics; she is also the dramaturg for the Folger Theatre. She has recreated countless roles - from Hermia in A Midsummer's Night Dream to Lusia in Barbara Lebow's Shayna Maidel to her most recent performance as Sonya in Anton Chekhov's Uncle Vanya. Her awards are not restricted to academics either. Osherow has also won several awards for her stage work, including two for outstanding performance from the Maryland Theatre Association and two for outstanding performance from the Eastern States Theatre Association.

This lover of the Bard feels she brings something different to her classroom because of her extensive theatre training. "I love Shakespeare. I come at Shakespeare from a performer's point of view and I think that shows in the way I teach," she comments, adding, "Shakespeare is written for performance."

Photo of Michele Osherow by Nate Smith

David Johnson Teaches the Ancients in Modern Day

Professor David Johnson is new not only to the Catonsville area, but also to UMBC's philosophy department, having lived the majority of his years on the West Coast. Growing up in Los Angeles, Johnson went to nearby UC Berkeley majoring in philosophy and history. It was in these halls that Johnson found his true passion -- ancient Greek and Roman philosophy. "I had a professor who showed me how interesting studying ancient culture is," Johnson says.

Jumping across the Atlantic Ocean, Johnson traveled to England's famed Cambridge University, where he completed his M. Phil., studying the classics in a program that specialized in philosophy. "By this time I knew I wanted to study philosophy seriously." Which is exactly the path he took. After taking a year off to work and study Greek and Latin, Johnson enrolled in Stanford's Ph.D. program. Johnson's dissertation focused on Plato and Aristotle and the development of practical reason and moral theory. "My first professor was the one who convinced me that this is a wonderful field," Johnson relates, adding, "and he was on the board that reviewed my dissertation."

Johnson's role in the department is two fold. First, he teaches ancient Greek and Roman philosophy. Also, he works a great deal with contemporary ethics and the philosophy of action. Although he taught classes at Stanford while completing his Ph.D., this is Johnson's first full-time academic position. This semester he is teaching History of Ancient Philosophy and Introduction to Moral Theory, two subjects that Johnson is extremely well versed in.

Next semester in addition to Introduction to Moral Theory, Johnson will be teaching a seminar, which will focus on Plato and Aristotle. "Although the seminar will be focused on ancient philosophy, we'll be reading a lot of contemporary articles that use Aristotle as a resource," he says. "Studying ancient philosophy, we'll have one foot in the contemporary debates about ethics," Johnson states, elaborating, "One reason why I'm in ancient philosophy is because I think it has a lot to say, especially about ethics."

- Jennifer Leigh Gibson

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Hunger 101: College Students Learn About Global Hunger at Banquet

On Tuesday, November 12, college students will know what it is like to gohungry -- at least for a little while. At UMBC's Oxfam Hunger Awareness Banquet, students will be randomly assigned a new life, complete with a new name, nationality and economic status. Depending on their class-level, the students will either be served a four-course meal at a dining room table or sit on the floor and eat a small serving of rice if they are lucky (food is scarce, so not all will eat). The banquet will be held in UMBC's Skylight Room (The Commons) on November 12, from 6 to 7:30 p.m.

Baltimore, Md. On Tuesday, November 12, college students will know what it is like to go hungry -- at least for a little while. At UMBC's Oxfam Hunger Awareness Banquet, students will be randomly assigned a new life, complete with a new name, nationality and economic status. Depending on their class-level, the students will either be served a four-course meal at a dining room table or sit on the floor and eat a small serving of rice if they are lucky (food is scarce, so not all will eat). The banquet will be held in UMBC's Skylight Room (The Commons) on November 12, from 6 to 7:30 p.m.

Alicia Wilson, a UMBC junior Public Affairs Scholar, is coordinating the event and expects to open some eyes over the course of the meal. She has led similar events at colleges across the country -- Georgia Tech, Harvard, Morehouse -- and has seen a variety of reactions, particularly among the"upper class."

"Sometimes they will share their food, wanting to help out the other classes. Other times, I've seen mini-revolts and protests by the lower classes." There is also a bit of movement between the classes. "We will move some of the poor up to the table and move the wealthy down to the poor level -- to show how fragile the balance is. This is particularly relevant when speaking about corporate integrity, and the effects that unethical business practices can have on individuals."

The Oxfam program at UMBC is the only such program at a college in the Baltimore area --George Washington University is the nearest college with Oxfam. Wilson's goal for the evening is to generate some awareness among students. "We want to show people that they do have a stake in hunger -- inthe U.S. and around the world. We want to help them understand what it means to be a global citizen."

This event is sponsored by the UMBC Office of Student Life, the Golden Key National Honors Society and the Public Affairs Scholars Program.

# # #

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November 6, 2002

CWIT Celebrates Start of Scholars Program Coming Soon!

Coming Soon!

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Kudos

Fred Pincus Receives Award for Article
Fred Pincus' article "The Social Construction of Reverse Discrimination: The Impact of Affirmative Action on Whites" has won second place in the Best Article Award competition of the National Association of Human Rights Workers (NAHRW). Each year, the Advisory Board of The Journal of Integroup Relations, the publication of the NAHRW, selects the three best articles published in that journal. Pincus received a cash award of $200.

Michael Summers Appointed to FASEB Board
Michael Summers, professor of chemistry and biochemistry and Howard Hughes Medical Institute investigator, was appointed to the FASEB (Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology) Board of Directors. He is a representative of the Protein Society.

Men's Soccer Ties for Regular Season Title
The Retrievers tied Long Island University last weekend for the Men's Soccer NEC title.
www.umbcretrievers.com/sports/msoccer/release.asp?RELEASE_ID=629

Read about Retriever goalie Brian Rowland.
www.umbc.edu/newsevents/insights/article.html?issue_id=12&news_id=655

Tom Beck Serves as Guest Editor for Journal
Tom Beck, chief curator, Library & Gallery, served as guest editor forthe recent issue 35:2 of Exposure, the journal of the Society forPhotographic Education. As well as editing the articles, he wrote theintroduction to the issue whose theme was African American storytellingin photography.

Students Serve as Delegates for CAACURH Conference
The UMBC Resident Student Association sponsored 11 students to serve asdelegates to the Central Atlantic Affiliate of College and UniversityResidence Halls (CAACURH) conference November 8-10 at Wright StateUniversity in Dayton, Ohio. The delegation presented two programs andattended meetings related to student leadership in college residentialcommunities. Attendees were: Erin Bates, Sarah Weammert, LaurenGuilfoyle, Jared Johnson, Julianne White, Ashley Davis, DominicCirincione, Josh Hill, Amy Ambrozewicz, Vicki McGowan II, and RyanBricklemyer. Ryan Bos, coordinator for technology development inresidential life traveled with the students. The UMBC Resident StudentAssociation is hosting the February No Frills Conference of CAACURH fromFebruary 7-9.

Students Attend MACUHO RA Conference
Residential Life sponsored 10 student paraprofessionals to attend theMid-Atlantic College and University Housing Resident Assistant Conference on October 25-26 at Penn State University. Student attendees were Gary Williams, Jr., Kevin Daugherty, Josh Hill, Sekou Gordon, LaKeisha Wright, Tiffany Milbourne, Maurisa Blackman, Safia Ghanim and Cynthia Johnson. The students were accompanied by Laurianne Brown, community director of Patapsco Hall and Mario Peraza, assistant community director of Harbor Hall.

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Humanities Scholars Recognize Influential High School Teachers

Several of UMBC's Humanities Scholars have invited influential high school teachers to campus to present them with an award and simply say thanks for their dedication to and enthusiasm for teaching.

Several of UMBC's Humanities Scholars have invited influential high school teachers to campus to present them with an award and simply say thanks for their dedication to and enthusiasm for teaching. The students will present the teachers with Exemplary Teacher Awards at a ceremony following a Humanities Forum Lecture entitled, Chinese Footbinding, Fashion and Modernity, by Dorothy Ko. The awards and lecture will be held in the Albin O. Kuhn Library Gallery at 4 p.m. on Wednesday, November 6.

The award gives the scholars an opportunity to recognize a teacher who had an important influence in his or her development in high school, says Tom Field, director of the Humanities Scholars Program and the Center for the Humanities at UMBC. This is the second consecutive year in which the scholars have presented teachers with awards.

The UMBC Humanities Scholars program offers students with strong intellectual ability special opportunities to pursue study in the areas of literature, history, philosophy, language, and culture. The Scholars award ranges from $5,000 per year up to full tuition, room, and board for four years and provides funding for study abroad. Enrichment activities offered to Scholars include a two-semester interdisciplinary seminar in the freshman year, trips to cultural events, opportunities to meet with visiting lecturers, and other extracurricular activities. Similarly focused scholarship programs are offered in the arts, engineering, information technology, sciences and social sciences.

The awardees are:

Geri Hastings, History, Catonsville HS, nominated by sophomore Mary Potorti
Linda Mohler, French, Catonsville HS, nominated by senior Genevieve Ellis-Williams
Nancy Peth, Biology, Thomas Wooton HS, nominated by sophomore Tony Schueller
Jacqueline Fried, history, Wheaton HS, nominated by sophomore SaOnn Min
Fred Crouch, History, Crossland HS, nominated by senior LaTasha Tucker
John Wagner, History, Dulaney HS, nominated by junior Ruthanne Doetzer
Brian Adkins, History, Oxon Hill HS, nominated by sophomore Liza Young
Clifford Queen, History, Mt. St. Joseph Academy (Flourtown, PA) nominated by junior Kate Scully
Margaret Penn, History, Gaithersburg HS, nominated by junior Malcolm Furgol
Max A. Pugh, Foreign Languages, PG County Public Schools, nominated by graduate Ronda Critchlow

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November 5, 2002

In the News

Keith Harries on National Geographic.com
UMBC geography professor Keith Harries is quoted in a National Geographic.com news story on GIS techniques used in the Maryland sniper case.http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2002/11/1120_021120_GIScrime.html

Thomas Schaller on the Marc Steiner Show
Thomas Schaller, assistant professor of political science, gave post-election analysis on the Marc Steiner Show (WYPR FM) November 15.

Lou Cantori on WJZ TV 13
Lou Cantori, professor of political science, was featured in a November 16 WJZ TV 13 story on Iraq.

Thomas Schaller in the Washington Post
"Apparently, Maryland Looks Like This," an OpEd by Assistant Professor of Political Science Thomas Schaller, was published in The Washington Post on November 10.
www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A31136-2002Nov9.html

Donald Norris on WashingtonPost.com
Donald Norris, director of MIPAR, fielded questions on the recent election on November 4 and 6 on WashingtonPost.com.
http://discuss.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/zforum/02/sp_politics_norris110102.htm

http://discuss.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/zforum/02/sp_politics_norris110602.htm

Thomas Schaller and Donald Norris on Maryland Public Television
Two of UMBC's top experts on regional and national politics were featured as part of Maryland Public Television's (MPT) dual election news coverage with WUSA Channel 9 News. MIPAR Director Donald Norris gave reports from GOP gubernatorial candidate Bob Ehrlich's campaign headquarters. Thomas Schaller, assistant professor of political science, was in the MPT studios.

Technocation in the Daily Record
In the Daily Record's final Technocation column, Vice Provost Craig Weidemann reflects on the technology and education issues the column has covered.
http://www.mddailyrecord.com/guestbook/techno1102.html

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October 31, 2002

College Scholarship Students to Recognize Influential High School Teachers

Several of UMBC's Humanities Scholars have invited influential high school teachers to campus to present them with an award and simply say thanks for their dedication to and enthusiasm for teaching. The students will present the teachers with Exemplary Teacher Awards at a ceremony following a Humanities Forum Lecture entitled, Chinese Footbinding, Fashion and Modernity, by Dorothy Ko. The awards and lecture will be held in the Albin O. Kuhn Library Gallery at 5 p.m. on Thursday, November 6.

Baltimore, Md. Several of UMBC's Humanities Scholars have invited influential high school teachers to campus to present them with an award and simply say thanks for their dedication to and enthusiasm for teaching. The students will present the teachers with Exemplary Teacher Awards at a ceremony following a Humanities Forum Lecture entitled, Chinese Footbinding, Fashion and Modernity, by Dorothy Ko. The awards and lecture will be held in the Albin O. Kuhn Library Gallery at 5 p.m. on Thursday, November 6.

The award gives the scholars an opportunity to recognize a teacher who had an important influence in his or her development in high school, says Tom Field, director of the Humanities Scholars Program and the Center for the Humanities at UMBC. This is the second consecutive year in which the scholars have presented teachers with awards.

The UMBC Humanities Scholars program offers students with strong intellectual ability special opportunities to pursue study in the areas of literature, history, philosophy, language, and culture. The Scholars award ranges from $5,000 per year up to full tuition, room, and board for four years and provides funding for study abroad. Enrichment activities offered to Scholars include a two-semester interdisciplinary seminar in the freshman year, trips to cultural events, opportunities to meet with visiting lecturers, and other extracurricular activities. Similarly focused scholarship programs are offered in the arts, engineering, information technology, sciences and social sciences.

The Awardees Are:
Geri Hastings, History, Catonsville HS, nominated by sophomore Mary Potorti
Linda Mohler, French, Catonsville HS, nominated by senior Genevieve Ellis-Williams
Nancy Peth, Biology, Thomas Wooton HS, nominated by sophomore Tony Schueller
Jacqueline Fried, history, Wheaton HS, nominated by sophomore SaOnn Min
Fred Crouch, History, Crossland HS, nominated by senior LaTasha Tucker
John Wagner, History, Dulaney HS, nominated by junior Ruthanne Doetzer
Brian Adkins, History, Oxon Hill HS, nominated by sophomore Liza Young
Clifford Queen, History, Mt. St. Joseph Academy (Flourtown, PA) nominated by junior Kate Scully
Margaret Penn, History, Gaithersburg HS, nominated by junior Malcolm Furgol
Max A. Pugh, Foreign Languages, PG County Public Schools, nominated by graduate Ronda Critchlow

# # #

About UMBC
UMBC is a medium-sized, selective, public research university situated on 500 acres between Baltimore and Washington, DC. UMBC has an enrollment of more than 11,000 students in undergraduate and graduate programs in the liberal arts and sciences and engineering. A campus community rich in cultural and ethnic diversity, UMBC promotes cutting-edge research and creative activity. The campus is home to the nationally-known Meyerhoff Scholarship Program, the Shriver Center, and a number of major research centers. UMBC is a member of the University System of Maryland and is accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Secondary Schools. For additional information about UMBC, please visit www.umbc.edu

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October 30, 2002

UMBC Partners with Baltimore City Schools for History Education New!

UMBC's Center for History Education (CHE) is joining forces with teachers in Baltimore City Public Schools in an innovative teacher-training program designed to increase student achievement in U.S. history.

UMBC's Center for History Education (CHE) is joining forces with teachers in Baltimore City Public Schools in an innovative teacher-training program designed to increase student achievement in U.S. history. A $950,000 award to the Baltimore City Public School System by the U.S. Department of Education will be used to improve the history teaching skills of approximately 100 city educators from high-need elementary, middle and high schools over the next three years.

"We are very excited to be able to work with the Baltimore City school system," says Dan Ritschel, director of the CHE and associate professor of history. "This funding allows us to bring together the full range of skills and resources of the historical profession to support the work of teachers in a way that hasn't been tried before."

Each participating teacher will be enrolled in the Teaching American History in Maryland Program for one year. During that time, the teachers will attend graduate-level courses and institutes at UMBC. Instruction in content and history teaching methods will be given by UMBC historians and Baltimore City master teachers. Ongoing assistance will be provided during the school year by a history resource teacher, as well as a host of historical institutions and organizations, including the National Council for History Education, Maryland State Archives, Enoch Pratt Free Library, Martha Ross Center for Oral History at UMBC and Maryland Public Television.

The grant enables the CHE to extend to Baltimore City teachers an expanding professional development initiative that in the past year reached teachers from 30 public schools in Baltimore, Anne Arundel and Harford Counties, impacting 3,300 young people. The inclusion of Baltimore City Public Schools in the Teaching American History in Maryland Program nearly doubles the number of teachers served by the CHE, which currently runs a similar grant-funded program with Baltimore County Public Schools.

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October 17, 2002

UMBC Presents A Look Ahead VI: Futures in Biomedical Research

Join distinguished guest speakers, UMBC faculty and alumni and scientists from the Baltimore-Washington region to take "A Look Ahead" at how today's laboratory research may shape tomorrow's health care and quality of life.

Join distinguished guest speakers, UMBC faculty and alumni and scientists from the Baltimore-Washington region to take "A Look Ahead" at how today's laboratory research may shape tomorrow's health care and quality of life. This free life sciences symposium was established as an annual event in 1997.

The symposium will be held on Wednesday, November 13 from 3:30 to 7:30 p.m. in the University Center Ballroom. The deadline to register is October 30. For more information contact Karen Sweeney-Jett in the Office of Institutional Advancement at x52621 or Sweeney@umbc.edu. You can register online at www.umbc.edu/lookahead.

This year's speakers are:

David Baltimore, Ph.D.
President, California Institute of Technology
"Living Interdisciplinary Science"

On October 15, 1997, David Baltimore, one of the nation's most distinguished biologists and winner of the 1975 Nobel Prize for his work in virology, became the seventh president of the California Institute of Technology.

Baltimore helped pioneer the molecular study of animal viruses. His research in this field had profound implications for understanding cancer and, later, AIDS. In the mid 1970's, along with several other eminent biologists, he played a pivotal role in creating a consensus on national science policy regarding recombinant DNA research and also established standards that are followed by the genetics community to this day.

In 1999, Baltimore was awarded the National Medal of Science in recognition of his research achievements, his excellence in building scientific institutions and his ability to foster communication between scientists and the general public. His is a co-recipient of the 2000 Warren Alpert Foundation Prize.

Polly Matzinger
Section Head, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases
"On Immunity: Thoughts from the Past Century and Ideas for the Next One"

Polly Matzinger is currently the chief of the Ghost Lab, and the section on T Cell Tolerance and Memory at the National Institutes of Health. She has worried for years that the dominant model of immunity does not explain a wealth of accumulated data and has recently suggested an alternative, the Danger Model, which suggests that the immune system is far less concerned with things that are foreign than with those that do damage. This model has very few assumptions and yet explains most of what the immune systems seems to do right, as well as most of what it appears to do wrong. The model has been the subject of a BBC "horizon" film and has been featured in two other films about immunity and countless articles in both the scientific and the lay press.

Barry Buckland
Vice President, BioProcess R&D, Merck
"The Future of Biochemical Engineering: The Pharmaceutical Industry Perspective"

Barry Buckland joined the Merck Research Laboratories in 1980, and built a world-class BioProcess R&D group. Currently, Buckland is vice president of BioProcess R&D and his responsibilities include the process development of all biologically made product candidates within the MRL pipeline and manufacture of clinical supplies. Products developed within this timeline include Mevacor, Zocor, Ivomec, Cancidas, Recombivax HB, Vaqta, Varivax and Comvax.

Buckland chaired two international conferences on cell culture (Cell Culture Engineering IV and Cell Culture Engineering V) and co-chaired the first three international conferences on metabolic engineering. He is author or co-author of over 70 papers.

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October 11, 2002

UMBC Grad Student Makes History Ready for Prime Time

UMBC history graduate student and budding film producer Ron Simon is helping to make his field exciting enough for prime time TV. Simon will get his first associate producer credit on October 13 at 10:00 p.m., when October Fury, a documentary about the secret submarine conflict during the Cuban Missile Crisis, airs on The History Channel.

UMBC history graduate student and budding film producer Ron Simon is helping to make his field exciting enough for prime time TV. Simon will get his first associate producer credit on October 13 at 10:00 p.m., when October Fury, a documentary about the secret submarine conflict during the Cuban Missile Crisis, airs on The History Channel.

Simon, an MA student in UMBC's Historical Studies program, is excited to reach this career milestone. "I wanted to be able to entertain people as well as create a solid piece of historical research," he says. "My graduate work at UMBC has helped me learn to approach my work as a historian, which allows me to produce work that is educational as well as entertaining."

"What impresses me about Ron," says Barry Lanman, Simon's mentor and Director of UMBC's Martha Ross Center for Oral History, "is that he knows how to find a story and then has the persistence and skill to develop it into a product that any audience can understand and appreciate."

Simon's advice for aspiring documentary filmmakers is simple. "Production jobs are out there," he says, "but I had to be willing to work my way up and prove that I would take the initiative to do whatever needed to be done." For Simon, the work is its own reward, even when it includes long hours and low pay. "I can always say that I enjoy going to work in the morning," and, as Simon observes, "I don't know very many people who can say the same."

Simon discovered his chosen career during an internship with CNN while still an undergraduate at the University of Maryland, College Park. Since then, Simon has had the opportunity to be involved in every step of the production process, from writing to camera work, while paying his dues.

Simon's first job was working as a production assistant with Arlington, Virginia's Henninger Productions, which led to his current position as Associate Producer with Washington, D.C.-based Team Productions. In addition to ongoing work for The History Channel, he has worked on projects for C-SPAN, The Learning Channel and The Discovery Channel.

Note: October Fury airs October 13 at 10 p.m. on The History Channel

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Greater Expectations

On October 22, UMBC will host Greater Expectations, a discussion of a recent report by the American Association of Colleges and Universities on blending liberal arts study with undergraduate professional education.

The American Association of Colleges and Universities (AAC&U) hope a national dialogue on the role and structure of liberal arts education will help educators better prepare college students for life after graduation. To support this dialogue, UMBC will host Greater Expectations, a discussion of the AAC&U's recent report on how best to blend liberal arts study with undergraduate professional education. The conference will be held on October 22 from 8 to 11:30 a.m. in the Library Gallery.

"Americans like to believe in shortcuts, and in some ways that has worked against the idea of an education that is both broad and practical," explains Tom Field, director of the Center for the Humanities. "We can be proud that the enduring and exciting implications of 'liberal education' are something that UMBC is committed to in our mission statement and in our daily practice. Today the AAC&U argues that it is time for universities, business, nonprofits and the media to go on record together about the importance of a real education. I believe that UMBC should and will be in the forefront of this movement."

Greater Expectations will feature presentations by members of AAC&U's Greater Expectations National Panel, including Carol Schneider, president of the AAC&U and Ronald Williams, president of Prince George's Community College. Freeman Hrabowski, president of UMBC, will also speak. Following the presentations, participants will engage in small group discussions.

"I truly look forward to the opportunity this forum provides to meet with persons within the academic setting and beyond to discuss the purposes of education," says Diane Lee, vice provost for undergraduate education. "It should be a most lively conversation. We so seldom get together to share ideas about what ought to be taught and why."

The conference is sponsored by the UMBC President's Advisory Council on Business Outreach (PAC) and the College of Engineering's Industrial Advisory Board.

For more information, e-mail Andrea DeSantis at x56805 or desantis@umbc.edu. Information about the Greater Expectations National Panel Report is available at www.greaterexpectations.org.

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'Nixon Tapes' Historian to Speak at UMBC

Historian Stanley I. Kutler, best known for winning a 1992 lawsuit to open Richard Nixon's audiotapes to the public, will discuss his fight to keep presidential papers accessible when he speaks at UMBC on October 15.

Historian Stanley I. Kutler, best known for winning a 1992 lawsuit to open Richard Nixon's audiotapes to the public, will discuss his fight to keep presidential papers accessible when he speaks at UMBC on October 15.

As part of the Fall 2002 Social Sciences Forum lecture series, Kutler will present his talk, "An Historian's Adventures with the Law: Liberating Tapes, Papers, and Sources," on October 15 at 4:30 p.m. on the seventh floor of the Albin O. Kuhn Library at UMBC.

Kutler is Emeritus Professor of Law and E. Gordon Fox Professor of American Institutions at the University of Wisconsin, Madison. A specialist in American constitutional history, he is the author of books such as Abuse of Power: The New Nixon Tapes and The Wars of Watergate: The Last Crisis of Richard Nixon.

Kutler has also joined a lawsuit to reinstate the Presidential Records Act of 1978, a law instituted in the wake of Watergate to ensure public access to presidential papers after twelve years. In November of 2001, President George W. Bush signed an Executive Order placing significant restrictions on the provisions of the Presidential Records Act.

This lecture is being given in honor of Hugh Davis Graham, former Professor of History and Policy Sciences, Dean of the Division of Social Sciences and Dean of Graduate Studies and Research at UMBC. It is co-sponsored by the Departments of History and Political Science and the Policy Sciences Graduate Program at UMBC.

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October 10, 2002

Baltimore County Honors techcenter@UMBC With Innovation Award

The companies of techcenter@UMBC, the University's high-tech business incubator, were honored with the Innovation Award at the Oct. 9 Baltimore County Business Awards ceremony hosted by County Executive C.A. Dutch Ruppersberger.

The companies of techcenter@UMBC, the University's high-tech business incubator, were honored with the Innovation Award at the Oct. 9 Baltimore County Business Awards ceremony hosted by County Executive C.A. Dutch Ruppersberger.

The Innovation Award for Excellence in Technology honors a technology company for innovation in product development, job creation and leadership in the County's technology community. In this case the award recognized all the start-up and emerging high-tech companies at techcenter@UMBC.

"These award winners showcase the wide range of quality businesses that keep Baltimore County a great place to live and work," Ruppersberger said.

"This award was especially meaningful as it recognized all of our entrepreneurial companies at UMBC," said Ellen Hemmerly, executive director of techcenter@UMBC and bwtech@UMBC, the University's on-campus research and technology park.

"It meant a lot to us to be chosen from among the other quality nominees," said Hemmerly. "It's also extra significant since this was Dutch Ruppersberger's last awards ceremony as he runs for Congress. He has done so much in the past eight years to build economic development in Baltimore County."

The annual awards recognize businesses and individuals whose leadership, innovation and community involvement have helped build Baltimore County's success. Other nominees in the Innovation Award category were Environmental Profiles, Inc., and the Grotech Capital Group. The ceremony was held at Martin's West.

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October 3, 2002

Insights Community Forum

Is your volunteer organization holding a fundraiser? Can't use thoseextra concert tickets? Want to start a bowling team? Now there is a wayto share information with the UMBC campus on the Insights CommunityForum's discussion board, available on Blackboard.

Kudos to Nancy Abell in the Office of Administration and Finance forsuggesting the Insights Community Forum discussion board, now available onBlackboard. Nancy wondered about the feasibility of an electronicversion of the bulletin board that used to hang in a central location inmany large companies, where notices could be posted of employees in thehospital, births, event tickets for sale/wanted, employees looking toshare interests (getting a bowling team together). Thanks to John Fritz,we now have a place to discuss these topics.

Log in to myUMBC(http://my.umbc.edu), click on the Blackboard tab, and then click on "log in" on the Blackboard page.

All faculty and staff are subscribed to the forum, located under "MyOrganizations." If you are not enrolled, click on the Community tab andgo to Organization catalog - you'll find Insights Community Forum underAdministration.

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October 2, 2002

New Faculty Profiles

This month, Insights continues with regular profiles of new faculty, department chairs and program administrators for the 2002-2003 academic year.

Laura McGough
Visiting Assistant Professor, History

Laura McGough's work clearly illustrates the relationship between the experiences of the distant past and the concerns of today. McGough examines the impact of syphilis as an endemic disease in sixteenth and seventeenth century Venice. She believes, largely based on her experiences teaching in Ghana, that this study offers insight into the long-term implications of today's AIDS epidemic in sub-Saharan Africa. McGough has also begun an interdisciplinary research colloquium for faculty members working on health-related issues to share their research. McGough earned her B.A. from the University of Chicago, an M.A from the University of British Columbia, and her Ph.D. from Northwestern University.

Tyson King-Meadows
Visiting Assistant Professor, Political Science

Tyson King-Meadows comes to UMBC while on research leave from Middle Tennessee State University. He is an expert on African American political behavior, examining such issues as attitudes on politics and rates of political participation among African Americans and rates of success for African American politicians in passing policy and running for office. King-Meadows earned his B.A. from North Carolina Central University and his M.A. and Ph.D. from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill where he, as a graduate student instructor, he received a Chancellor's award for outstanding undergraduate teaching.

John Schumacher
Assistant Professor, Sociology & Anthropology

John Schumacher examines the nature of relationships between health providers and their patients. By studying such factors as the length of time patients spend with medical personnel and how information is conveyed in that time, Schumacher evaluates the level of satisfaction among health providers who treat elderly patients in hospital emergency departments. He hopes that this research will be able to offer recommendations to prepare medical professionals to treat elderly patients more effectively. Schumacher earned his B.S. from John Carroll University, a M.A. in Applied Philosophy from Bowling Green State University, and a M.A. and Ph.D. in Sociology from Case Western Reserve University.

Sarah Chard
Visiting Assistant Professor, Sociology & Anthropology

Sarah Chard comes to UMBC from Bowling Green State University. Her research focuses on factors such as family networks and socioeconomic resources that influence women's ability to seek treatment for tuberculosis. This research, partially funded by the National Science Foundation, has taken her to Uganda where she has been able to investigate how people with very limited resources are able to gain treatment for chronic disease. Currently, she is working closely with local health institutions to help them develop policy that is more effective in implementing preventive measures for disease. Chard earned her B.A. at Bryn Mawr College and her M.A. and Ph.D. at Case Western Reserve University.

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Who Let the Bits Out?

Anthony Valletta, senior vice president and director of Command and Control, Communications and Intelligence (C3I) Systems at SRA International, Inc., will speak at UMBC's Third Annual Visionaries in Information Technology Forum on October 10. Valletta will discuss "Managing the INFOGLUT We Have Created: Who Let the Bits Out?" The event will be held from 7:30 to 9:30 a.m. at the BWI Airport Marriott.

Anthony Valletta, senior vice president and director of Command and Control, Communications and Intelligence (C3I) Systems at SRA International, Inc., will speak at UMBC's Third Annual Visionaries in Information Technology Forum on October 10. Valletta will discuss "Managing the INFOGLUT We Have Created: Who Let the Bits Out?" The event will be held from 7:30 to 9:30 a.m. at the BWI Airport Marriott.

Valletta leads SRA's C3I systems work for clients in the Department of Defense (DoD), the intelligence community and other federal agencies with active intelligence system components. Before joining SRA in 1998, Valletta was acting assistant secretary for C3I at DoD, responsible for information management and intelligence-related activities and as the DoD chief information officer. He served as the deputy assistant secretary of defense for C3I acquisition from 1994 to 1997.

The recipient of numerous military and civilian commendations and awards -- including the Presidential Rank and Office of the Secretary of Defense Distinguished Service awards -- Valletta was inducted into the Government Computer News Information Technology Hall of Fame in 1998. He currently serves on the Board of Directors of the Armed Forces Communications and Electronics Association (AFCEA).

The Visionaries in Information Technology Forum is an annual, four-part breakfast series created to help elevate the prominence and recognition of Maryland as a critical hub of information and emerging technologies. Each breakfast features remarks from an individual recognized for innovative understanding and application of information and emerging technologies.

The popular series has drawn interest from industry leaders and tech professionals across the region. "This series lets me stay abreast of current issues and future trends in technology, as well as network with technology professionals in the area," says Robert Keesling, Jr., client business manager for AT&T.

The forum is sponsored by AT&T, Aether Systems, Inc., Baltimore Business Journal, Comcast, e.magination, Grant Thornton, Greater Baltimore Technology Council, Grovesnor International, Latitude360, Lockheed Martin, Marriott International Inc., Northrop Grumman Information Technology, Technology Council of Maryland and Verizon.

For more information and to register, call x51577 or visit http://techport.umbc.edu.

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October 1, 2002

The Power of Pride

UMBC faculty, staff and students are invited to join UMBC alumni for a full week of Homecoming events from October 21 through 27.

UMBC faculty, staff and students are invited to join UMBC alumni for a full week of Homecoming events from October 21 through 27. "We hope the entire campus community will participate," says Samantha Davis, director of alumni relations. "Our students and alumni have worked together to build a tradition at UMBC. The students have planned exciting events during the week including a parade, spirit rally, 5K run, talent show and Retriever Ball. On Saturday, there will be departmental alumni receptions, athletic alumni events, activities for children, live entertainment, a wine tasting, a book discussion with Chris Corbett from the English department, SEB/SGA Comedy Night with Dave Chappelle and much more. This is a great opportunity to meet and interact with our alumni and their families, and have fun at the same time, so be sure to join us!"

For a complete schedule of events, visit www.umbc.edu/homecoming.

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September 27, 2002

UMBC Presents 3rd Annual Visionaries in Information Technology Forum

Anthony Valletta, senior vice president and director of Command and Control, Communications and Intelligence (C3I) Systems at SRA International, Inc., will speak at UMBC's Third Annual Visionaries in Information Technology Forum on October 10. Valletta will discuss "Managing the INFOGLUT We Have Created: Who Let the Bits Out?" The event will be held from 7:30 to 9:30 a.m. at the BWI Airport Marriott.

Anthony Valletta, senior vice president and director of Command and Control, Communications and Intelligence (C3I) Systems at SRA International, Inc., will speak at UMBC's Third Annual Visionaries in Information Technology Forum on October 10. Valletta will discuss "Managing the INFOGLUT We Have Created: Who Let the Bits Out?" The event will be held from 7:30 to 9:30 a.m. at the BWI Airport Marriott.

Valletta leads SRA's C3I systems work for clients in the Department of Defense (DoD), the intelligence community and other federal agencies with active intelligence system components. Before joining SRA in 1998, Valletta was acting assistant secretary for C3I at DoD, responsible for information management and intelligence-related activities and as the DoD chief information officer. He served as the deputy assistant secretary of defense for C3I acquisition from 1994 to 1997.

The recipient of numerous military and civilian commendations and awards -- including the Presidential Rank and Office of the Secretary of Defense Distinguished Service awards -- Valletta was inducted into the Government Computer News Information Technology Hall of Fame in 1998. He currently serves on the Board of Directors of the Armed Forces Communications and Electronics Association (AFCEA).

The Visionaries in Information Technology Forum is an annual, four-part breakfast series created to help elevate the prominence and recognition of Maryland as a critical hub of information and emerging technologies. Each breakfast features remarks from an individual recognized for innovative understanding and application of information and emerging technologies.

The popular series has drawn interest from industry leaders and tech professionals across the region. "This series lets me stay abreast of current issues and future trends in technology, as well as network with technology professionals in the area," says Robert Keesling, Jr., client business manager for AT&T.

The forum is sponsored by AT&T, Aether Systems, Inc., Baltimore Business Journal, Comcast, e.magination, Grant Thornton, Greater Baltimore Technology Council, Grovesnor International, Latitude360, Lockheed Martin, Marriott International Inc., Northrop Grumman Information Technology, Technology Council of Maryland and Verizon.

For more information and to register, call x51577 or visit http://techport.umbc.edu.

Posted by dwinds1

September 26, 2002

UMBC Hosts Seminar for Women Researchers and Entrepreneurs

UMBC's Center for Women & Information Technology is hosting a SBIR/STTR Seminar for Women Researchers and Entrepreneurs, titled "Building Your Tech-Biz with Government R&D Grants, Contracts and Investment Capital," on Friday, Sept. 27. The seminar, aimed at women-owned businesses that are R&D capable or are considering start-up of R&D for a government sector, will take place from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Baltimore, Md. - Morgan Allyn, program manager for federal research funding at the Maryland Technology Development Corporation (TEDCO), will present during the SBIR/STTR Seminar for Women Researchers and Entrepreneurs, titled "Building Your Tech-Biz with Government R&D Grants, Contracts and Investment Capital," at the University of Maryland Baltimore County (UMBC) on Friday, Sept. 27. The seminar,aimed at women-owned businesses that are R&D capable or are considering start-upof R&D for a government sector, will take place from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. The Center for Women and Information Technology (CWIT), UMBC's Office of Technology Development and TEDCO are sponsoring the seminar, which hasexceeded its capacity with a group of 42 registrants, 35 of which are women.

Allyn will present the details of Small Business Innovation Research(SBIR) and will describe how it can help the small businesses owners in attendance.Additionally, she will discuss how TEDCO can benefit their businesses through its various programs, funds and grants.

Joining Allyn on the speaking docket will be Connie Jacobs, a SBIR programmanager and small business advocate at the Defense Advanced ResearchProjects Agency (DARPA) who will talk about DoD SBIR programs. EllenHemmerly, UMBC's Technology Center manager, will discuss how businessincubators work and the resources they can provide startups. CarolineWorrall of Reactive Nanotechnologies will speak about financing from anentrepreneur's perspective. John Williams from the Office of NavalResearchand Sharon R. Pinder and Donna Stevenson of Early Morning Software will bein attendance.

About TEDCO
The Maryland Technology Development Corporation (TEDCO) was established bythe General Assembly as a tool for Maryland to use in maintaining and enhancing its reputation as a leader in technology. TEDCO's mission is to foster the development of a technology economy that will create and sustain businesses throughout all regions in the State of Maryland. Currently, TEDCO has programs that aid and promote state-funded incubators, federal and university laboratories to increase technology transfer and Maryland's eCommerce. For more information on TEDCO visit its updated website that includes better access to programs and resources at www.MarylandTEDCO.org.

About CWIT
The Center for Women and Information Technology, established at the University of Maryland Baltimore County (UMBC) in July, 1998, seeks to address and rectify the above-mentioned problems and to enhance our understanding of the relationship between gender and IT. The Center has a four-fold mission:
-to encourage more women and girls to study computer science and/or information systems and to pursue careers in IT
to enable all women and girls to use IT comfortably and knowledgeably
-to assure that the richness and breadth of women's lives and concerns are fully represented and readily available on the Internet
- to foster research concerning the relationship between gender and IT

The Center plans to accomplish its mission through varied initiatives. Three projects already under way are the Speakers Series, the CWIT Scholars Program, and the CWIT web site, which ABCNews.com has called "the best resource on women and technology on the Web." (1) Other initiatives are being planned.

For more information, visit www.umbc.edu/cwit

# # #

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September 23, 2002

UMBC Alum Wins National Award for Health Care Reform Advocacy

When community activist and 1991 UMBC graduate Claudia Lennhoff takes the stage Sept. 24 in Washington, D.C., to receive a $120,000 award from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation for her work fighting for affordable healthcare for the uninsured, it will be the culmination of a personal struggle.

When community activist and 1991 UMBC graduate Claudia Lennhoff takes the stage Sept. 24 in Washington, D.C., to receive a $120,000 award from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation for her work fighting for affordable healthcare for the uninsured, it will be the culmination of a personal struggle.

Lennhoff was diagnosed with cancer fourteen years ago while she was an undergraduate student at UMBC. She was between semesters that summer, and thus had no health insurance. While doctors urged her to seek immediate treatment, she was unable to find a physician in Baltimore willing to treat her without insurance.

Fortunately, her parents found a doctor in her hometown of San Antonio, Texas, who agreed to accept Lennhoff as his patient and she was able to make a full recovery. "While (beating cancer) is not the motivation behind my work, it allowed me to see that the failures of the health care system have a lasting psychological impact as well as posing a threat to physical health," Lennhoff says. "Being denied medical care leaves a real sense that one?s life is not considered important."

Lennhoff first became involved with the advocacy organization Champaign County Health Care Consumers (CCHCC) in 1995 while a graduate student at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. Lennhoff became a full time community organizer at CCHCC in 1997 and was later named executive director in 1999.

She and her staff of four have led their 600 active volunteers in reinstating a popular Medicare program that eliminated out-of-pocket medical costs for low-income seniors and disabled citizens. CCHCC also worked to force the University of Illinois to provide contraceptive coverage for its employees.

Lennhoff was chosen to receive one of 10 Robert Wood Johnson Community Health Leadership Program awards from 463 nominees across the country. The $120,000 award includes $105,000 for Health Care Consumers and $15,000 as a personal award to Lennhoff. Lennhoff says that CCHCC plans to use a significant portion of the their award to set up an endowment that could help ensure the future financial solvency of the organization. The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation will honor her in a September 24 ceremony in Washington, D.C.

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September 20, 2002

Islam and Modernity: Radical vs. Reformist Islam

Dr. Barbara Stowasser of the Center for Contemporary Arab Studies at Georgetown University will speak at the Albin O. Kuhn Library Gallery. A reception will follow.

What:     Islam and Modernity: Radical vs. Reformist Islam
A lecture/discussion by Dr. Barbara Stowasser of the Center for ContemporaryArab Studies, Georgetown University.
  
Where/When:Monday, September 23, 2002, 4-5 p.m.
UMBC Albin O. Kuhn Library Gallery
  
Details:Dr. Barbara Stowasser of the Center for Contemporary Arab Studies atGeorgetown University will speak at the Albin O. Kuhn Library Gallery.A reception will follow. 

Stowasser is a highly respected scholar of Islamic religion and culture,who has conducted extensive fieldwork in the Middle East. Her book Womenin the Qur'an is considered one of the most important works available onwomen in Islam. 

Presented by the Friends of the Albin O. Kuhn Library & Gallery,the Humanities Forum and the Social Sciences Forum. 

Free and open to the public. Call (410) 455-2356 for more information.Click here for amap, directions and parking info. 


 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

CONTACT: Islam and Modernity: Radical vs. Reformist Islam
A lecture/discussion by Dr. Barbara Stowasser of the Center for ContemporaryArab Studies, Georgetown University.
 

Monday, September 23, 2002, 4-5 p.m.
UMBC Albin O. Kuhn Library Gallery
 

Dr. Barbara Stowasser of the Center for Contemporary Arab Studies atGeorgetown University will speak at the Albin O. Kuhn Library Gallery.A reception will follow.
Stowasser is a highly respected scholar of Islamic religion and culture,who has conducted extensive fieldwork in the Middle East. Her book Womenin the Qur'an is considered one of the most important works available onwomen in Islam.
Presented by the Friends of the Albin O. Kuhn Library & Gallery,the Humanities Forum and the Social Sciences Forum.
Free and open to the public. Call (410) 455-2356 for more information.Go to http://www.umbc.edu/AboutUMBC/campusmap for a map, directions andparking info.
 

Charlie Melichar, UMBC Media Relations
410.455.6380
melichar@umbc.edu
 

Posted by dwinds1

September 16, 2002

UMBC Celebrates its 36th Anniversary Opening on September 20

UMBC's 36th Anniversary Opening will be held on Friday, September 20 from 1 to 3 p.m. in the UC Ballroom. Faculty, staff and students are encouraged to attend.

It's an exciting time for UMBC, recently designated as one of a dozen "hot schools" by Kaplan/Newsweek 2003. Yet we are also in the midst of challenges, with a State budget downturn that requires us to be disciplined and stay focused on our mission and goals.

President Freeman Hrabowski will discuss these issues and their implications in his State of the University address during UMBC's 36th Anniversary Opening on Friday, September 20 from 1 to 3 p.m. in the UC Ballroom. Faculty, staff and students are encouraged to attend.

The campus community will also honor the winners of several prestigious faculty and staff awards, including Board of Regents Faculty and Staff Awards, Presidential Teaching and Research awards, Presidential Employees of the Year, and the President's Commission for Women Achievement Award. A complete list of awardees is below.

Time for questions and answers will close the program. A reception will follow the program. No academic regalia are needed for this event.

Release time from normal duties will be available for staff interested in attending the 36th Anniversary Opening. Please contact your supervisor to allow for coordination of staff.

UMBC Awards

Presidential Teaching Professor, 2002-2005
Robert Deluty, Associate Professor of Psychology

Robert Deluty has served UMBC for the past 23 years as an outstandingteacher and mentor to more than a thousand UMBC graduate and undergraduate students. The former director of clinical training for the department's Human Services Psychology Program, Deluty takes great pride in developing and offering courses that challenge, inform and engage students. Colleagues and students describe him as "a gifted teacher." Deluty's dedication to guiding the education of each individual student was also recognized by the University System of Maryland Board of Regents, which presented him with a Regents Award for Excellence in Mentoring in 2001.

Robert Deluty is also a published poet. For a list of his scholarly and creative works, see www.umbc.edu/psyc/personal/deluty/index.html.

Presidential Research Professor, 2002-2005
Yung-Jui (Ray) Chen, Professor of Computer Science and Electrical Engineering

As a member of the faculty since 1987, Ray Chen has developed a highly regarded research program in photonics that has drawn considerable funding to UMBC. His research has been the source of more than 30 publications in highly respected journals and numerous invited talks at major scientific meetings, universities, and industrial research laboratories. He serves UMBC as a true teacher-scholar, developing innovative courses and learning opportunities for students, contributing as director and then co-director of the department's graduate program, and successfully mentoring both doctoral and master's students.

Presidential Distinguished Professional Staff Award, 2002-2003
James Milani, Director of Administrative Affairs in the College of Engineering

Jim Milani's association with UMBC dates back to his years as a student -- he graduated in from UMBC 1973, took a job here, and has been here ever since, serving as an academic advisor, a director of residential life, and now as director of administrative affairs in the College of Engineering where he has been instrumental in planning the new Information Technology/Engineering Building.

Milani has also provided leadership to UMBC over the years by being an active participant in campus life. His extensive list of activities includes Professional Associate Staff Senate president and vice-president; advisor to the UMBC Sexual Harassment Advisory Network; member of the Employee of the Month Planning and Selection Committee; member of the UMBC Environmental Health and Safety Committee; advisory to the Students Against Destructive Decisions chapter; and co-creator and member of the UMBC Alcohol Awareness Education Program.

President Freeman Hrabowski notes that this 29-year veteran employee "has tirelessly dedicated himself to the accomplishment of UMBC's mission through his work with students, faculty and staff. Repeatedly over the years, Jim has been described by his colleagues as a professional who puts before any thought of himself the best interests of UMBC."

Presidential Classified Staff Employee of the Year Award, 2002-2003
Mary Hilton, Administrative Assistant in the Division of Professional Education and Training

An academic program specialist with the Division of Professional Education and Training (DPET), Mary Hilton began her career at UMBC in 1989 as an office secretary and has since been promoted to her current position. She manages course scheduling, faculty contracting, room scheduling and accounts management for this rapidly growing division of the University. In the scope of her position, Hilton works with every academic and administrative department on campus, always maintaining a cheery, positive attitude. Getting the job done with maximum efficiency is of primary importance -- as is being dedicated to her colleagues and to the students DPET serves. Her supervisors consistently rate her work as outstanding.

Hilton was a member of the Classified Staff Senate for two years, chairing the personnel review committee and was a member of the human relations and scholarship committees. She was named the UMBC Employee of the month in September 1996 and received the UMBC University Center Outstanding Service Award in 1998.

President's Commission for Women Achievement AwardJill Randles, Director of Undergraduate Student Services in the College of Engineering

Since joining the campus community in 1992, Jill Randles has been an active, visible agent of change, working persistently on women's issues both on and off campus.

She is one of the UMBC representatives on the board of the Center for Women and Information Technology and is a member of the Women's Studies Coordinating Committee. She is a co-mentor to students in the Women Empowering Women program and has served on the Provost's Ad Hoc Committee for Gender Equity in Science, Mathematics, Information Technology, and Engineering. She has also served as a campus sexual harassment advisor, coordinating advisor training with the Human Resources Department, and works on the Task Force on Violence AgainstWomen. In the broader community Randles helps victims of sexual assault and harassment as a counseling intern at the Sexual Trauma, Treatment, Advocacy, and Recovery (STTAR) Center in Howard County.

In acknowledging Jill Randles' achievements, President Hrabowski notes that she "touches the lives of so many students from wide-ranging backgrounds, and has a positive influence on their academic careers and personal development."

USM Board of Regents Faculty Award Profileshttp://www.umbc.edu/newsevents/insights/article.html?news_id=525&issue_id=7

USM Board of Regents Staff Award Profileshttp://www.umbc.edu/newsevents/insights/article.html?news_id=579&issue_id=9

Posted by dwinds1

September 11, 2002

Insights Welcomes New Faculty to UMBC

Beginning this month, Insights presents regular profiles of new faculty, department chairs and program administrators for the 2002-2003 academic year.

John Rennie Short

Geography & Environmental Systems

M.A., University of Aberdeen, 1973

Ph.D., University of Bristol, 1976

As the both the new chair and the newest faculty member of the Geography and Environmental Systems department, John Rennie Short brings an impressive research record coupled with the energy and vision to lead UMBC further into the cutting-edge of his field.

Short comes to UMBC after spending the last decade at Syracuse University. "I decided to come to UMBC primarily because I thought it would be an interesting challenge to build the reputation of a department at a young and innovative university," says Short. "I also liked the commitment to research here."

Short's extensive list of publications on subjects as varied as urban studies, globalization, and the history of cartography clearly illustrates his position as a distinguished researcher. Over the last four years, he has individually or collaboratively written or edited no less than seven books. He also recently completed a Leverhulme Visiting Professorship at Loughborough University in the United Kingdom.

Short's recent research examines the impact of the Olympic Games on their host cities. His research focuses on ways in which cities use the development necessary to host the Olympics to create a lasting positive contribution to city life for all of its citizens. This work will bring him to present before the International Olympic Committee in Lausanne, Switzerland in November.

Cindy Schaeffer

Assistant Professor, Psychology

B.S., University of Maryland, College Park, 1992;

M.A., University of Missouri, Columbia, 1996;

Ph.D., University of Missouri, Columbia, 2000

Cindy Schaeffer brings to UMBC innovative research in the prevention and treatment of juvenile delinquency among society's most troubled children. Prior to her arrival at UMBC, Schaeffer was a National Institutes of Health Post-doctoral Fellow at the Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health. Schaeffer is an expert in the use of Multisystemic Therapy, a type of therapy that addresses the broad range of social problems experienced by juvenile offenders through intervention in their natural environments among families, schools, and peer groups.

Posted by dwinds1

September 10, 2002

Human Inhumanity the Topic of UMBC Teach-In, Sept. 12, 4-6 p.m.

UMBC students will turn to lessons of Ancient Greece to help put the events of September 11 in perspective. UMBC Associate Professor of Ancient Studies Jay Freyman will lead a Teach-In on Human Inhumanity, based on lessons learned from Thucydides' Melian Debate, on Thursday, September 12 from 4-6 p.m. in the Cabaret Room in UMBC's Commons. This event is free.

Baltimore, Md. UMBC students will turn to lessons of Ancient Greece to help put the events of September 11 in perspective. UMBC Associate Professor of Ancient Studies Jay Freyman will lead a Teach-In on Human Inhumanity, based on lessons learned from Thucydides' Melian Debate, on Thursday, September 12 from 4-6 p.m. in the Cabaret Room in UMBC's Commons. This event is free.

Freyman will lead a discussion on the Melian Debate, a passage frequently cited in studies of debate between nations. The excerpt of Thucydides' History of the Peloponnesian War, chronicles the conflict between the people of Athens, a large, powerful city, and Melos, a small, neutral colony.

Those participating in the Teach-In are expected to read the passage on the Melian Debate, available online.

The teach-in is a part of UMBC Reflects and Acts, a full slate of memorial events and teach-ins scheduled for the month of September. The commemoration began on September 11 with a Community Memorial Gathering led by UMBC President Freeman Hrabowski, followed by a candlelight vigil, a Mural of Peace and other events. Other teach-ins scheduled include a critique of American policy in the war on terrorism and an analysis of who is winning that war. The UMBC Reflects and Acts calendar is available at www.umbc.edu/9-11.

# # #

Posted by dwinds1

September 9, 2002

In the News

Technocation in the Daily RecordIn his September 9 Technocation column, Vice Provost Craig Weidemann says the composition of students attending higher-education institutions today reflects a number of major changes.http://www.mddailyrecord.com/guestbook/techno0907.html

Posted by dwinds1

September 3, 2002

UMBC Hosts Battle of Baltimore Soccer Tournament New!

The Baltimore area is well known as the mecca of collegiate lacrosse -- and deservedly so, with teams like Johns Hopkins, Loyola, Towson, and UMBC all inclose proximity and Navy and Maryland not too far away as well. But perhaps another sport should get some of the spotlight as the Baltimore region can also boast of some of the best collegiate men's soccer programs in the nation.

Local fans will get to see four of these teams this weekend, as UMBC will host the Battle of Baltimore Soccer Tournament this Friday and Sunday,September 6 and 8. The action gets underway at 2 p.m. on Friday, when Navy takes on Towson, and at 4 p.m., UMBC will entertain Loyola. The tournament continues on Sunday, and will be led off by a high school rivalry game, as Calvert Hall takes on Loyola at noon. The collegiate consolationgame and championship game follow.

Loyola may be the pre-tournament favorite, having made it to soccer's "Sweet Sixteen" last season, finishing the year at 17-2-2. Towson was not farbehind, recording one NCAA win en route to a 16-5-1 season. Navy was an impressive 11-3-3 in 2001, while the Retrievers, a 1999 NCAA Tourney team,were 9-6-2 a year ago. The four teams have met many times on the soccer field throughout their histories, but have never participated in a Division I tournament of this nature. The same four squads plan to reprise this format at Loyola next season.

Ticket prices are $5 for adults and $3 for students each day.

Posted by dwinds1

UMBC Arts Calendar

Mark your calendars for a host of visual and performing arts events, including work by UMBC's talented faculty and students.

For the latest information on arts events at umbc, visit www.umbc.edu/arts.

Posted by dwinds1

Social Sciences Forum Fall 2002 Calendar

The Humanities and Social Sciences Forums provide opportunities to discuss current issues with internationally known scholars.

All events are free and open to the public. For more information on Humanities Forum events call x52160.

September 23, 4 p.m.
Albin O. Kuhn Library Gallery
"Islam and Modernity: Radical versus Reformist Islam"
BARBARA STOWASSER
Center for Contemporary Arab Studies at Georgetown University

Sponsors: Friends of the Albin O. Kuhn Library and Gallery, Center for the Humanities

September 26, 4 p.m.
University Center, Room 312
"Evaluating Gun Policy"
PHIL COOK
ITT/Terry Sanford Distinguished Professor of Public Policy Studies, Professor of Economics and Professor of Sociology, Duke University

Sponsors: the Departments of Economics and Sociology, Public Affairs Scholars Program, Policy Sciences Graduate Program

October 3, 2:30 p.m.
Albin O. Kuhn Library, 7th floor
"Quality of Care in Assisted Living: Notes from Denmark"
LIS WAGNER
University Hospitals Centre for Nursing and Care Research, National Hospital of Denmark

Sponsors: Department of Sociology and Anthropology, Center for Health Program Development and Management

October 15, 4:30 p.m.
Albin O. Kuhn Library, 7th floor
The Graham Lecture: Title TBA
STANLEY KUTLER
E. Gordon Fox Professor of American Institutions and Professor of Law,University of Wisconsin, Madison

This lecture is given in honor of Hugh Davis Graham, former Professor of History, Dean of the Division of Social Sciences, and Dean of the Graduate Studies and Research.

Sponsors: Departments of History and Political Science, Policy Sciences Graduate Program

Tuesday, October 22, 4 p.m.
Location TBA
"Public Office Should Not Be Private Property"
ANDY JACOBS JR.
Former Member of Congress; Professor of Political Science, Indiana University-Purdue University at Indianapolis; Lawyer

Sponsor: Public Affairs Scholars Program

November 7, 4 p.m.
Albin O. Kuhn Library Gallery
The Webb Lecture: "How Do Intellectual Historians Study Political Thought?"
REBA SOFFER
Professor of History Emeritus, California State University, Northridge

Sponsor: Department of History

November 13, 7 p.m.
University Center Ballroom
The W.E. B. DuBois Lecture: Title TBA
ROBIN D.G. KELLY
Professor of History and Africana Studies, Chair, Department of History, New York University

Sponsored by the Department of Africana Studies

November 14, 4:30 p.m.
Albin O. Kuhn Library, 7th floor
The Mullen Lecture: "Economics Education and Economic Policy: From the Classroom to the White House"
GREGORY MANKIW
Professor of Economics, Harvard University

Sponsor: Department of Economics

November 21, 7 p.m.
The Commons, Skylight Room
"The Invisible Heart: Economics and the Crisis of Corporate Governance"
NANCY FOLBRE
University of Massachusetts, Amherst

Sponsor: Women in Learning and Leadership (WILL)

Posted by dwinds1

UMBC's First Campaign Ends Thirty Percent Over Goal

When UMBC launched its first-ever campaign five years ago, some people thought our $50 million goal was a stretch. But at campaign's end, we are 30 percent over our goal, thanks to the campus community, corporations, foundations and friends who showed their support for UMBC by investing over $66 million in our students, faculty and staff.

When UMBC launched its first-ever campaign five years ago, some people thought our $50 million goal was a stretch. But at campaign's end, we are 30 percent over our goal, thanks to the campus community, corporations, foundations and friends who showed their support for UMBC by investing over $66 million in our students, faculty and staff.

"The success of this campaign is a major accomplishment, and we want everyone on campus to share in that," says Vice President for Institutional Advancement Sheldon Caplis. "The most heartening thing in achieving 30 percent over our goal is the number and dollar amount of major gifts, and the fact that we received tremendous support from faculty and staff who gave over $1 million (See Table 1) - that level of commitment is testimony to how people feel about this university.

"We are also grateful for faculty and staff who wrote proposals, participated in research and identified students," Caplis adds. "It really does take a village to raise this kind of money."

Caplis adds that the campaign will help all parts of the campus, from the Linehan Artist Scholars and Blaustein Public Affairs Scholars to Erickson Hall and in-kind gifts to the library, in addition to programs in science and technology (See Table 2 for Campaign Highlights).

The campaign also brought in new donors who gave at a major level. "It's inspiring that we built this cadre of supporters," says Caplis. "The challenge now is to steward those donors and to increase alumni annual giving. We hope to find new ways to get alumni back to UMBC and involved in campus life."

Table 1: Campaign Gifts Over $1 Million

$2 Million/Plus
Anonymous
Erickson Foundation
Meyerhoff Family Foundation
$1 Million to $1,999,999 Million
Coca Cola USA
Deutsche Banc Alex. Brown
Robert Deutsch Foundation
Dresher Family Foundation
France Merrick Foundation
Linehan Family Foundation
Whiting Turner Contracting, Inc.

Table 2: Campaign Highlights

In MillionsGoalCampaign Total%Achievement
Grants and Contracts$18,200,000$17,450,00096%
Gifts-in-kind$14,000,000$13,500,00096%
Major Gifts$15,000,000$31,720,000212%
Alumni$1,800,000$2,150,000119%
Faculty & Staff$700,000$1,020,000145%
Total Campaign Goal$50,000,000$66,270,000132%

Posted by dwinds1

Welcome New UMBC Faculty and Staff

PROVIDED BY THE OFFICE OF HUMAN RESOURCES AS OF 8/29/02

If you do not see your name here, it was not listed on the current New Hire Roster, but should appear on the next report, depending on your date of hire. Check future issues of Insights.

Athletics
Jaime Roosa, Coordinator
Tomuke Ebuwei Holmes, Assistant Coach
Brandon Testa, Assistant Coach

Computer Science/Electrical Engineering
Stephen Beale, Research Assistant Professor

Education
Janise Lane, Lecturer

Emergency Health Services
Matthew Levy, Program Specialist

English
Piotr Gwiazda, Assistant Professor

Goddard Earth Sciences and Technology (GEST)
Liguang Wu, Assistant Research Scientist

History
Laura McGough, Visiting Assistant Professor
Michelle Scott, Lecturer

Joint Center for Earth Systems Technology (JCET)
Petya Campbell, Visiting Assistant Research Scientist

Library
Heather Moss, Library Tech I
Kuang-Hwei Lee-Smeltzer, Librarian II

Maryland Institute for Policy Analysis and Research (MIPAR)
Kristen Diaz, Health Educator
Lisa Waters, Health Educator

Mathematics and Statistics
Muruhan Rathinam, Assistant Professor

Philosophy
Matthew McCabe, Visiting Assistant Professor

Psychology
Cindy Schaeffer, Assistant Professor

Residential Life
William Lawson, Community Director

Shriver CenterRoselyne Kiragu, Administrative Assistant I
James Stevens, Manager
Lianne Bishop, Manager
Phillip Goodman, Manager

Sociology
Sarah Chard, Visiting Assistant Professor
Jessica Kelley-Moore, Assistant Professor
John Schmacher, Assistant Professor

Student Affairs
Felicia McGinty, Assistant Vice President

University Health Services
Gregory Grevara, Specialist

Posted by dwinds1

Humanities Forum Fall 2002 Calendar

All events are free and open to the public. For more information on Humanities Forum events call x56798.

September 23, 4 p.m.
Albin O. Kuhn Library Gallery
"Islam and Modernity: Radical versus Reformist Islam"
BARBARA STOWASSER
Center for Contemporary Arab Studies at Georgetown University

Stowasser is a highly respected scholar of Islamic religion and culture, who has conducted extensive fieldwork in the Middle East. Her book Women in the Qur'an is considered one of the most important works available on women in Islam.

Sponsors: Friends of the Albin O. Kuhn Library and Gallery; Center for the Humanities; Social Sciences Forum

September 26, 4:30 p.m.
Albin O. Kuhn Library Gallery
Panel Discussion: "Typography as Industrial Design"
MATTHEW CARTER
Carter & Cone Design, Inc.
JOHANNA DRUCKER
Robertson Professor of Media Studies, University of Virginia
STEVEN HELLER
Author and educator

In conjunction with the Kuhn Library Gallery exhibition, "Typographically Speaking: The Art of Matthew Carter, this panel will address typography as an industrial object, focusing on type design as a form of industrial design and typography's importance now that desktop publishing allows the layperson to experiment with the relationships that link writer, designer and reader.

Sponsors: Friends of the Albin O. Kuhn Library & Gallery, Center for the Humanities, AIGA Baltimore

October 16, 4 p.m.
Albin O. Kuhn Library Gallery
"New Wine in Old Bottles: How Our Understanding of Greek and Roman Sculpture Has Changed"
BRUNILDE SISMONDO RIDGWAY
Rhys Carpenter Professor Emerita of Classical and Near Eastern Archaeology at Bryn Mawr College

Ridgway is one of the most renowned and widely published scholars of Greek and Roman sculpture in the world. Her brilliant synthetic studies, expressed with a rare lucidity, are based on profound knowledge of both visual and literary sources.

Sponsors: Department of Ancient Studies; Center for the Humanities

November 6, 4 p.m.
Albin O. Kuhn Library Gallery
"Chinese Footbinding, Fashion and Modernity"
DOROTHY KO
Professor of Chinese History, Barnard College

Some of our most cherished notions of modernity are undermined by Professor Ko's research, as she transforms our understanding of women's place in traditional Chinese culture. Her recent work has examined footbinding as a meaningful practice in the eyes of the women who underwent it.

Sponsor: Center for the Humanities

November 7, 4 p.m.
Albin O. Kuhn Library Gallery
The Webb Lecture: "How do Intellectual Historians Study Political Thought?"
REBA SOFFER
Professor of History Emeritus, California State University, Northridge

A specialist in late nineteenth- and twentieth-century British intellectual history, Soffer has written in particular on the emergence in England of a distinctive revolutionary tradition in the social sciences that was seen as a prerequisite for modernity and social progress.

Sponsor: Department of History; Social Sciences Forum

November 12, 7 p.m.
University Center Ballroom
The W.E.B. DuBois Lecture
ROBIN D.G. KELLY
Professor of History and Africana Studies, New York University

Among Kelly's many interests are the contributions that black migrant/colonial intellectuals have made to re-thinking the modern West. His most recent book is Freedom Dreams: The Black Radical Imagination, in which he traces the dream of freedom that has dictated political action in the black community.

Sponsor: Department of Africana Studies

November 20, 4 p.m.
Albin O. Kuhn Library Gallery
"Cosmopolitan Tendencies: Modernism and Cosmopolitanism"
JESSICA BERMAN
Associate Professor of English, UMBC

A specialist in twentieth-century narrative and cultural studies and organizer of the 10th Annual Virginia Woolf Conference at UMBC in 2000, Berman contends that much of the work of the major "modernist" writers constitutes a call for modern, cosmopolitan versions of community. She would also argue that post-modernism is actually a sub-category of modernism.

Sponsor: Center for the Humanities

Posted by dwinds1

September 2, 2002

Kudos

Mark Street Debuts Film at Creative Alliance
Experimental filmmaker Mark Street, assistant professor of visual arts, screened his debut feature, a gritty, unique, hybrid of documentary and fiction shot in Baltimore, at the Baltimore Creative Alliance on September 20. At Home and Asea's five diverse characters, from a college grad to single mothers, try to make sense of the complex and the daunting in urban and personal environments.

Tom Beck Named First Chair of Baltimore Research and Outreach Consortium
Tom Beck, chief curator, Library & Gallery, has been elected the firstchair of the Baltimore Art Research and Outreach Consortium, a partnership of eight Baltimore art, education, and cultural heritage institutions including the Baltimore Museum of Art, the Sheridan Libraries of the Johns Hopkins University, the Maryland Historical Society, the Maryland Institute College of Art, the Enoch Pratt Free Library, the Maryland State Department of Education, the Walters ArtMuseum and UMBC. The partnership has launched Maryland ArtSource, aWeb site that offers patrons a unified online source for informationabout Maryland artists. The Web address is www.marylandartsource.org.

Keri Burneston '99 Wins Open Society Institute Fellowship
Keri Burneston, visual arts '99, has been awarded an Open Society Institute Fellowship to sustain her projects with popular local performance group Fluid Movement and work as a mentor with Living Classrooms Foundation. For more information on Fluid Movement, visit http://www.fluidmovement.org.

Steve Cassard '80 Promoted to Deputy Secretary, Dept. of General Services
Steve Cassard, political science '80, has been appointed deputy secretary of the Maryland Department of General Services (DGS). Steve Cassard brings vast State governmental experience to the DGS front office, said Secretary Peta Richkus. Steve's in-depth knowledge of our operations and of the legislative process will make the transition a smooth one. Cassard is in his 20th year of State government service. In 1995, he was appointed to the position of assistant secretary for the Office of Real Estate. As the State's real estate broker, Cassard and his team have led the commercial real estate community by example in implementing Governor Glendening's Smart Growth Initiative and Green Buildings Executive Order.

Lafayette Gilchrist Named Best Local Musician in City Paper
Lafayette Gilchrist, adjunct music faculty, was named Best Local Musician in City Paper's Best of Baltimore issue.
http://bob.citypaper.com/bob2002/story.asp?id=125

Vin Grabill's Work at Morgan State U's 9/11 Event
On Wednesday, September 11, a new work by Vin Grabill, associate professor of visual arts and director of the Imaging and Digital Arts M.F.A. program, was featured in an event at Morgan State University. Grabill has collaborated with Baltimore artist Gigi McKendric to produce "A Day In The Life Of A Firefighter Before September 11th And A Day After," which focuses on thelife of Keithroy Maynard, one of twelve African-American firefightersmurdered while responding to the 9/11 attack. The work tells the storyof Keithroy Maynard's life through the media of photocollage, video,sculpture, painting, life masks and sound.

Do you have an achievement to share with the UMBC community? Email Insights@umbc.edu.

Posted by dwinds1

August 26, 2002

Kaplan/Newsweek Names UMBC a Hot School for 2003

The 2003 Kaplan/Newsweek How to Get into College guide has named the University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC) as one of the hottest colleges in the U.S. UMBC is listed alongside such institutions as the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Boston College and the University of California at Santa Barbara. UMBC is also listed in Kaplan's guide to the 345 Most Interesting Colleges.

Baltimore, Md. The 2003 Kaplan/Newsweek How to Get into College guide has named theUniversity of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC) as one of the hottestcolleges in the U.S. UMBC is listed alongside such institutions as theUniversity of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Boston College and the Universityof California at Santa Barbara. UMBC is also listed in Kaplan's guide to the 345 Most Interesting Colleges.

Thetwelve schools were selected based on strong academic programs, affordableprices, community involvement and great locations. With a tough economy, thehottest schools may well be the best bargains those offering excellentacademics at more affordable prices. That's why our list for 2002-2003 isdominated by some of the country's top public universities UMBC is, by far,the youngest institution in the group, whose average year of founding was 1865(UMBC was founded in 1966).

This year's hot schools are:
- University of Maryland, BaltimoreCounty
- University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
- Arizona State University
- University of Washington at Seattle
- University of California at Santa Barbara
- Boston College
- Davidson College
- George Washington University
- Kenyon College
- Macalester College
- McGill University
- Pepperdine University

UMBC's incoming freshman class of more than 1,200 is certainly is hot, with an averageSAT score of nearly 1220. The average student in the Honors College has an SATscore of 1400 and a high school GPA of 4.2. Top students in the sciences, arts,humanities and public affairs will take advantage of UMBC's signature ScholarsPrograms Meyerhoff, Linehan Artist, Humanities, CWIT (Center for Women andInformation Technology), and Public Affairs.

About UMBC

UMBC is a medium-sized,selective, public research university situated on 500 acres between Baltimoreand Washington, DC. UMBC has an enrollment of more than 11,000 students inundergraduate and graduate programs in the liberal arts and sciences andengineering. A campus community rich in cultural and ethnic diversity, UMBCpromotes cutting-edge research and creative activity. The campus is home to thenationally-known Meyerhoff Scholarship Program, the Shriver Center, and a numberof major research centers. UMBC is a member of the University System of Marylandand is accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges and SecondarySchools. For additional information about UMBC, please visitwww.umbc.edu

Posted by dwinds1

August 20, 2002

Welcome New UMBC Faculty and Staff

PROVIDED BY THE OFFICE OF HUMAN RESOURCES AS OF 7/29/02

If you do not see your name here, it was not listed on the current New Hire Roster, but should appear on the next report, depending on your date of hire. Check future issues of Insights.

Athletics
Lauren Billmyre, Academic Advisor
Jason Corns, Facilities Coordinator
Spencer Davis, MT Maintenance Aide II
Michael Faith, Assistant Coach
John Himes, Assistant Coach
Colleen King, Assistant Trainer
Roxanne Reyes, Coordinator
Lisa Gambino, Community Outreach Coordinator

Biological Sciences
Kate Fukawa-Connelly, Academic Advisor
Elizabeth Shrader, Research Assistant
Rebecca McFarland, Graduate Assistant II
Stephanie White, Graduate Assistant II
Gang Wu, Graduate Assistant II
Pratima Sinha, Research Associate

Bookstore
Brian Thompson, Account Clerk III
Lisa Kakavas, Manager

Career Development & Placement
Stacey Brown, Coordinator

Center for Urban Environmental Research
Ian Yesilonis, Specialist
Emily Neral, Specialist
Ellen Henrikson, Research Assistant
Katherine Zollar, Lab Assistant
Bernadette Hanlon, Research Analyst

Center for Health Program Development Management (CHPDM)
Waltia Waddy, Coordinator
Genevieve Wessel, Research Assistant
Christopher Selmer, Research Assistant

Chemical and BioChemical Engineering
Pawel Jaruga, Senior Research Scientist

Chemistry and Biochemistry
Katherine Kellersberger, Research Associate
Maureen O'Connor, Coordinator
Jesse Karr, Graduate Assistant II
Sephorah Zaman, Graduate Assistant II
Jacobus Petzer, Research Associate

The Commons
Mark Kessi, Multi-media Assistant
Ernie Olah, Jr., Engineering Tech I

Communications Services
Bernard Maitland, Postal Service Processor
Jeanette Williams, IT PC Specialist I
Melvin Liggins, Postal Service Processor

Computer Science and Electrical Engineering
Mang-mang Ling, Specialist

EconomicsDarryl Getter, Instructor
Paul Lande, Instructor
Jason Palmateer, Instructor

Education
Sue Small, Clinical Assistant Professor
Christine Intrieri, Coordinator
Michelle Kenney, Coordinator

Emergency Health Services
William Dewar, Coordinator

English
Piotr Gwiazda, Assistant Professor
Holly Sneeringer, Instructor

Financial Aid
Jennifer Groves, Office Assistant

Financial Services
Carol Pace, Accountant

Goddard Earth Sciences and Technology Center (GEST)
Tom Low, Associate Director
Samuelraj Jacob, Assistant Research Scientist
Mircea Grecu, Assistant Research Scientist
Robert Schiffer, Senior Research Scientist
Ellyna Hyman, Administrative Assistant II
Yihua Wu, Associate Research Scientist
Xiaoen Li, Research Associate

Geography and Environmental Systems
Yujie Wang, Research Associate

History
David Angerhofer, Graduate Assistant
Amanda Miracle, Graduate Assistant
Maureen O'Prey, Graduate Assistant
Donna Omata, Graduate Assistant
Evan Rea, Graduate Assistant
Kristen Taynor, Graduate Assistant
Robert Webber, Graduate Assistant

Human Resources
Christine Coudon, Assistant Director

Information Technology
Vergil Bushnell, Specialist

Institutional Advancement
Lucille Hughes, Director

Joint Center for Earth Systems Technology (JCET)
William Keegan, Consultant
Raymond Rogers, Graduate Assistant I
Brittany Clark, Research Assistant
Catherine Manalansan, Administrative Assistant II

Library
Ping Xu, Library Tech II
Michael Dick, Library Tech I
Leslie Wolchick, Library Assistant
Kathryn Sullivan, Librarian II
Jessame Ferguson, Librarian II

Maryland Institute for Policy Analysis and Research (MIPAR)
Rhonda Rowlette, IT CTL Clerk
Letisha Butler, Administrative Assistant II
Lorece Edwards, Program Administrator
Toni Thomas, Program Administrator
Sharon Zalewski, Program Administrator
Lauren Dimitrov, Health Educator
Neema Mrisho, Community Outreach Coordinator
Jaime Libes, Health Educator

Mathematics and Statistics
Stephen Clark, Graduate Assistant I
Amanda Smith, Graduate Assistant I

Music
Troy King, Instructor

Physical Plant
Kenneth Joy, HVAC Zone Supervisor

Physics
Yasushi Ikebe, Assistant Research Scientist
Masaharu Hirayama, Assistant research Scientist

President's Office
Stephanie Sprouse, Legal Assistant

Professional Education and Training (DPET)
Sarah Gardenghi, Assistant Director

Psychology
Allison Holmes, Graduate Assistant II
Sharon Lambert, Assistant Professor
Leslie Mandell, Assistant Professor
Jill Tucillo, Assistant Professor

Registrar's OfficeCharles Smithson, II, Administrative Assistant I
Ramal Jenkins, Evaluator

Residential Life
Kimberly Bear, Community Director
Elias Nawd, Graduate Assistant I
Shawn Lupoli, Graduate Assistant I
Erica Lezan, Graduate Assistant I
L'Oreal Smith, Graduate Assistant I
Brian Wallace, Graduate Assistant I

Shriver Center
Shanez Garcia, Administrative Assistant I
Nelressa Stallings, Manager
Jennifer Horn, Manager
Daniel D'Orazio, Assistant Director
Eric Dolaway, Manager
Ronda Cox, Manager
Keri Peterson, Manager
Tabitha Blackwell, Manager
Jessica Teacoach, Manager
Charlene Carthon, Manager
Chereka Russell, Manager
Bonnie Shawyer, Administrative Assistant I
Kate Zombro, Manager
Asia Ali-Lunn, Manager
Jill Lipman, Manager
Kimberly South, Manager
Loryn Anderson, Manager
Kathryn Bacon, Graduate Assistant
Delana Boatright, Graduate Assistant
Michael Brice, Manager
Aaron Brownell, Graduate Assistant
Rebecca Cornfield, Graduate Assistant
Billy Hwang, Graduate Assistant
Michael Kabisch, Graduate Assistant
David Kanthor, Graduate Assistant
Brittany Turner, Manager
Nequietha Watson, Graduate Assistant
Jacqueline Kordiak, Manager
Kyle Davidson, Graduate Assistant

Sociology
Weam Ali, Office Assistant

Student Affairs
Katherine Vito, Account Clerk III

Student Life
Randi (Dee) Campanella, Secretary

University Police
Derrick Johns, University Police Officer II
Dana Pinnock, University Police Officer II

Visual Arts
Richard Stanley, Visiting Assistant Professor

Posted by dwinds1

August 19, 2002

Welcome Week Kicks Off Traditional Fall Events

A host of UMBC fall traditions kick off August 24 with the start of Welcome Week, a series of events that bring the UMBC community together at the start of the semester.

A host of UMBC fall traditions kick off August 24 with the start of Welcome Week, a series of events that bring the UMBC community together at the start of the semester. It's also the perfect way for new students to meet friends and become involved on campus.

Welcome Week highlights include Convocation, the formal opening of the academic year at UMBC, on Tuesday, August 27 from 2 to 3 p.m. in the Retriever Activities Center. This is a special opportunity for faculty, staff and administrators to march in the academic procession and to welcome students to the UMBC academic community. New students will be pinned and President Freeman Hrabowski will address the community. Last year's Presidential Teaching Professor, Lynn Zimmerman, will make brief remarks in keeping with the theme, "The Life of the Mind."

After the ceremony, faculty and staff are invited to attend the annual faculty/staff picnic in the open area between A & B wings of Academic IV. The picnic is a great opportunity to meet new colleagues joining the UMBC community this year. (Please note: the deadline to RSVP to the faculty/staff picnic is Wednesday, August 21.)

Student-oriented Welcome Week events include a kick-off carnival and concert with SNL comedian Dean Edwards.

Welcome Week is just the beginning! Fall Frenzy begins on September 1 and runs throughout the month. Offices and departments across campus will host a variety of events for students. In addition, be sure to save the dates October 4 through 6 and October 20 through 27 respectively for Family Weekend and Homecoming week. Insights will post information on these events as it becomes available.

"These banner fall events provide a great opportunity for all members of the UMBC community -- students, faculty, staff, alumni, family members and community partners -- to come together to celebrate in the UMBC experience," says Patty Perillo, director of student life. "They are festive, community-building events which help to elevate and synergize the spirited, connected and caring community we have at UMBC. They also serve as important and vibrant traditions for our campus, which will remain for years to come."

For more information:

Welcome Week: http://www.umbc.edu/welcomeweek

Campus Life: http://www.umbc.edu/campuslife/

Posted by dwinds1

August 3, 2002

In the News

Tom Beck, chief curator of photography, was interviewed for a story about photographer Marion Warren in the August 18 Washington Post Magazine.http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A24908-2002Aug16.html

Jonathan Bell, chair of the Department of Mathematics and Statistics, was quoted in "IT's Alive:Chips and Circuits that Mimic Cells" in the August 23 issue of NewsFactor.

Lou Cantori, professor of political science, was interviewed for the August 25 Baltimore Sun story, "After Saddam Hussein: Then What?"

If you are a member of the UMBC community and have been featured in recent print or broadcast news, email Insights@umbc.edu.

Posted by dwinds1

Kudos

Guenet Abraham and Michelle Renee Scott Receive Henry C. Welcome Fellowships
The Maryland Higher Education Commission has announced that two UMBC professors are among the eleven Maryland faculty members who have received the prestigious 2002 Henry C. Welcome Fellowships: Guenet Abraham, assistant professor of visual arts, and Michelle Renee Scott, assistant professor of history. The fellowship honors the late Dr. Henry C. Welcome, a prominent Baltimore physician who served on the State Board of Higher Education, the predecessor of the Maryland Higher Education Commission. Dr.Welcome was also active in politics and the civil rights movement withhis wife, the late Sen. Verda F. Welcome, the first black woman in theUnited States to be elected a state senator.

Phillip Sokolove Receives Outstanding Faculty Award
The Maryland Association for Higher Education (MAHE) has selected Phillip Sokolove, professor of biological sciences, as the recipient of its 2002 Outstanding Faculty Award. Sokolove was recognized for his innovations in the teaching of Biology 100 and their documented impact on student success. With support from the National Science Foundation, Sokolove showed the benefits of teaching methods that emphasize peer interaction, small collaborative learning groups, whole-class discussions and research papers. The award will be presented at the MAHE fall conference on October 25.

Do you have an achievement to share with the UMBC community? Email Insights@umbc.edu.

Posted by dwinds1

July 9, 2002

Howard Hughes Medical Institute Awards $2 Million to UMBC

The Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI) has awarded UMBC a $2 million grant aimed at developing new approaches to prepare students for careers in biomedical research.

The Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI) has awarded a $2 million grant to the University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC) aimed at developing new approaches to prepare students for careers in biomedical research.

UMBC is one of 44 research universities in 28 states and the District of Columbia to receive a four-year grant. HHMI awarded $80 million in total grants, ranging from $1.2 to $2.2 million each.

"UMBC is fortunate to continue being recognized by HHMI for outstanding undergraduate biology education and research" said Scott Bass, Dean of the UMBC Graduate School. "This generous grant will give a new generation of young biologists unparalleled research experience as undergraduates."

The HHMI grants are designed to improve undergraduate biology education by supporting programs that encourage graduate students and postdoctoral fellows to hone their teaching skills. Other programs will bring emerging disciplines such as genomics and computational biology into undergraduate curricula and encourage minorities to pursue careers in science. A panel of scientists and educators reviewed proposals from 189 institutions before awarding the grants.

"Biology is progressing so rapidly and interfacing with so many other disciplines that undergraduate teaching runs the risk of substituting quantity for quality," said HHMI President Thomas R. Cech, a Nobel Prize-winning biochemist. "Through these grants, the Institute is providing resources to help universities bring their undergraduate science teaching up to the level of their research programs."

According to Michael Summers, UMBC Professor of Chemistry and Biochemistry and HHMI Investigator, the program will give HHMI Undergraduate Scholars early, hands-on research experience at UMBC and HHMI laboratories around the country. Participating scholars will prepare for doctoral studies and academic careers and improve their research and communication skills by taking part in local and international scientific conferences, mentoring disadvantaged high school students and other activities.

Each year, Summers mentors a group of undergraduates working in his lab, some of whom have been first authors and co-authors of papers published in such refereed journals as Science and the Journal of Molecular Biology. HHMI Undergraduate Scholars will also receive financial support to defray tuition and other costs associated with their education at UMBC. The grant also supports efforts in the UMBC Biology Department to integrate bioinformatics into the undergraduate biology curriculum.

About HHMI at UMBC:
UMBC biochemist Michael Summers, Maryland's only HHMI Investigator at a public campus, directs UMBC's HHMI Laboratory, which is determining the three-dimensional structures of key components of the AIDS virus and developing new therapeutic approaches for treating AIDS. A number of recent UMBC graduates who have worked in Dr. Summers' lab are now in M.D., Ph.D., and joint M.D./Ph.D. programs at Harvard, Yale, Washington University (St. Louis), the University of Pennsylvania, and the University of Michigan.

In recognition of his outstanding work with students in his lab, Dr. Summers received a 2002 U.S. Presidential Award for Science, Mathematics, & Engineering Mentoring. Also, Dr. Summers has developed active partnerships with several companies and agencies, from Maryland's Guilford Pharmaceuticals to the National Institutes of Health.

About Chemistry and Biochemistry at UMBC:
The American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (ASBMB) ranks UMBC among the leading producers of chemistry and biochemistry degrees, especially those awarded to minority students. A 1998-99 ASBMB study ranked UMBC first nationally in the total number of undergraduate chemistry and biochemistry degrees awarded to African-American students (21), well ahead of any other institution. UMBC ranked second nationally in the total number of undergraduate degrees in chemistry and biochemistry awarded to minorities. More than 60 percent of UMBC graduates earning bachelor's degrees in chemistry and biochemistry go on to pursue graduate or professional education, many at such schools as Harvard, Princeton, Cal Tech, and Johns Hopkins.

About UMBC:
Founded in 1966, UMBC is a medium-sized, selective, public research university situated on 500 acres between Baltimore, Md. and Washington, DC. UMBC has an enrollment of more than 11,000 students in undergraduate and graduate programs in the liberal arts and sciences and engineering. A campus community rich in cultural and ethnic diversity, UMBC promotes cutting-edge research and creative activity. The campus is home to the nationally known Meyerhoff Scholarship Program, the Shriver Center, and a number of major research centers. UMBC is a member of the University System of Maryland and is accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Secondary Schools.

Posted by dwinds1

Howard Hughes Medical Institute Awards $2 Million to UMBC

The Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI) has awarded UMBC a $2 million grant aimed at developing new approaches to prepare students for careers in biomedical research.

The Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI) has awarded a $2 million grant to the University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC) aimed at developing new approaches to prepare students for careers in biomedical research.

UMBC is one of 44 research universities in 28 states and the District of Columbia to receive a four-year grant. HHMI awarded $80 million in total grants, ranging from $1.2 to $2.2 million each.

"UMBC is fortunate to continue being recognized by HHMI for outstanding undergraduate biology education and research" said Scott Bass, Dean of the UMBC Graduate School. "This generous grant will give a new generation of young biologists unparalleled research experience as undergraduates."

The HHMI grants are designed to improve undergraduate biology education by supporting programs that encourage graduate students and postdoctoral fellows to hone their teaching skills. Other programs will bring emerging disciplines such as genomics and computational biology into undergraduate curricula and encourage minorities to pursue careers in science. A panel of scientists and educators reviewed proposals from 189 institutions before awarding the grants.

"Biology is progressing so rapidly and interfacing with so many other disciplines that undergraduate teaching runs the risk of substituting quantity for quality," said HHMI President Thomas R. Cech, a Nobel Prize-winning biochemist. "Through these grants, the Institute is providing resources to help universities bring their undergraduate science teaching up to the level of their research programs."

According to Michael Summers, UMBC Professor of Chemistry and Biochemistry and HHMI Investigator, the program will give HHMI Undergraduate Scholars early, hands-on research experience at UMBC and HHMI laboratories around the country. Participating scholars will prepare for doctoral studies and academic careers and improve their research and communication skills by taking part in local and international scientific conferences, mentoring disadvantaged high school students and other activities.

Each year, Summers mentors a group of undergraduates working in his lab, some of whom have been first authors and co-authors of papers published in such refereed journals as Science and the Journal of Molecular Biology. HHMI Undergraduate Scholars will also receive financial support to defray tuition and other costs associated with their education at UMBC. The grant also supports efforts in the UMBC Biology Department to integrate bioinformatics into the undergraduate biology curriculum.

About HHMI at UMBC:
UMBC biochemist Michael Summers, Maryland's only HHMI Investigator at a public campus, directs UMBC's HHMI Laboratory, which is determining the three-dimensional structures of key components of the AIDS virus and developing new therapeutic approaches for treating AIDS. A number of recent UMBC graduates who have worked in Dr. Summers' lab are now in M.D., Ph.D., and joint M.D./Ph.D. programs at Harvard, Yale, Washington University (St. Louis), the University of Pennsylvania, and the University of Michigan.

In recognition of his outstanding work with students in his lab, Dr. Summers received a 2002 U.S. Presidential Award for Science, Mathematics, & Engineering Mentoring. Also, Dr. Summers has developed active partnerships with several companies and agencies, from Maryland's Guilford Pharmaceuticals to the National Institutes of Health.

About Chemistry and Biochemistry at UMBC:
The American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (ASBMB) ranks UMBC among the leading producers of chemistry and biochemistry degrees, especially those awarded to minority students. A 1998-99 ASBMB study ranked UMBC first nationally in the total number of undergraduate chemistry and biochemistry degrees awarded to African-American students (21), well ahead of any other institution. UMBC ranked second nationally in the total number of undergraduate degrees in chemistry and biochemistry awarded to minorities. More than 60 percent of UMBC graduates earning bachelor's degrees in chemistry and biochemistry go on to pursue graduate or professional education, many at such schools as Harvard, Princeton, Cal Tech, and Johns Hopkins.

About UMBC:
Founded in 1966, UMBC is a medium-sized, selective, public research university situated on 500 acres between Baltimore, Md. and Washington, DC. UMBC has an enrollment of more than 11,000 students in undergraduate and graduate programs in the liberal arts and sciences and engineering. A campus community rich in cultural and ethnic diversity, UMBC promotes cutting-edge research and creative activity. The campus is home to the nationally known Meyerhoff Scholarship Program, the Shriver Center, and a number of major research centers. UMBC is a member of the University System of Maryland and is accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Secondary Schools.

Posted by dwinds1

July 8, 2002

UMBC Partners With HIPAA Academy for HIPAA Awareness Training

The University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC) Computer Certification Training Center has been authorized as an official training center by the HIPAA Academy, an industry leader in coursework to help the health care industry comply with federal rules balancing the privacy and portability of patient health data in the information age.

The University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC) Computer Certification Training Center has been authorized as an official training center by the HIPAA Academy, an industry leader in coursework to help the health care industry comply with federal rules balancing the privacy and portability of patient health data in the information age.

HIPAA is an acronym for The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996, a law that required the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to establish national standards for electronic health care transactions. HIPAA also aimed to balance concerns about the security and privacy of patient health data with improving the efficiency and effectiveness of the nation's health care system.

"The HIPAA Academy fills a void created by the vast requirements within the HIPAA Legislation," said Allen Nguyen, President of the HIPAA Academy Program. "People don't know where to go to prepare for HIPAA compliancy. We have everyone from corporate executives to data entry personnel desperately seeking a learning environment to relieve the stress associated with a regulation of this magnitude."

Doug Kendzierski, an Associate Vice-Provost at UMBC said, "This training partnership reflects UMBC's successful track record in addressing critical workforce and public policy issues. Given the large number of health care providers in our region, the obligation to respond to this particular issue is apparent. The fact that it supports a major federal initiative, while ensuring the public's rights, magnifies our responsibility to provide service in a manner consistent with the UMBC's tradition of high-quality training programs."

The HIPAA Academy program covers core HIPAA skills that are broadly required for professionals in the health care and insurance industries as well as IT workers. UMBC plans to deliver the HIPAA Academy Professional and Administrator awareness training beginning in October of 2002, coinciding with the program's national rollout. Kendzierski noted that the UMBC Center would also offer proctored exams for the Certified HIPAA Professional and Certified HIPAA Administrator tracks starting this month.

Posted by dwinds1

American History Teachers Re-Focus on the Subject at Innovative Summer Institute

Forty elementary, middle and high school teachers from primarily high-need public schools in Baltimore, Anne Arundel and Harford Counties will be spending two weeks of their summer vacation back in school. They will be working to strengthen their American History teaching skills as part of the Teaching American History in Maryland Program, funded by a $1 million U.S. Department of Education grant.

Baltimore, Md. Forty elementary, middle and high school teachers from primarily high-need public schools in Baltimore, Anne Arundel and Harford Counties will be spending two weeks of their summer vacation back in school. They will be working to strengthen their American History teaching skills as part of the Teaching American History in Maryland Program, funded by a $1 million U.S. Department of Education grant.

During the ten-day Summer Institute, which is conducted by the Center for History Education, teachers will become students. They will each take one of three graduate-level courses -- Revolutionary America, Women in 19th and Early 20th Century American History, and The U.S. in Depression and War -- developed especially for the program by UMBC historians. They will participate in intensive workshops with Master Teachers and sharpen their skills at special presentations by National History Day and Maryland Public Television. Working with technology specialists, they will learn the best practices for using new media resources in the history classroom. Highlighting the program are research sessions with the Maryland State Archives, B&O Railroad Museum and National Archives and Records Administration.

History teachers have been left without the support of the wider historical community for too long, says Dan Ritschel, director of the UMBC Center for History Education and associate professor of history. We have assembled our new partnership of educators, historians, media experts, and public history institutions in order to provide that support, offer the expertise and resources to enrich the teaching of American history, and help spark in students the love of the subject which we all share.

The program will support a total of 135 teachers over the next three years. In addition to the Center for History Education Summer Institute, the participating teachers will receive mentoring and personalized research assistance from the historical organizations as they begin to implement their new teaching strategies over the course of the 2002-2003 school year. Their enhanced lesson plans will reside on Thinkport, Maryland Public Television's interactive website for K-12 educators, launching in March 2003.

American History is a key area of concern in the education community. The 2001 National Assessment of Educational Progress (aka The Nation's Reportcard) showed that slightly more than forty percent of high school seniors demonstrated basic knowledge of U.S. History. Sixty-five percent of eighth graders and sixty-seven percent of fourth graders were at or above the basic level. The problem is particularly pronounced among minority populations. In the 2001 test, 44 percent of black fourth-graders, 79 percent of whites and 71 percent of Asians scored at or above basic level.

We'll seek to tackle these disappointing levels of student achievement by providing history teachers with the comprehensive support and historical resources offered by our new partnership, says Ritschel.Program partners include the UMBC Center for History Education, Baltimore County Public Schools, National Council for History Education, Anne Arundel County Public Schools, Maryland State Archives, Maryland Public Television, B&O Railroad Museum, National History Day, and National Archives and Records Administration.

About the Center for History Education
Since 1998, the Center for History Education (CHE) at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County has sought to strengthen and invigorate the teaching of history in Maryland schools through innovative professional development programs and resources for elementary, middle and high school educators. Summer institutes and in-service workshops assist K12 educators in enriching their history instruction. The graduate courses in U.S. and World History education incorporate rigorous content, proven teaching methods, technology integration and research experiences. In working with teams of master teachers, historians and other history professionals, participants increase their own content knowledge and develop new instructional materials for their students. All content is aligned with the Maryland State Performance Assessment Program outcomes, Core Learning Goals, and state history standards of the Maryland State Department of Education. For additional information about the CHE, please visit the center's web site at www.umbc.edu/che.

About UMBC
UMBC is a medium-sized, selective, public research university situated on 500 acres between Baltimore and Washington, DC. UMBC has an enrollment of more than 11,000 students in undergraduate and graduate programs in the liberal arts and sciences and engineering. A campus community rich in cultural and ethnic diversity, UMBC promotes cutting-edge research and creative activity. The campus is home to the nationally-known Meyerhoff Scholarship Program, the Shriver Center, and a number of major research centers. UMBC is a member of the University System of Maryland and is accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Secondary Schools. For additional information about UMBC, please visit the university's web site at www.umbc.edu

Posted by dwinds1

June 6, 2002

UMBC CCTC Named Discreet Video Game Development Training Center

Video game industry leader Discreet, a Division of AutoDesk, Inc., has named the UMBC Computer Certification Training Center (CCTC) as one of only 14 authorized training centers nationwide for video and computer game development.

Video game industry leader Discreet, a Division of AutoDesk, Inc., has designated the UMBC Computer Certification Training Center (CCTC) as an authorized training center for video and computer game development.

The license agreement makes the UMBC Center one of only 14 authorized training institutions in the country. The deal allows UMBC to offer training on the industry-standard 3ds max game development platform, using official Discreet courseware and instructors.

Doug Kendzierski, President/CEO of UMBC CCTC said, "We anticipate that this program will be a popular training option, with appeal for game developers, game enthusiasts, computer professionals and even those who are just curious about the prospect of a career in computer game development."

Kendzierski noted that Baltimore boasts the largest concentration of game developers on the East Coast, with pioneers like Sid Meier of Firaxis calling Hunt Valley home. "We are anxious to join the County and State's efforts to support this fast-growing sector of our local economy," said Kendzierski.

Discreet looks forward to the services UMBC CCTC provides to train its growing client base throughout the Mid-Atlantic region. "We are excited to add UMBC to the Discreet Training Center Network," said Diane Duffey, Discreet's Manager of Training andEducational Programs Worldwide. "UMBC not only fills a great need for training services in the region, but we feel they will also greatly contribute the sense of community around our products in this area."

Baltimore County Executive C.A. Dutch Ruppersberger saw the agreement as further evidence that the region is gaining national recognition as a video game industry hub. "Baltimore County is proud to be one of the nation's premiere centers of activity in the $9 billion computer and video game industry," said Ruppersberger. "By training both experienced professionals and prospects for the next generation of game developers, UMBC is supporting the growth of a unique technology sector in Baltimore County."

Joe Biglin, Chief Operating Officer of Hunt Valley-based Breakaway Games, Inc. agreed. "Clearly, the local recognition of the rise of the gaming community is catching up with the national attention that we have already garnered. Initiatives like the UMBC program will increase that awareness, advance the skills of the current developers, and potentially spark interest from future employees."

UMBC CCTC will offer non-credit certificates for two levels of "Computer Game Development: Effects & Animation." The Fundamentals Track will focus on using 3ds max software for character animation, game development and visual effects production. The Advanced Track will cover more sophisticated features of the suite, with an emphasis on product integration.

The UMBC Center continues its tradition of putting real-world experience in the classroom with two Course Directors employed by Infogrames, Inc., in their Hunt Valley studio formerly known as MicroProse, the original Hunt Valley-based game publisher.

The first Computer Game Development training classes are scheduled for August 2002. Both part-time evening/weekend and full-time day sections are being planned. For more information, visit www.umbc.edu/cctc.

Posted by dwinds1

May 6, 2002

Coming Soon! Center for Health Program Development and Management (CHPDM) Focuses on Academic Partnerships

Coming in May:

CHPDM, one of the largest research and policy organizations at UMBC, is heavily involved in healthcare policy in the State of Maryland. But it also provides a unique on-campus resource for students and faculty interested in policy sciences, healthcare policy and long-term care issues.

Posted by dwinds1

May 2, 2002

Testing 'fo errors ...

here we go()

and againB()

Posted by dwinds1

May 1, 2002

UMBC Student Receives Jack Kent Cooke Graduate Scholarship

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Mechanical Engineer's Invention to be Developed by New Zealand Firm

An invention by UMBC mechanical engineering professor Uri Tasch that automatically detects lameness in dairy cattle has been licensed for development by a New Zealand-based firm in a deal that could save the global dairy industry millions annually.

An invention by UMBC mechanical engineering professor Uri Tasch that automatically detects lameness in dairy cattle has been licensed for development by a New Zealand-based firm in a deal that could save the global dairy industry millions annually.

DEC International New Zealand, Ltd., and UMBC reached a licensing agreement last month that allows for the commercialization of the device. Tasch invented the detector system during a three-year collaboration with scientists from the University of Maryland, College Park's Animal and Avian Science department.

Tasch estimates that the American dairy industry loses close to $500 million a year to livestock lameness, which is caused by infection, arthritis, or injury. There are billions of dollars a year at stake internationally. The system also saves farmers time, analyzing each cow automatically as it crosses the device platform on the way into the barn for feeding or milking.

The international dairy automation firm Bou-Matic of Madison, Wisconsin, will develop and market the product under a separate agreement with DEC International NZ.

Tasch's invention is the fourth of the year for UMBC. "It's a strong technology with great commercial potential," says Stephen Auvil, director of technology development at UMBC.

Posted by dwinds1

UMBC Student Receives Jack Kent Cooke Graduate Scholarship

Ian Stucky, 19, is one of fifty recipients of the Jack Kent Cooke Scholarship, created this year to support students from the Washington Region as they pursue advanced degrees. Awardees were chosen from an applicant pool of nearly 700. The new Jack Kent Cooke Scholarship Program has set aside approximately $10 million over the course of the next six years to support this first class of 50 Jack Kent Cooke Foundation Scholars.

Baltimore, Md. -- UMBC senior Ian Stucky is one of fifty recipients of the Jack Kent Cooke Scholarship, created this year to support students from the Washington Region as they pursue advanced degrees. Awardees were chosen from an applicant pool of nearly 700 students.

We chose individuals with exceptional academic promise, said Matthew J. Quinn, executive director of the Jack Kent Cooke Foundation, but great intellectual ability was only one of our criteria. We chose students who had a special spark, who have overcome real adversity and who have a real commitment to giving back to society.

Owings Mills, Md. native Stucky, 19, is graduating in May with a B.A. in Modern Languages and Linguistics (German and Spanish) and will complete a M.A. in Intercultural Communication this summer before heading to William and Mary (Va) Law School. Stucky is UMBC's 2002 Valedictorian.

Stucky, a UMBC Humanities Scholar, began his studies at UMBC at age 16 and is a member of the Ford Motor Company/Golden Key International Honor Society, a USAA All-American Scholar and a Rhodes Scholar Semi-Finalist for Maryland/D.C. He is also co-founder of the Modern Languages and Linguistics Theatre Club and a champion diver on UMBC's NCAA Division I Swimming & Diving Team.

Stucky plans to pursue a Juris Doctorate with a concentration on the relationship between law and ethics. "I plan to then use my training in languages, linguistics, cultures, and societies in combination with my forthcoming legal education to work as a jurist either in the United States or in the international courts, said Stucky.

To be eligible for this year's scholarship, a college senior had to be a resident of, be attending a college or university in, or plan to attend a graduate school in the greater Washington region (Maryland, Virginia, and the District of Columbia). A group of twelve academic advisors from across the country assisted the Foundation in the selection process.

# # #

Posted by dwinds1

April 30, 2002

UMBC Shriver Center Receives NSF Grant for Science and Math Outreach in Middle Schools

The University of Maryland, Baltimore County's (UMBC) Shriver Center has received a three-year, $1.36 million grant to organize and lead a university-middle school partnership which will support and enhance mathematics and science instruction of underrepresented middle school youth in the Greater Baltimore area.

Baltimore, Md. The University of Maryland, Baltimore County's (UMBC) Shriver Center has received a three-year, $1.36 million grant to organize and lead a university-middle school partnership which will support and enhance mathematics and science instruction of underrepresented middle school youth in the Greater Baltimore area.

Twenty-six graduate and advanced undergraduate level Fellows will be recruited and selected from science and engineering graduate students and from UMBC's majors in information systems, computer science, engineering, mathematics, and natural sciences departments. One graduate and four/five undergraduate Fellows will be placed in each of the five partner middle schools Lansdowne Middle School, Stemmers Run Middle School, Deep Creek Middle School, Brooklyn Park Middle School, and Corkran Middle School to support teachers one-on-one in the classroom and in co-curricular activities.

Studies show how critical the middle school years are in academically engaging youth, especially in math, science and technology, says Shriver Center Executive Director John Martello. This project places university students directly in middle school classrooms, working side-by-side with teachers to enhance the schools' curricula with UMBC's cutting-edge resources. The project will excite youth about learning math and science, train and re-energize current math and science teachers, and encourage a new generation of college students to explore teaching as a career.

Fellows will draw on their own academic training, content knowledge and expertise to provide supplemental content, technical assistance and IT support to middle school teachers in the areas of mathematics and science. Fellows will also provide ten hours of direct instruction in the classroom each week.

Participating teachers will provide leadership to Fellows in instruction and classroom management, exposing them to the rewards of teaching in the K-12 public school system. Teachers will also participate in a continuous and sustained professional development effort designed to enhance their understanding of mathematics and science concepts, and to introduce them to IT and inquiry-based instruction through UMBC sponsored seminars and courses.

"In addition to the support provided to teachers, this program will also benefit the UMBC students who are selected as Fellows and the middle-school youth with whom they engage, says Phillip Sokolove, professor of biological sciences and the project's principal investigator. Through their involvement in the classroom, Fellows will gain teaching and communication skills, will become more aware of disadvantaged local student populations and more sensitive to the problems they face. As a result, some may consider teaching as an alternative career path. Middle-school students will benefit not only from curricular enhancements, but also from exposure to UMBC Fellows' enthusiasm for learning, leading them to see themselves entering science and technology-related careers."

Program partners include The Shriver Center, UMBC's Department of Biological Sciences, and the College of Engineering.

About The Shriver Center
UMBC established The Shriver Center in 1993, in honor of Eunice Kennedy Shriver and Sargent Shriver, and has since become a national leader in promoting service-learning, civic engagement, and community-based service delivery. The Center enables students to link academic study to professional practice and community service, and is UMBC's primary vehicle for producing socially engaged citizens who graduate with the commitment and experience to serve responsibly in their communities, the State and the Nation. The Shriver Center also develops programs designed to strengthen communities and build local capacity to deal with the problems of juvenile delinquency, childhood lead poisoning, mental retardation and school drop-out.

About UMBC
Founded in 1966, UMBC is a medium-sized, selective, public research university situated on 500 acres between Baltimore, Md. and Washington, DC. UMBC has an enrollment of more than 11,000 students in undergraduate and graduate programs in the liberal arts and sciences and engineering. A campus community rich in cultural and ethnic diversity, UMBC promotes cutting-edge research and creative activity. The campus is home to the nationally-known Meyerhoff Scholarship Program, the Shriver Center, and a number of major research centers. UMBC is a member of the University System of Maryland and is accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Secondary Schools.

Posted by dwinds1

April 22, 2002

UMBC Invention for Identifying Lameness in Dairy Cattle to be Developed by New Zealand Firm

A UMBC professor's device used to automatically detect lameness in dairy cattle has been licensed for development by a New Zealand-based firm in a deal that could save the global dairy industry millions annually.

Baltimore, Md. -- A UMBC professor's device used to automatically detect lameness in dairy cattle has been licensed for development by a New Zealand-based firm in a deal that could save the global dairy industry millions annually.

DEC International New Zealand, Ltd., and UMBC reached a licensing agreement this week that allows for the commercialization of the device. UMBC Professor of Mechanical Engineering Uri Tasch invented the detector system during a three-year collaboration with scientists from the University of Maryland, College Park's Animal and Avian Science department.

Tasch's invention, "Method and Device for Analyzing Weight and Walking Gait," uses a sensitive scale, video camera, and computerized instruments to measure the force and duration of a cow's steps. The device then factors in the cow's weight and automatically pinpoints which leg might be causing problems.

Early detection of lameness is tough to do with the naked eye, and usually requires a visit from a vet and time-consuming tests to be sure. "Lameness rates for a typical dairy herd of 100 cows average between 15 to 30 percent," Tasch says. "Each case costs the farmer between three and four hundred dollars to cure."

Tasch estimates that the American dairy industry loses close to $500 million a year to livestock lameness, which is caused by infection, arthritis, or injury. There are billions of dollars a year at stake internationally. The system also saves farmers time, analyzing each cow automatically as it crosses the device platform on the way into the barn for feeding or milking.

The license with DEC International NZ is limited to the fields of dairy and beef cattle. Tasch and his group are continuing to develop the device for horses and sheep and have received some funding from the USDA but are seeking private investment.

Tasch's team is based at UM College Park's Clarksville experimental farm in Howard County. There he and College Park animal scientist Mark Varner, Clarksville farm staffer Benny Erez, and Robert Dyer, a veterinarian from the University of Delaware, worked in a barn on the farm's 925 acres with a herd of 110 dairy cows.

Bou-Matic of Madison, Wisconsin under a separate agreement with DEC International NZ will develop and market the licensed product. Bou-Matic is a recognized industry leader in international dairy automation.

"The technology has tremendous potential and will offer a significant benefit to dairy producers worldwide," said Robert Kmoch, President of Bou-Matic. "Once fully developed, the system will be an excellent fit with our existing products such as Bou-Matic's on-farm management information systems, cow identification and sorting systems and our robotic milking system"

Tasch's invention is the fourth of the year for UMBC. "It's a strong technology with great commercial potential, a number of companies expressing an interest in taking a license, and a group of inventors that played an integral role in demonstrating the value of their invention," said Stephen Auvil, director of technology development at UMBC.

Click here for hi-resolution image.

Posted by dwinds1

April 18, 2002

Test

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April 17, 2002

UMBC Team Wins National Academic Tech Bowl Championship

A team from the University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC) has won the 2002 National Academic Tech Bowl Championship, sponsored by the National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE). The championship was held at NSBE Annual Convention in Orlando, Florida on March 29, 2002. The team received a $1,000 prize and a plaque commemorating their victory.

Baltimore, Md. -- A team from the University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC) has won the 2002 National Academic Tech Bowl Championship, sponsored by the National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE). The championship was held at NSBE Annual Convention in Orlando, Florida on March 29, 2002. The team received a $1,000 prize and a plaque commemorating their victory.

Team members included senior computer engineering major Jason Dixon, senior biochemistry major Raj Stewart, senior chemical engineering major Jason Sese, and senior computer engineering major Karolyn Babalola, who serves as the president of UMBC's NSBE chapter. In its march to the title, UMBC beat out teams from Tulane, the University of Washington, and the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.

We worked our way to the championship with strategy and knowledge of the subject matter, says Babalola. Teams participating in the Tech Bowl answer questions in physics, chemistry, mathematics, engineering and NSBE history. We were just better prepared than the other teams.

UMBC's NSBE chapter was founded in 1993 and has a membership of about 45 students.

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April 11, 2002

UMBC Students Help Clean Up Baltimore's Oldest African American Cemetery

On Saturday, April 20, more than 100 UMBC students will pitch in to help clean up Baltimore's oldest African American cemetery as a part of the UMBC Serves program. UMBC students will work alongside members of the community to pull weeds, remove trash, and provide easier access to the sites at the cemetery. The trip is organized by UMBC's Shriver Center, Office of Student Life and Residential Life, and will be held from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Baltimore, Md. -- On Saturday, April 20, more than 100 UMBC students will pitch in to help clean up Baltimore's oldest African American cemetery as a part of the UMBC Serves program. Organized by UMBC's Shriver Center, Office of Student Life and Residential Life, the Mt. Auburn Service Trip will pull together new and returning students from the city, the suburbs and beyond. UMBC students will work alongside members of the community to pull weeds, remove trash, and provide easier access to the sites at the cemetery.

Founded in 1872, Mt. Auburn is the oldest African American cemetery in Baltimore. It serves as resting place for former slaves who found freedom through the Underground Railroad and many prominent African Americans.

UMBC Serves is an initiative designed to coordinate and strengthen service to the community at UMBC. Students, faculty and staff will have the opportunity to discover the many exciting service- learning, community service, and volunteerism opportunities at UMBC.

UMBC's service connections with Baltimore City are numerous -- from the Mt. Auburn Service Trip, to programs targeting at-risk youth, lead-paint education and removal programs, mentoring and tutoring programs, and much more.

# # #

About The Shriver Center
Founded in 1993, in honor of Eunice Kennedy Shriver and Sargent Shriver, the Shriver Center has established UMBC as a national leader in promoting service-learning, civic engagement and community-based service delivery. The Shriver Center enables students to link academic study to professional practice and community service, and is UMBC's primary vehicle for producing socially engaged citizens who graduate with the commitment and experience to serve responsibly in their communities, the State and the Nation. The Shriver Center also develops programs designed to strengthen communities and build local capacity to deal with the problems of juvenile delinquency, childhood lead poisoning, mental retardation and school drop-out.

About UMBC
Founded in 1966, UMBC is a medium-sized, selective, public research university situated on 500 acres between Baltimore, Md. and Washington, DC. UMBC has an enrollment of more than 11,000 students in undergraduate and graduate programs in the liberal arts and sciences and engineering. A campus community rich in cultural and ethnic diversity, UMBC promotes cutting-edge research and creative activity. The campus is home to the nationally-known Meyerhoff Scholarship Program, the Shriver Center, and a number of major research centers. UMBC is a member of the University System of Maryland and is accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Secondary Schools.

Posted by dwinds1

April 9, 2002

New!Moving Plans into Action

Moving Plans into Action, the Planning Leadership Team's second semi-annual report to the campus, is now available on the Provost's website. The report tracks progress in implementing the recommendations of task forces and will continue to be updated each semester as the University moves through the three-to-five year time horizon established in the planning process.

Moving Plans into Action, the Planning Leadership Team's second semi-annual report to the campus, is now available on the Provost's website. The report tracks progress in implementing the recommendations of task forces and will continue to be updated each semester as the University moves through the three-to-five year time horizon established in the planning process.

Four years ago, the campus entered a planning process committed to actionable, pragmatic planning focused on strategic issues key to UMBC's future. Nearly 100 faculty, staff and students served on task forces to develop goals and action steps for enrollment management, advising, continuing education, UMBC's development as an honors university, building the research culture and environment and advancing student life.

"Throughout the planning process, there has been strong endorsement of UMBC's vision to integrate teaching and learning, research and civic engagement," says Provost Arthur Johnson. He notes that there has also been repeated affirmation of the two major strategic goals identified by the planning process: to continue to rank in the top tier of research universities and to continue to build the quality and size of the undergraduate and graduate student bodies through improved academic and co-curricular experiences.

Improving the link between University planning and budgeting was a particular goal of the planning process. The Planning Leadership Team and the University Budget Committee have worked together to align resources with planning task force recommendations, both through allocation of new revenues and reallocation undertaken within divisions, Johnson says.

The Planning Leadership Team identified two foundation investments necessary to support the recommendations of all planning task forces. One goal is to improve information systems and business processes that support faculty and staff involved in budget management, human resources management, grants management, advising, and student services. The first budget shaped by the planning process, Fiscal Year 2002, included $2 million for the Delta Initiative--a multi-year, cross-campus effort that will create new business processes and information systems for financial management, human resources management, and student information. (Read more about the Delta Initiative in this issue). As a result, hundreds of faculty and staff are engaged in redesigning our finance and human resources information systems with a planned delivery date of July 2003.

The second fundamental goal proposed by the Planning Leadership Team is the addition of faculty lines and start-up funds to attract highly productive research faculty, build staff and facilities infrastructure for the research enterprise, create new opportunities for student engagement with core faculty, accommodate growth in high-demand programs and facilitate curricular enhancements. An investment of more than $2 million for faculty recruitment and start-ups in Fiscal Year 2002 resulted in 34 hires and 18 net new faculty spanning Arts and Sciences, Engineering and Social Work. Of the total hires, 17 are in tenure track positions.

There has also been substantial investment in and progress on recommendations from each task force, and these initial accomplishments are noted in Moving Plans into Action. Johnson says, "Many administrative, faculty, staff and student leaders are engaged in bringing task force recommendations to life. This is ambitious and difficult work, often subject to revision based on the deliberations of the campus governance process and developments in the larger world.

"We are all writing the next chapter in UMBC's growth and development. We must continue to be alert to the shifting issues and opportunities that will affect our future and constantly evaluate our progress and plans. To that end, I invite campus response to the report as well as thoughts on issues and opportunities important to address in the future," Johnson adds.

President Hrabowski and Provost Johnson will host a campus town meeting to provide an opportunity for campus community discussion of the report and issues and opportunities important to address in the future. The town meeting will be held on April 29, from 3 to 4:30 p.m., in the Skylight Room on the 3rd floor of The Commons.

The campus community is also invited to respond to the report via Blackboard. Faculty, staff and students have been enrolled in the Planning Community Forum. Log in at http://blackboard.umbc.edu using your user name and password (the same password you use to access your UMBC account). Once you are logged in you can access the Planning Community Forum under "My Organizations."

For additional information about the report or the town meeting, please contact Lisa Akchin, associate vice president, marketing and public relations, at akchin@umbc.edu.

Posted by dwinds1

April 1, 2002

Jihad vs. McWorld Can Democracy Survive?

Benjamin R. Barber, author of the book Jihad vs. McWorld: How Globalism and Tribalism Are Re-shaping the World (Ballantine, 1996), and director of the Walt Whitman Center for the Culture and Politics of Democracy at Rutgers University, will discuss Can Democracy Survive the War Between Jihad and McWorld? at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC) on Wednesday, April 10 at 3 p.m. in the Albin O. Kuhn Library Gallery. Admission is free of charge. A reception and book signing will follow the lecture.

Baltimore, Md. Benjamin R. Barber, author of the book Jihad vs. McWorld: How Globalism and Tribalism Are Re-shaping the World (Ballantine, 1996), and director of the Walt Whitman Center for the Culture and Politics of Democracy at Rutgers University, will discuss Can Democracy Survive the War Between Jihad and McWorld? at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC) on Wednesday, April 10 at 3 p.m. in the Albin O. Kuhn Library Gallery. Admission is free of charge. A reception and book signing will follow the lecture.

Since the events of September 11, Jihad vs. McWorld has become an international best seller. The book provides an analysis of the central conflict of our times: consumerist capitalism versus religious and tribal fundamentalism.

Barber serves as director of the Walt Whitman Center for the Culture and Politics of Democracy at Rutgers University, where he also held the Walt Whitman Chair of Political Science. He has consulted widely with political and civic leaders, including former President Bill Clinton. He is author of fourteen books, and writes frequently for Observateur, Die Zeit and many other scholarly publications in the U.S. and Europe.

Barber's honors include Guggenheim, Fulbright and Social Science Research Fellowships, the Palmes Academiques (Chevalier) of the French government and the Berlin Prize of the American Academy of Berlin. He holds a B.A. and M.A. from Harvard University and a B.A. and an honorary Ph.D. from Grinnell College.

This Civil Society Lecture is sponsored by the Office of the Provost, Social Sciences Forum and the Political Science Department.

# # #

About UMBC
Founded in 1966, UMBC is a medium-sized, selective, public research university situated on 500 acres between Baltimore, Md. and Washington, DC. UMBC has an enrollment of more than 11,000 students in undergraduate and graduate programs in the liberal arts and sciences and engineering. A campus community rich in cultural and ethnic diversity, UMBC promotes cutting-edge research and creative activity. The campus is home to the nationally-known Meyerhoff Scholarship Program, the Shriver Center, and a number of major research centers. UMBC is a member of the University System of Maryland and is accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Secondary Schools.

Posted by dwinds1

Tech Tips for Irresponsible Computing

Want to have a little fun with your IT department? Call up the Help Desk and ask them for some assistance with the following:

I'd like to open email attachments from strangers and get a virus.
I want to post obscene messages on the Internet.
Commit fraud using someone else's online identity.
I want to run a business from my personal web page.
I want to share my address and phone number . . .
My password . . .
My private fantasies with faceless creeps on the 'Net.
I want to leave my email open so strangers can read my incoming messages and answer them.
Violate copyright laws by pirating music and posting it on the Web.
Harass people by sending threatening emails, or chain letters or pornographic URLs.
I want to hack into government computers and go to federal prison.

For a little more fun, see how the University of Virginia's Office of Information Technologies responded to these requests (requires Real Player).

Posted by dwinds1

Coming Soon!Five UMBC Faculty Receive Regents Awards

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Coming Soon! Moving Plans Into Action

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Coming Soon! Theatre Department presents North Shore Fish

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UMBC Budget Update

The Legislature is in the midst of difficult budget deliberations which seem to be leading to only a minimal increase in State general funds for higher education, says Mark Behm, UMBC vice president for administration and finance. While the Governor has proposed modest merit and COLA (cost of living) increases, there is no assurance that these will be included in the budget the Legislature approves, he says.

"UMBC's capital budget request to equip the Information Technology/Engineering (ITE) Building is faring well," he notes. "But funding for the Public Policy Building construction appears tenuous at this time."

The State's general fund support is just one component of UMBC's budget. The Governor also included a tuition increase of 5.5%, which, along with growing enrollment, will provide new operating funds. In addition, research grants and contracts, as well as income from endowments, continue to grow.

Behm adds, "UMBC's budget has grown faster than that of any USM school-except for the University College-over the past three years. It's frustrating for all of us not to know the outcome of this process, but we will keep the campus informed as soon as more information becomes available."

Insights will continue to update this story as it develops.

Posted by dwinds1

March 18, 2002

Michael Collier, Poet Laureate of Maryland, to Read at UMBC

Michael Collier, Poet Laureate of Maryland, will present a reading of his works on Monday, April 15, 2002 at 4:00 p.m. in the UMBC Library Gallery. This free event is followed by a reception and is open to the public. It is sponsored by the UMBC Friends of the Library & Gallery as part of its BookNotes series and in celebration of National Poetry Month.

Baltimore, Md. Michael Collier, Poet Laureate of Maryland,, will present a reading of his works on Monday, April 15, 2002 at 4:00 p.m. in the UMBC Library Gallery. This free event is followed by a reception and is open to the public. It is sponsored by the UMBC Friends of the Library & Gallery as part of its BookNotes series and in celebration of National Poetry Month.

Collier's poems have appeared in The Atlantic, The Nation, The New Republic, The New Yorker, Ploughshares, Poetry, and many other magazines and periodicals. He has published four collections of poetry: The Clasp and Other Poems, The Folded Heart, and The Neighbor. His most recent book, The Ledge (published in 2000), was nominated for the National Book Critics Circle Award and the Los Angeles Times Book Prize. He has edited three anthologies as well: The Wesleyan Tradition: Four Decades of Contemporary American Poetry, The New Bread Loaf Anthology of Contemporary American Poetry (co-edited with Stanley Plumy), and The New American Poets: A Bread Loaf Anthology. He also writes a monthly poetry column for the Baltimore Sun.

Collier has received a Pushcart Prize, two National Endowment for the Arts Fellowships, a Guggenheim Fellowship, the Alice Fay di Castagnola Prize from the Poetry Society of America, and a Discovery/The Nation Award. Seminal to his development as a poet were the Thomas J. Watson Traveling Fellowship and a residency fellowship at the Fine Arts Work Center in Provincetown.

Since 1995 Collier has served as the sixth director of the 76-year-old Bread Loaf Writers' Conference, where he has helped to revitalize one of America's most valuable literary institutions.

As a UMCP faculty member, a resident of Catonsville, and a user of the UMBC Library, Mr. Collier has many connections with our community. At the University of Maryland, College Park, Department of English where he has worked since 1984, he is co-director of the Creative Writing Program. He has given many readings in the region, and especially in the high schools, to encourage students to become excited about poetry. Governor Parris Glendening has described him as a Maryland treasure.

For further information on this and other UMBC Friends of the Library & Gallery events, see our web page, email libadmin@lists.umbc.edu or call 410.455.2356.

# # #

About UMBC
Founded in 1966, UMBC is a medium-sized, selective, public research university situated on 500 acres between Balti
more, Md. and Washington, DC. UMBC has an enrollment of more than 11,000 students in undergraduate and graduate programs in the liberal arts and sciences and engineering. A campus community rich in cultural and ethnic diversity, UMBC promotes cutting-edge research and creative activity. The campus is home to the nationally-known Meyerhoff Scholarship Program, the Shriver Center, and a number of major research centers. UMBC is a member of the University System of Maryland and is accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Secondary Schools.

Posted by dwinds1

Michael Collier, Poet Laureate of Maryland, to Read at UMBC

Michael Collier, Poet Laureate of Maryland, will present a reading of his works on Monday, April 15, 2002 at 4:00 p.m. in the UMBC Library Gallery. This free event is followed by a reception and is open to the public. It is sponsored by the UMBC Friends of the Library & Gallery as part of its BookNotes series and in celebration of National Poetry Month.

Baltimore, Md. Michael Collier, Poet Laureate of Maryland,, will present a reading of his works on Monday, April 15, 2002 at 4:00 p.m. in the UMBC Library Gallery. This free event is followed by a reception and is open to the public. It is sponsored by the UMBC Friends of the Library & Gallery as part of its BookNotes series and in celebration of National Poetry Month.

Collier's poems have appeared in The Atlantic, The Nation, The New Republic, The New Yorker, Ploughshares, Poetry, and many other magazines and periodicals. He has published four collections of poetry: The Clasp and Other Poems, The Folded Heart, and The Neighbor. His most recent book, The Ledge (published in 2000), was nominated for the National Book Critics Circle Award and the Los Angeles Times Book Prize. He has edited three anthologies as well: The Wesleyan Tradition: Four Decades of Contemporary American Poetry, The New Bread Loaf Anthology of Contemporary American Poetry (co-edited with Stanley Plumy), and The New American Poets: A Bread Loaf Anthology. He also writes a monthly poetry column for the Baltimore Sun.

Collier has received a Pushcart Prize, two National Endowment for the Arts Fellowships, a Guggenheim Fellowship, the Alice Fay di Castagnola Prize from the Poetry Society of America, and a Discovery/The Nation Award. Seminal to his development as a poet were the Thomas J. Watson Traveling Fellowship and a residency fellowship at the Fine Arts Work Center in Provincetown.

Since 1995 Collier has served as the sixth director of the 76-year-old Bread Loaf Writers' Conference, where he has helped to revitalize one of America's most valuable literary institutions.

As a UMCP faculty member, a resident of Catonsville, and a user of the UMBC Library, Mr. Collier has many connections with our community. At the University of Maryland, College Park, Department of English where he has worked since 1984, he is co-director of the Creative Writing Program. He has given many readings in the region, and especially in the high schools, to encourage students to become excited about poetry. Governor Parris Glendening has described him as a Maryland treasure.

For further information on this and other UMBC Friends of the Library & Gallery events, see our web page, email libadmin@lists.umbc.edu or call 410.455.2356.

# # #About UMBC
Founded in 1966, UMBC is a medium-sized, selective, public research university situated on 500 acres between Baltimore, Md. and Washington, DC. UMBC has an enrollment of more than 11,000 students in undergraduate and graduate programs in the liberal arts and sciences and engineering. A campus community rich in cultural and ethnic diversity, UMBC promotes cutting-edge research and creative activity. The campus is home to the nationally-known Meyerhoff Scholarship Program, the Shriver Center, and a number of major research centers. UMBC is a member of the University System of Maryland and is accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Secondary Schools.

Posted by dwinds1

March 17, 2002

Jihad vs. McWorld Can Democracy Survive?

Benjamin R. Barber, author of the book Jihad vs. McWorld: How Globalism and Tribalism Are Re-shaping the World (Ballantine, 1996), and director of the Walt Whitman Center for the Culture and Politics of Democracy at Rutgers University, will discuss Can Democracy Survive the War Between Jihad and McWorld? at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC) on Wednesday, April 10 at 3 p.m. in the Albin O. Kuhn Library Gallery. Admission is free of charge. A reception and book signing will follow the lecture.

Baltimore, Md. Benjamin R. Barber, author of the book Jihad vs. McWorld: How Globalism and Tribalism Are Re-shaping the World (Ballantine, 1996), and director of the Walt Whitman Center for the Culture and Politics of Democracy at Rutgers University, will discuss Can Democracy Survive the War Between Jihad and McWorld? at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC) on Wednesday, April 10 at 3 p.m. in the Albin O. Kuhn Library Gallery. Admission is free of charge. A reception and book signing will follow the lecture.

Since the events of September 11, Jihad vs. McWorld has become an international best seller. The book provides an analysis of the central conflict of our times: consumerist capitalism versus religious and tribal fundamentalism.

Barber serves as director of the Walt Whitman Center for the Culture and Politics of Democracy at Rutgers University, where he also held the Walt Whitman Chair of Political Science. He has consulted widely with political and civic leaders, including former President Bill Clinton. He is author of fourteen books, and writes frequently for Observateur, Die Zeit and many other scholarly publications in the U.S. and Europe.

Barber's honors include Guggenheim, Fulbright and Social Science Research Fellowships, the Palmes Academiques (Chevalier) of the French government and the Berlin Prize of the American Academy of Berlin. He holds a B.A. and M.A. from Harvard University and a B.A. and an honorary Ph.D. from Grinnell College.

This Civil Society Lecture is sponsored by the Office of the Provost, Social Sciences Forum and the Political Science Department.

# # #

About UMBC
Founded in 1966, UMBC is a medium-sized, selective, public research university situated on 500 acres between Baltimore, Md. and Washington, DC. UMBC has an enrollment of more than 11,000 students in undergraduate and graduate programs in the liberal arts and sciences and engineering. A campus community rich in cultural and ethnic diversity, UMBC promotes cutting-edge research and creative activity. The campus is home to the nationally-known Meyerhoff Scholarship Program, the Shriver Center, and a number of major research centers. UMBC is a member of the University System of Maryland and is accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Secondary Schools.

Posted by dwinds1

March 7, 2002

UMBC and UTD Renew Rivalry in Second Annual Final Four of College Chess

The University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC) and the University of Texas at Dallas (UTD), will resume what has become one of the most hotly contested, evenly fought rivalries in intercollegiate competition next month when they face off in the second annual Final Four -- of Chess. The tournament will be held April 5-7 at the World Chess Hall of Fame and Sidney Samole Museum in Miami, Fla.

Baltimore, Md. The University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC) and the University of Texas at Dallas (UTD), will resume what has become one of the most hotly contested, evenly fought rivalries in intercollegiate competition next month when they face off in the second annual Final Four -- of Chess. The tournament will be held April 5-7 at the World Chess Hall of Fame and Sidney Samole Museum in Miami, Fla.

Harvard University and Stanford University will also compete in the event, but will be decided underdogs to UMBC and UTD as they battle for the President's Cup and the right to lay claim to the title of best college chess team in the United States. That's because for two years in a row, UMBC and UTD have tied for first place in the Pan American Intercollegiate Team Chess Championship, the top college chess tournament held in the Western Hemisphere, defeating the likes of Harvard, Stanford, MIT, U.C. Berkeley and the University of Chicago.

Over the past six years, UMBC has established itself as the dominant team in college chess, but in the past two years UTD has come on very strong. In 2001, UTD was named Chess College of the Year by the U.S. Chess Federation, an honor won by UMBC the year before. UTD also defeated UMBC in the inaugural Final Four of Chess last April, edging out UMBC by a score of 12 to 11.5. Despite this, UMBC can boast that it has finished first, or tied for first, in the Pan Am event five of the past six years.

The two schools, neither of which fields a football team, have seen their chess rivalry escalate to the level of Duke and North Carolina in college basketball or Texas-Oklahoma in football. The main differences are in the crowds (or lack thereof) and noise (nonexistent in chess), but competition is fierce, and both UTD and UMBC have been known to hold pep rallies for their teams before sending them off to do battle.

UTD and UMBC usually defeat everyone else, but we find it tremendously difficult to beat each other, said Dr. Tim Redman, professor of literary studies at U.T. Dallas and director of the school's six-year-old chess program. Each team is almost a mirror image of the other, and for us to tie for first place two years in a row in the Pan Am tournament first in Milwaukee and then in Providence bears that out. It would be like Miami and Nebraska tying for first in the national college football polls two consecutive years. I don't see how our teams could be more evenly matched or the competition more intense.

Over the past ten years, UMBC has become the team to beat in college chess, said Alan Sherman, UMBC Chess Team advisor and associate professor of computer science. For perhaps the first time, we have met our match in UTD. Our programs are head and shoulders above the competition, and we now find ourselves recruiting the same players for chess scholarships.

The presidents of the two universities, UMBC's Freeman A. Hrabowski and UTD's Franklyn G. Jenifer view chess as a metaphor for academic excellence and intellectual rigor. And both universities have established themselves as places where it is cool to be smart.

UMBC's will be represented by Alex Woitkevich (Poland), Eugene Perelshteyn (Massachusetts), William The Exterminator Morrison (New York), and Battsetseg The Mongolian Terror Tsagaan (Tatarstan).

The UTD team in Miami will be composed of is composed of Yuri Shulman (Belarus), Marcin Kaminski (Poland), Andrei Zaremba (Michigan), Andrew Whatley (Alabama). David John (Texas) will serve as first alternate and Dennis Rylander (Sweden) as second alternate.

About UMBC
UMBC is a medium-sized, selective, public research university situated on 500 acres between Baltimore and Washington, DC. UMBC has an enrollment of more than 11,000 students in undergraduate and graduate programs in the liberal arts and sciences and engineering. A campus community rich in cultural and ethnic diversity, UMBC promotes cutting-edge research and creative activity. The campus is home to the nationally-known Meyerhoff Scholarship Program, the Shriver Center, and a number of major research centers. UMBC is a member of the University System of Maryland and is accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Secondary Schools. For additional information about UMBC, please visit the university's web site at www.umbc.edu

About UTD
The University of Texas at Dallas, located at the convergence of Richardson, Plano and Dallas in the heart of the complex of major multinational technology corporations known as the Telecom Corridor, enrolls more than 7,000 undergraduate and 5,000 graduate students. The school's freshman class traditionally stands at the forefront of Texas state universities in terms of average SAT scores. The university offers a broad assortment of bachelor's, master's and doctoral degree programs. For additional information about UTD, please visit the university's web site at www.utdallas.edu.

Posted by dwinds1

February 27, 2002

Former Congresswoman Pat Schroeder to Discuss Women and Leadership at UMBC

Former Congresswoman Patricia Schroeder will discuss Women and Leadership at UMBC as part of Women's History Month and the twentieth anniversary of Women's Studies at UMBC. Sponsored by the Office of the President, Schroeder's talk will be held on the seventh floor of UMBC's Albin O. Kuhn Library at 7 p.m. on March 6, 2002. The event is free and open to the public.

Baltimore, Md. Former Congresswoman Patricia Schroeder will discuss Women and Leadership at UMBC as part of Women's History Month and the twentieth anniversary of Women's Studies at UMBC. Sponsored by the Office of the President, Schroeder's talk will be held on the seventh floor of UMBC's Albin O. Kuhn Library at 7 p.m. on March 6, 2002. The event is free and open to the public.

Schroeder is President and CEO of the Association of American Publishers (AAP), national trade organization of the U.S. book publishing industry. She left Congress undefeated in 1996 after serving in the House of Representatives for 24 years. From January to June 1997, held the rank of Professor at the Woodrow Wilson School of Public and International Affairs at Princeton University. She is currently leading New Century/New Solutions, a think tank for the Institute for Civil Society in Newton, Massachusetts, and Co-Chairs of the Democracy Online Project's National Task Force, which is funded by a grant from The Pew Charitable Trusts.

Born in Portland, Oregon in 1940, Mrs. Schroeder graduated magna cum laude in 1961 from the University of Minnesota (working as an insurance claims adjuster to support herself through college). Mrs. Schroeder went on to Harvard Law School, one of only 15 women in a class of more than 500 men. She earned her J.D. in 1964 and moved to Denver, Colorado with her husband James, who encouraged her to challenge an incumbent Republican for Colorado's First Congressional District seat in 1972.

About Women's History Month
The first women's history celebration was held on March 19, 1911, organized by Klara Zetkin, a German woman who called the event International Women's Day. A Californian school district began to celebrate Women's History Week in March of 1978, to coincide with the celebration of International Women's Day. In 1981 Congress passed a resolution making the week a national week of celebration which grew into Women's History Month in 1987.

About Women's Studies at UMBC
UMBC's Women's Studies program, founded in 1982, offers an undergraduate certificate or minor. Program coursework and discussions seek to help students understand and articulate how gender makes a difference in the lives and experiences of women, as well as men; in the practices and institutions of human societies and in the cultural products of societies, such as art and literature. The program emphasizes the importance of historical and cross-cultural perspectives, women's studies critically examines the intersections of gender, class, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, age and ability to make visible structures of power that otherwise remain hidden.

About UMBC
Founded in 1966, UMBC is a medium-sized, selective, public research university situated on 500 acres between Baltimore, Md. and Washington, DC. UMBC has an enrollment of more than 11,000 students in undergraduate and graduate programs in the liberal arts and sciences and engineering. A campus community rich in cultural and ethnic diversity, UMBC promotes cutting-edge research and creative activity. The campus is home to the nationally-known Meyerhoff Scholarship Program, the Shriver Center, and a number of major research centers. UMBC is a member of the University System of Maryland and is accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Secondary Schools.

# # #

Posted by dwinds1

February 18, 2002

Northrop Grumman's James Pitts to be 2002 Engineer of Year

On Wednesday, February 20, 2002, the UMBC College of Engineering Industrial Advisory Board will honor James F. Pitts as the 2002 Engineer of the Year. Pitts is Vice President and General Manager of the Aerospace Systems Division of Northrop Grumman Corporation's Electronic Systems Sector.

On Wednesday, February 20, 2002, the UMBC College of Engineering Industrial Advisory Board will honor James F. Pitts as the 2002 Engineer of the Year. Pitts is Vice President and General Manager of the Aerospace Systems Division of Northrop Grumman Corporation's Electronic Systems Sector.

Since joining Northrop in 1973, Pitts has spent nearly 30 years building a career and a record of distinguished achievements in aviation electronics. He has worked on systems for the Light Helicopter and Advanced Tactical Fighter and F-22 fighter plane programs. Pitts has also been involved with development and production of combat and transport aircraft tactical and fire control radars, including systems for the F-16, F-22, B-1B and C-130.

Pitts supervised the development of a wide range of classified programs, including the Advanced Air-to-Air Missile (AAAM) for the U.S. Navy. He holds three patents in support of various electronic warfare techniques and developments.

A native of Baltimore, Mr. Pitts earned bachelor's and master's degrees in engineering from the Johns Hopkins University. In addition to his professional accomplishments, his civic leadership includes service on the boards of the United Way of Central Maryland, the Maryland Science Center, Carroll County Hospital and the Johns Hopkins National Advisory Council.

Pitts will be honored in a ceremony at the University Center Ballroom from 5:30 to 8:30 on Feb. 20. Proceeds from the event benefit the Engineer of the Year scholarship fund.

Posted by dwinds1

February 12, 2002

UMBC President Hrabowski Recipient Named as One of Fast Company Magazine's Fast 50 Champions of Innovation

University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC) President Freeman A. Hrabowski III has been named as one of Fast Company magazine's debut list of Fast 50 innovators individuals whose achievements helped change their companies or society.

Baltimore, Md. University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC) President Freeman A. Hrabowski, III has been named as one of Fast Company magazine's debut list of Fast 50 innovators individuals whose achievements helped change their companies or society.

The Fast 50 will appear in the March issue of Fast Company, the nation's leading magazine for management innovators, hitting newsstands on February 19. The list includes 50 exceptional achievers selected from online submissions by Fast Company readers. Profiles of the Fast 50, as well as all reader submissions, may be accessed online at the special Fast 50 website at www.fastcompany.com/fast50 .

The Fast 50 had the vision to see ways of improving our world and the persistence to accomplish their goals, said Fast Company co-founder and co-editor Alan Webber. At a time when our nation is rediscovering what it means to be a hero, the Fast 50 recognizes 50 individuals who are each courageous in their own way.

The Fast 50 includes executives, activists, marketers, designers, scientists, engineers and other leaders from a variety of backgrounds. Some are solo entrepreneurs and researchers. Others come from a wide range or organizations from large corporations to non-profit groups. Individuals in the Fast 50 are divided into the following categories:
- Leaders senior executives who create value through the power of ideas, the intensity of their commitment, and the authenticity of their character
- Change Agents activists determined to change the status quo and make a positive impact
- Disrupters scientists and engineers who alter our sense of what's possible
- Trendsetters creative thinkers whose sense of style and persuasion change what our world looks like and how our products perform
- Social Entrepreneurs dedicated innovators determined to tackle society's deepest challenges by embracing new ideas from the world of business

Hrabowski, named as a change agent on the Fast 50 list, co-founded the Meyerhoff Scholarship Program in 1988 to address the shortage of minorities in science, math, and engineering Ph.D. programs.

Hrabowski has served as President of UMBC since May of 1992. His research and publications focus on science and math education, with special emphasis on minority participation and performance. Born in Birmingham, Ala., Hrabowski graduated at 19 from Hampton Institute with highest honors in mathematics, and he received his M.A. (mathematics) and Ph.D. (higher education administration/statistics) at 24 from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. He serves as a consultant to the National Science Foundation, the U.S. Department of Education, and universities and school systems nationally, and he sits on numerous corporate and civic boards. Dr. Hrabowski is co-author of the books, Beating the Odds (Oxford, 1998), focusing on parenting and high-achieving African American males in science, and Overcoming the Odds, on successful young black women in science (Oxford, 2002).

The Fast 50 were selected by a distinguished panel consisting of astronaut Sally Ride, management guru Tom Peters, noted futurist Watts Wacker, Kevin Roberts, CEO, Saatchi & Saatchi, and Zoe Baird, President, Markle Foundation.

Founded in 1996 and published monthly, Boston-based Fast Company (www.fastcompany.com) covers ideas, trends and individuals devoted to managing change in today's economy. The magazine was acquired in 2000 by G + J USA, one of America's largest magazine publishers. Fast Company is part of the company's newly-formed Business Innovator Group.

G + J USA also publishes Inc., Child, Family Circle, Fitness, Homestyle, Inc., Parents, Rosie, and YM. The company is 25.1% owned by the Jahr Group and 74.9% owned by Bertelsmann AG, the largest privately held and the fifth largest media company in the world with yearly revenues at $16 billion.

# # #

Posted by dwinds1

UMBC President Hrabowski Recipient Named as One of Fast Company Magazine's Fast 50 Champions of Innovation

University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC) President Freeman A. Hrabowski III has been named as one of Fast Company magazine's debut list of Fast 50 innovators individuals whose achievements helped change their companies or society.

Baltimore, Md. University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC) President Freeman A. Hrabowski, III has been named as one of Fast Company magazine's debut list of Fast 50 innovators individuals whose achievements helped change their companies or society.

The Fast 50 will appear in the March issue of Fast Company, the nation's leading magazine for management innovators, hitting newsstands on February 19. The list includes 50 exceptional achievers selected from online submissions by Fast Company readers. Profiles of the Fast 50, as well as all reader submissions, may be accessed online at the special Fast 50 website at www.fastcompany.com/fast50 .

The Fast 50 had the vision to see ways of improving our world and the persistence to accomplish their goals, said Fast Company co-founder and co-editor Alan Webber. At a time when our nation is rediscovering what it means to be a hero, the Fast 50 recognizes 50 individuals who are each courageous in their own way.

The Fast 50 includes executives, activists, marketers, designers, scientists, engineers and other leaders from a variety of backgrounds. Some are solo entrepreneurs and researchers. Others come from a wide range or organizations from large corporations to non-profit groups. Individuals in the Fast 50 are divided into the following categories:
- Leaders senior executives who create value through the power of ideas, the intensity of their commitment, and the authenticity of their character- Change Agents activists determined to change the status quo and make a positive impact- Disrupters scientists and engineers who alter our sense of what's possible- Trendsetters creative thinkers whose sense of style and persuasion change what our world looks like and how our products perform- Social Entrepreneurs dedicated innovators determined to tackle society's deepest challenges by embracing new ideas from the world of business

Hrabowski, named as a change agent on the Fast 50 list, co-founded the Meyerhoff Scholarship Program in 1988 to address the shortage of minorities in science, math, and engineering Ph.D. programs.

Hrabowski has served as President of UMBC since May of 1992. His research and publications focus on science and math education, with special emphasis on minority participation and performance. Born in Birmingham, Ala., Hrabowski graduated at 19 from Hampton Institute with highest honors in mathematics, and he received his M.A. (mathematics) and Ph.D. (higher education administration/statistics) at 24 from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. He serves as a consultant to the National Science Foundation, the U.S. Department of Education, and universities and school systems nationally, and he sits on numerous corporate and civic boards. Dr. Hrabowski is co-author of the books, Beating the Odds (Oxford, 1998), focusing on parenting and high-achieving African American males in science, and Overcoming the Odds, on successful young black women in science (Oxford, 2002).

The Fast 50 were selected by a distinguished panel consisting of astronaut Sally Ride, management guru Tom Peters, noted futurist Watts Wacker, Kevin Roberts, CEO, Saatchi & Saatchi, and Zoe Baird, President, Markle Foundation.

Founded in 1996 and published monthly, Boston-based Fast Company (www.fastcompany.com) covers ideas, trends and individuals devoted to managing change in today's economy. The magazine was acquired in 2000 by G + J USA, one of America's largest magazine publishers. Fast Company is part of the company's newly-formed Business Innovator Group.

G + J USA also publishes Inc., Child, Family Circle, Fitness, Homestyle, Inc., Parents, Rosie, and YM. The company is 25.1% owned by the Jahr Group and 74.9% owned by Bertelsmann AG, the largest privately held and the fifth largest media company in the world with yearly revenues at $16 billion.

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February 4, 2002

Northrop Grumman's James F. Pitts is 2002 Engineer of Year

On Wednesday, February 20, the UMBC College of Engineering Industrial Advisory Board will honor James F. Pitts as the 2002 Engineer of the Year. Pitts is Vice President and General Manager of the Aerospace Systems Division of Northrop Grumman Corporation's Electronic Systems Sector.

On Wednesday, February 20, the UMBC College of Engineering Industrial Advisory Board will honor James F. Pitts as the 2002 Engineer of the Year. Pitts is Vice President and General Manager of the Aerospace Systems Division of Northrop Grumman Corporation's Electronic Systems Sector.

Since joining Northrop in 1973, Pitts has spent nearly 30 years building a career and a record of distinguished achievements in aviation electronics. He has worked on systems for the Light Helicopter and Advanced Tactical Fighter and F-22 fighter plane programs. Pitts has also been involved with development and production of combat and transport aircraft tactical and fire control radars, including systems for the F-16, F-22, B-1B and C-130.

Pitts supervised the development of a wide range of classified programs, including the Advanced Air-to-Air Missile (AAAM) for the U.S. Navy. He holds three patents in support of various electronic warfare techniques and developments.

A native of Baltimore, Mr. Pitts earned bachelor's and master's degrees in engineering from the Johns Hopkins University. In addition to his professional accomplishments, his civic leadership includes service on the boards of the United Way of Central Maryland, the Maryland Science Center, Carroll County Hospital and the Johns Hopkins National Advisory Council.

Pitts will be honored in a ceremony at the University Center Ballroom from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. on February 20. Proceeds from the event benefit the Engineer of the Year scholarship fund.

Charles Rose

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January 29, 2002

UMBC President Hrabowski Recipient of 2001 Harold W. McGraw, Jr. Prize in Education

Baltimore, Md. University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC) President Freeman A. Hrabowski, III was named a 2001 recipient of the Harold W. McGraw, Jr. Prize in Educationat a ceremony in New York City today. The award is given annually to individuals who have shown an extraordinary commitment to the improvement to education.

Baltimore, Md. University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC) President Freeman A. Hrabowski, III was named a 2001 recipient of the Harold W. McGraw, Jr. Prize in Education at a ceremony in New York City today. The award is given annually to individuals who have shown an extraordinary commitment to the improvement to education. Carl Cohn, superintendent of the Long Beach Unified School District and Mary Catherine Swanson, founder and executive director of AVID also received the 2001 McGraw Award.

The theme of this year's awards was Closing the Gap, recognizing three individuals who have made raising achievement among underserved students one of their primary goals. Hrabowski was chosen for his unwavering commitment to education excellence and minority achievement, particularly in math and science.

The Harold W. McGraw Jr. Prize in Education was established in 1988 to mark the Corporation's 100th anniversary and to honor Mr. McGraw's lifelong commitment to education. The prestigious Prize, judged by a distinguished panel of educators, annually recognizes outstanding individuals who have dedicated themselves to improving education in this country and whose accomplishments are making a difference today.

Past honorees include: The Honorable James B. Hunt Jr., former Governor of North Carolina; Barbara Bush, founder of the Barbara Bush Foundation for Family Literacy; Rod Paige, U.S. Secretary of Education; and Nancy S. Grasmick, Maryland State Superintendent of Schools.

Hrabowski has served as President of UMBC since May of 1992. His research and publications focus on science and math education, with special emphasis on minority participation and performance. Born in Birmingham, Ala., Hrabowski graduated at 19 from Hampton Institute with highest honors in mathematics, and he received his M.A. (mathematics) and Ph.D. (higher education administration/statistics) at 24 from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. He serves as a consultant to the National Science Foundation, the U.S. Department of Education, and universities and school systems nationally, and he sits on numerous corporate and civic boards. Dr. Hrabowski is co-author of the books, Beating the Odds (Oxford, 1998), focusing on parenting and high-achieving African American males in science, and Overcoming the Odds, on successful young black women in science (Oxford, 2002).

Note to editors: A high resolution photo of Hrabowski is available here

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January 28, 2002

UMBC Opens a New Center of Campus Life, The Commons

The University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC) celebrates the opening of The Commons, the university's new student center, with a week of activities kicking off with a ribbon cutting at 1 p.m. today, January 28, 2002. The $35 million, 148,000 square foot building is more than twice the size of the current University Center.

Baltimore, Md. The University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC) celebrates the opening of The Commons, the university's new student center, with a week of activities kicking off with a ribbon cutting at 1 p.m. today, January 28, 2002. The $35 million, 148,000 square foot building is more than twice the size of the current University Center.

The Commons is representative of the evolving needs of our student body, says UMBC Vice President for Student Affairs, Charlie Fey. Seventy percent of our first-year students and nearly forty percent of all undergraduates currently live on campus. The Commons is the place where these students, faculty and staff will come together as a community.

UMBC's growth over the past ten years is evident in several areas. In 1991, only 1,850 students lived on campus, now the number is close to 3,200. In 1991, approximately 7 percent of UMBC students were from out-of-state, now the number is close to 20 percent. Total enrollment at UMBC has risen by nearly 1,000, from 10, 368 to 11,237 since 1991.

The three-story building features a two-story Cabaret room equipped to act as both a lounge and venue for live performances, a Skylight restaurant/reception area, a recreation room complete with games and a dance floor, and several other general meeting spaces. Student organizations have administrative and meeting space, as does the Office of Student Affairs. The building is also home to the UMBC Bookstore, convenience store and full-service Chevy Chase Bank branch. The building's Main Street provides seating for more than 300, with dining options ranging from pizza to chicken, Asian to deli.

Wireless networking makes connecting to the campus network and Internet easy in The Commons. Students can either check out a wireless laptop from our information desk and work anywhere in the building or bring their own and plug into one of the thousands of high-speed dataports located throughout The Commons.

The Maryland Stadium Authority acted as UMBC's agent for procuring, managing, and completing the project. Design Collective, Inc. (Baltimore, Md.) partnered with Perry Dean Rogers & Partners (Boston, Mass.) to provide programming and design services. Barton Marlow of Baltimore provided construction management.

About UMBC
Founded in 1966, UMBC is a medium-sized, selective, public research university situated on 500 acres between Baltimore, Md. and Washington, DC. UMBC has an enrollment of more than 11,000 students in undergraduate and graduate programs in the liberal arts and sciences and engineering. A campus community rich in cultural and ethnic diversity, UMBC promotes cutting-edge research and creative activity. The campus is home to the nationally-known Meyerhoff Scholarship Program, the Shriver Center, and a number of major research centers. UMBC is a member of the University System of Maryland and is accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Secondary Schools.

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UMBC Opens a New Center of Campus Life, The Commons

The University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC) celebrates the opening of The Commons, the university's new student center, with a week of activities kicking off with a ribbon cutting at 1 p.m. today, January 28, 2002. The $35 million, 148,000 square foot building is more than twice the size of the current University Center.

Baltimore, Md. The University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC) celebrates the opening of The Commons, the university's new student center, with a week of activities kicking off with a ribbon cutting at 1 p.m. today, January 28, 2002. The $35 million, 148,000 square foot building is more than twice the size of the current University Center.

The Commons is representative of the evolving needs of our student body, says UMBC Vice President for Student Affairs, Charlie Fey. Seventy percent of our first-year students and nearly forty percent of all undergraduates currently live on campus. The Commons is the place where these students, faculty and staff will come together as a community.

UMBC's growth over the past ten years is evident in several areas. In 1991, only 1,850 students lived on campus, now the number is close to 3,200. In 1991, approximately 7 percent of UMBC students were from out-of-state, now the number is close to 20 percent. Total enrollment at UMBC has risen by nearly 1,000, from 10, 368 to 11,237 since 1991.

The three-story building features a two-story Cabaret room equipped to act as both a lounge and venue for live performances, a Skylight restaurant/reception area, a recreation room complete with games and a dance floor, and several other general meeting spaces. Student organizations have administrative and meeting space, as does the Office of Student Affairs. The building is also home to the UMBC Bookstore, convenience store and full-service Chevy Chase Bank branch. The building's Main Street provides seating for more than 300, with dining options ranging from pizza to chicken, Asian to deli.

Wireless networking makes connecting to the campus network and Internet easy in The Commons. Students can either check out a wireless laptop from our information desk and work anywhere in the building or bring their own and plug into one of the thousands of high-speed dataports located throughout The Commons.

The Maryland Stadium Authority acted as UMBC's agent for procuring, managing, and completing the project. Design Collective, Inc. (Baltimore, Md.) partnered with Perry Dean Rogers & Partners (Boston, Mass.) to provide programming and design services. Barton Marlow of Baltimore provided construction management.

About UMBCFounded in 1966, UMBC is a medium-sized, selective, public research university situated on 500 acres between Baltimore, Md. and Washington, DC. UMBC has an enrollment of more than 11,000 students in undergraduate and graduate programs in the liberal arts and sciences and engineering. A campus community rich in cultural and ethnic diversity, UMBC promotes cutting-edge research and creative activity. The campus is home to the nationally-known Meyerhoff Scholarship Program, the Shriver Center, and a number of major research centers. UMBC is a member of the University System of Maryland and is accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Secondary Schools.

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January 15, 2002

UMBC Helps Industry, Government Make Web Sites Accessible to Disabled

A course helping federal agencies and contractors' websites comply with the law requiring information technology to be accessible to people with disabilities is the latest class offered at UMBC's Computer Certification Training Center.

A course helping federal agencies and contractors' websites comply with the law requiring information technology to be accessible to people with disabilities is the latest class offered at UMBC's Computer Certification Training Center.

Designing Accessible Web Sites in Compliance with Section 508 focuses on teaching web developers and programmers a practical strategy for meeting federal requirements set by the 1998 amendment to the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. The Act prohibits discrimination based on disability in federal employment and employment practices of contractors.

The amendment, better known as Section 508, mandates that all Federal agencies, contractors and subcontractors must make their electronic and information technology equally accessible to people with disabilities -- an estimated 54 million Americans according to the National Council on Disability. To meet this demand, many agencies and firms are seeking IT staff training to ensure equal access for the increasing number of people with seeing, hearing, manual, or cognitive impairments who are going online.

The UMBC course gives trainees a full understanding of Section 508 law and leads them through hands-on exercises followed by a mock audit and compliance project. Technical teams at the nearby Social Security Administration recently received customized training through the UMBC Center's program to support their own Section 508 compliance effort.

"The National Federation of the Blind (NFB) has been invested in promoting technology access for a long time," said Dr. Betsy Zaborowski, director of special programs at NFB, the Baltimore-based nonprofit known as the country's leading advocate and the world's foremost technology center for the blind.

"Now it makes good sense for private companies to learn about access standards and requirements since the passage of 508 regulations at the Federal level and State of Maryland non-visual access procurement legislation. It is relatively easy to build access features from the ground up, but it's challenging to retrofit, so training regarding access design makes good sense," Zaborowski said.

Larry Fiorino, CEO and Founder of the Columbia-based Web solutions firm G1440, said "508 Compliance seems to have risen up out of nowhere, to bite at the heels of government and industry that have no choice but to come up to speed quickly. The first step in any organization's response should be structured awareness through training, so that a comprehensive plan can emerge, to be followed by formal audit and then effective redesign."

About UMBC CCTC:

The UMBC Computer Certification Training Center (CCTC) is a Microsoft Certified Partner, a CIW Authorized Training Partner, a CompTIA Partner, a Security Certified Program Training Partner a VUE Authorized Testing Center, and an Approved Transcender Training Partner. A national leader in technology education, UMBC established the CCTC to deliver technology training and industry-standard certification programs for individuals, businesses, government agencies and organizations in the Baltimore-Washington corridor.

The UMBC CCTC is located at 3108 Timanus Lane, Executive Park West in the Windsor Mill Community of Baltimore County, just off Exit 17/18 of the Baltimore Beltway. The Center offers instructor-led and web-based training programs, with part-time, full-time, evening, weekend and weekday classes. For further information on any IT training programs at UMBC, contact (410) 594-2282, or visit the training website at www.umbc.edu/cctc.

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January 1, 2002

Commons Opens in Grand Style

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December 29, 2001

UMBC Chess Team Wins Fifth Championship in Six Years

The University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC) Chess Team tied for first place at the 2001 Pan-American Intercollegiate Team Chess Championship, held Dec. 26-29 in Providence, RI. The victory is UMBC's fifth championship in the past six years, securing their place as one of the most dominating college chess teams in the history of the tournament.

Providence, RI -- The University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC) Chess Team tied for first place at the 2001 Pan-American Intercollegiate Team Chess Championship, held Dec. 26-29 in Providence, RI. The victory is UMBC's fifth championship in the past six years, securing their place as one of the most dominating college chess teams in the history of the tournament.

This year's team is one of the most impressive ever fielded by UMBC. Led by captain and International Master Eugene Perelshteyn, the reigning U.S. Junior Chess Champion, the team includes Grand Master Alex Wojtkiewicz, the eleventh ranked chess player in the U.S., Senior Master William "The Exterminator" Morrison, and Senior Master Bryan Smith. The team is coached by Life Master Igor Epshteyn.

For the second consecutive year UMBC and the University of Texas, Dallas faced off in the fourth round and tied the match. Both teams won all of their other matches, making them co-champions once again. Other teams in the competition included MIT, Stanford, and the University of Chicago.

The Pan-Am Intercollegiate Chess Tournament is the largest and most prestigious college chess tournament in the Western Hemisphere. Each year, Universities from around the United States, Canada, and various Latin American countries send their top players to compete for the title, "Pan-Am Intercollegiate Champion.

For more information on the UMBC Chess Team, go to http://www.umbc.edu/NewsEvents/chess2001.htm

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UMBC Chess Team Wins Fifth Championship in Six Years

The University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC) Chess Team tied for first place at the 2001 Pan-American Intercollegiate Team Chess Championship, held Dec. 26-29 in Providence, RI. The victory is UMBC's fifth championship in the past six years, securing their place as one of the most dominating college chess teams in the history of the tournament.

Providence, RI -- The University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC) Chess Team tied for first place at the 2001 Pan-American Intercollegiate Team Chess Championship, held Dec. 26-29 in Providence, RI. The victory is UMBC's fifth championship in the past six years, securing their place as one of the most dominating college chess teams in the history of the tournament.

This year's team is one of the most impressive ever fielded by UMBC. Led by captain and International Master Eugene Perelshteyn, the reigning U.S. Junior Chess Champion, the team includes Grand Master Alex Wojtkiewicz, the eleventh ranked chess player in the U.S., Senior Master William "The Exterminator" Morrison, and Senior Master Bryan Smith. The team is coached by Life Master Igor Epshteyn.

For the second consecutive year UMBC and the University of Texas, Dallas faced off in the fourth round and tied the match. Both teams won all of their other matches, making them co-champions once again. Other teams in the competition included MIT, Stanford, and the University of Chicago.

The Pan-Am Intercollegiate Chess Tournament is the largest and most prestigious college chess tournament in the Western Hemisphere. Each year, Universities from around the United States, Canada, and various Latin American countries send their top players to compete for the title, "Pan-Am Intercollegiate Champion.

For more information on the UMBC Chess Team, go to http://www.umbc.edu/NewsEvents/chess2001.htm

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December 22, 2001

UMBC Arts & Culture Calendar

Listings of all arts and culture events at UMBC.

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UMBC Arts & Culture Calendar

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December 12, 2001

UMBC COMPUTER CERTIFICATION TRAINING CENTER TO OFFER JAVA COURSES THROUGH SUN MICROSYSTEM PROGRAM

The UMBC Computer Certification Training Center announced today it was selected to join Sun Microsystems' (Nasdaq: SUNW) Sun Academic Initiative, a unique program designed to teach the latest information technology skills to an emerging workforce. Sun's training arm, Sun Educational Services, provides curriculum materials, faculty training, full administrative support and free Web-based student resources, to support UMBC CCTC's strategy of complete learning solutions.

The UMBC Computer Certification Training Center announced today it was selected to join Sun Microsystems' (Nasdaq: SUNW) Sun Academic Initiative, a unique program designed to teach the latest information technology skills to an emerging workforce. Sun's training arm, Sun Educational Services, provides curriculum materials, faculty training, full administrative support and free Web-based student resources, to support UMBC CCTC's strategy of complete learning solutions.

Under this program, enrollees at UMBC CCTC will be able to take Sun-authorized courses, in preparation for the industry-standard Sun Certified Java Programmer credential. Individuals in these courses also have free access through a Web browser to online courses on the Sun(TM) Web Learning Center.

According to an April, 2001 U.S. workforce study by the Information Technology Association of America (ITAA), an estimated 425,000 positions will go unfilled this year because of a lack of applicants with the requisite technical and non-technical skills.

"The shortage of skilled Java programming professionals remains one of the most pressing issues in the IT industry and in businesses all around the world," stated Bill Richardson, vice president and general manager for Sun Educational Services. "Through its participation in the Sun Academic Initiative, UMBC will be helping to equip individuals in meeting those critical business needs and securing rewarding IT careers."

"UMBC is pleased to be invited to participate in this initiative that uses some of the most advanced technology available," said Doug Kendzierski, Associate Vice-Provost and CEO of the University's IT training operation. "It will provide both entry-level candidates and working professionals with the training necessary to further their careers and benefit their companies. This fortifies our leadership position in the regional IT training market, and is consistent with our strategy of partnering with the industry standard bearers to offer tremendous quality and value in technology education".

About UMBC CCTC: The UMBC Computer Certification Training Center (CCTC) is a Microsoft Certified Partner, a CIW Authorized Training Partner, a CompTIA Partner, a Security Certified Program Training Partner a VUE Authorized Testing Center, and an Approved Transcender Training Partner.

A national leader in technology education, UMBC established the CCTC to deliver technology training and industry-standard certification programs for individuals, businesses, government agencies and organizations in the Baltimore-Washington corridor. The UMBC CCTC is located at 3108 Timanus Lane, Executive Park West in the Windsor Mill Community of Baltimore County, just off Exit 17/18 of the Baltimore Beltway. The Center offers instructor-led and web-based training programs, with part-time, full-time, evening, weekend and weekday classes. For further information on any IT training programs at UMBC, contact (410) 594-2282, or visit the training website at www.umbc.edu/cctc.

About Sun Microsystems: Sun Microsystems, Inc, has been propelled by a singular vision - The Network is In the Computer (TM)-- since its inception in 1982. Sun is a leading provider of industrial-strength hardware, software and services that power the Internet and allow companies worldwide to take their businesses to the nth. Sun can be found in more than 170 countries and on the World Wide Web at http://www.sun.com.

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December 10, 2001

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December 7, 2001

"A Challenge, Not a Crisis" UMBC faces State budget cuts, hiring freeze

At UMBC's Town Meeting on November 19, President Freeman Hrabowski defined the state budget cuts and hiring freeze affecting all USM campuses as a challenge, not a crisis.

At UMBC's Town Meeting on November 19, President Freeman Hrabowski defined the state budget cuts and hiring freeze affecting all USM campuses as a challenge, not a crisis. Although the initial plan called for budget cuts ($363,000) and a hiring freeze on vacant positions (projected at $729,031) for a total savings of approximately $1.1 million, the university is anticipating and planning for an additional $1.2 million reduction in January if State revenues continue to decline. Faculty, auxilary and grant-funded positions are not affected by the freeze.Hrabowski said, Most important, we want to be clear about our commitment to UMBC's faculty and staff. Our priority is to make sure you have job security.Our current budget environment means we will certainly have to slow things down and be careful, he added. We may extend timetables for implementing projects such as the Delta Initiative or delay some building openings.Thomas Vogler, assistant vice president for finance, said that the governor has tried to be as flexible as possible concerning cuts to higher education. As we move further away from September 11, the economic picture will become clearer, he said.Resources such as scholarship funds, fuel and utilities are exempt from the cuts. Each vice president determines where cuts can be made in their units.In response to the hiring freeze, vice presidents will review vacant positions and make recommendations to the president to hold potentially critical positions exempt from the freeze. The president then submits these requests for flexibility to the State.The decision surrounding the January COLA will be made by the State, not the campus.Hrabowski and Provost Art Johnson said that despite the current need to slow implementation of some projects, the campus will continue to focus on university-wide priorities, including improved business systems, faculty recruitment, building the research infrastructure, advisors to support growing enrollment and investments in the recommendations of the honors, research and student life task forces.The University Planning Leadership Team comprised of the provost, vice presidents, senior administrators, faculty and staff senate leaders and chairs of our planning task forces are working to develop guiding principles that will help us to continue to link planning and budgeting during this challenging time, said Johnson.Hrabowski added, I am encouraged by the collegiality and support the UMBC community has demonstrated over the years and especially in the challenging weeks since September 11 and I am confident the campus will continue to achieve and prosper in the months and years ahead.

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The Commons Update

The countdown continues: Find out more about the transition from the UC to The Commons.

As The Commons, UMBC's 21st century center of campus life, nears completion, the first week's schedule of celebratory events and a new logo reflecting the building's open, modern design have been revealed.Finishing touches are now being added for both the exterior and interior of The Commons. Inside, furniture and video wall components are on the way, while workers finalize interior floors. Outdoors, new tile, plantings and, if the warm weather continues, possibly even fresh sod, are helping to bring The Commons' inviting blueprints to life.The logo was designed by Jim Lord, a UMBC alumnus (visual arts/graphic design '99) who currently works as the senior designer in UMBC's Creative Services. I wanted the design to represent the building and the building to be represented in the design, says Lord. Lord's design features three of The Commons' signature tall windows, representing faculty, staff and students, with the sweeping lines signifying the constant activity and traffic of campus life coming in and out of the building.I wanted to make a connection between the architecture of The Commons and its sense of community, Lord says. When people see the logo for the first time, I hope they will make an instant connection with The Commons. It's a very exciting place.A schedule has been released for The Commons Grand Opening Week of January 28 through February 3, 2002. Events of interest to faculty and staff include:Monday, Jan. 281 p.m.Ribbon-Cutting CeremonyMain StreetEnjoy food and entertainment at the official grand opening of The Commons.9 p.m.Retriever After PartyRetriever Grill & Main GamesCelebrate the first home game of the semester with the entire UMBC community at a post-game party hosted by UMBC Athletics.Tuesday, Jan. 294-6 p.m.Faculty and Staff ReceptionSkylight RoomVice Presidents Mark Behm and Charlie Fey host an informal wine and cheese affair.Saturday, Feb. 27:30 11:30 p.m.Sweetheart SwingSkylight RoomGrab your sweetie and hit the dance floor at the Alumni Association's second annual Sweetheart Swing. This event is hosted by UMBC's alumni sweethearts, couples who met and fell in love while attending UMBC. Guests can enjoy a buffet dinner, swing dance lessons, D.J., gifts, door prizes, special activities, cash bar and more. For tickets and more information, contact the Office of Alumni Relations at (410) 455-ALUM or email alum@umbc.edu.

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Maryland Charity Campaign is a Record-Breaker

This year's campaign totals are extraordinary$79,183 contributed by 375 donors.

In early November, with just one day left in the 2001 Maryland Charity Campaign, UMBC was $3,000 short of our goal of $55,500. After calls for support from President Freeman Hrabowski and Maryland Charity Campaign Chair Charles Fey, the campus responded and how!This year's campaign totals are extraordinary $79,183 contributed by 375 donors. This amount represents 143% of our goal and is 58% greater than last year's total ($50,187). The number of donors is equally impressive, representing 150% of our goal (250 donors) and an 86% increase over last year's number of donors (202).Hrabowski says, UMBC's response was both generous and kind, and we have shown Baltimore and Maryland that UMBC cares deeply about the larger community. Thank you and congratulations! I want to extend a special thank you to Charles Fey, vice president for student affairs, who chaired this year's Campaign. He provided superb leadership, and please join me in congratulating him.

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Coming Soon to a Phone Near You

Five-digit Dialing Begins December 27

Starting December 27, campus extensions will expand from a four-digit length to a five-digit length, but this change will only affect internal dialing. It incorporates the last digit of the 455 (faculty and staff) or 612 (resident students) exchanges as the first digit of the extension. Once the change is in effect, your extension will be dialed at 5xxxx or 2xxxx. This change does not affect incoming calls from off-campus; your number will remain (410) 455-xxxx or (443) 612-xxxx.As the campus has continued to add new facilities and programs, the available reserve of numbers in the (410) 455 and (443) 612 exchanges are being depleted.The campus currently has access to 8,799 DID (externally accessible) and Phantom (internal use only) numbers in the two noted exchanges, with over 80% in current use and significant blocks reserved for projects underway. Careful planning now can prevent critical shortages and awkward assignment patterns for the future.Every effort will be made to preserve the (410) 455 number base for the core UMBC functions. Other exchange numbers (443) 612 and a new (443) 543 will be used for residents, technology partners and auxiliary applications.George Vitak, director of Telecommunications, says, The goal of this project from inception has been to minimize the impact of this necessary change on the campus community. This is a fairly complex undertaking on the technical side and has been in planning for the past six months. Careful coordination is required among the Communications Services staff, our telephone switch manufacturer and Verizon Telephone. Much of the activity is actually being handled in-house due to the complex nature of our systems and our desire to custom fit' the events into our particular environment. In this manner we hope to expose the UMBC community to no more inconvenience than having to remember a new digit when dialing internally.The actual change in the system will take place over Winter Break, on December 26 and 27. PhoneMail will be deactivated at approximately 8 p.m. on December 26. The telephone system will be transitioned around midnight. Verizon will begin its changes at about the same time. Internal dialing and out-calling are anticipated to be available with little or no interruption.In-bound calls are expected to become available within an hour or so after the conversion. Critical PhoneMail applications should be online within two hours of the transition. Full PhoneMail conversion will extend well into December 27, with increasing availability of the regular mailboxes realized during each successive hour.Most activities dealing with the transition should be transparent to the community. If you have any internal campus telephone numbers programmed under station speed on your phone or any personal distribution lists set up in your PhoneMail box, you must reprogram in the correct extensions.Details will continue to be supplied to each department as the transition period approaches. Specific concerns or questions may be directed to Communications Services at x2100 now and x52100 after December 27.

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UMBC Celebrates Winter Commencement

UMBC Celebrates Winter CommencementMore than 800 degree recipients will be honored when UMBC celebrates its 36th Commencement at

More than 800 degree recipients will be honored when UMBC celebrates Winter Commencement on December 20 in the Retriever Activities Center (RAC) beginning at 10 a.m. Approximately 700 undergraduate students, 100 master's candidates and 20 Ph.D. candidates will join UMBC's Class of 2001.Remarks will be delivered by President Freeman Hrabowski; Alumni Association President Anne Lepore Burger '87; William Wood, a member of the Maryland Board of Regents; Provost Arthur Johnson; and the undergraduate valedictorian, Elizabeth Mitchell.Mitchell, a computer science major, is a native of Columbia, Md."She is inquisitive, competent, confident and completely in charge of her education," said Richard Chang, associate professor of computer science in his valedictory recommendation letter.Mitchell has been working at the Department of Defense since 1999 and has alternated semesters of work and study since then. Upon graduation, she will take a month off to visit relatives and pursue her new-found passion, scuba diving. After her time off she will return to Maryland to begin working full-time for the Department of Defense as a computer scientist."She is that kind of exceptional student that you get every once in a while," said Brooke Stephens, associate dean of the College of Engineering who had Mitchell in his Scientific Computing class."Her intelligence and industrious nature are combined with a friendly and forthright personality. I feel very fortunate to have had Liz as a student."Mitchell is honored to be selected as valedictorian. "I cherish values such as hard work, dedication, and perseverance. I feel that being selected is a public recognition of the importance of those values."For more information on commencement go to http://www.umbc.edu/commencement, or call the Commencement hotline at (410) 455-3100.

Posted by dwinds1

"A Challenge, Not a Crisis" UMBC faces State budget cuts, hiring freeze

At UMBC's Town Meeting on November 19, President Freeman Hrabowski defined the state budget cuts and hiring freeze affecting all USM campuses as a challenge, not a crisis.

At UMBC's Town Meeting on November 19, President Freeman Hrabowski defined the state budget cuts and hiring freeze affecting all USM campuses as a challenge, not a crisis. Although the initial plan called for budget cuts ($363,000) and a hiring freeze on vacant positions (projected at $729,031) for a total savings of approximately $1.1 million, the university is anticipating and planning for an additional $1.2 million reduction in January if State revenues continue to decline. Faculty, auxilary and grant-funded positions are not affected by the freeze.Hrabowski said, Most important, we want to be clear about our commitment to UMBC's faculty and staff. Our priority is to make sure you have job security.Our current budget environment means we will certainly have to slow things down and be careful, he added. We may extend timetables for implementing projects such as the Delta Initiative or delay some building openings.Thomas Vogler, assistant vice president for finance, said that the governor has tried to be as flexible as possible concerning cuts to higher education. As we move further away from September 11, the economic picture will become clearer, he said.Resources such as scholarship funds, fuel and utilities are exempt from the cuts. Each vice president determines where cuts can be made in their units.In response to the hiring freeze, vice presidents will review vacant positions and make recommendations to the president to hold potentially critical positions exempt from the freeze. The president then submits these requests for flexibility to the State.The decision surrounding the January COLA will be made by the State, not the campus.Hrabowski and Provost Art Johnson said that despite the current need to slow implementation of some projects, the campus will continue to focus on university-wide priorities, including improved business systems, faculty recruitment, building the research infrastructure, advisors to support growing enrollment and investments in the recommendations of the honors, research and student life task forces.The University Planning Leadership Team comprised of the provost, vice presidents, senior administrators, faculty and staff senate leaders and chairs of our planning task forces are working to develop guiding principles that will help us to continue to link planning and budgeting during this challenging time, said Johnson.Hrabowski added, I am encouraged by the collegiality and support the UMBC community has demonstrated over the years and especially in the challenging weeks since September 11 and I am confident the campus will continue to achieve and prosper in the months and years ahead.

Posted by dwinds1

November 9, 2001

placate

oh, dearOB()

what can the matter be?

Posted by dwinds1

November 1, 2001

Q & A with Susan Sonnenschein, Chair, Institutional Review Board

Q & A with Susan Sonnenschein, chair, Institutional Review Board

Susan Sonnenschein has been the chair of the Institutional Review Board (IRB) since August, 1999. She is an associate professor in UMBC's Applied Developmental Psychology program. She has a background in developmental psychology, educational psychology and school psychology. Her recent research interests have focused primarily on aspects of language and literacy and the socialization of children's skills in these areas. She (along with colleagues Linda Baker and Robert Serpell) has recently completed a five-year longitudinal study of literacy development in young children from different sociocultural groups. A large focus of that study was a consideration of parental beliefs and practices and their impact on children's literacy appropriation.

1. What is the IRB and how long has it been in place at UMBC?

The function of the Institutional Review Board, more commonly referred to as the IRB, is to protect the well-being of participants in research by ensuring that the research conforms with a set of regulations established by the Department of Health and Human Services. The IRB is empowered by federal regulations to review and approve, require modifications in, or disapprove any research activities involving human participants. In addition to federal rules, our IRB is bound by state and institutional rules. The establishment of the IRB dates back to the 1970s, however, the acknowledgment of some need for such monitoring goes back to at least World War II.

2. Who is on the board? What kind of training must board members have?

According to federal guidelines, all IRBs must have a minimum of five members, including a scientist, a nonscientist and a community member who has no ties to the institution. This is to ensure that the IRB has sufficient expertise to evaluate the scientific merits of a proposal as well as sufficient diversity of backgrounds and experiences to be sensitive to the needs of the community. In addition to myself, current members of our IRB are Lowell Groninger, Psychology; Christoph Irmscher, English; Laidiily McBride, (community member); Thomas Robinson, Africana studies; Phillip Sokolove, biological sciences; J.R. Swancar (retired faculty member at UM,B dental school).

Several other people play key roles in ensuring that UMBC complies with federal laws and policy, although they do not serve on the IRB. Scott Bass, vice provost for research, and Elaine Young, assistant vice provost for research, serve as our institutional officials responsible for establishing a climate conducive to conducting research consistent with federal guidelines. Tim Sparklin, research services administrator for the College of Arts and Sciences, provides ongoing administrative support to the IRB. He assists researchers with applications, answers their questions, compiles and distributes educational materials to IRB members and manages the distribution and flow of submitted protocols.

University policy requires that all investigators engaged in research involving human participants complete a self-paced instructional program, designed to enhance the investigator's awareness of pertinent ethical principles and federal regulations. IRB members complete this training as well as web-based training programs available from the National Institutes of Health and the Office of Human Research Protection. IRB members also benefit from periodically receiving educational materials addressing pertinent issues within the field.

3. What research issues does the board oversee?

We oversee any and all research involving human participants. Most of the research conducted by investigators at UMBC falls within the behavioral and social sciences. Typical examples include studies validating psychological tests, parental beliefs about children's development, comparison of the efficacy of different educational programs, ethnographic interviews with senior citizens in nursing homes. Although most studies at UMBC are of minimal risk to participants, some are not. Examples of projects that are more than minimal risk include a study of a program to treat self-injurious behaviors in children, an investigation of the characteristics of people involved in abusive dating relationships, a trial of the efficacy of a vaccine for protection against HIV.

Regardless of the specifics of the project, we consider whether the potential benefits to society outweigh the risks to the participants, are risks minimized as much as possible, are participants freely volunteering or are they coerced, and, are participants adequately informed about the project. For example, should research participants receive compensation; and, if so, how much? If payment is too high, the decision to participate may be made for the wrong reasons. We also consider whether a participant's anonymity is adequately protected, in cases where it seems necessary. For example, if a participant is asked about illegal behaviors, what safeguards are in place to protect the identity of the person and does the participant understand the potential risks?

4. How do researchers work with the IRB during the course of a research project?

Researchers are required to submit a proposal to the IRB before they actually begin their research. Prior to preparing their application, researchers are encouraged to review the list of Frequently Asked Questions on our web-site, which contains pertinent information on which forms to use and how to complete them. This and other relevant information can be accessed through a link to the IRB from the Office for Sponsored Program's website, www.umbc.edu/ospa. Researchers can also contact Tim Sparklin with their questions.

The first issue for the researcher to consider when preparing a protocol is the amount of risk the project entails. Submitted protocols fall within one of three categories (exempt, expedited, full board review) according to the amount of risk to participants. Depending upon whether the project is classified as minimal or more than minimal risk, several or all the board will review the proposal. If questions or concerns are raised, the reviewer needs to address these before receiving approval to carry out the project. After the IRB has approved the project, the researcher can begin recruiting participants. Throughout the life of the approved protocol, the researcher must provide us with a progress report at least once a year. Once the project is completed, the researcher must submit what is called a closure report (a brief summary of what was done and found). Submission of a closure report means that the researcher cannot recontact participants without submitting a new proposal.

Researchers are required to contact the IRB if any adverse events occur (e.g., a participant was injured during a study). However, because of the nature of the research typically conducted at UMBC, adverse effects are infrequent.

Posted by dwinds1

Q & A with Susan Sonnenschein, Chair, Institutional Review Board

Q & A with Susan Sonnenschein, chair, Institutional Review Board

Susan Sonnenschein has been the chair of the Institutional Review Board (IRB) since August, 1999. She is an associate professor in UMBC's Applied Developmental Psychology program. She has a background in developmental psychology, educational psychology and school psychology. Her recent research interests have focused primarily on aspects of language and literacy and the socialization of children's skills in these areas. She (along with colleagues Linda Baker and Robert Serpell) has recently completed a five-year longitudinal study of literacy development in young children from different sociocultural groups. A large focus of that study was a consideration of parental beliefs and practices and their impact on children's literacy appropriation.

1. What is the IRB and how long has it been in place at UMBC?

The function of the Institutional Review Board, more commonly referred to as the IRB, is to protect the well-being of participants in research by ensuring that the research conforms with a set of regulations established by the Department of Health and Human Services. The IRB is empowered by federal regulations to review and approve, require modifications in, or disapprove any research activities involving human participants. In addition to federal rules, our IRB is bound by state and institutional rules. The establishment of the IRB dates back to the 1970s, however, the acknowledgment of some need for such monitoring goes back to at least World War II.

2. Who is on the board? What kind of training must board members have?

According to federal guidelines, all IRBs must have a minimum of five members, including a scientist, a nonscientist and a community member who has no ties to the institution. This is to ensure that the IRB has sufficient expertise to evaluate the scientific merits of a proposal as well as sufficient diversity of backgrounds and experiences to be sensitive to the needs of the community. In addition to myself, current members of our IRB are Lowell Groninger, Psychology; Christoph Irmscher, English; Laidiily McBride, (community member); Thomas Robinson, Africana studies; Phillip Sokolove, biological sciences; J.R. Swancar (retired faculty member at UM,B dental school).

Several other people play key roles in ensuring that UMBC complies with federal laws and policy, although they do not serve on the IRB. Scott Bass, vice provost for research, and Elaine Young, assistant vice provost for research, serve as our institutional officials responsible for establishing a climate conducive to conducting research consistent with federal guidelines. Tim Sparklin, research services administrator for the College of Arts and Sciences, provides ongoing administrative support to the IRB. He assists researchers with applications, answers their questions, compiles and distributes educational materials to IRB members and manages the distribution and flow of submitted protocols.

University policy requires that all investigators engaged in research involving human participants complete a self-paced instructional program, designed to enhance the investigator's awareness of pertinent ethical principles and federal regulations. IRB members complete this training as well as web-based training programs available from the National Institutes of Health and the Office of Human Research Protection. IRB members also benefit from periodically receiving educational materials addressing pertinent issues within the field.

3. What research issues does the board oversee?

We oversee any and all research involving human participants. Most of the research conducted by investigators at UMBC falls within the behavioral and social sciences. Typical examples include studies validating psychological tests, parental beliefs about children's development, comparison of the efficacy of different educational programs, ethnographic interviews with senior citizens in nursing homes. Although most studies at UMBC are of minimal risk to participants, some are not. Examples of projects that are more than minimal risk include a study of a program to treat self-injurious behaviors in children, an investigation of the characteristics of people involved in abusive dating relationships, a trial of the efficacy of a vaccine for protection against HIV.

Regardless of the specifics of the project, we consider whether the potential benefits to society outweigh the risks to the participants, are risks minimized as much as possible, are participants freely volunteering or are they coerced, and, are participants adequately informed about the project. For example, should research participants receive compensation; and, if so, how much? If payment is too high, the decision to participate may be made for the wrong reasons. We also consider whether a participant's anonymity is adequately protected, in cases where it seems necessary. For example, if a participant is asked about illegal behaviors, what safeguards are in place to protect the identity of the person and does the participant understand the potential risks?

4. How do researchers work with the IRB during the course of a research project?

Researchers are required to submit a proposal to the IRB before they actually begin their research. Prior to preparing their application, researchers are encouraged to review the list of Frequently Asked Questions on our web-site, which contains pertinent information on which forms to use and how to complete them. This and other relevant information can be accessed through a link to the IRB from the Office for Sponsored Program's website, www.umbc.edu/ospa. Researchers can also contact Tim Sparklin with their questions.

The first issue for the researcher to consider when preparing a protocol is the amount of risk the project entails. Submitted protocols fall within one of three categories (exempt, expedited, full board review) according to the amount of risk to participants. Depending upon whether the project is classified as minimal or more than minimal risk, several or all the board will review the proposal. If questions or concerns are raised, the reviewer needs to address these before receiving approval to carry out the project. After the IRB has approved the project, the researcher can begin recruiting participants. Throughout the life of the approved protocol, the researcher must provide us with a progress report at least once a year. Once the project is completed, the researcher must submit what is called a closure report (a brief summary of what was done and found). Submission of a closure report means that the researcher cannot recontact participants without submitting a new proposal.

Researchers are required to contact the IRB if any adverse events occur (e.g., a participant was injured during a study). However, because of the nature of the research typically conducted at UMBC, adverse effects are infrequent.

Posted by dwinds1

October 30, 2001

UMBC Panel to Debate Bio-Engineered Food

Four University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC) professors will examine and debate the controversial topic of genetically modified food and how it affects public health, the environment and the global food supply at the premiere UMBC Mosaic Roundtable on November 7 at 1:00 in the Albin O. Kuhn Library.

Four University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC) professors will examine and debate the controversial topic of genetically modified food and how it affects public health, the environment and the global food supply at the premiere UMBC Mosaic Roundtable on November 7 at 1:00 in the Albin O. Kuhn Library.

The roundtable's diverse mix of expert panelists reflects the philosophy of the event's sponsor, the UMBC Interdisciplinary Studies Program. Four UMBC faculty members will argue the pros and cons of bio-engineered fruits, grains and vegetables from the perspective of their respective disciplines. Ecologist Carl Weber, mechanical engineer Tony Farquhar, molecular biologist Lynn Zimmerman and ethicist Carol Voeller will debate the moral, ecological, agricultural and technological facets of this controversial science.

The Mosaic Roundtable is the first in a planned series of debates on significant issues with potential global impact. The debates will examine complex issues while drawing from a range of knowledge and methods.

Through the Interdisciplinary Studies (INDS) major, students, with faculty mentorship, design their own unique course of study according to their specific educational and career goals. Independent study, internships, research, study abroad, and creative work are strongly encouraged parts of every INDS degree path. The UMBC Interdisciplinary Studies Program (www.umbc.edu/inds) has over 650 alumni in a variety of fields.

The Premiere Mosaic Roundtable debate and discussion will be held on the seventh floor of the A.O. Kuhn Library on UMBC's campus from 1:00 to 2:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 7. For more information, please call 410-455-2004 or visit the event's web site at www.umbc.edu/mosaic.

Posted by dwinds1

October 24, 2001

UMBC Homecoming Weekend, Oct. 27-28

UMBC alumni, students, faculty, staff and members of the community will come together on the weekend of October 27-28 for the campus' annual homecoming celebration. Pride. Today, Tomorrow, Forever, is the theme of this year's celebration, which is highlighted by a men's soccer game against Mt. St. Mary's (MD) and a free comedy show with Bobcat Goldthwait.

Baltimore, Md. UMBC alumni, students, faculty, staff and members of the community will come together on the weekend of October 27-28 for the campus' annual homecoming celebration. Pride. Today, Tomorrow, Forever, is the theme of this year's celebration, which is highlighted by a men's soccer game against Mt. St. Mary's (MD) and a free comedy show with Bobcat Goldthwait.

Saturday, October 27

1 p.m., UMBC Soccer Pitch
The UMBC's men's soccer team will face off against Northeast Conference rival Mt. St. Mary's in the Retrievers' final home game before the conference tournament. Cost is $3 for alumni, $5 general admission, and UMBC students and children under 12 are free.

6 p.m., Library Plaza
The UMBC community will celebrate UMBC's 35th birthday with cake and the lighting of candles atop the UMBC Library. Free of charge.

8 p.m., UMBC Ballroom
Comedy concert with Bobcat Goldthwait, who starred as Zed in the Police Academy movies and more recently served as the voice of Mr. Floppy in the WB series, Unhappily Ever After. Admission is free of charge.

Saturday, October 27

1 p.m., UMBC Soccer Pitch
The UMBC's women's soccer team will face off against Northeast Conference rival Mt. St. Mary's in the Retrievers' final home game before the conference tournament. Tickets will be available for purchase at the game.

6:30 p.m., UMBC Ballroom Lounge
UMBC will honor its outstanding volunteers. Master Phuoc Ky Pham, instructor of the UMBC Tae Kwon Do Club, will be honored for his 16 years of service to the UMBC community. During his time at UMBC, Master Pham has seen all three of his sons and daughters-in-law attend and graduate from UMBC.

For more information and a schedule of events, go to www.umbc.edu/homecoming

Posted by dwinds1

October 22, 2001

UMBC Computer Certification Training Center Releases Timely Slate of New IT Security Courses

With changing economic needs and the emergence of security as the number one priority on the national agenda, the UMBC Computer Certification Training Center is offering new certification training programs designed to quickly and competently increase the supply of the highest demand technology security skills for government and industry employers.

With changing economic needs and the emergence of security as the number one priority on the national agenda, the UMBC Computer Certification Training Center is offering new certification training programs designed to quickly and competently increase the supply of the highest demand technology security skills for government and industry employers.

The most significant among the center's new programs is the launch of the Security Certified Program, to include both Level One - Security Certified Network Professional (SCNP) and Level Two - Security Certified Network Architect (SCNA) credentials. Both are a direct response to the escalating foreign and domestic threats to the country and industry's information technology infrastructure. These certifications qualify the workforce to defend existing systems and to design "trust", or inherently secure, networks.

Coverage extends from the defense concepts of firewalls, intrusion detection, risk analysis and attack methods, to the trust concepts of cryptography, biometrics, PKI, HIPAA, and network forensics. Doug Kendzierski, Associate Vice-Provost at UMBC, pointed out a Spring 2001 IDC Report that estimated the worldwide market for information security services would increase from $5.5 billion to $17.2 billion by 2004. "Recent events will certainly magnify this need, and subsequent growth", Kendzierski noted.

As the region's technical staffing crisis shifts from entry-level to more advanced needs, new credentials such as IT Project+ and Server+ have been immediately embraced by the technology standard-bearers. The IT Project+ addresses the need for virtually all organizations to recruit, employ and promote IT professionals that are capable of operating outside the traditional boundaries defined by "technical skills". The most successful companies widely acknowledge that effective project managers must be able to grasp enterprise-wide business issues, consult with users in a variety of functions, and produce in cross-functional project teams.

The Server+ is designed for mid- and upper-level computer technicians who are expanding beyond an entry-level workstation orientation, to specialize in server installation, support, and troubleshooting, while improving their workstation competency to second-level support activity.

The IT Project+ and Server+ certifications are credentials managed by CompTIA, an international consortium representing more than 8,000 computing and communications companies, with a mission of helping its members stay competitive and profitable by providing vendor-neutral standards in certification.

The Security Certified Program is a global initiative of Ascendant Learning, dedicated to the development of information security professionals and practices.

The UMBC Computer Certification Training Center (CCTC) is a proud CompTIA Partner, and a Security Certified Program Training Partner. In addition, CCTC is a Microsoft Certified Partner, a CIW Authorized Training Partner, a VUE Authorized Testing Center, and an Approved Transcender Training Partner.

A national leader in technology education, UMBC established the CCTC to deliver technology training and industry-standard certification programs for individuals, businesses, government agencies and organizations in the Baltimore-Washington corridor. The UMBC CCTC is located at 3108 Timanus Lane, Executive Park West in the Windsor Mill Community of Baltimore County, just off Exit 17/18 of the Baltimore Beltway. The Center offers instructor-led and web-based training programs, with part-time, full-time, evening, weekend and weekday classes. For further information on any IT training programs at UMBC, contact (410) 594-2282, or visit the training website at www.umbc.edu/cctc.

Posted by dwinds1

October 17, 2001

Testing for Tomorrow

There will be an announcement made to the UMBC community and media tomorrow afternoon. This is the vehicle that will be used to distribute that information.

There will be an announcement made to the UMBC community and media tomorrow afternoon. This is the vehicle that will be used to distribute that information.

There will be an announcement made to the UMBC community and media tomorrow afternoon. This is the vehicle that will be used to distribute that information.

There will be an announcement made to the UMBC community and media tomorrow afternoon. This is the vehicle that will be used to distribute that information.

There will be an announcement made to the UMBC community and media tomorrow afternoon. This is the vehicle that will be used to distribute that information.

There will be an announcement made to the UMBC community and media tomorrow afternoon. This is the vehicle that will be used to distribute that information.

Posted by dwinds1

Testing for Tomorrow's News

There will be an announcement made to the UMBC community and media tomorrow afternoon. This is the vehicle that will be used to distribute that information. There will be an announcement made to the UMBC community and media tomorrow afternoon. This is the vehicle that will be used to distribute that information.

There will be an announcement made to the UMBC community and media tomorrow afternoon. This is the vehicle that will be used to distribute that information.

There will be an announcement made to the UMBC community and media tomorrow afternoon. This is the vehicle that will be used to distribute that information.

There will be an announcement made to the UMBC community and media tomorrow afternoon. This is the vehicle that will be used to distribute that information.

There will be an announcement made to the UMBC community and media tomorrow afternoon. This is the vehicle that will be used to distribute that information.

Posted by dwinds1

UMBC President Hrabowski Inducted into American Academy of Arts and Sciences

University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC) President Freeman A. Hrabowski, III has been inducted as a Fellow into the American Academy of Arts and Sciences. Hrabowski is one of 185 elected to The Academy this year, a class including former U.S. Secretary of State Madeline Albright, filmmaker Woody Allen, and composer/lyricist Stephen Sondheim.

Baltimore, Md. University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC) President Freeman A. Hrabowski, III has been inducted as a Fellow of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences. Hrabowski is one of 185 newly elected to The Academy this year, a class including former U.S. Secretary of State Madeline Albright, filmmaker Woody Allen, and composer/lyricist Stephen Sondheim. The ceremony was held at the Academy's headquarters in Cambridge, Mass.

Founded in 1780 by John Adams, James Bowdoin, and John Hancock, the American Academy of Arts and Sciences honors intellectual achievement, leadership and creativity, and conducts programs and studies in response to the needs and problems of society. Approximately 3,600 Fellows, including 50 Pulitzer Prize winners and 150 Nobel Laureates, have been elected to the Academy since its founding.

It is truly an honor and a privilege to be chosen as a Fellow, said Hrabowski. I look forward to collaborating with other Fellows on the many initiatives put forth by the Academy.

Current Academy areas of study include[:] Educational Effects of Diversity in Higher Education; Science and Technology in the University of the 21st Century; and the Relationship Between the Sciences and the Humanities.

Hrabowski has served as President of UMBC since May of 1992. His research and publications focus on science and math education, with special emphasis on minority participation and performance. Born in Birmingham, Ala., Hrabowski graduated at 19 from Hampton Institute with highest honors in mathematics, and he received his M.A. (mathematics) and Ph.D. (higher education administration/statistics) at 24 from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. He serves as a consultant to the National Science Foundation, the U.S. Department of Education, and universities and school systems nationally, and he sits on numerous corporate and civic boards. Dr. Hrabowski is co-author of the book, Beating the Odds (Oxford University Press, 1998), focusing on parenting and high-achieving African American males in science, and Overcoming the Odds, on successful young black women in science (to be published by Oxford University Press in early 2002).

Posted by dwinds1

October 15, 2001

New News Site Working Well

UMBC's own aquamen, biological sciences professor Tom Cronin and graduate student Alex Cheroske, have returned from an undersea adventure as part of the crew of Aquarius, the nation's equivalent of an underwater space shuttle. The two represented UMBC as part of an eleven-member team studying the unique vision and behavior of marine life off the Florida Keys.

UMBC's own aquamen, biological sciences professor Tom Cronin and graduate student Alex Cheroske, have returned from an undersea adventure as part of the crew of Aquarius, the nation's equivalent of an underwater space shuttle. The two represented UMBC as part of an eleven-member team studying the unique vision and behavior of marine life off the Florida Keys.

UMBC's own aquamen, biological sciences professor Tom Cronin and graduate student Alex Cheroske, have returned from an undersea adventure as part of the crew of Aquarius, the nation's equivalent of an underwater space shuttle. The two represented UMBC as part of an eleven-member team studying the unique vision and behavior of marine life off the Florida Keys.

UMBC's own aquamen, biological sciences professor Tom Cronin and graduate student Alex Cheroske, have returned from an undersea adventure as part of the crew of Aquarius, the nation's equivalent of an underwater space shuttle. The two represented UMBC as part of an eleven-member team studying the unique vision and behavior of marine life off the Florida Keys.

Posted by dwinds1

UMBC Experts on Afghanistan, Terrorism, and Related Topics

UMBC experts on Afghanistan, the Middle East, Terrorism and related topics. Also available is a topographical map of Afghanistan.

Tom Rabenhorst of UMBC's Department of Geography, along with Ray Sterner of Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory, have developed an online relief map of Afghanistan. Click here to view or downoad the map.

Anne E. Brodsky
Assistant Professor, Psychology
Affiliate Assistant Professor, Women's Studies
Risk and Resilience in Community Context, Psychological Sense of Community

410-455-2416
brodsky@umbc.edu

Brodsky is a community/clinical psychologist whose teaching, research and practice focuses on the resilience of women and the role of communities in resisting societal risks, including community violence, poverty, racism, sexism and other forms of oppression. Using qualitative, feminist methods, her work has explored resilient processes and the role of psychological sense of community for single mothers raising children in risky neighborhoods of Washington, DC, for low income women in a holistic job training and education program in Baltimore, MD, and non-parenting young women in communities with high rates of single and teen parenting. She is the author of 11 articles and chapters on these subjects.

The most recent extension of these interests is in her work with Afghan women and RAWA, the Revolutionary Association of the Women of Afghanistan, a 23-year-old humanitarian and political women's organization that operates clandestinely in both Afghanistan and Pakistan. Brodsky has been working with RAWA for one and one half years to support their efforts to raise awareness of the plight of Afghan women under fundamentalist oppression, give voice to Afghan women's lives and concerns, and document the active resistance of RAWA and other Afghan women to the Taliban and other the other jehadi factions.

Brodsky stayed in Afghan refugee camps and urban communities in Pakistan for 2 weeks in July and August 2001, touring RAWA schools, orphanages, and income generating projects and learning first hand from Afghan women refugees and RAWA members about the conditions, needs, concerns and resilience of Afghan women. She returned with numerous accounts of the devastation as well as of the active struggle and hopes of Afghan women, personal experience of RAWA's activities, as well as photographs of refugee life. Brodsky's September 24, 2001 OpEd in The Washington Post entitled The Taliban's Victims speaks briefly of her observations as they relate to the current crisis.

Brodsky is a Phi Beta Kappa graduate of Vassar College, received her M.A. and Ph.D. from the Clinical/Community Psychology program at University of Maryland College Park, and completed a Post Doctoral Fellowship in the School of Mental Hygiene at Johns Hopkins University.

Lou Cantori
Professor of Political Science
U.S./Middle East Policy, Politics & Relations; U.S. Military Policies in the Middle East

Office: 410-455-2182
Cellphone: 410-491-7003
cantori@umbc.edu

Dr. Cantori is an expert on Middle East politics and policy, having lived almost seven years collectively in the region. He is the author, co-author or editor of four books and over forty articles on the Middle East and other subjects.

Cantori is Distinguished Visiting Lecturer on the Middle East at the U.S. State Department and has briefed Generals Schwartzkopf and Hoare (U.S. Central Command) as well as speaking to Special Operations at Hurlburt Field, 5th Special Forces and the JFK Special Warfare School. He has been Visiting Professor, U.S.M.A., West Point and Olin Distinguished Professor of National Security Studies, U.S. Air Force Academy. He has also been the Major General Matthew C. Horner Chair of Military Theory, U.S. Marine Corps University.

Dr. Cantori did his graduate work in Political Science and on the Middle East at the University of Chicago. He studied Islamic philosophy in the Faculty of Theology, al-Azhar University, Cairo, Egypt. He was a Fulbright student in Egypt in 1963-65 and subsequently was visiting professor at the American University in Cairo in 1974-76. In 1969-70 he did fieldwork in Morocco and returned as a Fulbright researcher in 1994-95. Altogether, he has lived about seven years in the Middle East and has done research, visited or done consulting activities in Egypt, Morocco, Israel, the Occupied Territories, Syria, Lebanon, Libya, Tunisia, Algeria, Jordan and Iraq ( where he was present up to five days before the invasion of Kuwait).

He has founded or is heavily involved with various groups concerned with Middle East policy, including The Circle of Tradition and Progress, The American Council for the Study of Islamic Societies, The Center for the Study of Islam and Democracy, The School of Islamic and Social Sciences, and the Conference Group on the Middle East.

Devin T. Hagerty
Assistant Professor, Political Science
South Asian Politics, U.S. National Security & Foreign Policy

410-455-2185
dhagerty@umbc.edu

Hagerty's teaching and research interests lie primarily in the areas of international relations, national security affairs, U.S. foreign policy, and international politics in the Asia-Pacific region. His main research priority today is a study of U.S. security alliances in Asia since the endof the Cold War. Hagerty is the author of "The Consequences of Nuclear Proliferation: Lessons from South Asia," published by the MIT Press in 1998.

Prior to his arrival at UMBC, Devin T. Hagerty was a Senior Lecturer in Government and International Relations at the University of Sydney in Australia. He began at Sydney as a Lecturer in 1997. From 1995 to 1997, Hagerty was a Visiting Assistant Professor of Political Science andPostdoctoral Research Associate at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. He worked as a staffer in the U.S. Congress from 1986 to 1989.

Christopher Hewitt
Associate Professor of Sociology
Terrorism & Social Violence; Government Policies to Reduce Terrorism

410-455-2060

Christopher Hewitt is an expert on social violence, including terrorism and rioting. He also studies, writes and teaches on government policies to reduce terrorism, comparisons of social violence in different nations and social inequality. He has published in the American Sociological Review, British Journal of Sociology, British Journal of Political Science and others.

John W. Jeffries
Professor of History
American Home Front in WWII, U.S. Domestic Policy During WWII

410-455-2048
jeffries@umbc.edu

Professor Jeffries teaches courses on twentieth-century America and American political and policy history. His distinguished teaching has earned him designation as a UMBC Presidential Teaching Professor. He is the author of articles and books on the politics and policy of the Franklin D. Roosevelt era and on the World War II American home front, including Testing the Roosevelt Coalition and Wartime America: The World War II Homefront. He is currently working on a study of domestic policy making during World War II.

Kenneth Maton
Professor of Psychology
Trauma, Stress & Social Support Systems

410-455-2209
maton@umbc.edu

Professor Maton is an expert on psychological trauma and stress, with research focusing on how social support systems and community involvement help people (especially Baltimore youth) cope with and overcome difficult life stresses.

Jeffrey T. Mitchell
Clinical Associate Professor
Emergency Health Services (EHS)
Training and Stress Treatment of Emergency Services Personnel
Founder, International Critical Incident Stress Foundation (ICISF)

410-455-3777
pager: 410-313-0062

Professor Mitchell recently returned from New York City where he and other UMBC EHS representatives helped emergency and disaster response crews who worked at the World Trade Center attack site. Mitchell developed the Critical Incident Stress Debriefing (CISD) process, which is utilized by over 300 communities throughout the United States and in five other nations. He founded the International CISD network. He is a well-known speaker who has lectured to emergency personnel in all fifty states and seven countries. He is the senior author of the following books: Human Elements Training; CISD: An Operations Manual, Second Edition (Revised); Emergency Response to Crisis and Emergency Services Stress. He has over sixty other publications on critical incident stress, crisis intervention and the treatment of stress in emergency personnel.

Posted by dwinds1

October 12, 2001

UMBC President Hrabowski Elected to American Academy of Arts and Sciences

University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC) President Freeman A. Hrabowski, III has been named a Fellow of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences. Hrabowski is one of 209 newly elected to The Academy this year, a class including former U.S. Secretary of State Madeline Albright, filmmaker Woody Allen, and composer/lyricist Stephen Sondheim.

Baltimore, Md. University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC) President Freeman A. Hrabowski, III has been named a Fellow of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences. Hrabowski is one of 209 newly elected to The Academy this year, a class including former U.S. Secretary of State Madeline Albright, filmmaker Woody Allen, and composer/lyricist Stephen Sondheim.

Founded in 1780 by John Adams, James Bowdoin, and John Hancock, the American Academy of Arts and Sciences honors intellectual achievement, leadership and creativity, and conducts programs and studies in response to the needs and problems of society. Approximately 3,600 Fellows, including 50 Pulitzer Prize winners and 150 Nobel Laureates, have been elected to the Academy since its founding.

It is truly an honor and a privilege to be chosen as a Fellow, said Hrabowski. I look forward to collaborating with other Fellows on the many initiatives put forth by the Academy.

Current Academy areas of study include[:] Educational Effects of Diversity in Higher Education; Science and Technology in the University of the 21st Century; and the Relationship Between the Sciences and the Humanities.

Hrabowski has served as President of UMBC since May of 1992. His research and publications focus on science and math education, with special emphasis on minority participation and performance. Born in Birmingham, Ala., Hrabowski graduated at 19 from Hampton Institute with highest honors in mathematics, and he received his M.A. (mathematics) and Ph.D. (higher education administration/statistics) at 24 from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. He serves as a consultant to the National Science Foundation, the U.S. Department of Education, and universities and school systems nationally, and he sits on numerous corporate and civic boards. Dr. Hrabowski is co-author of the book, Beating the Odds (Oxford University Press, 1998), focusing on parenting and high-achieving African American males in science, and Overcoming the Odds, on successful young black women in science (to be published by Oxford University Press in early 2002).

Hrabowski will be inducted, along with the other new Fellows, at an induction ceremony to be held at the Academy's headquarters in Cambridge, Mass. On October 13, 2001.

Posted by dwinds1

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UMBC President Hrabowski Elected to American Academy of Arts and Sciences

University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC) President Freeman A. Hrabowski, III has been named a Fellow of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences. Hrabowski is one of 209 newly elected to The Academy this year, a class including former U.S. Secretary of State Madeline Albright, filmmaker Woody Allen, and composer/lyricist Stephen Sondheim.

Baltimore, Md. University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC) President Freeman A. Hrabowski, III has been named a Fellow of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences. Hrabowski is one of 209 newly elected to The Academy this year, a class including former U.S. Secretary of State Madeline Albright, filmmaker Woody Allen, and composer/lyricist Stephen Sondheim.

Founded in 1780 by John Adams, James Bowdoin, and John Hancock, the American Academy of Arts and Sciences honors intellectual achievement, leadership and creativity, and conducts programs and studies in response to the needs and problems of society. Approximately 3,600 Fellows, including 50 Pulitzer Prize winners and 150 Nobel Laureates, have been elected to the Academy since its founding.

It is truly an honor and a privilege to be chosen as a Fellow, said Hrabowski. I look forward to collaborating with other Fellows on the many initiatives put forth by the Academy.

Current Academy areas of study include[:] Educational Effects of Diversity in Higher Education; Science and Technology in the University of the 21st Century; and the Relationship Between the Sciences and the Humanities.

Hrabowski has served as President of UMBC since May of 1992. His research and publications focus on science and math education, with special emphasis on minority participation and performance. Born in Birmingham, Ala., Hrabowski graduated at 19 from Hampton Institute with highest honors in mathematics, and he received his M.A. (mathematics) and Ph.D. (higher education administration/statistics) at 24 from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. He serves as a consultant to the National Science Foundation, the U.S. Department of Education, and universities and school systems nationally, and he sits on numerous corporate and civic boards. Dr. Hrabowski is co-author of the book, Beating the Odds (Oxford University Press, 1998), focusing on parenting and high-achieving African American males in science, and Overcoming the Odds, on successful young black women in science (to be published by Oxford University Press in early 2002).

Hrabowski will be inducted, along with the other new Fellows, at an induction ceremony to be held at the Academy's headquarters in Cambridge, Mass. On October 13, 2001.

Posted by dwinds1

October 11, 2001

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Posted by dwinds1

October 10, 2001

Detailed Relief Map of Afghanistan Available

Tom Rabenhorst, director of insstructional cartography at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC) and Ray Sterner, of the Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) have created a detailed shaded relief map of Afghanistan.

Tom Rabenhorst, director of insstructional cartography at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC) and Ray Sterner, of the Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) have created a detailed shaded relief map of Afghanistan.

The map, available in several different sizes and compressions, is available at:http://fermi.jhuapl.edu/maps/afghanistan/

The map is available for use according to the conditions given in the map caption.

Posted by dwinds1

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October 9, 2001

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September 24, 2001

**CANCELLED**
Ray Bradbury to Speak at UMBC as Part of Annual Humanities Forum Series

The October 18 lecture by Ray Bradbury has been cancelled due to health reasons. UMBC is currently working to find another speaker for this date, check this site for details.

Baltimore, Md. Ray Bradbury, one of the most important figures in the development of science fiction as a literary genre over the past half-century, will speak at UMBC on Thursday, October 18 at 7 p.m. in the University Center Ballroom. His lecture, entitled Remembering the Future, Predicting the Past, is sponsored by the Friends of the Library & Gallery and part of UMBC's 2001-2002 Humanities Forum Humanities in the Digital Age. The lecture is free of charge. For more information call 410.455.6798.

Born in Waukegan, Ill. in 1920, Bradbury began writing at the age of eleven and published his first story at age eighteen. He is the author of more than five hundred works of science fiction, including The Martian Chronicles, Fahrenheit 451, and Something Wicked This Way Comes. Over the course of his career, Bradbury has received many prestigious awards including the O. Henry Award, the Benjamin Franklin Award, and the World Fantasy Award for Lifetime Achievement.

This event is CO-sponsored by the Friends of the Albin O. Kuhn Library and Gallery, UMBC's Center for the Humanities, UMBC's Honors College, the Department of English, the Department of American Studies, and the Program in the Human Context of Science and Technology. The entire schedule for the Humanities Forum is available at www.umbc.edu/humanities.

For more information on UMBC's Special Collections, call 410-455-2353 or visit aok.lib.umbc.edu/speccoll/. Special Collections hours are Mon-Fri, 1-4 p.m. with extended hours on Thursdays, 4-8 p.m.

Science Fiction Special Collection at UMBCUMBC is home to one of the most comprehensive science fiction collections in the U.S., with substantial holdings of famous titles from the genre: Amazing/Analog, Thrilling Wonder Stories, Weird Tales among others and more ephemeral tiles like Comet, Rocket Stories and Satellite Science Fiction.

UMBC's holdings of popular fiction serials includes titles from the early 20th century to current subscriptions. Originally printed on cheap paper, the pulps provided both new and established authors a venue for their work.

Bradbury's Writings on Display at UMBCUMBC's collection of Bradbury's writings date back to his earliest writings. In advance of Bradbury's visit to UMBC, Special Collections will display in the Library Rotunda first-editions of many of Bradbury's books as well as his early writings from fanzines and pulp magazines. The exhibition will be titled, Ray Bradbury: Selected Literary Works from the Azriel Rosenfeld Science Fiction Research Collection.

The Azriel Rosenfeld Science Fiction Research CollectionThe Rosenfeld Collection is a growing collection currently holding approximately 8,000 books and 4,000 issues of science fiction & fantasy periodicals, science fiction criticism and reference works. For those with an interest in the "Golden Age" of science fiction, the collection has extensive holdings of science fiction "pulps" from the 1920's - 1950's plus original manuscripts, personal papers and a large collection of amateur press "fanzines."

Posted by dwinds1

Ray Bradbury to Speak at UMBC as Part of Annual Humanities Forum Series

Ray Bradbury, one of the most important figures in the development of science fiction as a literary genre over the past half-century, will speak at UMBC on Thursday, October 18 at 7 p.m. in the University Center Ballroom. His lecture, entitled Remembering the Future, Predicting the Past, is sponsored by the Friends of the Library & Gallery and part of UMBC's 2001-2002 Humanities Forum Humanities in the Digital Age. The lecture is free of charge. For more information call 410.455.6798.

Baltimore, Md. Ray Bradbury, one of the most important figures in the development of science fiction as a literary genre over the past half-century, will speak at UMBC on Thursday, October 18 at 7 p.m. in the University Center Ballroom. His lecture, entitled Remembering the Future, Predicting the Past, is sponsored by the Friends of the Library & Gallery and part of UMBC's 2001-2002 Humanities Forum Humanities in the Digital Age. The lecture is free of charge. For more information call 410.455.6798.

Born in Waukegan, Ill. in 1920, Bradbury began writing at the age of eleven and published his first story at age eighteen. He is the author of more than five hundred works of science fiction, including The Martian Chronicles, Fahrenheit 451, and Something Wicked This Way Comes. Over the course of his career, Bradbury has received many prestigious awards including the O. Henry Award, the Benjamin Franklin Award, and the World Fantasy Award for Lifetime Achievement.

This event is CO-sponsored by the Friends of the Albin O. Kuhn Library and Gallery, UMBC's Center for the Humanities, UMBC's Honors College, the Department of English, the Department of American Studies, and the Program in the Human Context of Science and Technology. The entire schedule for the Humanities Forum is available at www.umbc.edu/humanities.

For more information on UMBC's Special Collections, call 410-455-2353 or visit < HREF="http://aok.lib.umbc.edu/speccoll/">aok.lib.umbc.edu/speccoll/. Special Collections hours are Mon-Fri, 1-4 p.m. with extended hours on Thursdays, 4-8 p.m.

Science Fiction Special Collection at UMBCUMBC is home to one of the most comprehensive science fiction collections in the U.S., with substantial holdings of famous titles from the genre: Amazing/Analog, Thrilling Wonder Stories, Weird Tales among others and more ephemeral tiles like Comet, Rocket Stories and Satellite Science Fiction.

UMBC's holdings of popular fiction serials includes titles from the early 20th century to current subscriptions. Originally printed on cheap paper, the pulps provided both new and established authors a venue for their work.

Bradbury's Writings on Display at UMBCUMBC's collection of Bradbury's writings date back to his earliest writings. In advance of Bradbury's visit to UMBC, Special Collections will display in the Library Rotunda first-editions of many of Bradbury's books as well as his early writings from fanzines and pulp magazines. The exhibition will be titled, Ray Bradbury: Selected Literary Works from the Azriel Rosenfeld Science Fiction Research Collection.

The Azriel Rosenfeld Science Fiction Research CollectionThe Rosenfeld Collection is a growing collection currently holding approximately 8,000 books and 4,000 issues of science fiction & fantasy periodicals, science fiction criticism and reference works. For those with an interest in the "Golden Age" of science fiction, the collection has extensive holdings of science fiction "pulps" from the 1920's - 1950's plus original manuscripts, personal papers and a large collection of amateur press "fanzines."

Posted by dwinds1

September 12, 2001

Statement to the UMBC Community

This is a time of reflectiona time when all Americans are pulling together to support the families of all the victims of yesterday's tragic events. It also is a time when we, as a campus community, are coming together to support one another. At times like these, we realize the value of community....

This is a time of reflectiona time when all Americans are pulling together to support the families of all the victims of yesterday's tragic events. It also is a time when we, as a campus community, are coming together to support one another. At times like these, we realize the value of community.

The University held a teach-in yesterday, facilitated by Student Affairs professionals Deb Moriarty and Patty Perillo and featuring two of our expert faculty and scholars, political scientist Lou Cantori and sociologist Chris Hewitt. The teach-in focused on the devastating impact of terrorism on our nation. The session also allowed us to give each other moral support. In addition, emergency health services professor Jeff Mitchell and other UMBC faculty are helping the nation cope with the tragedy. Other experts from campusfaculty and staffare working with students and with all of us to put this tragedy in perspective and to understand its implications for our lives.

We made the decision to continue with classes today with the full realization that a period of mourning, reflection, discussion, and healing is essential for all of us. Many professors and staff will be working to support students, and each other, in different ways. We encourage those in need of special support to see Counseling Center staff in Math/Psych 201 or UC 310/312. A prayer and meditation room is available in UC 314. Also, there will be a campus candlelight memorial service on the UC Plaza on Thursday, September 13, at 8:00 p.m. (Please continue to refer to announcements posted on the UMBC homepage, which will be updated as the situation warrants.)

Each of us will struggle over the coming days and weeks to resume our normal activities at UMBC while experiencing the intense feelings that this horrific tragedy has created. UMBC is a special community, and we will continue to support one another through this difficult time.

Most important, we must remain calm and act in ways that reflect our respect for the value of human life, and our understanding that our humanity is enhanced through that respect and not through hatred. We can hate the evil deed, but not other human beings.

Posted by dwinds1

Campus Memorial and Support Services

The UMBC community has joined together to offer extended support as well as memorial services in the wake of the attacks on New York, Washington, and Pennsylvania.

The UMBC community has joined together to offer extended support as well as memorial services in the wake of the attacks on New York, Washington, and Pennsylvania.

UMBC Responds to Our Nation's Tragedy
 
Tuesday, Sept. 11 3 p.m. Teach-in  UC Ballroom
Wednesday, Sept. 12 1 p.m. Speak-out UC Plaza
Thursday, Sept. 13 8 p.m. Candlelight Vigil UC Plaza
Friday, Sept. 14 1 p.m. Memorial Service UC Ballroom
Saturday, Sept. 15 9 a.m. Multicultural Affairs Conference UC Ballroom Lounge
 
Beginning on Wednesday, Sept. 12 at 3 p.m. through Friday, Sept. 14at 8 p.m., the UC Ballroom Lounge will be used as a Memorial/ReflectionSpace for all members of the UMBC community.

UniversityCounseling Services will have at least one counselor will beavailable at the Center throughout the day to see all who come in or callfor assistance. Staff will be available to assist throughout theuniversity community, and provide support and assistance as needed.Walk-in visits, as always, are encouraged at this time. Faculty andstaff, in addition to students, are encouraged to visit UCS during this period asneeded. For further information, please call UCS at 410 455-2472

For more information, please contact the Office of StudentLife at ext. 3462 (410.455.3462), the Office of the Vice President forStudent Affairs at ext. 2393 (410.455.2393), or the Multicultural AffairsOffice at ext. 3918 (410.455.3918).

Residential Students are encouraged to contact theResidential Life Office, ext. 2591, for additional information regarding programs/services in the halls.

Posted by dwinds1

August 15, 2001

THREE NEW COMPANIES JOIN UMBC TECHNOLOGY CENTER

Three new companies including Boston Life Sciences, Inc., a publicly-traded biotech firm developing diagnostics and treatments for Parkinson's disease, have moved to the University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC) Technology Center. The Internet firm emeron and fluid dynamics/polymer chemistry specialists Lea Tech, LLC, round out the list of new arrivals at the University's on-campus headquarters for start-up and emerging tech companies.

Three new companies including Boston Life Sciences, Inc., a publicly-traded biotech firm developing diagnostics and treatments for Parkinson's disease, have moved to the University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC) Technology Center. The Internet firm emeron and fluid dynamics/polymer chemistry specialists Lea Tech, LLC, round out the list of new arrivals at the University's on-campus headquarters for start-up and emerging tech companies.

Biotech firm Boston Life Sciences, Inc. (NASDAQ: BLSI, www.bostonlifesciences.com) was founded in 1992 and became a NASDAQ publicly traded company in 1995. BLSI is developing a pipeline of products for the diagnosis and treatment of diseases of the central nervous system such as Parkinson's disease, spinal cord injury and stroke, as well as treatments for cancer and autoimmune disease. BLSI currently has products in Phase III clinical trials but doesn't have an approved product on the market yet. Once approved, BLSI's first product will be Altropane, a diagnostic for early Parkinson's disease that the company plans to market to physicians, hospitals and medical centers.

According to BLSI Senior Vice President and Director for Protein Development, Irene Gonzalez, Ph.D., the Company's Baltimore location expands its R & D activities in the area, with the main office in Boston, Mass. BLSI has 12 full time employees and is led by President and CEO S. David Hillson, Esq., and Marc Lanser, M.D., Executive Vice President and Chief Scientific Officer.

The Internet firm emeron (www.emeron.com) is the second new arrival at the UMBC center. emeron is a full-scale Internet development, hosting, promotion and consulting company. The company's new Baltimore location expands its presence in the Mid-Atlantic region from its headquarters in Wilmington, Delaware. emeron's clients include Farmers and Mechanics Bank, MBNA America, Wawa Markets, and the National Adoption Foundation, among others.

According to Gregory Robleto of emeron's Baltimore office, the company chose the UMBC Tech Center after investigating several locations in Greater Baltimore. "The Tech Center provides emeron with room for continued growth and convenient access to surrounding businesses," Robleto said. emeron is actively hiring UMBC students for internship positions as web designers or developers, said Robleto. emeron employs 25 workers who split time between the Delaware and Baltimore offices.

Engineering research and development firm LeaTech, LLC, is the third new arrival at the UMBC Technology Center. LeaTech is a member of UMBC's small business incubator and specializes in the fields of fluid dynamics and polymer chemistry. LeaTech has a contract with the U.S. Navy's Office of Naval Research and is courting potential customers including the Air Force Office of Scientific Research, NASA, the Federal Aviation Administration and the Boeing Company.

LeaTech developed from collaborative research with Lisa Kelly, a member of UMBC's Chemistry faculty. The company also is collaborating with Dr. Peter Kofinas at University of Maryland, College Park. LeaTech currently employs a team of four and is led by Marvine Hamner, D.Sc.

Posted by dwinds1

August 8, 2001

LASSE LINDAHL AWARDED WILSON H. ELKINS PROFESSORSHIP

Lasse Lindahl, Ph.D., professor and chair of the UMBC Department of Biological Sciences, has received a 2002 Wilson H. Elkins Professorship from the University System of Maryland. The award recognizes Lindahl's contributions as a preeminent scientist and internationally known scholar in the area of ribosome biogenesis.

Lasse Lindahl, Ph.D., professor and chair of the UMBC Department of Biological Sciences, has received a 2002 Wilson H. Elkins Professorship from the University System of Maryland. The award recognizes Lindahl's contributions as a preeminent scientist and internationally known scholar in the area of ribosome biogenesis.

The award will help UMBC maintain and advance its leadership in the life sciences by enabling Lindahl to devote more time to the University's new bioinformatics undergraduate program while continuing his research into ribosomes, the cellular machines that translate genetic code into proteins.

The Wilson H. Elkins Professorship was established in 1978 as the first permanently endowed, university-wide professorship at the University of Maryland. The professorship perpetuates the name and contributions of Elkins, a former Rhodes scholar who led the University of Maryland to new levels of distinction as its president from 1954 to 1978.

UMBC has won an Elkins professorship for the past three years, dating back to FY 2000. The University's 2001 award supported the appointment of Arlin J. Krueger as a visiting professor in the Joint Center for Earth Systems Technology and the Department of Physics. In 2000, UMBC's award supported the appointment of Professor Royce Hanson as a visiting professor in the Policy Sciences Graduate Program.

Lindahl is collaborating with several other faculty members at UMBC, including. G. Rickey Welch, Dean, College of Arts & Sciences, and Jonathan Bell, Chair of the Department of Mathematics and Statistics, to organize a Center for Bioinformatics Research. This center will promote interdisciplinary studies and education in exploration of genomic sequences of a variety of organisms for both applied and basic science purposes. The center will employ a small interdisciplinary scientific staff with backgrounds in mathematics, statistics, biology, and computer science.

Lindahl holds a Ph.D. in Microbiology from the University of Copenhagen, Denmark. He did postdoctoral work in molecular biology at the University of Wisconsin. Lindahl and his wife, Janice Zengel, a Senior Research Scientist in UMBC's Biology department, are currently collaborating on research studying the detailed molecular mechanisms for ribosome biogenesis in both bacteria and yeast. These processes require synthesis of over 50 components in appropriate amounts followed by assembly of all parts into functional ribosomes. For more information on Lindahl's work, visit: http://www.umbc.edu/biosci/Faculty/lindahl.html.

Posted by dwinds1

August 6, 2001

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June 25, 2001

Janet Rutledge Appointed Associate Dean of UMBC Graduate School

Janet Rutledge, program director in the Division of Graduate Education at the National Science Foundation (NSF), has been named associate dean of the UMBC Graduate School. Rutledge will begin her appointment on July 16, 2001, replacing Jim Vincent, who will be retiring after nine years of service to the Graduate School and thirty years as professor of chemistry at the University.

Baltimore, Md. Janet Rutledge, program director in the Division of Graduate Education at the National Science Foundation (NSF), has been named associate dean of the UMBC Graduate School. Rutledge will begin her appointment on July 16, 2001, replacing Jim Vincent, who will be retiring after nine years of service to the Graduate School and thirty years as professor of chemistry at the University.

Rutledge will also hold an affiliate associate professor position in UMBC's Department of Computer Science and Electrical Engineering.

We look forward to Dr. Rutledge providing leadership to continue UMBC's march toward national excellence in the area of advanced graduate study. She brings a unique portfolio of experience to the position, one which should significantly advance the agenda of the Graduate School and UMBC, says Scott A. Bass, Dean of UMBC's Graduate School.

Rutledge joined the NSF in 1995 and has held administrative positions there overseeing programs in graduate and undergraduate education, course and curriculum development, faculty early career development, and professional opportunities for women in research and education. Rutledge currently manages the Graduate Research Fellowship Program which it supports approximately 900 new fellows each year in all areas of science and engineering supported by the NSF. Prior to NSF, Rutledge was a faculty member at Northwestern University.

I am thrilled at the prospect of joining the vibrant community that is UMBC. As a Doctoral/Research Extensive institution it is among the top 4% of institutions in the nation in research volume and productivity. I look forward to contributing to increased recognition of the quality, diversity,and versatility of its graduate programs and students, says Rutledge.

Rutledge holds a B.S. in electrical engineering from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, and M.S. and Ph.D. degrees in electrical engineering from the Georgia Institute of Technology.

# # #

Posted by dwinds1

June 12, 2001

Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation Grant to Fund Minority Scholarships, Diabetes Research

Increasing the numbers of minorities in the sciences and exposing the next generation of researchers to the challenge of finding a cure for diabetes is the goal of a partnership announced today between the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF) and the University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC). The JDRF's four-year, $240,000 commitment will support four UMBC Meyerhoff Scholars and provide research opportunities for the Scholars at JDRF labs nationwide.

Baltimore, Md. Increasing the numbers of minorities in the sciences and exposing the next generation of researchers to the challenge of finding a cure for diabetes is the goal of a partnership announced today between the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF) and the University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC). The JDRF's four-year, $240,000 commitment will support four UMBC Meyerhoff Scholars and provide research opportunities for the Scholars at JDRF labs nationwide.

Established in 1988 to address the shortage of high-achieving minorities in the sciences, the Meyerhoff Scholarship Program has been hailed by the National Science Foundation, the College Board, and past presidents of Harvard and Princeton for its track record in preparing large numbers of minorities for the most prestigious graduate schools in the nation. African Americans earn only 2.8% of all Ph.D. degrees in the physical sciences, according to the annual Survey of Earned Doctorates conducted by the University of Chicago's National Opinion Research Center. More than 20 Meyerhoff scholars have received their Ph.D. and another 96 are currently enrolled in either Ph.D. or M.D./Ph.D. programs.

UMBC has created a model of minority science education and a pipeline into the top graduate schools. We see this grant as a way to widen that pipeline and provide an opportunity for these students to work alongside JDRF researchers, says JDRF Chief Scientific Officer, Robert Goldstein, M.D./Ph.D.

Diabetes, which affects more than 16 million Americans, is the leading cause of adult blindness, kidney failure, and amputations and a leading cause of heart attacks, strokes and nerve damage. It accounts for more than $105 billion of annual U.S. health care costs and one of every four Medicare dollars goes to pay for the health care of people with diabetes. Juvenile diabetes strikes children suddenly, makes them insulin dependent for life, and carries the constant threat of devastating complications.

Meyerhoff Scholars are the doctors, teachers, and researchers of tomorrow. Each one of them will significantly change the face of science at the highest levels, inspiring future generations through their achievement, says UMBC President and Meyerhoff Program Co-founder Freeman A. Hrabowski, III, Ph.D. The Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation's support is an important next step in the development of the Meyerhoff Program.

The program has graduated nearly 300 students since its inception, 70% of whom are enrolled in Ph.D., M.D., or M.D./Ph.D. programs at such institutions as Harvard, the University of Pennsylvania, and Stanford.

UMBC is a mid-sized research university located between Baltimore and Washington, D.C. Founded in 1966, the university is the fourth leading producer of biochemistry bachelor's degrees in the U.S., and the nation's top producer of African American biochemistry bachelor's degrees. An historically diverse institution (one-third minority students), UMBC has twice received the U.S. Presidential Award for Excellence in Science, Mathematics, and Engineering Mentoring.

JDRF, the world's leading nonprofit, nongovernmental funder of diabetes research, was founded in 1970 by the parents of children with juvenile diabetes. Since inception, JDRF has provided more than $410 million to diabetes research worldwide. In 2001 alone, the Foundation will spend $120 million and 85 cents of every dollar goes directly to research and education about research. JDRF's mission is constant: to find a cure for diabetes and its complications through the support of research. For more information, visit the website at www.jdrf.org, or call 800-533-CURE.

Posted by dwinds1

June 4, 2001

UMBC Computer Training Center Partners With Magellan University

The UMBC Computer Certification Training Center (CCTC) announced a new partnership today with Magellan University (www.magellan.edu), the nation's first online university, adding web-based learning options to all of the Center's classes and rapidly expanding course offerings to include Linux and a variety of Internet technology certifications.

The UMBC Computer Certification Training Center (CCTC) announced a new partnership today with Magellan University (www.magellan.edu), the nation's first online university, adding web-based learning options to all of the Center's classes and rapidly expanding course offerings to include Linux and a variety of Internet technology certifications.

New titles added to the UMBC Center's curriculum include Sair Linux Certification, MCSE (Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer) Upgrade Certifications (from NT 4.0), and various web technology titles (HTML, FrontPage 2000, Dreamweaver 4.0, and Flash 5.0).

The new online offerings added to instructor-led classes will let students complete various certification modules in weeks to 6 months, studying at their own pace and around their own schedules. The online courses include pre- and post-assessment, threaded discussions with fellow students, and online tutoring from experts in the respective technologies.

"The CCTC was thrilled to identify Magellan as a progressive partner, and to proceed so quickly to a formal relationship that will provide high-quality alternatives to both our current, and future training clients," said Doug Kendzierski, President/CEO of the UMBC CCTC, and Associate Vice-Provost in UMBC's Division of Professional Education & Training. "CCTC can now serve both the more traditional training students, through instructor-led programs at our Windsor Mill headquarters, and the consumer who is motivated more by self-paced learning at their convenience, available 24/7 online."

"Our partnership model is premised on working with outstanding institutions like UMBC-excellent schools with a history of superiority in technology leadership," added Tony Davis, Director of Partner Development at Magellan University. "Our shared emphasis on high-quality education is what separates UMBC and Magellan from the rest of the competitive training market."

Eleanor M. Carey, President of the Governor's Workforce Investment Board, praised the agreement between UMBC and Magellan. "This is precisely the type of partnership that will keep Maryland on the leading edge of the technology workforce, attracting new companies, and retaining existing state businesses who are increasingly drawn to educated and capable workers," said Carey.

Dr. Craig Weidemann, UMBC Vice-Provost, Executive Assistant to the President, and Chairman of the Board of the CCTC said, "Our online partnership with Magellan is further evidence of UMBC's commitment to lead the state's technical workforce development effort through an increasing number of programs, options and mechanisms that address the full range of need among both current, and future IT workers in Maryland."

About UMBC CCTC:
The UMBC Computer Certification Training Center was launched by UMBC in July of 1999, to dramatically address the state's shortage of qualified IT workers through progressive workforce development programs that produce industry-certified professionals. The CCTC transitioned to a UMBC Research Park owned LLC in November of 2000, and is headquartered out of a state-of-the-art facility in the high-profile Executive Park West in Windsor Mill, Baltimore County. The Center is a Microsoft Certified Partner, a Prosoft/CIW Authorized Training Center, a CompTIA Partner, and an Authorized VUE Testing Center.

About Magellan University:
Founded in 1994 by a group of university administrators -- including Bill Noyes, a longtime University of Arizona senior administrator, and Dr. John P. Schaefer, president emeritus of the University of Arizona -- Magellan delivers student-centered distance-learning programs to individuals, as well as students and employees at other institutions, businesses and government agencies. Magellan currently partners with North Carolina State University, University of Maine, University of New Hampshire, and Northern Arizona University, among others. Magellan University is a Microsoft Certified Technical Education Center, a Prosoft/CIW Authorized Training Center, a CompTIA Partner, and a SAIR Linux Accredited Education Center.

Interested clients can log onto the UMBC CCTC homepage at www.umbc.edu/cctc, and follow the "Online Courses" link for additional details and registration information, or contact the Center at 410-594-CCTC (2282).

Posted by dwinds1

May 11, 2001

Children's Defense Fund Founder/President to Deliver UMBC Undergraduate Commencement Keynote

Founder and president of the Children's Defense Fund (CDF), Marian Wright Edelman, will deliver the keynote address at UMBC thirty-fourth commencement exercises. More than 1,000 bachelor's degrees will be awarded at the Baltimore Arena at 1 p.m. on May 24.

Baltimore, Md. - Founder and president of the Children's Defense Fund (CDF), Marian Wright Edelman, will deliver the keynote address at UMBC thirty-fourth commencement exercises. More than 1,000 bachelor's degrees will be awarded at the Baltimore Arena at 1 p.m. on May 24.

Edelman will be presented with an honorary Doctor of Public Service degree, as will Senator Barbara Hoffman and Delegate Howard Rawlings.

Edelman, a graduate of Spelman College and Yale Law School, was the first black woman admitted to the Mississippi Bar. Prior to founding CDF in 1973, Edelman directed the NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund office in Jackson, Miss., and served as the Director of the Center for Law and Education at Harvard University. In 2000, Edelman received the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation's highest civilian award, and the Robert F. Kennedy Lifetime Achievement Award for her writings, which include the #1 New York Times bestseller, The Measure of Our Success: A Letter to My Children and Yours.

The mission of (CDF) is to ensure every child successful passage to adulthood with the help of caring families and communities. CDF provides a strong, effective voice for all children who cannot vote, lobby, or speak for themselves, with particular attention to the needs of poor and minority children and those with disabilities.

Remarks will also be made by Class of 2001 valedictorian Steven Handy. A computer science major and a psychology minor, Handy will graduate with a 4.0 grade point average and a certificate from the Honors College. Upon graduation, he will work for the Computer Science Corporation in its Federal Sector, Civil Group-NASA, with a team responsible for formatting and web presentation of data and documentation for NASA's EOS and ESDIS satellites.

For more information on commencement, please visit the UMBC commencement web site at www.umbc.edu/commencement, or call the commencement hotline at 410-455-3100.

Posted by dwinds1

May 10, 2001

Chairman, CEO and President of the Corporation for National Research Initiatives to Deliver UMBC Graduate Commencement Keynote

Chairman, CEO and President of the Corporation for National Research Initiatives (CNRI), Robert E. Kahn, will deliver the keynote address at UMBC's graduate commencement ceremony. More than 200 master's and doctoral degrees will be awarded at the ceremony, to be held in the Retriever Activities Center, at 10 a.m. on May 23.

Baltimore, Md. - Chairman, CEO and President of the Corporation for National Research Initiatives (CNRI), Robert E. Kahn, will deliver the keynote address at UMBC's graduate commencement ceremony. More than 200 master's and doctoral degrees will be awarded at the ceremony, to be held in the Retriever Activities Center, at 10 a.m. on May 23.Kahn founded CNRI in 1986 after a thirteen-year term at the U.S. Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA). CNRI was created as a not-for-profit organization to provide leadership and funding for research and development of the National Information Infrastructure.After receiving a B.E.E. from the City College of New York in 1960, Kahn earned M.A. and Ph.D. degrees from Princeton University in 1962 and 1964 respectively. In 1972 he moved to DARPA and subsequently became Director of DARPA's Information Processing Techniques Office (IPTO).Kahn conceived the idea of open-architecture networking and is a co-inventor of the TCP/IP protocols and was responsible for originating DARPA's Internet Program which he led for the first three years. Kahn coined the term "National Information Infrastructure" (NII) in the mid 1980s, which later became more widely known as the Information Super Highway.Kahn is the 1997 recipient of the White House National Medal of Technology, a two-time winner of the Secretary of Defense Civilian Service Award, and the 2001 Charles Stark Draper Prize from the National Academy of Engineering.For more information on commencement, please visit the UMBC commencement web site at www.umbc.edu/commencement, or call the commencement hotline at 410-455-3100.

Posted by dwinds1

Chairman, CEO and President of the Corporation for National Research Initiatives to Deliver UMBC Graduate Commencement Keynote

Chairman, CEO and President of the Corporation for National Research Initiatives (CNRI), Robert E. Kahn, will deliver the keynote address at UMBC's graduate commencement ceremony. More than 200 master's and doctoral degrees will be awarded at the ceremony, to be held in the Retriever Activities Center, at 10 a.m. on May 23.

Baltimore, Md. - Chairman, CEO and President of the Corporation for National Research Initiatives (CNRI), Robert E. Kahn, will deliver the keynote address at UMBC's graduate commencement ceremony. More than 200 master's and doctoral degrees will be awarded at the ceremony, to be held in the Retriever Activities Center, at 10 a.m. on May 23.

Kahn founded CNRI in 1986 after a thirteen-year term at the U.S. Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA). CNRI was created as a not-for-profit organization to provide leadership and funding for research and development of the National Information Infrastructure.

After receiving a B.E.E. from the City College of New York in 1960, Kahn earned M.A. and Ph.D. degrees from Princeton University in 1962 and 1964 respectively. In 1972 he moved to DARPA and subsequently became Director of DARPA's Information Processing Techniques Office (IPTO).

Kahn conceived the idea of open-architecture networking and is a co-inventor of the TCP/IP protocols and was responsible for originating DARPA's Internet Program which he led for the first three years. Kahn coined the term "National Information Infrastructure" (NII) in the mid 1980s, which later became more widely known as the Information Super Highway.

Kahn is the 1997 recipient of the White House National Medal of Technology, a two-time winner of the Secretary of Defense Civilian Service Award, and the 2001 Charles Stark Draper Prize from the National Academy of Engineering.

For more information on commencement, please visit the UMBC commencement web site at www.umbc.edu/commencement, or call the commencement hotline at 410-455-3100.

Posted by dwinds1

Children's Defense Fund Founder/President to Deliver UMBC Undergraduate Commencement Keynote

Founder and president of the Children's Defense Fund (CDF), Marian Wright Edelman, will deliver the keynote address at UMBC thirty-fourth commencement exercises. More than 1,000 bachelor's degrees will be awarded at the Baltimore Arena at 1 p.m. on May 24.

Baltimore, Md. - Founder and president of the Children's Defense Fund (CDF), Marian Wright Edelman, will deliver the keynote address at UMBC thirty-fourth commencement exercises. More than 1,000 bachelor's degrees will be awarded at the Baltimore Arena at 1 p.m. on May 24.Edelman will be presented with an honorary Doctor of Public Service degree, as will Senator Barbara Hoffman and Delegate Howard Rawlings.Edelman, a graduate of Spelman College and Yale Law School, began her career in the mid-60s when, as the first black woman admitted to the Mississippi Bar. Prior to founding CDF in 1973, Edelman directed the NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund office in Jackson, Miss., and served as the Director of the Center for Law and Education at Harvard University. In 2000, Edelman received the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation's highest civilian award, and the Robert F. Kennedy Lifetime Achievement Award for her writings, which include the #1 New York Times bestseller, The Measure of Our Success: A Letter to My Children and Yours.The mission of (CDF) is to ensure every child successful passage to adulthood with the help of caring families and communities. CDF provides a strong, effective voice for all children who cannot vote, lobby, or speak for themselves, with particular attention to the needs of poor and minority children and those with disabilities.Remarks will also be made by Class of 2001 valedictorian Steven Handy. A computer science major and a psychology minor, Handy will graduate with a 4.0 grade point average and a certificate from the Honors College. Upon graduation, he will work for the Computer Science Corporation in its Federal Sector, Civil Group-NASA, with a team responsible for formatting and web presentation of data and documentation for NASA's EOS and ESDIS satellites.For more information on commencement, please visit the UMBC commencement web site at www.umbc.edu/commencement, or call the commencement hotline at 410-455-3100.

Posted by dwinds1

Chairman, CEO and President of the Corporation for National Research Initiatives to Deliver UMBC Graduate Commencement Keynote

Chairman, CEO and President of the Corporation for National Research Initiatives (CNRI), Robert E. Kahn, will deliver the keynote address at UMBC's graduate commencement ceremony. More than 200 master's and doctoral degrees will be awarded at the ceremony, to be held in the Retriever Activities Center, at 10 a.m. on May 23.

Baltimore, Md. - Chairman, CEO and President of the Corporation for National Research Initiatives (CNRI), Robert E. Kahn, will deliver the keynote address at UMBC's graduate commencement ceremony. More than 200 master's and doctoral degrees will be awarded at the ceremony, to be held in the Retriever Activities Center, at 10 a.m. on May 23.Kahn founded CNRI in 1986 after a thirteen-year term at the U.S. Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA). CNRI was created as a not-for-profit organization to provide leadership and funding for research and development of the National Information Infrastructure.After receiving a B.E.E. from the City College of New York in 1960, Kahn earned M.A. and Ph.D. degrees from Princeton University in 1962 and 1964 respectively. In 1972 he moved to DARPA and subsequently became Director of DARPA's Information Processing Techniques Office (IPTO).Kahn conceived the idea of open-architecture networking and is a co-inventor of the TCP/IP protocols and was responsible for originating DARPA's Internet Program which he led for the first three years. Kahn coined the term "National Information Infrastructure" (NII) in the mid 1980s, which later became more widely known as the Information Super Highway.Kahn is the 1997 recipient of the White House National Medal of Technology, a two-time winner of the Secretary of Defense Civilian Service Award, and the 2001 Charles Stark Draper Prize from the National Academy of Engineering.For more information on commencement, please visit the UMBC commencement web site at www.umbc.edu/commencement, or call the commencement hotline at 410-455-3100.

Posted by dwinds1

Chairman, CEO and President of the Corporation for National Research Initiatives to Deliver UMBC Graduate Commencement Keynote

Chairman, CEO and President of the Corporation for National Research Initiatives (CNRI), Robert E. Kahn, will deliver the keynote address at UMBC's graduate commencement ceremony. More than 200 master's and doctoral degrees will be awarded at the ceremony, to be held in the Retriever Activities Center, at 10 a.m. on May 23.

Baltimore, Md. - Chairman, CEO and President of the Corporation for National Research Initiatives (CNRI), Robert E. Kahn, will deliver the keynote address at UMBC's graduate commencement ceremony. More than 200 master's and doctoral degrees will be awarded at the ceremony, to be held in the Retriever Activities Center, at 10 a.m. on May 23.Kahn founded CNRI in 1986 after a thirteen-year term at the U.S. Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA). CNRI was created as a not-for-profit organization to provide leadership and funding for research and development of the National Information Infrastructure.After receiving a B.E.E. from the City College of New York in 1960, Kahn earned M.A. and Ph.D. degrees from Princeton University in 1962 and 1964 respectively. In 1972 he moved to DARPA and subsequently became Director of DARPA's Information Processing Techniques Office (IPTO).Kahn conceived the idea of open-architecture networking and is a co-inventor of the TCP/IP protocols and was responsible for originating DARPA's Internet Program which he led for the first three years. Kahn coined the term "National Information Infrastructure" (NII) in the mid 1980s, which later became more widely known as the Information Super Highway.Kahn is the 1997 recipient of the White House National Medal of Technology, a two-time winner of the Secretary of Defense Civilian Service Award, and the 2001 Charles Stark Draper Prize from the National Academy of Engineering.For more information on commencement, please visit the UMBC commencement web site at www.umbc.edu/commencement, or call the commencement hotline at 410-455-3100.

Posted by dwinds1

Children's Defense Fund Founder/President to Deliver UMBC Undergraduate Commencement Keynote

Founder and president of the Children's Defense Fund (CDF), Marian Wright Edelman, will deliver the keynote address at UMBC thirty-fourth commencement exercises. More than 1,000 bachelor's degrees will be awarded at the Baltimore Arena at 1 p.m. on May 24.

Baltimore, Md. - Founder and president of the Children's Defense Fund (CDF), Marian Wright Edelman, will deliver the keynote address at UMBC thirty-fourth commencement exercises. More than 1,000 bachelor's degrees will be awarded at the Baltimore Arena at 1 p.m. on May 24.Edelman will be presented with an honorary Doctor of Public Service degree, as will Senator Barbara Hoffman and Delegate Howard Rawlings.Edelman, a graduate of Spelman College and Yale Law School, began her career in the mid-60s when, as the first black woman admitted to the Mississippi Bar. Prior to founding CDF in 1973, Edelman directed the NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund office in Jackson, Miss., and served as the Director of the Center for Law and Education at Harvard University. In 2000, Edelman received the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation's highest civilian award, and the Robert F. Kennedy Lifetime Achievement Award for her writings, which include the #1 New York Times bestseller, The Measure of Our Success: A Letter to My Children and Yours.The mission of (CDF) is to ensure every child successful passage to adulthood with the help of caring families and communities. CDF provides a strong, effective voice for all children who cannot vote, lobby, or speak for themselves, with particular attention to the needs of poor and minority children and those with disabilities.Remarks will also be made by Class of 2001 valedictorian Steven Handy. A computer science major and a psychology minor, Handy will graduate with a 4.0 grade point average and a certificate from the Honors College. Upon graduation, he will work for the Computer Science Corporation in its Federal Sector, Civil Group-NASA, with a team responsible for formatting and web presentation of data and documentation for NASA's EOS and ESDIS satellites.For more information on commencement, please visit the UMBC commencement web site at www.umbc.edu/commencement, or call the commencement hotline at 410-455-3100.

Posted by dwinds1

May 9, 2001

Imaging Research Center Creates Virtual Tour of Cone Sisters Apartment

In what is likely a first for museums around the country, The Baltimore Museum of Art and UMBC's Imaging Research Center (IRC) have collaborated to launch develop a virtual tour of the Cone Sisters' apartments as part of the Grand Reopening of the Cone Wing on April 22, 2001. The newly reinstalled galleries focus on the Museum's incomparable holdings of French master Henri Matisse and provide a breathtaking look at more than 100 paintings, sculptures, and works on paper by many of the world's most important artists.

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In what is likely a first for museums around the country, The Baltimore Museum of Art and UMBC's Imaging Research Center (IRC) have collaborated to launch develop a virtual tour (click here for a sample) of the Cone Sisters' apartments as part of the Grand Reopening of the Cone Wing in April 2001. The newly reinstalled galleries focus on the Museum's incomparable holdings of French master Henri Matisse and provide a breathtaking look at more than 100 paintings, sculptures, and works on paper by many of the world's most important artists. This state-of-the-art virtual tour uses real-time computer animation to allow visitors to guide themselves through the rooms where the Baltimore sisters' lived from the 1870s until the 1940s and where their renowned collection of post-Impressionist and modern art was originally displayed.

"I want to thank UMBC for the tremendous job they have done to bring The Cone Collection into the 21st century," said Doreen Bolger, BMA Director. "This is an outstanding example of how technology can enhance our experience and appreciation of art. Not only will visitors get to see the breathtaking Collection of works as they were displayed in the Cone Sisters' apartments, they will also get to see and learn more about the Collection with every visit."

The first phase of the virtual tour project, which will open to the public in conjunction with the Cone Collection Grand Reopening on April 22, is the digital recreation of the sisters' apartments. The Virtual Tour will be displayed on a computer monitor in the Cone Wing Interpretive Gallery, where a vignette of furniture and other items from the sisters' apartments will be installed. In the Virtual Tour, visitors will be able to explore the rooms of the apartments with close ups and directional movements. A large-screen version of the tour will be available on Opening Day in the BMA's May Gallery. This life-size format will feature a 7- by 18-foot three-sided screen.

"It is especially gratifying to be able to use the expertise of UMBC's Imaging Research Center in supporting the BMA's presentation of the Cone reinstallation project," said UMBC president Freeman A. Hrabowski, III. "The BMA-UMBC partnership is an excellent example of the whole being greater than the sum of the parts."

The special effects-style production has involved more than 15 UMBC students and faculty and new animation software to create an experience that reaches new levels of digital design. To make the experience as photorealistic as possible, IRC researchers and designers found the original floor plans of the Cone Sisters' apartments in the Marlborough Building at 1701 Eutaw Place, which had been gutted in the 1970s. They then worked for six months to recreate hundreds of details for each room, piece of furniture, and household object featured in more than 30 archival photographs. Digital images taken of the actual paintings, sculpture, and furniture in The Cone Collection were added, as well as music in rooms where a piano or radio was located. Views from the windows will approximate the actual views in the photographs.

For the second phase of the project, the IRC and the BMA will add layers of interpretive materials to the three-dimensional images such as critical essays, letters from artists and the Cone sisters, and other materials from the Cone Archives housed at the BMA. Visitors will be able to point and click on the objects to learn more about them. Eventually, these materials will also be added to the BMA's website and available as a CD-ROM.

The IRC is a state-of-the art computer-based research and production facility specializing in high-end computer animation and visualization. Established in 1987, the IRC operates in conjunction with UMBC's academic programs in Imaging and Digital Arts and provides a forum for faculty, researchers, corporate partners, and students to integrate and push the boundaries of digital media. IRC projects have included animation, interactivity, and production work for The Discovery Channel, The Minnesota Orchestra, PBS, MIT, The Family Channel, and Interactive Children's Television.

Cone Virtual Tour Project Team

Allison Perkins, Project Coordinator

Allison Perkins joined the BMA as Deputy Director for Education & Interpretation in 1999, with 17 years of art museum education experience, including, most recently, an eight-year tenure as Education Director at the Amon Carter Museum in Fort Worth, Texas. She has also served as Curator of Education at the Portland Museum of Art in Maine and Acting Curator of Education at the Joslyn Art Museum in Omaha, Nebraska. Her publications and videos for the Amon Carter Museum include: "Looking at Prints" (gallery guide); "A Visitor's Guide to One of the Finest Collections of American Art" (gallery guide); "Thomas Coles' Paintings of Eden" (brochure and video); and "American Impressionists, American Realists: In Search of the New" (brochure and video produced in cooperation with the Metropolitan Museum of Art). Perkins has been recognized as "Art Museum Educator of the Year for Western Region" from the National Arts Educators Association (1994), and as a Kellogg Foundation Fellow for the Field Museum of National History, Chicago (1986). At the BMA, Perkins is responsible for all interpretive programming and educational outreach.

Dan Bailey, Co-Director

Dan Bailey is an Associate Professor in the Visual Arts Department and teaches animation at UMBC. His films and animations have received numerous national and international awards and have been included in the permanent collections of the Museum of Modern Art and the Georges Pompidou Center in Paris, France. His work has been screened at the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, Whitney Museum of American Art, and Smithsonian Galleries, and has been broadcast on HBO, MTV, and PBS. Other projects include directing 18 minutes of animation for the Minnesota Orchestra's award-winning pilot video "On the Day You Were Born." Bailey is also collaborating with MIT Researcher Kent Larson on a virtual documentary of Louis Kahn's unbuilt Hurva Synagogue. In 1998, he received a Faculty Mentor Award from Phi Kappa Phi for teaching. He received his graduate degree from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago.

Alan Price, Co-Director

Since 1996, Alan Price has been Associate Director of the Imaging Research Center, Director of Special Projects, Research, and Production at UMBC. Price graduated from the University of South Florida in 1988, and was Program Specialist of the Film/Video Production Center at UMBC's Visual Arts Department prior to his current position. He has directed projects at the IRC for clients including The Solstice Project, a nationally aired PBS documentary, the Maryland Department of Economic Development and the Office of Information Technology, MdBio, Interactive Children's Television, The Baltimore Ravens, and multiple visualization projects for the UMBC community. Price has received an Individual Artists Award in Media from the Maryland State Arts Council in 1995 and a Pittsburgh Filmmakers Mid-Atlantic Region Media Arts Fellowship in 1992. His films and animations have been shown at many prestigious film festivals, including Siggraph (1998, 1997), International Animation Festival of Brazil (1999), Holland Animation Festival (1998), Artscape Film Program, Baltimore (1998, 1992), The Baltimore Museum of Art (1998, 1992), PBS Independent Eye (1997), The Education Channel's Independents Weekend Showcase (1997), Rosebud Festival, AFI Theater, Washington, D.C. (1996, 1992), Corcoran Gallery of Art (1996), International Festival of Animation, Berlin (1992), New York Expo (1992), Ann Arbor Film Festival (1991), and Humboldt Film Festival (1991).

Computer Modeling:

Christian Valiente, Ethan Berner, Brinton Jaecks

IRC Graduate Research Assistants:

Sala Wong, Meg Flynn, Mina Cheon

UMBC Student Interns:

Carl Gehrman, Shawn Stringfield, Laurie Lutz, Christopher Wood

UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND BALTIMORE COUNTY

The University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC) is Baltimore's public research university. Medium-sized and historically diverse, UMBC emphasizes the synergy between technology and the humanities. One of the nation's top producers of information technology graduates, the university has gained a reputation as a powerhouse in technology workforce development. UMBC's connections with Baltimore span the disciplines. From lead paint removal to teacher training, collaboration with the arts to collaboration with business, UMBC is closely tied to the culture and development of Baltimore. The university's arts programs in dance, music, theater, and visual arts have attracted regional and national attention. Students exhibit work and perform alongside faculty in arts events on campus and at venues in cities such as Baltimore, Washington and New York. UMBC visual arts faculty have a diverse background in the fine and applied arts, spanning art history, computer art, film, graphic design, photography, video, printmaking, drawing and painting. Their research and creative endeavors center on the interdisciplinary aspects of the late 20th-century digital and time-based art forms and are regularly on view in both national and international forms of exhibitions and publications.

THE BALTIMORE MUSEUM OF ART

Maryland's largest art museum, The Baltimore Museum of Art features a collection of more than 85,000 objects ranging from ancient mosaics to contemporary art. The famed Cone Collection of modern art-assembled by legendary Baltimore sisters Claribel and Etta Cone-is the cornerstone of the Museum's holdings. The highlight is a group of 500 works by Henri Matisse, considered among the most important in the world.Other areas of strength in the BMA's collection include: modern and contemporary art, the arts of Africa, Old Master paintings and sculpture, and works on paper from the Renaissance to the present day.

Posted by dwinds1

May 4, 2001

UMBC and Comcast Announce Tech Partnership

Comcast announced a technology partnership with the University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC) to provide high-speed networking for the university's for-profit computer training center in a ceremony today attended by Baltimore County Executive Dutch Ruppersberger.

Comcast announced a technology partnership with the University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC) to provide high-speed networking for the university's for-profit computer training center in a ceremony today attended by Baltimore County Executive Dutch Ruppersberger.

"This innovative cooperation between Comcast and UMBC is exactly what Baltimore County needs to help meet the still-constant demand for highly skilled, information technology workers," said Ruppersberger. "I am very pleased to see two of Baltimore County's top technology institutions working together to meet this vital economic need."

Ruppersberger joined UMBC President Freeman Hrabowski and Doug Sansom, Comcast Vice President and General Manager for Baltimore Metropolitan Area systems, in a ribbon cutting ceremony and tour of classes in progress at the UMBC Computer Certification Training Center (CCTC) facility in the Windsor Mill business community.

Hrabowski said that the partnership with Comcast is just one example of UMBC's deep commitment to economic development. "Despite the recent economic downturn, the need for skilled employees hasn't gone away," said Hrabowski. "This Center alone trained over 2,500 students for full industry certification last year."

"Comcast is thrilled to partner with the UMBC Computer Certification Training Center to give people in the Baltimore Metropolitan Area an outstanding place to go to receive computer training to enhance job skills," said Sansom. "This training center offers a win-win: it trains students for new jobs and promotions and also fills the employee pool for businesses looking to hire qualified candidates," added Sansom.

Comcast installed high-speed, fiber-optic network lines for the Center's classrooms and plans to train select groups of employees at the Center. The UMBC Center provides industry approved certification training for top computing names like Microsoft and Cisco for both information technology employees working to advance their careers and for job changers seeking new employment in the tech field. Classes are primarily at night and on weekends to meet the schedules of busy professionals.

Doug Kendzierski, President/CEO of the UMBC Center and Associate Vice Provost of UMBC's Division of Professional Education & Training said, "This partnership demonstrates the power of combining a technology service giant and a technology education leader, to not only produce a potent commercial data-comm solution for our students, but to mine the complementary strengths of both organizations."

UMBC Vice Provost Craig Weidemann, a key architect along with Kendzierski of the Center's development, thanked the Center's financial partners for making its innovative, for-profit structure feasible. "The education and training market is increasingly competitive," Weidemann said. "We couldn't have raised the critical working capital to do this right, in state of the art facilities, without the flexibility given us by the UMBC Research Park Corporation, Allegiance Capital, the Abell Foundation, and SunTrust Bank."

"The for-profit structure of the Center doesn't distract UMBC from our mission as a community servant," said Hrabowski. The Center recently co-sponsored the New Beginnings Project, which provided certified computer repair technician training to a group of disenfranchised women from Baltimore City social programs.

According to Kendzierski, the UMBC Center's future plans include gradual expansion throughout the Mid-Atlantic region via satellite operations, online learning, and widespread contract training arrangements with companies and government agencies.

Comcast Cable serves more than 1.5 million customers in Maryland, Delaware, Virginia and The District of Columbia. Comcast, whose Mid-Atlantic Division offices are located in White Marsh, Maryland, employs more than 4,000 people in the Mid-Atlantic Division.

Headquartered in Philadelphia, Comcast Cable is a division of Comcast Corporation (www.comcast.com), a developer, manager and operator of broadband cable networks and provider of programming content. Comcast Cable is the third largest cable company in the United States and provides basic cable, digital cable and high-speed Internet services. Incorporating pending cable transactions, the company's more than 18,000 cable division employees will serve more than 8.4 million customers in six geographic regions.

Posted by dwinds1

April 23, 2001

UMBC Professor's Book Honored by New York Public Libraries

University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC) psychology professor Robert Provine's book on the physiological and sociological meanings of laughter has been named one of The New York Public Library's 25 "Books to Remember" of 2000.

University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC) psychology professor Robert Provine's book on the physiological and sociological meanings of laughter has been named one of The New York Public Library's 25 "Books to Remember" of 2000.

Provine, a neurobiologist with world-renowned expertise on such involuntary behaviors as laughter and yawning, received the honor on Friday along with other winning authors at a special presentation in the landmark Humanities and Social Sciences Library at Fifth Avenue and 42nd Street in New York City.

Provine's book, "Laughter: A Scientific Investigation" (Viking) has received positive reviews from national and international press, including Scientific American, Newsweek, Elle, The London Evening Standard, The New Republic, The Boston Herald, The New York Times, The Ottawa Citizen, and many others.

The honored literary works spanned all genres from fiction to nonfiction and poetry. The event was attended by a number of authors whose works are featured in the list, including Dr. Provine, John K. Howat, Catherine Voorsanger, Anne Roiphe, Louise Barnett and Robin Marantz Henig.

Selection criteria for the 45th annual "Books to Remember" list include literary excellence, uniqueness of concept and presentation, and command of subject. The selection committee consists of six librarians who specialize in adult works from The New York Public Library's Branch and Research divisions.

According to library officials, the selection committee begins the process by reading hundreds of book reviews. Self-described "voracious readers from whom no genre is safe," the group next takes a closer look, reading on average more than 100 of the most notable books. Discussions and debates follow as the merits of each book are weighed. Finally, each book on the short list is read by all committee members; a final vote decides which 25 contenders will make the list.

"Books to Remember," now in its 45th year, is published by The New York Public Library's Office of Adult Services. It is an annual list of books chosen by specialty librarians for their distinct and lasting contribution to literature and knowledge for the general adult reader, and includes fiction, nonfiction, and poetry. The booklist is available free at all 85 branches of The New York Public Library.

Posted by dwinds1

April 9, 2001

UMBC Education Program Scores Well
on Assessment of Student Preparation

UMBC's teacher education program performed above the state pass rate in nearly all categories of a recent assessment, required by Title II of the Higher Education Act. UMBC's combined average for the tests - focused on basic skills, professional knowledge, and academic content areas - was 98 percent, three points above the state average of 95 percent.

UMBC's teacher education program performed above the state pass rate in nearly all categories of a recent assessment, required by Title II of the Higher Education Act. UMBC's combined average for the tests - focused on basic skills, professional knowledge, and academic content areas - was 98 percent, three points above the state average of 95 percent.

At the undergraduate level, UMBC's teacher education program requires the completion of an academic major, general foundation courses and a professional sequence leading to certification in the State of Maryland. Certifications in addition to early childhood and elementary education include certification in art, computer science, science, English, mathematics, music, foreign language, theatre, and social studies.

The programs incorporate extensive field experiences and extend internships for students. Students participate in Professional Development Schools that link theory, research, and school practices. All UMBC teacher education programs have been reviewed and approved by the Maryland State Department of Education, and the National Council for the Accreditation of Teacher Education. Graduates of the program may be certified in over 30 states through reciprocity agreements.

The Higher Education Act, passed in 1965, authorizes all federally supported programs for higher education. Title II of the Act, passed in 1998, focuses on teacher quality. Institutions receiving Federal assistance under the Higher Education Act are required to report on the performance of their program on an annual basis.

Posted by dwinds1

April 4, 2001

Rocket Scientist, Author Homer Hickam, Jr. to Cap off UMBC Research Week

For the first time, UMBC Research Week (April 17-25) will be capped off with a lecture by a prominent researcher who exemplifies the creative spirit of research. On April 25, NASA engineer and author Homer H. Hickam, Jr. will speak about his journey from the coalmines of West Virginia to the heart of NASA in a lecture to UMBC faculty, staff and students. Hickam's lecture, to be held at 7 p.m. in UMBC's Ballroom, will be followed by a book signing.

Baltimore, Md. For the first time, UMBC Research Week (April 17-25) will be capped off with a lecture by a prominent researcher who exemplifies the creative spirit of research. On April 25, NASA engineer and author Homer H. Hickam, Jr. will speak about his journey from the coalmines of West Virginia to the heart of NASA in a lecture to UMBC faculty, staff and students. Hickam's lecture, to be held at 7 p.m. in UMBC's Ballroom, will be followed by a book signing.

A retired space scientist, Hickam has written four books and numerous articles. The 1999 feature film October Sky is based on his bestseller The Rocket Boys and another movie based on his most recent book, The Coalwood Way, is in the works.

UMBC Research Week is a celebration of the accomplishments of UMBC graduate and undergraduate researchers. Highlighting the event are the Graduate Research Conference and Undergraduate Research and Creative Achievement Day, sessions at which students make oral and poster presentations of their work. The week also features lectures by painter, sculptor and multi-media artist Renee Stout and Joe Tatarewicz, UMBC professor of history, who will discuss the role that space flight has had in imagination and reality, and how each has influenced the other.

Thanks to such events, UMBC is achieving a reputation for excellence, says Beth Pennington, assistant to the provost. Nineteen Undergraduate Research Award winners will present their work, 10 of which presented at the National Conference for Undergraduate Research at the University of Kentucky in March. This year's group is about a 50/50 partnership between science and the arts and humanities, says Pennington. It is inclusive of all disciplines.

# # #

Posted by dwinds1

Rocket Scientist, Author Homer Hickam, Jr. to Cap off UMBC Research Week

For the first time, UMBC Research Week (April 17-25) will be capped off with a lecture by a prominent researcher who exemplifies the creative spirit of research. On April 25, NASA engineer and author Homer H. Hickam, Jr. will speak about his journey from the coalmines of West Virginia to the heart of NASA in a lecture to UMBC faculty, staff and students. Hickam's lecture, to be held at 7 p.m. in UMBC's Ballroom, will be followed by a book signing.

Hickam's Bio.

October Sky

Research Week
Schedule

 

  Baltimore, Md. For the first time, UMBC Research Week (April 17-25) will be capped off with a lecture by a prominent researcher who exemplifies the creative spirit of research. On April 25, NASA engineer and author Homer H. Hickam, Jr. will speak about his journey from the coalmines of West Virginia to the heart of NASA in a lecture to UMBC faculty, staff and students. Hickam's lecture, to be held at 7 p.m. in UMBC's Ballroom, will be followed by a book signing.

A retired space scientist, Hickam has written four books and numerous articles. The 1999 feature film October Sky is based on his bestseller The Rocket Boys and another movie based on his most recent book, The Coalwood Way, is in the works.

UMBC Research Week is a celebration of the accomplishments of UMBC graduate and undergraduate researchers. Highlighting the event are the Graduate Research Conference and Undergraduate Research and Creative Achievement Day, sessions at which students make oral and poster presentations of their work. The week also features lectures by painter, sculptor and multi-media artist Renee Stout and Joe Tatarewicz, UMBC professor of history, who will discuss the role that space flight has had in imagination and reality, and how each has influenced the other.

Thanks to such events, UMBC is achieving a reputation for excellence, says Beth Pennington, assistant to the provost. Nineteen Undergraduate Research Award winners will present their work, 10 of which presented at the National Conference for Undergraduate Research at the University of Kentucky in March. This year's group is about a 50/50 partnership between science and the arts and humanities, says Pennington. It is inclusive of all disciplines.

# # #

Posted by dwinds1

Rocket Scientist, Author Homer Hickam, Jr. to Cap off UMBC Research Week

For the first time, UMBC Research Week (April 17-25) will be capped off with a lecture by a prominent researcher who exemplifies the creative spirit of research. On April 25, NASA engineer and author Homer H. Hickam, Jr. will speak about his journey from the coalmines of West Virginia to the heart of NASA in a lecture to UMBC faculty, staff and students. Hickam's lecture, to be held at 7 p.m. in UMBC's Ballroom, will be followed by a book signing.

Baltimore, Md. For the first time, UMBC Research Week (April 17-25) will be capped off with a lecture by a prominent researcher who exemplifies the creative spirit of research. On April 25, NASA engineer and author Homer H. Hickam, Jr. will speak about his journey from the coalmines of West Virginia to the heart of NASA in a lecture to UMBC faculty, staff and students. Hickam's lecture, to be held at 7 p.m. in UMBC's Ballroom, will be followed by a book signing.

A retired space scientist, Hickam has written four books and numerous articles. The 1999 feature film October Sky is based on his bestseller The Rocket Boys and another movie based on his most recent book, The Coalwood Way, is in the works.

UMBC Research Week is a celebration of the accomplishments of UMBC graduate and undergraduate researchers. Highlighting the event are the Graduate Research Conference and Undergraduate Research and Creative Achievement Day, sessions at which students make oral and poster presentations of their work. The week also features lectures by painter, sculptor and multi-media artist Renee Stout and Joe Tatarewicz, UMBC professor of history, who will discuss the role that space flight has had in imagination and reality, and how each has influenced the other.

Thanks to such events, UMBC is achieving a reputation for excellence, says Beth Pennington, assistant to the provost. Nineteen Undergraduate Research Award winners will present their work, 10 of which presented at the National Conference for Undergraduate Research at the University of Kentucky in March. This year's group is about a 50/50 partnership between science and the arts and humanities, says Pennington. It is inclusive of all disciplines.

# # #

Posted by dwinds1

Rocket Scientist, Author Homer Hickam, Jr. to Cap off UMBC Research Week

For the first time, UMBC Research Week (April 17-25) will be capped off with a lecture by a prominent researcher who exemplifies the creative spirit of research. On April 25, NASA engineer and author Homer H. Hickam, Jr. will speak about his journey from the coalmines of West Virginia to the heart of NASA in a lecture to UMBC faculty, staff and students. Hickam's lecture, to be held at 7 p.m. in UMBC's Ballroom, will be followed by a book signing.

Hickam's Bio.

October Sky

Research Week
Schedule

Baltimore, Md. For the first time, UMBC Research Week (April 17-25) will be capped off with a lecture by a prominent researcher who exemplifies the creative spirit of research. On April 25, NASA engineer and author Homer H. Hickam, Jr. will speak about his journey from the coalmines of West Virginia to the heart of NASA in a lecture to UMBC faculty, staff and students. Hickam's lecture, to be held at 7 p.m. in UMBC's Ballroom, will be followed by a book signing.

A retired space scientist, Hickam has written four books and numerous articles. The 1999 feature film October Sky is based on his bestseller The Rocket Boys and another movie based on his most recent book, The Coalwood Way, is in the works.

UMBC Research Week is a celebration of the accomplishments of UMBC graduate and undergraduate researchers. Highlighting the event are the Graduate Research Conference and Undergraduate Research and Creative Achievement Day, sessions at which students make oral and poster presentations of their work. The week also features lectures by painter, sculptor and multi-media artist Renee Stout and Joe Tatarewicz, UMBC professor of history, who will discuss the role that space flight has had in imagination and reality, and how each has influenced the other.

Thanks to such events, UMBC is achieving a reputation for excellence, says Beth Pennington, assistant to the provost. Nineteen Undergraduate Research Award winners will present their work, 10 of which presented at the National Conference for Undergraduate Research at the University of Kentucky in March. This year's group is about a 50/50 partnership between science and the arts and humanities, says Pennington. It is inclusive of all disciplines.

# # #

Posted by dwinds1

Rocket Scientist, Author Homer Hickam, Jr. to Cap off UMBC Research Week

For the first time, UMBC Research Week (April 17-25) will be capped off with a lecture by a prominent researcher who exemplifies the creative spirit of research. On April 25, NASA engineer and author Homer H. Hickam, Jr. will speak about his journey from the coalmines of West Virginia to the heart of NASA in a lecture to UMBC faculty, staff and students. Hickam's lecture, to be held at 7 p.m. in UMBC's Ballroom, will be followed by a book signing.

Baltimore, Md. For the first time, UMBC Research Week (April 17-25) will be capped off with a lecture by a prominent researcher who exemplifies the creative spirit of research. On April 25, NASA engineer and author Homer H. Hickam, Jr. will speak about his journey from the coalmines of West Virginia to the heart of NASA in a lecture to UMBC faculty, staff and students. Hickam's lecture, to be held at 7 p.m. in UMBC's Ballroom, will be followed by a book signing.

A retired space scientist, Hickam has written four books and numerous articles. The 1999 feature film October Sky is based on his bestseller The Rocket Boys and another movie based on his most recent book, The Coalwood Way, is in the works.

UMBC Research Week is a celebration of the accomplishments of UMBC graduate and undergraduate researchers. Highlighting the event are the Graduate Research Conference and Undergraduate Research and Creative Achievement Day, sessions at which students make oral and poster presentations of their work. The week also features lectures by painter, sculptor and multi-media artist Renee Stout and Joe Tatarewicz, UMBC professor of history, who will discuss the role that space flight has had in imagination and reality, and how each has influenced the other.

Thanks to such events, UMBC is achieving a reputation for excellence, says Beth Pennington, assistant to the provost. Nineteen Undergraduate Research Award winners will present their work, 10 of which presented at the National Conference for Undergraduate Research at the University of Kentucky in March. This year's group is about a 50/50 partnership between science and the arts and humanities, says Pennington. It is inclusive of all disciplines.

# # #

Posted by dwinds1

March 30, 2001

UMBC'S IMAGING RESEARCH CENTER CREATES VIRTUAL TOUR OF CONE SISTERS' APARTMENTS

In what is likely a first for museums around the country, The Baltimore Museum of Art and UMBC's Imaging Research Center (IRC) have collaborated to launch develop a virtual tour of the Cone Sisters' apartments as part of the Grand Reopening of the Cone Wing on April 22, 2001.

In what is likely a first for museums around the country, The Baltimore Museum of Art and UMBC's Imaging Research Center (IRC) have collaborated to launch develop a virtual tour of the Cone Sisters' apartments as part of the Grand Reopening of the Cone Wing in April 2001. The newly reinstalled galleries focus on the Museum's incomparable holdings of French master Henri Matisse and provide a breathtaking look at more than 100 paintings, sculptures, and works on paper by many of the world's most important artists. This state-of-the-art virtual tour uses real-time computer animation to allow visitors to guide themselves through the rooms where the Baltimore sisters' lived from the 1870s until the 1940s and where their renowned collection of post-Impressionist and modern art was originally displayed.

"I want to thank UMBC for the tremendous job they have done to bring The Cone Collection into the 21st century," said Doreen Bolger, BMA Director. "This is an outstanding example of how technology can enhance our experience and appreciation of art. Not only will visitors get to see the breathtaking Collection of works as they were displayed in the Cone Sisters' apartments, they will also get to see and learn more about the Collection with every visit."

The first phase of the virtual tour project, which will open to the public in conjunction with the Cone Collection Grand Reopening on April 22, is the digital recreation of the sisters' apartments. The Virtual Tour will be displayed on a computer monitor in the Cone Wing Interpretive Gallery, where a vignette of furniture and other items from the sisters' apartments will be installed. In the Virtual Tour, visitors will be able to explore the rooms of the apartments with close ups and directional movements. A large-screen version of the tour will be available on Opening Day in the BMA's May Gallery. This life-size format will feature a 7- by 18-foot three-sided screen.

"It is especially gratifying to be able to use the expertise of UMBC's Imaging Research Center in supporting the BMA's presentation of the Cone reinstallation project," said UMBC president Freeman A. Hrabowski, III. "The BMA-UMBC partnership is an excellent example of the whole being greater than the sum of the parts."

The special effects-style production has involved more than 15 UMBC students and faculty and new animation software to create an experience that reaches new levels of digital design. To make the experience as photorealistic as possible, IRC researchers and designers found the original floor plans of the Cone Sisters' apartments in the Marlborough Building at 1701 Eutaw Place, which had been gutted in the 1970s. They then worked for six months to recreate hundreds of details for each room, piece of furniture, and household object featured in more than 30 archival photographs. Digital images taken of the actual paintings, sculpture, and furniture in The Cone Collection were added, as well as music in rooms where a piano or radio was located. Views from the windows will approximate the actual views in the photographs.

For the second phase of the project, the IRC and the BMA will add layers of interpretive materials to the three-dimensional images such as critical essays, letters from artists and the Cone sisters, and other materials from the Cone Archives housed at the BMA. Visitors will be able to point and click on the objects to learn more about them. Eventually, these materials will also be added to the BMA's website and available as a CD-ROM.

The IRC is a state-of-the art computer-based research and production facility specializing in high-end computer animation and visualization. Established in 1987, the IRC operates in conjunction with UMBC's academic programs in Imaging and Digital Arts and provides a forum for faculty, researchers, corporate partners, and students to integrate and push the boundaries of digital media. IRC projects have included animation, interactivity, and production work for The Discovery Channel, The Minnesota Orchestra, PBS, MIT, The Family Channel, and Interactive Children's Television.

Cone Virtual Tour Project Team

Allison Perkins, Project Coordinator

Allison Perkins joined the BMA as Deputy Director for Education & Interpretation in 1999, with 17 years of art museum education experience, including, most recently, an eight-year tenure as Education Director at the Amon Carter Museum in Fort Worth, Texas. She has also served as Curator of Education at the Portland Museum of Art in Maine and Acting Curator of Education at the Joslyn Art Museum in Omaha, Nebraska. Her publications and videos for the Amon Carter Museum include: "Looking at Prints" (gallery guide); "A Visitor's Guide to One of the Finest Collections of American Art" (gallery guide); "Thomas Coles' Paintings of Eden" (brochure and video); and "American Impressionists, American Realists: In Search of the New" (brochure and video produced in cooperation with the Metropolitan Museum of Art). Perkins has been recognized as "Art Museum Educator of the Year for Western Region" from the National Arts Educators Association (1994), and as a Kellogg Foundation Fellow for the Field Museum of National History, Chicago (1986). At the BMA, Perkins is responsible for all interpretive programming and educational outreach.

Dan Bailey, Co-Director

Dan Bailey is an Associate Professor in the Visual Arts Department and teaches animation at UMBC. His films and animations have received numerous national and international awards and have been included in the permanent collections of the Museum of Modern Art and the Georges Pompidou Center in Paris, France. His work has been screened at the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, Whitney Museum of American Art, and Smithsonian Galleries, and has been broadcast on HBO, MTV, and PBS. Other projects include directing 18 minutes of animation for the Minnesota Orchestra's award-winning pilot video "On the Day You Were Born." Bailey is also collaborating with MIT Researcher Kent Larson on a virtual documentary of Louis Kahn's unbuilt Hurva Synagogue. In 1998, he received a Faculty Mentor Award from Phi Kappa Phi for teaching. He received his graduate degree from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago.

Alan Price, Co-Director

Since 1996, Alan Price has been Associate Director of the Imaging Research Center, Director of Special Projects, Research, and Production at UMBC. Price graduated from the University of South Florida in 1988, and was Program Specialist of the Film/Video Production Center at UMBC's Visual Arts Department prior to his current position. He has directed projects at the IRC for clients including The Solstice Project, a nationally aired PBS documentary, the Maryland Department of Economic Development and the Office of Information Technology, MdBio, Interactive Children's Television, The Baltimore Ravens, and multiple visualization projects for the UMBC community. Price has received an Individual Artists Award in Media from the Maryland State Arts Council in 1995 and a Pittsburgh Filmmakers Mid-Atlantic Region Media Arts Fellowship in 1992. His films and animations have been shown at many prestigious film festivals, including Siggraph (1998, 1997), International Animation Festival of Brazil (1999), Holland Animation Festival (1998), Artscape Film Program, Baltimore (1998, 1992), The Baltimore Museum of Art (1998, 1992), PBS Independent Eye (1997), The Education Channel's Independents Weekend Showcase (1997), Rosebud Festival, AFI Theater, Washington, D.C. (1996, 1992), Corcoran Gallery of Art (1996), International Festival of Animation, Berlin (1992), New York Expo (1992), Ann Arbor Film Festival (1991), and Humboldt Film Festival (1991).

Scene Layout, Modeling and Texturing: Brinton Jaecks

Scene Layout / Audio: Christian Valiente

Lead Modeling and Checking: Ethan Berner

IRC Graduate Research Assistants:

Mina Cheon, Archival Research

Meg Flynn, Digital Photography Coordinator

Sala Wong, Image and Data Management

Documentation: Christina Hung

"Two Women" essay by Gertrude Stein, reading by Wendy Salkind, Chair, UMBC Department of Theatre

UMBC Students: Zena Al-Dellmey, Carl Gehrman, Mark Levy, JasonLubawski, Laurie Lutz, Shawn Stringfield, Shelley Taylor, GideonWebster, Chris Wood

Posted by dwinds1

UMBC's IMAGING RESEARCH CENTER CREATES VIRTUAL TOUR OF CONE SISTERS' APARTMENTS

In what is likely a first for museums around the country, The Baltimore Museum of Art and UMBC's Imaging Research Center (IRC) have collaborated to launch develop a virtual tour of the Cone Sisters' apartments as part of the Grand Reopening of the Cone Wing on April 22, 2001.

In what is likely a first for museums around the country, The Baltimore Museum of Art and UMBC's Imaging Research Center (IRC) have collaborated to launch develop a virtual tour of the Cone Sisters' apartments as part of the Grand Reopening of the Cone Wing in April 2001. The newly reinstalled galleries focus on the Museum's incomparable holdings of French master Henri Matisse and provide a breathtaking look at more than 100 paintings, sculptures, and works on paper by many of the world's most important artists. This state-of-the-art virtual tour uses real-time computer animation to allow visitors to guide themselves through the rooms where the Baltimore sisters' lived from the 1870s until the 1940s and where their renowned collection of post-Impressionist and modern art was originally displayed.

"I want to thank UMBC for the tremendous job they have done to bring The Cone Collection into the 21st century," said Doreen Bolger, BMA Director. "This is an outstanding example of how technology can enhance our experience and appreciation of art. Not only will visitors get to see the breathtaking Collection of works as they were displayed in the Cone Sisters' apartments, they will also get to see and learn more about the Collection with every visit."

The first phase of the virtual tour project, which will open to the public in conjunction with the Cone Collection Grand Reopening on April 22, is the digital recreation of the sisters' apartments. The Virtual Tour will be displayed on a computer monitor in the Cone Wing Interpretive Gallery, where a vignette of furniture and other items from the sisters' apartments will be installed. In the Virtual Tour, visitors will be able to explore the rooms of the apartments with close ups and directional movements. A large-screen version of the tour will be available on Opening Day in the BMA's May Gallery. This life-size format will feature a 7- by 18-foot three-sided screen.

"It is especially gratifying to be able to use the expertise of UMBC's Imaging Research Center in supporting the BMA's presentation of the Cone reinstallation project," said UMBC president Freeman A. Hrabowski, III. "The BMA-UMBC partnership is an excellent example of the whole being greater than the sum of the parts."

The special effects-style production has involved more than 15 UMBC students and faculty and new animation software to create an experience that reaches new levels of digital design. To make the experience as photorealistic as possible, IRC researchers and designers found the original floor plans of the Cone Sisters' apartments in the Marlborough Building at 1701 Eutaw Place, which had been gutted in the 1970s. They then worked for six months to recreate hundreds of details for each room, piece of furniture, and household object featured in more than 30 archival photographs. Digital images taken of the actual paintings, sculpture, and furniture in The Cone Collection were added, as well as music in rooms where a piano or radio was located. Views from the windows will approximate the actual views in the photographs.

For the second phase of the project, the IRC and the BMA will add layers of interpretive materials to the three-dimensional images such as critical essays, letters from artists and the Cone sisters, and other materials from the Cone Archives housed at the BMA. Visitors will be able to point and click on the objects to learn more about them. Eventually, these materials will also be added to the BMA's website and available as a CD-ROM.

The IRC is a state-of-the art computer-based research and production facility specializing in high-end computer animation and visualization. Established in 1987, the IRC operates in conjunction with UMBC's academic programs in Imaging and Digital Arts and provides a forum for faculty, researchers, corporate partners, and students to integrate and push the boundaries of digital media. IRC projects have included animation, interactivity, and production work for The Discovery Channel, The Minnesota Orchestra, PBS, MIT, The Family Channel, and Interactive Children's Television.

Cone Virtual Tour Project Team

Allison Perkins, Project Coordinator

Allison Perkins joined the BMA as Deputy Director for Education & Interpretation in 1999, with 17 years of art museum education experience, including, most recently, an eight-year tenure as Education Director at the Amon Carter Museum in Fort Worth, Texas. She has also served as Curator of Education at the Portland Museum of Art in Maine and Acting Curator of Education at the Joslyn Art Museum in Omaha, Nebraska. Her publications and videos for the Amon Carter Museum include: "Looking at Prints" (gallery guide); "A Visitor's Guide to One of the Finest Collections of American Art" (gallery guide); "Thomas Coles' Paintings of Eden" (brochure and video); and "American Impressionists, American Realists: In Search of the New" (brochure and video produced in cooperation with the Metropolitan Museum of Art). Perkins has been recognized as "Art Museum Educator of the Year for Western Region" from the National Arts Educators Association (1994), and as a Kellogg Foundation Fellow for the Field Museum of National History, Chicago (1986). At the BMA, Perkins is responsible for all interpretive programming and educational outreach.

Dan Bailey, Co-Director

Dan Bailey is an Associate Professor in the Visual Arts Department and teaches animation at UMBC. His films and animations have received numerous national and international awards and have been included in the permanent collections of the Museum of Modern Art and the Georges Pompidou Center in Paris, France. His work has been screened at the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, Whitney Museum of American Art, and Smithsonian Galleries, and has been broadcast on HBO, MTV, and PBS. Other projects include directing 18 minutes of animation for the Minnesota Orchestra's award-winning pilot video "On the Day You Were Born." Bailey is also collaborating with MIT Researcher Kent Larson on a virtual documentary of Louis Kahn's unbuilt Hurva Synagogue. In 1998, he received a Faculty Mentor Award from Phi Kappa Phi for teaching. He received his graduate degree from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago.

Alan Price, Co-Director

Since 1996, Alan Price has been Associate Director of the Imaging Research Center, Director of Special Projects, Research, and Production at UMBC. Price graduated from the University of South Florida in 1988, and was Program Specialist of the Film/Video Production Center at UMBC's Visual Arts Department prior to his current position. He has directed projects at the IRC for clients including The Solstice Project, a nationally aired PBS documentary, the Maryland Department of Economic Development and the Office of Information Technology, MdBio, Interactive Children's Television, The Baltimore Ravens, and multiple visualization projects for the UMBC community. Price has received an Individual Artists Award in Media from the Maryland State Arts Council in 1995 and a Pittsburgh Filmmakers Mid-Atlantic Region Media Arts Fellowship in 1992. His films and animations have been shown at many prestigious film festivals, including Siggraph (1998, 1997), International Animation Festival of Brazil (1999), Holland Animation Festival (1998), Artscape Film Program, Baltimore (1998, 1992), The Baltimore Museum of Art (1998, 1992), PBS Independent Eye (1997), The Education Channel's Independents Weekend Showcase (1997), Rosebud Festival, AFI Theater, Washington, D.C. (1996, 1992), Corcoran Gallery of Art (1996), International Festival of Animation, Berlin (1992), New York Expo (1992), Ann Arbor Film Festival (1991), and Humboldt Film Festival (1991).

Scene Layout, Modeling and Texturing: Brinton Jaecks

Scene Layout / Audio: Christian Valiente

Lead Modeling and Checking: Ethan Berner

IRC Graduate Research Assistants:

Mina Cheon, Archival Research

Meg Flynn, Digital Photography Coordinator

Sala Wong, Image and Data Management

Documentation: Christina Hung

"Two Women" essay by Gertrude Stein, reading by Wendy Salkind, Chair, UMBC Department of Theatre

UMBC Students: Zena Al-Dellmey, Carl Gehrman, Mark Levy, JasonLubawski, Laurie Lutz, Shawn Stringfield, Shelley Taylor, GideonWebster, Chris Wood

Posted by dwinds1

March 14, 2001

CNNfn Market Analyst Allan Chernoff to Discuss Future of Investing in Internet

CNN Financial News senior correspondent Allan Chernoff will discuss the future of investing in Internet companies at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County's (UMBC) "Visionaries in Information Technology (IT)" breakfast forum on April 3.

CNN Financial News senior correspondent Allan Chernoff will discuss the future of investing in Internet companies at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County's (UMBC) "Visionaries in Information Technology (IT)" breakfast forum on April 3.

Sponsored by UMBC and Comcast, the Visionaries in IT Forum series offers a twist on traditional networking by directly connecting representatives from regional financial and IT companies with UMBC students and faculty in their fields. The breakfast forum will be held from 7:30 to 9:30 a.m. on April 3 at the BWI Airport Marriott.

"UMBC is excited to bring Mr. Chernoff's global perspective on the future of the stock market to the Baltimore-Washington area," said Sharon Rhodes, Ph.D., director of corporate relations at UMBC. "Regional business leaders not only get a chance to hear experts like Mr. Chernoff, but also can connect directly with potential future employees and research collaborators from UMBC."

Chernoff reports and provides analysis on business and financial news for CNNfn programs such as Moneyline from the network's New York headquarters. His distinguished career includes a Best Business Reporting Award from the Society of Professional Journalists. Chernoff came to CNNfn from CNBC, where he worked since 1991. He previously reported for NBC Nightly News, Weekend Today, NBC News at Sunrise, Early Today, MSNBC and WNBC. Chernoff has authored articles on business, foreign affairs, travel and sports for several print publications, including The New York Times, Wall Street Journal, Los Angeles Times and Newsday.

Chernoff has broken several major business stories in his career, including the impending spin off of NASDAQ from the National Association of Securities Dealers, the extension of NASDAQ trading hours and the tobacco industry's legal settlement with the states. He also covered the top business news stories of the past two decades, including insider traders Michael Milken and Ivan Boesky, the 1987 market downturn, various corporate mega-mergers and the terrorist bombing of the World Trade Center building.

Recognized as a "powerhouse in Baltimore" by the Newsweek/Kaplan college guide, UMBC plays a vital role in supporting the Baltimore/Washington's workforce needs. With 3,000 students in IT-related majors and a new financial economics undergraduate degree, UMBC graduates are well prepared for careers in business, government service or a wide range of graduate studies.

For more information and to RSVP to the Visionaries in IT Forum, please contact UMBC's Tracie Lefevre at 410-455-1577 or lefevre@umbc.edu. The Visionaries in Information Technology Forum is sponsored by Comcast, AT&T, Aether Systems, Allfirst Financial, Capita Technologies, Lockheed Martin, Lucent Technologies, Marriott International, Piper Marbury Rudnick & Wolfe LLP, T. Rowe Price, TEKsystems, Verizon, the Greater Baltimore Technology Council and the Technology Council of Maryland.

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March 10, 2001

Stephen the Chicken-Hearted

Bubba Gump Shrimp

best served hot

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Article order testing

Hello?CLOB()

Is it me you're looking for?

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March 8, 2001

entitled testing

summarized testing

reported testing

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February 26, 2001

UMBC Chess Team on NBC

UMBC's champion chess team will be featured on NBC's "Today Show" tomorrow, February 27. The "Leonard's Look" segment will air between 7:30-8:30, pending any breaking news.

Baltimore, MD - UMBC's champion chess team will be featured on NBC's "Today Show" tomorrow, February 27. The "Leonard's Look" segment will air between 7:30-8:30, pending any breaking news.

The "Today Show" was intrigued by UMBC's celebration of its chess team, which has won four of the last five Pan Am Intercollegiate Chess Championships. UMBC celebrates each championship as many other institutions would a football championship -- cheerleaders, pep band, and a big crowd.

Those who tune in to the program tomorrow morning will have chance to see UMBC in the spotlight as a university where it is "cool to be smart."

Posted by dwinds1

UMBC Chess Team on NBC's "Today Show"

UMBC's champion chess team will be featured on NBC's "Today Show" tomorrow, February 27. The "Leonard's Look" segment will air between 7:30-8:30, pending any breaking news.

Baltimore, MD - UMBC's champion chess team will be featured on NBC's "Today Show" tomorrow, February 27. The "Leonard's Look" segment will air between 7:30-8:30, pending any breaking news.The "Today Show" was intrigued by UMBC's celebration of its chess team, which has won four of the last five Pan Am Intercollegiate Chess Championships. UMBC celebrates each championship as many other institutions would a football championship -- cheerleaders, pep band, and a big crowd.Those who tune in to the program tomorrow morning will have chance to see UMBC in the spotlight as a university where it is "cool to be smart."

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February 16, 2001

Whiting-Turner Exec Named UMBC Engineer of the Year

UMBC will honor Gino Gemignani, Jr., senior vice president of Whiting-Turner Contracting Company, as Engineer of the Year. The award ceremony will be held from 5:30-8:30 p.m. in the University Center Ballroom on Wednesday, February 21.

UMBC will honor Gino Gemignani, Jr., senior vice president of Whiting-Turner Contracting Company, as Engineer of the Year. The award ceremony will be held from 5:30-8:30 p.m. in the University Center Ballroom on Wednesday, February 21.

The Engineer of the Year Award is presented by the UMBC College of Engineering and its Industrial Advisory Board. The award recognizes leaders in engineering who significantly contribute to the region and nation, both as drivers of the economy and civic leaders and role models.

"Our relationships with businesses such as Whiting-Turner directly benefit UMBC students, faculty and the company alike," says President Freeman A. Hrabowski, III.

Gemignani has been a leading figure in the construction industry throughout his 37-year tenure at Whiting-Turner. He has supervised many high-profile projects such as the National Aquarium in Baltimore; the Bank of Virginia Headquarters (Cignet Bank) in Richmond, VA; and numerous industrial, commercial and retail projects throughout the U.S. Gemignani also established Whiting-Turner's regional offices in California and Virginia.

"This award is designed to draw attention to the great contributions that engineers make to the well being of our society," said Shlomo Carmi, dean of the UMBC College of Engineering. "Gino Gemignani embodies and exemplifies the engineering profession's contribution to society and involvement in civic leadership."

Gemignani is also involved with several community organizations in the Baltimore area. He is vice chairman of the Alliance for the Mentally Handicapped, president of the board of directors of the B&O Railroad Museum, chairman of the UMBC President's Advisory Council for Business Outreach, chairman of the Baltimore City Community College Foundation Board, Trustee of the College of Notre Dame. He also serves on Loyola College's Engineering Advisory Board, the Archdiocese of Baltimore Building Committee, and the Industrial Advisory Board at UMBC.

Gemignani holds an associate of arts degree in construction technology from the Community College of Baltimore and a bachelor of science degree in physics from Loyola College. He is also a graduate of the Greater Baltimore Committee Leadership Program and the Leadership Maryland Program.

In addition to the awards ceremony, the reception will feature presentations by UMBC faculty and students alike. One highlight will be a discussion of the future of wireless communications by UMBC computer science and electrical engineering professor Anupam Joshi.

Previous award winners include Whiting-Turner's Willard Hackerman and BGE's George McGowan (1988), Norman Augustine, then chairman of Martin Marietta and later Lockheed Martin Corporation (1990), former Assistant Secretary of Defense Lt. Gen. Emmett Paige (1995), and Christian H. Poindexter of Constellation Energy (2000). For more information, please visit www.umbc.edu/engineering/2001engineer.

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February 12, 2001

New Media Project Awarded First-Ever e-Lincoln Prize for Civil War Research

The first-ever e-Lincoln Prize for Civil War research went to the Valley of the Shadow project, for its outstanding combination of CD-ROM, text, and online media. UMBC assistant professor of history Anne Rubin managed the Valley project while a graduate student at the University of Virginia, and continues to work on the project as a consultant.

Baltimore, Md. The first-ever e-Lincoln Prize for Civil War research went to the Valley of the Shadow project, for its outstanding combination of CD-ROM, text, and online media. UMBC assistant professor of history Anne Rubin managed the Valley project while a graduate student at the University of Virginia, and continues to work on the project as a consultant.

Hailed as a model for digital history by the e-Lincoln judges, Valley of the Shadow allows visitors to explore microcosms of antebellum life in two contrasting valley communities -- one Northern (Franklin County, Pennsylvania), one Southern (Augusta County, Virginia). The project allows access to a trove of letters, diaries, newspaper accounts, military records, census data, business records, maps, images, music and other sources gathered in ten years of research. The result, which includes the records of 15,000 soldiers and 5,000 slaves, allows visitors to "reconstruct the moral logic of motives and examine how that logic bent and buckled under [the] stress" of secession and war.

Created in 1989, the Lincoln Prize honors the finest scholarly works in the English language on Abraham Lincoln, the American Civil War soldier, or a related subject. The e-Lincoln jury was comprised of: Janice L. Reiff (chair) of UCLA; David Herbert Donald of Harvard University (emeritus); and Drew Gilpin Faust of the Radcliffe Institute at Harvard. The Lincoln Prize jury was comprised of: Douglas L. Wilson (chair) of Knox College; Carol Reardon of the Pennsylvania State University; and Nina Silber of Boston University. Professors Donald and Wilson are past winners of the Lincoln Prize.

As Valley project manager from 1994 1996, Rubin researched the history of the valley, wrote the narratives and web pages, and supervised the research team. Her book on Confederate nationalism (1863 1868) is soon to be published by University of North Carolina Press.

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February 5, 2001

Victory Rally to Celebrate UMBC Chess Championship

The UMBC community will gather on Wednesday, February 2 at 1 p.m. to honor the Chess Team's fourth national championship in five years. The victory rally will be held in the UMBC University Center Ballroom.

WHAT UMBC Chess Championship Victory Rally

WHEN Wednesday, February 7
1 p.m.

WHERE University Center Ballroom
Campus Map here.

DETAILS Join the UMBC community in a celebration of UMBC's record-tying chess championship. This year's Pan-American Intercollegiate Team Chess Championship gives the team four such titles in five years -- a string matched only by Harvard.

The UMBC pep band, dance squad, and mascot will all be cheering for the team as they are honored by UMBC President Hrabowski and the rest of the community.

A link to the original news release is available here.

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Pep Rally to Celebrate Chess Championship

The UMBC community will gather on Wednesday, February 2 at 1 p.m. to honor the Chess Team's fourth national championship in five years. The pep rally will be held in the UMBC University Center Ballroom.

WHAT Chess Champion will Play up to 50 Opponents Simultaneously

WHEN Saturday, February 19
12-12:30 p.m. Registration 1-4 p.m. Matches

WHERE Albin O. Kuhn Library
7th Floor
Directions and campus map available here.

DETAILS The UMBC Chess Team isn't satisfied with winning their third Pan-Am Intercollegiate Chess Championship in four years -- they need another challenge.

All are invited to take on chess team captain and International Master-elect Eugene Perelshteyn in a simultaneous chess match. Perelshteyen will play up to 50 opponents at once Saturday, February 19 on the 7th floor of the Albin O. Kuhn Library.

Entry fee is $10 for adults, $5 for those under 20 years old and $2 for those under 12 years old.

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January 31, 2001

UMBC Teams with Montgomery County on Teacher Recruitment & Training

Leaders from UMBC, Montgomery County Public Schools, and Montgomery College will convene at UMBC to put a new teacher recruitment and education program, Recruiting at Home: Students to Teachers, into action. The ceremony will be held at 2 p.m. on Friday, February 2 in UMBC's Albin O. Kuhn Library.

Baltimore, Md. Leaders from UMBC, Montgomery County Public Schools, and Montgomery College will convene at UMBC to put a new teacher recruitment and education program, Recruiting at Home: Students to Teachers, into action. The ceremony will be held at 2 p.m. on Friday, February 2 in UMBC's Albin O. Kuhn Library.

Connecting early and following through are the keys to this new partnership. Dubbed a 2+2+2 program for its structure potential MCPS teachers are recruited in their final two years of high school, attend Montgomery College for two years, and complete their final two years of study at UMBC the program is the first of several teacher recruitment and development partnerships being struck with community colleges.

MCPS will orient high school juniors to the teaching profession and provide pre-internship experiences and internship opportunities for participating students. Students who wish to enter the program apply to both Montgomery College and UMBC and follow a structured, four-year curriculum drawing on the resources of both institutions.

What makes this program special is the amount of synergy present, says Eugene Schaffer, chair of the UMBC education department. Students in the cohort are concurrently enrolled at Montgomery College and UMBC -- this goes beyond articulation to a merging of each institutions resources and program.

After four years, the students will graduate with an associate's degree from Montgomery College, a bachelor's degree from UMBC and Maryland teacher certification. MCPS will work with the students throughout their collegiate career, providing internship opportunities and, prior to graduation, recruiting them to teach in Montgomery County, bringing the program full-circle.

Approximately 25 percent of teachers hired each year by MCPS are graduates of the school system. The Recruiting at Home program will provide a way to increase these numbers and to enhance the quality of the students' preparation for a career in teaching.

UMBC will provide students in the first cohort, which is expected to enroll approximately 25 students in the fall of 2001, with $500 scholarships for their time at UMBC, counseling and internship placement into Montgomery County schools.

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January 28, 2001

UMBC Chess Team on NBC

UMBC's champion chess team will be featured on NBC's "Today Show."

Baltimore, MD - UMBC's champion chess team will be featured as a "Leonard's Look" piece on NBC's "Today Show."

The "Today Show" was intrigued by UMBC's celebration of its chess team, which has won four of the last five Pan Am Intercollegiate Chess Championships. UMBC celebrates each championship as many other institutions would a football championship -- cheerleaders, pep band, and a big crowd.

Those who tune in to the program will have chance to see UMBC in the spotlight as a university where it is "cool to be smart."

The Chess Team is a member of UMBC's Intellectual Sports Council, which also includes the Model United Nations and Quiz Bowl teams and the Debate Society. The UMBC Model U.N. recently received an overall Outstanding Delegation Award at the American Model United Nations and the Debate Team was the first public university in the country invited to join the American Parliamentary Debate Association, which includes such institutions as Princeton, Harvard, Yale, and Johns Hopkins.

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January 25, 2001

UMBC Professor to Help Alan Alda Ask:
"What Is Laughter?" On PBS

Scientific American Frontiers, a PBS science series hosted by Alan Alda, will air "Life's Little Questions II" on January 30 at 8:00 ET. In this one-hour episode, University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC) psychology professor Robert Provine helps Alda awaken the child scientist inside him and ask some seemingly trivial questions that have surprisingly significant answers. For instance, what is laughter and why do we laugh?

WHAT:
Scientific American Frontiers, a PBS science series hosted by Alan Alda, will air "Life's Little Questions II" on January 30 at 8:00 ET. In this one-hour episode, University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC) psychology professor Robert Provine helps Alda awaken the child scientist inside him and ask some seemingly trivial questions that have surprisingly significant answers. For instance, what is laughter and why do we laugh?

Amid a sea of "laugh boxes" in Provine's lab, Alda learns about the role of laughter in human relationships, how walking on two legs may have influenced our ability to laugh, and how human laughter differs from animal laughter.

To Alda's professional dismay, Provine suggests that laughter really has nothing to do with jokes or comedy. Provine's research shows that people laugh as an involuntary reaction to hearing others laugh. That laughing, like crying, is hard to do on command bolsters this assertion. Provine believes that laughter is a primitive social interaction we share with other primates. Human laughter patterns are different from those of chimpanzees, however, and Provine believes it's our upright stance that allows us to produce a variety of sounds, including speech.

WHO: Robert Provine is the world's leading expert on the physiology, psychology and sociology behind such involuntary human behaviors as laughter and yawning. His research has been profiled by The New York Times, Washington Post, Psychology Today, Los Angeles Times, Wall Street Journal, ABC News' "20/20," American Scientist, Newsday, The San Francisco Chronicle, New Scientist and Discover. His most recent book is "Laughter, a Scientific Investigation" (Viking, 2000.)

WHEN:Tuesday, Jan. 30, 2001PBS8:00 PM (CHECK LOCAL LISTINGS)

WHERE:The segment was filmed on location in Prof. Provine's lab and classroom at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County.

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January 18, 2001

Baltimore County Recognizes UMBC President's Community and Business Leadership

UMBC President Freeman A. Hrabowski, III is the 2001 recipient of the Stuart M. Macht Award in recognition of a career of community and business leadership. Baltimore County Executive C.A. Dutch Ruppersberger presented Hrabowski with the award at the annual Baltimore County Business Awards celebration, held at Martin's West in Baltimore, Md.

Baltimore, Md. UMBC President Freeman A. Hrabowski, III is the 2001 recipient of the Stuart M. Macht Award in recognition of a career of community and business leadership. Baltimore County Executive C.A. Dutch Ruppersberger presented Hrabowski with the award at the annual Baltimore County Business Awards celebration, held at Martin's West in Baltimore, Md.

UMBC is a major contributor to the region in terms of workforce and talent. Thanks to Freeman's leadership, the university has emerged as a national model for university-industry collaboration, stated Baltimore County Executive C.A. Dutch Ruppersberger.

In presenting the award, Dr. Hrabowski was cited for his efforts in furthering programs for African American students in the sciences, as well as helping to establish the UMBC Technology Center, a business incubator, and bwtech@UMBC, a 41-acre research and development park adjacent to the university campus.

Past winners of the Macht Award, established in memory of AAI Corporation President and community activist Stuart M. Macht, include Joseph E. Blair Jr., Chairman of the Board of Baltimore Life Companies and Francis X. Kelly, founder and CEO of Kelly & Associates Insurance Group.

Since becoming president in 1992, Hrabowski has seen UMBC's research dollars grow from $10 million to nearly $80 million. UMBC has also emerged as a top national and regional producer of IT degrees responsible for nearly 40 percent of Maryland's graduates in computer science and information systems.

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January 12, 2001

UMBC Computer Certification Training Center to Offer Java Courses through Sun Microsystem Program

The UMBC Computer Certification Training Center announced today it was selected to join Sun Microsystems' (Nasdaq: SUNW) Sun Academic Initiative, a unique program designed to teach the latest information technology skills to an emerging workforce. Sun's training arm, Sun Educational Services, provides curriculum materials, faculty training, full administrative support and free Web-based student resources, to support UMBC CCTC's strategy of complete learning solutions.

Baltimore, Md. - The UMBC Computer Certification Training Center announced today it was selected to join Sun Microsystems' (Nasdaq: SUNW) Sun Academic Initiative, a unique program designed to teach the latest information technology skills to an emerging workforce. Sun's training arm, Sun Educational Services, provides curriculum materials, faculty training, full administrative support and free Web-based student resources, to support UMBC CCTC's strategy of complete learning solutions.

Under this program, enrollees at UMBC CCTC will be able to take Sun-authorized courses, in preparation for the industry-standard Sun Certified Java Programmer credential. Individuals in these courses also have free access through a Web browser to online courses on the Sun(TM) Web Learning Center.

According to an April, 2001 U.S. workforce study by the Information Technology Association of America (ITAA), an estimated 425,000 positions will go unfilled this year because of a lack of applicants with the requisite technical and non-technical skills.

"The shortage of skilled Java programming professionals remains one of the most pressing issues in the IT industry and in businesses all around the world," stated Bill Richardson, vice president and general manager for Sun Educational Services. "Through its participation in the Sun Academic Initiative, UMBC will be helping to equip individuals in meeting those critical business needs and securing rewarding IT careers."

"UMBC is pleased to be invited to participate in this initiative that uses some of the most advanced technology available," said Doug Kendzierski, Associate Vice-Provost and CEO of the University's IT training operation. "It will provide both entry-level candidates and working professionals with the training necessary to further their careers and benefit their companies. This fortifies our leadership position in the regional IT training market, and is consistent with our strategy of partnering with the industry standard bearers to offer tremendous quality and value in technology education".

About UMBC CCTC: The UMBC Computer Certification Training Center (CCTC) is a Microsoft Certified Partner, a CIW Authorized Training Partner, a CompTIA Partner, a Security Certified Program Training Partner a VUE Authorized Testing Center, and an Approved Transcender Training Partner.

A national leader in technology education, UMBC established the CCTC to deliver technology training and industry-standard certification programs for individuals, businesses, government agencies and organizations in the Baltimore-Washington corridor. The UMBC CCTC is located at 3108 Timanus Lane, Executive Park West in the Windsor Mill Community of Baltimore County, just off Exit 17/18 of the Baltimore Beltway. The Center offers instructor-led and web-based training programs, with part-time, full-time, evening, weekend and weekday classes. For further information on any IT training programs at UMBC, contact (410) 594-2282, or visit the training website at www.umbc.edu/cctc.

About Sun Microsystems: Sun Microsystems, Inc, has been propelled by a singular vision - The Network is In the Computer (TM)-- since its inception in 1982. Sun is a leading provider of industrial-strength hardware, software and services that power the Internet and allow companies worldwide to take their businesses to the nth. Sun can be found in more than 170 countries and on the World Wide Web at www.sun.com.

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January 11, 2001

UMBC, VIPs to Celebrate Liftoff of New NASA Environmental Research Center

U.S. Senators Barbara Mikulski and Paul Sarbanes; Governor Parris Glendening; Lt. Gov. Kathleen Kennedy Townsend; University System of Maryland Chancellor Donald Langenberg; UMBC President Freeman Hrabowski; and NASA-Goddard Space Flight Center Director Al Diaz will be on hand Jan. 19 at 2:00 to celebrate the largest research collaboration in UMBC history: the Goddard Earth Sciences and Technology (GEST) Center.

Baltimore, MD - Federal and state government representatives will join the University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC) and its public and private sector partners in celebrating the opening of the Goddard Earth Sciences and Technology (GEST) Center. The $75 million, 5-year research collaboration with NASA-Goddard Space Flight Center is the largest in UMBC's history.

Keynote speaker Senator Barbara Mikulski; Senator Paul Sarbanes; Governor Parris Glendening; Lt. Gov. Kathleen Kennedy Townsend; University System of Maryland Chancellor Donald Langenberg; UMBC President Freeman Hrabowski; and NASA-Goddard Space Flight Center Director Al Diaz are among the dignitaries scheduled to attend and speak at the launch celebration. The event will be held in the UMBC Physics Building atrium from 2:00 to 4:00 on Jan. 19.

The UMBC-led GEST consortium also includes: Howard University in Washington, D.C.; Hampton University in Hampton, Virginia; Baltimore-based aerospace company Northrop-Grumman; and Caelum Research Corporation of Silver Spring, Maryland.

GEST's central mission is the study of Earth's land surface, atmosphere and oceans, emphasizing scientific excellence as well as community outreach, education, and information technology. GEST researchers will use global satellite data and powerful computer modeling techniques to help scientists and educators better understand the planet and the processes that shape its future.

GEST will also illustrate the impact of Earth science research on people's daily lives by studying coastline erosion, air pollution, the impact of development on the quality of water supply, and the depletion of the Earth's ozone layer.The 100 GEST Center researchers and administration will be based at both the UMBC campus and at Goddard.

The GEST Center will become a magnet for notable visiting scientists and graduate students, international workshops, seminars, and summer classes. A new invited fellows program at UMBC will help attract Nobel Laureate-quality scientists to Goddard for research collaboration. The GEST Center will also promote Earth science education in grades K-12 and provide media outreach and access to foster public interest in NASA Earth science research.

UMBC President Dr. Freeman A. Hrabowski III, said "The new GEST Center is an example of UMBC's leadership role in regional economic development. We are proud to help link universities and companies in Virginia and Maryland while giving scientists and schools around the world access to crucial data about the future of our planet."

UMBC currently has a similar cooperative agreement with Goddard: the Joint Center for Earth Systems Technology (JCET). Formed in 1995, JCET faculty members, who are jointly appointed between Goddard and UMBC, use satellite and computer-modeling technologies to research and monitor changes in the earth's geography, climate and atmosphere. They teach UMBC classes and labs in physics, geography, mathematics/statistics, computer science and electrical engineering in addition to collaborating in research and publishing in academic journals.

Posted by dwinds1

January 5, 2001

Rocket Scientist, Author Homer Hickam, Jr. to Cap off UMBC Research Week

For the first time, UMBC Research Week (April 17-25) will be capped off with a lecture by a prominent researcher who exemplifies the creative spirit of research. On April 25, NASA engineer and author Homer H. Hickam, Jr. will speak about his journey from the coalmines of West Virginia to the heart of NASA in a lecture to UMBC faculty, staff and students. Hickam's lecture, to be held at 7:30 p.m. in UMBC's Ballroom, will be followed by a book signing.

Hickam's Bio.

October Sky

Research Week
Schedule

Baltimore, Md. For the first time, UMBC Research Week (April 17-25) will be capped off with a lecture by a prominent researcher who exemplifies the creative spirit of research. On April 25, NASA engineer and author Homer H. Hickam, Jr. will speak about his journey from the coalmines of West Virginia to the heart of NASA in a lecture to UMBC faculty, staff and students. Hickam's lecture, to be held at 7:30 p.m. in UMBC's Ballroom, will be followed by a book signing.

A retired space scientist, Hickam has written four books and numerous articles. The 1999 feature film October Sky is based on his bestseller The Rocket Boys and another movie based on his most recent book, The Coalwood Way, is in the works.

UMBC Research Week is a celebration of the accomplishments of UMBC graduate and undergraduate researchers. Highlighting the event are the Graduate Research Conference and Undergraduate Research and Creative Achievement Day, sessions at which students make oral and poster presentations of their work. The week also features lectures by painter, sculptor and multi-media artist Renee Stout and Joe Tatarewicz, UMBC professor of history, who will discuss the role that space flight has had in imagination and reality, and how each has influenced the other.

Thanks to such events, UMBC is achieving a reputation for excellence, says Beth Pennington, assistant to the provost. Nineteen Undergraduate Research Award winners will present their work, 10 of which presented at the National Conference for Undergraduate Research at the University of Kentucky in March. This year's group is about a 50/50 partnership between science and the arts and humanities, says Pennington. It is inclusive of all disciplines.

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January 2, 2001

UMBC Chess Team Wins Fourth Championship in Five Years

The University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC) Chess Team tied for first place at the 2000 Pan-American Intercollegiate Team Chess Championship, held Dec. 27-30 in Milwaukee. The victory is UMBC's fourth championship in the past five years, a streak matched only by Harvard University.

MILWAUKEE, WI -- The University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC) Chess Team tied for first place at the 2000 Pan-American Intercollegiate Team Chess Championship, held Dec. 27-30 in Milwaukee. The victory is UMBC's fourth championship in the past five years, a streak matched only by Harvard University.

UMBC's toughest match was a 4th round face-off with eventual co-champion, the University of Texas at Dallas (UTD), which ended in a draw. Both UMBC and UTD won all their other matches, each scoring 5.5 points out of 6. "We finished ahead of other strong schools including Berkeley, Toronto, Chicago, Stanford, and Catholic U. of Peru," said Alan Sherman, faculty advisor for the team and an associate professor of computer science at UMBC.

In the crucial 4th round match with UTD, UMBC's captain and International Master Eugene Perelshteyn lost to Grand Master Yuri Shulman. UMBC Senior Master William "The Exterminator" Morrison defeated UTD's Andre Zaremba. Two other face-offs between the rival schools ended in draws.

UMBC has dominated the world of intercollegiate chess, with their streak of four out of five national championships since 1996 matched only by Harvard University, which won four of five titles between 1986 and 1990. UMBC is coached by Lifemaster Igor Epshteyn.

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January 1, 2001

UMBC Partners with e.magination to Launch TechPort, Online IT Community

The University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC) has taken its strong reputation of responsiveness to the needs of IT community online, thanks to a unique partnership with Baltimore-area technology firm, e.magination. Today marks the launch of TechPort, http://techport.umbc.edu, an online community providing easy access to UMBC faculty experts, student talent, employers and IT leaders in the Mid-Atlantic region and beyond.

Baltimore, Md. The University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC) has taken its strong reputation of responsiveness to the needs of IT community online, thanks to a unique partnership with Baltimore-area technology firm, e.magination. Today marks the launch of TechPort, http://techport.umbc.edu, an online community providing easy access to UMBC faculty experts, student talent, employers and IT leaders in the Mid-Atlantic region and beyond.

As a top producer of IT graduates and a leader in industry-university collaboration, UMBC believes TechPort will enable the university to reach a new level of responsiveness to the needs of the IT community and the region. TechPort will allow us to reach out and work directly with IT leaders, right at their desktop, said Sheldon Caplis, Vice President for Institutional Advancement at UMBC. Users will have the ability to provide feedback via live chats and live customer support sessions.

The partnership with e.magination is a perfect fit for UMBC, said Caplis. They represent the best that Baltimore's Digital Harbor has to offer a fast-moving, entrepreneurial firm looking for ways to strengthen the Greater Baltimore area's IT workforce.

For e.magination, the TechPort project presented an opportunity for the company to showcase its resources and products. We see TechPort as a laboratory in which we can not only showcase our capabilities, but develop and tweak the applications we are currently offering to other clients, said Syd Rubin, President of e.magination.

UMBC President Freeman Hrabowski will host the first chat session on Thursday, November 8, at 4 p.m. He will discuss and answer questions about preparing for an IT career, meeting workforce needs through business/university partnerships and other issues of interest to IT students and professionals.

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Posted by dwinds1

December 11, 2000

U.S. Open University and the University of Maryland, Baltimore County Partner for Joint Distance M.S. Degree Program in Information Systems

Growing the information technology workforce by making IT education more accessible is the goal of a new online master's in information systems (MSIS) degree program announced today by the U.S. Open University (USOU) and the University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC). The flexible master's will provide students with the knowledge and skills to successfully manage and address information systems and technology-related issues.

Baltimore, Md. - Growing the information technology workforce by making IT education more accessible is the goal of a new online master's in information systems (MSIS) degree program announced today by the U.S. Open University (USOU) and the University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC). The flexible master's will provide students with the knowledge and skills to successfully manage and address information systems and technology-related issues.

"For the first time, a distance learning university has partnered with a traditional one to bring widely respected information technology expertise to full-time working professionals using U.S. Open University's tried and tested Supported Open Learning methods," said USOU Chancellor Richard Jarvis. "Whether students are interested in modernizing their knowledge, updating their skills or broadening their professional repertoire, they can now reach their goals in this joint MSIS program, without having to spend time on campus."

Recognized as a leader among research universities in information technology education and workforce development, UMBC's undergraduate, master's and doctoral IT programs currently enroll more than 2,500 students.

"UMBC has a successful track record of recruiting and training IT professionals in the Baltimore-Washington region. Partnering with U.S. Open University will give us the ability to deliver our program to a much wider audience, therefore developing a broader base of skilled IT workers," said UMBC Graduate School Dean and Vice Provost for Research Scott A. Bass.

Courses offered in the MSIS program this spring include Virtual Classroom Learning, Software Programs: Usage and Design Concepts, Management Information Systems, Database Management Systems and Modern System Design and Analysis. Courses range from two to four credit hours each and cost $470 a credit hour, which includes books, CDs, software, study guides, audio and videotapes delivered directly to students. Courses may be studied individually, or in pairs. Students may also choose to study only one course now to meet a specific training or development need and continue theprogram at a later date.

Students can apply for admission to the MS in Information Systems Program (MSIS) program and register for courses online at www.open.edu. MSIS courses start January 29th and will be offered each semester.About USOUUnited States Open University is a nonprofit university specializing in high-quality, part-time education for working adults. US Open University is the sister school of The Open University, chartered over 30 years ago in the United Kingdom. Recognized as the world's leader in part-time education for working adults, The Open University currently serves over 260,000 students in 41 countries. US Open University uses The Open University's distinctive Supported Open Learning method, specifically designed for learning at home and at work. Each course combines a variety of learning materials, which may include audio and videotapes, CDs, software, textbooks and study guides. Eachstudent is assigned an Associate Faculty member who provides expertise, feedback and personal one-on-one support. Students download their study calendar, assignments and other learning resources from specialized course websites and can interact with their classmates and instructor via web conferencing.

About UMBCUMBC, An Honors University in Maryland, is a selective, public research university that attracts high-achieving students to its undergraduate and graduate programs in the liberal arts and sciences and engineering. Recognized as a leader in information technology degree production, UMBC has developed strong ties with industry in the Baltimore region and beyond. Information Systems is one of the largest academic programs at UMBC.

For more information, contact:Charlie Melichar, UMBC Director of Media Relations, 410-455-6380, melichar@umbc.edu
Josephine Feldman, USOU Director of Marketing, 720-859-1500, j.a.feldman@open.edu
Janet Bartleson, USOU Public Relations Manager, 720-859-1500, j.l.bartleson@open.edu

Posted by dwinds1

Posted by dwinds1

U.S. Open University and the University of Maryland, Baltimore County Partner for Joint Distance M.S. Degree Program in Information Systems

Growing the information technology workforce by making IT education more accessible is the goal of a new online master's in information systems (MSIS) degree program announced today by the U.S. Open University (USOU) and the University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC). The flexible master's will provide students with the knowledge and skills to successfully manage and address information systems and technology-related issues.

Baltimore, Md. - Growing the information technology workforce by making IT education more accessible is the goal of a new online master's in information systems (MSIS) degree program announced today by the U.S. Open University (USOU) and the University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC). The flexible master's will provide students with the knowledge and skills to successfully manage and address information systems and technology-related issues.

"For the first time, a distance learning university has partnered with a traditional one to bring widely respected information technology expertise to full-time working professionals using U.S. Open University's tried and tested Supported Open Learning methods," said USOU Chancellor Richard Jarvis. "Whether students are interested in modernizing their knowledge, updating their skills or broadening their professional repertoire, they can now reach their goals in this joint MSIS program, without having to spend time on campus."

Recognized as a leader among research universities in information technology education and workforce development, UMBC's undergraduate, master's and doctoral IT programs currently enroll more than 2,500 students.

"UMBC has a successful track record of recruiting and training IT professionals in the Baltimore-Washington region. Partnering with U.S. Open University will give us the ability to deliver our program to a much wider audience, therefore developing a broader base of skilled IT workers," said UMBC Graduate School Dean and Vice Provost for Research Scott A. Bass.

Courses offered in the MSIS program this spring include Virtual Classroom Learning, Software Programs: Usage and Design Concepts, Management Information Systems, Database Management Systems and Modern System Design and Analysis. Courses range from two to four credit hours each and cost $470 a credit hour, which includes books, CDs, software, study guides, audio and videotapes delivered directly to students. Courses may be studied individually, or in pairs. Students may also choose to study only one course now to meet a specific training or development need and continue theprogram at a later date.

Students can apply for admission to the MS in Information Systems Program (MSIS) program and register for courses online at www.open.edu. MSIS courses start January 29th and will be offered each semester.About USOUUnited States Open University is a nonprofit university specializing in high-quality, part-time education for working adults. US Open University is the sister school of The Open University, chartered over 30 years ago in the United Kingdom. Recognized as the world's leader in part-time education for working adults, The Open University currently serves over 260,000 students in 41 countries. US Open University uses The Open University's distinctive Supported Open Learning method, specifically designed for learning at home and at work. Each course combines a variety of learning materials, which may include audio and videotapes, CDs, software, textbooks and study guides. Eachstudent is assigned an Associate Faculty member who provides expertise, feedback and personal one-on-one support. Students download their study calendar, assignments and other learning resources from specialized course websites and can interact with their classmates and instructor via web conferencing.

About UMBCUMBC, An Honors University in Maryland, is a selective, public research university that attracts high-achieving students to its undergraduate and graduate programs in the liberal arts and sciences and engineering. Recognized as a leader in information technology degree production, UMBC has developed strong ties with industry in the Baltimore region and beyond. Information Systems is one of the largest academic programs at UMBC.

For more information, contact:Charlie Melichar, UMBC Director of Media Relations, 410-455-6380, melichar@umbc.eduJosephine Feldman, USOU Director of Marketing, 720-859-1500, j.a.feldman@open.eduJanet Bartleson, USOU Public Relations Manager, 720-859-1500, j.l.bartleson@open.edu

Posted by dwinds1

U.S. Open University and the University of Maryland, Baltimore County Partner for Joint Distance M.S. Degree Program in Information Systems

Growing the information technology workforce by making IT education more accessible is the goal of a new online master's in information systems (MSIS) degree program announced today by the U.S. Open University (USOU) and the University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC). The flexible master's will provide students with the knowledge and skills to successfully manage and address information systems and technology-related issues.

Baltimore, Md. - Growing the information technology workforce by making IT education more accessible is the goal of a new online master's in information systems (MSIS) degree program announced today by the U.S. Open University (USOU) and the University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC). The flexible master's will provide students with the knowledge and skills to successfully manage and address information systems and technology-related issues.

"For the first time, a distance learning university has partnered with a traditional one to bring widely respected information technology expertise to full-time working professionals using U.S. Open University's tried and tested Supported Open Learning methods," said USOU Chancellor Richard Jarvis. "Whether students are interested in modernizing their knowledge, updating their skills or broadening their professional repertoire, they can now reach their goals in this joint MSIS program, without having to spend time on campus."

Recognized as a leader among research universities in information technology education and workforce development, UMBC's undergraduate, master's and doctoral IT programs currently enroll more than 2,500 students.

"UMBC has a successful track record of recruiting and training IT professionals in the Baltimore-Washington region. Partnering with U.S. Open University will give us the ability to deliver our program to a much wider audience, therefore developing a broader base of skilled IT workers," said UMBC Graduate School Dean and Vice Provost for Research Scott A. Bass.

Courses offered in the MSIS program this spring include Virtual Classroom Learning, Software Programs: Usage and Design Concepts, Management Information Systems, Database Management Systems and Modern System Design and Analysis. Courses range from two to four credit hours each and cost $470 a credit hour, which includes books, CDs, software, study guides, audio and videotapes delivered directly to students. Courses may be studied individually, or in pairs. Students may also choose to study only one course now to meet a specific training or development need and continue theprogram at a later date.

Students can apply for admission to the MS in Information Systems Program (MSIS) program and register for courses online at www.open.edu. MSIS courses start January 29th and will be offered each semester.About USOUUnited States Open University is a nonprofit university specializing in high-quality, part-time education for working adults. US Open University is the sister school of The Open University, chartered over 30 years ago in the United Kingdom. Recognized as the world's leader in part-time education for working adults, The Open University currently serves over 260,000 students in 41 countries. US Open University uses The Open University's distinctive Supported Open Learning method, specifically designed for learning at home and at work. Each course combines a variety of learning materials, which may include audio and videotapes, CDs, software, textbooks and study guides. Eachstudent is assigned an Associate Faculty member who provides expertise, feedback and personal one-on-one support. Students download their study calendar, assignments and other learning resources from specialized course websites and can interact with their classmates and instructor via web conferencing.

About UMBCUMBC, An Honors University in Maryland, is a selective, public research university that attracts high-achieving students to its undergraduate and graduate programs in the liberal arts and sciences and engineering. Recognized as a leader in information technology degree production, UMBC has developed strong ties with industry in the Baltimore region and beyond. Information Systems is one of the largest academic programs at UMBC.

For more information, contact:
Charlie Melichar, UMBC Director of Media Relations, 410-455-6380, melichar@umbc.edu
Josephine Feldman, USOU Director of Marketing, 720-859-1500, j.a.feldman@open.edu
Janet Bartleson, USOU Public Relations Manager, 720-859-1500, j.l.bartleson@open.edu

Posted by dwinds1

November 22, 2000

UMBC Arts & Culture Calendar

Listings of all arts and culture events at UMBC.

Posted by dwinds1

November 16, 2000

UMBC Theatre Department Presents Orpheus, Adapted and Directed by Xerxes Mehta

The UMBC Department of Theatre presents a Main Stage Production, Orpheus, adapted and directed by Xerxes Mehta from Jean Cocteau's play Orphe and his trilogy of Orpheus films. Performances, for mature audiences only, are November 29 and December 1, 2, 7, 8 and 9 at 8 p.m. and December 3 and 10 at4 p.m. For reservations and information, please call the Box Office at (410) 455-2476.

FOR RESERVATIONS AND INFORMATION PLEASE CALL THE BOX OFFICE AT 410-455-2476.

Baltimore, Md. - The UMBC Department of Theatre presents a Main Stage Production, Orpheus, adapted and directed by Xerxes Mehta from Jean Cocteau's play Orphe and his trilogy of Orpheus films. Performances, for mature audiences only, are November 29 and December 1, 2, 7, 8 and 9 at 8 p.m. and December 3 and 10 at4 p.m. A preview will be held on November 28 at 8 p.m. UMBC faculty, staff and students are invited to a free performance on November 30 at 4 p.m. All performances are in the UMBC Theatre. Tickets are $10 general, $8 UMBC faculty/staff, $5 students and seniors. Preview tickets are $3. For reservations and information call the Box Office at (410) 455-2476.

Love and death, personified by two beautiful women, war for the soul of artist/singer, Orpheus. The Greek myth-Orpheus journeys to the underworld to rescue his beloved Eurydice from the clutches of death - here finds fresh life in this version by France's greatest inter-war poet/painter/director/filmmaker, Jean Cocteau. A startling, spirited, fantastic, irreverent "mditation sur la mort," Cocteau's surreal masterpiece synthesizes music, painting, pantomime, poetry, masks and magic.

Cocteau wrote Orphe in 1925 while Picasso was trying to pull him free of his opium addiction. As a result the events and characters are a combination of sharp realism and a surreal mysticism. The play's cast of characters include an angelic glazier, the seductive and ravishingly beautiful Death of the Poet, the honeymoon heroine Eurydice, and the three unfortunate souls condemned to sit as Judges in the Underworld.

Mehta uses Cocteau's play and elements of his film trilogy to create a moving and powerfully disturbing adaptation that resonates with surreal images from his complete body of work. Representing Orpheus' home and the terrain of dreams, the set consists of a shining assemblage of silver mirrors on a white landscape created by Elena Zlotescu, who has also designed costumes in vibrant colors that contrast with the setting. The strength and beauty of the physical design are complemented by Terry Cobb's otherworldly lighting and Aya Ueda's evocative production score, which blends music from such contemporary masters as Crumb, Prt and Penderecki.

"This coming together of beauty and terror, realism and surrealism, myth and the everyday world, combined with the strength and commitment of the performers, helps us to enter the vision of this most multi-faceted of artists, Jean Cocteau," explains Mehta.

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Posted by dwinds1

September 28, 2000

UMBC Shriver Center's Choice Middle Schools Program Chosen as One of Nation's Best

The UMBC Shriver Center's Choice Middle Schools Program has been chosen to receive a National Dropout Prevention Network's Crystal Star Award of Excellence in Dropout Recovery, Intervention and Prevention.

Baltimore, MD The UMBC Shriver Center's Choice Middle Schools Program has been chosen to receive a National Dropout Prevention Network's Crystal Star Award of Excellence in Dropout Recovery, Intervention and Prevention.

The award will be presented during the 12th annual National Dropout Prevention Network Conference in Baltimore, Oct. 1-4. UMBC President Freeman Hrabowski will be one of the keynote speakers during the conference.

The Choice Middle Schools program was chosen for this award because it demonstrated clear evidence of strong leadership in furthering the mission of the National Dropout Prevention Network, according to the selection committee. The National Dropout Prevention Network is based at Clemson University and works to provide resources that enable a new or enhanced appreciation for the importance of a quality education and a high school diploma.

The Choice Middle Schools program, established in 1993, reaches out to young people at risk of school dropout before they get into trouble. The program was modeled after the center's successful Choice Program, which was founded by Mark K. Shriver in 1987. The $2 million project has attracted support from the Maryland State Department of Education, the St. Paul Foundation and each of the four jurisdictions Baltimore City, Baltimore County, Cecil County, Montgomery County in which it operates.

The program served nearly 450 students at 11 area middle schools this past academic year. Caseworkers provide round-the-clock intensive support, immerse themselves in the young person's environment and get to know the family, the teachers and the community.

The U.S. Department of Education has stated the biggest indicator of school dropout is poor attendance. Our program's impact here is clear, says Leigh Higgins, director of the Choice programs. She adds that over the past three years, 70 percent of the students in the Choice Middle Schools program improved their attendance. Gains have also been consistently shown in the areas of GPA, while decreases have been shown in disciplinary referrals and out-of-school suspensions. And, a recent evaluation led by UMBC psychology professor Ken Maton, found improvement in the areas of self-esteem, peer relationships and school bonding. We work very hard to get the students to school, keep them in school, and support the teacher's task of engaging the students in their education, says Higgins.

She adds of the National Dropout Prevention Network award, We are thrilled to be recognized on a national level for a program that we have known for years is having a very positive impact.

John Martello, Shriver Center founder, executive director and vice provost for community partnerships, agrees. We are delighted to have received this award because it underscores the value and importance of our innovative approach to dropout prevention, says Martello "Choice Middle Schools has demonstrated that a community-based, family centered intervention which combines intensive supervision, advocacy and a strong educational component can help children improve their attendance and academic performance. We are grateful to the National Dropout Prevention Network for selecting us for this important recognition.

For more information on the National Dropout Prevention Network and its conference, go to their website at www.dropoutprevention.org.

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Posted by dwinds1

September 13, 2000

Professor, Researcher Receives Presidential Mentoring Award

Dr. Michael Summers, UMBC professor of chemistry/biochemistry and Howard Hughes Medical Institute Investigator, is one of ten national recipients of the 2000 Presidential Award for Excellence in Science, Mathematics and Engineering Mentoring. The award is administered and funded through the National Science Foundation (NSF).

Baltimore, Md. - Dr. Michael Summers, UMBC professor of chemistry/biochemistry and Howard Hughes Medical Institute Investigator, is one of ten national recipients of the 2000 Presidential Award for Excellence in Science, Mathematics and Engineering Mentoring. The award is administered and funded through the National Science Foundation (NSF).

The award is presented to individuals and groups that have been leaders in encouraging minorities, women and persons with disabilities to pursue careers in scientific, engineering and technical fields. Up to 10 individuals and 10 institutions annually may qualify for the national award, which includes a $10,000-grant and a commemorative presidential certificate.

Dr. Summers award is the second in four years for UMBC, which was among the first group honored in 1997, receiving the award as an institution.

"We must draw upon our nation's full talent pool to maintain U.S. leadership across the frontiers of scientific knowledge," said President Clinton. "We honor these individuals and institutions who have contributed so much through their mentoring efforts to achieve greater diversity throughout the ranks of our scientific and engineering workforce."

"We are very proud of Dr. Summers, both as an accomplished researcher and as a mentor," said UMBC President Dr. Freeman Hrabowski. "This award reflects UMBC's commitment to students and the high caliber of our faculty."

Dr. Summers' work on the protein structure of the HIV virus, particularly with undergraduate students, has received much national attention. Working from the only Howard Hughes Medical Institute lab at a public university in Maryland, Summers and his students have successfully solved three of the seven proteins which make up the HIV virus.

Dr. Summers' lab graduated nine seniors in 1999, seven of which were African American. Five went on to M.D./Ph.D. programs, three to biomedical Ph.D. programs and one is working on an M.D. Six of these students were Meyerhoff Scholars -- recipients of a UMBC scholarship given to students interested in advancing the numbers of minorities in the sciences.

Among this group are twin Brothers Ryan and Brian Turner, who are now in Harvard Medical School's M.D./Ph.D. program, Danielle Smith who is in the M.D./Ph.D. program at Yale, and Chelsea Stalling, now in the M.D./Ph.D. program at the University of Pennsylvania. As undergraduates in Dr. Summers' lab, these four students published six papers in such prestigious journals as Science and the Journal of Molecular Biology - career aspirations for most scientists.

All of these students were UMBC Meyerhoff Scholars, co-founded by UMBC President Hrabowski and Baltimore philanthropists Robert and Jane Meyerhoff in 1988 to address the shortage of minorities in science careers. The program has already prepared more than 200 scholars for graduate work at such prestigious institutions as Harvard, M.I.T, Stanford, and Yale.

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Posted by dwinds1

September 10, 2000

UMBC Moves into Top Tier of Research Universities

According to newly-released Carnegie Foundation classifications, the University of Maryland, Baltimore County has moved into the top tier of America's elite research universities. Carnegie classifications, created in 1970 by the non-profit Carnegie Foundation, group institutions by their academic missions and serves as a research tool for scholars of higher education.

Baltimore, Md. -- According to newly-released Carnegie Foundation classifications, the University of Maryland, Baltimore County has moved into the top tier of America's elite research universities. Carnegie classifications, created in 1970 by the non-profit Carnegie Foundation, group institutions by their academic missions and serves as a research tool for scholars of higher education.

"Of the nearly 4,000 colleges and universities nationwide, UMBC is one of only 148 -- the top 3.8 percent -- to be included in this elite category," says Scott A. Bass, Dean of UMBC's Graduate School. The new ranking puts UMBC in the same category as such renowned research universities as Harvard, Stanford, and MIT.

"We are one of only five institutions to move from our 1994 classification, Doctoral II, to the new top tier, Doctoral/Research Universities-Extensive," adds Bass. To achieve Doctoral-Extensive status, an institution must award 50 or more doctoral degrees per year across at least 15 disciplines. UMBC offers doctoral degrees in 18 disciplines. The number of Ph.D.s awarded grew from 34 in 1994 to 58 in 1998.

According to the Carnegie Foundation, the new classifications are based on data gathered from 1995-98 and are an interim step toward developing a more comprehensive set of indicators to be released in 2005.

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Posted by dwinds1

June 15, 2000

Entrepreneur of the Year Finalists Include Three UMBC Grads

Three UMBC alumni have made the final cut for the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year Maryland - 2000 award, honoring Maryland's outstanding entrepreneurs.

Baltimore, Md. - Three UMBC alumni have made the final cut for the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year Maryland - 2000 award, honoring Maryland's outstanding entrepreneurs.

David Oros (Mathematics, 1985), a member of UMBC's Board of Visitors, is founder, chairman, and CEO of Owings Mills-based Aether Systems Inc. Aether is at the forefront of the wireless revolution as a leading provider of wireless and mobile data services allowing real-time communications and transactions across a full range of devices and networks. In May, Aether Systems and UMBC initiated a $510,000 research and education partnership which will team Aether engineers with UMBC faculty in the development of a wireless data curriculum.

Robert A. Baruch (Computer Science, 1989), also a member of UMBC's Board of Visitors, is founder and president of RABA Technologies, Inc., a Columbia, Md.-based professional services company focused on Web-based technologies. Deloitte & Touche listed RABA as one of the fastest growing IT firms in the United States in 1998, 1999 and again in 2000. RABA has also been recognized by "Washington Technology" as one of the 50 fastest growing IT firms in the Washington area for 1997, 1998, 1999 and 2000.

Nathan A. Chapman Jr. (Economics and Political Science, 1980) is president and CEO of The Chapman Worldwide Financial Services Group which, in 1998, became the first publicly traded African American owned security brokerage firm in the U.S. His newest venture, eChapman.com, is the first publicly-traded African American owned online financial services firm in the U.S. Chapman is also head of the University System of Maryland's Board of Regents, the first African American to hold this position.

Also nominated are UMBC Board of Visitors members John C. Erickson, of Erickson Retirement Communities, and Carl William Struever of Streuver Bros., Eccles & Rouse.

UMBC's entrepreneurial culture will soon be bolstered by its new Deutsche Banc Alex. Brown Center for Science and Technology Entrepreneurship, made possible by a $1 million gift from Deutsche Banc Alex. Brown. Students are currently applying for admission to the program which will offer its first course, Introduction to Entrepreneurship, in the fall.

The 2000 Ernst & Young Entrepreneur Of The Year Award is sponsored in Maryland by The Baltimore Sun, First Union, Multi-Media Holdings, Piper Marbury Rudnick & Wolfe, and Sprint. Winners will be announced at an awards banquet to be held be on June 21, 2000 at the Hyatt Regency in Baltimore, Maryland.

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Posted by dwinds1

June 7, 2000

UMBC Lab Resurrects Ancient New Mexican Culture, Digitally

On Friday, June 16, PBS viewers will be the first to lay eyes on ceremonial buildings constructed more than one thousand years ago, thanks to digital renderings by UMBC's Imaging Research Center (IRC). "The Mystery of Chaco Canyon," narrated by Robert Redford, is a one-hour documentary featuring fifteen minutes of animation created at the IRC.

Baltimore, Md. - On Friday, June 16, PBS viewers will be the first to lay eyes on ceremonial buildings constructed more than one thousand years ago, thanks to digital renderings by UMBC's Imaging Research Center (IRC).

"The Mystery of Chaco Canyon," narrated by Robert Redford, is a one-hour documentary featuring fifteen minutes of animation created at the IRC. Alan Price, associate director of the Imaging Research Center, worked with several UMBC students in the IRC Internship program on 3-D animations for the program.

"The students worked with information based on archaeological surveys of the ancient ruins," says Price. "Visualization of the canyon required a model so large it had to be separated into sixteen parts and rendered in multiple layers," which, Price notes, meant logging hundreds of hours on the IRC's Silicon Graphics workstations.

The IRC-created digital models reconstruct the complex ceremonial Chacoan buildings, built between 850 and 1150 AD. Based in northwestern New Mexico and arranged in alignment with the sun and moon, the buildings are the only link to the Chacoan culture, which left behind no written text.

Produced by the Solstice Project and directed by Project founder Anna Sofaer, the program is the fruit of more than twenty years of research into the ceremonial buildings left behind in New Mexico's Chaco Canyon. Sofaer founded the non-profit Solstice Project in 1978 to "study, document and preserve the remarkable Sun Dagger -- a celestial calendar of the ancient Pueblo Indians -- and other achievements of ancient Southwestern cultures."

UMBC's IRC is one of only a few research and development centers nationally that combines undergraduate and graduate education with professional training in animation and computer imaging. Through internships, undergraduates gain professional training in animation and computer imaging through projects for national clients such as CNN and the Discovery Channel.

For additional information on the program and a listing of broadcast times, go to www.solsticeproject.org.

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Posted by dwinds1

May 9, 2000

AETHER SYSTEMS AND UMBC FORM WIRELESS AND MOBILE COMPUTING PARTNERSHIP

Aether Systems, Inc., and the University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC), have initiated a $510,000 research and education partnership to strengthen the Baltimore region's role in the rapidly growing field of wireless and mobile computing.

Baltimore, Md. - Aether Systems, Inc., and the University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC), have initiated a $510,000 research and education partnership to strengthen the Baltimore region's role in the rapidly growing field of wireless and mobile computing.

The agreement is the first step in an ongoing collaboration and will provide support to UMBC for on-campus research projects performed by undergraduate and graduate students and faculty. Aether engineers will work with UMBC faculty to develop a wireless data curriculum to help the university establish a leading national presence in this area of study and research.

In addition, the research grant will help sponsor wireless and mobile computing seminars on campus for students and faculty and off-campus seminars for the broader business community through UMBC's Visionary Series in Information Technology.

Based in Owings Mills, Md., Aether Systems Inc. (Nasdaq: AETH), is a leader in wireless data systems and services, providing real-time communications and transactions across a full range of devices such as phones, pagers and personal digital assistants (PDAs) over a full spectrum of wireless networks.

"Through this partnership, Aether Systems is reinvesting in both the future of its core business - providing leading-edge wireless data products and services- and the Baltimore-Washington corridor's growing strength in high technology," said Aether Chairman and CEO David Oros, a graduate of UMBC. "Together with UMBC, we hope to cultivate the next generation of wireless-conversant professionals and further establish our community as an internationally recognized center of high technology."

UMBC President Freeman Hrabowski added, "The Aether-UMBC partnership will grow to attract the best minds in wireless and mobile computing, making our region a force in a field that is already changing the lives of people around the world."

UMBC faculty members such as Anupam Joshi are visualizing a future where wireless networks allow a constant interaction between pervasive computers and humans. "We're already seeing affordable palmtop computers that have the power of supercomputers from a decade ago," said Joshi, an assistant professor of computer science and engineering at UMBC with six years of experience in the field. "In the near future we'll see embedded computers in roads, cars, household appliances, telephones and even clothing. These computationally enabled devices will form dynamic networks and collaborate to perform tasks."

Wireless access to the Internet and corporate data continues to gain momentum. According to the Boston-based Yankee Group, by December 2000, an estimated 4 million wireless phone subscribers will use cell phones to get data from the web. By 2003, International Data Corp. (IDC) believes that 61.5 million people will be using wireless devices to access the Internet. (IDC).

"While the Internet has served as a vehicle for people to connect to the world, wireless technologies represent a vehicle to bring the world to the people, wherever they are," said Dale Shelton, Aether Chief Technology Officer. "Whether it's enabling investors to trade stocks while playing golf, a businessman to check and/or send email from a train or even a beach chair, or a teenager to pay a soda machine with her cell phone, the partnership between Aether and UMBC will help us lead the charge in making wireless the future of communications."

UMBC's residence halls, classrooms and offices will soon become living laboratories for wireless and mobile computing technology, according to Jack Suess, director of university computing at UMBC. "The transition won't happen overnight, but UMBC 's growing expertise in the field will help us to gradually provide a menu of applications for faculty, staff and especially students." Suess said that the first test project will be working with Aether Systems to provide UMBC students with wireless/mobile access to class information and services through the school's personalized web portal, myUMBC.

Wireless and mobile computing currently can be used for a variety of business and personal applications, including: e-mail, real-time stock tracking and trading, transportation logistics, field sales transactions, healthcare communications, message notification and call management, mapping and locator services, weather and traffic alerts, news, sports and information services, e-commerce transactions and banking services, online address books, directory services and corporate intranet applications.

An April study by IDC found that more than 35 million US households are online, but there are more than 75 million cellular/PCS subscribers and more than 40 million paging subscribers. According to IDC, sales of handheld computers and smart phones worldwide will hit 35.2 million units by 2003 -- up from 8.9 million in 1999.

About Aether
Aether Systems, Inc., is a leading provider of wireless and mobile data services allowing real-time communications and transactions across a full range of devices and networks. Using its engineering expertise, the Aether Intelligent Messaging (AIM) software platform, the ScoutWare family of products (resulting from the acquisition of Riverbed Technologies, Inc.) and its network operations and customer service center, Aether Systems seeks to provide comprehensive, technology-independent wireless and mobile computing solutions. Aether develops and delivers wireless data services across a variety of industries and market segments in the United States and internationally. Aether is a joint principal owner, along with 3Com Corp., of OmniSky, Inc., a wireless Internet service provider based in Palo Alto, Calif. Aether headquarters are located at 11460 Cronridge Dr., Owings Mills, MD 21117. For more information, please visit the Aether website at www.aethersystems.com.

Posted by dwinds1

April 17, 2000

FLYING FRUIT FANTASY CONCESSION STAND OPEN FOR BUSINESS ON OPENING DAY

Flying Fruit Fantasy concession stand at Oriole Park at Camden Yards is part of the Choice Jobs Program of the Shriver Center at UMBC and provides practical employment education and work experience for young people.

Baltimore, MD Opening day for Oriole Park at Camden Yards means the Flying Fruit Fantasy concession stand is open for another season of business. The concession stand, which sells fruitshakes, is part of the Choice Jobs Program of the Shriver Center at UMBC and provides practical employment education and work experience for young people, 14 to 18 years old.

Our program is based on the premise that troubled youth can positively redirect their lives if they are guided on a structured and supportive path to adulthood, says Jeff Goldman, assistant director of Choice Jobs.

And, run a successful business, as well. The Flying Fruit Fantasy stand was cited by Washingtonian Magazine as among the best in the ballpark last summer, even as it was providing 40 jobs for at-risk youth and generating over $34,000 in revenue. One can never be sure who might make a stop at the stand. Several seasons ago, President Bill Clinton made a visit and tried a fruitshake.

The Flying Fruit Fantasy concession stand, which was established in 1991 and is located behind home plate on the main concourse, is made possible by a $25,000 grant from the Maryland Department of Juvenile Justice and $30,000 from a Community Development Block Grant. Additional support comes from Aramark, the Maryland Stadium Authority and the Orioles organization.

Choice Jobs provides real world-of-work training, with particular focus on the how-to's, such as resume writing, interview techniques, social skills and job retention, says Goldman. Adding, Job Coaches take an active role in each participant's continuing development.

This is such an important program, says John Martello, vice provost for community partnerships and founder and executive director of the Shriver Center. And, as such, is a powerful example of the university serving the community in a real and useful way.

Posted by dwinds1

April 11, 2000

UNIVERSITY SYSTEM OF MARYLAND BOARD OF REGENTS HONORS UMBC FACULTY FOR EXCELLENCE

The University System of Maryland Board of Regents has awarded four of its 13 prestigious Faculty Awards to UMBC professors -- Kevin Eckert, Jay Freyman, Lynn Zimmerman and John Jeffries -- giving UMBC more awards than any other USM institution.

Baltimore, MD -- The University System of Maryland Board of Regents has awarded four of its 13 prestigious Faculty Awards to UMBC professors -- giving UMBC more awards than any other USM institution. A campus committee, headed by English department chair James McKusick selected the nominees for consideration.

The Regents Awards, established in 1998, are the highest honor presented by the Regents to recognize faculty achievements. Awards are given in five categories, including research and public service.

Kevin Eckert, a professor in the department of sociology and anthropology and prominent scholar in the field of gerontology, received a Regents Award for Inter-USM-Campus Collaboration. Through his partnerships with the University of Maryland's School of Medicine, he has illuminated the medical and functional outcomes of long-term care for the elderly in assisted-living facilities.

Jay Freyman received a Regents Award for Excellence in Mentoring. As director of UMBC's Honors College and associate professor of ancient studies, Freyman has served numerous students as a personal counselor, career advisor and advocate and has created a variety of effective mentoring structures for the campus.

Lynn Zimmerman, who also received a Regents Award for Excellence in Mentoring, is associate professor of biological sciences, and has served as a mentor to numerous undergraduate and graduate students, who have gone on to some of the most prestigious universities. She also works with more than 700 undergraduates as a mentor/advisor to the UMBC Chapter of the Golden Key National Honor Society.

A Regents Award for Teaching Excellence was awarded to John Jeffries, professor of history and UMBC Presidential Teaching Professor, 19992002. Jeffries teaches a wide range of undergraduate and graduate courses in American history and served as department chair from 1992-1998.

Each of the recipients will receive $1,000 and a commemorative plaque from the Board of Regents. For more information about the award recipients, please see the April 2000 issue of Insights.

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Posted by dwinds1

March 31, 2000

UMBC RESEARCH PARK REACHES SETTLEMENT WITH COMMUNITY COALITION

The UMBC Research Park Corporation and the Coalition for the Preservation of Southwest Baltimore County have reached a settlement agreement that allows construction of the proposed park to begin later this year.

Baltimore, MD - The UMBC Research Park Corporation and the Coalition for the Preservation of Southwest Baltimore County have reached a settlement agreement that allows construction of the proposed park to begin later this year.

The agreement effectively reinstates the development plan approved by the Baltimore County hearing officer in 1998 for a five-building, 342,000-square-foot research park to be built on 41 acres of the University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC) campus. This approval was under appeal by the Coalition seeking a broader definition of the surrounding neighborhood.

The UMBC Research Park has signed a letter of intent with its first tenant RWD Technologies who plan to move their new Applied Technology Laboratory into the first building in the fall of 2001. Real estate developer Grosvenor International will construct the RWD facility and is planning a second, 42,000-square-foot multi-tenant building.

\\"We are very pleased to have been able to work out a mutually satisfactory agreement with the community coalition and proceed with our plans to break ground this summer,\\" said Ellen Wiggins, Executive Director of the UMBC Research Park Corporation.

The UMBC Research Park\\'s goal is to build on the university\\'s strength in high-tech fields like engineering and information technology. The park will help foster research and development collaborations among UMBC faculty, students and industry while creating jobs for the Baltimore region.

Posted by dwinds1

UMBC RESEARCH PARK REACHES SETTLEMENT WITH COMMUNITY COALITION

The UMBC Research Park Corporation and the Coalition for the Preservation of Southwest Baltimore County have reached a settlement agreement that allows construction of the proposed park to begin later this year.

The UMBC Research Park Corporation and the Coalition for the Preservation of Southwest Baltimore County have reached a settlement agreement that allows construction of the proposed park to begin later this year.

The agreement effectively reinstates the development plan approved by the Baltimore County hearing officer in 1998 for a five-building, 342,000-square-foot research park to be built on 41 acres of the University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC) campus. This approval was under appeal by the Coalition seeking a broader definition of the surrounding neighborhood.

The UMBC Research Park has signed a letter of intent with its first tenant RWD Technologies who plan to move their new Applied Technology Laboratory into the first building in the fall of 2001. Real estate developer Grosvenor International will construct the RWD facility and is planning a second, 42,000-square-foot multi-tenant building.

\\"We are very pleased to have been able to work out a mutually satisfactory agreement with the community coalition and proceed with our plans to break ground this summer,\\" said Ellen Wiggins, Executive Director of the UMBC Research Park Corporation.

The UMBC Research Park\\'s goal is to build on the university\\'s strength in high-tech fields like engineering and information technology. The park will help foster research and development collaborations among UMBC faculty, students and industry while creating jobs for the Baltimore region.

Posted by dwinds1

March 21, 2000

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Posted by dwinds1

March 8, 2000

LEADING TECHNOLOGY ACCESS ADVOCATE TO DISCUSS THE DIGITAL DIVIDE

UMBC's Center for Women & Information Technology presents Ana Sisnett, Executive Director of the Austin Free-Net, a non-profit federally funded organization that offers free Internet access and classes in over forty sites in Austin, Texas, many in neighborhoods with large African American and Latino populations. Ms. Sisnett will also read selections of her poetry in the Women's Center, RAC 226, on Friday, March 31 at 1 p.m.

Baltimore, MD -- Leading technology access advocate, Ana Sisnett, will visit UMBC to deliver a lecture entitled "Who're You Callin' a 'Have-Not'?: Technology, Access, And Training For Women" on Thursday, March 30 at 4 p.m. in the Albin O. Kuhn Library Gallery. Ms. Sisnett will also give a poetry reading on campus in the Women's Center, RAC 226, on Friday, March 31 at 1 p.m. Both events are free and open to the public.

Ana Sisnett is the Executive Director of the Austin Free-Net, a non-profit federally funded organization that offers free Internet access and classes in over forty sites in Austin, Texas, many in neighborhoods with large African American and Latino populations. She is also the co-founder of the TechnoMama Project, an organization dedicated to training women, especially women of color, in information technology skills.

Ana Sisnett has been active in online communities since the early 1990s. Born in Panama she is bilingual, a performing poet, and the author of the children's book Grannie Jus' Come! and other works. She shares the cover of the March 2000 issue of Texas Monthly as one of the technological avant-garde.

The Center for Women & Information Technology hosts an annual Speakers Series that addresses issues concerned with women and IT. For more information about this and other CWIT initiatives, please contact the Center at (410) 455-2822.

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Posted by dwinds1

March 3, 2000

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Posted by dwinds1

March 2, 2000

TURNING POINTS IN HISTORY THE THEME OF CENTRAL MARYLAND HISTORY DAY, 2000

UMBC's Department of History is proud to host this year's Central Maryland History Day on Saturday, March 18, from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. on the UMBC Campus. Middle and High School students from over twenty schools in the state will be presenting their research on this year's theme of "Turning Points in History" with exhibits on the 7th Floor of the Albin O. Kuhn Library, screenings of documentary works in the Fine Arts Building, and performances in Lecture Hall III.

UMBC's Department of History is proud to host this year's Central Maryland History Day on Saturday, March 18, from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. on the UMBC Campus.

Middle and High School students from over twenty schools in the state will be presenting their research on this year's theme of "Turning Points in History" with exhibits on the 7th Floor of the Albin O. Kuhn Library, screenings of documentary works in the Fine Arts Building, and performances in Lecture Hall III.

Coordinated by UMBC Professor of History Dan Ritschel, this year's History Day will include students from Chesapeake Senior High School, Pasadena; Dundalk Middle School, Dundalk; Ellicott Mills School, Ellicott City; Holy Family School, Randallstown; Julius West Middle School, Rockville; Pikesville Senior High School, Pikesville; and Spring Ridge, Lexington Park as well as other institutions.

UMBC graduate students from the Department of History have been mentoring students throughout the Spring. With added input from curators associated with the Baltimore Museum Alliance, students have also been give the opportunity to hone their ideas and gain insights from professional historians. Emphasis has been placed on research in primary sources, presentation techniques, and interpretative skills.

Selected topics include exhibits on the effect of the Civil War on slavery in Maryland and the fall of the Berlin Wall; documentaries on the key Battles of Gettysburg and the Russian Revolution; and performances including Women Seeking Voting Rights With Anna S. Harlan and The Impact of the Telephone: The Real Heart of Communication.

The day will culminate with an award announcement ceremony in the afternoon at 3 p.m. Parents will have the opportunity to attend an information session about University Admissions and programs at UMBC with University representatives during the event.

For more information, please contact UMBC's Department of History at (410) 455-2312.

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Posted by dwinds1

TURNING POINTS IN HISTORY THE THEME OF CENTRAL MARYLAND HISTORY DAY, 2000

UMBC's Department of History is proud to host this year's Central Maryland History Day on Saturday, March 18, from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. on the UMBC Campus. Middle and High School students from over twenty schools in the state will be presenting their research on this year's theme of "Turning Points in History" with exhibits on the 7th Floor of the Albin O. Kuhn Library, screenings of documentary works in the Fine Arts Building, and performances in Lecture Hall III.

UMBC's Department of History is proud to host this year's Central Maryland History Day on Saturday, March 18, from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. on the UMBC Campus.

Middle and High School students from over twenty schools in the state will be presenting their research on this year's theme of "Turning Points in History" with exhibits on the 7th Floor of the Albin O. Kuhn Library, screenings of documentary works in the Fine Arts Building, and performances in Lecture Hall III.

Coordinated by UMBC Professor of History Dan Ritschel, this year's History Day will include students from Chesapeake Senior High School, Pasadena; Dundalk Middle School, Dundalk; Ellicott Mills School, Ellicott City; Holy Family School, Randallstown; Julius West Middle School, Rockville; Pikesville Senior High School, Pikesville; and Spring Ridge, Lexington Park as well as other institutions.

UMBC graduate students from the Department of History have been mentoring students throughout the Spring. With added input from curators associated with the Baltimore Museum Alliance, students have also been give the opportunity to hone their ideas and gain insights from professional historians. Emphasis has been placed on research in primary sources, presentation techniques, and interpretative skills.

Selected topics include exhibits on the effect of the Civil War on slavery in Maryland and the fall of the Berlin Wall; documentaries on the key Battles of Gettysburg and the Russian Revolution; and performances including Women Seeking Voting Rights With Anna S. Harlan and The Impact of the Telephone: The Real Heart of Communication.

The day will culminate with an award announcement ceremony in the afternoon at 3 p.m. Parents will have the opportunity to attend an information session about University Admissions and programs at UMBC with University representatives during the event.

For more information, please contact UMBC's Department of History at (410) 455-2312.

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Posted by dwinds1

February 14, 2000

CONSTELLATION ENERGY CEO NAMED UMBC ENGINEER OF THE YEAR

UMBC will honor Christian H. Poindexter, chairman, president and CEO of the Constellation Energy Group, Inc. and BGE, as Engineer of the Year. The award ceremony will be held from 5:30-8:30 p.m. in the University Center Ballroom on Thursday, February 24.

Baltimore, MD - UMBC will honor Christian H. Poindexter, chairman, president and CEO of the Constellation Energy Group, Inc. and BGE, as Engineer of the Year. The award ceremony will be held from 5:30-8:30 p.m. in the University Center Ballroom on Thursday, February 24.

The Engineer of the Year Award is presented by the UMBC College of Engineering and its Industrial Advisory Board. The event celebrates the strong partnerships between the university and the business community. "Our relationships with businesses such as Constellation directly benefit UMBC students, faculty and the company alike," says President Freeman A. Hrabowski, III.

Under Poindexter's leadership Constellation has provided outstanding support to UMBC, including a recent $750, 000 gift to establish the BGE Teaching Fund. The fund will underwrite the annual cost of new full-time and part-time positions in high-demand programs such as information systems, computer science and mechanical engineering. In addition, BGE currently supports six annual scholarship awards for UMBC students and employs more than 50 graduates.

"Mr. Poindexter's contributions to the field of engineering span his entire career at BGE, starting in 1967 with his advanced work in nuclear power generation. We are honored to recognize him with this prestigious award," says Shlomo Carmi, dean of the UMBC College of Engineering.

In addition to the awards ceremony, the reception will feature presentations by faculty and students working on projects ranging from a 3-D molecular modeling program (sophomore Joe Murray) to a newly-patented cursive character recognition program to be used by the U.S. Post Office (associate professor Chein-I Chang).

Last presented in 1995, the Engineer of the Year award recognizes leaders in engineering who significantly contribute to the region and nation, both as drivers of the economy and civic leaders and role models. Previous award winners include Whiting-Turner's Willard Hackerman McGowan (1988), Norman Augustine, then chairman of Martin Marietta and later Lockheed Martin Corporation (1990) and former Assistant Secretary of Defense Lt. Gen. Emmett Paige (1995).

For more information and to register online, visit www.umbc.edu/2000engineer.

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Posted by dwinds1

CONSTELLATION ENERGY CEO NAMED UMBC ENGINEER OF THE YEAR

UMBC will honor Christian H. Poindexter, chairman, president and CEO of the Constellation Energy Group, Inc. and BGE, as Engineer of the Year. The award ceremony will be held from 5:30-8:30 p.m. in the University Center Ballroom on Thursday, February 24.

Baltimore, MD - UMBC will honor Christian H. Poindexter, chairman, president and CEO of the Constellation Energy Group, Inc. and BGE, as Engineer of the Year. The award ceremony will be held from 5:30-8:30 p.m. in the University Center Ballroom on Thursday, February 24. The Engineer of the Year Award is presented by the UMBC College of Engineering and its Industrial Advisory Board. The event celebrates the strong partnerships between the university and the business community. "Our relationships with businesses such as Constellation directly benefit UMBC students, faculty and the company alike," says President Freeman A. Hrabowski, III. Under Poindexter's leadership Constellation has provided outstanding support to UMBC, including a recent $750, 000 gift to establish the BGE Teaching Fund. The fund will underwrite the annual cost of new full-time and part-time positions in high-demand programs such as information systems, computer science and mechanical engineering. In addition, BGE currently supports six annual scholarship awards for UMBC students and employs more than 50 graduates. "Mr. Poindexter's contributions to the field of engineering span his entire career at BGE, starting in 1967 with his advanced work in nuclear power generation. We are honored to recognize him with this prestigious award," says Shlomo Carmi, dean of the UMBC College of Engineering. In addition to the awards ceremony, the reception will feature presentations by faculty and students working on projects ranging from a 3-D molecular modeling program (sophomore Joe Murray) to a newly-patented cursive character recognition program to be used by the U.S. Post Office (associate professor Chein-I Chang). Last presented in 1995, the Engineer of the Year award recognizes leaders in engineering who significantly contribute to the region and nation, both as drivers of the economy and civic leaders and role models. Previous award winners include Whiting-Turner's Willard Hackerman McGowan (1988), Norman Augustine, then chairman of Martin Marietta and later Lockheed Martin Corporation (1990) and former Assistant Secretary of Defense Lt. Gen. Emmett Paige (1995). For more information and to register online, visit www.umbc.edu/2000engineer.

# # #

Posted by dwinds1

CONSTELLATION ENERGY CEO NAMED UMBC ENGINEER OF THE YEAR

UMBC will honor Christian H. Poindexter, chairman, president and CEO of the Constellation Energy Group, Inc. and BGE, as Engineer of the Year. The award ceremony will be held from 5:30-8:30 p.m. in the University Center Ballroom on Thursday, February 24.

Baltimore, MD - UMBC will honor Christian H. Poindexter, chairman, president and CEO of the Constellation Energy Group, Inc. and BGE, as Engineer of the Year. The award ceremony will be held from 5:30-8:30 p.m. in the University Center Ballroom on Thursday, February 24.

The Engineer of the Year Award is presented by the UMBC College of Engineering and its Industrial Advisory Board. The event celebrates the strong partnerships between the university and the business community. "Our relationships with businesses such as Constellation directly benefit UMBC students, faculty and the company alike," says President Freeman A. Hrabowski, III.

Under Poindexter's leadership Constellation has provided outstanding support to UMBC, including a recent $750, 000 gift to establish the BGE Teaching Fund. The fund will underwrite the annual cost of new full-time and part-time positions in high-demand programs such as information systems, computer science and mechanical engineering. In addition, BGE currently supports six annual scholarship awards for UMBC students and employs more than 50 graduates.

"Mr. Poindexter's contributions to the field of engineering span his entire career at BGE, starting in 1967 with his advanced work in nuclear power generation. We are honored to recognize him with this prestigious award," says Shlomo Carmi, dean of the UMBC College of Engineering.

In addition to the awards ceremony, the reception will feature presentations by faculty and students alike. One such presentation is a newly-patented cursive character recognition program to be used by the U.S. Post Office (associate professor Chein-I Chang).

Last presented in 1995, the Engineer of the Year award recognizes leaders in engineering who significantly contribute to the region and nation, both as drivers of the economy and civic leaders and role models. Previous award winners include Whiting-Turner's Willard Hackerman and BGE's George McGowan (1988), Norman Augustine, then chairman of Martin Marietta and later Lockheed Martin Corporation (1990) and former Assistant Secretary of Defense Lt. Gen. Emmett Paige (1995).

For more information and to register online, visit www.umbc.edu/2000engineer.

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Posted by dwinds1

February 2, 2000

SUMMER AND PART-TIME JOB FAIR BRINGS EMPLOYERS TO UMBC

UMBC's Career Development and Placement Center announces its annual Summer and Part-Time Job Fair, Wednesday, February 16, 2000.

Baltimore, MD - UMBC's Career Development and Placement Center will host a Summer and Part-Time Job Fair on Wednesday, February 16, in the University Center Ballroom from 12:30 p.m. until 3:30 p.m. The event is free and open to UMBC students from all majors and concentrations.

More than 50 employers will meet with students interested in securing summer employment early. Companies and organizations already registered are the Anne Arundel County Recreation and Parks Department, Atlantic Pharmaceutical Services, CyberGroup, Girl Scouts of America, the Maryland Science Center and UMBC's Shriver Center.

Job candidates should bring resumes and dress appropriately for potential on-site interviews. For more information, please contact the Career Development and Placement Center at (410) 455-2216.

Posted by dwinds1

January 21, 2000

Science test

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Posted by dwinds1

January 5, 2000

THREE NEW FIRMS JOIN UMBC TECHNOLOGY CENTER

Israel-based biotech company IntelliGene is among three new firms at the UMBC Technology Center.

Israel-based biotech firm IntelliGene is among three new companies that have joined the UMBC Technology Center.

IntelliGene is establishing a product development facility at the Technology Center. The company is marketing low-cost, rapid, ultra-sensitive and simple-to-use tests to identify non-viral sexually transmitted diseases (STDs).

IntelliGene\\'s first tests will use a direct ribozyme assay technique to detect chlamydia and gonorrhea in urine. The company plans to market the tests to hospitals and large physician practices. The tests are point-of-care, yielding results during a patient visit. Currently patients must wait several days for results from a ship-away lab.

IntelliGene came to UMBC as a result of an economic development trade mission to Israel set in motion by the Maryland/ Israel Development Center (MIDC). Maryland Department of Business and Economic Development biotech specialist Martha Connelly also helped steer IntelliGene toward the UMBC center.

In addition to its Jerusalem research labs, the firm has a U.S. division in Hartford, Connecticut. IntelliGene also collaborates with faculty at the University of Maryland Biotech Institute (UMBI) on product development.

Another UMBC Technology Center tenant, international biotech training organization PDA, also helped connect IntelliGene to Baltimore. Dr. Mike Korcynski, director of PDA, had previously worked with IntelliGene USA\\'s VP of Operations and Engineering David Bach. When Bach, an Ellicott City resident, was tapped to lead a new division in Baltimore, the UMBC Technology Center\\'s Catonsville location was a natural fit.

The second newcomer to the UMBC center is Columbia Technologies, LLC, an integrated environmental sampling, testing and analysis firm. The company identifies emerging technologies for the environmental market, assists in product development and then deploys the technologies to industry and environmental consulting firms. Columbia is working with UMBC chemistry faculty to further develop new chemical sensors, data management systems, and Internet based applications.

\\"Our partnership with the UMBC Technology Center provides an excellent opportunity to tap the research capabilities of the university faculty and staff,\\" said Columbia co-principal John Sohl. \\"This helps solve the difficult problem facing most small business owners of doing the research and development required for new products and services.\\"

The third new arrival at UMBC is Chromatin 1, which supports biomedical advances in the growing field of chromatin research. Chromatin, or the active form of chromosomes in cells, acts as the on-off control switch for genes. \\"This gene regulation is of central importance in biology, and chromatin research is yielding significant insights into many normal and abnormal processes,\\" said Chromatin president Jim Wagner.

The company will offer purified cellular and chromatin components, reagents and other experimental tools for researchers working with chromatin. \\"We were attracted to the incubator program at UMBC because of the relatively low costs, the support services offered, and the possibility of interaction with other scientists,\\" said Wagner.

Posted by dwinds1

November 29, 1999

UMBC CHESS TEAM CROWNED INTERCOLLEGIATE CHAMPION

The UMBC chess team claimed its third national chess championship in four years by beating the University of Toronto in the final round of the 1999 Pan-American Intercollegiate Team Chess Championship in Toronto, Ontario. The thirty-one team field came down to UMBC (1st place), University of Texas, Dallas (2nd place), Berkeley (3rd place), Harvard (4th place) and Stanford (5th place).

Toronto, ON - Today, the University of Maryland, Baltimore County chess team claimed its third national chess championship in four years by beating the University of Toronto in the final round of the 1999 Pan-American Intercollegiate Team Chess Championship in Toronto, Ontario.

UMBC faced and defeated teams from Berkeley, Western Ontario and Toronto and tied a team from the University of Texas, Dallas. The thirty-one team field came down to UMBC (1st place), University of Texas, Dallas (2nd place), Berkeley (3rd place), Harvard (4th place) and Stanford (5th place).

"Although we were the defending champions, we were expecting tough competition from University of Texas, Dallas and the University of Toronto," says Alan Sherman, associate professor of computer science and faculty advisor to the UMBC Chess Club. "Our team stepped up and played extremely well."

UMBC's championship team included Florin Felecan Jr., originally from Romania (board 1); International Master-elect Eugene Perelshteyn, originally from Russia (board 2); last year's top HS player in the Philippines Anton Paolo del Mundo (board 3); and former New York City player William "The Exterminator" Morrison (board 4). Top player honors went to UMBC's Eugene Perelshteyn and William Morrison.

The United States Chess Federation has selected UMBC as the site for the 2000 U.S. Junior Chess Championship and U.S. Junior Open chess tournament, July 6-16. The winner of the Junior Championship will earn the title of U.S. Junior Champion, represent the U.S. in the World Junior Championship, and earn a place in the next year's U.S. Championship team as well as a four-year tuition scholarship to UMBC.

For more information, contact Alan Sherman at 410.455.2666, sherman@umbc.edu or visit the UMBC Chess Club at www.umbc.edu/chess.

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Posted by dwinds1

UMBC CHESS TEAM CROWNED INTERCOLLEGIATE CHAMPION

The UMBC chess team claimed its third national chess championship in four years by beating the University of Toronto in the final round of the 1999 Pan-American Intercollegiate Team Chess Championship in Toronto, Ontario. The thirty-one team field came down to UMBC (1st place), University of Texas, Dallas (2nd place), Berkeley (3rd place), Harvard (4th place) and Stanford (5th place).

Toronto, ON - Today, the University of Maryland, Baltimore County chess team claimed its third national chess championship in four years by beating the University of Toronto in the final round of the 1999 Pan-American Intercollegiate Team Chess Championship in Toronto, Ontario.

UMBC faced and defeated teams from Berkeley, Western Ontario and Toronto and tied a team from the University of Texas, Dallas. The thirty-one team field came down to UMBC (1st place), University of Texas, Dallas (2nd place), Berkeley (3rd place), Harvard (4th place) and Stanford (5th place).

"Although we were the defending champions, we were expecting tough competition from University of Texas, Dallas and the University of Toronto," says Alan Sherman, associate professor of computer science and faculty advisor to the UMBC Chess Club. "Our team stepped up and played extremely well."

UMBC's championship team included Florin Felecan Jr., originally from Romania (board 1); International Master-elect Eugene Perelshteyn, originally from Russia (board 2); former New York City player William "The Exterminator" Morrison (board 3); and last year's top HS player in the Philippines Anton Paolo del Mundo (board 4). Bryan G. Smith was first alternate. Top player honors went to UMBC's Eugene Perelshteyn and William Morrison.

The United States Chess Federation has selected UMBC as the site for the 2000 U.S. Junior Chess Championship and U.S. Junior Open chess tournament, July 6-16. The winner of the Junior Championship will earn the title of U.S. Junior Champion, represent the U.S. in the World Junior Championship, and earn a place in the next year's U.S. Championship team as well as a four-year tuition scholarship to UMBC.

For more information, contact Alan Sherman at 410.455.2666, sherman@umbc.edu or visit the UMBC Chess Club at www.umbc.edu/chess.

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Posted by dwinds1

November 21, 1999

UMBC'S LAMBDA CHI ALPHA FRATERNITY
KNOWN AS EAGLE SCOUT HOUSE

UMBC's chapter of the International Lambda Chi Alpha Fraternity blasts the stereotypical "Animal House" fraternity image by being home to ten Eagle Scouts. Just two percent of all scouts attain the rank of Eagle Scout, an honor bestowed on particularly dedicated and service oriented scouts before they turn eighteen. Six out of the nine most recent members of Lambda Chi have earned the title. The fraternity, not unlike the Boy Scouts themselves, is focused on leadership, scholarship, personal development, and service to the community.

Baltimore, MD - UMBC's chapter of the International Lambda Chi Alpha Fraternity blasts the stereotypical "Animal House" fraternity image by being home to ten Eagle Scouts. Just two percent of all scouts attain the rank of Eagle Scout, an honor bestowed on particularly dedicated and service-oriented scouts before they turn eighteen. Six out of the nine most recent members of Lambda Chi have earned the title. The fraternity, not unlike the Boy Scouts themselves, is focused on leadership, scholarship, personal development, and service to the community.

The fraternity is interested in recruiting "bright community service oriented leaders" says Lambda Chi and Eagle Scout William Glover, President of the UMBC Alumni Association. "Lambda Chi Alpha and UMBC provide outstanding opportunities for young men to develop their leadership skills, serve their community, and pursue a top-notch education. Today, more than ever, it is important for college-bound men to have the opportunity to be affiliated with an organization like Lambda Chi that holds true to the goals and ideals of Scouting."

The Annual North American Food Drive is one of the services Lambda Chi brothers provide for their community. Last year alone they assisted in gathering two million pounds of food for the homeless and underprivileged across the country.

On December 11, Patrick Ellis of Glen Burnie was the most recent brother inducted as an Eagle Scout at Pasadena United Methodist Church, Troop 346. His compatriots include: Chris Carr of Conowingo; Adam Hughes of Frederick; Webster Powell of Bowie; William Sarkis of Crofton; Eric Segerson of Columbia; Bryan Louie of Lancaster, PA; Nason Kowalski of Upper Marlboro; Nicholas Adler of Laurel; and William Glover of Elkridge.

On May 5 and 6 this coming Spring, Lambda Chi celebrates its 20th Anniversary at UMBC with a dinner and dance in Ellicott City's Turf Valley Resort.

# # #

Posted by dwinds1

UMBC'S LAMBDA CHI ALPHA FRATERNITY KNOWN AS EAGLE SCOUT HOUSE

UMBC's chapter of the International Lambda Chi Alpha Fraternity blasts the stereotypical "Animal House" fraternity image by being home to ten Eagle Scouts. Just two percent of all scouts attain the rank of Eagle Scout, an honor bestowed on particularly dedicated and service oriented scouts before they turn eighteen. Six out of the nine most recent members of Lambda Chi have earned the title. The fraternity, not unlike the Boy Scouts themselves, is focused on leadership, scholarship, personal development, and service to the community.

UMBC's chapter of the International Lambda Chi Alpha Fraternity blasts the stereotypical "Animal House" fraternity image by being home to ten Eagle Scouts. Just two percent of all scouts attain the rank of Eagle Scout, an honor bestowed on particularly dedicated and service oriented scouts before they turn eighteen. Six out of the nine most recent members of Lambda Chi have earned the title. The fraternity, not unlike the Boy Scouts themselves, is focused on leadership, scholarship, personal development, and service to the community.

The fraternity is interested in recruiting "bright community service oriented leaders" says Lambda Chi and Eagle Scout William Glover, President of the UMBC Alumni Association. "Lambda Chi Alpha and UMBC provide outstanding opportunities for young men to develop their leadership skills, serve their community, and pursue a top-notch education. Today, more than ever, it is important for college-bound men to have the opportunity to be affiliated with an organization like Lambda Chi that holds true to the goals and ideals of Scouting."

The Annual North American Food Drive is one of the services Lambda Chi brothers provide for their community. Last year alone they assisted in gathering two million pounds of food for the homeless and underprivileged across the country.

On December 11, Patrick Ellis of Glen Burnie was the most recent brother inducted as an Eagle Scout at Pasadena United Methodist Church, Troop 346. His compatriots include: Chris Carr of Conowingo; Adam Hughes of Frederick; Webster Powell of Bowie; William Sarkis of Crofton; Eric Segerson of Columbia; Bryan Louie of Lancaster, PA; Nason Kowalski of Upper Marlboro; Nicholas Adler of Laurel; and William Glover of Elkridge.

On May 4 and 5 this coming Spring, Lambda Chi celebrates its 20th Anniversary at UMBC with a dinner and dance in Ellicott City's Turf Valley Resort.

Posted by dwinds1

November 14, 1999

UMBC'S WEB SITE WINS TWO GOLD MEDALS

UMBC's entire web site and myUMBC, a web portal for students, faculty and staff, won gold medals in the 1999 awards program for District II (Mid-Atlantic region) of the Council for the Advancement and Support of Education (CASE).

Baltimore, MD - Two UMBC web sites won gold medals in the 1999 awards program for District II (Mid-Atlantic region) of the Council for the Advancement and Support of Education (CASE).

UMBC took gold in the entire site category and tied with Cornell University for gold in the special purpose/publication category, based on myUMBC, a web portal for students, faculty and staff. The awards will be presented at the 2000 CASE District II conference in Baltimore, February 5-8. The sites will also be entered in the CASE national awards program, which will convene during the national assembly in Toronto next July.

Staff from UMBC's Office of Institutional Advancement, University Computing Services and Enrollment Services participated in these efforts. The complete list of winners includes the following:

Entire Site
Gold
University of Maryland, Baltimore County
Silver
University of Maryland
Carnegie Mellon University
Student Recruitment
Gold
Carnegie Mellon University
Silver
University of Waterloo
Alumni Relations
Silver
Carleton University
University of Maryland
Publications/Special Purpose
Gold
Cornell University ("Beautiful Birds")
University of Maryland, Baltimore County (myUMBC)
Silver
University of Toronto ("Blue Book" of faculty experts)
For more information on UMBC's web site, visit www.umbc.edu/website.

Posted by dwinds1

October 8, 1999

SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM PREPARES UMBC STUDENTS FOR PUBLIC AFFAIRS AND
PUBLIC SERVICE CAREERS

A group of twelve students with a shared interest in public policy, public affairs and government service make up the first class of Public Affairs Scholars at UMBC. Supported by a $500,000 endowment gift from The Jacob and Hilda Blaustein Foundation, the program provides scholars with insight into the nature and significance of public affairs and public service careers.

Baltimore, MD - A group of twelve students with a shared interest in public policy, public affairs and government service make up the first class of Public Affairs Scholars at UMBC.

Supported by a $500,000 endowment gift from The Jacob and Hilda Blaustein Foundation, the program provides scholars with insight into the nature and significance of public affairs and public service careers.

"We want students to see first-hand that working in the public service arena can be both challenging and rewarding," says Roy Meyers, associate professor of political science and program coordinator. "Young people need to be encouraged about the possibilities for improving society, whether through government or private action," adds Meyers.

The program begins with an interdisciplinary seminar that explores U.S. and world conditions and various ways public involvement can improve these conditions. During their time at UMBC, students will meet the requirements of their chosen major while engaging in community service, attending a new Public Affairs Speakers Series, completing internships in their field and conducting research with faculty mentors.

"I'm expecting to be prepared for a career in public service by having a more solid background than I would receive simply by taking classes," says Public Affairs Scholar Rachel Lynn.

President Freeman Hrabowski notes "the program complements our existing Humanities Scholars, Linehan Artist Scholars and Meyerhoff Scholars programs which are already attracting growing numbers of truly outstanding students at UMBC."

# # #

Posted by dwinds1

October 2, 1999

DR. JAMES O. FREEDMAN, PRESIDENT EMERITUS OF DARTMOUTH COLLEGE, LECTURES ON THE LEGACY OF THURGOOD MARSHALL

Dr. James O. Freedman, Esq., President Emeritus of Dartmouth College and former law clerk to Judge Thurgood Marshall, will present the 21st Annual W.E.B. DuBois Distinguished Lecture on Wednesday, November 17 at 7 p.m. His talk, "The Legacy of Thurgood Marshall," is organized by the Department of Africana Studies and will be preceded by a performance by the UMBC Gospel Choir. The performance and lecture are free and open to the public.

Baltimore, MD - Dr. James O. Freedman, Esq., President Emeritus of Dartmouth College and former law clerk to Judge Thurgood Marshall, will present the 21st Annual W.E.B. DuBois Distinguished Lecture on Wednesday, November 17 at 7 p.m. His talk, "The Legacy of Thurgood Marshall," is organized by the Department of Africana Studies and will be preceded by a performance by the UMBC Gospel Choir. The performance and lecture are free and open to the public.

Dr. Freedman, a graduate of Harvard College, received the LL.B. from Yale Law School in 1962, after which he was law clerk to Judge Thurgood Marshall for the United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit. From 1963-64 Dr. Freedman was an associate in the New York law firm of Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton, and Garrison. From 1964-82 he was at the University of Pennsylvania Law School, where he served as dean during his last three years. Dr. Freedman was president of The University of Iowa from 1982-87 and president of Dartmouth College from 1987-98. He is currently Phi Beta Kappa Visiting Scholar for 1999-2000.

A visionary in higher education, Dr. Freedman holds the view that a liberal arts education must, above all, liberate. Currently on sabbatical in Cambridge writing an autobiography and making public appearances, he has written two books, including Idealism and Liberal Education (1996) and The Administrative Process and American Government (1978).

Dr. Freedman is the first non African-American to deliver the W.E.B. DuBois lecture, an annual event begun in 1978. The lecture is also part of UMBC's Humanities Forum, a free public series that brings nationally and internationally known scholars to discuss contemporary issues in the humanities.

This lecture is co-sponsored in part by the Offices of the President, Provost, Administrative Affairs, Institutional Advancement, Student Affairs, Continuing Education, Albin O. Kuhn Library, College of Engineering, Arts & Sciences, Graduate School, Alumni Association, Departments of Education, Policy Sciences, Political Science, Psychology, Sociology, Social Work, American Studies, History, Biological Sciences, Physics, Chemistry & Biochemistry, Interdisciplinary Studies Program and The Center for the Humanities. For more information on Dr. Freedman's lecture, please call the department of Africana studies at (410) 455-2158.

Posted by dwinds1

October 1, 1999

UMBC's SHRIVER CENTER RECOGNIZED FOR LEADERSHIP
IN DEVELOPING STUDENT CHARACTER

Described as "the prototype for urban education in the 21st century," the Shriver Center at UMBC has been recognized for leadership in the field of student character development by The Templeton Guide: Colleges that Encourage Character Development.

Baltimore -- Described as "the prototype for urban education in the 21st century," the Shriver Center at UMBC has been recognized for leadership in the field of student character development by The Templeton Guide: Colleges that Encourage Character Development.

Designed for students, parents and educators who believe that character matters, the Templeton Guide contains profiles of 405 exemplary college programs in 10 categories. The categories include First-Year Programs, Academic Honesty Programs; Faculty and Curriculum Programs; Volunteer Service Programs; Substance-Abuse Prevention Programs; Student Leadership Programs; Spiritual Growth Programs; Civic Education Programs; Character and Sexuality Programs; and Senior-Year Programs.

The Shriver Center is profiled with 60 colleges and universities in the Volunteer Service Programs category. Named in honor of Eunice Kennedy Shriver and 9Sargent Shriver, the Shriver Center strives to connect the work of the university with the needs of the community, mobilizing the resources of higher education to create solutions to urgent social problems.

Now in the midst of its fifth anniversary year, the center's programs focus on social care, service learning and professional practice - ranging from internship and service learning placements for college students to service delivery programs that effectively address the challenges of mental retardation, delinquency, school dropout and joblessness.

"The Shriver Center's strong commitment to character development and the strength of its program make it a model for colleges and universities nationwide," says Arthur J. Schwartz, director of Character Development Programs at the John Templeton Foundation.

"This is a great honor for us to be selected for a publication that specifically stresses the importance and value of community service and the lifelong impact that it can have on our students," says John Martello, founder and director of the Shriver Center and vice provost of community partnerships at UMBC.

Other academic institutions listed in the Volunteer Service Programs category include Cornell, Stanford and Yale.

The Shriver Center was chosen through a highly selective process that considered clarity of vision and statement of purpose; institutional resources; involvement of institutional leaders; impact on students, faculty, campus and community; integration into the core curriculum or academic study; longevity; external awards and recognition; and assessment.

Established in 1987, the John Templeton Foundation works closely with educators, scientists, theologians, medical professionals, and other scholars throughout the world to support more than 100 programs serving three chief purposes: to encourage character development in schools and colleges; to encourage an appreciation for the benefits of freedom; and to stimulate serious and scientific research on the relationship between spirituality and health.

The Foundation's College and Character Initiative supports national programs that offer meaningful opportunities for college students to learn about, reflect upon, and practice the virtues of personal and civic responsibility.

Posted by dwinds1

September 21, 1999

RWD TECHNOLOGIES TO BECOME FIRST TENANT OF UMBC RESEARCH PARK

Baltimore - RWD Technologies has signed a letter of intent to establish its new Applied Technology Laboratory at the UMBC Research Park. A new division and facility of RWD, the laboratory will focus on e-commerce and e-business, Web development, and interface-design for related applications.

Baltimore - RWD Technologies has signed a letter of intent to establish its new Applied Technology Laboratory at the UMBC Research Park. A new division and facility of RWD, the laboratory will focus on e-commerce and e-business, Web development, and interface-design for related applications.

Pending approval by the Maryland Board of Public Works, construction of a two-story, 40,000 square-foot facility for RWD will begin in early 2000 and is scheduled for completion in the second quarter of 2001. Within three years of its completion, the company expects the laboratory to be staffed with about 200 RWD employees.

One of these employees is David Yager, professor of visual arts and founder of UMBC's nationally acclaimed Imaging Research Center. Effective September 1, Yager became corporate vice president of RWD Technologies and director of RWD's new laboratory, which will be housed in UMBC's Technology Center until the new Research Park facility is completed. Yager will continue to be affiliated with UMBC, serving as distinguished professor of art, teaching, mentoring and supervising graduate students.

[Draft] "Locating the ATL at UMBC will help us stay abreast of the rapid advances in information technology research to meet our clients' needs," says Robert W. Deutsch, founder and CEO of RWD, and a member of UMBC's Board of Visitors. "It will also help the university attract top faculty and students to work on practical problems managing IT research and development. In this rapidly changing industry, we clearly need each other."

Creation of the Applied Technology Laboratory builds both on the university's long-standing relationship with RWD and professor Yager's ties with the Robert W. Deutsch Foundation, which began with a major research grant two years ago. The foundation also funds scholarships in computer science and information systems at UMBC to help attract and retain the best faculty and students in these high-demand areas.

[Draft] "It's a wonderful collaboration for RWD and UMBC," says Yager, who will also draw on UMBC students and faculty for internships and collaborative research in RWD's new laboratory. "In addition to conducting cutting-edge research on technology and user interface design, we will also be able to develop training opportunities for corporations in these technology-related areas."

In addition to announcing its first tenant, the UMBC Research Park Development Corporation has agreed with Grosvenor International (USA), Inc. for construction of the entire Research Park. Based on a memorandum of understanding, plans include a 75,000-square-foot, three-story, multi-tenant building at the UMBC site. Terms of the agreement call for local construction, design and real estate firms to be included in the development team.

"This is great economic news for UMBC, Baltimore County and the state of Maryland," says Ellen Wiggins, executive director of the UMBC Research Park Corporation. "The research park will build on the university's strength in high tech fields like engineering, computer science and biology and the success of our technology center to create hundreds of job opportunities in the community."

The vision of an on-campus research park providing collaborations with UMBC faculty, students and industry began with the late Michael Hooker, former UMBC and UNC-Chapel Hill President. The project was jump-started in 1996 with the acquisition of the former Lockheed Martin Laboratories building. The facility, just minutes from the main UMBC campus, BWI Airport and I-95, was then converted into the multi-tenant UMBC Technology Center with the help of a $5,000,000 down payment from the state of Maryland. The center was fully leased within one year and today houses 25 high-tech incubator and emerging companies with the Maryland Economic Development Corporation (MEDCO) overseeing a long term operating lease with UMBC. The UMBC Research Park infrastructure was completed earlier this year, with the help of Baltimore County, the state of Maryland and a grant from the Economic Development Authority.

[Draft Hrabowski/Hannon/other quote?] "UMBC, the state and Baltimore County have been strong partners in developing the region's economic development," says UMBC President Freeman Hrabowksi. "RWD's decision is not only a vote of confidence in our approach, but is also a critical first step toward achieving the broad range of facilities we've all envisioned for several years."

Based in Columbia, Maryland, RWD is an information technology consulting firm with 1150 employees, about half of whom live in Maryland. In 1998, RWD was listed among Forbes' "200 Best Small Companies" and ComputerWorld's "Best IT Places to Work." In 1999, Business Week cited RWD in its list of "100 Hot Small Cap Companies." The company counts over 40 of the top 100 companies in the United States as clients, and provides services to over 20 industries worldwide. The company's 1998 revenues were $115 million. Website: http://www.rwd.com

Established in 1966, UMBC now produces nearly 40 percent of Maryland's bachelor degree recipients in computer science and information systems, and leads all public research universities nationally in the production of bachelor's degrees in these fields. Website: http://www.umbc.edu.

Grosvenor International (USA), Inc. is a private company associated with the Grosvenor Estate of Great Britain, which comprises holdings of the Duke of Westminster and others. Grovsvenor has developed buildings in the UK including a similar university-related research park for the University of Edinburgh. The company's development portfolio is worth approximately $1.76 billion and includes a variety of real estate projects in the United States, Canada and Australia. Website: http:/ / www.geh.co.uk/

Posted by dwinds1

RWD TECHNOLOGIES TO BE FIRST TENANT IN UMBC RESEARCH PARK

Baltimore - RWD Technologies has agreed to establish its new Applied Technology Laboratory at the UMBC Research Park. Construction of a two-story, 40,000 square foot facility will begin in early 2000 and is scheduled for completion in the second quarter of 2001. Within three years of its completion, RWD expects the laboratory to be staffed with about 200 RWD employees.

Baltimore - RWD Technologies has agreed to establish its new Applied Technology Laboratory at the UMBC Research Park. Construction of a two-story, 40,000 square foot facility will begin in early 2000 and is scheduled for completion in the second quarter of 2001. Within three years of its completion, RWD expects the laboratory to be staffed with about 200 RWD employees. One of these employees is David Yager, professor and chair of UMBC's Visual Arts Department since 1986 and director of UMBC's highly-regarded Imaging Research Center; he became Corporate Vice President of RWD Technologies and Director of RWD's new laboratory, effective September 1, 1999. He will continue to be affiliated with UMBC, serving as both (1) Distinguished Professor of Art, teaching, mentoring, and supervising graduate students, and (2) Director of UMBC's Fine Arts Gallery, until an appropriate transition can be made. [Draft Yager quote:] According to Yager, the Applied Technology Laboratory is a new division and facility of RWD focusing on e-commerce and e-business, Web development, and interface-design for related applications. "It's a wonderful collaboration for RWD and UMBC," says Yager, who will draw on UMBC faculty and students to launch the laboratory. "In addition to conducting cutting-edge research on technology and user interface design, we will also be able to develop training opportunities for corporations in these technology-related areas." Creation of the RWD Applied Technology Laboratory-located initially in UMBC's Technology Center-builds both on the university's long-standing relationship with RWD and Professor Yager's ties with the RWD Foundation, which began with a major research grant two years ago. [Draft Deutsch quote:] "Locating the ATL at UMBC will help us stay abreast of the rapid advances in information technology research to meet our clients' needs," says Robert Deutsch, founder and CEO of RWD and a member of UMBC's Board of Visitors. "It will also help the university attract top faculty and students to work on practical problems managing IT research and development. In this rapidly changing industry, we clearly need each other." With headquarters in Columbia, Maryland, RWD currently has 1150 employees, about half of whom live in Maryland. The company also maintains offices in Great Britain and Germany. In 1998, RWD was listed among Forbes' "200 Best Small Companies" and ComputerWorld's "Best IT Places to Work." In 1999, Business Week cited RWD in its list of "100 Hot Small Cap Companies." The company counts over 40 of the top 100 companies in the United States as clients, and provides services to over 20 industries worldwide. The company's 1998 revenues were $115 million. In addition to announcing its first tenant, the UMBC Research Park Development Corporation has also agreed on development terms with the Maryland division of Grosvenor International (Atlantic) Ltd. (GIAL). for the first building of the on-campus research park. UMBC Research Park representatives and GIAL have agreed on a memorandum of understanding detailing construction plans for a 75,000-square-foot, three-story, multi-tenant building at the UMBC site. Terms of the agreement call for local construction, design and real estate firms to be included in the development team. The UMBC Research Park will offer state of the art laboratory and office space for high technology companies including biotech, information technology, pharmaceutical and engineering firms. The infrastructure of the site, located off Interstate 95 within minutes of BWI airport, is now complete. "This is great economic news for UMBC, Baltimore County and the state of Maryland," says Ellen Wiggins, Executive Director of the UMBC Research Park Corporation. "The UMBC Research Park will build on the University's strength in high tech fields like engineering, computer science and biology and the success of our Technology Center to create hundreds of job opportunities in the community," said Wiggins. GIAL is a subsidiary of real estate investment, development and asset management group Grosvenor International Holdings Limited (GIHL). GIHL is a private company associated with the Grosvenor Estate of Great Britain, which comprises holdings of the Duke of Westminster and others. Vancouver-based GIHL has developed buildings in the UK including a similar university-related research park for the University of Edinburgh. The company's development portfolio is worth approximately $ 1.76 billion and includes a variety of real estate projects in the United States, Canada and Australia. [Whiting Turner bit?] UMBC already operates a 130,000 square-foot Technology Center, home to 25 incubator and emerging high-tech companies. In addition to the close relationship between UMBC and RWD, the Maryland and Baltimore County economic development agencies have been extremely supportive in working with the company to locate its new division at UMBC. [Draft Freeman quote:] "UMBC has long been a growing catalyst for regional economic development, as we produce nearly 40 percent of Maryland's information technology workforce" says UMBC President Freeman Hrabowksi. "RWD's decision is not only a vote of confidence in our approach, but is also a critical first step toward achieving the broad range of facilities we've envisioned for several years."

Posted by dwinds1

September 17, 1999

NEWS SITE IS READY TO GO

The news site is up and running.

Baltimore - The news site is done.

adsadskfadsadslkfjd
alskdfjdl

Posted by dwinds1

September 8, 1999

The Database is Working!

UMBC announces that its News database is up and running...thanks to Snae!

Baltimore -- asldkjfasdlfjalsdfjaldskfjlasdjf adslfkjadslfjaldsf alsdfkjadlskfjad

Posted by dwinds1

BACK TO SCHOOL MEDIA TIPSHEET

The English department's emphasis on "tech literacy," tutoring top students and advice for parents of first-year students can all be found in this tipsheet.

English Department Stresses Technology Literacy
The English department at UMBC is using its required freshman English class to ensure that each student on campus is not only literate, but technology literate. This year marks the introduction of what will be a major shift in philosophy for UMBC, a two-semester freshman writing course which stresses the use of technology. During the fall semester, six of the 40 sections of the required English 100 composition class will require students to perform online research, analyze web sites and participate in class listserves. Students in these six sections must then follow up with English 101 in the spring, which will build upon the writing and technological skills developed in English 100. Jim McKusick, English department chair, believes that the course will "alert students to the close relationship between writing and technology, not only for academic success, but professional success." This requirement will ultimately set UMBC apart from the rest of the pack for its dedication to technology as a literacy skill comparable to writing.

Top Students Reap the Benefits of Tutoring
One usually thinks of a tutor as a person who helps students in academic "hot water" get back on track, but not at UMBC. Tutors here can expect to see the same names on their schedules that are already on the Dean's List. The chemistry tutorial lab, for example, has a reputation on campus for being the place where A students go to earn higher As. The 35 chem. lab tutors work in small groups to tutor a total of 600-700 students each week -- and there's a waiting list. The lab has created an environment where students are excited to learn and tutors are treated as legends. Photos of past tutors and descriptions of what they've gone on to do line the walls. Tutoring is serious business at UMBC and the top students are making the most of it.

Advice for Parents of First-year Students
Let the parental hand-wringing begin. With thousands of students now deposited at various institutions of higher learning across the nation, parents are left at home to worry. Vice Provost Charles "Tot" Woolston has spent 31-years at UMBC providing helpful tips to parents on how to cope and help their children cope with university life. Woolston's main concern is parental involvement, and how it can help make the transition more pleasant. He encourages parents to follow the "four-week" rule. Woolston explains, "this is the time when the euphoria of being away from home wears off, the first round of exams is looming, and the bloom of some early relationships begins to fade. You may be surprised at how much you are missed at this point."

Posted by dwinds1

August 21, 1999

SPEECH LINKED WITH BIPEDALITY BY UMBC PROFESSOR

Speech is a byproduct of the physiological adjustments that came along with walking upright on two feet, according to Robert Provine, UMBC professor of psychology. Provine will present his research on this topic at the 29th annual meeting of the Society for Neuroscience in Miami Beach, FL on Thursday, October 28, 1999.

Baltimore, MD - Speech is a byproduct of the physiological adjustments that came along with walking upright on two feet, according to Robert Provine, UMBC professor of psychology. Provine will present his research on this topic at the 29th annual meeting of the Society for Neuroscience in Miami Beach, FL on Thursday, October 28, 1999.

The ability to speak is both a mechanical and neurological issue. In quadrupeds, there is a one-to-one correlation between breathing pattern and stride because the lungs must be fully inflated to add rigidity to the thoracic complex (sternum, ribs and associated musculature) that absorbs forelimb impacts during running. Without such synchronization, the thorax is weak and unable to absorb the impact. When primates stood and walked on two legs, the thorax was freed of its support function during locomotion, breaking the link between breathing patterns and stride. This flexibility enabled humans to regulate breathing and ultimately, speak.

A prominent expert on laughter, Provine discovered this link while studying chimp laughter, which sounds like panting. Provine found that the pant-like laugh is a result of an inability to manipulate breathing patterns, limiting chimps to a simple inhalation-exhalation cycle.

"Humans have more flexible respiratory control, making it possible to chop an exhalation into parts, as is evident in the 'ha-ha-ha' pattern of laughter," says Provine.

He points out that humans both laugh and speak by the modulating sounds produced by an outward breath. Without respiratory control, human laughter would more closely resemble chimp laughter and speech would be impossible.

Provine's poster presentation "Stand Up and Talk," is based on his upcoming book, Laughter, to be published by Little/Brown in the spring of 2000.

# # #

Posted by dwinds1

August 19, 1999

RWD TECHNOLOGIES TO BE FIRST TENANT IN UMBC RESEARCH PARK

RWD Technologies has signed a letter of intent with the UMBC Research Park to establish its new Applied Technology Laboratory. As part of the new high-tech research park adjoining the University of Maryland, Baltimore County, the ATL will develop innovative Internet business solutions and will concentrate its initial efforts on Internet systems design, Web-enabled training systems, human-computer interface design, visualization and interactive environments and distance learning.

RWD Technologies has signed a letter of intent with the UMBC Research Park to establish its new Applied Technology Laboratory. As part of the new high-tech research park adjoining the University of Maryland, Baltimore County, the ATL will develop innovative Internet business solutions and will concentrate its initial efforts on Internet systems design, Web-enabled training systems, human-computer interface design, visualization and interactive environments and distance learning.

Construction of the two-story, 40,000 square-foot ATL will begin in early 2000 and is scheduled for completion in the second quarter of 2001. Upon completion, the company intends to staff the laboratory with 200 RWD employees and about 50 visiting senior engineers and scientists from academia and industry.

Leading the lab will be David Yager, who has been named director of the ATL and vice president of RWD Technologies. Prior to joining RWD, Yager was UMBC distinguished professor of visual arts and founder and director of the university's nationally acclaimed Imaging Research Center (IRC). The ATL will be temporarily housed in UMBC's Technology Center until its new research park facility is completed. Yager will continue to be affiliated with UMBC, serving as distinguished professor.

"It's a wonderful collaboration for RWD and UMBC," says Yager, who will draw on UMBC students and faculty for internships and collaborative research in the ATL. "In addition to conducting cutting-edge research on technology and user-interface design, we will also be able to develop training opportunities for RWD clients in these technology-related areas."

"The Applied Technology Laboratory will enable RWD to advance our position as a leader in developing and supporting the technologies needed to increase the capabilities of Internet systems in the future," adds Dr. Robert W. Deutsch, founder and CEO of RWD Technologies, and a member of UMBC's Board of Visitors. "It will also help the university to attract research faculty and students who wish to be directly involved in the latest advancements in Internet information technology research and development. RWD and UMBC working together have the capabilities to make significant contributions to solving the problems associated with gathering, distributing and utilizing information."

In addition to announcing its first tenant, the UMBC Research Park Corporation plans to enter into an agreement with Grosvenor International (Atlantic) Ltd. (GIAL) to develop the research park, pending approval by the University System of Maryland Board of Regents and the Maryland Board of Public Works. Based on a memorandum of understanding, initial plans include a multi-tenant building in addition to a build-to-suit facility for RWD. Terms of the agreement call for local construction, design and real estate firms to be included in the development team.

"This is great economic news for UMBC, Baltimore County and the state of Maryland," says Ellen Wiggins, executive director of the UMBC Research Park Corporation. "The research park will build on the university's strength in high-tech fields like engineering, information technology and biology and the success of the UMBC Technology Center to create hundreds of job opportunities in our community."

The vision of an on-campus research park fostering collaborations among UMBC faculty, students and industry began with the late Michael Hooker, former president of both UMBC and UNC-Chapel Hill. The planned five-building development totaling 350,000 square feet on 41 acres adjacent to the university will provide a continuum of research and development space to meet the needs of businesses, from start-up and growth companies to mature research and development organizations. The park's infrastructure was completed earlier this year, with financial support from Baltimore County, the state of Maryland and a grant from the Economic Development Administration. The Abell Foundation also provided financial support for the operations of the UMBC Research Park Corporation.

The project was jump-started in 1996 with the acquisition of the former Lockheed Martin Laboratories just minutes from the main UMBC campus, BWI Airport and I-95. With the help of a $5 million down payment from the state of Maryland and a long-term operating lease with the Maryland Economic Development Corporation (MEDCO), the facility was converted into the multi-tenant UMBC Technology Center. The 160,000 square-foot facility comprised of five buildings on a 30-acre setting was fully leased within one year and today houses 25 high-tech incubator and emerging companies.

"RWD Technologies' decision to locate at the UMBC Research Park as its first tenant is a testament to the extraordinary faculty and students at UMBC," says Governor Parris N. Glendening. "UMBC students will greatly benefit from having a company of RWD's world-class reputation nearby, and the company will be able to take advantage of the research park's outstanding intellectual talent and resources."

"Baltimore County has partnered with UMBC since the inception of the research park," adds Baltimore County Executive C.A. Dutch Ruppersberger. "Partnerships with technology businesses, universities and the public sector hold tremendous economic potential. The county's financial and economic development investment in the UMBC Research Park will pay off in multiple, continuing benefits to the region's technology and business community. Research and development is the first stepping stone in leveraging the region's strengths in technology training and workforce development."

Based in Columbia, Maryland, RWD is a professional services firm with more than 1100 employees, about half of whom live in Maryland. In 1998, RWD was listed among Forbes' "200 Best Small Companies" and ComputerWorld's "Best IT Places to Work." In 1999, Business Week cited RWD in its list of "100 Hot Small Cap Companies." The company provides technical support services to more than 20 industries worldwide and the company's clients include 40 of the top 100 companies in the United States. The company's 1998 revenues were $115 million. Website: http://www.rwd.com.

As Baltimore's public research university, UMBC produces nearly 40 percent of Maryland's bachelor's degree recipients in computer science and information systems and leads all public research universities nationally in the production of bachelor's degrees in these fields. Website: http://www.umbc.edu.

Grosvenor International (Atlantic) Ltd. (GIAL) is a private company associated with the Grosvenor Estate of Great Britain, which comprises holdings of the Duke of Westminster and others. Grosvenor has developed buildings in the UK including a similar university-related research park for the University of Edinburgh. The company's development portfolio is worth approximately $1.76 billion and includes a variety of real estate projects in the United States, Canada and Australia. Website: http://www.geh.co.uk.

Posted by dwinds1

August 18, 1999

UMBC TO HOST ANNUAL MCNAIR SCHOLARS RESEARCH CONFERENCE

UMBC's seventh annual Ronald E. McNair Scholars Research Conference, taking place on September 18, will unite McNair scholars from UMBC and other institutions participating in the program. The McNair Program was founded in 1986 in memory of Ronald E. McNair, the physicist/astronaut who died aboard the space shuttle Challenger. It is a nationwide initiative to prepare low-income, first-generation and underrepresented college students for graduate studies.

Baltimore, MD - UMBC's seventh annual Ronald E. McNair Scholars Research Conference, taking place on September 18, will unite McNair scholars from UMBC and other institutions participating in the program. The McNair Program was founded in 1986 in memory of Ronald E. McNair, the physicist/astronaut who died aboard the space shuttle Challenger. It is a nationwide initiative to prepare low-income, first-generation and underrepresented college students for graduate studies.

Scholars from UMBC, Bowie State University, and as far away as the University of Mississippi will gather in a forum where they can discuss their research and learn more about graduate studies by speaking with graduate school students and administrators. Thirteen of the twenty-six McNair scholars at UMBC will present their research at the conference, which will be held in the Engineering/Computer Science Building from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Four UMBC scholars joined a group of more than 350 students from across the United States and Puerto Rico to present their research to a national audience of peers, professionals and graduate school representatives at a similar conference which took place at Pennsylvania State University August 6-8.

The UMBC students presented the results of their research projects on topics ranging from an analysis of treatments for brain tumors (Henok G. Aynalem) to a study of factors that facilitate and impede academic success among African American females (Alice K. Graham). The results of these research projects and many others will be presented at the upcoming UMBC conference.

For more information on the McNair Program at UMBC, contact Donald E. Knight, interim program coordinator, at 410.455.3277

# # #

Posted by dwinds1

August 6, 1999

UMBC PRESIDENT FREEMAN HRABOWSKI RECEIVES NATIONAL MINORITY EDUCATION AWARD

Freeman A. Hrabowski III, president of the University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC), has been awarded the 1999 Reginald H. Jones Distinguished Service Award by the National Action Council for Minorities in Engineering (NACME). Named for one of NACME's founders, the Reginald H. Jones Award honors the individual each year whose contributions and leadership most merit national recognition in the nationwide effort to build a diverse corps of world-class engineers.

Baltimore, MD - Freeman A. Hrabowski III, president of the University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC), has been awarded the 1999 Reginald H. Jones Distinguished Service Award by the National Action Council for Minorities in Engineering (NACME).

Named for one of NACME's founders, the Reginald H. Jones Award honors the individual each year whose contributions and leadership most merit national recognition in the nationwide effort to build a diverse corps of world-class engineers. "We are honored to recognize the tremendous contributions that President Hrabowski has made in providing access to engineering and other science-based careers," says George Campbell Jr., president and CEO of NACME.

Founded in 1974, NACME is a non-profit organization dedicated to bringing more African-Americans, Hispanics and American Indians into the field of engineering through scholarships and the development of high school programs. Past recipients of the Reginald H. Hones Distinguished Service Award include Shirley Malcom of the American Association for the Advancement of Science and M. Lucius Walker of Howard University.

Hrabowski has received national recognition for the success of UMBC Meyerhoff Scholars Program. Co-founded 10 years ago by Hrabowski and Baltimore philanthropists Robert and Jane Meyerhoff, the program provides scholarships to high-achieving students interested in pursuing Ph.D.s science and demonstrate a commitment to the advancement of minorities in the sciences. More than 200 Meyerhoff Scholars have gone on to the nation's top graduate schools and 200 more are in the pipeline at UMBC.

UMBC and NACME have also shared national recognition for their efforts. In 1996 UMBC and NACME each received the first U.S. Presidential Award for Excellence in Science, Mathematics, and Engineering Mentoring.

Hrabowski accepted the NACME award in memory of Dr. Janice A. Lumpkin, formerly an African American professor of chemical engineering at UMBC, who died suddenly in 1997 soon after the birth of her fourth child. Hrabowski donated the $10,000 grant accompanying the award to the Janice Antoine Lumpkin Scholarship Fund for talented engineering students at UMBC.

Posted by dwinds1

UMBC PRESIDENT FREEMAN HRABOWSKI RECEIVES NATIONAL MINORITY EDUCATION AWARD

Freeman A. Hrabowski III, president of the University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC), has been awarded the 1999 Reginald H. Jones Distinguished Service Award by the National Action Council for Minorities in Engineering (NACME). Named for one of NACME's founders, the Reginald H. Jones Award honors the individual each year whose contributions and leadership most merit national recognition in the nationwide effort to build a diverse corps of world-class engineers.

Baltimore, MD - Freeman A. Hrabowski III, president of the University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC), has been awarded the 1999 Reginald H. Jones Distinguished Service Award by the National Action Council for Minorities in Engineering (NACME). Named for one of NACME's founders, the Reginald H. Jones Award honors the individual each year whose contributions and leadership most merit national recognition in the nationwide effort to build a diverse corps of world-class engineers. "We are honored to recognize the tremendous contributions that President Hrabowski has made in providing access to engineering and other science-based careers," says George Campbell Jr., president and CEO of NACME. Founded in 1964, NACME is a non-profit organization dedicated to bringing more African-Americans, Hispanics and American Indians into the field of engineering through scholarships and the development of high school programs. Past recipients of the Reginald H. Hones Distinguished Service Award include Shirley Malcom of the American Association for the Advancement of Science and M. Lucius Walker of Howard University. Hrabowski has received national recognition for the success of UMBC Meyerhoff Scholars Program. Co-founded 10 years ago by Hrabowski and Baltimore philanthropists Robert and Jane Meyerhoff, the program provides scholarships to high-achieving students interested in pursuing Ph.D.s science and demonstrate a commitment to the advancement of minorities in the sciences. More than 200 Meyerhoff Scholars have gone on to the nation's top graduate schools and 200 more are in the pipeline at UMBC. UMBC and NACME have also shared national recognition for their efforts. In 1996 UMBC and NACME each received the first U.S. Presidential Award for Excellence in Science, Mathematics, and Engineering Mentoring. Hrabowski accepted the NACME award in memory of Dr. Janice A. Lumpkin, formerly an African American professor of chemical engineering at UMBC, who died suddenly in 1997 soon after the birth of her fourth child. Hrabowski donated the $10,000 grant accompanying the award to the Janice Antoine Lumpkin Scholarship Fund for talented engineering students at UMBC.

Posted by dwinds1

July 22, 1999

UMBC SHRIVER CENTER'S CLEARCORPS PROGRAM RECEIVES $2.3 MILLION FROM HUD

The UMBC Shriver Center's Community Lead Education and Reduction Corps (CLEARCorps) has now received the $2.3 million which Congress set aside for the program last year as part of the expanded HUD $80 million lead hazard reduction program. CLEARCorps is an AmeriCorps program working to reduce childhood lead poisoning in urban neighborhoods across the country.

BALTIMORE - The UMBC Shriver Center's Community Lead Education and Reduction Corps (CLEARCorps) has now received the $2.3 million which Congress set aside for the program last year as part of the expanded HUD $80 million lead hazard reduction program. CLEARCorps is an AmeriCorps program working to reduce childhood lead poisoning in urban neighborhoods across the country. Lead exposure is a key risk factor for cognitive disabilities, juvenile delinquency and mental retardation. In qualifying for the release of funding, CLEARCorps successfully met standards required by HUD's Office of Lead Hazard Control.

This news comes at a time when there is much focus on the threat of potential lawsuits against the "lead paint" industry. The CLEARCorps model, says James Price, national director of the CLEARCorps program, can be a practical and immediate solution for cities and communities where children are at greatest risk.

"There is no greater environmental threat to our nation's young children than lead poisoning, especially children living in older, economically distressed areas in our nation's cities and rural areas," says Price. "The bad news is that the cognitive damage suffered by children exposed to lead is irreversible. The good news is that childhood lead poisoning is completely preventable, and that CLEARCorps can play a crucial role in a community's overall lead poisoning prevention strategy."

In fact, the CLEARCorps program was developed by the Shriver Center in 1996 as a public-private partnership with the National Paint and Coatings Association, which has contributed substantial resources to its development. The Shriver Center serves as the national headquarters for the program, which has received national attention for cost-effectively addressing the problem of childhood lead-dust exposure in several U.S. cities.

During the last year alone, the CLEARCorps program has eliminated lead dust hazards in over 222 housing units, providing safe housing for more than 400 children under the age of six. The program currently operates in Baltimore, Minneapolis/St. Paul, Milwaukee, Pittsburgh and Portland. CLEARCorps affiliates in Detroit, Houston, Providence are expected to be in operation later this year.

Since 1996, CLEARCorps has received annual funding of $700,000 from the Corporation for National Service, which enables teams AmeriCorps members, including students at UMBC, to serve their communities, gain valuable experience, receive stipends and earn post-service education awards of $4,750.

"CLEARCorps has demonstrated results," says John Martello, vice provost of community partnerships and executive director of the Shriver Center. "It is targeted, feasible and cost-effective. And, our approach helps our AmeriCorps volunteers develop practical job skills and successfully attacks the problems of childhood lead poisoning."

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Posted by dwinds1

June 8, 1999

UMBC's FINE ARTS GALLERY WINS FIRST PRIZE IN THE AAM'S PUBLICATIONS DESIGN COMPETITION

For the second consecutive year, the UMBC's Fine Arts Gallery's publication series Issues in Cultural Theory has been recognized for excellence in design by the American Associations of Museums. By winning First Prize for Scholarly Journals in the 19th Publications Design Competition for Bruno Monguzzi: A Designer\\'s Perspective (Volume 2 in the series), the Fine Arts Gallery has continued its tradition of excellence with a series of texts that are both scholarly, beautiful, and boundlessly useful.

Baltimore, MD - For the second consecutive year, the UMBC's Fine Arts Gallery's publication series Issues in Cultural Theory has been recognized for excellence in design by the American Associations of Museums. By winning First Prize for Scholarly Journals in the 19th Publications Design Competition for Bruno Monguzzi: A Designer's Perspective (Volume 2 in the series), the Fine Arts Gallery has continued its tradition of excellence with a series of texts that are both scholarly, beautiful, and boundlessly useful.

The AAM's Annual Design Competition acknowledges excellence in the graphic design of museum publications and is the only national, juried event involving publications produced by museums of all kinds and sizes. This year's competition attracted 1,221 entries of which only 26 received a first prize. All winners will be the subject of a special section in the July/August issue of the AAM journal Museum News.

The series' design, developed by UMBC Associate Professor of Design Franc Nunoo-Quarcoo, unites beauty with functionality. According to Symmes Gardner, the Fine Arts Gallery's Director of Programs, Issues in Cultural Theory formats the Gallery's major exhibitions for educational use, reflecting the Gallery's belief that art and society are inextricably linked. This series allows for a dialogue to exist between artists, institutions, and the public.

Future volumes are planned for the following exhibitions: Adrian Piper: A Retrospective, 1965-2000 (Vol.3, October 1999) by adjunct curator Maurice Berger, Senior Fellow at the Vera List Center for the Arts and Politics, New School of Social Research, New York; Paul Rand: A Life in Design (Vol.4, January 2000) by Professor Franc Nunoo-Quarcoo; Hide and Seek: Marcel Duchamp and Post-Modernism (Vol.5, October 2000), to be curated by Mason Klein, Curator of Contemporary Art at the Jewish Museum in New York.

All of the Fine Arts Gallery's exhibitions incorporate educational outreach programs for area school children and many travel to venues across the country and internationally, including major cultural institutions like the Barbican Museum in England, and the Walker Arts Center, Minneapolis.

Fine Arts Gallery hours are 10 a.m. -5 p.m., Tuesdays through Saturdays. For more information call (410) 455-3188.

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Posted by dwinds1

May 26, 1999

BELL ATLANTIC PLEDGES $250,000 FOR SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM AT UMBC

In response to a statewide need for information systems skills in the work force, the Bell Atlantic Foundation will give UMBC $150,000 over the next three years to help endow the Bell Atlantic Foundation Scholars Program. An additional $100,000 from Bell Atlantic also will go toward this program to help fund four full-term scholarships for high school graduates majoring in information systems, computer science or computer engineering. UMBC will contribute additional funds from its own endowment.

BALTIMORE -- Financial aid will be available to the brightest and neediest students planning to attend the University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC), with the help of grants totaling $250,000 from Bell Atlantic.

In response to a statewide need for information systems skills in the work force, the Bell Atlantic Foundation will give UMBC $150,000 over the next three years to help endow the Bell Atlantic Foundation Scholars Program. An additional $100,000 from Bell Atlantic also will go toward this program to help fund four full-term scholarships for high school graduates majoring in information systems, computer science or computer engineering. UMBC will contribute additional funds from its own endowment.

"We are very grateful to Bell Atlantic for making these grants possible because they will help talented students meet the financial challenges of pursuing a degree," said UMBC President Freeman A. Hrabowski III. "As a result, the partnership between UMBC and Bell Atlantic will build a stronger, better educated work force and a more vibrant economy."

"Bell Atlantic has a century-old tradition of supporting education in Maryland, and we are proud to partner with UMBC in helping the best students get a college education," said Sherry F. Bellamy, president and CEO of Bell Atlantic - Maryland. "Our grants will make a positive difference in the lives of these young people."

"Like many businesses, Bell Atlantic depends upon a work force with information technology skills," said Majid Naderkhani, president of Bell Atlantic's Telecom Group Systems. "We are excited about the Bell Atlantic scholars program at UMBC because it will help create a qualified pool of future employees for the telecommunications industry."

Persons interested in applying for the Bell Atlantic Foundation Scholars Program at UMBC should call (410) 455-6836.

The University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC), is a suburban Maryland university with outstanding students, a faculty devoted to research and teaching, and an impressive track record placing students in leading graduate programs and promising careers. Located just outside Baltimore, UMBC's 10,000 students come from nearly every state in the U.S. and 80 foreign countries. The campus is home to the nationally known Meyerhoff Scholars Program, The Shriver Center, and a number of major research centers.

The Bell Atlantic Foundation supports a variety of projects domestically and internationally, with an emphasis on new technology applications in education, health and human services, the arts and humanities, and civic development in the communities served by Bell Atlantic. For more information, visit www.bellatlanticfoundation.com on the Internet.

Bell Atlantic is at the forefront of the new communications and information industry. With 43 million telephone access lines and nine million wireless customers worldwide, Bell Atlantic companies are premier providers of advanced wireline voice and data services, market leaders in wireless services and the world's largest publishers of directory information. Bell Atlantic companies are also among the world's largest investors in high-growth global communications markets, with operations and investments in 23 countries.

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Posted by dwinds1

May 4, 1999

PROFNET BRIEF: Pro Sports Do Not Benefit Local Economies

Pro sports teams rarely benefit local economies, and in some cases they actually hurt them, according to a paper by Dennis Coates and Brad Humphreys, University of Maryland, Baltimore County economics professors.

Pro sports teams rarely benefit local economies, and in some cases they actually hurt them, according to a paper by Dennis Coates and Brad Humphreys, University of Maryland, Baltimore County economics professors. "The level of per capita income (PCI) is either unaffected or reduced by the presence of professional sports teams," says Coates, who points out that, at a minimum, PCI should increase if stadiums and teams are in fact engines of economic growth and vitality. Coates: Email: coates@umbc.edu. Url: http://research.umbc.edu/~coates/work/v698.pdf. News Contact: Charlie Melichar, UMBC, Email: melichar@umbc.edu; Phone: 410-455-6380

Posted by dwinds1

April 14, 1999

YAHOO! NAMES UMBC ONE OF "AMERICA'S 100 MOST WIRED COLLEGES"

Yahoo! Internet Life magazine has named the University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC) as one of "America's 100 Most Wired Colleges," in its annual survey and detailed guide to Internet and Web use in higher education.

Baltimore - Yahoo! Internet Life magazine has named the University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC) as one of "America's 100 Most Wired Colleges," in its annual survey and detailed guide to Internet and Web use in higher education.

UMBC was ranked 76th and was one of only two Maryland universities to be recognized. Loyola College in Maryland was ranked 53rd. Two other regional schools also made the list: George Mason University (80) and the University of Virginia (48).

Yahoo! Internet Life gave UMBC an overall survey rating of 70.27 out of 100 possible points. The magazine pointed out that according to the National Science Foundation, UMBC produces more Information Technology bachelor degree graduates than any other research university in the nation. More information on UMBC's IT degree production is available online .

The Yahoo! rankings are available online at www.wiredcolleges.com.

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Posted by dwinds1

April 7, 1999

UMBC WINS DISTINTUISHED DELEGATION HONORS AT NATIONAL MODEL UNITED NATIONS CONFERENCE

Students from the University of Maryland, Baltimore County's (UMBC) Model UN team received Distinguished Delegation honors for their representation of Angola at the National Model United Nations Conference, held in New York from March 30 to April 3.

BALTIMORE - Students from the University of Maryland, Baltimore County's (UMBC) Model UN team received Distinguished Delegation honors for their representation of Angola at the National Model United Nations Conference, held in New York from March 30 to Ap ril 3.

Thirty students from UMBC, fifteen representing Angola and fifteen representing Congo, traveled to New York City to participate in the conference. Opening ceremonies, with comments by Secretary General Kofi Annan, were held in the UN building and the conf erence itself was held both at the UN building and the Grand Hyatt hotel.

UMBC students Jennifer Searfoss and Elaine Elgamil acted as head delegates, representing Angola and Congo, respectively.

More than 2,000 students from across the U.S. and around the world - including Georgetown, West Point, the University of Bonn and the United Federation of Armed Forces (Germany) - attended the 1999 Model UN Conference.

Model UN is one of several organizations that make up the UMBC Intellectual Sports Council.

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Posted by dwinds1

April 1, 1999

UMBC LEADS ALL RESEARCH UNIVERSITIES IN INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY BACHELOR'S DEGREE PRODUCTION

According to National Department of Education data, the University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC) leads all other research universities in production of bachelor's degrees in Information Technology.

Baltimore - According to National Department of Education data, the University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC) leads all other research universities in production of bachelor's degrees in Information Technology.

In 1996, the most recent year for which data is available, UMBC produced 257 bachelor's degrees in computer science from an undergraduate enrollment of 8,475. The University of Texas at Austin was a distant second in its class with 169 degrees awarded from an undergraduate enrollment of 35,789.

The 10,000-student university, located in Baltimore, MD, was beaten out in IT bachelor degree production by only one private, for-profit business school - Strayer College.

UMBC also led in the combined production of information technology bachelors, masters and doctoral degrees for women with 115. For 1996, UMBC nudged out Johns Hopkins University by a margin of 15 total computer science degrees. The total IT degrees awarded to women for other noted universities included New York University (92) and Syracuse (68).

The data is derived from the most recent degree totals reported in the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System survey (IPEDS) which is administered by the Department of Education's National Center for Education Statistics (NCES).

The survey combines Computer Science and Information Systems degrees into a single category referred to as Computer Science.

The data was first observed by UMBC Computer Science and Electrical Engineering professor Tim Finin through his participation in a study on the shortage of information technology workers sponsored by the National Science Foundation (NSF). The data can be generated online through the NSF's WebCASPAR database.

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Posted by dwinds1

February 11, 1999

VICE PRESIDENT AL GORE TO ADDRESS POLICE CORPS GRADUATES

Vice President Al Gore will be addressing the graduating class of the Maryland Police Corps on Friday, February 12 at 10 a.m. at the Maritime Institute of Technology and Graduate Studies in Linthicum, Md. Directions available here.

BALTIMORE --- Vice President Al Gore will be addressing the graduating class of the Maryland Police Corps on Friday, February 12 at 10 a.m. at the Maritime Institute of Technology and Graduate Studies in Linthicum, Md. Directions available here.

The Maryland Police Corps, one of the nation's first Police Corps training academies, is dedicated to training a new generation of socially conscious, community oriented police professionals, says Lt. Governor Kathleen Kennedy Townsend. The Maryland Police Corps is led by Townsend and the Governor's Office of Crime Control and Prevention in partnership with the Baltimore City Police Department and the Maryland State Police.

The Maryland Police Corps is administered by and headquartered at UMBC's Shriver Center, established in honor of Sargent and Eunice Kennedy Shriver, to use the resources of higher education for creative solutions to urgent social problems.

Police Corps is a national college scholarship program for students who agree to work as community police officers for at least four years and is modeled after the ROTC program for military services. College graduates are eligible for up to $30,000 reimbursement for past college expenses in exchange for four years of service in a local police department. Recruits also receive a $250 weekly stipend and full room and board while attending the academy. The program looks to recent college graduates to add a new level of energy to this non-traditional career choice.

During the ceremony on Friday, 27 candidates will be graduating from the Maryland Police Corps, one of the largest of 24 Police Corps programs funded by the U.S. Department of Justice as part of President Clinton's 1994 Crime Bill. To date, 44 trainees have completed the Maryland academy and are serving as officers in the field.

NOTE: 1997 UMBC graduate Steven P. Olson, the recipient of the Director's Academic Excellence Award, is the Maryland Police Corps valedictorian.

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Posted by dwinds1

February 4, 1999

MEDIA ADVISORY

UMBC Community Celebrates Chess Team's National Championship Friday, February 5, 1999 4 to 6 p.m.

WHAT UMBC Community Celebrates Chess Team's National Championship

WHEN Friday, February 5, 1999
4 to 6 p.m.

WHERE Atrium
Engineering Computer Science (ECS) Building
Directions and campus map available here.

DETAILS As the new semester gets underway, the UMBC community will celebrate the chess team's recent victory at the 1998 Pan-American Intercollegiate Team Chess Championship in Dallas, Texas.

Victory Celebration Activities:

  • Open "blitz" tournament (game in five minutes) for anyone who wants to play a member of the chess team.

  • Prizes for top finishers including a chocolate chess set and team polo shirt.

  • Appearances by the UMBC Retriever mascot.

  • For event information, call 410.455.2902.

  • Upcoming UMBC chess events:

  • February 20--International Grandmaster Alexander Shabalov (highest rated player in USA) will simultaneously play all challengers.

  • April 17--Free chess instruction to students ages 9-12 at "MindFest," UMBC's annual brain fair.

  • June/July--Summer Chess Camps at UMBC (Camp I: grades 1-5; Camp II: grades 6-12). Learn the moves from UMBC Champions.

  • Posted by dwinds1

    November 29, 1998

    UMBC WINS SECOND NATIONAL CHESS CHAMPIONSHIP

    Today, the University of Maryland, Baltimore County claimed its second national chess championship in three years by beating the University of Texas, Dallas in the sixth and final round of the 1998 Pan-American Intercollegiate Team Chess Championship in Dallas, Texas.

    BALTIMORE--Today, the University of Maryland, Baltimore County claimed its second national chess championship in three years by beating the University of Texas, Dallas in the sixth and final round of the 1998 Pan-American Intercollegiate Team Chess Championship in Dallas, Texas.

    UMBC won the 1996 Pan-Am in Baltimore, and finished third in last year's event in Bowling Green, Kentucky.

    Completing this year's competition with six wins and no losses, UMBC's winning team included International Grandmaster Tal Shaked, reigning world junior champion from Tuscon, AZ (board 1); Senior Master Florin Felecan Jr., the top rated player under 21 in the the U.S. from Evanston, IL, and Rumania (board 2); International Master Eugene Perelshteyn from Massachusetts and Russia (board 3); and Senior Master William Morrison, a member of UMBC's 1996 national championship team from New York, NY (board 4). Senior Master Erez Klein from Forest Hills, NY was the first alternate.

    In addition to beating UT, Dallas--which hosted this year's competition--UMBC beat New York University (round 5), University of Chicago (round 4), Stanford University (round 3), Catholic University of Peru (round 2) and Rhode Island College (round 1).

    The University of Pennsylvania finished in second place, followed by Havard University in third place, the University of Chicago in fourth place, and Stanford University in fifth place.

    "We were the top-ranked team going in to the competition, but we played like champions all three days," says Alan Sherman, associate professor of computer science and faculty advisor to the UMBC Chess Club (www.umbc.edu/chess). "We're very pleased to have played so well and won."

    "We're ecstatic about this national achievement for the chess team and the university," adds UMBC President Freeman A. Hrabowski, III. "The success of our chess team reflects the high achievement of our students across the campus."

    For more information, contact Alan Sherman at 410.455.2666 (W), 410.997.3979 (H) or sherman@umbc.edu, or the UMBC Chess Club at www.umbc.edu/chess.

    Upcoming UMBC chess events:

  • February 5----Campus victory celebration and "blitz" tournament, 4-6 p.m., ECS Atrium (open to all)
  • February 20--International Grandmaster Alexander Shabalov (highest rated player in USA) will simultaneously play all challengers.
  • April 17--Free chess instruction to students ages 9-12 at "MindFest," UMBC's annual "brain fair."
  • June/July--Summer Chess Camps at UMBC (Camp I: grades 1-5; Camp II: grades 6-12). Learn the moves from UMBC Champions.
  • Intellectual Sports Council

    Chess is one of several organizations that make up the UMBC Intellectual Sports Council.

    Microsoft Word97 version of this file.

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    Posted by dwinds1

    November 15, 1998

    HOME SCHOOLING SPELLS SUCCESS FOR UMBC VALEDICTORIAN

    When home-schooled teenager Jamie Smith Hopkins arrived at UMBC three and a half years ago, she prepared to sit in class with other students and earn grades from a professor for the first time in her life. "I was so nervous during the first couple of weeks," says the full scholarship student, "I didn't think I was going to make it."

    BALTIMORE - When home-schooled teenager Jamie Smith Hopkins arrived at UMBC three and a half years ago, she prepared to sit in class with other students and earn grades from a professor for the first time in her life. "I was so nervous during the first couple of weeks," says the full scholarship student, "I didn't think I was going to make it."

    But UMBC's winter commencement valedictorian earned a 4.0 GPA that first semester and every semester following. Hopkins will speak to more than 600 undergraduates and 130 master's and Ph.D. candidates at commencement on Tuesday, Dec. 22 at 10 a.m. in the UMBC Fieldhouse. Other speakers include President Freeman Hrabowski, Alumni Association President Bill Glover and Board of Regents representative Charles Cole.

    Throughout Hopkins' home-schooling experience, pedagogy methods were the topic of fervent national debate. "My father helped establish the home schooling by-laws for Maryland so I grew up hearing about the controversy," she remembers. Although initial media reports were often negative or skeptical about home-schooling, she says, "There's a much more positive atmosphere now, maybe because more and more home-schooled students are graduating from college."

    Not only an outstanding student, Hopkins' is an accomplished journalist whose works have appeared in The Baltimore Sun, national home-schooling publications and the Retriever Weekly, UMBC's student newspaper. As a writer and editor for the Retriever, Hopkins brought increased coverage of campus governance issues to students and parlayed the experience into four semester internships with The Sun where she wrote five front-page articles and worked as a general assignment reporter.

    "She's the sort of undergraduate who will be remembered long after she's gone," says Christopher Corbett, English faculty member, former Associated Press editor and advisor for the Retriever. "Her reporting was of a professional quality rarely seen at the college level. Her ability to follow a story, think things through and report is on a par with someone with ten years experience."

    Hopkins says, "Ben Bradlee, a former editor at the Washington Post, said journalism is 'something of an addiction. And I don't think you understand that addiction unless you do it." In January Hopkins' addiction will lead her to Ames, Iowa, for a position as the K-12 Education reporter at the Ames Tribune. "It's kind of ironic," she says, "since I never attended grades K-12."

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    Posted by dwinds1

    November 6, 1998

    BACKGROUND ON 12/6/98 STABBING INCIDENT BETWEEN TWO UMBC STUDENTS

    Two UMBC students were injured in a stabbing incident in the living quarters of an on-campus residence hall at approximately 5:30 a.m. today. The cause of the dispute is not known, but according to UMBC Police, alcohol was a factor. No other students were involved or injured.

    BALTIMORE--Two UMBC students were injured in a stabbing incident in the living quarters of an on-campus residence hall at approximately 5:30 a.m. today. The cause of the dispute is not known, but according to UMBC Police, alcohol was a factor. No other students were involved or injured.

    Based on witness statements and forensic evidence, UMBC Police plan to charge Brian J. Keenan, 18, a freshman English major from Myersville, Maryland, with the attempted murder of Kevin W. Blackistone, 20, a junior visual arts major from Avenue, Maryland. Keenan was seen holding a folding lock-back knife and reportedly threatened Blackistone, who was taken to Maryland Shock Trauma Center.

    Blackistone was treated for severe lacerations to the neck and is currently listed in stable condition. Keenan was taken to St. Agnes Hospital for cuts on his hand. He remains hospitalized but will, upon his release, be arrested by UMBC Police, who have been working with the Baltimore County Crime Lab.

    Keenan and Blackistone are not roommates. The incident took place in Keenan's room in the Chesapeake Residence Hall on campus. Blackistone lives on campus in the Hillside Apartments.

    In addition to facing criminal charges, Keenan has been barred from returning to campus for alleged violations of the code of student conduct. UMBC enforces all state and federal laws regarding possession of controlled substances and weapons.

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    Posted by dwinds1

    October 23, 1998

    UMBC JOINS FORCES WITH MARYLAND PUBLIC SCHOOLS TO IMPROVE TEACHING QUALITY

    Children in Maryland public schools may go through as many different teachers as they do weeks of school. "One student I know had 13 different teachers during the first 13 weeks of school," says John Y. Lee, director of the Urban Teacher Education (UTE) track at UMBC.

    BALTIMORE--Children in Maryland public schools may go through as many different teachers as they do weeks of school. "One student I know had 13 different teachers during the first 13 weeks of school," says John Y. Lee, director of the Urban Teacher Education (UTE) track at UMBC.

    Lee says other barriers these children face include having inexperienced and novice teachers who have low expectations for the children they teach; and having uncertified teachers, substitute teachers or sometimes no teachers at all in class.

    Hoping to change these conditions, Lee has established the School-University Partnership to Prepare Outstanding Responsive Teachers (SUPPORT) Project for low-income and other disadvantaged children. The program provides veteran teachers with financial and professional support; better prepares teacher candidates for the real-life challenges of teaching; and provides academic services for children identified by their teachers as having the greatest difficulty.

    A collaborative effort, Project SUPPORT includes UMBC, Anne Arundel County Public Schools, Baltimore County Public Schools and the Maryland State Department of Education. The first demonstration schools participating in the program are Mills-Parole Elementary in Anne Arundel County and Johnnycake Elementary and Southwest Academy in Baltimore County. Additional schools in Anne Arundel County, Baltimore City and Baltimore County will be selected in July 1999.

    Project SUPPORT teacher candidates participate in a two-year internship in urban schools under the guidance of experienced teachers. Veteran teachers in the program receive a stipend for supervising teacher candidates. Veteran teachers also receive training from the Baltimore County Schools' Department of Professional Development in mentoring teacher candidates, as well as from Project SUPPORT clinical professors.

    The veteran teachers and the children they teach benefit from having teacher candidates working in the classroom and providing more one-on-one, small and large group interaction, says Lee. The teacher candidates themselves benefit by combining what they are learning with what they are experiencing as interns, he adds.

    "Too many teacher education institutions prepare teacher candidates by having them read and write papers in university classes," says Lee. "That is, training them to become good university students with minimal hands-on training. Then when teacher candidates go into schools, the experience is too brief and in schools where most beginning teachers are not assigned - affluent and high-achieving schools."

    "In Maryland," he adds, "the bulk of beginning teachers are given the toughest teaching assignments."

    Project SUPPORT teacher candidates work 20-hour weeks as interns/co-teachers and receive financial support. They are guaranteed a position at the school where they intern following graduation from the UTE track. And, in keeping with the national movement to link teacher preparation with performance standards, Project SUPPORT relies on performance-based instruction methods and assessments to ensure that teacher candidates will be able to provide all children with quality instruction.

    Project SUPPORT also provides academic services for children through UMBC's School to University (STU) Program, an accelerated or Gifted and Talented Program for children whose talents haven't been tapped by traditional teaching methods, says Lee. The weekend and summer program offers teacher candidates the opportunity to continue working with the children outside the classroom.

    "Because the longer disadvantaged kids stay in school, the further they fall behind on academic achievement measures, we as a community have to provide better and additional education opportunities for our kids," says Lee.

    "Project SUPPORT clearly supports experienced teachers, new teachers, teaching candidate and students," says Virginia Pilato, chief of the Program Approval and Assessment Branch of the Maryland State Department of Education. "I don't know of any other model that does all of this at once."

    Adds Pilato, "This program addresses pressing national and state concerns. I must commend UMBC. This is really about improving the lives of children. What could be more important?"

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    Posted by dwinds1

    October 10, 1998

    NOVEL GIFT TO UMBC WOULD PROVIDE NEW RESIDENCE HALL BY NEXT FALL

    As the Baby Boomers' children become freshmen, colleges and universities across the country face increased demand for on-campus housing. But next fall, 255 more students will be able to live on the University of Maryland, Baltimore County campus--followed by another 277 a year later--thanks to the generosity and creativity of the Baltimore-based Erickson Foundation. Perhaps more importantly, the gift to UMBC could change how charitable foundations operate in the future.

    UPDATE: At the time of this release, the anticipated value of the Erickson Foundation's gift was $1.25 million, as stated below. As of the October 1, 1999 ribbon cutting for Erickson Hall, the actual value of their donated construction management and development fees has been calculated to be worth $2.2 million, which is the single largest gift to UMBC. (JF)

    BALTIMORE--As the Baby Boomers' children become freshmen, colleges and universities across the country face increased demand for on-campus housing. But next fall, 255 more students will be able to live on the University of Maryland, Baltimore County campus--followed by another 277 a year later--thanks to the generosity and creativity of the Baltimore-based Erickson Foundation. Perhaps more importantly, the gift to UMBC could change how charitable foundations operate in the future.

    The Erickson Foundation, which supports educational, scientific and research initiatives, has agreed to finance and construct a new 500-bed residence facility, with 255 beds ready by August of next year. The foundation will assume full risk for the real estate project, estimated to be worth $14 million, and donate its usual construction management and development fees, estimated to be worth $1.25 million.

    Following today's approval by the Maryland Board of Public Works, construction for the project will begin immediately. The new facility will be located next to existing residence halls and the A. O. Kuhn Library, on a site identified for residential, dormitory-style housing in the 1990 UMBC Master Plan. Details of the project are available at www.umbc.edu/ocp

    UMBC will lease the land to the foundation (for $1 a year for 40 years), and rent rooms in the completed facility exclusively to UMBC students. UMBC will pay rent only on the number of rooms it uses in a particular year, and the foundation will bear the risk if this amount is not sufficient to meet the foundation's debt service associated with the project. UMBC will not own the building, nor be liable for its debt, but it will provide furnishings, maintenance and repairs. At the end of the lease term, the facility will be donated to the University of Maryland Foundation for UMBC to continue using as a student housing facility.

    "I wanted to help UMBC meet its housing needs and create an academic village for students," says John Erickson, the foundation's founder. A member of the UMBC Board of Visitors, Erickson is also CEO and president of Erickson Retirement Communities, which developed the Charlestown and Oak Crest Village retirement communities in Maryland, part of a national network of similar communities with a total residency of 5,100.

    The agreement between UMBC and the Erickson Foundation was approved by the University System of Maryland Board of Regents in August following an unsolicited proposal by Erickson after he learned about UMBC's housing shortage. Designated as a growth campus by the University System of Maryland, UMBC's enrollment is projected to increase 22 percent between 1997 and 2007 (from 9,863 to 12,340), including a 20 percent increase in full-time undergraduate enrollment (6,255 to 7,534). There has been a campus housing waiting list of nearly 400 students.

    Erickson says he has already been contacted by two other foundations interested in his approach to the UMBC project. As part of the foundation's mission to report on educational research, Erickson also plans to study further how local foundations, which have access to bond markets and aren't required to earn a profit, can leverage their gifts to help recipients.

    "I just assumed this had been done before," says Erickson. "The foundation can help the university deliver an educational need, which is the reason for our existence, and this allows us to do more than we each could individually. It could be done by anyone, really, and I think that's why people are interested in the project."

    "The Erickson Foundation's gift to UMBC will help us meet a critical need for additional student housing," says UMBC President Freeman A. Hrabowski, III. "This innovative approach could not have been done without John Erickson's vision and leadership."

    # # #

    Posted by dwinds1

    September 21, 1998

    UMBC'S AWARD-WINNING CHESS TEAM TAKES ON STANFORD UNIVERSITY AT CHESSFEST 98

    The UMBC Chess Club will host ChessFest 98 in the Albin O. Kuhn Library & Gallery on Saturday, October 10, from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Activities include free chess instruction for beginners and intermediate players ages 7 - 12 (10 -11 a.m.) , informal open play (11 a.m. - 4 p.m.), and the UMBC vs. Stanford six-board match at noon, with move-by-move analysis by Life Master, Tom Brownscombe.

    Baltimore - The UMBC Chess Club will host ChessFest 98 in the Albin O. Kuhn Library & Gallery on Saturday, October 10, from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Activities include free chess instruction for beginners and intermediate players ages 7 - 12 (10 -11 a.m.) , informal open play (11 a.m. - 4 p.m.), and the UMBC vs. Stanford six-board match at noon, with move-by-move analysis by Life Master, Tom Brownscombe.

    Alan Sherman, UMBC's faculty advisor to the chess club and an associate professor of computer science, has built a powerhouse team in the last few years by recruiting outstanding players from all around the world. The team has outperformed some of the strongest in the country, and captured the 1996 Pan Am championship by beating MIT, Harvard and Penn.

    UMBC players challenging Stanford include:

    Tal Shaked, International Grandmaster and World Junior Champion from Tucson, AZ. This UMBC freshman on a chess scholarship at UMBC is the recipient of the prestigious Samford Chess Fellowship.

    Eugene Perelshteyn, International Master and the highest ranking player in the U.S. under 18. Perelshteyn is a freshman computer science major on a chess scholarship at UMBC.

    Oxana Tarassova, one of the top women chess players in the U.S. and a junior linguistics major on a chess scholarship at UMBC, from Kazan, Russia.

    William "The Exterminator" Morrison, the 1995 Maryland Chess Champion and a graduate of UMBC's history department, who was the basis, in part, for the park chess player in the movie Searching for Bobby Fisher.

    For more information about UMBC chess events, instruction scholarships and activities, check the Chess Club's homepage or call 410-455-2666.

    # # #

    Posted by dwinds1

    August 17, 1998

    NEWSWEEK CALLS UMBC A "POWERHOUSE IN BALTIMORE"

    UMBC is prominently featured in the current issue of "How to get Into College," published jointly by Newsweek magazine and KAPLAN Educational Centers. The university is described as a "powerhouse in Baltimore offering a topnotch, rigorous education to scholars who don't want to pay for an Ivy."

    Baltimore, MD--UMBC is prominently featured in the current issue of "How to get Into College," published jointly by Newsweek magazine and KAPLAN Educational Centers.

    The university is described as a "powerhouse in Baltimore offering a topnotch, rigorous education to scholars who don't want to pay for an Ivy." The only Maryland school featured in the article, "Five Schools With A Mission," UMBC was profiled along with Cooper Union, California Institute of Technology, Evergreen State College and Northeastern University (p.22).

    The same feature story also appears in the Newsweek/Kaplan "How to Get Into American Universities" guide distributed abroad. Both publications went on sale at newsstands and in bookstores on Monday, August 10, and will be displayed until November 30, 1998. They can also be ordered on KAPLAN's web site, or by calling 800.KAP.ITEM.

    The September 1998 issue of Kiplinger's Personal Finance Magazine also lists UMBC as one of 100 "State Universities to Cheer About" (p.80). The article focused on high-caliber education at public universities that offer great values.

    Posted by dwinds1

    July 10, 1998

    UMBC PRESIDENT FREEMAN HRABOWSKI TO RECEIVE GBC TECHNOLOGY COUNCIL'S THIRD ANNUAL BETA AWARD

    Freeman A. Hrabowski, III, President of the University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC), has been named the recipient of the GBC Technology Council's Third Annual BETA Award. The prestigious BETA Award -- which recognizes "Baltimore's Extraordinary Technology Advocate" -- will be presented to Dr. Hrabowski at TechNite '98, the premier celebration of technology growth in Greater Baltimore and throughout Maryland.

    BALTIMORE, MD (7/9/98) --- Freeman A. Hrabowski, III, President of the University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC), has been named the recipient of the GBC Technology Council's Third Annual BETA Award.

    The prestigious BETA Award -- which recognizes "Baltimore's Extraordinary Technology Advocate" -- will be presented to Dr. Hrabowski at TechNite '98, the premier celebration of technology growth in Greater Baltimore and throughout Maryland.

    Past recipients of the BETA have included United States Senator Barbara A. Mikulski (D-MD) and Baltimore-based venture capitalist Charles W. Newhall, III.

    "Under Dr. Hrabowski's extraordinary vision and leadership, UMBC has emerged as a national model of excellence in higher education, and a vital center for research and development in Maryland," says Jane Shaab, Executive Director of the GBC Technology Council.

    According to Ms. Shaab, UMBC now produces nearly 40 percent of Maryland's graduates in computer science and information systems, and has become a major "feeder" school for such large regional employers as AT&T, Becton Dickinson, Lockheed Martin, and the National Security Agency.

    Under Dr. Hrabowski's leadership, UMBC received the first U.S. Presidential Award for Excellence in Science, Mathematics, and Engineering Mentoring for its nationally acclaimed Meyerhoff Scholarship Program, created to address the shortage of African-American males in the sciences and engineering.

    Today, the program provides full support for high-achieving students who combine interest in pursuing Ph.D.s in the sciences, mathematics, computer science, and engineering with interest in the advancement of minorities in these fields.

    UMBC's state-of-the-art Technology Center and new Research Park, meanwhile, "provide the region with an outstanding system of facilities to support high technology business development," Ms. Shaab explains.

    The Technology Center is now home to 21 emerging technology companies, employing more than 200 workers, while the 41-acre Research Park will house up to 350,000 square feet of free-standing and multi-tenant facilities for research and development.

    "Dr. Hrabowski also has played an instrumental role in introducing technology to areas outside of science and engineering," Ms. Shaab continues. She notes that UMBC's Imaging Research Center has gained national recognition for its award-winning animation productions, while Department of Geography and Environmental System's cartography and spatial analysis laboratories provide students with advance training in remote sensing and geographic information systems.

    Dr. Hrabowski joined UMBC as Vice Provost in 1987, and has served as its President since 1992. He has served on numerous professional, corporate, and community boards, and is currently a consultant to the National Science Foundation, the National Institutes of Health, and the National Academy of Sciences. He recently co-authored the book Beating the Odds , which focuses on the strategies used by parents who have raised high-achieving African-American males in science.

    TechNite '98 will be held on Monday, September 28, 4:30 - 10:00 p.m., at the Baltimore Convention Center, 1 W. Pratt Street in Downtown Baltimore. More than 1,500 corporate, university, government, and scientific leaders are expected to attend the Ninth Annual TechNite program.

    TechNite marks the official kick-off for Tech Month '98. Running from September 28 through October 31, Tech Month includes dozens of programs, seminars and expos designed to raise public awareness of the technological advances being made in Greater Baltimore and throughout the State of Maryland.

    Posted by dwinds1

    July 9, 1998

    UMBC APPOINTS ARTHUR JOHNSON AS INTERIM PROVOST

    Political Science Professor Arthur Johnson has been appointed as UMBC's interim provost and vice president for academic affairs. A member of the UMBC community since 1980, Johnson most recently served as chair of the political science department before accepting the interim provost position, effective July 1, 1998.

    BALTIMORE - Political Science Professor Arthur Johnson has been appointed as UMBC's interim provost and vice president for academic affairs. A member of the UMBC community since 1980, Johnson most recently served as chair of the political science department before accepting the interim provost position, effective July 1, 1998.

    Former Provost Jo Ann Argersinger left UMBC to become chancellor of Southern Illinois University at Carbondale. Argersinger, a 1974 UMBC alumna, joined the UMBC faculty in 1983 and was appointed as provost in 1994. The search for a permanent provost is expected to be complete by July 1, 1999.

    As the university's chief academic officer, Johnson will be responsible for the development and implementation of UMBC's academic program, including curriculum, policy, space management and academic personnel policy and procedures. He will also oversee academic planning and coordinate related resource functions and will preside in the absence of President Freeman Hrabowski.

    Before joining the UMBC faculty as an assistant professor of political science in 1980, Johnson served as assistant professor at Indiana University/Purdue University-Fort Wayne and Muskingum College in Ohio. He is the author of Minor League Baseball & Local Economic Development and has co-edited two other books. His current research focus is about federal government recruitment on college and university campuses and patterns of entry level hiring by the U.S. government. In connection with this research, he served in 1997-98 as a Faculty Associate in the Office of Policy Evaluation - U.S. Merit Systems Protection Board. Johnson earned his Ph.D. in political science from the State University of New York at Buffalo in 1975.

    In addition to two terms as chair of the political science department (1991-94 and 1997-present), Johnson brings a variety of other leadership experiences to the position of interim provost. He served as chair of UMBC's Middle States Self-Study Steering Committee (1994-1996) which helped the university earn outstanding marks from the Middle States Association, a major accrediting body. Johnson was also chair of the Council of University System Faculty (1991-92) and since 1995 has been a member of the Maryland Council on Management & Productivity.

    Posted by dwinds1

    May 8, 1998

    UMBC'S FIRST PHI BETA KAPPA STUDENTS INDUCTED ON COMMENCEMENT DAY MAY 26

    A full slate of commencement activities will give the UMBC community two days to celebrate student achievement. On May 26, an early afternoon ceremony in the UC Ballroom will celebrate the induction of UMBC's first Phi Beta Kappa members. More than 50 outstanding students have been invited to join the prestigious honor society whose charter was installed at the university on March 16.

    Graduate School Commencement: 10 a.m.; Friday, May 22; UMBC Fieldhouse
    Phi Beta Kappa Induction: 12 p.m., Tuesday, May 26; UC Ballroom
    Undergraduate Commencement: 7 p.m.; Tuesday, May 26; Baltimore Arena

    BALTIMORE- A full slate of commencement activities will give the UMBC community two days to celebrate student achievement. On May 26, an early afternoon ceremony in the UC Ballroom will celebrate the induction of UMBC's first Phi Beta Kappa members. More than 50 outstanding students have been invited to join the prestigious honor society whose charter was installed at the university on March 16.

    Following the afternoon's Phi Beta Kappa festivities, UMBC's undergraduate commencement will begin at 7 p.m. at the Baltimore Arena. NASA Administrator Daniel Goldin will address more than 1,000 graduates and will receive an honorary doctor of science degree at the ceremony. Goldin, who became the ninth administrator in NASA's history in 1992, has worked to reform and revitalize America's space agency. His visit will be especially significant for UMBC students and faculty currently working on cooperative programs with NASA. These programs include the Joint Center for Earth Systems Technology, a partnership between NASA/Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC) and UMBC, which applies remote sensing technology towards understanding Earth systems from a global perspective; the GSFC/UMBC Research Fellows Program which serves as a model for information sharing between federal laboratories and universities; as well as several key faculty liaisons with NASA programs and developments.

    Valedictorians Paul Reichardt, a physics and mathematics major, and David Scheraga, an English major, will address the audience before the conferring of degrees. Also at the undergraduate ceremony, Gaimei Woah-Tee, a senior computer science major killed in a traffic accident on campus on April 25, will posthumously be awarded a bachelor's of science degree.

    For the second year in a row, UMBC will hold a separate commencement for graduate students. More than 100 master's and doctoral students will receive their degrees at 10 a.m. on Friday, May 22 in the UMBC Fieldhouse. Edwin Crawford of the University System of Maryland Board of Regents will be among those giving opening remarks at the ceremony.

    For more information on commencement ceremonies, please call 410-455-3100 or visit http://www.gl.umbc.edu/~ucguest/Commencement/commence.htm. Undergraduate student tipsheet headlines:

    * Pre-Med Student Recovers from Rare Form of Leukemia and Now Plans to Find a Cure
    * Trilingual Student Served in French Army in Germany and as Chef in Paris Restaurant
    * Retired Army Colonel Returns for a Degree in Theatre
    For more information on student profiles, please call 410-455-6885.

     

    UMBC 1998 SPRING COMMENCEMENT STUDENT PROFILES

    Contact: Kristen Campbell, 410-455-6885 or kcampbel@umbc.edu
    For commencement information, please visit News

    Pre-Med Student Recovers from Rare Form of Leukemia and Now Plans to Find a Cure

    Ian Butler was given three weeks to live when diagnosed with Aplastic anemia, a rare form of leukemia, two years ago. Following a bone marrow transplant and months of treatment, he did recover and, after graduating on time with a biological sciences degree from UMBC, plans to earn his M.D./Ph.D. so he can work towards a cure for Aplastic anemia.

    "There was really only one point during the whole treatment that I was depressed," the Baltimore resident says. After months of living in a sterile hospital room, Butler suddenly needed to see trees. "I couldn't risk infection by going outside, but there was an atrium on the first floor." Late that night he crept to the entryway of Johns Hopkins hospital, but a glass enclosure had been locked around the atrium. "That's the only time I cried."

    During his senior year at UMBC, Butler has worked as a research assistant to the physician who treated him, and Hopkins officials have called on him to council other Aplastic anemia patients. "I've been really lucky throughout my life, but I almost thought my luck had run out," said Butler, who has been accepted to M.D./Ph.D. programs at Johns Hopkins and the University of California, San Francisco.

    Trilingual Student Served in French Army in Germany and as Chef in Paris Restaurant

    William Hauswald, a native of France who will earn a degree in Spanish from UMBC this year, has gained an international perspective during his years of study. The trilingual student spent a semester in Mexico last year, has traveled throughout Europe and has been studying in the United States for four years. "Americans have a lot of opportunities in education," he observes. "In Europe there are much stricter educational standards as far as what you can and cannot do." Before arriving in the United States, Hauswald served in the French army in Germany and as a chef in a world-renowned restaurant in Paris. He now hopes to earn a master's degree at UMBC and says, "I'd like to teach languages to immigrants in the United States or Europe." The Catonsville resident has already put his linguistic skills to work as a service representative at Visa International in Owings Mills.

    Retired Army Colonel Returns for a Degree in Theatre

    After serving as an oral surgeon in the U.S. Army for more than twenty years, Robert Nelson did an about face with his life. The retired Colonel had always been interested in theater and after performing in a play with the Maryland Stage Company, a professional company in residence at UMBC, Nelson decided to go back for another degree. "The other students saw me as sort of a father figure," he said. "They accepted me for what I was and we worked well together because we were all starting from scratch."

    Nelson, who lives in Columbia, retired from the Army in 1987 and has been performing with local and Army theater troupes since 1982. Now hindered by arthritis, Nelson is limited in the types of roles he can play, but says, "I plan to continue acting in the area, I love it and it keeps me out of my wife's hair." Acting also runs in the family, one of Nelson's two grown sons is an actor in the Washington, DC area. "We performed together once and it was a great experience."

    Posted by dwinds1

    April 24, 1998

    UMBC AWARDED PHI BETA KAPPA CHAPTER

    Phi Beta Kappa, the nation's most prestigious scholarly honorary society, has voted to establish a chapter at UMBC. At a formal installation ceremony at 4 p.m. on Monday, March 16 in the University Center Ballroom, the Phi Beta Kappa charter will officially be presented to the UMBC Phi Beta Kappa faculty and staff. A public reception in the Albin O. Kuhn Library Gallery will follow. UMBC was one of only seven schools to gain membership this year, selected from an initial group of 47 colleges and universities from across the country that applied.

    Baltimore - Phi Beta Kappa, the nation's most prestigious scholarly honorary society, has voted to establish a chapter at UMBC. At a formal installation ceremony at 4 p.m. on Monday, March 16 in the University Center Ballroom, the Phi Beta Kappa charter will officially be presented to the UMBC Phi Beta Kappa faculty and staff. A public reception in the Albin O. Kuhn Library Gallery will follow. UMBC was one of only seven schools to gain membership this year, selected from an initial group of 47 colleges and universities from across the country that applied.

    At the installation ceremony, Joseph Gordon, Dean of Undergraduate Studies at Yale University and Vice President of Phi Beta Kappa will present the charter, honor Foundation and charter members and swear in officers.

    The decision to establish a Phi Beta Kappa chapter at UMBC caps a rigorous, three-year application and review process. Founded in 1776, Phi Beta Kappa is the nation's oldest academic honor society. Its mission is to foster and to recognize excellence in the liberal arts and sciences. Its distinctive emblem, the golden key, is widely recognized as a symbol of academic achievement.

    "This award is a significant milestone for UMBC. Very few schools so young are considered for Phi Beta Kappa status. Our membership reflects the high quality of our faculty and students and the strength of the undergraduate experience at UMBC," says President Freeman A. Hrabowski, III.

    The first UMBC student members are to be selected from this year's upcoming May graduates and will be inducted this spring (date to be announced). There are almost 60 Phi Beta Kappa members among UMBC's faculty and staff. There are now chapters at 255 campuses and approximately 430,000 current members nationwide.

    Posted by dwinds1

    TIPSHEET ON UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH AT UMBC

    Given the Carnegie Foundation's recent report on poor undergraduate education at research universities, the following tips provide background on undergraduate research at UMBC.

    Given the Carnegie Foundation's recent report on poor undergraduate education at research universities, the following tips provide background on undergraduate research at UMBC.

    Undergraduate Research and Creative Achievement Day

    Thursday, April 30
    9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
    Albin O. Kuhn Library, 7th Floor

    More than 35 students will give oral presentations and display poster exhibits on their research, followed by two faculty lectures on the role of undergraduates in research, and closing reception. A printed program with research abstracts will be available at the event.

    Four UMBC Students Awarded Goldwater Scholarships

    Four UMBC juniors are among the 316 students nationwide recently awarded a Goldwater Scholarship for the 1998-99 academic year. Named for former Arizona Senator Barry Goldwater, it is the premier undergraduate award of its type, given to outstanding students in the fields of mathematics, natural sciences, and engineering. UMBC joins Harvard, Duke, Stanford, Brown, Cornell, and the University of Chicago, among other such prestigious schools, to have all four nominated students selected. The students are Shahla M. Hosseini, a biochemistry major from Kensington, Maryland; Charay Jennings, a biological sciences major from Baltimore; Kimball Martin, a mathematics major from Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania; and Ryan Turner, a biochemistry and molecular biology major from Tyaskin, Maryland.

    Undergraduate Helps Solve Structure of HIV Protein

    Sophomore biochemistry major Chelsea Stalling recently created the first three-dimensional model of the HIV nucleocapsid protein, and her groundbreaking work was reported in the January 16 issue of Science. Of the dozens of proteins that make up HIV, only seven have been structurally characterized to date, three of them by AIDS researcher Michael Summers and his team of undergraduate and graduate student researchers. Their work is critical to the development of new drugs to halt the devastating virus' replication. Summers, professor of chemistry and biochemistry, is the only Howard Hughes Medical Institute investigator at a public university in Maryland. Chelsea's achievements are not unique to UMBC students -- the chemistry department recently completed a study that showed over the last five years, 255 students have conducted substantive research in faculty labs, and 70 students have been published in refereed journals.

    Posted by dwinds1

    March 26, 1998

    BATTLE OF COLLEGE CHESS CHAMPIONS PITS UMBC AGAINST BOROUGH OF MANHATTAN COMMUNITY COLLEGE

    The Pan-American Intercollegiate Team Chess Championships, known as the "World Series of College Chess," is the most prestigious college team chess championship in the Americas. On April 4, UMBC -- the 1996 champions -- will go head-to-head with the 1997 champions from the Borough of Manhattan Community College. The six-board match will begin at 1 p.m. at the Richard Harris Terrace on the BMCC campus, 199 Chambers Street, New York. Spectators are welcome.

    Baltimore, MD. The Pan-American Intercollegiate Team Chess Championships, known as the "World Series of College Chess," is the most prestigious college team chess championship in the Americas. On April 4, UMBC -- the 1996 champions -- will go head-to-head with the 1997 champions from the Borough of Manhattan Community College. The six-board match will begin at 1 p.m. at the Richard Harris Terrace on the BMCC campus, 199 Chambers Street, New York. Spectators are welcome.

    Alan Sherman, UMBC's chess director and an associate professor of computer science, has built a powerhouse team in the last few years by recruiting outstanding players from around the world. UMBC players challenging BMCC include William "The Exterminator" Morrison, the 1995 Maryland Chess Champion and a senior history major from New York, who was the basis, in part, for the park chess player in the movie Searching for Bobby Fischer; and Oxana Tarassova, one of the top women chess players in the U.S. and a sophomore computer science major from Kazan, capital city of the Tatarstan republic in western Russia.

    UMBC's team has outperformed some of the strongest in the country, and captured the 1996 Pan-Am championship by besting MIT, Harvard and Penn. "Chess has given UMBC a unique identity," explains Sherman in a profile on UMBC's dream team in the current issue of Lingua Franca. "What other school values chess more than football? At how many schools can you find chess team players proudly walking around campus wearing colorful chess team jackets?"

    Future UMBC Chess Club events:

    Smithsonian lecture by Alan Sherman on the history of chess (Saturday, June 13) Sherman will be among the guest speakers during a day-long seminar at the Smithsonian Institution featuring lectures, a "UMBC player vs. computer" exhibition match, free chess play and instruction by members of UMBC's team.

    UMBC Chess Camp (June 15-19, 9:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.) William "The Exterminator" Morrison and other members of UMBC's team will provide instruction to students entering grades 5-12. No prior experience in chess is required. To register, call UMBC Continuing Education at (410) 455-2336.

    # # #

    Posted by dwinds1

    March 20, 1998

    MULTI-ETHNIC JOB FAIR BRINGS LOCAL EMPLOYERS TO UMBC

    A multiethnic job fair, open to all college students and graduates as well as other community members, will showcase area businesses looking diversify their workforce. The fair will be held at UMBC from 12:00 - 3:30 p.m. in the University Center Ballroom and is free and open to the public.

    Baltimore - A multiethnic job fair, open to all college students and graduates as well as other community members, will showcase area businesses looking diversify their workforce. The fair will be held at UMBC from 12:00 - 3:30 p.m. in the University Center Ballroom and is free and open to the public.

    The fair will feature such employers as the Baltimore City Police Department, the CIA, the FBI, IBM, MetLife, Montgomery County Public Schools, UPS and more. A complete list of employers who will attend can be found at www.gl.umbc.edu/~mwhite4/cdp/ and space is still open for employers who wish to participate. Attendees should dress professionally and bring copies of an updated resume.

    The fair is sponsored by the UMBC Career Development and Placement Center. For more information, please call 410-455-2216.

    Posted by dwinds1

    March 12, 1998

    UMBC PROVOST JO ANN E. ARGERSINGER TO BECOME CHANCELLOR OF SOUTHERN ILLINOIS UNIVERSITY AT CARBONDALE

    MD--UMBC Provost Jo Ann E. Argersinger has been named the new chancellor of Southern Illinois University at Carbondale effective July 1,1998. Dr. Argersinger, who originally joined the UMBC faculty in 1983, became provost in 1994.

    Baltimore, MD--UMBC Provost Jo Ann E. Argersinger has been named the new chancellor of Southern Illinois University at Carbondale effective July 1,1998. Dr. Argersinger, who originally joined the UMBC faculty in 1983, became provost in 1994.

    "This is a very exciting opportunity and I am extremely proud of Provost Argersinger," says UMBC President Freeman A. Hrabowski, III. "She is a talented UMBC alumna and longtime faculty member who has made many valuable contributions to the growth and development of UMBC as an honors university. I know that she will make significant achievements at Southern Illinois University, and the UMBC community joins me in wishing her continued success."

    Dr. Argersinger's dedicated efforts helped UMBC become an institution that, at just 32 years old, is quickly becoming one of the best public universities of its size in the nation. Most recently, she was instrumental in helping UMBC achieve acceptance into Phi Beta Kappa, the nation's most prestigious scholarly honor society. She has also worked to promote UMBC's research mission across the disciplines and has played a leading role in the K-16 initiative which aims to reform teacher education by making the liberal arts more central to teacher training. As provost, she instituted the Provost's Undergraduate Research Awards to sponsor promising students, Undergraduate Research and Creative Achievement Day to showcase their efforts, and Provost Fellows to support faculty scholarship.

    Argersinger graduated from UMBC in 1974 with a B.A. in history and earned her Masters and Ph.D degrees in history from the George Washington University in 1976 and 1980, respectively. A scholar of 20th-century U.S. and labor history, and a recipient of Rockefeller and NEH fellowships, Dr. Argersinger has continued to teach courses at UMBC on labor history and the Cold War. She also served as associate vice president for academic affairs and interim dean of arts and sciences.

    Note: Southern Illinois University Media Contact is Jack Dyer, 618.536.3331 or jdyer@siu.edu.

    Posted by dwinds1

    March 10, 1998

    JAPANESE ALL-STARS JOIN UMBC BEFORE MODEL UNITED NATIONS TOURNAMENT IN NEW YORK

    UMBC's award-winning Model United Nations team will host their Japanese teammates for a week in Baltimore before the group leaves for a Model United Nations conference in New York. The two teams will jointly represent Sweden at the conference which draws teams from universities across the globe to represent the culture, history and policy of their national neighbors, friends and enemies.

    Baltimore - UMBC's award-winning Model United Nations team will host their Japanese teammates for a week in Baltimore before the group leaves for a Model United Nations conference in New York. The two teams will jointly represent Sweden at the conference which draws teams from universities across the globe to represent the culture, history and policy of their national neighbors, friends and enemies.

    Model United Nations is a forum for mock international debate on real issues that demand balance between national interests and global solutions. The April 7-11 conference in New York gives student delegates from 47 different countries the opportunity to learn about the political environment and the process that lies behind international headlines.

    The Japanese observed the UMBC team at last year's conference and asked if they could join them for the 1998 session. Cynthia Hody, faculty advisor of the UMBC group, says, "It's a big honor to go with the Japanese team. They were very impressed with the style and finesse our team used at the 1997 conference." Japanese student delegates are chosen annually through a national competition among universities throughout their country.

    Over the last several months team members have used email, fax and telephone to communicate and will finally meet when the Japanese students arrive in Baltimore on March 23 for a week-long reunion before heading to New York for the Model United Nations conference. The week will include hours of final preparation, but also plenty of sightseeing to show off Baltimore. The Japanese students will stay with members of the UMBC team and will be treated to a full tour of the city including the Inner Harbor, Camden Yards and the National Aquarium. The team will also visit Washington, D.C. and make stops at both Swedish and Japanese embassies.

    University teams are assigned countries by lottery, but may request certain parameters. The Japanese team requested that the country they would represent with UMBC be a member of the Security Council, a position real-life Japanese delegates are trying to secure in the United Nations.

    # # #

    Posted by dwinds1

    September 26, 1997

    CONVOCATION ADDRESS BY FREEMAN A. HRABOWSKI, III

    Convocation is one of our most important traditions. As a community, we celebrate the beginning of a new academic year by welcoming those new to the campus, and by reflecting on both our progress and challenges. We also reaffirm our mission, emphasizing the sciences, engineering, and public policy at the graduate level, and the liberal arts at the undergraduate level.

    Convocation is one of our most important traditions. As a community, we celebrate the beginning of a new academic year by welcoming those new to the campus, and by reflecting on both our progress and challenges. We also reaffirm our mission, emphasizing the sciences, engineering, and public policy at the graduate level, and the liberal arts at the undergraduate level.

    In reaffirming this mission today, we are honored to recognize both Jack Gibbons and Ira Magaziner for their contributions to the nation. Their presence today also reflects growing recognition, on a national level, of the University's contributions and ground-breaking progress. Our physical growth is, of course, one visible measure of that progress. By the turn of the century, we will have added over $100-million of facilities in recent years. We are creating a physical environment that reflects our mission, our abilities, and ambitious aspirations -- from the new Library Tower, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, and South Campus-Technology Center to our plans for a new Physics Building, renovated Biology Building, and renovated Theatre facilities.

    We also are working to strengthen our sense of community through additional recreational facilities, our plans for a new University Commons, and an expanded athletic Fieldhouse.

    In addition, we've recently launched the first phase of our Research Park, and created adjacent to the Park the new Conservation and Environmental Research Area, better known as CERA. Just as the Research Park breaks new ground, so does CERA, serving as a laboratory for students and faculty in environmental research and teaching.

    When we think of ground-breaking progress, we also think about the capabilities and accomplishments of our students and the strength and productivity of the faculty and staff.

    Our freshman class is substantially larger, and even more diverse, than a year ago, and the vast majority of these freshmen were honor students in high school. We have hundreds of valedictorians, salutatorians, and 4.0 students in this class. Our new graduate students are equally impressive, coming largely from Maryland's work force and from leading universities around the world. It is significant that we attract students from approximately 45 states and 80 countries.

    As one of the nation's most selective public universities, we have become a model for both access and academic excellence. We pride ourselves on giving our students substantive research opportunities and personal attention. In fact, a year ago, almost to the day, I was inspired to hear Jack Gibbons talk about the importance of mentors in his own life. I was representing the campus at a White House ceremony where UMBC was one of the first recipients of the President's Award for Excellence in Science, Mathematics, and Engineering Mentoring. The award recognized our ground-breaking success in connecting serious students with outstanding faculty and staff.

    We've also broken new ground by creating an environment where students not only succeed, but where they thrive on success -- an environment that truly engages and challenges students to discover and achieve their potential. Whether in the classroom or lab, in the studio or on stage, in the library, residence hall, or community, in internships or co-ops, intellectual or athletic competition, in the States or abroad -- our students have special opportunities for research, service, and personal and intellectual development. These opportunities produce graduates who are prepared for global citizenship, and the majority move easily into professional positions in industry and government, while more than a third go immediately to many of the nation's finest graduate and professional schools.

    And like our undergraduates, our graduate students are an exciting success story. Over the past three years, we have produced over 150 Ph.D.s in science, engineering, and public policy, and virtually all are now employed throughout Maryland and the nation.

    Our students' success largely reflects the efforts of faculty and staff. We take special pride in knowing that our productivity is exceptional. For example, a recent national study showed that UMBC ranks 13th among all public campuses in the nation in the arts and humanities, based on the numbers of prestigious awards per faculty member. And our reputation in the arts is enhanced by consistently strong performances, such as those by our Theatre faculty and students. For example, our student production this past spring of The Diary of a Scoundrel took national honors at the Kennedy Center's American College Theatre Festival.

    The kind of dynamic interaction we see between Theatre faculty and students occurs daily across campus -- from the Structural Biochemistry Center and the Howard Hughes Medical Institute, focusing on anti-cancer strategies and AIDS research, to the Imaging Research Center and Geography's Spatial Analysis Lab, where students are applying the latest technologies to create animation and to map urban growth in the Chesapeake Bay region.

    Another measure of our progress is the phenomenal growth in contracts and grants, totaling over $44 million this past year -- nearly a 25% increase over the year before. It is significant that this increase is taking place across the campus -- from the sciences, engineering, and education to the Shriver Center and the Center for Health Policy Development & Management.

    An important key to the University's progress has been our multi-level partnerships with business, industry, and government at all levels, and with the schools. These partnerships have resulted in major benefits for the campus -- from scholarship support, student internships, and jobs for our graduates to faculty research, equipment donations, technology development and commercialization, and much greater campus visibility.

    As companies and agencies see us increasingly as a resource, they are investing in us more and more, helping to build our endowment for the future. In fact, we will publicly launch our capital campaign next month, and already we have received a number of major financial commitments that reflect a future filled with promise.

    Our future also includes serious challenges, chiefly the result of success and growth that already are testing our infrastructure and our ability to continue moving ahead at such a rapid pace -- challenges ranging from budgeting and auditing to the demand for new technologies and even more effective strategies for supporting our students, faculty, and staff.

    We will face these challenges together, as a community, just as we have in the past. Our collective strength and character have fueled our ground-breaking progress, and they serve as the foundation for our success as an honors university in the future.

    Let me conclude, as I do each year, simply by saying that it is an honor to be a part of UMBC.

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    Posted by dwinds1

    September 8, 1997

    "THE FUTURE OF SOCIAL SECURITY"

    Monday, September 22, 1997, 4 p.m. reception, 5 p.m. lecture Free, Albin O. Kuhn Library & Gallery UMBC's Department of Economics presents its annual Jack Mullen Lecture featuring a discussion on "The Future of Social Security" by Edward Gramlich, Federal Reserve Board nominee and dean of the University of Michigan's School of Public Policy. The free event will be held at 5:00pm on Monday, September 22 in the Albin O. Kuhn Library & Gallery.

    Baltimore, MD--UMBC's Department of Economics presents its annual Jack Mullen Lecture featuring a discussion on "The Future of Social Security" by Edward Gramlich, Federal Reserve Board nominee and dean of the University of Michigan's School of Public Policy. The free event will be held at 5:00pm on Monday, September 22 in the Albin O. Kuhn Library & Gallery.

    Recently nominated to serve on the Federal Reserve Board, Gramlich will discuss his views on the future of social security, drawing from his extensive governmental and public policy experience. From 1994 - 1996 he served as Chair of the Quadrennial Advisory Council on Social Security, a group established to examine the actuarial finances of social security and suggest policy changes. In 1986 - 1987, Gramlich was Acting Director of the Congressional Budget Office, a non-partisan Congressional agency charged with analyzing budgets and other policy questions. He has also served on the staff of the Federal Reserve Board and at the Office of Economic Opportunity and the Brookings Institute.

    The Department of Economics' Jack Mullen Lecture is an annual event that brings nationally-known scholars to UMBC to discuss contemporary issues in economics.

    For more information on the lecture, call the UMBC Department of Economics at 410.455.2160.

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    Posted by dwinds1

    UMBC CHESS CHAMPIONSHIP WILL DETERMINE WHO MAKES TEAM TO DEFEND NATIONAL TITLE

    In addition to school bragging rights, members of the reigning national champion collegiate chess team will play each other for spots on this year's defending team during the 1997-98 UMBC Chess Championship, Saturday, September 13, and Sunday, September 14, in the University Center Ballroom. Two hour rounds begin at 10 a.m., 3 p.m. and 8 p.m. on each day. Registration begins Friday at 4 p.m. and Saturday at 9 a.m. Spectators are welcome and there is no admission charge.

    Baltimore, MD--In addition to school bragging rights, members of the reigning national champion collegiate chess team will play each other for spots on this year's defending team during the 1997-98 UMBC Chess Championship, Saturday, September 13, and Sunday, September 14, in the University Center Ballroom. Two hour rounds begin at 10 a.m., 3 p.m. and 8 p.m. on each day. Registration begins Friday at 4 p.m. and Saturday at 9 a.m. Spectators are welcome and there is no admission charge.

    Open to any UMBC student, this event will crown the school champion, which is currently Senior Master William "The Exterminator" Morrison. The top finishers will also make the team that defends UMBC's national title at the 1997 Pan-American Chess Championship in Bowling Green, Kentucky, December 26-29, 1997.

    While the Pan Am Tournament will be tough, the UMBC Chess Championship could have the strongest field of play in collegiate chess all year. "UMBC's A and B teams played each other in the final of last year's national championship, and our team will be hard to beat again this year," says Alan Sherman, faculty advisor to the UMBC Chess Club, which is sponsoring the championship.

    If they do win the Pan Am again, UMBC would seek a rematch with reigning World Champion Garry Kasparov, who played UMBC on May 17, less than a week after his loss to IBM's Deep Blue supercomputer. In this traditional match between world and collegiate champions, UMBC's Dmitry Atlas drew one game of eight Kasparov played against four team members and four scholastic-age players.

    In addition to the UMBC Championship, future tune-ups before the Pan American Championships will include:

    1997-98 UMBC Action Chess Playoffs (Friday, September 19, 3-6:30 p.m., Lecture Hall V, Engineering/Computer Science Building). This is a fast-paced, single elimination tournament that pits the top four finishers of the UMBC Chess Championship against each other. The event is free and open to the public and will feature computer projection of games from an autosensory board. Spectators should bring a digital FM receiver to hear move-by-move sports commentary by Senior Master Tom Brownscomb and Master Roger Mahach.

    UMBC vs the University of Pennsylvania (Saturday, October 18, at noon in UMBC's Ablin O. Kuhn Library). The match against Penn (ranked #2 in the nation), is part of MindFest, UMBC's annual day-long, open-house festival celebrating the power of ideas. In addition to story-telling, demonstrations, and internet tours, the UMBC Chess Club will also host ChessFest '97 in the Kuhn Library. Activities include free chess instruction for beginners age 7-12 (10 a.m.), informal open play (11 a.m. to 2 p.m.) and the UMBC vs. Penn match at noon. MindFest is very popular with parents and children. More than 2,000 people attended last year. To reserve a space in the free instruction class, call 410.455.2902.

    For more information about UMBC chess events, instruction, scholarships and activities, check the UMBC Chess Club Homepage or call 410.455.2666.

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    Posted by dwinds1

    August 20, 1997

    UMBC LAUNCHES $50 MILLION CAPITAL CAMPAIGN

    To keep and attract the very best students and faculty, and fulfill its mission to serve the local community and grow the regional economy, the University of Maryland, Baltimore County will officially launch its $50 million capital campaign at 5:30 p.m. tomorrow, with a reception honoring leadership donors at The Center Club.

    BALTIMORE--To keep and attract the very best students and faculty, and fulfill its mission to serve the local community and grow the regional economy, the University of Maryland, Baltimore County will officially launch its $50 million capital campaign at 5:30 p.m. tomorrow, with a reception honoring leadership donors at The Center Club.

    With six leadership gifts of $1 million or more and pledges totaling 44 percent of its goal already in hand, The Campaign for UMBC seeks to raise $15M in endowment ($7M for student scholarships, $7M for faculty chairs and fellowships, and $1M for the library and equipment). The campaign will also raise $14M in gift-in-kind donations and $21M in grant & contract support for a total of $50 million by 2002.

    "I'm not an alumnus and the leadership donors we will be honoring tomorrow night are not alumni, not even parents, says Earl Linehan, President of Woodbrook Capital, Inc., and co-chair of UMBC's first capital campaign. "But we know UMBC is on a path to be a great institution and we want to be a part of the drive for success by helping it to secure endowment funds for scholarships, fellowships and costly technology essential to education today and tomorrow.

    In addition to Linehan's generosity--he and wife Darielle are endowing a scholarship program for academically talented undergraduates majoring in the arts--his sentiment is shared by many philanthropists in the Baltimore business community who have made endowment gifts of $1 million or more, but have no personal ties to the institution. Examples include:

  • The Robert W. Deutsch Foundation for faculty research fellowships in high-demand fields of computer science and information systems. Note: UMBC produces nearly 40% of the State's bachelor degree recipients in these fields, more than any other institution in Maryland.

  • The Dresher Foundation, Inc. for scholarships to high-achieving students from Harford County.

  • The France-Merrick Foundation for scholarships to high-achieving undergraduate students who demonstrate a strong interest in community service.

  • Willard and Lillian Hackerman for an endowed chair in engineering. The award of UMBC's first-ever chair comes at a time when it has lost faculty to endowed positions at other institutions.

  • Robert and Jane Meyerhoff for an endowed chair in biochemistry. The first recipient is Dr. Catherine Fenselau, a pioneer in mass spectrometry. The Meyerhoffs established the nationally renowned Meyerhoff Scholarship Program at UMBC in 1988 to address the shortage of African Americans in the sciences, engineering and medicine. They are also serving as honorary co-chairs of the campaign.

    "Our company is starting to have a UMBC flavor, says George Sherman, President and CEO of Danaher Corporation, who is also co-chair of the UMBC campaign and has given a combined personal and Danaher Corporation gift of $500,000 for scholarships. "We are excited by UMBC's approach to training future engineers and managers and feel the institution can help our company achieve its ambitions. This is a university that knows how to win.

    "UMBC's culture is very entrepreneurial and we are delighted to be working closely with the businesses community to develop the regional economy, adds President Freeman A. Hrabowski, III. "An investment in UMBC is an investment in Baltimore and Maryland.

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    Posted by dwinds1

    April 25, 1997

    WORLD CHESS CHAMPION GARRY KASPAROV TO PLAY UMBC'S REIGNING COLLEGE CHAMPIONSHIP TEAM ON SATURDAY, MAY 17

    After routing the field in the 1996 Pan-American Intercollegiate Chess Team Championships in December, members of the top-ranked UMBC Chess Team didn\\'t go to Disney World or rest on their laurels for the school year. Instead, they eagerly pursued a match they\\'ll almost certainly lose--and relish every minute of it.

    Baltimore, MD--After routing the field in the 1996 Pan-American Intercollegiate Chess Team Championships in December, members of the top-ranked UMBC Chess Team didn't go to Disney World or rest on their laurels for the school year. Instead, they eagerly pursued a match they'll almost certainly lose--and relish every minute of it.

    World Professional Chess Association (PCA) Champion and International Grandmaster Garry Kasparov will simultaneously play eight games against four members of the UMBC Chess Team that won the "World Series of Chess" as well as four Maryland scholastic-age players on Saturday, May 17, at 12:30 p.m. in the University Center Ballroom.

    Before the exhibition, which will consist of two hours per side for the first 40 moves, followed by sudden death in 30 minutes, Kasparov will give a public talk at noon and answer media questions for 20 minutes after the match ends at approximately 5:30 p.m.

    In addition to extending a recent chess tradition of pitting the reigning world champion against the reigning intercollegiate champions, the exhibition will follow Kasparov's rematch with IBM's Deep Blue chess-playing supercomputer in New York City, May 3-11. At the first match in Philadelphia last year, Kasparov beat Deep Blue, four games to two.

    "We'll certainly have our hands full, says Alan Sherman, an associate professor of computer science and faculty advisor to the UMBC Chess Club, "but everyone is excited about Grandmaster Kasparov's visit. This will be a great opportunity for our team to hone its skills, and I hope it will also stimulate interest in chess among Maryland youth." Rounding out the field for UMBC will be International Master Valery Atlas and FIDE Master Dmitry Atlas, twin brothers from Belarus who are both electrical engineering graduate students; Senior Master William "The Exterminator" Morrison, the 1995 Maryland Chess Champion and a senior history major from New York who was the basis, in part, for the park chess player in the movie "Searching for Bobby Fischer"; and Senior Master Gregory Shahade, a freshman from Masterman High School in Philadelphia, who is the 1996 National High School Chess Co-champion.

    "I've never played the world champion, but I hope I beat him," says a grinning William Morrison. "Hey, you never know." Kasparov certainly isn't taking UMBC lightly, having requested the list of moves for six games of each of his opponents.

    Kasparov's scholastic division opponents will include 14-year-old Silver Spring resident Raymond Kaufman, winner of the 1997 Maryland Scholastic Championship (and a chess scholarship to UMBC). Three other Maryland students will be determined in a qualifying tournament from 8:30-11:30 a.m. before the exhibition. The qualifying tournament is open to any Maryland student from a public or private school, grade 1 to 12. Free buses to UMBC will leave Baltimore City College High School and Patterson High School at 7 a.m. and depart from UMBC at 6 p.m.

    The top three scholastic winners will play Kasparov. Others will have the opportunity to qualify for simultaneous games against UMBC's Grandmaster Alexander Shabalov (ranked 10th in the U.S.), Oxana Tarassova (ranked 22nd among U.S. women) or Bella Belegradek (1994-95 UMBC Champion).

    Admission for spectators to all events is $10 for adults; students in grades 12 and under are free. Senior Master Craig Jones will provide live commentary on the games, which will also be carried over the internet via the Internet Chess Club. A detailed schedule for all of the day's events and scholastic division qualifying requirements is available at the UMBC Chess Club website or by calling 410.455.2666.

    The exhibition with Kasparov is sponsored by the Abell Foundation, TRMAC and the UMBC President's Office.

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    Posted by dwinds1



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