Past Alumni Award Winners

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Alumni Awards 2022 group photo. Alumni Awards committee members with UMBC President Valerie Sheares Ashby and Alumni Association President Brian Frazee ’11, M.P.P. ’12.

Past Alumni Award Winners

2025 Alumni Awards

The Award Winners

  • Erwin Cabrera ’10, biological sciences
  • Dr. Johnny Olszewski, Jr., Ph.D. ’17, public policy
  • Cameron Slayden ’99, interdisciplinary studies
  • Dr. Jacqueline Smith ’06, chemistry
  • Mark Benesch ’08, chemical engineering
  • Courtney Culp ’20, visual arts
  • Dr. Jamie Gurganus ’04, M.S. ’11, Ph.D. ’20, mechanical engineering
  • Dr. Michael Hunt ’06, mathematics, Ph.D. ’25, language, literacy, and culture

2025 Program

2025 Award Photos

The Award Winners

  • Dr. Khadijah Z. Ali-Coleman ’95, interdisciplinary studies
  • Dr. Omolola Eniola-Adefeso ’99, chemical engineering
  • Zhensen Huang, M.S. ’00, Ph.D. ’04, information systems
  • Dr. Matthew Levy ’00, M.S. ’08, emergency health services
  • Padmanabhan Seshaiyer, Ph.D. ’98, mathematics
  • Faisal Quader Ph.D. ’20, information systems 2024 Awardee
  • Anwesha Dey Ph.D. ’04, biochemistry & molecular biology 2023 Awardee
  • Dr. Austin Murdock ’15, computer science
  • Dr. Jiyoon Lee, Associate Professor, Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) M.A. Program
  • David Hoffman Ph.D. ’13, Director, Center for Democracy and Civic Life

2024 Program

2024 Award Photos

On the stage of the 35th annual Alumni Awards, awardees and their nominators repeated a shared theme: the freedom and flexibility to grow at UMBC—not alone—but in community. Read the full story

The Award Winners

  • Dr. Aaron Ralby ’05, English and modern languages and linguistics
  • Dr. Josh Michael ’10, Ph.D. ’22, political science & public policy
  • James Dorsey IV ’05, music technology & vocal performance
  • Dr. Annica Wayman ’99, mechanical engineering
  • Dr. Kay Bidle ’91, biological sciences
  • Dr. Anwesha Dey Ph.D. ’04, biochemistry & molecular biology
  • Dr. Asif Majid ’13, interdisciplinary studies
  • Dr. E.F. Charles LaBerge Ph.D. ’03, Professor of the Practice, Computer Science, and Electrical Engineering
  • Rehana Shafi, Director, Sherman Teacher Scholars Program

2023 Program

2023 Award Photos

The weeks around Homecoming offer multiple ways for the UMBC community to reconnect with our Retriever pride and celebrate the accomplishments of our amazing alumni. Two marquee events during this time are the UMBC Athletic Hall of Fame Induction and Alumni Awards ceremonies. Read the full story

The Award Winners

  • Dr. Josiah Dykstra Ph.D. ’13, computer science
  • Dr. Karsonya ‘Kaye’ Wise Whitehead Ph.D. ’09, language, literacy and culture
  • Dr. Joy Haley Ph.D. ’01, chemistry
  • Dr. Keith Elder Ph.D. ’02, health policy, policy sciences
  • McKenzie Chinn ’06, theatre
  • Benjamin Garmoe ’13, political science
  • Stefanie Mavronis ’12, media & communication studies and political science
  • Dr. Carolyn Forestiere, Professor of Political Science

2022 Program

2022 Award Photos

More alumni than ever were celebrated in 2021. In addition to the past categories, the Board also honored a cohort of Retrievers whose work impacted pandemic response on local, national, and global stages. Likewise, the Rising Star category couldn’t be contained to a single alum, so three bright stars were highlighted. Read the full story

The Award Winners

  • Christine Osazuwa ’11
  • Michael Berardi ’19
  • Deep Patel ’19
  • Dr. Michael Hassett, M.P.P. ’17, Ph.D. ’19
  • Dr. Scott Banta ’97
  • Sean Pang ’09, M.A. ’11
  • Dr. Kizzmekia Corbett ’08, M16
  • Theresa Bruce ’09
  • Tewodross Melchishua Williams M.F.A. ’00
  • Letitia Dzirasa ’03, M11
  • Kaitlyn Sadtler ’11
  • Dr. Kate Tracy, M.A. ’01, Ph.D. ’03
  • Dr. Michael Summers

2021 Program

2021 Award Photos

“This outstanding group of award winners are leading the way for others and making an impact on all facets of our society and on the local, national, and global stages,” says Stanyell Odom, director of Alumni Engagement. “They exemplify the best qualities of a UMBC education—they are intellectually curious, creative, entrepreneurial, innovative, committed to making a difference, and passionate and proud of their UMBC.” Read the full story

The Award Winners

  • Kimberly Patrick ’08
  • Jerome Adams ’97, M4
  • Kim Shelsby ’85
  • Paul Mangus ’86
  • La Jerne Cornish ’05 Ph.D.
  • Kelsey Krach ’14
  • Beverly Bickel ’94

2019 Program

2019 Award Photos

UMBC community members from the university’s first class to today kicked off Homecoming 2018 on October 4 with a celebration of UMBC Alumni Award winners. Held in the Earl and Danielle Linehan Concert Hall, the moving and memorable ceremony reflected the rich community that is UMBC and honored the tremendous achievements of eight exceptional awardees. Read the full story

The Award Winners

  • Kimberly Ellison Taylor ’93
  • Saira Khan ’09
  • Dr. Mark Doms ’86
  • The Honorable Wanda Keyes Heard ’79
  • Dr. Mina Cheon M.F.A ’02
  • Mimi (Haw) Dietrich ’70
  • Zainab Alkebsi ’09
  • Mariajosé Castellanos

2018 Program

“I’m thrilled that the legacy of excellence embodied by these amazing individuals can be shared this evening and for many years to come,” said John Becker ’01, information systems management, president of the Alumni Association board. Read the full story

The Award Winners

  • Dr. Kafui Dzirasa ’01, M8
  • Dennis Williams ’14
  • Dr. Kate Laskowski ’06
  • Dr. Alejandro Cremaschi ’93
  • Rear Admiral Sylvia Trent-Adams, Ph.D. ’06
  • Dr. Steven Storck ’08, M.S. ’09, Ph.D. ’14
  • Lauren Mazzoli ’15, M.S. ’17
  • Dr. Marc Zupan

“This year’s awardees truly capture the depth of our community,” said John Becker ’01, president of the alumni association. Irina Vishnevetsky ’99, chair of the alumni awards committee, shared, “Each year the number of submitted nominations grows, and each year I am amazed by the incredible accomplishments of UMBC alumni.” Read the full story

The Award Winners

  • Henry Baker ’78, Ph.D. ’84
  • Vince Calhoun, Ph.D. ’02
  • Dr. Tiffany Holmes, M.F.A. ’99
  • Joseph Jones, Jr. ’06
  • Ruby Lu ’94
  • Galina Madjaroff ’08, M.A. ’11
  • Dr. Kimberly Moffitt
  • Dr. Ian Ralby ’02, M.A. ’02
  • Thomas Sadowski ’89

Each year, the UMBC Alumni Association celebrates those people who have made outstanding contributions to the University, their fields, and their communities. Read each recipient’s story

The Award Winners

  • Nicole DeBlase ’06
  • Andre Gudger ’99
  • Bryan Kelly ’92
  • Yoon-Ho Kim, Ph.D. ’01
  • The Hon. Allan Kittleman ’81
  • Dr. Lisa Urkevich ’86
  • Dr. Tara Carpenter

“This year’s winners are an outstanding representation of UMBC. All of the members of our community should be proud of their accomplishments and contributions to the campus and their respective professions,” said Stanyell Odom, Director of Alumni Relations.

The Award Winners

  • Michael Adelstein ’96
  • Isaac Kinde ’05
  • Donna Lewis ’86
  • Gib Mason ’95
  • Kaliope Parthemos ’93
  • Dr. Claudia Pearce, M.S. ’89, Ph.D. ’94
  • Hadieh Shafie, M.F.A. ’04
  • Dr. Anne Spence

Each year, the UMBC Alumni Association honors alumni who have made a difference in their communities and throughout their careers. These outstanding alumni represent the fields of Engineering & Information Technology, Humanities, Natural and Mathematical Sciences, Social Sciences and Visual & Performing Arts. They truly represent the best of UMBC. Read the full story

The Award Winners

  • Dr. Mary Loeken, M.S. ’80
  • Brigitte (Pribnow) Winter ’05
  • Dr. Sherece West-Scantlebury, Ph.D. ’07
  • Jeehye Yun ’97
  • The Hon. Ricardo Zwaig ’77

The UMBC Alumni Association honored six alumni and UMBC president Freeman A. Hrabowski, III, at the annual Outstanding Alumni of the Year Awards ceremony on Thursday, October 11, 2012. Read the full story

The Award Winners

  • Greg Cangialosi ’96
  • Stephanie C. Hill ’86
  • Deborah Randall ’94
  • Elizabeth Rossman ’85
  • Dr. Kimani A. Stancil ’94
  • Christopher Valentino ’02, M.S. ’06
  • Special Recognition — Freeman A. Hrabowski, III

The Award Winners

  • Delali Dzirasa ’04
  • Jamie Smith Hopkins ’98
  • Dr. Ronita L. Marple, Ph.D. ’05
  • Dr. Ralph Semmel, Ph.D. ’92
  • Dr. Jeffrey P. Wilkinson ’89
  • Garrett Wright ’01

Learn more about the 2011 winners

The Award Winners

  • Dean Alexander ’88
  • Chad Cradock ’97
  • Michael George ’87
  • Aaron Merki ’05
  • Dr. Michael Nishimura ’80, M.S. ’84, Ph.D. ’89
  • Gene Trainor ’86
  • Vikki Valentine ’96

Learn more about the 2010 winners

The Award Winners

  • The Hon. Jon S. Cardin M.P.S. ’96
  • Dr. James P. Clements ’85, M.S. ’91, Ph.D. ’93
  • Jeffrey “Duff” Goldman ’97
  • Gustavo Matheus ’90
  • Laura Pasquini ’98
  • Dr. Crystal C. Watkins-Johansson ’95
  • Alicia Wilson ’04

Learn more about the 2009 winners

The Award Winners

  • Eric Conn ’85
  • Kara Lee Corthron ’99
  • The Hon. Marcella Holland ’80
  • Dr. Kevin Maxwell, Ph.D. ’02
  • Stephanie Reel ’85
  • Dr. Reid Thompson ’85

Learn more about the 2008 winners

The Award Winners

  • Eric Carlton ’91
  • Eli Eisenberg ’86
  • Sheila Lopez ’92
  • Robert Marshall ’88
  • Dr. Joseph McCloskey, M.S. ’81, Ph.D. ’83
  • Patricia Smith ’74

Learn more about the 2007 winners

The Award Winners

  • Lisa Dickerson ’78
  • Dr. Steven Eidelman ’73
  • The Hon. Diane Jones, M.S. ’88
  • Billy Kemp ’95
  • Michael Oster ’74
  • Donna Stevenson ’87

Learn more about the 2006 winners

The Award Winners

  • Sheldon Broedel, M.S. ’84, Ph.D. ‘9
  • Dr. Sean Carton ’90
  • Brian Dannelly ’97
  • Dr. Renato DiPentima, Ph.D. ’84
  • Walter Kerr ’96, M.S. ’97
  • Dr. Yue (Joseph) Wang, Ph.D. ’95

Learn more about the 2005 winners

The Award Winners

  • Robert Baruch ’89
  • Diane Bell-McKoy ’73
  • Emily Byrne ’70
  • The Hon. Adrienne Jones ’76

The Award Winners

  • Dr. Paul Behrens, M.A. ’80, Ph.D. ’83
  • Elsa Collins ’95
  • Dr. Ram Mohan, Ph.D. ’92
  • Michael Rowe ’78
  • C. Emmerson Small ’74

The Award Winners

  • Gary Brooks ’79
  • Richard Chisolm ’82
  • Karen Shaheed Johnson ’85
  • Scott Weber ’85
  • William Whiteford ’80

The Award Winners

  • Dr. Cheryl Burke-Schwarz ’82
  • Jennifer Anne Cooper ’94
  • Dr. Tayebeh Pourmotabbed ’86
  • Jack Suess ’81, M.S. ’95

The Award Winners

  • Dr. James P.M. Atsaides ’71
  • Roosevelt Hairston, Jr. ’87
  • Maureen McCormick ’91
  • Robert Seasonwein ’71

The Award Winners

  • Charles Bevins ’76, Ph.D. ’86
  • Dr. Diana Fertsch ’82
  • Dr. George Thomas Grace ’77
  • Anita Jackson ’80
  • Stephen Rice ’79
  • Rev. Karin Wagner Walker ’85

The Award Winners

  • Richard Foster ’73
  • Rick Moreland ’83
  • Jack Neil ’77
  • Dr. Charles Taylor ’73

The Award Winners

  • The Hon. Thomas Dewberry ’73
  • Dr. Kimberly Joseph ’83
  • Dr. Richard Lytel ’75
  • Dr. Yvette Mozie-Ross ’88
  • W. Jack Mullen ’72
  • Dr. Lauren Schnaper ’71
  • Lori Smith-Watson ’85

The Award Winners

  • Dr. Jo Ann Argersinger ’74
  • William Glover ’90
  • Dr. Scott Rifkin ’81
  • Dr. Michael Zollicoffer ’80

The Award Winners

  • Nathan Chapman, Jr. ‘8
  • Dr. Blair Grubb ’76
  • Michele Hayes ’85
  • Bobby Richardson ’89

The Award Winners

  • James Andercyk ’88
  • José Barata ’79
  • The Hon. Dana Levitz ’70
  • Ruth Williamson ’77

The Award Winners

  • Tyrone Bullock, Sr. ’84
  • Dr. Stephen Vicchio ’73
  • The Hon. David Young ’74

The Award Winners

  • Dr. Rita Berndt ’71
  • Edward Hodges ’82
  • Lawrence LaMotte ’71

The Award Winners

  • Mary Beth Engelbride ’84
  • Sandra Geest ’72
  • Dr. Paula Grabowski ’76
  • James Wiggins ’75

The Award Winners

  • Dr. Robin West ’76

The Award Winners

  • Dr. Winston Griner ’74

Distinguished Alumna/us of the Year Award

Established in 1988, the Distinguished Alumna/us Award was presented to an alumna/us who has achieved national recognition for excellence in his/her profession or field of endeavor. This award was presented until 2003. Past recipients were:

  • 2003: Diane L. Bell-McKoy ’73
  • 2002: Ram S. Mohan ’92
  • 2001: Richard Chisolm ’82 and William Whiteford ’80
  • 2000: Dr. Tayebeh Pourmotabbed ’86
  • 1999: Robert G. Seasonwein, Esq. ’71
  • 1998: Charles L. Bevins, M.D., Ph.D. ’76 & ’86
  • 1997: Dr. Charles A. Taylor ’73
  • 1996: Dr. Richard Lytel ’75, Dr. Lauren A. Schnaper ’71 and Peggy Southerland ’75
  • 1995: Dr. Jo Ann E. Argersinger ’74
  • 1994: Dr. Blair Grubb ’76
  • 1993: Ruth Williamson ’77
  • 1992: Dr. Stephen Vicchio ’73
  • 1991: Dr. Rita Berndt ’71
  • 1990: Dr. Paula Grabowski ’76
  • 1989: Dr. Robin West ’76
  • 1988: Dr. Winston Griner ’74

Outstanding Alumna/us Award

Established in 1991, the Outstanding Alumna/us Award was presented to an alumna/us who received recognition for the contributions s/he had made to his/her profession or community, and for the individual’s volunteer participation and advancement of UMBC. This award was presented until 2003. Past recipients were:

  • 2003: The Honorable Adrienne A. Jones ’76
  • 2002: Paul W. Behrens ’80 and ’83
  • 2001: Karen Johnson ’85
  • 2000: Jennifer Anne Cooper ’94
  • 1999: Roosevelt Hairston, Jr., Esq. ’87
  • 1998: George Thomas Grace, M.D. ’77
  • 1997: Richard S. Foster ’73 and Richard Moreland ’83
  • 1996: W. Jack Mullen ’72 and Kimberly Joseph ’83
  • 1995: Dr. Scott M. Rifkin ’81
  • 1994: Nathan Chapman, Jr. ’80
  • 1993: The Honorable Dana Levitz ’70
  • 1992: The Honorable David Young ’74
  • 1991: The Honorable Lawrence LaMotte ’71

Alumni Community Leadership Award

Established in 1994, the Alumni Community Leadership Award recognized an alumna/us who had demonstrated, through dedicated service and leadership, including voluntary service beyond employment, a commitment to strengthening the community and creating positive change for society. This award was presented until 2003. Past recipients were:

  • 2003: Emily A. Byrne ’70
  • 2002: Elsa T. Collins ’95
  • 2001: Gary M. Brooks ’79
  • 2000: Cheryl Burke-Schwarz, D.V.M. ’82
  • 1999: James P.M. Atsaides, Ph.D. ’71
  • 1998: Anita Maddox Jackson ’80 and Karin Wagner Walker, M.Div., D.Min. ’85
  • 1997: Jack B. Neil ’77
  • 1996: The Honorable Thomas H. Dewberry ’73
  • 1995: Dr. Michael L. Zollicoffer ’80
  • 1994: Bobby Richardson ’89

UMBC Volunteer(s) of the Year

This award was presented until 2003. Past recipients were:

  • 2003: Robert A. Baruch ’89
  • 2002: Michael A. Rowe ’78 and C. Emmerson Small, II ’74
  • 2001: Scott E. Weber ’85
  • 2000: Jack Suess ’81
  • 1999: Maureen McCormick ’91
  • 1998: Diana Fertsch, M.D., Ph.D. ’82 and Stephen Rice ’79
  • 1997: Robert Dietrich ’70 and Mary “Mimi” Haw Dietrich ’70
  • 1996: Lori Smith-Watson ’85 and Yvette Mozie-Ross ’88
  • 1995: William Glover ’90
  • 1994: Michele Hayes ’85
  • 1993: James Andercyk ’88 and Jose Barata ’79
  • 1992: Tyrone Bullock, Sr. ’84
  • 1991: Edward Hodges ’82
  • 1990: Sandra Geest ’72, Mary Beth Schoch Engelbride ’84 and James L. Wiggins ’75
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