“One of the things I’m most appreciative of is the inclusive and diverse campus of UMBC,” says Shahreen Zannat ’22. “This means a great deal to me because I often find myself to be a little isolated in group settings due to my disability. But not only are the faculty extremely accommodating, but students go out of their way to support me.” Diane Stonestreet ’22, mechanical engineering, shares, “my time at UMBC has given me the space to better understand and take ownership of my journey as a first-gen student. I’ve become confident in myself, and aware that I do deserve the opportunities that come my way.” Chetan Desai, M.P.S. ’22, data science, came to UMBC from India in Spring 2021, overcoming the barriers of international travel during the pandemic, with a unique goal in mind. He wanted to combine his skills in data science with his passion for sport. As a Cybersecurity and Center for Women in Technology Scholar from São Paulo, Brazil, Priscila de Almeida Feitosa ’22, computer science, found like-minded classmates at UMBC—students who wanted to change the status quo of representation in technology fields. Two alumni celebrate their St. Patrick’s Day meet-cute at UMBC that turned into a 53-year romance. As often as possible, President Freeman Hrabowski will take a lap around the campus that has shaped him as much as he’s shaped it. These Individualized Study instructors eagerly invite the students into the mystery and wonder of the world with reverence—and a healthy dose of skepticism. UMBC is excited to announce the 32nd annual Alumni Awards. While the in-person ceremony may be smaller than past years, we are celebrating more alumni than ever. One of Kate Tracy’s longest-standing and most important descriptors is “Maxine Tracy in a different form,” laughs Tracy. “A feistier version of my grandmother.” She’s honoring Maxine with an endowment in her name to UMBC’s Women’s Center. As a new semester gets underway dozens student organizations readily welcome Retrievers who may not assume that the club is for them. In her position at The League, Ghazal Rahmanpanah is trying to encourage people to live more civically minded lives through narrative change.
Connecting face-to-face: Valedictorian prioritizes supporting one another
First-gen engineering grad is energized by helping others
Data science grad finds unique way to pursue passion for sport
Challenging the status quo and inspiring young women in tech
Lucky in Love
Get Your Steps in with Dr. Hrabowski
Reframing the Question
The Alumni Awards Return
Living Her Values
The Hospitality of UMBC’s Student Clubs
Changing the Narrative—Ghazal Rahmanpanah ’08
