UMBC’s Richard Forno explains how a global information technology outage on July 19 reveals vulnerabilities that are becoming a growing concern for cybersecurity professionals, businesses and governments. Continue Reading Massive IT outage spotlights major vulnerabilities in the global information ecosystem Meet Fritzie Charne-Merriwether, associate vice president for administration and chief of staff in the Division of Student Affairs. Fritzie started her career at UMBC as a community director in Residential Life, left to pursue other passions, and came back to serve our Retriever community for the last 14 years. What excites Fritzie so much about her work with students? We’ll let her tell you herself! Q: What’s one essential thing you’d want another Retriever to know about you? A: I am a native New Yorker. I have a B.A. in psychology from Roger Williams University and a M.Ed. in student… Continue Reading Meet a Retriever—Fritzie Charne-Merriwether, student affairs superstar Richard Forno, principal lecturer in computer science and electrical engineering at UMBC explains how Americans can work against political violence. Continue Reading Social media and political violence – how to break the cycle Meet Connie Pierson ’90, M.A. ’92, a double alum—earning her bachelor’s degree in economics and sociology in 1990 and her M.A. in applied sociology in 1992—and UMBC’s current associate vice provost for Institutional Research. In total, Connie has spent 31 non-consecutive years at UMBC as both a student and staff member. After leaving the university to earn her Ph.D. in sociology from the University of Maryland, College Park, and a short stint at the U.S. Census Bureau, Connie returned to UMBC in 1999 for a job in the Office of Institutional Research, Analysis, and Decision Support where she has been… Continue Reading Meet a Retriever—Connie Pierson ’90, M.A. ’92, associate vice provost for institutional research Meet Mary K. Tilghman, whose original decision to attend UMBC may have started off more pragmatic than fairytale (she could commute with her brother who was attending), but the story ended up having a happy ending. Tilghman ’79, English, is a novelist—the author of half a dozen modern romance and historical novels. She says she finds inspiration in her native Maryland and draws on her bachelor’s degree from 45-plus years ago. According to Tilghman, her classes at UMBC laid the foundation for a prolific and fulfilling writing career. Tell us your story, Mary! Q: What’s one essential thing you’d want… Continue Reading Meet a Retriever—Mary K. Tilghman ’79, novelist and donor Meet Karen Woodard ‘90, English. Karen is chief of the Employment Litigation Section in the Civil Rights Division of the U.S. Department of Justice and an active member of the UMBC Alumni Association Board of Directors, serving as Vice President of Finance and one of the co-chairs of the Alumni Awards committee. As an undergrad, Karen was heavily involved on campus. She played on the women’s basketball team all four years—serving as team captain her senior year—and was a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., serving as president also in her senior year. Karen credits her time at UMBC… Continue Reading Meet a Retriever—Karen Woodard ’90, Alumni Association Vice President and co-chair of the Alumni Awards committee When the Fort McHenry Tunnel opened, drivers could thank Richard “Rock” Soracoe ’71, economics, for helping them see as they drove under the harbor. Soracoe spent 50-plus years in the lighting industry and helped source the original 8,870 8-ft light fixtures that lined the road. In retirement, he’s helping shed a different type of light. Soracoe and other members of the founding four classes at UMBC are putting their collective memories to work to assist in identifying people and events in UMBC’s archival material to help complete our UMBC history. One event—UMBC’s first intercollegiate athletics win—is a story Soracoe loves… Continue Reading Stepping up to the plate to preserve UMBC history “As a China expert and open-source researcher, I believe the latest revelations draw the curtain back on a contractor ecosystem in which government officials and commercial operators are increasingly working together,” explains Christopher K. Tong, associate professor of Asian studies at the University of Maryland Baltimore County. ” In short, Beijing is outsourcing its cyber operations to a patchwork army of private-sector hackers who offer their services out of a mix of nationalism and profit.” Continue Reading China turns to private hackers as it cracks down on online activists on Tiananmen Square anniversary Meet Michelle Jabes Corpora ’03, English and theatre. Michelle is the author of nine novels, an editor for commercial fiction, and an avid student of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. She came to UMBC as a Linehan Artist Scholar in 1999 to study theatre before deciding to double major in English. Michelle has found that her background in theatre has been a helpful tool in her writing. Take it away, Michelle! Q: What’s one essential thing you’d want another Retriever to know about you? A: I am a 2003 alumna, a double major in English and theatre. Today, I am the author of… Continue Reading Meet a Retriever—Michelle Jabes Corpora ‘03, young adult author and editor “The sargassum invasion has worsened since it exploded in the region in 2011. Forecasts and the seaweed already washing up suggest that 2024 will be another alarming year,” says Farah Nibbs, assistant professor of emergency and disaster health systems at UMBC, studies the intersection of critical infrastructure and disasters in the Caribbean. Continue Reading Rotting sargassum is choking the Caribbean’s white sand beaches, fueling an economic and public health crisis Retrievers for life, that’s UMBC’s promise, and a group of residents at Charlestown’s senior living community are keeping their end of the bargain. Located two miles away from UMBC’s Catonsville campus, 60 or so retired and current faculty, staff, alumni, and friends at Charlestown are enjoying the ongoing cultural and educational perks of the two institutions. Several of these “Friends of UMBC” are laying the groundwork for continued exchange and connection—jazz concerts, classes about gender and sexuality, high-profile speakers—leaving a legacy for future generations to follow. Continue Reading The Senior Class Meet Merryll Kallungal, a brand new graduate of the translational life science technology program at UMBC at the Universities at Shady Grove. In this program, students like Merryll learn hands-on skills through biotechnology labs and other applied experiences. We’re excited to hear all about her experience. Take it away, Merryll! Q: What’s one essential thing you’d want another Retriever to know about you? A: I majored in translational life science technology (TLST). I mainly attended the USG campus. I was part of the Peer Advisory Team. Outside of classes, I am interested in dancing, reading, and enjoying time with family.… Continue Reading Meet a Retriever—Merryll Kallungal ’24, translational life science technology graduate
Massive IT outage spotlights major vulnerabilities in the global information ecosystem
Meet a Retriever—Fritzie Charne-Merriwether, student affairs superstar
Social media and political violence – how to break the cycle
Meet a Retriever—Connie Pierson ’90, M.A. ’92, associate vice provost for institutional research
Meet a Retriever—Mary K. Tilghman ’79, novelist and donor
Meet a Retriever—Karen Woodard ’90, Alumni Association Vice President and co-chair of the Alumni Awards committee
Stepping up to the plate to preserve UMBC history
China turns to private hackers as it cracks down on online activists on Tiananmen Square anniversary
Meet a Retriever—Michelle Jabes Corpora ‘03, young adult author and editor
Rotting sargassum is choking the Caribbean’s white sand beaches, fueling an economic and public health crisis
The Senior Class
Meet a Retriever—Merryll Kallungal ’24, translational life science technology graduate
