Matthew McGloin
Plans: Professional Actor with the Virginia Shakespeare Festival
B.F.A., Acting
Baltimore, MD
A Linehan Artist Scholar and member of the Honors
College, Matthew McGloin has performed a wide range of roles
in UMBC and community theatre productions, as well as the Ballet
Academy of Baltimore’s annual production of The Nutcracker.
Last year, McGloin studied at the Victoria University of Wellington,
New Zealand. With funding from two theatre department grants,
McGloin conducted research projects on Fitzmaurice Voicework,
a method of voice training, and Alexander Technique, a method
of improving ease and freedom of movement, balance, support
and coordination often utilized by actors. He recently received
the Outstanding Student Award in theatre, presented by UMBC’s
Alumni Association. In addition to his work in theatre, he regularly
volunteers at a soup kitchen and plays piano for his church,
a local nursing home and for events at Mount Saint Joseph High
School. This summer he’ll perform in The Tempest
and The Complete Works of Shakespeare Abridged with
the Virginia Shakespeare Festival.
“At UMBC I have learned a lot about
myself and about growing up. As I leave, I have a confidence
that promises happiness in my continued journey. I am grateful
to each friend and teacher at UMBC who has touched my life.”
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Thomas Occhipinti
Plans: Ph.D. in Mathematics, University of Arizona
B.S., Mathematics and Economics
Vicksburg, MD
In December 2004, Thomas Occhipinti was Maryland’s
top scorer in the William Lowell Putnam Mathematical Contest,
a national competition for undergraduate students administered
by the Mathematical Association of America. Over 2000 students
take the test each year, and Occhipinti’s score of 40
placed him in the top 160. He also tied for fourth place (out
of 250 students) in the recent Virginia Tech Regional Mathematics
Competition. Occipinti is a member of UMBC’s Honors College
and recently received the Outstanding Student in Economics Award
from the UMBC Alumni Association; he received the Outstanding
Student in Mathematics award last year.
“UMBC’s faculty are overwhelmingly
friendly and care a great deal about their students. I have
no doubt it is as a result of the bonds I have formed with my
professors that I am where I am today.”
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Melissa Taylor
Plans: Head of Marketing and Design, AthenaES
B.A., Visual Arts
Hebron, MD
An internship opportunity with a company at techcenter@UMBC
turned into future plans for Melissa Taylor, who attended UMBC
on a President’s Scholarship. After completing a graphic
design internship with PDA Marketing, Taylor interned as a graphic
designer with AthenaES, a biotech company with techcenter@UMBC,
a facility for start-up and emerging companies. (The founder
of AthenaES is Sheldon Broedel ’84 M.S., ’90 Ph.D.,
who was one of UMBC’s 2005 Alumni of the Year.) Her internship
turned into a part-time job, and in June she’ll begin
work full time, heading up marketing and design for the company.
Taylor also took time out to play intramural soccer and field
hockey, in addition to club soccer, during her time at UMBC.
“The visual arts department helped me
discover my passion for graphic design and animation, which
helped to shape my career path. Through UMBC's Shriver Center
I was able to obtain multiple internships, which naturally transitioned
into a full-time job. I am looking forward to putting my expertise
to use after graduation.”
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David Dalrymple
Plans: Ph.D., MIT (Fall 2006)
B.S., Computer Science and
Mathematics
Columbia, MD
At only 13 years old, David Dalrymple has made
presentations at Microsoft, the MIT Media Lab, the ACM/Glenn
Commission and the Smithsonian Institution. He is a member of
the Honors College and received an Outstanding Achievement in
Computer Science Award along with membership to Pi Mu Epsilon
and Phi Beta Kappa. Dalrymple participated in the Kauffman Entrepreneurship
Internship Program though UMBC’s Shriver Center. Outside
of UMBC, he traveled abroad with the Semester at Sea program,
and later raised money by selling photographs from his trip
that he mounted and framed. Dalrymple was recognized for his
diverse interests in Richard Saul Wurman’s book, 1000,
about America’s 1,000 most creative individuals. He is
currently collaborating with MIT Inventor of the Year Ray Kurzweil
and plans to work with him and consult for a year before he
begins his Ph.D. program.
“UMBC is a fine institution that continues
to exceed people’s expectations. I've learned a lot here,
and with the help of dedicated faculty and staff I am now better
equipped to realize my goal of organizing a tech startup.”
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Steven Wiley
Plans: Computer Systems Analyst/Programmer, Lockheed Martin
B.A., Information Systems
and Certificate of Advanced Study in Intercultural Communication
Elkridge, MD
Steven Wiley has been actively involved in his
department, participating in the IS Committee for Tenure and
Promotion and the IS Council of Majors. He is a member of the
Honors College, a Lockheed Martin Scholar and a Verizon Scholar;
he received the John B. Schwartz Scholarship for outstanding
scholarship and service in information systems; and was elected
to Phi Beta Kappa. Wiley was a copy editor and features staff
writer for the Retriever Weekly and a note
taker for Student Support Services. To gain professional experience,
he worked with the Association of Maryland Pilots as an IT intern
and provided design and technical support during his internship
at Mirador Research.
“The depth
and diversity of knowledge among my peers makes it truly an
honor to be a part of this distinguished graduating class. I
am grateful to have been accepted by UMBC as an individual and
to have been challenged to apply my best efforts in all areas
of study.”
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Sean Lindsay
Plans: High School Teacher
B.S., Mathematics and Secondary
Education Certificate
Easton, MD
Through his participation in numerous programs
at UMBC’s Shriver Center, Sean Lindsay honed his teaching
and leadership skills while giving back to the community. The
Center’s senior intern for two years, he became involved
in the Living Learning Center, after school programs such as
College Gardens Community Center, and the Adult Literacy Program
coordinated with the Learning Bank in Baltimore. Lindsay received
a Samuel I. Rosenberg Citizenship Award for outstanding community
service and was a member of the Provost's Student Advisory Council.
He was also the captain of UMBC's ultimate Frisbee team, a contributing
writer for the Retriever Weekly and a Residential Life
Assistant.
“UMBC has helped me to achieve my goals
by providing many opportunities for me to grow as a leader while
developing personally and academically.”
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Aaron Ralby
Valedictorian
Plans: M.A., University of Cambridge; Ph.D. in Medieval Studies,
Cornell University
B.A., English and Modern
Languages and Linguistics
Owings Mills, MD
In one summer Aaron Ralby, UMBC’s 2005
Valedictorian, worked as an SAT tutor, built a shed with a living
roof, practiced Tai Chi, archery and running and completed his
first novel. Recipient of the Honors College Outstanding Achievement
Award, he wrote his undergraduate thesis on the poet W.B. Yeats,
which he presented at UMBC’s 2005 Undergraduate Research
and Creative Achievement Day. Ralby helped organize several
on-campus events, including International Poetry Night, and
studied abroad in Germany to develop his language skills. He
will receive full funding at Cornell and was a finalist for
the Marshall Scholars award, a scholarship program for Americans
studying in the United Kingdom. Among Ralby’s graduation
accolades are a 2005 Outstanding Undergraduate Student Alumni
Award from the English department, an Academic Achievement Award
from modern languages and linguistics and election to Phi Beta
Kappa.
“UMBC has helped me discover what I
really want to do. Being able to work closely with faculty and
conduct serious research has given me opportunities I otherwise
would not have had and has prepared me well for graduate school.
I leave UMBC with greater love and motivation for scholarship.”
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Erum Marfani
Plans: To take the Foreign Service Exam
B.A., Political Science and
Mathematics
Baltimore, MD
An aspiring ambassador, Erum Marfani has prepared
herself for a diplomatic career by participating in the Model
United Nations, serving as vice president of the Muslim Student
Association and interning at the Peace Corps Headquarters and
Baltimore County Public Defender's Office. She presented her
research on global labor trafficking at UMBC’s 2005 Undergraduate
Research and Creative Achievement Day. A Sondheim Public Affairs
Scholar and a McNair Scholar, her other on-campus affiliations
include the Honors College, the Women’s Center, the Math
Council of Majors, the Political Science Council of Majors and
the Society of Inspiring Students with Individual Abilities.
Marfani received an Outstanding Senior Award from the mathematics
department and an Outstanding Scholar-Leader Award from the
political science department, was a finalist for the Harry S.
Truman Scholarship, and belongs to Phi Beta Kappa, Phi Kappa
Phi, the National Society of Collegiate Scholars and the Golden
Key International Honor Society. She has also volunteered at
the St. Agnes Hospital soup kitchen.
"UMBC has been instrumental in helping
me to achieve my goals. I had great professors who not only
taught in the classroom, but also helped me make contacts for
internships and career development. With my degrees from UMBC,
I am hopeful about my graduate school prospects.”
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Isaac Kinde
Plans: M.D./ Ph.D., Johns Hopkins University
B.S., Biological Sciences
Redlands, CA
Isaac Kinde, a Meyerhoff Scholar and member of
the Honors College, has taken full advantage of opportunities
to gain real-life experience in the biological sciences. During
his time as a Howard Hughes Medical Institute Scholar, he helped
conduct HIV research, which he presented at UMBC’s 2005
Undergraduate Research and Creative Achievement Day. He contributed
to two articles on his research published in the Journal
of Molecular Biology and the Proceedings of the National
Academy of Sciences. Kinde was also a researcher in one
of the University of California, San Francisco’s medical
laboratories. He was awarded a Pfizer Undergraduate Summer Research
Fellowship and received the Faculty Award of Excellence in the
Biological Sciences. He is a Minority Access to Research Careers
Scholar, a member of UMBC’s Institutional Review Board
and president of the Golden Key International Honor Society,
as well as a member of Phi Beta Kappa. Kinde received two first
place awards for presentations at biomedical and chemical and
biological sciences conferences. His community service activities
include St. Vincent’s Children Center Reading Days and
the Kaplan Test Drive.
“UMBC's powerful combination of top-notch
faculty, collaborative student peers and caring administrators
equipped me with the tools necessary to overcome the rigors
of university life and gave me the confidence to succeed in
higher education.”
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Claire Deckert
Plans: Global Research Assistant, Department of Defense
B.A., English
Columbia, MD
After taking From Spies to Satellites, an honors
course that featured several guest speakers from the intelligence
community, Claire Deckert was inspired to pursue a career with
the Department of Defense. She credits her success to gaining
skills in technology as well as in journalism and learning how
to manage financial and academic responsibilities. Deckert received
both a Maryland Hope Scholarship and a Maryland Senatorial Scholarship
and won semester academic honors in her department. She was
also active as an intern at the on-campus literary magazine
Bartleby and a member of the French Club.
“I am proud
to be a UMBC graduate because the University’s emphasis
on technology carries over to many majors and makes my B.A.
in English more marketable in today's high-tech society.”
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Gregory Lowe
Plans: M.A. in International Development, London School of Economics
B.A., Political Science and
Art History and Economics Minors
Silver Spring, MD
A student in the Sondheim Public Affairs Scholar
Program, Gregory Lowe researched agricultural policy and subsidies
in the European Union for his senior thesis, which he presented
at UMBC’s 2005 Undergraduate Research and Creative Achievement
Day. He has actively developed his understanding of public policy,
participating in UMBC’s Model United Nations team, College
Democrats, Amnesty International and the Montgomery County Democratic
Central Committee. Lowe also studied abroad in Copenhagen, Denmark. He
received an Outstanding Scholar Award from the political science
department and was elected to Phi Beta Kappa. Lowe’s service
activities include volunteering at the YMCA’s Multiple
Sclerosis Swim Program.
“My professors
really helped me discover my talents and interests during my
time at UMBC. Their guidance and consideration have allowed
many of my most sought-after dreams to become realities.”
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Lynne Ruchlewicz
Plans: Master’s Degree in Audio Production at the University
of Westminster (England)
B.A., Music
Aberdeen, MD
A Linehan Artist Scholar, Lynne Ruchlewicz has
been active as a musician at UMBC and during her study abroad
experience. She performed with UMBC’s Jazz Ensemble, and
for the past year has been a member of the UMBC Wind Ensemble.
As a study abroad student at Kingston University in London,
England, she played trumpet with the university’s Jazz
Ensemble at the Royal Albert Hall.
“As a Linehan Artist Scholar, I always
had the opportunity to experience new art. I feel that I have
grown as an artist because of the opportunities the Linehan
Artist Program gave me. With all of the countless experiences
UMBC has provided me in the past four years, I feel confident
going out into the world knowing I studied at one of the finest
educational institutions.”
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Colin McGuigan
Co-Salutatorian
Plans: Peace Corps
B.A., History
Frederick, MD
Colin McGuigan is a Sondheim Public Affairs Scholar
with a passion for creating understanding across cultures and
serving the disadvantaged. He has led several service initiatives,
including planning and coordinating a minute of silence for
genocide victims in Darfur, Sudan and co-founding the Tea Empire,
a student organization that seeks to learn about and appreciate
other cultures through tea. As an intern for the Maryland Association
of Nonprofit Organizations, McGuigan wrote a report on the status
of Maryland's nonprofit sector, edited testimony to be given
to the Maryland General Assembly, organized informational meetings
on nonprofit lobbying, and lobbied in Annapolis on issues important
to nonprofits in Maryland. His numerous community service projects
include tutoring students from inner city elementary schools
and volunteering at a soup kitchen.
"At UMBC, my professors and peers have
encouraged me not only to reach my potential, but to expand
it, and reach it again. UMBC has imbued me with a mature
understanding of success, which includes not only how much I
have accomplished, but how much I have accomplished for my community.”
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Amy Holthause
Plans: High School English Teacher, Howard County Public Schools
B.A., English/Writing Minor
and Secondary Education Certificate
Ellicott City, MD
Amy Holthause, who will begin teaching high school
English this fall, turned her UMBC internship, work experience
and honors into an opportunity to fulfill a lifelong dream to
teach students the power of language. Holthause recently received
UMBC’s Outstanding Contributions in English and Outstanding
Secondary Education Student awards as well as the Learning Resources
Center Excellence in Tutoring Award for her work as a tutor
at the University’s Writing Center. She is certified as
a Master Tutor by the College Reading and Learning Association
and participated in a national conference showcasing her research
in writer’s block. Holthause also worked on the poetry
staff of Bartleby, UMBC’s creative-arts journal.
Inducted as a member of Phi Beta Kappa, Phi Kappa Phi, Sigma
Tau Delta, and Kappa Delta Phi honor societies, she has been
able to stay connected to students across the country with the
same academic interests.
“UMBC’s faculty is extremely supportive.
Each of my professors encouraged me to achieve goals beyond
my expectations. Perhaps I’ll even get the chance to teach
at UMBC someday.”
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Kenneth Gibbs
Plans: Ph.D. in Immunology, Stanford University
B.S., Biochemistry and Molecular
Biology
Durham, NC
Kenneth Gibbs has received numerous honors for
his outstanding achievements in academics and research. He is
a Meyerhoff Scholar, a MARC Scholar, a Howard Hughes Institute
Scholar and a Barry M. Goldwater Scholar. He was recently elected
to Phi Beta Kappa, and also received a Student Recognition Award
from the biochemistry department. Gibbs has interned in labs
at Harvard and Stanford Universities, and was a research assistant
at the National Human Genome Research Institute. He co-authored
on two articles in Human Genetics and Prostate
and presented research at the Annual Biomedical Research Conference
for Minority Students. For two years, Gibbs worked in the lab
of Suzanne Ostrand-Rosenberg, professor of biological sciences,
and he presented his research at UMBC’s 2005 Undergraduate
Research and Creative Achievement Day. He has served as a tutor
in the Chemistry Tutorial Center since his freshman year.
“The environment at UMBC is conducive
to student achievement. Across disciplines, faculty ensure that
students are given the resources necessary to succeed. It’s
a place where a student can grow not only as a scholar, but
as a person. There is such a diversity of students here that
no matter what your interest is, you are likely to meet someone
who shares it. Coming here has been a complete blessing in my
life."
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Erin Loeliger
Plans: M.D./ Ph.D., Harvard Medical School
B.S., Biochemistry
Baltimore, MD
Graduating at 19, Erin Loeliger was invited to
the country’s most prestigious medical schools, including
Johns Hopkins, Yale, University of Pennsylvania, University
of Virginia, University of Maryland and Jefferson Medical College.
While at UMBC, she worked as a Howard Hughes Medical Institute
student researcher and co-wrote two articles published in international
scholarly journals. A student in the Honors College, Loeliger
received a President’s Fellow Award and the Award for
Intellectual, Social and Physical Excellence given by the Evan
Thomas Institute for Human Potential as well as a Student Recognition
Award in biochemistry. She is also a member of Phi Beta Kappa,
Phi Kappa Phi, Omicron Delta Kappa, the Golden Key International
Honor Society and the National Society of Collegiate Scholars.
“My time at UMBC has taught me
that anything is possible if only you work hard and dream
big. I am grateful to everyone who has inspired and guided
me and made UMBC a fun and exciting place to be.”
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Natasha Wilson
Plans: Engineer, Rohm and Hass Co.
B.S., Chemical Engineering
Washington, DC
Natasha Wilson, a Computer Science and Engineering
Mentorship Scholar, begins her career as a chemical engineer
after graduating from UMBC. Wilson will work for Rohm and Hass
Co. in Philadelphia, where she will help create a master process
to achieve consistent product quality at the company’s
plants worldwide. As an undergraduate, Wilson had the opportunity
to conduct research in downstream processes and fermentation
in the lab of Antonio Moriera, professor of chemical and biochemical
engineering and associate vice provost for academic affairs.
She also served in various leadership roles on campus: vice
president and treasurer of the UMBC Colony of the Omega Phi
Beta Sorority, Inc., membership chair for UMBC’s chapter
of the National Society of Black Engineers and vice president
of the Hispanic Latino Student Union.
“UMBC’s chemical and biochemical
department is made up of phenomenal people doing phenomenal
things for the school and especially for its students. The department
is a family, a support system and a big reason why I’m
graduating from UMBC.”
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Candace Weinreich
Plans: Auditor, PricewaterhouseCoopers
B.S., Financial Economics
and B.A., Spanish
Baltimore, MD
Like many UMBC students, Candace Weinreich explored
the real-world activities of her future profession through internships
at T. Rowe Price and at PricewaterhouseCoopers, where she was
hired as an auditor. She received a Senior Award in financial
economics and in accounting and the MACPA Outstanding Accounting
Student Award. Weinreich studied abroad in Spain and was a member
of UMBC’s cross country team. She received several financial
awards, including a Maryland Senatorial Scholarship, an Omicron
Delta Epsilon Scholarship, a Charles F. Peake Scholarship and
a Ryland Homes Scholarship. Weinreich is a member of the National
Society of Collegiate Scholars, the Golden Key International
Honor Society and Phi Beta Kappa.
"The faculty members in the economics
and administrative sciences departments were an integral part
of my success at UMBC. They take an active role in helping
students find internships and also provide excellent advising
for career planning and class selection. Their dedication, care
and support have helped me get to where I am today."
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Mary Potorti
Plans: AmeriCorps
B.A., American Studies and
History
Baltimore, MD
A member of the Honors College and a Humanities
Scholar, Mary Potorti studied abroad in Vietnam, where she volunteered
to help the elderly and victims of Agent Orange and instructed
university students and professionals in English. She presented
her research on Vietnam War films at UMBC’s 2005 Undergraduate
Research and Creative Achievement Day. Potorti, who was elected
to Phi Beta Kappa, received the Senior Award for Outstanding
Achievement from the American studies department and the John
Bell-Clifford Mass Prize for Academic Excellence from the history
department. She interned at a law office where she learned about
state-level government relations and public interest lobbying
and recently finished a research assistantship at Johns Hopkins
in the Intimate Partner Violence Project.
"UMBC has encouraged me to get the most
out of my college experience. The wonderfully supportive
faculty have enabled me to explore all of my interests, from
study abroad, internships and independent research to real-life
work experience. I am proud to be a liberal arts student
graduating from a public university so well-known for its science
and computer programs because it demonstrates UMBC’s excellence
in all areas."
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Lauren Perskie
Co-salutatorian
Plans: Ph.D. in Biophysics, Johns Hopkins University
B.S., Mathematics and Physics
Nottingham/White Marsh, MD
Like many UMBC students, Lauren Perskie balanced
academic excellence and research experience during her undergraduate
career. Recently elected to Phi Beta Kappa, Perskie was also
recognized for her achievements with the Outstanding Senior
departmental awards in both Mathematics and Physics. In the
summer of her sophomore year, Perskie was part of a Research
Experience for Undergraduates program at the University of Illinois,
where she conducted x-ray crystallography experiments. Last
year, she worked in the space physics department of the Johns
Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory and was a second author on
a poster presentation at a conference in Paris. Before beginning
her Ph.D. this fall—funded by a grant from the National
Institutes of Health—Perskie will spend three weeks at
Hopkins’ Applied Physics Laboratory before going to Ethiopia
for six weeks as part of a program sponsored by UMBC's chapter
of InterVarsity Christian Fellowship.
“I often tell prospective students that
college is what you make of it, and you can make a lot of it
at UMBC. Students here are industrious and willing to help each
other, and the professors are interested in both their research
and students. As a student at UMBC, I have learned to work smarter,
think harder, and not to sell myself short when pursuing my
goals.”
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