Alumni

When was the last time you thanked a teacher? As morning bells begin to ring in a new school year, Brad Engel ’89, B.A. American studies, cert. secondary education, is doing his part to make sure teachers get some well-earned pats on the back. His new book, “T.E.A.M. (Thanking Educators Across Maryland),” features 300 thank-you letters from parents to teachers who have changed their children’s lives. “My vision for this project was to let teachers know they are truly appreciated,” said Engel, Maryland’s 2005 Teacher of the Year, who recently was promoted to Assistant Principal at Kent Island High School… Continue Reading Back to School: Bradford C. Engel '89

As the world reeled amid the latest terrorist attacks in London last month (July 2005), Vikki Valentine pushed her fears aside to do what she does best – tell it as she sees it. Even as the world appeared to crumble around her, the former Retriever reporter and editor gathered tidbits of color commentary from the front lines in order to write the stirring “An American in London, Watching Brits ‘Press On,’” for National Public Radio online. “It is hard, nearly impossible to put your emotions aside when in a situation like that,” admits Valentine, who studied English at UMBC… Continue Reading Eyewitness to History: Vikki Valentine '96

This time of the year, Linnyette Richardson-Hall’s phone never stops ringing. The brides – 22 of them this season, to be exact – call her about the important details of their weddings at all hours of the day. Should they go with organza or satin gowns? Fresh tulips or gardenias? Garden tents or opulent ballrooms? At every turn, Linnyette’s ready. “People think being a wedding planner is so glamorous, but it’s not,” said the Baltimore native who, in addition to running a high-profile business – Premiere Event Management – also serves as a consulting “wedding diva” on the Style Network’s… Continue Reading The Wedding Planner: Linnyette Richardson-Hall '84

Question: How do you surprise a guy whose job it is to see ahead into the financial future? Answer: Make him think he’s emcee for the night, then — quick! — pull a fast one and hand him the award. “They got me!” admitted investment banker Don Blair ’89, of Tampa, Fla., who was named this year’s UMBC Economics Alumnus of the Year. “It was great to be back and to catch up with everybody.” The economics department honors one graduate every year and celebrates the winner’s work at a banquet. Dr. Charles Peake, economics professor emeritus, said Blair exemplifies… Continue Reading Investing in his Future: Don Blair '89

If you’re ever in the position of having to choose teammates, pick Kathleen Warnock. Not only was she calm and collected in “the hot seat” on ABC’s “Who Wants to be a Millionaire,” she walked away from the game with a cool $50,000. “I’m a big fan of game shows,” said Warnock, an editor with Frommers travel guides in New York who graduated from UMBC with a degree in interdisciplinary studies in 1980. Warnock may be understating her devotion a bit. In fact, she has appeared on no less than four trivia game shows – from an obscure VH1 flop… Continue Reading A Winning Strategy: Kathleen Warnock '80

The UMBC Athletic Hall of Fame was instituted in 1970’s, and has grown to include 96 members. Hall of Famers are chosen by a committee of athletic alumni based on their excellence on the fields and courts and their subsequent graduation from UMBC. Visit the UMBC Athletic Hall of Fame online