Impact

Two adults stand in front of a table with a blue table cloth with the letter GAO written in white a federal program.

Rooted in Advocacy—Giese ’99 ensures federal programs meet community needs

/ 6 minutes of reading

“The humanities, the cultural studies, provide important insights that we all need to influence the nation that we live in. It makes you think creatively about how you want to live your life,” says Danielle Giese’99. “Combining Africana studies with political science has given me incredible insights into how our government systems affect people of color. ” Continue Reading Rooted in Advocacy—Giese ’99 ensures federal programs meet community needs

Headshot of Nate Dissmeyer in a grey suit with a yellow tie and pocket square.

Meet a Retriever—Nate Dissmeyer ’07, alumni leader and recurring donor

/ 5 minutes of reading

Meet Nate Dissmeyer ’07, information systems, a program manager with Galapagos Federal Systems, providing Army IT support at the Aberdeen Proving Ground. Dissmeyer finds fulfillment in helping to develop IT professionals and supporting the Department of Defense community. And UMBC really gave him the skills to succeed in his position, he says. Dissmeyer, who is a recurring donor and a member of the Alumni Association Board of Directors (AABoD), found his way at UMBC through involvement with the Habitat for Humanity chapter and as a member of Triangle Fraternity.  Q: What’s the one thing you’d want someone who hasn’t joined… Continue Reading Meet a Retriever—Nate Dissmeyer ’07, alumni leader and recurring donor

A young entrepreneurial speaker presents in front of a projection

Meet a Retriever: Basil Udo ’22, entrepreneur and bwtech@UMBC technologist

/ 5 minutes of reading

Meet Basil Udo ’22, biochemistry and molecular biology, an entrepreneur and technologist in the third cohort of bwtech@UMBC’s Maryland New Venture Fellowship for Cybersecurity program, where teams work together to create the commercially viable solutions the nation needs to secure physical and virtual infrastructures. Basil walks us through the timeline of creating his business venture as an undergraduate, support from campus leaders to help finesse his vision, his entrepreneurial award, and how he made the most of his UMBC connections to find a job in his area of industry.  Q: How did you get involved with bwtech@UMBC? A: In Spring… Continue Reading Meet a Retriever: Basil Udo ’22, entrepreneur and bwtech@UMBC technologist

People talk at an art opening at CADVC, Sandra Abbott is center with a purple scarf and shoulder length brown hair

Meet a Retriever—Sandra Abbott, curator of art and outreach at CADVC

/ 2 minutes of reading

Meet Sandra Abbott, who has been working in UMBC’s art world for 14 years. Whether it’s through setting up world-class exhibitions or coordinating educational programs, Sandra combines her work as curator of collections and outreach at the Center for Art, Design, and Visual Culture (CADVC) and affiliate faculty in the visual arts department. Sandra thrives in her role of introducing Retrievers and community members to great art. Q: What part of your job do you enjoy the most and why? A: I love working with students who are exploring my profession. They keep me on my toes and ask the… Continue Reading Meet a Retriever—Sandra Abbott, curator of art and outreach at CADVC

A colorfully illustrated design in bright teals, yellows, and pinks, that show interconnected gears and pulleys leading to a lightbulb.

When We Work Together

/ 14 minutes of reading

On the eve of UMBC’s 50th anniversary in 2016, when the institution put forth a goal to raise $150 million— money that goes directly to student scholarships, graduate fellowships, professorial awards, and so much more— we didn’t question if we would succeed, we just wondered how we’d be able to capture the magnitude of the collective campaign when it came to a close. Continue Reading When We Work Together

A woman and a man celebrate Retriever scholarships at UMBC

Meet a Retriever — Phil Shockley ’04, M.P.P. ’09

/ 7 minutes of reading

Meet Phil Shockley ’04, political science and information systems, M.P.P. ’09. As an undergraduate, he was Student Government Association president and took part in interesting internships, and as an alum and donor he continues to engage and give back to his alma mater. He’s now making a UMBC education even more accessible to others by endowing a scholarship in honor of his parents. Continue Reading Meet a Retriever — Phil Shockley ’04, M.P.P. ’09

a tall man speaks behind a UMBC lectern

Meet a Retriever — Jok Thon, UMBC’s First Peaceworker Global Fellow

/ 4 minutes of reading

Meet Jok Abraham Thon, UMBC’s first Peaceworker Global Fellow and the first Retriever from South Sudan. Thon is pursuing his master’s in entrepreneurship, innovation, and leadership and plans to use these skills to continue to promote educational opportunities for other South Sudanese people.   Q: Tell us about yourself. What are the essential things you’d want another Retriever to know about you?  A: I am the father of four beautiful kids from the world’s youngest country, South Sudan. I left behind my young family in search of knowledge and skills so that when I return, I can play a part in… Continue Reading Meet a Retriever — Jok Thon, UMBC’s First Peaceworker Global Fellow

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