Perspectives

Information systems student Anthony Rivera explains his research to another researcher

Meet a Retriever—Anthony Rivera, information systems major and student researcher

Meet Anthony Rivera, a senior information systems (IS) major and a first-generation college student. When he’s not working on research related to improving equity for Medicaid recipients, you can also find him exploring his creative side through photography and a minor in theatre. Take it away, Anthony! Q: Tell us about how you wound up at UMBC. A: Hello, my name is Anthony Rivera and I am a senior information systems (IS) major, theatre minor student using he/him pronouns. I study IS because I am fascinated by the way people interact with technology and seeing those trends in human activity.… Continue Reading Meet a Retriever—Anthony Rivera, information systems major and student researcher

A woman in a gray UMBC t-shirt stands in front of a desk where she acts as an academic peer advocate.

Meet a Retriever—Adeola Ojomo, sociology major and academic peer advocate

Meet Adeola Ojomo, a sophomore sociology major who started working on campus helping other students as an academic peer advocate (APA) after being inspired by another APA who helped her with some excellent advice. Take it away, Adeola! Q: Tell us about yourself. What’s one essential thing you’d want another Retriever to know about you? A: My name is Adeola Ojomo and I work at the Academic Success Center as an academic peer advocate. Some activities I enjoy outside of school include Tai Chi and gardening. I’m also a music lover! I can vibe with music from any decade and… Continue Reading Meet a Retriever—Adeola Ojomo, sociology major and academic peer advocate

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

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

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

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 woman and a man celebrate Retriever scholarships at UMBC

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

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

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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