Policy & Society

Edward Burroughs III ’15, and David Murray ’14, in The Washington Post

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UMBC students Edward Burroughs III ’15, education policy and political science, and David Murray ’14, economics, were featured this week in a Washington Post article: “Three college students running for school board in Prince George’s County.” The piece focuses on Burroughs, Murray and College Park student Raahela Ahmed as they prepare for the November election. Of the three, Burroughs is the only incumbent, having become Maryland’s youngest elected official in 2010. Regarding his candidacy, Burroughs commented, “I love this county and I truly believe our school system can do better and must be better.” Murray spoke of the role his UMBC… Continue Reading Edward Burroughs III ’15, and David Murray ’14, in The Washington Post

Ellen Handler Spitz, Visual Arts, in The New Republic’s “The Book”

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Ellen Handler Spitz, honors college professor of visal arts, discussed author Betsy Rosenthal’s latest children’s book Looking for Me for her monthly column in The New Republic. The book follows its protagonist Edith Paul, the fourth of twelve children born to a working-class Jewish family, as she grows up in Baltimore during the 1930’s. Over the course of the short book, Edith experiences poverty, bigotry, and even death within the family as a sibling succombs to illness. Spitz noted the Tolstoyan aspects of Rosenthal’s novel, drawing parallels with the seemingly inconsequential decision of a French corporal to re-enlist in War and Peace… Continue Reading Ellen Handler Spitz, Visual Arts, in The New Republic’s “The Book”

Robert Provine, Psychology, in the News

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Psychology professor Robert Provine’s latest book Curious Behavior: Yawning, Laughing, Hiccupping, and Beyond, was published this month, and the professor’s exploration of seemingly small, instinctive actions has been covered in a variety of media outlets. An August 14 New York Times review entitled “Pardon Me! A Fearless Look at Our Bodies’ Mundane Functions” said that the book is both entertaining and engaging, and that, “with its many facts and anecdotes and unexpected stories, it begs you to continue where curiosity leads you, down both the boulevards and the back alleys of science.” This article was reprinted in the independent Kenyan newspaper Daily Nation.… Continue Reading Robert Provine, Psychology, in the News

Ellen Hemmerly of bwtech@UMBC in Catonsville Patch

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Ellen Hemmerly, executive director for bwtech@UMBC, was profiled in Catonsville Patch by reporter Meg Tipper August 12th. The article covered not only Hemmerly’s background, family life, as well as her work and research at bwtech@UMBC, but her involvement and thoughts on the greater Catonsville community, as well. Speaking on what she would like to see happen in the area’s future, Hemmerly told Tipper that “Catonsville could have a better mix of retail, more mixed use housing, and more activities on Frederick Road.  We could make the business district more attractive than it is.  I also would love for Catonsville and UMBC to be… Continue Reading Ellen Hemmerly of bwtech@UMBC in Catonsville Patch

Honoring Bobbie Shahpazian Upon Her Retirement

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TO:         UMBC Faculty and Staff FROM:    Yvette Mozie-Ross, Associate Provost for Enrollment Management After 32 years of distinguished service to UMBC, Bobbie Shahpazian will retire on August 31, 2012.   Bobbie began her career with the Office of Undergraduate Admissions in 1977 as part of an all new admissions staff focused on the recruitment of freshmen, international students and incoming merit scholars.  She was soon promoted to Associate Director and after taking a brief sabbatical to travel she rejoined the university as a scholarship counselor.  Bobbie worked with the Financial Aid and Scholarships Office through the early 90’s awarding merit scholarships to… Continue Reading Honoring Bobbie Shahpazian Upon Her Retirement

William LaCourse, Dean of College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics, in Baltimore Business Journal

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Maryland universities have been leading the way in getting more students to pursue degrees in science, technology, engineering and math, according to an article published August 10 in the Baltimore Business Journal. Dr. William LaCourse, Dean of Natural and Mathematical Sciences was interviewed about UMBC’s work to expand the STEM fields. The university has seen natural and mathematical sciences growing 28 percent, and engineering and information technology growing 19 percent from fall 2007 to fall 2011. That represents 488 and 411 students, respectively, compared to a growth of 768 students in the arts, humanities and social sciences. LaCourse told Gantz that growth in the STEM fields means… Continue Reading William LaCourse, Dean of College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics, in Baltimore Business Journal

Donald Norris, Public Policy, in the Baltimore Sun

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Donald F. Norris, professor and chairman of UMBC’s Department of Public Policy, offered his expertise on e-government in the Baltimore Sun‘s August 8 article “State launches online voter registration.” The program’s supporters hope the move will increase the number of eligible voters on the rolls and make registration errors less common, but Norris has his doubts. “There have been all kinds of attempts to tweak the voting system to increase voter registration,” Norris said. “Nothing seems to work.” He argued that online registration won’t boost turnout in the coming election, and that ultimately voter enthusiasm for candidates is what matters… Continue Reading Donald Norris, Public Policy, in the Baltimore Sun

Tom Schaller, Political Science, in Baltimore Sun

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A recent controversy surrounding the anti-gay marriage comments of Chick-fil-A President and COO Dan Cathy is the subject of the latest Baltimore Sun column by UMBC political science professor Thomas Schaller. In “Chick-fil-A head has a right to speak, not a right to be taken seriously,” Schaller focuses on what he sees as misunderstandings on the part of Cathy’s defenders when it comes to the First Amendment right to free speech. Schaller suggests that arguing that the backlash against Chick-fil-A constitutes censorship demonstrates ignorance of constitutional and policy matters. He writes, “[t]he First Amendment is no guarantee against being justifiably… Continue Reading Tom Schaller, Political Science, in Baltimore Sun

Alan Kreizenbeck, Theatre, On The Freeman Institute Workshop in Japan Studies

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Associate professor Alan Kreizenbeck, theatre, attended the 2012 Summer Freeman Institute Workshop in Japan Studies, which was held at Tokai International College in Honolulu, Hawaii from May 20 to June 10. The workshop was sponsored by the Japan Studies Association, and involved Kreizenbeck and thirteen other scholars from across the United States. The scholars attended lectures covering a breadth of material, covering Japanese history, religion, literature, visual arts, music, theatre, social policy and international relations. The workshops also afforded Kreizenbeck and his colleagues an opportunity to strengthen their knowledge of the Japanese language through interactions with young native Japanese speakers. “I would recommend applying to this workshop to anyone interested in learning… Continue Reading Alan Kreizenbeck, Theatre, On The Freeman Institute Workshop in Japan Studies

Bryan Kelly ’92, Economics, Wins Re-Election to Harford CC Board of Trustees

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Alumnus Bryan Kelly ’92, economics, won reelection as Chair of the Harford Community College Board of Trustees, according to local news website The Dagger. Kelly, who is also managing partner and owner of The Kelly Group, has served on the board since 2005 and is also co-chair of the Board of Directors of the UMBC Economics Visitors Council. Other current positions include President of the Maryland Association of Community Colleges; the chairman of the board of the Academy of Finance, Harford County Public Schools; and membership of the Harford Leadership Academy Alumni Association at Harford Community College. He was named the 2007 UMBC Economics Alumnus… Continue Reading Bryan Kelly ’92, Economics, Wins Re-Election to Harford CC Board of Trustees

Raymond Hoff, Physics, Honored with NASA’s Distinguished Public Service Medal

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The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) held its 2012 Agency Honor Awards on August 2nd to honor individuals who “have distinguished themselves by making outstanding contributions to the Agency’s mission.” Among those honored was Raymond Hoff, physics, who received the Distinguished Public Service Medal (DPSM) at an awards ceremony held at the agency’s headquarters in Washington, D.C. The DPSM serves as NASA’s “highest form of recognition that is awarded to any non-Government individual or to an individual who was not a Government employee during the period in which the service was performed, whose distinguished service, ability, or vision has personally… Continue Reading Raymond Hoff, Physics, Honored with NASA’s Distinguished Public Service Medal

Alex Onischuk ’07, Modern Languages and Linguistics, Named Director of Texas Tech Chess Program

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Alex Onischuk ’07, modern languages and linguistics, was named the director of Texas Tech University’s chess program on July 30, according to an article in The Lubbock Avalanche-Journal. The Ukraine-born grandmaster was captain of UMBC’s chess team, during a period in which the team won four consecutive national championships from 2002 to 2006. Texas Tech’s team are also champions, winning the President’s Cup for the second consecutive year this year. Onischuk, currently ranked third in the country among chess players, released a statement saying, ““I am thrilled to be selected as head coach of the defending national collegiate championship chess team at Texas Tech,… Continue Reading Alex Onischuk ’07, Modern Languages and Linguistics, Named Director of Texas Tech Chess Program

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