FA L L 2 0 1 9
THE INNOVATION ISSUE SOLAR & ST. MARY’S COLLEGE
ST. MARY’S COLLEGE
of Maryland
FALL 2 0 1 9 , VOL. X L , NO . 3
www.smcm.edu/mulberrytree Editor Lee Capristo Design Jensen Design Photographer Bill Wood Editorial Board Karen Anderson, Michael Bruckler, Lee Capristo, Molly McKee-Seabrook ’10, Gus Mohlhenrich, Karen Raley ’94, Kelly Schroeder Publisher Office of Institutional Advancement St. Mary’s College of Maryland 47645 College Drive St. Mary’s City, Maryland 20686
The Mulberry Tree is published by St. Mary’s College of Maryland, Maryland’s public honors college for the liberal arts and sciences. It is produced for alumni, faculty, staff, trustees, the local community, and friends of the College. The magazine is named for the famous mulberry tree under which the Calvert colonists signed a treaty of friendship with the Yaocomico people and on the trunk of which public notices were posted in the mid-1600s. The tree endured long into the 19th century and was once a popular meeting spot for St. Mary’s College students. The illustration of the mulberry tree on the cover was drawn in 1972 by Earl Hofmann, artist-in-residence when St. Mary’s College President Renwick Jackson launched the magazine. Copyright 2019 The opinions expressed in The Mulberry Tree are those of the individual authors and not necessarily those of the College. The editor reserves the right to select and edit all material. Manuscripts and letters to the editor are encouraged and may be addressed to Editor, The Mulberry Tree, St. Mary’s College of Maryland, 47645 College Drive, St. Mary’s City, MD 20686. Photographs and illustrations may not be reproduced without the express written consent of St. Mary’s College of Maryland.
CONTENTS FA L L 2 0 1 9
ST. MARY’S COLLEGE OF MARYLAND July 2019 — June 2020
F E AT U R E S
ALUMNI COUNCIL
BOARD OF TRUSTEES
PA G E 8
Executive Board Allan Wagaman ’06, President Alice Arcieri Bonner ’03, Exec.Vice President Bobby Rudd ’13, Vice Pres. of Operations Angie Harvey ’83, Secretary Thomas Brewer ’05, Parliamentarian Geoff Cuneo ’10, Treasurer Kate Fritz ‘04, Vice Pres. of Chapter Activities
Chair Arthur “Lex” Birney Jr.
Elected Voting Members John Ahearn ’76 Jack Blum ’07 Kelsey Bush ’94 Hans Lemke ’93 Molly McKee-Seabrook ’10 Lauren Payne ’09 Amir Reda ’11 Kevin Roth ’93 Paul Schultheis ’98 Sara Kidd Shanklin ’11 Michele Shipley ’92 Edward Sirianno ’82
Trustees Carlos Alcazar Anirban Basu John Bell ’95 Peter Bruns Donny Bryan ’73 Paula Collins Peg Duchesne ’77 Judith Fillius ’79 Elizabeth Graves ’95 Gail Harmon, Esq. The Honorable Sven Holmes The Honorable Steny Hoyer Capt. Glen Ives, usn Retired Danielle Troyan ’92 Raymond Wernecke
Student Member Halle Fogle ’20 Chapter Presidents Annapolis: Erin O’Connell ’91 Baltimore: Marie Snyder ’10 Black Alumni: Nick Abrams ’99 Boston: TBD D.C. Metro: Rosa Trembour ’11 Denver: Annalisa Ambrose ’85 New York: John Haltiwanger ’10 Philadelphia: TBD San Francisco: TBD Southern Maryland: Cathy Hernandez Ray ’77 TFMS Alumni: Tammy Swanson ’93 Western Maryland: Kristi Jacobs Woods ’97
Solar & St. Mary’s College
Vice Chair Susan Dyer
Six alumni share how solar became their career of choice. Current students help to research and test printable solar cells.
Treasurer John Chambers Wobensmith ’93 Secretary Lawrence “Larry” E. Leak ’76
Allan Wagaman ’06, Alumni Council President Jasmine Long ’21, Student Trustee Mike Dougherty, hsmc
[ PA G E 8 ]
PA G E 1 4
Called to Action Meet the first two recipients of the Jordan Teaching Exemplar Award, who exhibit exemplary teaching within or beyond the traditional classroom. PA G E 1 6
Dominic Fragman: An Innovative Beat [ PA G E 1 4 ]
He has performed a three-hour drum solo so his stamina is evident. Dominic Fragman ’07 is on a beat to change the world. DEPAR T MEN T S
2
President’s Letter
3
College News
21 Alumni Connection 28 From the Archives
[ PA G E 1 6 ]
O P P O S I T E : The
Bell Tower is a picturesque study spot, though loud at the top of the hour. photo from the college collection.
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A
L ET T E R
F ROM
T HE
PR E SIDE N T
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have made it clear that my plans for st. mary’s college of maryland include replacing its “hidden gem” description with a “college of choice.” Our new LEAD curriculum (Learning through Experiential and Applied Discovery) builds into the student experience from year one intellectual rigor in the classroom with experiential immersion out of the classroom and out in the world. LEAD builds discipline in the mind and gives space to nurture the passion that ignites the soul. This is how careers are built: mental discipline and creative fuel. Our reputation as the National Public Honors College continues to expand with accolades like College of Distinction, Kiplinger’s Best College Values 2019, and Princeton Review’s Best 385 Colleges. Two recent Fulbright Scholar awards by Professor Adriana Brodsky (2018) and Professor Jennifer-Cognard Black (2020) are testament to the caliber of our faculty. Important work with a national reach has been done by Troy Townsend ’07, assistant professor of chemistry, who is principle inventor for technology on a new $100K technology product development grant through the Maryland Industrial Partnerships Program (MIPS). Professors Carrie Patterson (art) and Jennifer Cognard-Black (English) each released video lecture programs through the Great Courses series; Professor Susan Grogan was honored by the national political science honor society (Pi Sigma Alpha) for her 30 years of work with the St. Mary’s College chapter, which she founded. Jessica Malisch, assistant professor of biology, was recognized by the American Association of University Women with its 2019–20 American Fellowship as well as by the Council on Undergraduate Research (CUR) with its Biology Division Mentor Award (Early Career). Thank you for your support of and faith in our College of choice, St. Mary’s College of Maryland. Onward!
Tuajuanda C. Jordan, PhD President, St. Mary’s College of Maryland
Editor’s Note
T
wo years ago, the institute
for the Future reported that 85% of the jobs that today’s students will do in 2030 do not exist yet. Hard to believe? Maybe not when you think about the now-mainstream careers that did not exist just a handful of years ago: drone operator, social media manager, app developer, cloud computing engineer. This was true for Jack Levenson ’98: solar didn’t exist as a mainstream career when he entered the workforce (see p.12). And the printed electronics that current students Bradley Moore ’20 and Megan Waters ’20 are researching alongside Troy Townsend ’07 and Jeff Croisetiere ’04, is likely to result in the emergence of new jobs in new careers unimagined a decade ago. Dominic Fragman ’07 is a one-man band at times, literally (see p. 16) and figuratively; he says the established music scenes in New York City and Nashville aren’t looking for something totally original and new. Yet he pushes on, creating a new genre of music in his quest to spark innovation and create connections and conversations about freedom and democracy. These alums have in common the desire to make a difference in the world. At St. Mary’s College, they had professors who helped them imagine something big and develop the critical analysis and problemsolving skills they’ve needed along the way. Faculty play an important role in preparing students for a workplace that is constantly changing. In 2017, President Jordan created the Teaching Exemplar Award (see p. 14) to recognize those who exhibit exemplary teaching within or beyond the traditional classroom. Professors Janna Thompson and Barry Muchnick are the first two awardees, rising to the role of educator for tomorrow’s talent – talent that will be prepared for whatever the job market looks like in 10, 20 or 50 years.
Lee Capristo, editor
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COLLEGE
NEWS
CAMPUS & COMMUNITY NEWS
S
G PLIN ER’ I K
GER’S • IN
• KIPLING
BEST
COLLEGE VALUE
2019
’S • KIPL ER
SMCM Accumulates Accolades
SURFing through Summer
E
ight students and their faculty mentors participated in the annual St. Mary’s Undergraduate Research Fellowship (SURF) program, a selective eight-week annual summer program at St. Mary’s College, where students from intentionally varied disciplines engage in directed research or creative work made possible by generous support from the Office of the Provost, in addition to other internal funding sources. Mark A. Rhoda, visiting associate professor of theater, film, and media studies, and Troy Townsend ’07, assistant professor of chemistry, were program co-directors, coordinating professional skills workshops, group meetings and the student research presentation symposium held on July 3.
St. Mary’s College has been honored with 2018 Tree Campus USA recognition by the Arbor Day Foundation for its commitment to effective urban forest management. The College has also been recognized by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) as an Individual Conference Champion in the 2018-19 College and University Green Power Challenge. The College currently uses more green power than any other school in the Capital Athletic Conference.
St. Mary’s College of Maryland has been recognized as a College of Distinction for its committed implementation of high-impact educational practices. Colleges of Distinction’s selection process consists of a review of each institution’s freshman experience and retention efforts alongside its general education programs, alumni success, and student satisfaction. The College was also named a Best College Value by Kiplinger’s, an accolade earned year over year by SMCM.
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CO LLEG E
NEW S
St. Mary’s College Welcomes Four New Trustees The following individuals and alumna will serve six-year terms of service on the College’s Board of Trustees. Paula Collins is a retired government relations and business executive with nearly 40 years of experience in government relations, public policy, coalition building, and strategic communications. Most recently, Collins was vice president for Worldwide Government Relations at Texas Instruments. Collins is a graduate of Yale University, where she majored in history, and attended the Program for Management Development at Harvard Business School. Judith M. Fillius ’79 is currently the department manager for Northrop Grumman (NG) Mission Systems where she oversees offices with multiple programs in support of the Department of Defense. Fillius holds a bachelor’s degree from St. Mary’s College, majoring in social science, and a secondary education certificate.
William E. Seale is a partner in the ProFunds Group, the parent of ProShare Advisors LLC and ProFund Advisors LLC. As chief investment officer, he developed the financial models and investment techniques that direct the investments of over 200 ProShares and ProFunds, managed the portfolio staff of 35, and oversaw the funds’ trading. Seale received his PhD from the University of Kentucky. He is a former director of the St. Mary’s College of Maryland’s Foundation. Ray Wernecke is a principal/director at Booz Allen Hamilton Inc. Wernecke holds a bachelor’s degree in education from Towson University and is pursuing an Executive Scholar Certificate from Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management. He is also a graduate of Leadership Maryland (2006), the NAVAIR Senior Executive Management Development Program, and the Federal Executive Institute. Exiting board members were Cindy Broyles ’79 and Ann McDaniel.
The following individuals and student organization received honors at the annual Awards Convocation in April: Carrie Patterson, professor of art, was presented with the Homer L. Dodge Award for Outstanding Service; Michelle Milne, associate professor of physics, was honored with the Homer L. Dodge Award for Excellence in Teaching by a Junior Faculty Member; Geoffrey Bowers, assistant professor of chemistry, was honored with the Norton T. Dodge Award for Scholarly and Creative Achievement by the Junior Faculty Member; Barry Muchnick, assistant professor of environmental studies, received the Jordan Teaching Exemplar Award; Janna Thompson, assistant professor of educational studies, earned the Andy Kozak Faculty Contribution to Student Life Award; Lucy Myers, fiscal associate II, was presented with the Joe Carroll Memorial Staff Award; Habitat for Humanity student organization received the St. Mary’s Award.
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On May 11, 403 students graduated from St. Mary’s College. Erin Ryan, host of Crooked Media’s “Hysteria” podcast and a writer for “It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia,” gave the commencement address and received an honorary degree. Also receiving honorary degrees were Sir Rodney Williams, Governor General of Antigua and Barbuda, and Clyde “Bernie” Bernard Fowler Jr., president of Bernie Fowler Homes/C.B. Bernie Fowler Inc. and president and founder of Farming 4 Hunger, a non-profit organization which supports farming activities that provide food for the needy.
Foundation Board Gets Two New Members In spring 2019, the SMCM Foundation Board welcomed Candace Osunsade and Susan Paul. Candace Osunsade is senior vice president and chief administrative office of the National Aquarium in Baltimore. Osunsade has strong ties to Baltimore’s philanthropic community, including board experiences with the Associated Black Charities and with R.W. Coleman Elementary School. She earned her bachelor’s degree in industrial labor relations from Cornell University. Her daughter, Kezia-Alean Osunsade, is a 2018 graduate of SMCM. Susan Paul is the owner and director of Creative Beginnings, an early childhood education center serving Southern Maryland for more than 30 years. Paul has been an active member in the College community along with her husband Robert “Bob” Paul, professor emeritus of biology. Paul is a graduate of William Woods University and Virginia Polytechnic
Farewell, Welcome, Congratulations In May, we bid farewell to these retiring faculty: Cynthia Koenig, associate professor of psychology; Katsunori Mita, professor of physics, now faculty emeritus; Israel Ruiz, associate professor of Spanish and Latin American Studies; Gail Savage, professor of history, now faculty emerita. This fall, we welcome two familiar faces to tenuretrack positions and three new faculty: Andrew Cognard-Black, assistant professor of sociology; Gerald Gabriel, assistant professor of English; Kristina Howansky, assistant professor of psychology; Sarah Lachney, assistant professor of neurobiology; Jacqueline Villadsen, assistant professor of physics. In August, these faculty were reappointed with tenure and promotion: Katherine Koch, associate professor of educational studies; Michelle Milne, associate professor of physics; Kelly Neiles, associate professor of biochemistry and chemistry; Kent Randell, associate librarian; Antonio Ugues Jr., associate professor of political science. Promoted to full professor were Betül Başaran, professor of religious studies; Todd Eberly, professor of political science; Joshua Grossman, professor of physics; Charles Musgrove, professor of history. The Center for the Study of Democracy took part in The 8th Symposium on the Impacts of an Ice-Diminishing Arctic on Naval and Maritime Operations on July 17-18, at the Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center in Washington, D.C. The forum was a joint program of the Wilson Center, the U.S. National Ice Center, the U.S. Arctic Research Commission, The Patuxent Partnership, and the Center for the Study of Democracy.
PRESIDENT’S NEWS On May 22, President Jordan attended a higher education summit along with Maureen Murphy, president of the College of Southern Maryland, and Kimberly A. Hill, superintendent of Charles County Public Schools at the Board of Charles County Commissioners’ meeting in La Plata. Jordan presented an introduction to St. Mary’s College of Maryland.
President Tuajuanda C. Jordan launched the Mulberry Music Festival - Act I on June 14 on the College’s Townhouse Green. The festival featured chart-topping gospel recording artist Jason Nelson and a diverse lineup of local musicians, including the St. Peter Claver Gospel Choir, Dominion Apostolic Choral, SouthPoint Church, John Tillery and Living Sacrifice, Posse 4 Christ, Ministerio Amor en Cristo (Ministry of Love in Christ), and St. Luke’s of Scotland Choir.
From a campus-wide call for quotes about the importance of diversity, the St. Mary’s Resource for Inclusion, Diversity & Equity (StRIDE) created signs, named Diversity Landmarks, and posted them along sidewalks and at entryways across campus to promote individual and group diversity awareness and a heightened sense of community. The signs displayed the quote and included the author and the member of the community that submitted it.
President Jordan presented the 2019 President’s Trailblazer Award on April 18, to Julia A. King, professor of anthropology. King has been successful in the pursuit of more than $1 million in grant funding, several from the National Endowment for the Humanities and the National Park Service. She is currently a member of the Maryland Advisory Council on Historic Preservation and from 2003-2011 served as an appointee to the U.S. President’s Advisory Council on Historic Preservation. Her most recent accomplishments include receiving the J.C. Harrington Award from the Society for Historical Archaeology to recognize a lifetime of scholarly achievement.
FAC U LT Y, S TA F F & S T U DE N T N E W S Professor of History Christine Adams is quoted in the History Channel’s news site article, “The Royal Mistress: Often the Most Powerful Person in a King’s Court,” which examines how a monarch’s mistress was more than a sexual companion. Adams is the co-author with Tracy Adams of the forthcoming book, “The Creation of the Official French Royal Mistress.” Betül Başaran, professor of religious studies and Folger Institute fellow, hosted a session of Material Witness on April 25 at the Deck B. Seminar Room at the Folger Shakespeare Library in Washington, D.C. Başaran examined the common cross-cultural sexual relations between European men and Ottoman women during the early modern period in Ottoman commercial centers, port cities, and islands according to select European sources in the Folger collection.
Justyce Bennett ’19, Emma Hugonnet ’19, and Lindsay Wooleyhand ’19 presented their St. Mary’s Project research in a session they created and directed at The AnthroPlus graduate student conference at the University of Maryland College Park in March. Assistant Professor of Photography Tristan Cai participated in an artist-in-residence program at DECK, a premier arts space in Singapore that showcases contemporary photography. The residency
Seven students presented posters at the 257th National American Chemistry Society conference. (from left to right): back row - Perry Conor ’19, Randy Larsen IV ’19, Lynn Stevens ’19, Amanda Siskey ’19, Serena Medor ’19, and front row - Caitlyn Gerwitz ’19 and Sarah Connell ’19.
award included sponsorship of a solo exhibition. For the exhibition, Cai conducted research on slavery and indentured servitude in Singapore, a history which has been erased from Singapore’s mainstream historical account. Colin Cassady ’19, Isaac Hersh ’19, and Lauren Swam ’19 studied marine ecology on the coral reefs of Belize this past spring with Sea McKeon, visiting professor of ecology. While there, they were Interviewed for The Naturalist Podcast. Four St. Mary’s College students presented their research at this year’s Phi Alpha Theta (national history honor society) Mid-Atlantic Regional Conference: Angela Cruz ’19, Andrew Messick ’19, Megan Root ’19, and Madalyn Wilkinson ’21. Alana Demones ’19, Alejandra Diaz ’19, Katie Gross ’19, Katherine Kempton ’19, and Rachel Yates ’19, presented their research projects at the National Conference on Undergraduate Research (NCUR) at Kennesaw State University in Kennesaw, Georgia, this past April.
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C OLLE G E
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Over the next five years, the College’s Title IX Office will receive a total of $50,000 from the Maryland Department of Health’s Rape and Sexual Assault Prevention Program at the Center for Injury and Sexual Assault Prevention. The focus of the grant, spearheaded by Michael Dunn, director of Title IX compliance and training coordinator, is “Preventing Campus Sexual Assault through Social Norms Change” and on implementing strategies to mobilize men and boys as allies to prevent sexual violence. This is the College’s third, and most significant, award from the Maryland Department of Health in the past three years. Jeff Eden, assistant professor of history, published an article in The Oxford Research Encyclopedia of Asian History. His article examines slavery in Islamic Central Asia from the 16th century, when a significant number of Iranian war-captives were brought north and enslaved during the course of numerous armed conflicts between the Central Asian Uzbeks and Iranian Safavids, through the 19th century, when the region was home to tens of thousands of Shi'a Muslim, Russian, Armenian, and Kalmyk slaves. Barrett Emerick, associate professor of philosophy, published a chapter in the book “Pacifism, Politics, and Feminism: Intersections and Innovations.” Emerick’s chapter explores and develops the concept of epistemic violence – the way in which violence might be done to someone in their capacity as a knower – and argues that silencing can be an act of epistemic violence. He also considers when and under what conditions it is appropriate to silence someone, even if doing so is an act of violence.
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Gina Marie Fernandez, assistant professor of psychology, coauthored a paper published in the journal Neuropharmacology. In that paper, Fernandez examines evidence that indicates that exposure to general anesthetics during infancy and childhood can cause persistent cognitive impairment, alterations in synaptic plasticity, and increased incidence of behavioral disorders. Nathaniel Foster, assistant professor of psychology, published in Memory & Cognition on the topic of interleaving. Interleaving is a study technique that involves studying exemplars from different categories in a non-systematic, pseudorandom order under the constraint that no two exemplars from the same category are presented consecutively. Professor of Music David Froom’s “Ribbons” was performed by flutist Yeji Oh in an April concert by the “Tempo” New Music Ensemble in Washington D.C.’s newest alternative music performance space, MilkBoy ArtHouse. Froom also joined a panel at Howard University to adjudicate a competition for music-related graphic design at Howard’s College of Engineering and Architecture. And, he judged the Music Teachers Association of Charles County “Sonatina and Sonata Festival,” a piano competition for pre-college-age students. Susan Goldstine, professor of mathematics, has been named the Steven Muller Distinguished Professor in the Sciences, which honors faculty whose accomplishments in the sciences establishes their expertise in a field of research relevant to our under-
standing of the world we inhabit. She is also an associate editor of the Journal of Mathematics and the Arts. Goldstine has recently joined the board of directors of the Bridges Organization, which runs the annual Bridges Conference on mathematics and the arts. Amy Henderson, associate professor of economics, and Emek Köse, associate professor of mathematics, published in the Journal of Transformative Learning. In the article, Henderson and Köse argue that that shared elements of well-designed course-based undergraduate research experiences, including instructor scaffolding and collaborative dialogue, serve both to make undergraduate research more widely accessible, and to foster the achievement of a transformative learning experience. Alan Jamieson, associate professor of computer science; Lindsay Jamieson, associate professor of computer science; and Angela Johnson, professor of educational studies and director of teacher education, received a grant from the Maryland Center for Computing Education to develop a preservice teacher education program in computer science. In an unrelated piece of good fortune, Alan Jamieson won $25,000 to be used toward students in the computer science program from the gas and convenience store Sheetz through its Time Back initiative where the company connects and gives back to customers.
Two students presented posters at the annual American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology conference (from left to right): PIvy Antunes ’20, Pamela Mertz, professor of chemistry & biochemistry; Shanen Sherrer, assistant professor of biochemistry; and Kelly Healy ’19.
Angela Johnson, professor of educational studies and director of teacher education, and Liz Mulvey ’20, presented a poster based on Johnson’s National Science Foundation grant, Centering Women of Color in STEM at the 2019 annual meeting of the National Association for Research in Science Teaching, the preeminent international science education conference. Rose Young ’20 and Corey Payne ’12 MAT ’13 also presented posters at the conference. Professor of Art Sue Johnson recently returned from a one-month, fully-funded residency fellowship by the I-Park Foundation in East Haddam, Connecticut. It was her fourth fellowship of the summer. The other three were at The Sam and Adele Golden Foundation Residency Fellowship in New York, the Virginia Center for the Creative Arts Residency Fellowship in Amherst, Virginia, and a residency fellowship by MASS MoCA (Massachusetts Museum of Contemporary Art) in North Adams, Massachusetts. Katharina von Kellenbach, professor of religious studies, has been appointed to the 20192020 Corcoran Visiting Chair in Christian-Jewish Relations at
THE ST. MARY’S WAY
Linden McBride ’03, assistant professor of economics, published an article in Policy in Focus, a publication of the International Policy Centre for Inclusive Growth. It was written in collaboration with Esteban Quiñones, University of Wisconsin–Madison.
The American Association of University Women awarded its 2019–20 American Fellowship to Jessica Malisch, assistant professor of biology. AAUW is one of the world’s leading supporters of graduate women’s education. Malisch plans to use the fellowship to investigate the fitness consequences of the vertebrate stress response in whitecrowned sparrows. Malisch also earned the Council on Undergraduate Research (CUR) Biology Division Mentor Award (Early Career). The award committee recognized Malisch’s extraordinary accomplishments and her dedication to engaging undergraduate students in the creation of new biological knowledge, both in the classroom and in her research group.
Michael Miller ’20 and Jeanette Warren ’20 joined the National Philharmonic’s Summer Choral Institute for a July concert at the Robert E. Parilla Performing Arts Center in Montgomery County, Maryland, and will perform this November at Carnegie Hall. In June, Warren joined seven students of the Cooper Voice Studio in Manhattan for the studio’s first “Boutique Broadway Symposium.”
Antonio Ugues Jr., associate professor of political science, has been named director for the Center for the Study of Democracy at St. Mary’s College. He began the position on July 1. Todd Eberly, professor of political science, had been serving in an interim capacity since July 2018. Ugues teaches courses in comparative politics, democracy and elections, and the politics of Latin America. His current research agenda explores attitudes towards democracy and electoral integrity in contemporary Mexican politics.
Kajsa Newton ’19 and Dylan Powell ’19 gave poster presentations on their St. Mary’s Project research at the spring 2019 meeting of the Atlantic Estuarine Research Society in Woodbridge, Virginia.
The Seahawk women’s varsity sailing team finished ninth at the Inter-Collegiate Sailing Association (ICSA)/Sperry Women’s Nationals hosted by Brown University in Newport, Rhode Island, this past June. The Seahawks finished seventh at the ICSA/Gill Dinghy National Championships. The ICSA bestowed one of its highest honors to Liam McCarthy ’20, who earned the Robert Hobbs Sportsman of the Year Award. McCarthy and teammate Leo Boucher ’22 were honored as Honorable Mention All-Americans.
PHOTO COURTESY OF ROB MIGLIACCIO
Joe Lucchesi, professor of art history, is chief reader for College Board’s Advanced Placement® Program (AP®) Art History course and exam. In that capacity, he is responsible for overseeing the standard-setting and scoring of AP® art history exams across the United States.
PHOTO COURTESY OF ROB MIGLIACCIO
Boston College’s Center for Christian-Jewish Learning. During Kellenbach’s tenure, she will continue her research on Jewish and Christian perspectives on guilt, complete her book “Composting Guilt: The Purification of Memory after Atrocity,” teach a graduate level course, and organize a conference around themes of Jewish and Christian memory and guilt.
Jada Ward ’19 presented at the 13th Annual Virginia Commonwealth University Politics and Government Student Research Conference held in April.
St. Mary’s College students Shannon Robinson ’19 and Hannah Vickery ’19 presented their St. Mary’s Projects at the L. Starling Reid Undergraduate Psychology Conference at the University of Virginia. Both were mentored by Ayse Ikizler ’07, assistant professor of psychology. Lisa Scheer, professor of art, has been named the Steven Muller Distinguished Professor in the Arts, which honors a faculty member whose accomplishments in the visual and performing arts distinguishes them among their creative peers. She has exhibited her sculpture nationwide, including one-person exhibitions and largescale public commissions. Scott Strickland ’08, adjunct instructor of anthropology, and Julia A. King, professor of anthropology, were featured in a Bay Journal article for their work surveying land along the Rappahannock River for Indian artifacts under a grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities.
Michael Wick, provost and dean of faculty, has been selected for Leadership Southern Maryland’s Class of 2020, as has Thomas Brewer ’05, manager of environmental health, safety and sustainability programs. Kyle Bishop ’04, assistant dean of students, graduated from Leadership Southern Maryland’s Class of 2019 this past May. Christine Wooley, associate dean of curriculum and associate professor of English, was appointed to the Executive Committee of the Association of Departments of English (ADE). The ADE supports academic departments focused on studying literature, writing, and culture by helping its members successfully lead and manage their programs, and is part of the Modern Language Association’s Academic Program Services (MAPS). Wooley will serve on the executive board through the 2021 Modern Language Association convention.
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SOLAR & ST. MARY’S COLLEGE BY LEE CAPRISTO
The House by House Plan
In early 2018, Colin Gload ’11 and his business partner, Michael Kirby, co-founded Lumina Solar in Baltimore, Maryland. Lumina Solar incorporates a full turn-key installation which includes design, financing, project management, installation, monitoring, and maintenance. Lumina Solar is one of the fastest-growing and most highly reviewed solar companies, as well as the first “Tesla Certified Powerwall Installer” in Maryland. The company’s niche in the solar market is residential, small commercial, and battery-backup.
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SOLAR & ST. MARY’S COLLEGE
An economics major and environmental studies minor, Gload didn’t know exactly what career path he wanted to take when he graduated, but knew he wanted to be in the emerging renewables market. It was at this time he was able to team up with high school friend, Michael Kirby, who was already working in the field. Over the next couple of years, their careers in the industry blossomed as they found themselves in leadership roles at a large national company (Direct Energy Solar). By 2016, the solar market growth had slowed slightly in the residential sector, and the company they were with switched focus to large scale utility, laying off hundreds of employees as a result. It was at this point they had to decide whether they wanted to stay in the industry or head elsewhere. After much thought, they decided that solar wasn’t going anywhere, and that they should stick with it. “We [He and Mike] went to Africa for 10 days and climbed Mt. Kilimanjaro shortly after being laid off,” Gload says. “We decided to put together our own team and company when we came back.” Marykate Brown ’18 completed her majors in anthropology and environmental studies, and while at St. Mary’s College, she was able to take a chemistry course with Troy Townsend ’07 (assistant professor of chemistry) where she was introduced to solar cell technology and smart grids. Her senior research project, mentored by anthropology professor Bill Roberts, documented the difference between trash and recycling on campus. Her first job after college was helping different industries implement recycling programs. “I was a professional trash talker,” Brown jokes. Realizing the importance of a sustainable and renewable future, she was drawn to Lumina Solar’s mission and the work they were doing. At Lumina Solar, she is a project manager, helping to get solar projects interconnected with local utilities, applying for HOA approvals, and getting various state grant documents submitted. Brown implemented Lumina Solar’s recycling program for cardboard and office waste. How is Lumina Solar preparing for the inevitable growth in solar jobs given the commitment (in Maryland) to 50% renewable energy by 2030? “It’s a growing industry: but people want to be in solar, so a lot of times people find us,” Gload says. “Sometimes it’s harder with installation, due to needing electricians and roofers. Electricians and electrical helpers are definitely in high demand.” Lumina Solar has hired graduates of
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the Civic Works Baltimore Center for Green Careers, which provides energy industry training to troubled youth. When asked about starting and growing a business in this emerging sector, Gload says, “It’s still a growing industry and there are bumps along the way. We call it the ‘solar coaster’ because of the ups and downs in the industry,” Gload says. “But,” he tells people, “to be successful, you can’t be afraid of those constant changes: it’s part of the business. We have to be able to adapt to the ever-changing political climate and technology that affects the business.” 1
Gload forecasts that the coming decade will see the establishment of very strong regional solar businesses, and the move from early adopter customers to widespread solar adoption. With around 30 installations per month, Lumina Solar is deploying about 300 kW of solar capacity monthly; it plans to double in size by the end of 2020. Time will tell if Gload’s siblings, current St. Mary’s College students Sawyer West ’22 and Sydney West ’23, pursue their own solar energy careers.
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3
[1] Colin Gload ’11 founder of Baltimore’s Lumina Solar. [2] Marykate Brown ’18 project manager at Lumina Solar. [3] Gordian Energy Systems’ commercial carport canopy array. opposite: A Gordian Energy Systems’ small scale utility array.
The Industrial and Community Plan “When I was getting ready to go to college,” Andy J. “AJ” Armstrong ’09 recalls, “Someone told me, ‘You have to read a lot in college so make sure you enjoy what you’re reading.’ I’ve always enjoyed reading about history so that’s what I majored in.” Armstrong’s post-college education has been like the College’s new LEAD curriculum, learning through experiential and applied discovery. He was the third employee of Gordian Energy Systems and has learned, by doing, every aspect of the business, including site review, electrical analysis, design engineering, estimating, proposal writing, installation management, and sales. His current role is senior project developer. In that role, Armstrong oversees all Gordian’s project development. Gordian’s heritage company is Cole Roofing, with a 100-year history. Created initially as an extension of Cole’s offerings, Gordian has been operating for over 10 years. Armstrong’s work with Gordian is all commercial and small-scale utility, ranging from 25kW to 7MW of power, through ground-mounted
“Maryland wants to be a front-runner in renewable energy... it’s very exciting to be a part of that.” Andy J. “AJ” Armstrong ’09
St. Mary’s College | T HE MULB ER RY TR EE | fall 2019 | 11
systems, rooftop systems, and solar canopies. Within Maryland, Gordian has created a niche market for its solar canopies (like carports). Armstrong has helped the company with numerous solar EPC (engineering, planning, and construction) projects throughout the county, including several states with community solar programs, where businesses, municipalities and school districts collectively invest in solar farms (“gardens”) to benefit the community. Many of these community solar projects were done with financing through Jack Levenson’s group at New Energy Equity. “This business is helping to address energy challenges, and in doing so, it’s changing the energy business,” Armstrong explains. “Our customers want to lower their carbon footprint and have more control over their energy costs. Solar is one way that industries are able to have more predictable operating expenses with respect to energy costs.” Gordian proactively seeks its next generation work force by supporting a variety of educational models, including the work of two Harford County, Maryland, technical schools where students learn renewable energy skills. Gordian helped the students install solar tubes as part of a Habitat for Humanity project and constructed a solar array for an environmental and tech center. Gordian and Cole Roofing both work with the Baltimore area’s workforce development efforts. “We have been able to hire graduates of Baltimore’s Civic Works and Power52 programs,” says Armstrong, “as well as working with Living Classrooms and Project Jump Start.” “Maryland wants to be a front-runner in renewable energy,” says Armstrong, “so it’s very exciting to be a part of that.”
STEPHAN LENIK
His advice to SMCM students interested in clean energy as a career path: do the hands-on work to really learn all aspects of the business. “Solar is a great industry for being an experiential learning environment for work,” says Armstrong. Like Colin Gload at Lumina Solar, Armstrong says that the best hires for the solar industry are individuals who are flexible, adaptable and problem-solvers who don’t mind the politically charged environment in which they operate.
12 | St. Mary’s College | T H E MU LBERRY TREE | fall 2019
The Community and Economy-Changing Plan If you unravel the tapestry of his career, the thread is winding, but Jack Levenson ’98 says the common connectors have always been social justice and education. The first half of his career included wilderness instructor, rehabilitation at-risk youth counselor, Peace Corps volunteer (Ecuador); and middle school teacher. He then made a shift from the nonprofit world to for-profit corporations. In 2008, he began his corporate sales career in telecommunications but by 2009 he began exploring opportunities in the solar industry. After a few freelance endeavors nationally and internationally, he started with SolarCity in 2013, which became Tesla in 2016. In addition to solar sales, Levenson became the sales trainer for Maryland’s residential solar team. In 2018, Levenson joined New Energy Equity in Annapolis,
“I just brokered a 4 MW deal which is enough to power over 500 homes for a year.” Jack Levenson ’98
Maryland, doing large-scale project financing. NEE has now financed over 150 MWs of very large solar projects (including several built by the company where AJ Armstrong works). This past June, Levenson lobbied in Congress on behalf of the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) as well as helped MDV-SEIA (MarylandD.C.-Virginia Solar Energy Industries Association) in Annapolis to pass CEJA (Clean Energy Jobs Act). He sees the new solar industry as an emerging economy that must overtake our current reliance on fossil fuels sooner than later. What excites him about his work right now is the momentum and scale of what he is able to accomplish. “For example,” he explains, “I have a 10 KW solar system on my house that produces enough power for about 75% of my home, but I just brokered a 4 MW deal which is enough to power over 500 homes for a year. I’m working with people doing a 400+ MW projects and that is just the tip of
where we need to be. The amount of growth in jobs, environmental justice, and social change is amazing.” Levenson says that he picked up values like sustainability and social justice in his work with his professors at SMCM as well as in the Peace Corps. Both are values he keyed into as a psychology and theater student at St. Mary’s College. As a student, although he wasn’t encouraged to go into the corporate sphere, he has been “pleased to be a bridge from the nonprofit to the corporate world.” His career advice for current students interested in clean energy as a lifestyle or as a career path is to “network, go to conferences and volunteer for things you’re interested in, and cross-pollinate with nonprofit and for-profit experiences.”
The Next Generation’s Plan This summer, Solar energy company SolarCube LLC won a $100,000 technology product development grant through the Maryland Industrial Partnerships Program (MIPS). The funding will directly support the research and development work led by Troy Townsend ’07, assistant professor of chemistry at St. Mary’s College, who is the principle inventor for technology that uses nanomaterials to allow photovoltaic solar modules to be manufactured using an affordable, inkjet-like printing process. It’s the second such grant: in 2016, MIPS awarded Townsend $100,000 to develop proof-of-concept process to print low-cost and lightweight solar modules. MIPS, a program of the Maryland Technology Enterprise Institute (Mtech) in the A. James Clark School of Engineering at the University of Maryland, supports research projects at University System of Maryland universities (plus Morgan State University and St. Mary’s College), to help Maryland companies develop technology-based products. MIPS funds are matched by participating companies to pay for the university research. SolarCube LLC’s recent MIPS project is also supported by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Innovative Technology Fund, a partnership between DNR, the University of Maryland and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, with the goal of accelerating Chesapeake Bay restoration through the development of new technologies. DNR provided funding to MIPS for the project.
SOLAR & ST. MARY’S COLLEGE
Jeff Croisetiere ’04 came to solar through his wife, Shannon Schmidt Croisetiere ’04: her family went into the business after a long run in the construction management industry. His political science major, he says, though not directly relevant to solar, comes in handy since solar is highly politicized. “The solar industry has an interesting mix of progressive ideologies and conservative economic benefits, which is a big reason the solar industry has seen such large growth.” At SolarCube LLC, Croisetiere handles the daily business operations while simultaneously managing the MIPS research and development project with Townsend. For the MIPS project,
“Undergraduate research is our pride and joy here at St. Mary’s College. These projects would not be possible without our talented students.” Troy Townsend ’07 Assistant Professor of Chemistry
Croisetiere writes reports and funding proposals and does investor outreach. Townsend developed the base technology at the U.S. Naval Research Laboratory in 2014 and has proven the process with a working nanocrystal prototype. In June 2018, SolarCube LLC and the Naval Research Laboratory signed the license agreement for the lab’s patented “spray deposition method for inorganic nanocrystal solar cells” technology. TechLink, the Department of Defense’s national partnership intermediary,
assisted SolarCube with development of the required commercialization plan and patent license application. Townsend’s work on printed electronics involves undergraduate research at St. Mary’s College. Student Bradley Moore ’20, who works on printing the nanocrystal inks said, “If we do the layers correctly, it will make a solar panel that would be 40 times thinner than a human hair.” Moore injects inks made of semiconducting and metallic nanocrystals into cartridges to print out 2D patterns onto arbitrary substrates to build electronics. Moore works with fellow student Megan Waters ’20, who is synthesizing the inks using air-free conditions. Waters, who has been synthesizing silver nanowires said, “Trying to figure out just the right concentrations and times of injection were definitely the most challenging and interesting parts of the synthesis.” Townsend said, “Undergraduate research is our pride and joy here at St. Mary’s College. These projects would not be possible without our talented students. In the meantime, they are working on graduate level projects and publishing their work in journals and presenting at national conferences.” Townsend’s research group will continue to work with SolarCube LLC to develop printed solar cells. Townsend plans to print a prototype solar module using the support of the MIPS award and work with SolarCube LLC on ways to adapt the lab-scale process into industrial-scale printing-press manufacturing. “Being on the cutting edge of the next generation printed solar cells is really exciting,” says Croisetiere. “It’s also exciting to know that we are helping to offset future CO2 emissions.” Townsend said, “Just like the printing press revolutionized the written word, rapid roll-to-roll printing of electronics is the next step.” For more information about the project, please visit https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ivV1w2GFcmE& feature=youtu.be
[1] Jack Levenson ’98. [2] Printed solar cell device
panel developed by Troy Townsend, assistant professor of chemistry [3] Dr. Townsend in his laboratory in Goodpaster Hall
St. Mary’s College | T HE MULB ER RY TR EE | fall 2019 | 13
CALLED TO ACTION
spring 2019 14 | St. Mary’s College | T H E MU LBERRY TREE | fall 2019
JOR DAN T E AC H ING EXE M PL A R AWA R D
F
or the past two years, st. mary’s college of maryland has recognized educators who go above and beyond with the Jordan Teaching Exemplar Award. The award, established by President Tuajuanda C. Jordan in 2017, recognizes
members of the St. Mary’s College community who exhibit exemplary teaching within or beyond the traditional classroom. In 2018, the inaugural recipient was Janna Thompson, assistant professor of educational studies. Thompson joined the faculty in 2017 and plays a lead role in the partnership with the tri-county public school systems participating in the Teaching Across Maryland (TAM) program. She is also a mentor with the DeSousa-Brent Scholars Program, a coach for the Hawkettes cheer/dance club, a committee member for St. Mary’s Resource for Inclusion, Diversity and Equity, and an LGBTQ faculty liaison. “[The Jordan Teaching Exemplar award] will always be one of the top highlights of my teaching career,” says Thompson. She was in her first year of teaching in higher education when she received the award. Prior to joining the College faculty, Thompson taught and consulted in K-12 public schools for 15 years. She made the switch to higher education to further her impact as an educator. Thompson says the award was the affirmation she needed to know she had made the right career decision. At the time of her nomination, Thompson’s colleagues observed that she always finds the time to work with any student for as long as that student needs in order to get through a particular piece of material. “I work hard to be the best teacher I can be, so to be recognized is nothing short of amazing,” Thompson says. “Being chosen by President Jordan was the icing on the cake. She is a role model to women like me who don’t see representation of leadership that looks like them.”
ELLEN KOHL
In 2019, Barry Muchnick, assistant professor of environmental studies, was honored with the award. Muchnick, who joined the faculty in 2014, has incorporated experiential learning into his courses so enthusiastical-
ly that his students have tallied over 3,500 service learning hours in four years. His faculty partner (Professor of Art Carrie Patterson) for the two-year team-taught ENST390/ART369 course, better known as “The Tiny House Project,” noted that his out-of-class campus projects “have changed the way environmental studies sits within the larger picture of St. Mary’s College and have been seamlessly integrated as learning experiences for the students.” Examples include a regularized sustainability and arboretum tour, a green procurement plan, an heirloom garden project, an eco-house living charter, the sustainability club, and ongoing projects at the Kate Chandler Campus Community Farm. His environmental studies colleagues, assistant professors Cassie Gurbisz and Ellen Kohl, credit Muchnick for his high-impact teaching practice this way: “As teacher-scholars, we know that building these types of real projects into our courses is a well-established high-impact teaching practice. Barry’s commitment to project-based, civicallyengaged learning is unwavering. We commend this consistent record of experiential and integrative program development and teaching.” Of the recognition, Muchnick says he is “humbled, honored, and proud of our College and the Environmental Studies Program for supporting cutting-edge teaching and learning spaces.” The award is important because, as Muchnick puts it, “Teaching undergraduates is the heart and soul of our work at St. Mary’s College. By recognizing exciting and important instruction, the Jordan Teaching Exemplar Award encourages us to experiment, innovate, and expand our teaching horizons. It is a call to action in and beyond the classroom for higher education.”
St. Mary’s College | T HE MULB ER RY TR EE | fall 2019 | 15
His career path is not traditional. His musical talents are unlike any others of his generation. But for Dominic Fragman ’07, an improvisational artist who can simultaneously perform on drums, guitar and vocals — traditional just isn’t his beat. His genre is innovation and his mentors include musicians Paul F. Murphy, Cecil Taylor and Larry Willis. Fragman’s musical and conceptual journey led him to co-found, in 2016, the Spirit of Jazz & Democracy, a program of lectures, performances, workshops, and music masterclasses that derive key lessons from
DOMINIC FRAGMAN jazz music about promoting freedom and inclusive democracy. “I’m doing something that I know creates value,” he says. “It’s helping me to understand what it means to contribute to society, through music.” Improvisation and innovation provide the underlying beat of Fragman’s life and career. He is selftaught on guitar. He graduated from high school early (at age 16) – a decision he says that may have saved his life – several of the friends he left behind died of drug overdoses. He took his first drum lesson at age 17 after 10 years of personal study. He enrolled at Berklee College of Music in Boston but left after one semester. He transferred to St. Mary’s College and studied history. He never took a music class.
16 | St. Mary’s College | T H E MU LBERRY TREE | fall 2019
AN INNOVATIVE BEAT
PHOTO BY TERRY QUINN
BY LEE CAPRISTO AND GRETCHEN PHILLIPS, communications specialist
St. Mary’s College | T HE MULB ER RY TR EE | fall 2019 | 17
“ The music I plan to make will offer a new perspective, in the same way that the blues offered a new perspective when it was introduced.” Under the mentorship of the late Tom Barrett
diversity officer and philosophy professor at
curriculum includes workshops for corporate
(professor of history), Fragman studied the
Loyola University New Orleans.
clients, masterclasses for musicians, and panel
According to its website, the program “highlights
discussions to connect and contribute to the
connections between democracy and jazz. His senior research project was based on the Jazz Ambassadors Program begun in 1956 under President Eisenhower by the U.S. State Department. That program, which included music greats Dave Brubeck, Dizzy Gillespie, Louis Armstrong and Duke Ellington, was introduced to fight communism in post-WWII Europe by spreading ideas of democracy, freedom, innovation, independent thinking, in places where these concepts were repressed.
the congruence of jazz & democracy and focus-
betterment of civil society.
es on the role of improvisation and innovation in
“This brainchild of Dominic’s has demonstrated
the expansion of freedom and the betterment
its ability to increase people’s awareness of
of the human condition.” Grant funding from
their creative potential and capacity for produc-
the Maryland Humanities and the Arts Alliance
tive civic engagement,” says colleague and
of St. Mary’s College supported a program
co-founder Anderson.
residency during fall 2017 at the College, along with recording credits for Fragman with Murphy, Willis and Carroll. In 2018, additional Spirit of Jazz & Democracy (SJD) workshops and per-
Those involved with SJD and SIF actively pursue grant funding to support their work. The group is currently exploring programming with the Greater New Orleans Peace Foundation (an initiative to reduce violent crime in New Orleans by promoting more civic engagement and a sense of belonging). How Fragman wound up coming full circle with his college research project and how he came to learn from and collaborate with Murphy, renowned for his “innovative approach to the drum set” according to Oxford’s Grove Dictionary of American Music, is testament to Fragman’s not so ordinary journey. At age 23, he was a full-time musician, though
“Dom was one of those curious students who
formances took place at Loyola University New
he didn’t admit to friends exactly what he was
could make connections between topics that
Orleans and Regis University in Denver.
doing, which was working at the Gaylord Hotel
might not be apparent to a lot of undergrads,” recalls Professor of History Charles Holden. “He’s a great example of how you can bring the well-roundedness of the liberal arts experience together with one’s particular talents and interests.”
In 2019, Fragman introduced the Spirit of Innovation & Freedom (SIF) program in partnership with the Patuxent River Naval Air Museum in Lexington Park, Maryland. “The Department of Defense has put out a mandate to seek innovation across all its platforms,” says Fragman.
at National Harbor as a percussionist. The job came with costumes. The first was a chef costume: he and his bandmates wore them and banged on pots and pans while singing Italian songs. This was followed by a costume change to look like a maintenance worker, and more banging, now with ladders and buckets.
In 2016, Fragman founded the Spirit of Jazz &
“This new program is designed to respond to
Democracy with famed percussionist Paul F.
that call.” The SIF focuses on the similarities
He had also been playing gigs from D.C. to New
Murphy, iconic Bebop pianist Larry Willis, poet
in the mindset of innovation across disciplines
York City and started teaching drums and guitar
laureate Jere Carroll and Sybol Anderson, chief
and the role of improvisation in that process.
at the Garrett Music Academy in Owings, Mary-
All music in the program is improvised; the
land. That’s where he met Murphy. Fragman
18 | St. Mary’s College | T H E MU LBERRY TREE | fall 2019
remembers the meeting clearly: “Paul had just finished a new album with Larry Willis, totally improvised, and asked me if I wanted to hear it. He played it for me and I was blown away. I looked him in the eye and said ‘I want to study drums with you.’” That was 2008. He has been apprenticed to Murphy for more than a decade, and practicing drums 10 hours a day for most of that decade. Fragman affectionately refers to Murphy as his “Mr. Miyagi.” Fragman’s journey included working the music scene in Nashville and Manhattan. “My first gig in Nashville, I made $17.00. I went out every night for three months, trying to make friends with drummers, with other musicians, trying to make something happen.” He opened for several country stars, including Little Big Town and Martina McBride. In Manhattan, at the suggestion of Murphy, he befriended legendary pianist Cecil Taylor, remembered as “the 20th-century’s Beethoven.” They jammed together at Taylor’s Brooklyn brownstone and Taylor invited Fragman to perform with him at the 2013 Kyoto Award ceremony. But in Manhattan, Fragman found
opportunities to collaborate towards innovation
He is confident, however, that he’s on a path
were rare. He eventually returned to Maryland
to bring the SJD and SIF programs to more
and to Murphy and the D.C. music scene.
communities “because that’s where we can
Fragman’s talents have garnered him noto-
serve people best,” and to the Kennedy Center
riety with a concert tour in Europe and three released EPs. He’s also a Zildjian musician
and Carnegie Hall, “because that’s where the dissemination of ideas can best happen.”
and the marketing face of Wicked Chops, the world’s smallest drum practice pad sold by AHEAD in 172 countries. He says his fame thus far may be mostly for his one-man band Solo Trio: check out the videos on YouTube of Fragman simultaneously playing drums, guitar and singing (his versions of Rush’s “Tom Sawyer” and Led Zeppelin’s “Black Dog” are the most popular). His absolute devotion to developing his musical ability is a choice few will ultimately make. “It’s not something you do; it’s something you are,” he says. “Paul [Murphy] and Larry [Willis]
“ I only get a glimpse now and then of what the big purpose in all of this is; mostly I’m in the midst of just trying to make stuff happen.”
are putting me on their shoulders,” Fragman admits. “The music I plan to make will offer a new perspective, in the same way that the blues offered a new perspective when it was introduced.” He goes on to say that “I only get a glimpse now and then of what the big purpose
spiritjazzdemocracy.com Freedom@SpiritJazzDemocracy.com
in all of this is; mostly I’m in the midst of just
PHOTOS BY AVAIL VISUALS
trying to make stuff happen.”
St. Mary’s College | T HE MULB ER RY TR EE | fall 2019 | 19
KNITTING PHOTO BY BROOKE LAMPLOUGH ‘19
ALUMNI CLASS NOTES
1950s Karen Yochim ’58, has published “The Devil Drives” on Kindle. Karen says she wrote the book to raise awareness of the vulnerability of the nation’s big city public water systems to terror attacks. She lives near Lafayette, Louisiana.
1980s Mark Allen ’85, after 34 years of federal service, retired from the defense security service (DSS) where he served as the deputy director, counterintelligence (CI) directorate. Mark directed the activities of the CI directorate and the work of 191 government and contractor specialists in 26 offices across the United States. Notably, in 2018 the efforts the CI directorate accounted for 26 percent of all DoD CI intelligence information reports and 74 percent of all DoD intelligence information reports on foreign intelligence entity threat to research, development and acquisition. Mark and his wife Terrie recently built their forever home in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.
Laura Ford ’88 has been named president and CEO of the Accokeek Foundation. Laura has been on the staff since 2004 and previously served as vice president. During her tenure with the organization, Laura has been responsible for organizational advancement, fundraising, communications, and strategic initiatives. Laura has earned an executive certificate in nonprofit management from Georgetown University’s Public Policy Institute.
Tom Parrish ’92 won an award for his wildlife artwork at a prestigious event. He won for a painted carving of a kingfisher (bird) with a fish in its mouth in a habitat scene. The piece was entered in the 47th Annual Ward World Championship Wildfowl Carving Competition and Art Festival in Ocean City, Maryland. Andrew Brennan ’94 [1] owner of Aaron Burr Cidery in the Catskills, New York, recently published “Uncultivated: Wild Apples, Real Cider and the Complicated Art of Making a Living” (Chelsea Green Publishing, 2019).
1990s Ashani Weeraratna ’91 has recently joined the Johns Hopkins University as a Bloomberg Distinguished Professor of cancer biology. In addition to expanding her history of melanoma research, she plans to build a strong aging and cancer program within the Bloomberg School of Public Health where she will serve as the inaugural E.V. McCollum Professor and Chair of the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology. She will hold joint appointments in the School of Medicine’s Department of Oncology and the Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center.
1
2
3
4
2000s Dana Allen-Greil ’00 [2] and her husband Bryan relocated to California where Dana now works as the director of digital strategy at the Monterey Bay Aquarium. Bryan is enjoying his new gig as full-time dad to Eleanor (4) and Lincoln (2). Dana continues to teach for Johns Hopkins University’s graduate museum studies program as well. Dana received her master’s in museum studies from the George Washington University in 2007. The family resides in Pacific Grove, California. Paul Broccolina ’00 has been promoted from regional director to regional vice president at Landry’s, a multinational, diversified restaurant, hospitality, gaming and entertainment conglomerate based in Houston, Texas.
1
20 | St. Mary’s College | T H E MU LBERRY TREE | fall 2019
NOAH KALINA
CONNECTION
Corita Jones Waters ’00 [3] was recognized by the River Management Society as the 2018 River Manager of the Year for her contributions to promoting river conservation and recreation access through the National Park Service. Matthew Costello ’01 has been named associate director of enterprise management at USDOI-IBC. He has worked there in various roles for the past 10 years. Justen Finch ’01 has been promoted to senior financial accounting analyst at Walt Disney Studios in Los Angeles, California. Justen previously worked in financial positions for Twentieth Century Fox and Warner Bros Entertainment Group. He lives in Los Angeles.
Jennifer Miller ’01 [4] received her master of music degree in the area of voice performance from Westminster Choir College in May 2006. She has been working as a host, reporter, and producer at 91.5 Classical KUSC in Los Angeles, California, since December 2018. KUSC is the most listened to public radio station of any format in the country. She is the host of the KUSC Opera Show, Sunday evenings at 9:00 (PST).
Jenny Cernak ’04 is assistant head of academics for The Kent School in Chestertown, Maryland, after more than 10 years of educational experience. Prior to this, she held various administrative and teaching positions with St. Andrew’s United Methodist Day School for 12 years. 5
6
Jayson Williams ’03 [5] was recently named to The Daily Record’s Maryland VIP list Successful under 40. Awardees are selected based on their professional accomplishments, community service and commitment to inspiring change. Williams is president and CEO of Mayson-Dixon Strategic Consulting, specializing in strategic planning for government agencies, nonprofits, political officers, and community developers. In its first year, the company grew from one home office to three offices, seven full-time employees, and 18 clients. Previously, Williams was recognized as one of the Baltimore Business Journal’s 2016 Class of 40 Under 40 for his growing business and public service.
Anthony Reedy ’04 is a camelotian at Camelot Strategic Marketing and Media. Prior to this position, he worked as a sales project/program management lead and in millennial media and operations for AOL in Baltimore, Maryland. Anthony earned his master of arts in music performance from the University of Miami in 2006. Richard Romer ’04 [6] is manager of association governance and public policy at AAA. Rich has been with the organization for five years, receiving the AAA President’s Award for outstanding employee service in 2016 and 2018. Natalie Trancucci Linares ’04 was promoted to manager of data management at North Carolina Rate Bureau/NC Reinsurance Facility/NC Insurance Guaranty Association, where she has worked for the past two years. Natalie previously worked for Sentry Data Systems in Raleigh-Durham as a project manager-pharmacy implementations and a training and development managerdata operations for the North Carolina Rate Bureau. Natalie completed a global management MBA from the University of Houston-Victoria.
Outstanding Young Alumni Award Michael Adashek ’12 is this year’s recipient of the Outstanding Young Alumni Award. Michael is currently a co-resident of internal medicine at Sinai Hospital in Baltimore, Maryland. Over the last 18 months, Michael has published six papers in peerreviewed journals. Beyond these publications, he has presented five posters at conferences around the country and presented at grand rounds regarding his experiences with patients and his research. Michael is, of course, dedicated to his patients. The following are some anecdotes collected about the care that Michael provides: One patient was a man with an abdominal tumor who was suffering from complications induced by chemotherapy. Regardless of the complications, the patient wished to fight through the cancer, so Michael advocated for aggressive treatment. Under Michael’s care, the patient’s weight improved from 90 pounds to 140 pounds, and he is now being considered for induction therapy and a transplant at the University of Maryland. Sometimes taking care of a patient is about more than physical healing. A woman in her 20’s was trying to start a family, but her bone marrow had shut down after a viral illness. Her frustration with her situation led her to fight against medical care. Michael took the time to sit with her daily, hear her out, and gently encourage her to undergo a biopsy. Over time, resistance turned to questions, questions gave way to understanding, and she eventually received the biopsy. She was treated at the University of Maryland, and is now on her way to starting a family. Patient advocacy is an important part of medical care. One of Michael’s patients came in with groin pain and a history of prostate cancer. In the end, it turned out that his groin pain was due to metastatic cancer. Michael calculated the patient’s pain suppression dosages, but the insurance company denied the long-acting pain medication that would allow the patient to sleep through the night. Even though the patient had already been discharged, Michael fought with the insurance company to get the medicines as prescribed – undoubtedly contributing to the patient’s quality of life. Michael’s publication history and the care that he provides for his patients show his dedication to his work and the impact that it has.
Sarah Sloane Donovan ’05 is in private practice as a mental health therapist in Lutherville, Maryland. Sarah completed a master’s degree in counseling from Johns Hopkins University in 2010.
John Heltman ’05 has covered the Federal Reserve and Treasury Department for American Banker since 2014. Prior to joining American Banker, he covered derivatives markets and the Commodity Futures Trading Commission for Argus
Media. Prior to that, he covered the Environmental Protection Agency for Inside Washington Publishers.
St. Mary’s College | T HE MULB ER RY TR EE | fall 2019 | 21
ALUM NI
C ONNECT ION
Society of Distinguished Alumni Award This year’s recipient of the Society of Distinguished Alumni Award is Brian Boyle ’10. Brian’s story is well known: he was recruited to St. Mary’s College as a member of the swim team. However, before he arrived, he was in a traffic accident that left him in critical condition. In the course of the treatment at the Trauma Center at Prince George’s Hospital Center, Brian endured 14 surgeries. His condition was so grave that he died eight times during his treatment and recovery. Brian’s convalescence period was long and grueling, taking up most of what would have been his first year at St. Mary’s College. Even when he was well enough to attend, he was still not fully recovered. He joined the swim team, but he would tire about half-way through practice. He realized that his body was not yet where he needed it to be. Brian made adjustments to his academic schedule, moved back home and attended St. Mary’s College as a commuter student for a time, all to foster his continued recuperation. He continued to rebuild his strength. It was during this time that he decided to compete in an Ironman Triathlon - and, since then, he has competed in over 72 endurance races including five Ironman triathlons, 16 marathons, and five ultramarathons. Brian has been a spokesperson for the American Red Cross. He has given over 125 interviews (and was a guest on the “Ellen” show), and often describes how caring and compassionate the St. Mary’s College community was toward him as he recovered from his injuries. While he was a student, Brian published “Iron Heart: The True Story of How I Came Back from the Dead” (Skyhorse, 2011). Since then, he has written and published “The Patient Experience: The Importance of Care, Communication, and Compassion in the Hospital Room” (Skyhorse, 2015) and co-authored with wife Pamela Boyle, “Swim, Bark, Run” (Sky Pony Press, 2018). Brian’s story of perseverance in the face of overwhelming odds is something that can serve as an inspiration to our alumni. His accomplishments in the face of so much adversity are remarkable. 22 | St. Mary’s College | T H E MU LBERRY TREE | fall 2019
Christelle Niamke ’05 has started her own human resources management firm, Ubora Solutions, based out of Dallas, Texas. Ubora Solutions provides non-attorney human capital services to firms as well as a notary signing agent services and services for individuals such as resume writing and coaching. Christelle holds a master’s degree in information and knowledge strategy from Columbia University and a master’s degree in comparative politics from the University of York in the UK. Patrick Bernhardt ’07 has been recently named senior counsel, privacy and data protection for Capital One. Patrick previously worked as the senior associate with WilmerHale in Washington, D.C. and before that, as associate with Morrison & Foerster in D.C. He completed his juris doctorate from the University of Virginia School of Law in 2013. Chelsea McCracken ’07 and her husband, Jeremy C. Young ’06 teach at Dixie State University in St. George, Utah. Chelsea, a linguist by training, is an assistant professor of interdisciplinary studies at DSU. Jeremy, an assistant professor of history, was recently named the director of DSU Institute of Politics and Public Affairs, which serves the campus and community as a hub for civic engagement, student leadership, and public policy education and research.
Audrey Hamilton ’08 has been promoted to senior web and UX designer at Centretek where she has worked for more than three years, first as a junior designer and later as a web designer. Audrey also runs her own freelance design company (Audrey Hamilton Design) specializing in graphic, web, and print design in Baltimore, Maryland. She is also an upright bass and violin freelance musician. Renee Angelo ’09 is currently working for the Dream Academy as mentor coordinator in Baltimore, Maryland. She previously held positions with the Choice Program and the Boys and Girls Club of Southern Maryland. Renee served in the Peace Corps in Malawi and has a graduate certificate in human resource management from the University of Maryland University College. Dakim Gaines ’09 is resident physician at Vanderbilt University Medical Center. “Dak” completed his MD/PhD in molecular pharmacology from the Rutgers-Robert Wood Johnson Medical School in 2018. Warren “Sam” Samuels ’09 has been promoted to director of enrollment at Vermont Academy in Saxton Rivers, Vermont. Prior to this position, Sam worked for the Teton Science Schools, located in Jackson, Wyoming, and for the Concord Academy in Concord, Massachusetts. Sam is married to Nicole Yesalavage Samuels ’09 and they have a son, Cooper.
2010s Shields Elementary teacher Brennan Clarke ’10, MAT’11 was named the Cape Region’s 2020 District Teacher of the Year. He teaches English as a Second Language (ESOL) at Shields Elementary School in Lewes, Delaware. Clarke will compete for state honors in October. Jesse Kirkland ’10 has been promoted to senior underwriter, major accounts property at Chubb where he has worked for more than four years: first as an underwriter, inland marine, and then underwriter, major accounts property, all in the San Francisco Bay area. Jesse is also a professional sailor and sailing coach with the San Francisco Yacht Club and the St. Francis Yacht Club. Mary Tupper ’10 works as a therapist for Catholic Charities in Baltimore, Maryland. Before this position, she was a social worker for the Baltimore County Department of Social Services. Mary completed her master’s degree in social work at Rutgers University in 2014. Kelly Wilbur ’10 joined the law firm of Partridge, Snow & Hahn in Providence, Rhode Island, where she focuses on commercial litigation. Prior to joining this firm, she was in practice with Lynch & Lynch in Massachusetts. Kelly earned her juris doctorate from the University of Massachusetts School of Law.
PHOTO: DAN COOK WITH THE CAPE GAZETTE
Katherine Serfling ’12 is an industrial/organizational psychologist at ICF, in Baltimore, Maryland. She previously worked as a research coordinator for CEB in Washington, D.C. Katherine completed a master’s in professional studies, industrial/organizational psychology in 2015 from University of Maryland Baltimore County.
pictured with brennan clarke ’10 (l-r) Cape school board President Alison Myers, Assistant Superintendent Jenny Nauman, Clarke and Cape Superintendent Bob Fulton, from Cape Gazette Newspaper.) Roz Kreizenbeck ’11 is educator of community engagement at the National Building Museum. Prior to this position she worked for Historic Newton, in Newton, Massachusetts, for Harvard University’s Peabody Museum of Archaeology and Ethnology as an education specialist, for the Institute of Contemporary Art in Boston, Massachusetts, and for the Smithsonian Institution Museum of Natural History in Washington, D.C. Roz earned a master’s degree in museum education, museology/museum studies from George Washington University in 2014. Claire Scruggs ’11 is a change management senior at Freddie Mac, where she has worked for more than three years, first as an actuarial analyst and then in loss mitigation. Prior to Freddie Mac, she worked for Ruan Homes in various sales and marketing positions.
Ariella Azoulay ’12 is residential conveyancing assistant at Pacitti Jones in Glasgow, Scotland. Ariella previously worked in the UK for Sequence as a branch manager and for QGate as a marketing executive, and for Oxford University Press as a marketing intern. Ariella completed a master’s degree in publishing from the Oxford Brookes University in 2013. Camille Campanella Botts ’12 is an MBA candidate at Duke University with an expected completion of 2020. Camille spent four years at the FDIC as an economic assistant and then economic analyst and two years with Wayfair as a manager in category planning.
Ryan Canter ’12 graduated from Eastern Virginia Medical School in May with his medical degree. He is now doing his residency in internal medicine and pediatrics at the University of Utah in Salt Lake City.
Justin Foreman ’12, is enrolled in the master of fine arts program for filmmaking at Maryland Institute College of Art (MICA) in Baltimore, Maryland. Previously, he was the digital media specialist for SMCM, where he instructed students on digital media production, and helped create the “One Minute, One Major” video series. He is currently working on a short film about famed Italian glassblower, Gianni Toso, as he shares his family’s 700-year tradition of glassblowing with two young apprentice glassblowers. Casey Gannon ’12 is management analyst for Missoula County, Montana, where he first began working as a financial budget analyst intern. Casey has also pursued a career with the U.S. Forest Service in the Ninemile Ranger District and in Lakeview, Oregon. He completed a master’s in public administration from the University of Montana in 2019.
Mike Victory ’12 is head baseball coach for Brevard College, following three seasons as assistant coach at Allegheny College. Prior to his tenure at Allegheny, Victory spent fours seasons as the assistant coach at SMCM, serving as the team’s pitching coach and recruiting coordinator. Adrienne Dink ’13 is a registered dietitian at LifeWeigh Bariatrics. Prior to this position, Adrienne worked for UI Health as and inpatient dietetic intern and then as an outpatient dietetic intern. She completed a master’s in clinical nutrition/dietetics from the University of Illinois at Chicago in 2018. Sarah Platt ’13 is an archaeological analyst at the Digital Archaeological Archive of Comparative Slavery (DAACS), a digital humanities inititative of Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello in Charlottesville, Virginia. Sarah is currently completing her PhD in anthropology with a focus in historical archaeology at Syracuse University. She just finished a two and a half year dissertation research residency at the Charleston Museum in Charleston, South Carolina.
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Leslie Walker ’13 [7] is the new education specialist for public programs at the National Museum of African American History and Culture in Washington, D.C., responsible for planning social justice and scholarly programming for the museum. Leslie earned a master’s in applied anthropology from the University of South Florida. Rebecca White ’13 is director of policy for Senator Andrew Gounardes (New York) and helped pass her first bill to expand the number of speed cameras around schools in NYC. Marilyn Hucek ’14 has been promoted to merchandiser, Chaps Global Licensing & International with Ralph Lauren and works in the New York City area. Marilyn has been employed with Ralph Lauren for more than two years. Marilyn has been working in the fashion retail industry since graduating. Amanda Jengo ’14 is assistant director of orientation and visit experience at the University of West Florida. Amanda’s career in higher education included admissions counselor at Salve Regina in Newport, Rhode Island, for three years. Amanda completed a master’s in international relations and affairs at Salve Regina in 2018.
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Honorary Alumni Award This year’s recipient of the Honorary Alumni Award is Mike Ironmonger. Mike is the former director of the Waterfront, starting in 1978. Over the course of his career, his transformation of the waterfront into a hub of student life led the College to transform the Waterfront from the two-car garage which half functioned as an office and the other half functioned as a workshop and storage to the James P. Muldoon River Center facility of today. Though he was not the sailing coach, he played a critical role in increasing the size of the College’s fleet and establishing the boat donation program from which so many of our students have benefitted. Mike also worked with students to start the crew team which is now a varsity sport and has involved many students and alumni over the years. Beyond these efforts, Mike played a critical role in securing boats and directing the offshore sailing team. He also hosted sailing clinics to teach other young people how to sail. His influence on the waterfront culture of St. Mary’s College is undeniable. Mike’s efforts and leadership of the Waterfront have influenced decades of alumni. His love of sailing and the opportunities that he fostered have played a critical role in life at St. Mary’s College. He has also spread this love past St. Mary’s College, working with youth sailing programs in Annapolis and elsewhere. The lessons that he has encouraged our students and alumni to learn serve them well, both while in school and beyond graduation. Mike’s impact on our alumni community is beyond question.
Pierre Z. Zibi ’14 works in enterprise business development at Quantum Metric in Washington, D.C. He previously worked for Storyblocks in Arlington, Virginia, for Trellis Company in Washington, D.C., and for Constellis in Reston, Virginia. Matthew Fowler ’15 is account manager for Benchworks, located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Matt completed his MBA from Wagner College in 2017. Lindsey Leitera ’15 has recently been hired as a technical writer for Kudu Dynamics LLC in Chantilly, Virginia. Her career has included jobs as a technical writer for BlueVoyant in College Park, Maryland, and content developer for CyberVista in Arlington, Virginia. Lindsey completed a master’s in security studies from Georgetown University in 2017. Patrick Watson ’15 is sales manager at Freedom Mortgage where he has worked for over a year, starting as a loan advisor, and then senior team lead. Prior to joining Freedom Mortgage, Patrick worked for New Day USA as a Processor and Data Analyst in Baltimore, Maryland. Rebecca Archer ’16 is administrative coordinator at Glenstone Museum in Travilah, Maryland, where she was previously a guide with the Emerging Professional Program. Rebecca also worked at the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts and with the Phillips Collection, both in Washington, D.C. Grace Chao ’16 is senior business development and project management associate for the Chemonics International Global
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Health Division, in Washington, D.C. Grace has also worked for Athena Infonomics in Washington, D.C. and for SAIS China Africa Research Initiative and the SAIS Social Enterprise Accelerator Fund, both in Washington, D.C. Grace completed her master’s in international development economics from the Johns Hopkins School of International Studies in 2018.
istered behavior technician for advancing abilities in Baltimore, Maryland, and camp director for St. Benedict’s Children’s Home in St. Vincent and the Grenadines. Hannah served in the Peace Corps as a primary English literacy co-teacher in St. Vincent and the Grenadines. She is currently enrolled in a master’s degree program at the University of Cincinnati.
Stewart Utter ’16 is a financial analyst for CWT in Minnesota. Prior to this job, Stewart worked as an investment analyst for Intact Investment Management USA in Minneapolis-St. Paul, and as a fixed income product controller for Morgan Stanley in Baltimore, Maryland.
Erica Leyder ’18 is research technologist at the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine Department of Pathology. She is currently studying for her master’s in biotechnology at Johns Hopkins University.
Suzy Cahn ’17 is a cancer genetics counselor at Northside Hospital in the Greater Atlanta area. Suzy completed her master’s degree in human genetics and genetics counseling in 2019 from Emory University School of Medicine in Atlanta, Georgia. Grace De Oro ’17 graduated in May with her master’s of public policy and has begun PhD studies in public policy at the University of Maryland Baltimore County. Grace has interned with the Maryland Department of Health and worked with the City of Baltimore as a UMBC researcher on the Mayor’s Office & Executive Subcommittee of Baltimore City Charter Review. Hannah Schroeder ’17 is a registered behavior technician and program assistant at Rise for Autism Nonprofit Center in Glen Burnie, Maryland, and also works as a special needs caregiver for a client through Care.com. Previous positions that Hannah held include reg-
Sabrina Wood ’18 is political intern for Senator Kevin Humphreys in Dublin, Ireland. Sabrina is also currently enrolled in a master’s program in political communication at Dublin City University. Pascal Iraola ’19 is in Alaska working as a field biologist for the National Marine Fisheries Service. He, along with Sophie Taber ’18 and Andrew Battin ’18, first trained for three weeks in Seattle, where NMFS taught them how to stay safe at sea, how to collect data in a range of different fisheries on a range of different boats. Multiple tests later, all passed with at least an 80% score, earned them spots on the boats fishing the Bering Sea. Iraola says it’s hard work with long, irregular hours, but he’s proud to be helping to manage a fishery that’s so important both domestically and internationally. “It’s also awesome to know I’m doing something that few will ever get to experience in their lives.”
Donna Mix Weidern ’04 [1] and Anthony Weidern were married on April 14, 2019 in Shenandoah, Virginia. Donna is an assistant principal and Anthony is a retired naval officer who works as a maintenance group supervisor. They live in Mechanicsville, Maryland. Hannah Cann ’10 [2] and Brent Jones were married on June 1, 2019 in Darlington, Maryland. Alumni who attended were Bryan Alexander ’10, Sam Sedon ’12, Nick Miller ’11, Nate Doty ’08,
Adam Zimmerman ’10 [3] married Rebecca Wisner at Dulany’s Overlook in Frederick, Maryland on May 5, 2019. Nick Rabano ’10 was the best man. Alumni in attendance were Alex Borman ’10, Christine Borman ’13, Brent Tomchik ’10 and Chris Shanklin ’10. The couple spent their honeymoon in Jamaica and live in Perry Hall, Maryland.
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VALERIE MICHELLE PHOTOGRAPHY
& UNIONS
Annie Becker ’10, Katherine Burgess ’10, Erin Bischoff ’09, Rich Kolm ’10, Kate Stevens ’09, Paul Sweeney ’10, Miriam Doyle ’09 and Kate Swiggett ’11. The newlyweds spent their honeymoon in Southeast Asia and now reside in Darlington, Maryland.
AMANDA M. MIX
MARRIAGES
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Looking for a way to make a gift without spending your cash? Create an impactful legacy with a charitable bequest of a portion or percentage of your retirement assets. A charitable bequest of retirement assets: • Avoids estate taxes • Skips the probate process and makes a timely impact • Costs you nothing during your lifetime Did you know: • You can make the College a beneficiary of a portion or specific percentage of your assets • Your gift is not subject to tax because the St. Mary’s College of Maryland Foundation is a 501(c)(3) charity • You can designate your gift to any area you’re passionate about To learn more about creating a charitable bequest, please contact me. Lawrence P. MacCurtain ’11, MBA Major Gifts and Planned Giving Call Email Visit
240.895.4403 lpmaccurtain@smcm.edu smcm.giftlegacy.com St. Mary’s College | T HE MULB ER RY TR EE | fall 2019 | 25
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BIRTHS&
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DANI LEIGH PHOTOGRAPHY
DANI LEIGH PHOTOGRAPHY
ADOPTIONS
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Samantha Cote Dill ’02 and her husband John Dill welcomed a son, Zachariah Oliver Dill, [1] on September 12, 2018, which happens to be Samantha’s birthday. John is a computer engineer who works at Patuxent Naval Base; Samantha is taking time away from her teaching job to stay home with Zachariah. The family lives in Great Mills, Maryland.
Alexa Milroy ’12 and Ken Benjes ’11 [4] were married on November 10, 2018 in Baltimore, Maryland. Alumni in the wedding party were Laura Bruffey ’12, Dana Gittings ’11, Ally Moore ’11, Korinne Buckwalter Super ’12, Ben Casto ’10, Michael Tornabene ’11, Mike Berry ’10 and Molly Dougherty ’12. Other alumni in attendance were Katie Haney ’11, Meghan Milsted ’12, Samantha Rockler ’12, Devin Sherwood White ’11, Bryan
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Miller ’11, Catherine Skinner ’11, Katie Henry Casto ’14, Sarah Warren ’11, and Max Reamer ’14. The newlyweds reside in Baltimore, Maryland. Emily Stumme Barsalou ’14 [5] and Matthew Barsalou were married on March 9, 2019 in Ellicott City, Maryland. The newlyweds spent their honeymoon in the Pacific Northwest and now live in San Antonio, Texas. Emily is employed by Travel Tripper as a web support specialist/web developer.
VANESSA LYNN VISIONS
CALYPSO DIGITAL
Kate Story Sirc ’04, her husband Chris Sirc, and older brother CJ welcomed Margot Story Sirc, [2] who was born on February 26, 2019. The family lives in Richmond, Virginia.
Jenny Kolb ’14 and Michael Victory ’12 [6] were married on September 8, 2018 in Zion Springs, Virginia. Alumni in the wedding party were Kelly Heyde ’13, Nick Vergelli ’12, Katie Bennett ’14 and Addie Miller ’15, and Jenny’s parents Bobbee Kolb ’85 and Sean Kolb ’85. Additional alumni in attendance were Nick Urso ’12, Brad Dioguardo ’15, Natalie Ulrick ’14, Parisa Ramsey ’14, Alex Lenovitz ’14, Bob Tracy ’85, Craig Rudy ’86, Julie Tracy ’86, John Webster ’87, Theresa Webster ’87, Joe Inglisa ’87, Pat Provost ’87, and Beth Provost ’87. The couple lives in Meadville, Pennsylvania.
Samantha June Heltman [3] was born to John Heltman ’05 and Maggie Epps on September 29, 2018. She has been a delight to her whole family, especially big brother James. The family resides in Baltimore, Maryland. 7
Michelle Williams ’16 [7] and Ian Keck were married at the Annapolis courthouse on December 30, 2016. Their wedding reception was held on November 10, 2018 at Quiet Waters Park, Annapolis. Alumni who attended the wedding were Gabby Leather ’16, Alice Haber ’16, Meagan Blizzard ’16, Sarah Warren ’16, Hannah Dickmyer ’16, Dylan Phillips ’17, Robert Brunger ’15 and Caroline Brunger ’15. The couple met in kindergarten and have been best friends since 2008. They live in Arnold, Maryland.
Paul Shinkman ’06 and Sarah Shinkman welcomed a son, Bernard Francis “Fritz” DeGrandpre Shinkman IV, [4] born on January 26, 2019. The family resides in Eastern Market, Washington, D.C. Paul is the national security correspondent at U.S. News & World Report. Sarah is a program manager for a patient advocacy organization.
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Andrew Gregg ’07 and Helen Gregg welcomed a son, Declan William Gregg, [5] who was born on October 23, 2018. The family resides in Oakton, Virginia. Marianne Wood Forrest ’08 and John Forrest welcomed a son, Simon Wood Forrest, [6] on March 25, 2019. The family resides in Washington, D.C. John Forrest is an attorney at Mintz Levin. Big brother Charlie is three years old.
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Nikki Johnson Shanholtz ’12 and Gene Shanholtz welcomed a son, Jackson Wyatt Shanholtz, [8] born on January 18, 2019. The family resides in Jarrettsville, Maryland.
IN MEMORIAM Anne Frazer Wilcox ’44 of Elkton, Maryland, died on March 11, 2018. Anne worked as a registered nurse, was a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution, Ark and Dove Society, the National Society of the Colonial Dames of America and Elk Landing Preservation Society. Anne is survived by her husband of 69 years, the Honorable Judge Kenneth A. Wilcox. B.J. Howard-Jasper ’47 of Bradenton, Florida, died on June 19, 2019. Originally of Rockville, Mayland, she attended St. Mary’s Female Seminary and then St. Mary’s Junior College and went on to complete degrees at George Washington University and the University of Maryland. She successfully completed a long-term career in higher
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BRITANY HALE PHOTOGRAPHY
Angela Baker Norwich ’10 and Rob Norwich ’10 welcomed a son, Michael Hardy Norwich, [7] on November 25, 2018. The family resides in Oakton, Virginia.
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man. He was an avid supporter and active member of the St. Mary’s College community as well and could be found on campus on a daily basis playing basketball and tennis. Wayne supported all things athletic at the College and enjoyed attending and cheering on the Seahawks at many sporting events over the years.
education. She was active in her church where she served on the vestry, as chalicist, day reader and president of the Episcopal Church Women. B.J. remained a dedicated supporter of St. Mary’s College throughout her lifetime. Joann Boner Holland ’48 of Catonsville, Maryland, died on April 19, 2019 at the age of 90. Joann was an active alumna who loved St. Mary’s and was loved by her classmates. Her memorial service was held on May 6, 2019 at the chapel at Charlestown Retirement Community in Catonsville, Maryland, and a number of her classmates were in attendance. Joann is survived by her loving husband of 48 years, Richard Holland. Emily M. Manlove ’49 of Cecilton, Maryland, died on March 30, 2019. Emily earned degrees from St. Mary’s Junior College, the University of North Carolina
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and the University of Michigan. She taught in the secondary schools in Elkton, Maryland, from 1951 until retiring in 1986. Both before and after retirement, she cared for the family farm, Swann Harbor. Wayne Cook ’76 [1] of Hollywood, Maryland, died on June 19, 2019. He was 65 years old. Wayne was a well-known member of the local community as a business-
Carol Lynn Drury Nevala ’93 of Leonardtown, Maryland, died on April 2, 2019. Carol pursued educational studies and earned her certification in elementary education. She married in 1991 and spent 27 wonderful years with her husband, Scott Nevala. She was the owner/operator of TLC Daycare and then later returned to teaching at King’s Christian Academy in Great Mills, Maryland, where she taught kindergarten through third grade.
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Gerald Donovan Bigelow ’06 of Frederick, Maryland, died suddenly on February 15, 2019. “G” as he was known to all who loved him, was married to Jessica Fitzwater ’05 since 2012 and together they have a son, Jonah. He worked most recently as a sales fulfillment specialist at Flying Dog Brewery and previously worked for 10 years at American Public University System. Sami Keyani ’14 of Garrett Park, Maryland, died suddenly on May 18, 2019. Sami formed some of his closest friendships while a student at St. Mary’s College. After graduating, he joined Teach for America, working in Baltimore. His most recent job was for Broadly in Baltimore as an account executive. Sami is survived by his wife, Stephanie Pyne, brother Cameron Keyani ’16, his parents and other close family members.
St. Mary’s College | T HE MULB ER RY TR EE | fall 2019 | 27
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THE PERSISTENCE OF OLD BAY
My brother is also confused by this process, but for a different reason. “Why do crabs like chicken anyway?” he asks Dad as we lower more line. “Chickens don’t live in the water. How do they even know what it is?”
Every so often, a crab will get loose and scuttle around the kitchen floor, putting up its claws, looking for a fight. My brother and I jump back, fearing for our toes. Dad simply scoops the crab up with his tongs and shoves it into the steamer. I help Mom set the table. Since by now it’s evening, much of the humidity has wavered, so we’ll dine outside on the deck. While crabs don’t require silver platters and linen napkins, there is an element of ceremony that mimics fine dining. The tablecloth is heavy brown butcher paper, taped to the edges of the table. There is an array of tools and utensils: mallets, paring knives, crab crackers, a full roll of paper towels, and dipping cups for butter and seasoning.
PHOTO BY CLIFTON
SMITH ’79
The piece de resistance, of course, is the seasoning. It is not just any crab spice. The metal yellow can is placed lovingly in the center of the table, not only for easy access but as a seat of honor. It is a spice that Marylanders have treasured since a GermanJewish immigrant began making it in 1939 in Baltimore: Old Bay.
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This method is called trotlining. Dad always pronounces it “troutlining,” which confuses me because trout are in no way involved.
When we get back, Mom already has the huge steamer pot on and boiling. What a quick turn of events for the crabs, I think. You’re just minding your own business, maybe hanging out on top of a rock or on the side of a pier or something. You’re snapping up whatever water-bound leftovers you may find: a dead fish, some algae. Some mystery meat appears on a string and you think, “Oh, this seems exotic. Why not?” Then, just as you’re tucking in and wondering what it is you might be eating, you’re zipping through the air, struggling to breathe. You’re stuffed into close quarters with a few dozen of your closest friends and carted off to who knows where. Then, you get stuck in a sauna and it’s all over.
NICO URTESY
It’s a hot Saturday afternoon in July, the humidity oppressive. It’s like trying to breathe through peanut butter, but even still, our spirits are high. My father, my younger brother, and I have launched from our neighborhood boat ramp out to the edge of the West River, which feeds into the Bay proper. My brother and I are still in elementary school. Earlier this morning, we watched our father string raw chicken necks together like some kind of grotesque Christmas display. Now we are setting the line out in the water to catch the true stars of the Bay: Maryland blue crabs.
“They just like it for some reason,” Dad says. “How should I know?”
PHOTO CO
The sun shining on the water always makes the [Chesapeake] Bay look star-studded. The points of light on each wave are enough to simultaneously hurt and amaze my young eyes. For someone who can’t swim, maybe I should feel more scared than I do, out here on this small motorboat in the middle of the continent’s largest estuary. Yet I feel safe. The life jacket probably helps.
HYLTON
By Nicole Hylton ’17 (Hylton currently works as a technical writer in Fulton, Maryland.)
You can read the rest of Hylton’s piece is in the Foodways issue of “SlackWater” (V7, published April 2019). The volume is available in the St. Mary’s College bookstore on online at www.smcmbooks.com. The St. Mary’s College of Maryland Archive currently collects items related to Maryland Foodways, including Maryland cookbooks. If you want to donate items related to Maryland and food, please contact the College Archivist, Kent Randell, kdrandell@smcm.edu. A list of cookbooks (MSS 051 Maryland Foodways Collection) can be found on the Archive’s website: http://library.smcm.edu/archives/finding-aids/
Calendar of Events Jamie L. Roberts Stadium Dedication September 7 @ 12:00 p.m. Jamie L. Roberts Stadium
Artist Talk with Dorotha Grace Lemeh September 16 @ 4:45 p.m. Glendening Annex
Author’s Talk with Lawrence Lanahan Author of “The Lines Between Us: Two Families and a Quest to Cross Baltimore’s Racial Divide” October 2 @ 4:45 p.m. Blackistone Room, Anne Arundel Hall VOICES Reading Series with Mihaela Moscaliuc & Michael Waters October 3 @ 8:15 p.m. Daugherty-Palmer Commons Hawktoberfest (Homecoming & Family Weekend) October 4-5
Neuroscience Seminar Series with Joseph Cheer September 16 @ 4:45 p.m. Goodpaster 195 Constitution Day Lecture with Darrell M. West September 17 @ 7:00 p.m. Cole Cinema, Campus Center VOICES Reading Series with Heidi Andrea Restrepo Rhodes September 19 @ 8:15 p.m. Daugherty-Palmer Commons Admissions Open House September 21 @ 10:00 a.m. Michael P. O’Brien Athletics & Recreation Center Arena Natural Science & Mathematics Colloquium “Sharks, stress and steroids” September 25 @ 4:45 p.m. Schaefer 106 Presidential Lecture Series with Aleshea Harris September 26 @ 7:30 p.m. Auerbach Auditorium, St. Mary’s Hall State of the College Address by President Tuajuanda C. Jordan September 27 @ 3:00 p.m. Auerbach Auditorium, St. Mary’s Hall Annual Library Book Sale October 1-2 Outside of Hilda C. Landers Library
Psychology Lecture Series with Brenda Curtis October 16 @ 4:45 p.m. Goodpaster 195
Admissions Open House October 19 @ 10:00 a.m. Michael P. O’Brien Athletics & Recreation Center Arena “Macbeth” (Ticketed Event) by William Shakespeare directed by Amy Steiger October 23-27, 30-31 & November 1 @ 8:00 p.m. Historic St. Mary’s City Artist Talk with Valerie Hardy October 30 @ 4:45 p.m. Glendening Annex
Artist Talk with Mariam Schaer November 6 @ 4:45 p.m. Glendening Annex Admissions Open House November 9 @ 10:00 a.m. Michael P. O’Brien Athletics & Recreation Center Arena Neuroscience Seminar Series With Elizabeth Redcay November 11 @ 4:45 p.m. Goodpaster 195 VOICES Reading Series with Laurie Foos November 14 @ 8:15 p.m. Daugherty-Palmer Commons
Artist Talk with Clare Nicholls ’10 October 9 @ 4:45 p.m. Glendening Annex
The Center for the Study of Democracy Presents The Bradlee Lecture in Journalism with Jason Rezaian October 17 @ 7:30 p.m. Auerbach Auditorium, St. Mary’s Hall
Natural Science & Mathematics Colloquium “The long road of Chesapeake Bay restoration” October 30 @ 4:45 p.m. Schaefer 106
CSD
An Evening to Honor the Legacy of Lucille Clifton February 29 @ 7:30 p.m. Daugherty-Palmer Commons Presidential Lecture Series with Jay Williams March 26 @ 7:30 p.m. Auerbach Auditorium, St. Mary’s Hall Admissions Open House April 4 @ 10:00 a.m. Michael P. O’Brien Athletics & Recreation Center Arena Awards Convocation April 17 @ 3:00 p.m. Michael P. O’Brien Athletics & Recreation Center Arena “The Nether” (Ticketed Event) by Jennifer Haley directed by Mark Rhoda April 22-25 @ 8:00 p.m. April 26 @ 2:00 p.m. Bruce Davis Theater, Montgomery Hall
Natural Science & Mathematics Colloquium “The Environmental Impact of Fashion” November 20 @ 4:45 p.m. Schaefer 106
Commencement May 16 @ 10:00 a.m. Townhouse Green
“Cabaret Macabre” by Happenstance Theater November 20-21 @ 8:00 p.m. Bruce Davis Theater, Montgomery Hall
Mulberry Music Festival: Act II June 19-20 Townhouse Green
Giving Tuesday December 3 Every donation adds value to the St. Mary’s College student experience! VOICES Reading Series with Nadeem Zaman December 5 @ 8:15 p.m. Daugherty-Palmer Commons Martin Luther King Jr. Prayer Breakfast with Keynote by Jason Johnson January 20 @ 8:00 a.m. J. Frank Raley Great Room, Campus Center
Alumni Weekend June 11-14
River Concert Series featuring the Chesapeake Orchestra Fridays, June 26-July 24 @ 7:00 p.m. Townhouse Green Governor’s Cup Yacht Race August 7-8
For reservations, tickets and information on these and other upcoming events, visit www.smcm.edu and click on EVENTS. Events are subject to change.
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