INSIDE THE SHELL WINTER 2019 | VOLUME 3 | ISSUE N°1
A N E W S L E T T E R E XC LU S I V E LY F O R U N I V E R S I T Y O F M A RY L A N D A LU M N I A S S O C I AT I O N M E M B E R S
A Georgia Terp Gives Back: Bob Grossman ’72, M.Ed. ’77
Grossman reads to children at a local elementary school. His desire to volunteer with schools grew from a passion for children’s theater he developed as a student at UMD.
Bob Grossman ’72, M.Ed. ’77 lives near Atlanta, Ga.—more than 600 miles from the University of Maryland. But, by staying involved with the Alumni Association, his Terp network is never far. “Even if you move away and you get involved in other activities where you live and where you work, it’s nice to have a strong connection to the university,” he says. Grossman has attended a range of alumni events in the Atlanta area, including crab feasts, meet-ups at Braves games and, this past summer, an exclusive members-only Porsche experience. “These are the kinds of experiences that make you say, ‘that would be really fun to do,” Grossman explains. “But, the Alumni Association gives us the opportunity to actually participate.” Grossman’s membership has allowed him to stay connected, even after retirement, to his Terp community.
“Being a member gives you the opportunity to connect with other like-minded individuals that have had similar experiences,” he says. “There’s always going to be a bond with other people around the world that attended the University of Maryland.” As a student, Grossman participated in children’s theater and volunteered with his fraternity. Now he spends most of his time continuing the passions that started during his time at Maryland—he volunteers in his community at a food rescue organization, reads to elementary schoolers at a Title I school and is the chairman of the local Public Arts Commission. “The experiences that I had while I was a student have influenced who I am today,” Grossman says. “Had I not had some of those experiences, I’m not sure that I would be giving back to the community in the way that I am now.”
GET INVOLVED AND GIVE BACK THROUGH YOUR ALUMNI ASSOCIATION! VISIT ALUMNI.UMD.EDU/VOLUNTEER TO GET STARTED.
From Zero to TEN: The New Terp Entrepreneur Network The Alumni Association has recently launched exciting professional development programming, from a virtual book club to new industry networks. We sat down with Nikhil Balakumar ’14 to learn about the Terp Entrepreneur Network (TEN), the first Alumni Association industry network. As principal at Greentel Group, Balakumar is an entrepreneur himself and recently started as vice president of the network. What is the Terp Entrepreneur Network? NB: TEN is a platform for a range of alumni, including entrepreneurs, intrapreneurs, aspiring entrepreneurs and seasoned professionals. Maybe you have an existing business and you want to use new resources to grow it. Maybe you want to start a business and you’re trying to figure out how. Or, maybe you’re a seasoned entrepreneur and you’re looking for companies to invest in or partner with. The goal is to bring the entire ecosystem of entrepreneurial professionals together to create meaningful connections and partnerships.
What are some of TEN’s first initiatives? NB: We’re going to have our TEN launch event at the new WeWork in the UMD Discovery District in February, where we’ll invite all of our different audiences. From there, we’re looking to hold more targeted events. We may do events for entrepreneurs who have their businesses up and running and are looking for advisors or partners. Or, we may host an event exclusively for aspiring entrepreneurs who want to meet mentors. Why should people be excited about TEN? NB: This is an opportunity for the university to give back to alumni and for alumni to become vested and interested in being involved with UMD. It’s kind of like coming back to school again but taking your career and your dreams to the next level. What benefits will TEN provide to aspiring entrepreneurs? NB: We have so many resources at the university that can now be used for alumni. TEN allows us to leverage all of these resources to give aspiring entrepreneurs the foundations they need—how to put together a business plan, how to find
partners and investors, how to get things off the ground. There’s a ton of amazing resources out there, from the Capital One Innovation Lab to WeWork in the Discovery District. What about for more seasoned entrepreneurs? NB: For established folks, TEN is about meeting fellow entrepreneurs and building your network. Whether you have a small company or a larger company, there’s always opportunity to grow and learn. Having access to really experienced professionals who have been running operations for large companies or supply chains can help take your company to the next level. Whether you’re someone like me whose business has only been around for two years or you’ve been around for 10 years, we’ll give you the resources you need to take on the next big thing.
TO LEARN MORE ABOUT THE TERP ENTREPRENEUR NETWORK AND OTHER PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITIES, VISIT ALUMNI.UMD.EDU/PROF-DEV
SAMUEL RIGGS IV ALUMNI CENTER 7801 ALUMNI DRIVE, COLLEGE PARK, MD 20742-1521 800.336.8627 | ALUMNI.UMD.EDU
LET TER FROM THE PRESIDENT if it weren’t for the University of Maryland. I challenge you to stop and think back to your memories as a Terp. It could be an experience at an athletic event, a performance at The Clarice, membership in a Greek Life organization or a professor that made an impact on you. Whatever it is that connects you, Maryland had a part in shaping who you are. You’ve already joined as a member; now it’s time to take the next step. Just as you had a wealth of opportunities to get involved as a student, your Alumni Association offers a range of ways to get involved as an alumnus/a and member. I encourage you to explore the Alumni Association website at alumni.umd.edu. You’ll find ways to get involved virtually—from mentorship opportunities to a social advocacy program. You’ll learn how to connect with your alumni network: regional, academic, affinity and industry. And you’ll find events across the nation to meet fellow Terps, hear from excellent speakers and more. As a member, you are the lifeblood of the alumni community. It is your voice that elevates the university and spreads the Fearless Ideas that alumni and students are working on every day. Thanks to your support, we provided more than $42,000 in scholarships this year and engaged more than 26,000 alumni, students, parents and friends. As an alumnus, a member and a volunteer, it’s been my goal to leave a legacy on this university. I can’t wait to see how you will support the next generation of fearless Terp alumni.
STAY CONN ECT ED
i wouldn’t be where i am today
MARYLAND IN BOSTON CRAIG BEYROUTY, DEAN OF THE COLLEGE OF AGRICULTURE AND NATURAL RESOURCES, WIFE VICTORIA AND BOSTON TERP NETWORK VOLUNTEER GOPI DHOKAI ’10 HAVE A BLAST ROLLING TRUFFLES AT THE FEARLESS IDEAS: THE CAMPAIGN FOR MARYLAND EVENT IN BOSTON HELD AT THE KITCHEN AT THE BOSTON PUBLIC MARKET ON OCT. 23.
Go Terps!
Kirk Bell ’88 President, University of Maryland Alumni Association Board of Governors
C ALENDA R
TERPS ON THE HILL DEONTE SMITH ’15 AND ADRIENNE COBB ’15 JOINED CAPITOL AND DMV AREA TERPS FOR AN EVENING OF NETWORKING ON JULY 12. ATTENDEES LEARNED ABOUT SOME OF THE FEDERALLY-FUNDED RESEARCH TAKING PLACE ON CAMPUS AND WHAT IT MEANS TO BE AN ADVOCATE FOR THE UNIVERSITY.
HOMECOMING CRAB FEAST STUDENTS ENJOYED THE 13TH ANNUAL ST ASSOCIATION PRESIDENT KIRK BELL ’88 G
M E M B E R A P P R E C I AT I O N B A S K E T B A L L E V E N T MARCH 2
Back by popular demand, join fellow members for a pregame reception with a light snack buffet and cash bar before cheering on the Terps women’s basketball team. RSVP online at alumni.umd.edu/basketball19.
M E M B E R B R E A K FA S T AT M A R Y L A N D D AY APRIL 27
Join the Alumni Association to kick off Maryland Day with breakfast, games and prizes. Registration coming soon.
I TA LY ’ S M A G N I F I C E N T L A K E D I S T R I C T S E P T. 3 - 1 1
Join us on a spectacular eight-day journey to Italy and explore a region celebrated for its natural beauty, sumptuous cuisine and captivating, timeless atmosphere. Book by March 9 and save $500 per couple! FIND MORE EVENTS AT ALUMNI.UMD.EDU/EVENTS
HOMECOMING SHARRON CARR ’91 AND CHRIS BULLERI ’92 RETURNED HOME TO CELEBRATE HOMECOMING 2018 WITH TERP FRIENDS AND FAMILY ON OCT. 13. THEY ENJOYED A BEER GARDEN FEATURING TERP-OWNED BREWERIES AND VINEYARDS AND A MEMBERS-ONLY LOUNGE.
BEN EFITS
L I F E WA L L S E A R C H E N G I N E
MARYLAND IN ALEXANDRIA GUESTS AT THE FEARLESS IDEAS: THE CAMPAIGN FOR MARYLAND EVENT IN ALEXANDRIA, VA. ON OCT. 25 LEARNED ABOUT THE WAYS THE COLLEGE OF AGRICULTURE AND NATURAL RESOURCES IS TURNING WASTE INTO ENERGY.
Due to the generous donation of Frann G. and Eric S. Francis ’71 and a collaboration with Richard Wang ’21 and Michael Weinberger ’21, students from the Honors College Entrepreneurship & Innovation Program, lifetime members are now able to locate their names on the Frann G. & Eric S. Francis Lifetime Member Wall while on campus or from the comforts of their own home. By typing in their name and graduation year, lifetime members will be able to find the location of their name in a matter of seconds at alumni.umd.edu/lifewall.
TERP DEALS
Have you heard the news? Terp Deals has relaunched and now includes your very own travel booking engine exclusively for University of Maryland Alumni Association members. As a member, you will receive a one-time $100 travel credit toward your first hotel booking. VISIT TERPDEALS.ENJOYMYDEALS.COM AND ENTER CODE TERPTRAVEL TO TAKE ADVANTAGE OF YOUR SAVINGS.
TUDENT GOVERNMENT ASSOCIATION CRAB FEAST CO-SPONSORED BY THE ALUMNI ASSOCIATION ON OCT. 11. ALUMNI GREETED MORE THAN 300 GUESTS WHO CHOWED DOWN ON A MARYLAND CLASSIC.
Rewarding you for being a part of the University of Maryland Alumni Association. Because you are a member of the University of Maryland Alumni Association, Nationwide® is offering you exclusive insurance discounts on the things that matter most to you. To learn more about your exclusive offer, visit nationwide.com/UMDAlumni or call 1-888-231-4870.
Nationwide Insurance has made a financial contribution to this organization in return for the opportunity to market products and services to its members or customers. Products underwritten by Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company and Affiliated Companies. Home Office: Columbus, OH 43215. Subject to underwriting guidelines, review, and approval. Products and discounts not available to all persons in all states. Nationwide and the Nationwide N and Eagle are service marks of Nationwide Mutual Insurance. © 2018 Nationwide. AFR-0497AO (12/18)
TIPS FROM THE TEE ON SEPT. 29, MARYLAND ALUMNAE OF COLOR CAME TOGETHER AT ENTERPRISE GOLF COURSE IN PRINCE GEORGE’S COUNTY TO LEARN THE GAME OF GOLF AND HOW IT CAN UNLOCK HIDDEN, PROFESSIONAL RESOURCES AND OPPORTUNITIES THAT WILL LEVEL UP THEIR CAREER.
FIND MORE MEMBER BENEFITS AT ALUMNI.UMD.EDU.
“My commitment and involvement with Maryland do not end after four years, it is for life. As I prepare to travel the world, the Alumni Association is the common thread that links me back to my alma mater. No matter where life takes me, the support I received from my Alumni Association and members like you will always remind me of home. I look forward to staying engaged and connected to the University of Maryland. I hope to meet many fellow Terps such as yourself, along my journey.” TAYLOR N. WARRING ’18 BA, GOVERNMENT & POLITICS AND BS, INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS
SAMUEL RIGGS IV ALUMNI CENTER 7801 ALUMNI DRIVE, COLLEGE PARK, MD 20742-1521