A NEWSLETTER EXCLUSIVELY FOR UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND ALUMNI ASSOCIATION MEMBERS
SUMMER 2019
INSIDETHESHELL
A PIECE OF THE ACTION How you can be part of the Alumni Association’s 30th anniversary celebration P. 4
PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE
KIRK BELL ’88 offers his reflections and advice for the Alumni Association as his tenure as president comes to a close. We are grateful to Kirk for his leadership and service during the past two years.
JIM SPENCER ’90 serves as our new Alumni Association President. While a student at Maryland, Jim was president of the Lacrosse Club and a teaching assistant in the Robert H. Smith School of Business and held a leadership role in his fraternity, Sigma Chi.
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q: You were very successful at raising awareness of the Alumni Association and getting alumni to join and support Maryland. Do you have any final words or advice to share with our members? kirk: I encourage everyone to keep up the momentum we’ve established these last few years. Spreading awareness of the Alumni Association is the best way to gain support for our programs and activities. It is also important to continue to grow awareness of the Alumni Association with current students. We
graduate 8,000 students every year—getting at least half of new alumni to join will make a big difference.
q: As the new president of the Alumni Association, what are you most excited about starting in this role? jim: These next two years will be an important and exciting time for the school. I want to build on what the past four Alumni Association presidents have started. I have been able to watch each of their legacies and all were different and contributed different strengths. I want to continue their push and help progress our university and Alumni Association forward.
so we need to continue to partner across campus to create enriching events to bring people back to campus and make connections. It’s also a priority to support university leadership during a time of transition, as well as motivate Terps to become Alumni Association members, participate and give back.
q: What was your proudest accomplishment as president? kirk: To me, life is all about relationships. The direct connections I’ve made with other alumni while serving as president have been the most important to me. I am very proud that I started the Ocean City Terps Summer Party, bringing Maryland to the coast for a summer celebration.
It has been an honor to hold the title and to be able to represent my university and speak on behalf of the Alumni Association with students, alumni, staff and friends of Maryland. q: What’s your favorite moment from your time as president? kirk: Speaking at commencement for the second year. That was when my son Connor graduated; I was able to stand on stage and let him know how proud I was of him. This was a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
q: What are your priorities for the upcoming year?
q: How have you been involved with the Alumni Association up until now? jim: I served two terms as an at-large member of the Alumni Association Board of Governors, participating in
q: What message do you have for our members? jim: It all comes back to our Alumni Association mantra—join, volunteer, advocate, give. These are four key ways our alumni can stay engaged with the university. Joining the Alumni Association is the first step and volunteering, advocating and giving are the next actions to take from there to stay active. We need to continue to cultivate all generations that represent the different periods of growth for the university. It takes a lot of people to keep the
jim: Engagement is the top priority. We’ve done a great job improving the engagement of our alumni. We’ve connected with more people and held more events,
the finance and governance committees. I also played a major role in advocacy for the university and volunteering for Terps Against Hunger.
momentum and impact going. We need to continue to bring back more and more people into the family, and I want all Terps to get involved.
A CELEBRATION OF TERPS Featuring the Maryland Awards
ON APRIL 26, THE UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND ALUMNI ASSOCIATION hosted A Celebration of Terps: Featuring the Maryland Awards, an evening honoring the achievements of seven outstanding Terps. Alumni, friends, faculty and campus leadership came together for this signature Alumni Association event. This year’s honorees included four members of the Alumni Association, who share why their membership is important to them: SPIRIT OF MARYLAND AWARD ANNE S.K. TURKOS UNIVERSITY ARCHIVIST EMERITA
Anne Turkos worked on campus as the Libraries’ Special Collections and university archivist from 1985 until her retirement in 2017. Anne also hosted the “Ask Anne” column in Terp magazine for many years. As the resident UMD historian, Anne helped add color to alumni memories and solved a few mysteries—like what really happened to the kidnapped cow that was found in a dorm elevator. Although Anne is not an alumna, she is proud to be an adopted Terp— her office was home to an impressive collection of terrapin knickknacks and she’s crocheted thousands of terrapin bookmarks as giveaways. She’s an avid Terp women’s sports fan, holding season tickets to several teams, including basketball. Anne says her lifetime membership is an investment in UMD’s future: “Only 26% of university funding comes from the state, so participation in the Alumni Association helps Terps learn more about the needs of the university.”
PHOTO BY MIKE MORGAN ’99
FROM LEFT, STEVE LEONARD ’78, ELAINE JOHNSON COATES ’59, ANNE S.K. TURKOS, LINDA POWERS ’15, V. RAYMOND FERRARA ’70, FLORENT “FLO” GROBERG ’06 AND JONATHAN FIX ’16 ACCEPT THEIR AWARDS AT A CELEBRATION OF TERPS.
ELAINE JOHNSON COATES AWARD ELAINE JOHNSON COATES ’59 LCSW- C
The first in her family to go to college, Elaine Johnson Coates came to Maryland in 1955 on a four-year scholarship. One of seven black students admitted to live on campus in June 1955, Elaine was the only one of the seven that remained and graduated with her B.S. in business education. She has gone on to have a successful career as a licensed certified social worker. Elaine urges young alumni to make the most of their Maryland education. “You have generations waiting to stand on your strong shoulders,” she says. “Remember, your journey matters.” Elaine remains connected to Maryland through her membership. She says, “You can see that the Alumni Association works to embrace all alumni and to include all in what they do throughout the year. I have enjoyed seeing the growth through the publications I receive, and I am so proud of the organization.” TYSER GOTTWALS AWARD STEVE LEONARD ’78 PRESIDENT AND CEO AMERICAN BUS & SPRINTER VANS
Steve Leonard owns a commercial vehicle dealership in Annapolis that has twice been named national “Dealer of
the Year.” While attending Maryland, he drove a bus on campus and was the first general manager of Shuttle-UM. Steve became a lifetime member of the Alumni Association about 10 years after graduating and is a champion for student scholarships. “Education is a way to provide hope and opportunity, and providing scholarship funds is my way of sharing the results of success that came from my opportunities,” he says. PRESIDENT’S AWARD V. RAYMOND FERRARA , CFP ’70 CHAIR/CEO, PROVISE MANAGEMENT GROUP, LLC
Ray and his wife, Kim, both 1970 graduates, have been lifetime members of the Alumni Association since graduation. While at Maryland, Ray was treasurer for the Student Government Association and a disc jockey on WMUC, among other activities. Today, he serves on the Board of Trustees for the University of Maryland College Park Foundation (chair, 2016–18). For Ray, being a member of the Alumni Association is one of the smartest investments he’s made. “It’s important to stay connected to our alma mater, and the Alumni Association is the best way to do so,” he says. “We have a responsibility as alumni to give back and continue to provide an excellent education for Terps.”
INSIDE THE SHELL
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1 MEMBERS ARE THE TERPIEST TERPS You define Maryland pride.
2 FIND TERPS ANYWHERE Even at your office! Network with workplace Terps at a Morning with Maryland event.
3 ETCH YOUR LEGACY IN STONE (AND BRICK!) on the Frann G. and Eric S. Francis Lifetime Member Wall or on a brick or paver at the Samuel Riggs IV Alumni Center.
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VOLUNTEER FROM YOUR COUCH as a
BOOST YOUR IDEAS with fellow entrepreneurs, innovators and business owners at a Terp Entrepreneur Network event.
EXCLUSIVE ACCESS
mentor or mentee through Terrapins Connect.
17 SUPPORT TERP SCHOLARS through your membership dues.
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SPOT MARYLAND SPIRIT Whether in the airport, grocery store or park, you’ll know a proud Terp when you see one wearing Maryland gear.
REASONS TO LOVE YOUR ALUMNI ASSOCIATION We’re celebrating our 30th anniversary this year, and you’re invited to the party. We’re marking the milestone with special member perks throughout the rest of 2019! Here are our top 30 reasons to be a part of it all.
STAY SOCIAL through the Alumni Association’s Facebook, Twitter and Instagram accounts. Win swag by participating in social media contests.
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GET THE SCOOP on all things Maryland in Terp magazine and newsletters tailored to you.
PROFESSIONAL WEBINARS
BE A CHAMPION
INSTILLING LIFELONG LOYALTY
KEEP GOOD COMPANY
can help you prepare to switch careers, save for retirement or anything in between.
UMD Champions are goodwill ambassadors for Maryland who receive and share good news about UMD with their social networks.
The Student Alumni Leadership Council inspires a sense of community between Terps across generations.
Alumni go on to do remarkable things— in the arts, industry, academia and sports.
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Alumni receive invitations to events such as game watches and lectures every year. Members always receive a discount!
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PHOTO ILLUSTRATION BY JOHN T. CONSOLI ’86 AND MATT LAUMANN
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ONE-ON-ONE ACCESS TO TESTUDO
NETWORKS FOR ALL
MARRY WHERE YOU MET
GO FOR THE GOLD
TERP DEALS
Meet our mascot at the Homecoming tailgate, Charter Day, annual member appreciation events and more.
Whether it’s academic, affinity, regional or industry-based, there’s an alumni network for everyone.
The Samuel Riggs IV Alumni Center can host your wedding ceremony or reception right on campus. Bonus: Members get discounts!
with the new Graduates of the Last Decade program connecting recent grads.
Members save on purchases made at national and local retailers and on travel.
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TEACH NEW TERPS THE ROPES
CONSTANT CONNECTIONS
LEAD FEARLESSLY
MARQUEE EVENTS
GOOD FORTUNE AWAITS
at Alumni Association events like the Summer Send-off and Terp Bound.
to leaders in your field and opportunities to build relationships with fellow Terps through degree-specific networks and events.
Inspire others by speaking at a professional networking event or by joining an alumni board.
including Maryland in Manhattan, the Homecoming tailgate, and the new Celebration of Terps: Featuring the Maryland Awards.
Rub Testudo’s nose right outside the Samuel Riggs IV Alumni Center.
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FIND OLD FRIENDS,
MAKE A POLITICAL IMPACT
YOUR HOME BASE
connect with thousands of other alumni and set your communication preferences through the exclusive Alumni Directory.
at the state and national levels through the Terp Advocacy Network.
The Samuel Riggs IV Alumni Center is your home on campus and a premier event space.
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CELEBRATING LEGACIES
TAILGATING PARTIES
FEED YOUR WANDERLUST
The Alumni Association honors multigenerational Terp families at an annual Legacy Pinning Ceremony.
Alumni gear up for a Terps victory outside the Samuel Riggs IV Alumni Center or at sponsored game watches around the country.
through the alumni travel program, offering one-of-a-kind experiences to see the world with fellow Terps.
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Learn more: alumni.umd.edu/30YearsFearless INSIDE THE SHELL
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A WILD NEW ADVENTURE
Thanks to a scholarship, one UMD student is off to save endangered species
Dimitri Pappas ’19 has an exciting year ahead of him. After graduating in May with a B.S. in environmental science and policy, Pappas headed to San Diego to start his dream job—overseeing compliance with the Endangered Species Act on construction sites for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. His days are split between the office and the field, where he monitors several endangered plant and animal species like the California gnatcatcher, an ecologically important bird found off the coast of southern California and Mexico. The best part? Your Alumni Association membership made Pappas’ dream possible through the support of a scholarship. Pappas’ passion for conservation began as a child, when he learned about the species that have gone extinct due to human activity. The thought of never having the chance to see a dodo bird or a
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Tasmanian tiger grew his desire to protect endangered species. As a member of the Student Alumni Leadership Council (SALC), Pappas has developed a strong connection not only to his fellow classmates, but also to the Maryland alumni base. He learned about the Alumni Association Scholarship through his involvement in SALC. “I felt so proud when I learned I had received a $2,000 scholarship,” he says. With the scholarship, Pappas was able to take an additional course during the winter semester, where he learned how to use geographic information system (GIS) software. “I noticed GIS was listed as a preferred qualification on job applications,” says Pappas. “I then applied the remaining scholarship funds towards an additional GIS course. Without this scholarship I wouldn’t have been able to achieve my dream job after graduation.”
ILLUSTRATION BY MATT LAUMANN, PHOTO BY LISA HELFERT ’92
HIGHLIGHTS
SAVE THE DATE
H O M EC O M I N G S AT U R D AY, N O V E M B E R 2 , 2 0 1 9 LIFETIME MEMBER WALL UNVEILING MARYLAND DAY MEMBER BREAKFAST IT WAS A TRUE FAMILY AFFAIR AT OUR MARYLAND DAY MEMBER BREAKFAST ON APRIL 27. MEMBERS JOINED EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR AMY EICHHORST AND BOARD OF GOVERNORS PRESIDENT KIRK BELL ’88 TO OFFICIALLY KICK OFF THE 30TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE ALUMNI ASSOCIATION. LIFETIME MEMBER CHARLES COALE ’59 IS SHOWN WITH HIS FAMILY.
Join us for our annual celebration of lifetime members, as we reveal the newly engraved names on the Frann G. & Eric S. Francis Lifetime Member Wall. ALUMNI ASSOCIATION 30TH ANNIVERSARY HOMECOMING TAILGATE PART Y
Celebrate our milestone at our 13th annual Homecoming Tailgate presented by Buffalo Wild Wings and The Hotel at the University of Maryland. Enjoy craft beer and wine, food from Hardy’s BBQ Food Truck, games for the whole family and a performance by the Mighty Sound of Maryland. FIND MORE EVENTS AT ALUMNI.UMD.EDU/EVENTS
MEMBER APPRECIATION BASKETBALL PREGAME EVENT NINA EDWARDS ’02 AND FRIEND BRITTANY DAVIS ’09 CHEERED ON THE TERPS WOMEN’S BASKETBALL TEAM AS IT FACED ILLINOIS ON SENIOR NIGHT DURING THE MEMBER ONLY EVENT ON MARCH 2.
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)
TERPS AT THE ZOO ALUMNI ENJOYED AN AFTERNOON AT THE SMITHSONIAN’S NATIONAL ZOO CONSERVATION PAVILION ON MAY 11, WHERE TERPS IN THE DMV MINGLED. MEMBERS ALSO HAD ACCESS TO A BEHIND-THESCENES TOUR OF THE GREAT CATS EXHIBIT LED BY GREAT CATS AND BEARS ANIMAL KEEPER KATY JULIANO ’14. HERE, SHE MEETS FUTURE TERP CARTER NEGUSSIE.
TOP TWO PHOTOS: LISA HELFERT ’92, BOTTOM AND HOMECOMING PHOTOS: SETH HOFFMAN ’08
FIND MORE MEMBER BENEFITS AT ALUMNI.UMD.EDU/JOIN#BENEFITS
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SAMUEL RIGGS IV ALUMNI CENTER 7801 ALUMNI DRIVE, COLLEGE PARK, MD 20742-1521 800.336.8627 | ALUMNI.UMD.EDU
CL AIM YOU R 30TH AN N IVERSARY PIN Keep an eye out for upcoming events where you can claim your commemorative anniversary pin. Find a full list of events at alumni.umd.edu/30YearsFearless.