ODK - The Leader - Spring 2009

The Omicron Delta Kappa

Spring 2009

LEADER

“To Recognize Leaders Among Leaders”

HOMECOMING 2008 – ODK MEMBERS SWEEP SPIRIT OF MARYLAND AWARD

RAAKHEE SHARMA SELECTED AS LEADER OF THE YEAR!

By Maggy Baccinelli his year, Sigma Circle of Omicron Delta Kappa awarded Raakhee Sharma the Col. J. Logan Schutz Omicron Delta Kappa Leader of the Year award.

Now serving as the Vice President of ODK, Raakhee began her leadership experience her freshman year, with her involvement in the Circle K International com- Raakhee Sharma munity-service organization on campus. She took on the role of President in 2006, when the club was in danger of losing its charter. Within one year she led the club to great heights: Circle K International won the “Most Improved Club” Award in the entire Regional District (out of all MD, VA, DC, and DE schools), and the following year Raakhee won the “Distinguished Club President” Award in the entire District.

This year Raakhee remains active in the club, helping to advise a new, young executive board. She also single-

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By Megan Harvey his year Homecoming was a mess of mud and rain, but even the dreary weather could not dampen the spirits of thousands of Terps at Byrd Stadium, who watched the football team take on NC State in the 2008 Homecoming match-up. While the Terps would go on to defeat the Wolfpack 27-24, not all of the game highlights occurred between the whistles. During halftime, the Mighty Sound of Maryland celebrated its centennial with an estimated 500 alumni playing in a special performance that recalled the first performance in history. After the spectacular show, President Dan Mote was joined on the field by the Spirit of Maryland finalists, and preSpirit of Maryland winners Shawna sented the award to Murray and Greg Baesa with President two of ODK’s own.

Dan Mote in the rain at the homecoming The Spirit of

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game.

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IN THIS ISSUE OF THE LEADER...

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HELP THE HOMELESS WALK-A-THON

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UM ALTERNATIVE BREAK PROGRAM

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FORMER NYSE PRESIDENT TO SPEAK

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HOMECOMING 2008 PHOTOS

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CALVERT COTILLION A HUGE SUCCESS

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ALUMNI UPDATES

THE NEWSLETTER OF THE SIGMA CIRCLE AT THE UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND, COLLEGE PARK

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The Omicron Delta Kappa

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Message from the President

by Sigma Circle President, Megan Harvey Greetings ODKers!

DK is having another great year and it looks to keep improving. After an incredibly successful and fun Calvert Cotillion, chaired by Jenna Aidikoff and Raakhee Sharma, ODKers participated in service projects, and are looking forward to some Fun at the Fountain on Maryland Day. We have so many ODK Leaders being recognized for their dedication to the university.

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Greg Baesa and Shawna Murray were the Spirit of Maryland Award recipients this past fall. I am also very proud to announce that Raakhee Sharma has been selected as the Col. Logan Shultz Leader of the Year. I congratulate these established campus leaders, as well as all the leaders inducted into ODK this academic year.

The ODK Top Ten Freshmen and Sophomore Leader of the Year will be announced at the Annual Awards Banquet in May. We are very proud of the continued excellence and quality of our new inductees and award recipients.

Our Lecture committee continues to excel in bringing great speakers to

campus. Bill Johnston, past president of the NYSE, will be coming as part of the Lessons in Leadership lecture series, and his words of wisdom and experience are some I’m sure the whole campus will be interested to hear.

Thanks to you all for sharing, and we hope to receive more great news from you in the future. For those graduating this year, I wish you the very best of luck. Stay in touch, and don’t forget us when you’re changing the world. We want to celebrate your successes with you!

Megan Harvey Sigma Circle President

The Omicron Delta Kappa

LEADER MEGAN HARVEY

JENNA AIDIKOFF

President

Calvert Cotillion Chair

RAAKHEE SHARMA

CONNIE ILOH

Vice President

Historian

JESSIE THOMPSON

TIM LEE

Corresponding Secretary

Webmaster

JOEL LIEBMAN

BILL FOURNEY

Ritualist

Faculty Advisor

MAGGY BACCINELLI

JIM OSTEEN

Newsletter Editor

Faculty Secretary

JENNIFER WRIGHT Scholarship Chair

SIGMA CIRCLE OF OMICRON DELTA KAPPA University of Maryland 2108 Mitchell Building College Park, MD 20742 www.odk.umd.edu

(Spirit of Maryland Award continued from page 1) Maryland award is presented to a male and female member of the senior class, who through his/her scholarship, leadership, campus involvement, community service and communication skills personifies the “spirit” of Maryland. This Homecoming, two ODKers were recognized for this prestigious honor: Greg Baesa and Shawna Murray. [In fact, this was the 25th year in a row that an ODKer has been one or both of the Spirit of Maryland winners!] Both Greg and Shawna have dedicated themselves to the University of Maryland in many ways. Greg’s involvement includes work with the Student Government Association as a South Campus Commons Legislator, serving as a Resident Assistant in South Campus Commons, and as the Program Planning and Development Co-Chair on the Senior Council. Shawna is best recognized as the Vice President of Phi Upsilon Omicron, Senior Vice

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President and Coordinator of Black Alliance Network for the Black Student Union, and as an Alternative Spring Break Team Leader to New Orleans.

We can gain insight about leadership from these two pillars of our community. Greg says that to him, “leadership is neither about power nor prestige. Leadership is about giving thanks, and giving back to the community, club, or school which has given [him] so much.” Shawna says she loves most about Maryland: “the freedom to speak, organize, and to choose from a wide array of opportunities.

UMD forces you to step out of the box you made for yourself.”

We recognize all the work that Shawna and Greg have contributed to bringing the student body together through their campus involvement, and we applaud them.

Congratulations Greg and Shawna!

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Message from the Faculty Secretary

by Sigma Circle Faculty Secretary, Jim Osteen Greetings from College Park!

In spite of all the budget woes facing the campus, this has been a great year for the Sigma Circle. We have selected two outstanding groups of initiates including faculty, alumni, and honorary members who reflect the continuing tradition of ODK representing leaders among leaders on campus.

In the fall we initiated alumnus Barry Gossett, who is a trustee and former chairman of the University of Maryland College Park Foundation and CEO of Acton Mobile Industries, Inc. in Baltimore. We also initiat-

ed Ramsey Jabaji, who is the Coordinator of Co-Curricular Leadership Development Programs in the Stamp Student Union. The folks selected for initiation in the spring include Donna Hamilton, Dean of Undergraduate Studies; Kevin Baxter, Assistant Director for External Relations and Development for the College Park Scholars program; the Honorable Dennis A. Cardoza, Member of the House of Representatives; and Lee Thornton, the Richard Eaton Chair in Broadcast Journalism and Interim Dean of the Philip Merrill College of Journalism.

One of the things I have most enjoyed about working with ODK is the fact that our student leaders have the opportunity to interact with such wonderful alumni, faculty and staff members, and other prominent lead-

ers in our community.

I invite you to join us on May 6, 2009, at 4:00 p.m. in the Stamp Student Union for the lecture by William R. Johnston, the former President of the New York Stock Exchange. He is a terrific speaker and the event promises to be a special one indeed.

I also hope that you will stop by the ODK Fountain on Maryland Day. We will be out there with the ducks once again this year.

Thanks to all of you who continue to give of your time, energy and money in support of the Sigma Circle at Maryland. We could not do all we do without your help.

Jim Osteen Sigma Circle Faculty Secretary

(Raakhee Sharma continued from page 1) handedly opened up the elementary school version of the club (K-Kids) in the nearby Paint Branch Elementary School, and serves as an advisor to some amazing future leaders!

Raakhee has also gained profound experience as a leader in the volunteer niche through the Alternative Breaks Immersions program. As a three-year participant and Trip Leader, she helped the Alternative Breaks Program to organize the first-ever Alternative Winter Break program in December, on which she also served as a Trip Leader. “It is exciting to see how this program has exponentially grown and developed while a few of us returning Trip Leaders have executed instrumental changes,” Raakhee said. “I believe that through mentor-

ing my peers to see how social change can happen through leadership, I have been transformed as a person as well.”

In addition to mentoring others and revamping clubs and programs at the University, Raakhee has lead and united her class as Co-Founder of the 2009 Class Council. Since the Council’s inception in 2005, Raakhee has worked on its Executive Board.

Today she serves as the Traditions Chair of the Senior Council, organizing time-honored traditions and senior events, including Calvert Cotillion.

Raakhee is an invaluable resource for all students as a dedicated Honors100 Section Leader, a Resident Assistant and a three-year board member on the Student Honor Council. Outside

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of the extra-curricular sphere, Raakhee has served as a Terrapin Student Involvement Intern, giving presentations to freshman orientation about getting involved; and helping to coordinate the First Look Fair. She is a Campus Coordinator for Teach for America, and she blogs for Terp Impact and writes about civic engagement opportunities on campus.

Through her four years at Maryland, Rahkee has used her leadership ability to unify and mobilize her fellow Terps, head civic engagement programs and empower her peers. We are proud to offer her this award, and wish Raakhee luck as she goes on to compete for the regional title. Congratulations Raakhee!

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Message from the ODK Campaign Chair

by Sigma Circle Campaign Chair Dru Bagwell Greetings Sigma Circle! e have been writing for quite some time about your generous support that makes the programs and scholarships possible.

Now more than ever, we need your commitment to ensure

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ODK is able to continue the tradition of excellence synonymous with the Sigma Circle. Gifts at the Steward of the Fountain level ($5000 or more which can be paid over five years) have the unique benefit of “naming” a bench encircling the ODK Fountain on the Mall. I will be working with the Student Affairs Development team, Jim Rychner and Remy Shaffer Gomes, this spring to share more news about the Steward of the

Fountain initiative. Every gift counts, especially when coupled with the generosity of others. We hope we can count on your support! For more information, contact me (dbagwell@umd.edu) or Remy Shaffer Gomes (rsgomes@umd.edu or 301.314.0246).

Dru Bagwell Chair, ODK Campaign

ODK MEMBERS PARTICIPATE IN ANNUAL HELP-THE-HOMELESS WALK-A-THON

By Tad Greenleaf aryland ODK members walked in the annual Help the Homeless Walk-A-Thon on Nov. 22, for the second year in a row. Now in its twenty-first year, the Walk-A-Thon has become an annual D.C. tradition sponsored by Fannie Mae. It began with just 150 walkers who managed to raise $90,000 for local service organizations. Since then Fannie Mae has hosted nearly 950,000 walkers and raised nearly $70 million dollars.

Braving chilly weather and early morning hours, five ODK members made the trek out to the National Mall to participate in the event.

Armed with many layers of clothing, and with hands warmed by coffee cups, we set out on the 5k (3.1 mi) trek that took us past many of Washington’s premier landmarks.

Walking alongside tens of thousands

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Help the Homeless Walk-A-Thon participants Maggy Baccinelli, Raakhee Sharma,Tad Greenleaf and Megan Harvey.

of other volunteers, we appreciated the scale and camaraderie of so many people coming together to address a worthy cause.

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We returned to the mall, and triumphantly strolled across the finish line. Feeling fulfilled and accomplished, we returned home glad to be able to participate on behalf of ODK.

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Introducing the Fall 2008 ODK Class This past fall, the Sigma Circle inducted 39 new members into its ranks. The Fall 2008 class was a talented group with outstanding achievements in all 5 areas of campus. Congratulations are in order for these new accomplished Omicron Delta Kappa members: Jessa Abramovici Jared Albert Shira Alevy John Allenbach Tony Awojoodu Greg Baesa Marty Bock Jenna Brager Kathy Chen Pratik Dave Kaitlin Doody Erika Elko Katie Friedgen

Barry Gossett Johnny Graham Jessie Holzberger Robert Hughes Ramsey Jabaji Melissa Kallas Vivek Kuppusamy Missy Licata Kristen Markham Matt Mendoza Kaitlyn Murphy Aarushi Poddar Nina Rawtani

Ray Regimbal Tubi Retta Kelly Rollman Jonathan Sachs Rudi Sarna Alyssa Schimmel Nadine Simpson Neha Singhal Travis Sorensen Marla Weintrab Rob Wojcicki Kim Ziegler Lida Zlatic

Sigma Circle initiates for Fall 2008

CONGRATULATIONS SPRING 2009 INDUCTEES On February 23, 2009, the current members of the Sigma Circle met to select the Spring 2009 induction class. From among the many highly qualified applicants, 37 new members were selected. Congratulations Sigma Circle Spring 2009 Inductees!

Kunmi Akingbade Gabi Band Kevin Baxter Matt Bowen Kelly Brown Joanna Calabrese Joe Caputo Dennis Cardoza Kameahle Christopher Meredith Cooper Anthony Costanzo Gwen Emmons Daniel Gopenko

Steve Hall Donna Hamilton Evan Hoffman Michael Holzheimer Valerie Jonkoff Christine Kenny Jamie Lok JaMar Mancano Laura Meyer Chelsy Meyers Lindsay Mooney Elliott Morris Steven Overly

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Kevin Quinn Talia Sacks Charlotte Sanford-Crane Sarah Shepson Mardy Shualy Lena Skalinskaya Meredith Smith Lee Thornton Hannah Tolley Mike Zakin Mitch Zuckerman

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ODK LESSONS IN LEADERSHIP LECTURE SERIES PRESENTS WILLIAM R. JOHNSTON

By Jessie Thompson n May 6, William R. Johnston, former President and Chief Operating Officer of the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE), will offer students a rare insider perspective of the United States’ financial market. As a Wall Street leader during one of our nation’s most challenging economic times, Johnston will provide insight into two historical days on Wall Street – the crash of October 19, 1987 and September 11, 2001. Johnston, who made his first trade on Wall Street at the young age of 14, has been a mem-

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ber of the NYSE since 1964. On July 1, 1996 he became President and COO of the world’s largest stock exchange and he held the position until 2002.

During his many years on Wall Street, Johnston served on a number of committees including the Exchange’s Executive Committee, the Market Performance Committee and the Quality of Markets Committee.

He is currently a Senior Advisor to the Chairman of the Exchange, and in addition to his involvement in the financial world, Johnston has been a

member of the Board of Trustees of Omicron Delta Kappa and is presently in his second term as President of the ODK Foundation.

The Sigma Circle of Omicron Delta Kappa is honored to host such a distinguished Wall Street leader, especially during the recession when historical perspectives are of vital importance. A true example of a leader amongst leaders, Johnston’s lecture is sure to be a significant educational experience for students and the campus community.

CALVERT COTILLION WAS A NIGHT TO REMEMBER

By Jenna Aidikoff n February 27th more than 300 students and guests came to the Samuel Riggs IV Alumni Center dressed in their party best. Calvert Cotillion, also known as Senior Formal, began with a cocktail hour in Rever Hall and then moved into Orem Alumni Hall, where attendees enjoyed hors d’oeuvres and desert, and danced to a DJ until midnight.

Calvert Cotillion is a University of Maryland tradition that dates back to the 1920s. Until 1955, it was used as a way to recognize new ODK initiates. The tradition disappeared for a few years and was recently brought back as an event that not only honors campus leaders but also serves as an opportunity for the senior class to celebrate their time at Maryland. ODK now works with Senior Class Council to put on this treasured event, and also receives support from Pepsi and the Alumni Association.

The theme of this year’s Cotillion was “A Black, White and Red Affair.” The room was illuminat-

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ODKers at the 2009 Calvert Cotillion.

ed by red up-lighting along the perimeter and by red and white floating candles on the tables. There was a running slide show of pictures that attendants had submitted, a special touch that was added this year.

Throughout the night dancers got excited to see college memories projected on the big screen.

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The dance floor was still full until the very last song, and all of the guests were smiling as they left.

Calvert Cotillion became a special college memory for all who attended.

The next day senior ODKer Missy Licata reflected “Cotillion was so much fun! Can we do it again tonight?”

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ALTERNATIVE BREAKS: ODK MEMBERS PARTICIPATE IN THE WEEK THAT LASTS A LIFETIME Bt Raakhee Sharma his Spring Break you won’t find many ODK members at the beach or on a cruise.

Instead, you can look for them in community centers and food banks, or amidst prisons and the vacated houses in the Lower 9th Ward. These students will be engaging in community service-learning as part of Alternative Spring Break, which has recently been expanded to be known as the Alternative Breaks (AB) program.

Sponsored by the Adele H. Stamp Student Union Center for Campus Life, Alternative Breaks are substance-free, community servicelearning trips during the university’s official breaks where students travel to local, national, and international cities to engage in active service. As students learn about the communities’ needs, they gain new perspectives on social issues. These students work with some of the most pressing social issues of our time, including HIV/AIDS, Native American immersion, environmental sustainability, the prison system, border awareness, poverty/racism and disaster relief, amongst many others.

This spring, more than 250 students will participate in 17 different trips, including two local and two international sites. The program has exponentially grown since its inception four years ago. In fact, the competitive and popular program has grown so much that due to popular demand, the first Alternative Winter Break initiative was implemented this past winter, and will expand to include summer trips by 2010. These recent initiatives have all stemmed from student Trip Leaders, who dedicate themselves year-long to facilitating meaningful conversations about their trip theme, serving, planning the trips and developing team unity.

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Raakhee Sharma with children on AB.

For most students involved in an Alternative Break trip, their experience has been nothing short of “lifechanging.” In addition to serving, reflection and advocacy provides a meaningful experiential learning experience beyond the classroom, and ignites these students to be social agents of change and leaders in their local community. It is integral for students to connect their experience with the social issue to the local community both before and after their trip.

As a three-time Trip Leader who will have gone on four AB trips by the end of this year, I can attest to the transformational weeklong experiences lasting a lifetime. As a sophomore participant who went to New Orleans two years ago, my bubble was burst when I realized the impacts of Hurricane Katrina and the social injustices that plague the community there. My emotional and life-changing experience led me to become a Trip Leader and I lead the first international AB trip to Lima, Peru, one year ago, focusing on community development. I was one of the few students to implement the Alternative Winter Break program and was a Trip Leader to the Bahamas this past winter break, where we focused on ecological and environmental sustainability. This spring, I will lead my final trip to the Pine Ridge reservation in South

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Dakota to focus on Native American Immersion. Some may call me an “AB-aholic,” but after all of these experiences both as a participant and Trip Leader, I have seldom learned comparable lessons in a classroom. I have also gained lifelong friends from my trips.

Because of its popularity and learning outcomes that foster leadership skills, the AB program directly aligns with the University’s Strategic Plan and the President’s Promise Initiative, and will hopefully give hundreds more the opportunity to do something worthwhile and meaningful with their spring, winter, or summer break. It is indeed “the week that lasts a lifetime.”

ODKERS PERSONAL EXPERIENCES Shawna Quianna Murray Senior double major in criminal justice and family science Poverty/Racism and Disaster Relief: New Orleans, LA- Team Leader The Justice System: San Francisco, CA My AB experience to New Orleans was amazing.

I was a Team Leader in a group of about 45 UM Shawna Murray helping students. We worked with out in New Orleans ACORN and spent time gutting homes and becoming acquainted with the New Orleans community, culture and history. We were introduced to the politics and continued on page 8

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Alternative Breaks continued from page 7 hardships of the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. This was especially rewarding for me because it was my second time doing hurricane relief in New Orleans (I went individually my freshman year during Spring Break). What was most perplexing about the experience was reuniting with some of the residents I had met the first time and, with them, comparing the lack of governmental support with the immense community support from all over the United States. The people of New Orleans are amazing and I encourage all to put time in for them!

My AB experience to San Francisco moved me to become even more passionate about changing the criminal and juvenile system. We had the opportunity to work with an organization called, "Connect the Dots". The founder was absolutely passionate about providing resources for youth to stay out of a truly unjust system. I wandered off into a homeless shelter where I fellowshipped with the people and sought to motivate them to stay strong. We spoke to students in an alternative High School about their options for college and went to San Quentin Maximum Security prison where we came to know humans in whom society deems criminals. We were a part of a radio show hosted by some of those incarcerated, where the goal was to send motivation and insight on why youth should stay away from crime. They related to those living in poverty and tried to provide resources for survival without crime. We discussed the effects of incarceration and crime on family. I have pen pals there. It was life changing.

Brad Docherty Senior double major in government and politics and operations management Border Awareness: El Paso,TX Native American Immersion: Oglala Lakota Reservation, Pine Ridge, SD

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Alternative Break to El Paso trip members including ODKers Kathy Chen, Brad Docherty and Neha Sinhal.

I was lucky enough to participate in the Alternative Break program in 2007 when I went to Pine Ridge Native American Reservation in South Dakota and in 2008 when I went to El Paso, Texas. The experiences were extremely eye-opening and rewarding.

They were weeks during which I was confronted with realities that were both uncomfortable and shocking. At the same time, I got to meet the people of two beautiful cultures (the Lakota tribe in South Dakota and the border culture that exists between El Paso and Ciudad Juarez, Mexico) who were remarkably resilient in their efforts to preserve their cultures and improve their situations. I think both trips were the most challenging things I’ve done in college, and I made some great friends that I'll keep in touch with for a long time. I would hope that everyone at the University of Maryland gets the chance to participate in an experience just as rewarding before they leave here. I will be leading a trip for AB NY this spring break 2009.

Kathy Chen Junior biochemistry major Border Awareness: El Paso,TX As a person who grew up in

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Houston, Texas, it was a wonderful experience to go back and visit once again. However, even though I lived in Houston for 10 years, I never lived in El Paso and it was a culture shock.

With a large Mexican population (the residents of El Paso specified that they were Mexicans and not Latinos), El Paso’s way of life was clearly different from life in Houston. We worked with an English literacy group called AVANCE. We went around to their classrooms and spoke to them about our lives, education and college opportunities. I had a great time learning about their immigration stories and learning about the issues surrounding immigration and border awareness.

Also, we had the opportunity to cross the border to Mexico and upon crossing you could see a drastic change in environment. Mexico was covered in smog and people were running in every which way. After spending a day in Mexico and standing out like a sore thumb, many of us could see why citizens of Mexico wanted to cross the border and live in the U.S., even if it meant risking their lives. The AB El Paso trip was a really big eye opening experience and I would have never had the opportunity to understand border issues between the U.S. and Mexico if it wasn’t for AB.

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Alternative Breaks continued from page 7 Nadine Simpson Senior double major in journalism and public and community health Poverty/Racism and Disaster Relief: New Orleans, LA It was a great experience because I was able to help people with time and action rather than just leaving spare change in a bucket somewhere that I’ll never see again. Money is good, too, but I got to see the people I was helping. I met one person whose home I worked on; in a few days it would be ready for her to move back in and I could see her tearing up at the very thought of it when she was talking to us about it.

Neha Singhal Senior international business major Border Awareness: El Paso,TX I had the opportunity to attend an ASB trip to El Paso to learn more about the border and the struggles of immigrant life. We were hosted by an amazing non-profit, AVANCE, that works to empower immigrant parents through education on parenting, early childhood development, nutrition and other topics. As we worked with AVANCE, we engaged with issues such as the problem with drug trafficking in Juarez, Mexico and the consequent femicides; border patrol and the difficulties around immigrating illegally; farm-workers organizing against unfair wages/conditions, and so much more. We also directly interacted with many of the parents (mainly single-mothers) that attend AVANCE’s programs and learned about how many of them came here to escape the violence and dire economic situation in Mexico and other Latin American countries, which grew out of various policies and international pacts such as NAFTA. It was an inspiring and frustrating experience at the same time - inspiring to connect with amazing people who are fighting for social justice & pursuing

Nadine Simpson at work in New Orleans.

their dreams, but frustrating to hear about the injustices that can be prevented through sound economic and international policy. In the end, I took away a lot from this experience and cannot wait to go back to El Paso one day and work on the border!

Robert Hughes Senior biochemistry major New Orleans - Race, Poverty, Hurricane Relief Last Spring Break, a group of 32 University of Maryland students along with two faculty advisers went down South to New Orleans. While there for one week, participants were exposed to the notion of "servicelearning," an idea touted by the Office of Community Service-Learning (as its name details) and the Alternative Break Program where students not only perform meaningful service, but also learn about the social issues surrounding a community. The focus of our trip was Hurricane Relief, but as many of our participants soon found out, the social issues plaguing the area predate Katrina. From the issues of race to the juxtaposition of poverty and excess, from the young care-free attitudes of Bourbon St. to the dismal and deserted conditions of the Lower

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Ninth Ward, New Orleans is a town full of dichotomies. Our group’s service included trash cleanup, gutting households abandoned after the hurricane, rebuilding, repainting, and volunteering at local shelters. However, the highlight of the trip came not in the service, but in the personal stories shared by locals. We really learned what it was like to live in New Orleans and the stories were so touching and motivating, that one of our participants even went back after graduation to teach!

Being a Trip Leader meant that I, along with my 3 other Co-Trips, was responsible for planning the particular service events and other logistics of the trip. The most rewarding part of being a Trip Leader, however, was the ability to facilitate group reflections.

These reflections took place after dinner every night and allowed participants to share their thoughts, ideas, and experiences from throughout the day with other members of the group.

They could be drawings, stories, personal journal writings, poetry, interpretive dance, or music. The ability to facilitate group discussion as well as motivate others is part of being an effective leader, and the AB program has been a training ground for young, service-conscious leaders!

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Homecoming 2008

Andrew Publicover and Terry Zacker Class of 1983 Homecoming Tailgate Party - Front row: Devin McGraw, Ann Tatsios Mowrey, Andy Trice, Bruce Winter, Gerry Strumpf, Jenny Brust Krisp, Marty Goldberg. Back row: Bob Bamburger, Dave Huting, Burman Berger, Rob Wengel.

Donna and Bruce Berlage and Ellie Fields Dawn Nichols, Joe Schultz, and their daughters Emma and Eva

Emily Guskin and Andrew Rose

Denise Edwards and her daughter with Linda Clement

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Shirley Willcher and her sons Benjamin and Joel Willcher.

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Johnathan Sachs and Bruce Berlage

Linda Clement with Randy Katz and Shane Faulin

Megan Harvey, Lauren Effron, and Tad Greenleaf

Gretchen Metzelaars and Steven VanGrack

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ODK Alumni Updates Thanks to all of you who keep us informed of your activities. If we haven't heard from you recently, drop us a note. As always, we particularly want to hear from those of you who graduated between 1927 and 1976. You may use the form on the back of the newsletter or send your updates on the web at WWW.ODK.UMD.EDU Please forgive us if the information below is a little dated. It is very difficult to have up-to-date news when we only publish our newsletter twice a year. But here is what we have and we hope you enjoy reading about your friends.

Robert Bishton (’44) is still active as a community volunteer. He will host the reunion of American Embassy Saigon State Department Employees and Marine Security Guards in April 2010.

Chuck Waggner (’54), Bruce Berlage (’56) and his wife Donna, along with former ODK Faculty Secretary, Drury Bagwell, were the guests of President Dan Mote and Vice President Brodie Remington at a private small group tour of the new U.S. Capitol Visitor Center last November. House Majority Leader, Steny Hoyer (’63), spoke with the group and gave them an extensive history of the Capitol and the role of the State of Maryland in the history of the U.S. Gerald Hartdagen (’57) is retired but continues to teach two courses in American History, each semester, at York College of Pennsylvania.

Gordon England (’61), former U.S. Deputy Secretary of Defense, gave the first Whiting-Turner Business & Entrepreneurial Lecture Series of the Fall 2008 semester in the Kim Engineering Lecture Hall.

Jerry Ceppos (’69) became dean of the Reynolds School of Journalism at the University of Nevada, Reno, in February '08. After brief stints consulting, working as a fellow in media ethics at the Markkula Center for Applied Ethics at Santa Clara University and teaching at San Jose

University, Jerry decided this was too good an opportunity to pass up; a chance to affect the profession by working with a regionally acclaimed journalism school. Earlier, he was executive editor of the San Jose Mercury News and vice president for news of its then-owner, Knight Ridder.

Mark Rosenblum (’77), is a retired Chief Legal Counsel with AT&T, and has put his time to good use by serving as the volunteer President of Liberty Comer First Aid Squad.

Mark and his family live in Basking Ridge, New Jersey.

Luis Luna (’78), resigned as Deputy Director of the EPA in January, and has taken a position with the Senate Committee on the Environmental Protection Agency. He still hopes to return to Maryland’s Eastern Shore and start a “new life” after years in Washington.

Sabina Mazzanti Baker (’78), and husband, Joe, continue their attempt to live everywhere in the U.S. - now in New Jersey, but hoping to come back to Maryland. It’s been a rough year for Sabina, as she lost her mother to cancer. [Our thoughts and prayers are with you Sabina.] She is happy, however, that both of their children are now college graduates.

Larry Kirsch (’79), and his family (Kathy, Hannah, and Megan) have moved back to Carlsbad, California after living a year in Maryland. He is still consulting with small to medium-

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sized businesses and teaching with the University of Phoenix. This year he is planning to establish a CEO roundtable group and complete a few writing projects.

Sarita Maybin (’80), is the author of the book If You Can’t Say Something Nice,What Do You Say? She is a motivational speaker/trainer and a former university administrator living in Oceanside, California.

Dr. Fred Leong (’82), and his wife Sandy, have one daughter in college at Michigan State and one on the way to college in 2011.

Clyde Taber (’84), after serving 23 years with Campus Crusade for Christ, started the Visual Story Network, a non-profit organization that brings together churches, ministries, filmmakers and producers to use visual media to communicate.

William Yurcik (’84) is happily married for 17 years to the love of his life,

Sheryl Silverstein Wengel ’84 and daughters

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Clyde Taber ’84 and Family

Nanette, and father of two active boys, Billy (7) and Matthew (5).

William just moved back to Maryland after 13 years away (6 years in Pittsburgh and 7 years in Illinois) where he is an Electronics Engineer working for the U.S. Army at the Aberdeen Proving Ground in Maryland helping to coordinate a major relocation of personnel and services from Fort Monmouth New Jersey.

Ron ’85 & Caryn Brenner Williams ’84 and children

Dr. Ron (’85) and Dr. Caryn Brenner (’84) Williams, and their family, Evan and Arleen, are doing well. Caryn continues to work with FairCode (reviewing hospital charts) and at Hershey Medical Center (teaching). She also returned to the stage, in a local theater production of You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown.

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Ron is in demand as an expert in adolescent and childhood obesity, which is just one aspect of his job at Penn State Hershey Medical Center. In his spare time he is a Black Belt in Tae Kwon Do.

Dr. Kathleen D’Ovidio (’85, Ph.D ’05) has been Assistant Professor of Nutrition and Foods at San Diego State University in the School of Exercise and Nutritional Sciences since August 21, 2008. She moved to San Diego in July 2008 and has been enjoying the weather and taking advantage of all San Diego has to offer.

She reports that the area is beautiful with many activities going on and great places to visit from the beach to the mountains to the desert.

Michele Barone Hunn (’85), has been doing a lot of travel and returned to Europe last summer taking husband, Rich, on his first trip to the continent. She is still Ms. Community Volunteer, serving on the Board of the Maternity Care Coalition and being involved with the American Heart Association’s “Go Red for Women” campaign to educate women on heart disease. She was also very active in the Obama campaign last fall.

Harry Siegel (’85) and his wife, Gayle, continue to live a fairy tale life in Howard County, where Harry has his own law firm, practicing divorce and other civil and criminal litigation for nearly 20 years. Fortunately for Harry, he has Gayle there to manage him--er, the firm. Their kids, Nicole and Lyle, are both in high school.

Nicole, a junior, who has played JV and Varsity field hockey and lacrosse, maintains the family leadership role and received a citation from the Governor of Maryland at age 16 for her Jewish youth leadership accomplishments. Lyle, a freshman, manages the state champion River Hill football team and in his spare time,

Burman Berger (’85) is working full-time as an accountant and taking classes at Maryland to obtain his CPA. Burman, his wife, Debbie (realtor), and children, Shoshana (2 and finally walking), Ezra (loves soccer), Eli (loves reading), and Benjie (getting ready for high school next year) are living in North Potomac, Maryland.

Ken Hall ’86 and Family

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went to the international Maccabi Games this past summer in Detroit and took home the bronze medal in table tennis!

Ken Hall (’86), continues in his job at Oregon State University’s Hatfield Marine Science Center, where he leads sustainability initiatives and remains very active in the local community. He and Tom were finally legally married in San Diego last June after an earlier ceremony in Oregon. Ken was also very excited to return to DC for the Obama inauguration in January.

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Technology) and is mentoring her first high school robotics team.

Laurie Head Atkinson (’90), her husband, Jay, and son, Jack, welcomed son “Will” to their family in October, 2008. [Congratulations to the whole family Laurie!]

Dawn Nichols ’93, Joe, Emma & Eva

Mark Williams (’86), is VP Global Service Executive at CSC, a leading global consulting, systems integration and outsourcing company. Mark has a daughter entering college this fall, and she’s hoping to attend Maryland.

Sherita Hill-Golden ’90, Chris & Andrew

Laure Peck Berwald ’87

Dr. Sherita Hill-Golden (’90), continues to combine clinical research, teaching, and patient care as a member of the Endocrine Faculty at Johns Hopkins. Her work in the area of diabetes and depression was recognized this year with several publications and presentations, and she continues to lead the hospital-wide Glucose Management Committee to help improve diabetes care throughout the hospital.

Sheryl Swackhamer (’87) works at Bank of America in Alexandria, VA. She is Assistant VP and Client Manager, working with clients in the $500,000 to $3 million range.

Kurt Fenstermacher (’92) moved to El Paso, TX with Christina and William. He is loving the challenge of his new job as Assistant Director at El Paso Environmental Services.

Denise Goode Lewis (’89), is Assistant Regional Director/Senior Mentor for FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and

Dawn Nichols (’92, M.A. ’93) received her first macaroni necklace!

Husband, Joe Schultz, got his first hand-traced turkey picture. Last year

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was also filled with unexplained giggles, unsolicited “I love you’s”, girls walking on the beach wrapped in towels twice their size, those same girls asleep on a shoulder after a bad dream, truly seeing wonder on someone’s face, and experiencing love like they never thought possible.

Paul Jung ’91 and friend

Gene Wasserman (’92), his wife Heather, and their girls have relocated from their home for the past 10 yrs in Lawrenceville, GA to Montgomery County, MD. Heather accepted a job with Human Genome Sciences and Gene is looking to use his law degree

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now judicial capacity - a GVPT trifecta! Married 11 years, Laura and James are blessed with two beautiful children, Brian, 7, and Meghan, 4.

They reside in Glen Burnie, MD. Dr. Ken Brown (’93), and his family (Amy, Ellie, Maddie) spent last summer traveling in Europe, returning to the University of Iowa, where Ken has accepted a part-time administrative fellowship in the Provost’s office that was designed specifically for him.

[Congratulations Ken!!]

Tom Meixner ’92 and children

for a job in commercial real estate.

For them, it is bittersweet. They leave friends, work, as well as family in Georgia. But they return to Maryland, where Heather went to UMD, and for Gene, home - where he was born and raised.

Lacretia Johnson (’93), is Assistant Dean of Students at the University of Vermont and part-time doctoral student in the Educational Leadership and Policy Studies program. She was awarded a NASPA Foundation Grant for her research to develop an instrument to measure Multicultural Competence in Student Affairs Organizations. [Great job, Lacretia!]

James Rzepkowski (’93) pursued a position in the private sector after 12 years of state service, 9 years as an elected member of the Maryland House of Delegates and 3 years as a gubernatorial appointed Assistant Secretary at the Maryland Department of Business and Economic Development. He started with Constellation Energy in February 2007 as the Director of Workforce Development responsible for coordinating the companywide workforce development initiative. Continuing his public service, James is a member of the Anne Arundel Eveline Shum-Gagnier ’93 and Family County Board of Appeals, a quasi-judicial 7 member Eveline Shum-Gagnier (’93) has part-time Board that hears appeals of left Fannie Mae and joined AES (a county administrative, executive, and global power company) to do learning judicatory orders. He’s made good and development. She also continues use of his GVPT degree having doing Bikram “hot” yoga. served in a legislative, executive, and

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LEADER David Stollman (’94), is a Partner and co-Founder of CampusSpeak, an agency representing campus speakers.

David is married to Melissa Zalkin, who is studying to be a rabbi, and they live in New York.

Marty (’94) and Deb Falk (’94) Zerwittz, both continue their respective legal careers in Washington, DC. Marty is an Attorney with the Securities and Exchange Commission and Deb practices with the firm of Sidley Austin LLP. Ruth Zerwitz Berenson (’94), married husband, Elimelech, on March 9, 2008. She continues as a Counselor in the Teacher Education Advocacy Center at Montclair State University in New Jersey.

Michael Seelman (’94), reports that his family (Michelle and Peter), are doing fine. This year he helped employees celebrate the FBI’s 100th anniversary, launched an HR benefits publication and enjoyed a communications retreat in Wisconsin.

Patrick Hurley (’94) has relocated to the Mid-Atlantic, where he has taken a new position with the Environmental Studies Program at Ursinus College after three years as an assistant professor at the College of Charleston. Patrick and his wife Sibel are both excited about being back in the region and the opportunity to see the Terps’ sports teams in action more often.

David Marks (’95), wife Stephanie, and son Nicholas, are expecting baby #2 in March. David continues to work on the Congressional Affairs Team at the Federal Highway Administration and remains active in the Perry Hall, MD, community.

Paul Mandell (’95), his wife, Lisa

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Congressional Fellow at the House of Representatives Committee on the Judiciary.

Kelly Newsome (’00), is still in New York and loves it. She left Dickstein Shapiro and is now an in house legal consultant at Human Rights Watch.

In 2009, she hopes to do some travel to Asia and the Pacific and then spend some time focusing on her yoga practice, specializing in kids and prenatal yoga.

David Marks ’95 and son

and children Ali and Jack are happy to announce the birth of little sister, Kate, born last September. After selling his company a couple of years ago to an Indian based corporation, Paul continues to work as the President of the ClutchGroup in Washington, DC. Penina Riebman Scharf (’95), has left her job working part-time as a social worker at a Big Brother Big Sister program, but is enjoying spending more time with her husband, Ira, and 3 children, Eli (6), Abby (4), and Maya (2).

Dr. Michael Smith (’98), is Associate Professor at Carnegie Mellon University and just received tenure last fall. [Congratulations Dr. Mike!]

Joana Chang ’01

Jason Ward (’01), working for Deloitte Consulting, is back in the DC area after spending a year in Omaha, Nebraska. He reports that he did President Obama’s inauguration up right, attending the concert, inauguration, and an inaugural ball.

Jason Ward ’01 at Old Faithful

Brian Deer (’00, M.A. ’02) accepted a position with the U.S. Secret Service in 2002. He has been a Special Agent for the last seven years.

Brian married a UMD alum in 2005.

Karen Haven Megary (’98), is a staff development teacher with Montgomery County Public Schools.

She married her husband, Jay, in July 2007, and they live in Olney.

Kyle Beardsley ’01 and wife, Jessica

Becky Zonies (’01), married Brad Kenemuth, last year.

Scott Morris (’98), is a partner in a law firm in New York, lives in West Orange, New Jersey and has a 16 month son, Zachary.

Adam Cohen (’99), is currently a

Carrie & Adam Lilling ’00

Dr. Abby Vogel (’02, Ph.D ’07) moved to Atlanta after finishing her Ph.D at Maryland. She is working as a communications office in the

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sist their coverage on Georgia Tech research.

Kathleen Klos (’03) moved back to Maryland from Ohio in 2006 with her husband, Matt. They both teach art at Anne Arundel Community College and are busy with their son Isaac who was born in July 2007.

Souroush Rais-Bahrami (’03) is doing great! He’s in his second year of urology residency training and his wife, Laura (’05), is a 4th grade teacher in Manhasset, NY. He’s looking forward to a rare weekend off and hopes that it maybe coincides with Maryland Day.

John and Christina DiNunzio Martin ’03Wedding

Christina Martin (formerly DiNunzio, ’04) has had a big year!

She got married over Memorial Day at the Newberry Library in Chicago, IL to John Martin. Her dear friend Dr. Viki Annand even made the trip to Chicago to celebrate with the happy couple. What a treat! They have been enjoying married life and staying busy with work. Christina is working for MillerCoors which completed a merger this year so things have been very busy. They have been living in Milwaukee for over four years now.

She can’t help but cheer for the Packers! It’s a great city with lots to offer.

Tope Yusuf (’04) graduated from law school in May. He is currently a law clerk at Arent Fox in New York practicing white collar litigation. Tope hopes to turn a business trip to DC in to a visit to campus very soon!

Christina DiNunzio Martin and Robin Spahr ’03

Georgia Institute of Technology’s Research News Office. In her position, she writes news releases about all of the existing research going on at Georgia Tech and works with television and print media reporters to as-

Katherine Belendiuk (’05) successfully defended her Masters in December and now has her M.S.! To celebrate she took a trip to Europe staying in Germany and visiting Prague and Northern Italy. She also had a big party on an Italian vineyard

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Kat Belendiuk training for marathon in Antarctica

with a view of the Alps! Earlier this year, she ran the Antarctic Marathon, a 26.2 mile race on King George Island, to raise money for the Injured Marine Semper Fi Fund.

Stacey R. Moore (’05) graduated from Harvard Law School this past June and delayed taking a job with her summer firm in New York to take a federal clerkship for the Chief Judge of the Southern District of Mississippi. She is in Jackson, Mississippi for the year, missing the North and the excitement of DC, but loving the weather!!!

Shawn Bixby (’06) was married to John O’Brien (’06) on September 6, 2008 in Rockville, MD. Andrew Publicover (’06), a friend of theirs since grade school, was the best man.

Shawn just finished graduate school for accounting at the University of Virginia and now works for Ernst & Young as an auditor. John is a police officer in Montgomery County, Maryland.

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Jennifer Hooke (formerly Orrock, ’06) was married last July. She and husband moved to Minnesota in the summer.

Derrick Pfeffer (’06) is currently finishing up his last semester of grad school at the University of Michigan.

The winter cold has been brutal, but he’s finally beginning to thaw out!

He’ll enjoy his last summer vacation before returning to Ann Arbor to start work with Deloitte Consulting with their health care practice.

Stephanie Altamirano (’07) started at the University of Maryland Law

School after a year of teaching Spanish at a Baltimore County School. She is engaged to be married next year. While she is now living at home with her parents in Columbia, MD, she and her fiancé have recently bought a house.

Danielle Hayner (’07) is reporting for USTA.com, covering tennis events across the country - and having a great time doing it!! She traveled to Southeast Asia in April and is always looking for her next big trip!

Shira Hichenberg (’07) is currently living in New York City and working

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LEADER as a Research Assistant at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. She plans on applying for counseling psychology graduate programs within the next year.

Lindsey Bernstein (’08) has been working at Ernst and Young since graduation.

Kerry Rigley (’08) is now living in Arlington, VA and working at PricewaterhouseCoopers as an Financial Consultant in their Washington Federal Practice.

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FACULTY/STAFF/HONORARY UPDATES

Karen and Ken DeMatteo Warren Kelley and Family

Karen DeMatteo continues traveling across the country doing rush conversation workshops for Kappa Delta Sorority. She and husband, Ken, still do a great deal of travel, and she remains active in her church, serving as a Deacon and teaching kindergarten.

Robin Rudd continues to work half time and is active in her church. This year she headed a silent auction that raised over $10,000 for the church shelter for which she volunteers.

Eugene Hammond, former Associate Professor and Chair of the English Department, was appointed director of the writing program, SUNY Stony Brook in July 2008.

Bob and Kathy Beardsley

Jan Sengers was presented the Distinguished International Service Award by President C.D. Mote at the International Awards Ceremony on November 5, 2008.

Dale Vander Wall and his wife, Kristine, are expecting their third child in July. He continues to serve as Director of Operations at the University of Maryland Center for Advanced Study of Language where he just added oversight of the finance department to his responsibilities.

Darryll Pines was appointed the Dean of the A. James Clark School of Engineering and the Nariman Farvardin Professor of Engineering beginning on July 5, 2009.

IN MEMORIAM Patrick Connolly (’97) passed away on January 10, 2009. He is survived by his wife, Ayn Ducao (’97).

Robert Gluckstern, physicist, educator, and former chancellor of the University of Maryland, died of lymphoma this past December.

He is survived by his wife, Elizabeth Nuss.

Former Chancellor Robert Gluckstein and Liz Nuss.

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ALUMNI INFORMATION Please use this form to update us on what is happening in your life. Or, contact us at www.odk.umd.edu if you prefer.

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