O M I C R O N D E LTA K A P PA
T HE L E ADER FALL 2021
TerrapinSTRONG
LEADERSHIP
Bro Terps to
PRO TERPS
Meet the
EXEC BOARD
T H E N E W S L E T T E R O F T H E S I G M A C I R C L E AT T H E U N I V E R S I T Y O F M A R Y L A N D
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MESSAGE FROM THE CIRCLE COORDINATOR By Brooke Supple Dear ODK members I am thrilled to be writing to you during October 2021 when things are working their way back to feeling a bit more like the pre-COVID times. Campus is full of people, construction, fall colors, in person classes, and lots of safe activities! We remain vigilant in our monitoring of COVID-19. It has been a very long road, and we continue to pivot as needed, always following the current public health guidance. Our positivity rates are very, very low, and masks are required indoors for everyone. We are so grateful for the commitment of our students to staying safe, masking, and getting vaccinated. Amid all of this, we have tried to keep ODK moving forward. We were so incredibly proud of Emily Berry, our 2021 ODK Col. J. Logan Schutz Sigma Circle Leader of the Year and 2021-2022 Sigma Circle President (see following page), who won the 2021 General Russell E. Dougherty National Leader of the Year Award from ODK! She joins a prestigious list of past alumni winners of this award including Joanna Calabrese (2010), Adam Chepenik (2003), Hillary Cherry Mintz (1997), and Marc Solomon (1994). We are so proud of Emily and all of our amazing ODK Sigma Circle winners! In late August, we were very excited to get the ODK Fountain engraved with all of the initiates from 2019-2021 - an impressive list of leaders. Definitely come to the Fountain and find your name when you are next on campus - which we hope will be for Homecoming and our 17th Annual Student Leadership Celebration!! At this annual event, we will announce this year’s Spirit of Maryland winners and celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Model Citizenship Prize! Please RSVP and join us on Saturday, October 30th from 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. We hope you will enjoy this edition of The Leader featuring lots of news about construction, athletics, and activities on campus. I hope you and your families are safe and well, and that we will see you on October 30th! Brooke L. Supple ODK Circle Coordinator Emily Berry President Nabila Prasetiawan Vice President Ally Merwitz Philanthropy & Community Service Chair Alec McCarren Events & Lectures Chair
Kyle Dineen Alumni & Member Engagement Chair
Daisy Yu Digital Communications Chair
Anjali Dhamsania Public Relations Chair
Sarah Shapiro Historian
Brie Nabet Membership & Induction Chair
Dr. Brooke Supple Circle Coordinator
Alythia Vo Recruitment & Community Outreach Chair
Dr. Dean Chang Faculty Advisor
THE LEADER ODK Sigma Circle |2
MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT By Emily Berry BA ‘21, MPP ‘22 Hello ODK! I am honored to serve as the President of the Sigma Circle for this academic year. I graduated from UMD in May 2021, and am now a graduate student working towards my Master of Public Policy, with the goal of pursuing a career in law. I was inducted into ODK in Fall 2018, and had the honor of serving as the Alumni and Member Engagement Chair last year. The past year and a half has been incredibly difficult and required immense flexibility, and being a community leader required taking on the extra task of leading others through the unknown. I admire and am so proud of our student leaders, faculty, staff, and alumni for working to keep others safe while still creating community. If anything, this pandemic reminded us that leadership is more than just holding a role -- it requires strength, empathy, and the courage to make the best decisions one can in the face of uncertainty. As we adjust to the changes every month brings, I am so excited to help lead the Sigma Circle this year. The executive board has been working hard to recruit new members, share the mission of ODK, and plan lectures and social events. Earlier this month, we completed our semesterly selections process; after a very rigorous and competitive process, we are welcoming 56 undergraduate students, 3 graduate students, and 7 faculty/staff/alumni inductees into the Sigma Circle. Each invited member has made their mark and I am ecstatic to welcome them into the ODK community. My hope this year is to bring our members and alumni together to build relationships and enable the Sigma Circle to learn from the expertise that each member brings to the table. It is also a goal of mine to create space to talk about leadership lessons from the past year, as well as discuss important topics -- like mental health -- that can too easily be overlooked. ODK not only has the privilege of recognizing leaders, but also has the opportunity to encourage us to grow together. It is an immense honor to work with a wonderful executive board and passionate advisors to lead the Sigma Circle. To each of you reading this, I hope that we’ll see you at our events throughout the year! To alumni, we love hearing from you -- please reach out if you have any ideas or want to offer your advice or experiences to the Circle. Thank you all for representing the Sigma Circle in everything you do. With ODK Pride, Emily Berry ODK Sigma Circle President
Meet The Executive Board! EMILY BERRY
Committee.
Hi all! My name is Emily Berry, and I have the honor of serving as the President of ODK while completing my last year as a graduate student in the Master of Public Policy Program, with a concentration in Social Policy. I was inducted into ODK in Fall 2018, and last year had the joy of serving as our Alumni and Member Engagement Chair. I am from Annapolis, Maryland and graduated with my B.A. in Government and Politics in May 2021 from UMD. Currently, I am a Graduate Assistant in the Federal & Global Fellows Program and I serve on the Vice President for Student Affairs Student Advisory Council, the Graduate Student Government Governance Committee, the Student Conduct Review Committee, and ODK National’s Awards
During my time at UMD as an undergraduate, I became very involved with campus leadership and scholarship. I served as a BSOS Senator in the Senate Executive Committee, a teaching and research assistant in the Department of Government and Politics, a two-term President of the Residence Hall Association, a Student Advocate and Intern in the Student Legal Aid Office, a Student Organization Resource Specialist in Stamp Student Union, and as a Resident Assistant for three years. My other current or past involvements include Kappa Omega Alpha Professional Public Policy Fraternity, Student Alumni Leadership Council (SALC), the Student Government Association, and the National Residence Hall Honorary (NRHH). After graduating in May 2022, I am planning to attend law school to study constitutional or criminal law. Favorite Place on Campus: By the Willow Tree Outside of the Chapel! Add to the ODK Playlist: On Melancholy Hill by Gorillaz NABILA PRASETIAWAN Hi everyone! My name is Nabila Prasetiawan and I am the ODK Vice President. I am currently a senior double majoring in Philosophy, Politics, & Economics and Women, Gender, & Sexuality Studies with a minor in Asian American Studies. I am from Frederick, Maryland and a proud daughter of Indonesian immigrants. I am interested in activism and civil rights through the intersections of justice, equity, race, and gender. In the future, I hope to pursue a career in international human rights and continue advocating for marginalized communities and survivors of violence. On-campus, I served as the Student Body Vice President in 2020-2021. In my role, I represented over 30,000 students and led initiatives in the creation of an Asian Pacific Islander Desi American Caucus, a Land Acknowledgement for the university, and a Police Advisory Committee which attacks systematic issues and rethinks community policing. I currently serve as the Vice President of External Affairs for the Asian American Student Union and formerly as the Lectures Director at Student Entertainment Events. In the Fall of 2020, I worked with APIAVote (Asian Pacific Islander Vote) to increase the Asian voter turnout and hosted a campus-wide GOTV effort. Favorite Place on Campus: ODK Fountain Add to the ODK Playlist: Tangerine by Glass Animals KYLE DINEEN Hello! I am Kyle Dineen and I am a senior Kinesiology major with a pre-medical concentration. I am deeply honored to be the Alumni and Member Engagement Chair of the ODK Sigma Circle, and am incredibly excited to support and work with such a talented collection of alumni and active student leaders. Prior to calling College Park my home, I grew up in Frederick, Maryland, and transferred into UMD on a full-tuition Frederick Douglass Scholarship. ODK represented the pinnacle of 3 | ODK Sigma Circle THE LEADER
excellence at UMD for me, and I was inducted in the Spring of 2021. As an undergraduate, I became heavily involved in statewide student governance and campus scholarship. I served as the Executive Chair of the Maryland Higher Education Commission’s Student Advisory Council, where I represented over thirty institutions and crafted educational policy and legislative recommendations, was a finalist for the USM Student Regent position, and worked closely with the University System of Maryland Student Council. I am the Vice President and a lead tutor in the OMSE Service Learning Certificate Program, am an Editor for an honors research journal, and an Alumni Ambassador in the Student Alumni Leadership Council. I also hold positions as a research and teaching assistant in the Biological Sciences Undergraduate Program, as well as being a teaching assistant in the Department of Kinesiology. My other current or past involvements include the Student Government Association, Phi Kappa Phi, Phi Theta Kappa, Tau Sigma, Phi Alpha Epsilon, the OMSE Academic Excellence Society, and UMD Triathlete. I will be graduating in May 2022 and am planning to earn my graduate degree in physician’s assistant studies. With dreams of being called Dr. Dineen, I also plan to pursue a PhD and continue as a lifelong learner. In my spare time, I love to bike, surf, and soak up the sun, and will never turn down a good coffee shop! Favorite Place on Campus: Eppley Recreation Center & the ODK Fountain on McKeldin Mall Add to the ODK Playlist: Please be Angry by Pierz Barry ALLY MERWITZ Hey everyone! My name is Ally Merwitz and I am the Philanthropy & Community Service Chair on the ODK Executive Board year. I’m a senior pursuing a dual degree in Mathematics and Operations Management & Business Analytics. I was born in Hoboken, New Jersey, but moved to Clarksville, Maryland when I was 4 and have lived there ever since. Throughout my time at UMD, I have had a wide variety of opportunities that have been formative to my college experience. In the beginning of my time at UMD, I became involved in the Smith Undergraduate Student Association (SUSA) where I had the opportunity to serve in a variety of roles, the most impactful being the VP of Service. Through this role, I got to collaborate with several nonprofits on and off campus in addition to local schools to begin a business education initiative. Sophomore year, I also began my time on the Dean’s Student Advisory Council in Smith, which I have the pleasure of serving as the Chair of this year. Outside of my involvement in the business school, I founded a chapter of a global organization: One for the World, I am a part of the QUEST honors program and the QUEST Corporate subcommittee, and work as a research assistant at the Judge Alexander Williams, Jr. Center for Education, Justice, & Ethics. Post graduation, I will be joining Capital One in their business analyst program. I hope to focus on understanding how financial institutions can play a role in closing the wealth and opportunity gaps that exist between people of different racial and ethnic backgrounds. Long-term, I hope to work more directly on this issue either in the non-profit or legal space. Favorite Place on Campus: 4th Floor of Iribe - one of the best on campus views! Add to the ODK Playlist: Lease on Life by Andy Grammar ALEC MCCARREN Hey! My name is Alec McCarren and I serve as the Events & Lectures Chair on the ODK Executive Board this year. I’m a first year graduate student from Annapolis, Maryland pursuing a Master of Science in Applied Economics. I’m incredibly excited and honored to serve ODK this year! I also attended UMD as an undergraduate, where I studied Economics and Mathematics. During my time on campus, my primary student leadership THE LEADER ODK Sigma Circle | 4
experiences have been through the Residence Hall Association Executive Board, where I served as Student Fee Coordinator and Vice President. Some other on-campus experiences that I’ve had the opportunity to take part in include serving as a teaching assistant and research assistant for the Department of Economics, in addition to being a member of the College Park Scholars International Studies Program. This year, I am working as a Graduate Assistant at the TerpZone within the Stamp Student Union, where I oversee day-to-day operations and program events for the space. In the future, I hope to work as an economic policy analyst for a non-profit organization or government agency. Favorite Place on Campus: TerpZone :) Add to the ODK Playlist: Lucky Sue by Men I Trust BRIE NABET Hi y’all! My name is Brie Nabet and I am from Parkton, Maryland. I am currently a senior studying Family Science and have the honor of serving as the Member & Inductions Chair for the 2021-2022 academic year. I was inducted into ODK in the Spring of 2021 and am so excited to meet and engage with such a talented network of leaders! On campus, I have worked with various organizations such as NRHH, Phi Upsilon Omicron, University Senate, Family Science Student Advisory Board, College Mentors for Kids and the UTEAM. I also have served or am currently serving as a CASA Peer Leader, student researcher with the FIRE program, a volunteer with the Together Program (SPHL), a Resident Assistant, and a teaching assistant for the Federal Fellows Public Health Policy Seminar. I spent the last 3 semesters researching and developing a Student Initiated Course titled “FMSC215: Foster Care and Adoption; Law, Policy, and Family” to teach undergraduate students the ethical, legal, and emotional issues surrounding foster care and adoption. My goal is to encourage education and advocacy for a topic that is often overlooked. I am incredibly passionate about improving the child welfare system through policy reform, advocacy, and continued education. Next year, after graduation, I’d love to continue my passions and work to create equitable change and reform in the child welfare system. I am planning to pursue my Masters in Macro-level Social Work and a PhD in Maternal and Child health. Favorite Place on Campus: Reflection Garden behind the Chapel Add to the ODK Playlist: Go Flex by Post Malone ALYTHIA VO Hi! My name is Alythia Vo and I am a senior from Rockville, Maryland pursuing a double degree in Neurobiology & Physiology and Spanish and minors in US Latino Studies and Asian American Studies. I am excited to serve as the Recruitment & Community Outreach Chair on the ODK executive board this year! Throughout my undergraduate career, I have been involved in a variety of experiences, primarily in areas promoting cultural diversity on campus as well as equity and inclusion. I am currently the Co-President of the Asian American Student Union and was formerly the Vice President of Internal Affairs and Social Chair, where I was responsible for fostering unity across the Asian Pacific Islander Desi American (APIDA) community on campus. Currently, I oversee the multidimensional functions and goals of AASU to promote advocacy, community education, and service within the APIDA community. I am involved in the Taiwanese American Student Association where I served as the former President and Secretary and currently serve as a Senior Advisor. Other organizations that I have been involved in include the Vice President for Student Affairs Student Advisory Council, American Medical Student Association, Student Government Association, and Alpha Phi Omega Service Fraternity. I am currently a teaching assistant for BSCI440 and am a member of the Integrated Life Sciences Honors College. 5 | ODK Sigma Circle THE LEADER
Outside of campus, I am an emergency department medical scribe, community outreach volunteer on COVID-19 vaccine research trials, and research assistant at Johns Hopkins. Post graduation, I hope to pursue an MD/MPH in order to become a physician with a focus on racial health disparities within immigrant communities. In my free time, I enjoy reading, spending time outdoors, and hanging out with friends! Favorite Place on Campus: McKeldin Mall Add to the ODK Playlist: Loverboy by A-Wall ANJALI DHAMSANIA Hi! My name is Anjali Dhamsania and I’m proud to serve as the Public Relations Chair of the ODK Sigma Circle this year. I’m a senior Chemical Engineering major from Gaithersburg, Maryland, and I’m excited to serve on an executive board alongside a group of talented and inspiring campus leaders. Throughout my time on campus, I have had the pleasure of being involved in a myriad of leadership and extracurricular roles. I started my time as a Student Researcher in the Gemstone Honors Program (go Team GECKO!), for which I have also had the opportunity to be a teaching assistant to aid first-year students in developing their research projects. Currently, I am also an Honors Ambassador, where I introduce prospective students to this amazing school and endless opportunities within the Honors College. I also serve as the Executive Director (two years running) of Maryland Masti, an intercollegiate Indian garba/raas dance competition on campus. We, as Masti, focus on invoking in our community an appreciation for traditional Indian heritage and promoting cultural diversity on campus. Our competition also raises funds for charity to promote literacy efforts in rural communities in India. When I’m not in class, I volunteer at the local elementary school to tutor fifth graders in math and science. After graduation, I hope to continue my passions for science and technology by attending law school to study intellectual property law. My goal is to become an advocate for inventors and innovators, but in the meantime, you can catch me trying new recipes with my roommates or at trivia nights at Looney’s! Favorite Place on Campus: ESJ (+ people watching!) Add to the ODK Playlist: Jet Black by Anderson.Paak DAISY YU Hello! My name is Daisy Yu and I’m a senior from North Potomac, Maryland pursuing a B.S. in Chemistry and a B.A. in Communication with a concentration in Public Relations. I’m honored to work with this year’s executive board as the Digital Communications Chair! Throughout my undergraduate career, I’ve had the privilege to be part of a number of different organizations and leadership roles. Previously, I was a student in the Honors Humanities living learning program, a swim instructor at Eppley Recreation Center, and a research intern for the Joint Institute for Food Safety and Nutrition, a collaboration between the Food and Drug Administration and the University of Maryland (UMD). I currently serve as the student representative for the College of Arts and Humanities (ARHU) TerrapinSTRONG subcommittee and the departmental representative for the Department of Communication on the ARHU Dean’s Advisory Board. In both positions, I’ve had the opportunity to bring a student perspective to both ARHU- and UMD-wide issues and initiatives. Additionally, I am the President of the Honors Student Programming Council, which aims to foster community among Honors students through a variety of activities. I’ve dedicated most of my time at UMD to the University Student Judiciary as a Student Honor Council member, the current Internal Affairs Chair, and a former Education and Outreach Chair. In these positions, THE LEADER ODK Sigma Circle | 6
I’ve worked to bring awareness and improve understanding of UMD’s Code of Academic Integrity through targeted programming, foster community within the organization and with the campus community, and ensure that academic dishonesty cases are fairly adjudicated. I’m currently a Pathways Intern with the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission’s Office of Communication. In my free time, I enjoy attending UMD sporting events, cheering on my favorite professional teams, and hanging out with my friends. After graduation, I hope to attend law school with a focus in community health and safety. Before that though, I look forward to making the most of my senior year (Zoom University sucks!). Favorite Place on Campus: McKeldin Mall Add to the ODK Playlist: A Letter to My Younger Self by Quinn XCII SARAH SHAPIRO Hi everyone! My name is Sarah Shapiro and I am delighted to be this year’s Historian of the ODK Sigma Circle. I am a senior Chemistry major from North Potomac, Maryland. During my time in UMD, I had the pleasure of taking on roles ranging from teaching positions to advertising positions. Some of those previous roles included being a teaching assistant for ENGL101 (Academic Writing) and CHEM132 (General Chemistry 1 Laboratory). Currently, I am the Advertising and Design Coordinator for the American Chemical Society and the Advertising Director for Student Entertainment Events (SEE). In these positions, I have created graphics and collaborated with other board members to promote events for the UMD community to attend. I serve as the Secretary of the Pre-Pharmacy Society in which I inform other members about events they can attend as well as resources they can use to pursue volunteer positions as well as resources that can help them secure a COVID-19 vaccination appointment during the Spring 2021 semester when those vaccines were under emergency use authorization (EUA). I am a Peer Innovation Coach in the Academy for Innovation and Entrepreneurship where I teach people in the campus community about design thinking and learn startup skills so they can apply it to their daily lives. Also, I had the pleasure of doing a design thinking project which is reducing the stigma surrounding organic chemistry for pre-health students by doing an organic chemistry 1 preparatory class in collaboration with a Ph.D. student through OrgoPrep.D on the Thinkific site. As a result of the project, over 50 students were prepared for the rigors of organic chemistry. I am a nationally certified pharmacy technician with a Maryland pharmacy technician license. With the certification and license, I am returning to the University Health Center as a Pharmacy Technician Volunteer after being on hold due to the pandemic. With my experiences, I plan to go to pharmacy school after I graduate in May 2022. After finishing pharmacy school, I hope to get into drug advertisement regulation or general drug regulation. Favorite Place on Campus: The Loft in ESJ Current Favorite Song: Wasabi by Little Mix
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UMD’s Continued COVID Response By Alythia Vo ‘22
During the summer, President Darryll Pines reinstated the mask mandate due to the rise of the Delta variant. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the Delta variant is currently the predominant variant in the United States. Data has shown that the Delta variant is more infectious and has two times more increased transmissibility than other variants of the virus. In unvaccinated people, the Delta variant has been shown to cause more severe illness. Even with full vaccination, the variant has been shown to cause breakthrough infections. However, those who are fully vaccinated appear to spread the virus for a shorter amount of time as the amount of viral genetic material may go down faster when compared to unvaccinated people. The CDC continues to recommend full vaccination as well as masking indoors in public places, regardless of vaccination status. The university has implemented various methods of contact tracing including QR codes in classrooms and attendance tracking via TerpLink and EventPass. The Senior Vice President and Provost, Jennifer King Rice, recently sent out an email requesting increased compliance with these proactive efforts. Individuals who test positive for COVID-19 are required to contact the HEAL line for further information. They are also required to isolate for 10 days, regardless of vaccination status. Students living on-campus will be moved to isolation housing while those living off-campus may move into a hotel for the isolation period. Upon notification of positive COVID-19 cases, the University Health Center utilizes these methods to swiftly notify those who were in close contact with positive individuals. Notification will be provided to individuals who may have been in close contact with the positive individual, as well as those who were in a shared space but not in close contact. The Prince George’s Health Department will follow up with formal contact tracing of positive individuals. A close contact is defined by the CDC as any individual who was
within 6 feet of an infected person for at least 15 minutes. The current protocol for close contacts depends on the individual’s vaccination status. Those who are fully vaccinated and asymptomatic do not have to be quarantined, but must continue to wear a mask and be tested 3-5 days postexposure. Those who are unvaccinated must quarantine for 10 days. All those who were in a shared space, but not exposed are encouraged to self-monitor. On campus, there was an increase in positive campus cases over the first several weeks of classes prompting the university to distribute and recommend KN95 masks. Previously, on-campus testing was only limited to those who were symptomatic or those who were asymptomatic, but had close contact with a positive individual. In addition, testing for asymptomatic individuals was previously only available on Mondays and Thursdays. Recently, the university expanded its testing to include individuals who are asymptomatic and not in close contact with positive individuals. Furthermore, they have expanded asymptomatic testing days to include Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Testing for symptomatic individuals is available next to the Health Center. The university has updated its COVID-19 statistics daily on its COVID-19 dashboard. Being sure to stay updated on university COVID-19 information and protocol is essential for helping to keep infection rates low and the campus healthy.
A student studies on campus while remaining masked and physically distanced form others. THE LEADER ODK Sigma Circle | 8
notes that “technology really stepped up and got us through the beginning of the pandemic, but now, with scientific miracles such as the vaccine, many people are returning to face to face learning By Brie Nabet ‘22 as if 2020 had never happened,” which to Dr. Tripp For many, the transition from online learning to is a huge mistake. The benefits that we saw of ontraditional in person instruction has been a signifi- line learning that many students enjoyed are now cant change. When the university first announced being neglected by professors with the opening of the shift to online learning, many students and in-person instruction. teachers were concerned about how this would impact learning and instruction. Students were Dr. Tripp believes that the current biggest chalworried about communication with peers and pro- lenge for educators such as herself is to keep the fessors, the level of flexibility from professors, and best of what online learning provides and combine the structure of the courses. For instructors, there it with traditional learning methods. She states two was also a lot of pressure to transition courses that main benefits of online learning that UMD should have been taught for years via in-person settings continue. The first being flexibility. Today’s students differ from students in the past because of to a completely virtual format. new commitments with family and work schedules. For newly selected ODKer, Dr. Kerry Tripp, prin- The asynchronous learning gave the flexibility to cipal lecturer in the Family Science Department, allow students to learn in a “what works best for the transition to online learning presented many us” fashion—whether it be 6 a.m. with a cup of cofopportunities just as it did challenges. Dr. Tripp fee or midnight on the couch with bunny slippers. spearheaded online learning in the Family Science Department, educating other professors on best This level of flexibility benefits instructors too as it practices for instruction. She leveraged technolo- allows students to see them working at their best. gy’s benefits and made the world smaller by creat- Dr. Tripp also shared that there is an aspect of eqing a global classroom, “Assisted Reproduction Law uity to this asynchronous structure as it “empowand Policy in the U.S. and Brazil” where students ers students who must work to pay for college to from UMD and the Universidade Federal do Rio de do so without having to miss important portions Janeiro used zoom for class discussions and proj- of class.” Another benefit is that the pandemic reects to compare the field in the two very different minded us of how small the world is as well as the countries. She also offered a new student-initiat- importance of cultural competence in 21st centued course, ‘Foster Care and Adoption; Law Policy ry education. Technology has allowed for global and Family’ taught with FMSC undergrad and ODK classrooms such as Dr. Tripp’s ethics class where member, Brianna Nabet. Video conferencing tech- students from around the world can learn togethnologies like zoom allowed students to meet with er, from one another and their cultures. Dr. Tripp national guest speakers and discuss ways to create encourages educators to harness these two benefits as they continue to support future leaders no change in the adoption and foster care systems. matter what format of instruction that may be. One of the takeaways from the time spent in online learning for Dr. Tripp was the benefit of being able to create and innovate. Taking the time to listen to student concerns and find new ways to incorporate topics and class structures that better accommodate student needs has proven to be beneficial both in an online and in person format. Having the flexibility of online learning where you can both instruct and learn from anywhere has opened new windows of opportunity for students and faculty alike. Whether it be offering new courses on pressing current event topics, getting to do courses at your own pace, or enjoying the comfort of learning from your own home, backyard, or local coffee shop, online learning had many aspects that people enjoyed.
From Hybrid to In-Person Hellos: Lessons We Learned from Online Learning
Now that we are beginning to transition back to hybrid and in-person learning, there are new lessons to be carried over from the benefits and challenges learned from virtual instruction. Dr. Tripp
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Dr. Kerry Tripp poses with Testudo in the School of Public Health building on campus.
~Building~ Anew with the Start of the New School Year By Ally Merwitz ‘22
North Campus is the newest place that the UMD construction team has officially given the magic touch. The newly developed Heritage Community located steps from the football stadium is now home to 450 first-year students. In the community, there are two residence halls -- Pyon-Chen Hall and Johnson-Whittle Hall--and a dining facility. Pyon-Chen opened at the start of the academic school year and Johnson-Whittle Hall is expected to open in fall 2022. While the new facilities look nothing but modern from the outside, the history behind Crews were hard at work, putting the finishing touches on Pyon-Chen Hall prior to the their names carry significant meaning to the broader building’s offical opening on October 1. campus community. PyonChen Hall is named in honor of Pyon Su and Chunjen Constant Chen. Pyon Su was the first Korean student to complete his degree at an American college or university and Chunjen Constant Chen was the first Chinese student to join the Maryland Agriculture College. Johnson-Whittle Hall is named in honor of Ms. Elaine Johnson Coates and Mr. Hiram Whittle. Ms. Johnson was the first African American female to graduate with a degree in education and Mr. Whittle was the first African American admitted to the University of Maryland. All four of these fearless leaders paved the way for Asian-Americans, African-Americans, and many other marginalized communities to succeed at UMD. The Heritage Community serves as an important reminder of the history and diversity of the campus we are a part of today. On October 1st, Pyon-Chen Hall was dedicated in a ceremony honoring these two trailblazing students. Members of the Pyon family and Chen family attended the event, where they were presented with framed replicas of a mural honoring their ancestors located inside the building, which Vice President for Student Affairs, Dr. Patty Perillo, described as the “crown jewel” of residence halls. The six-story high-rise overlooking La Plata Beach is full of natural light and features occupancy sensors to help reduce energy use. Central lounges and enclosed study spaces on each floor help students connect with one another and focus on their academic work. Each floor also includes one handicappedaccessible room with a private bathroom; the other rooms are single- and double-occupancy. Opening a new residence hall is an exciting time for our entire campus community,” said Dr. Perillo. “I am proud of our commitment and intentionality to design spaces that inspire and facilitate teaching and learning, community building and inclusion among students, faculty, and staff...space that truly supports the academic mission.” The next time that you are on North Campus, be sure to walk by the stunning new Heritage Community. These buildings serve as a reminder how we are pushing to make progress on both the development and historical front of our University. It is just one piece of the puzzle that makes us Terrapin Strong.
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5 Tips on How to Become a TerrapinSTRONG Leader By Anjali Dhamsania ‘22
When you think about leaders, some popular names may come to mind – Steve Jobs, Martin Luther King Jr., Barack Obama, Ruth Bader Ginsburg, to name a few. But what made them special? What made them rise above others to be seen as the icons they are today? The truth is, while a select few may be born to lead, the vast majority of good leaders, especially those in ODK, are taught. And with the right tools and resources, anyone can become a great leader. Often, great leaders start out as students, cultivating the right skills and qualities needed to become a leader. And part of the journey towards personal growth is that great leaders never stop learning. As an honor society highlighting leadership in several pillars of recognition, ODK members have a unique insight on what makes someone a great leader over a good leader, and how you can improve to take your leadership skills to the next level. Here are some tips and tricks from our fellow ODKer’s on becoming a strong leader in the community! 1) Keep it Coming with Continuous Feedback People want their leaders to know that they’re paying attention and they appreciate any and all feedback, whether it’s positive or negative. Providing said feedback and even welcoming reciprocal feedback helps to create trustworthy relationships and improve communication. You can even make it anonymous, or write individual notes! 2) Go Digital or Go Home With the COVID-19 pandemic and online classes, virtual ways of connecting have become essential to maintain relationships and improve communication across organizations. Our ODKers believe you should take to Instagram, to LinkedIn, to Twitter, to Zoom, and increase your digital presence in order to make a larger impact.
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3) P is for Productivity, not Procrastination Running an effective meeting isn’t rocket science, however many leaders are still running inefficient meetings that lack clear takeaways. Fix that by creating a meeting agenda, sharing meeting notes, and assigning clear action items with takeaways. One of the most popular suggestions from ODKers is Google Calendar or a shared OneNote; add those deadlines and set up those future meetings in real-time during your meeting, so there’s no chance of forgetting about it later on. 4) Become a Cheerleader One of the most important aspects of being a great leader is lending your support. And that can come in the form of praising your team, offering advice, or even a few words to motivate others. Fostering an environment of positivity is key to achieving common goals, and if that means you’ll need to pull out your pom poms, then by all means go for it! 5) Cultivate Big Brain Energy Successful leaders have a deep understanding of their team members’ capabilities and assets. As ODK leaders, you should use this insight to challenge your teams/ organizations to think bigger, to brainstorm ideas off one another. It can be hard to develop an idea on your own, but diverse individuals coupled with diverse areas of expertise will lend itself perfectly to generating a myriad of ideas that can then be refined and put into action.
Circling Back: Recent ODK Alums Reflect on Their Sigma Experience By Kyle Dineen ‘22
The arrival of the COVID-19 pandemic presented unprecedented times for the thousands of students attending Maryland’s flagship university. Students were displaced from their College Park homes, adapted to entirely new learning mediums, and navigated the challenging environment of online social engagement. However, despite this rapidly changing academic scene, one constant remained the same: ODK continued to recognize Maryland’s best and brightest student leaders. Now, the Sigma Circle’s most recent alumni reflect back on the impact their ODK journey had on their personal and professional growth, and how they are continuing the spirit of excellence they cultivated in College Park. Megan Berry describes her time in the Sigma Circle with fondness, as she relays her passion for the ODK community. Berry, the Membership & Induction Chair for the 2020-2021 academic year, remarks that “serving on the executive board, [with] such an amazing and collaborative team, [kept] ODK engaging and fun, even in the virtual environment.” Even while leading in such a challenging time, the circle also showed her the benefit of relying on the people and resources that exist around you. “I had access to so many amazing faculty and student leaders who had very similar experiences to me,” she says, “[when] trying to lead my student org or create an event, there was most likely someone in ODK who had done or was doing the same thing.” Berry also carries forward the lessons and experiences that were the most meaningful to her growth as a leader; namly, finding support and guidance from her peers. When guiding and teaching young leaders, she says that “advice and conversations [are] invaluable” to becoming better and achieving your goals. Berry now works for MedStar Hospitals in Baltimore, Maryland, as she awaits admission into medical school to pursue her dream of becoming a physician. She is currently helping with the effort against COVID-19 as Berry provides mobile vaccination information to educate individuals about the COVID-19 vaccine and access to vaccine healthcare.
Hannah Kark was drawn to the City of Brotherly love upon her graduation in 2020. As a current student in University of Pennsylvania’s Carey Law School, Kark continues to use the knowledge she gained from ODK. As an undergraduate, she credits ODK in teaching her that “surrounding yourself with people who motivate and push you,” is one of the best ways to prompt growth as a leader, and that finding people that are interesting and motivating keeps her invigorated, ready to learn, and helps her thrive in Penn Law. Continuing her student leadership in graduate school, Kark actively recalls the lessons learned during her time in the circle, as she is currently in the process of planning the Penn Law Women’s Association Annual Dinner. The challenges presented in the coordination of large scale social gatherings during COVID-19 has reminded her that “learning the importance of collaboration and taking initiative” is essential to success and building relationships. Kark also fondly recalls her favorite ODK moment, when she was tapped after arriving late to an SGA meeting! Philadelphia received another highly distinguished Sigma Circle alumni in David Rekhtman. Serving as the ODK President for the 2020-2021 academic year, the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania is the current home of the future physician. Despite the known challenges that the first year of medical school offers, Rekhtman has thoroughly enjoyed the “challenging, fascinating, and eye opening” experience that medical school has provided him, as he looks forward to the rest of his career. During his time in ODK, Rekhtman recalls how the Sigma Circle became a haven for like-minded minded individuals and a source for community. Aside from seeing his name on the Fountain, Rekhtman’s favorite ODK memory centers around a community Shabbat dinner hosted by a fellow ODK alumni Doron Tadmor. “[It] was the last Friday before COVID-19 forced us all into a THE LEADER ODK Sigma Circle | 12
virtual environment…[and] leaders from all five disciplines were able to share a meal and discuss topics ranging from clubs, athletics, and the ominous thought of an extended spring break as a result of the virus.” This gathering of UMD leaders provided Rekhtman with the opportunity to connect with many of his fellow ODKers, including his future Vice President, Jacqueline Ford. The tenets and importance of “leading with care and building community” stayed with Rekhtman and Ford, as the two became close friends while serving the circle.
Former President, David Rekhtman continues to make ODKonnections off-campus. Here he is on the streets of Philadephia with ODK alum Hannah Kark and former ODK President Doron Tadmor.
Rekhtman has continued to use his fantastic leadership skills to represent the views and needs of Perelman students to the school administration, while working as a course representative. His team oriented mindset enables him to build relationships among his fellow students, allowing him to represent concerns and issues appropriately to the Perelman administration. “I always strive to build community by taking time to meet my peers and learn more about their personalities, interests, and passions,” Rekhtman remarks, and “ I strive to always assume good intentions” in his teammates. True to his new city’s reputation as a culinary mecca, you will often find Rekhtman in a white coat by day, and a white apron on the weekend with his teammates. After all, in the words of Rekhtman, “who doesn’t love french toast on a Sunday morning!” 13 | ODK Sigma Circle THE LEADER
The Show Must Go On: How Student Organizations Adapted Through the Pandemic By Sarah Shapiro ‘22
On March 12, 2020, the university announced a two week spring break due to community transmission of COVID-19 in Maryland. Students were sent home early as a result to isolate themselves in their homes. Due to this, many campus organizations had to put their events on hold and/or cancel it. Before the pandemic, organizations would hold events in-person to engage their members and help other students find their niche on campus. With the barriers the pandemic posed on campus organizations, they had to adapt to these changes in order to engage students in a virtual setting. One of the organizations on campus affected by the pandemic was the PrePharmacy Society. Danielle Doan recalls the pandemic shutdown, saying that it “took [the executive board board] by surprise”. As a result of the pandemic shutdown, she mentioned that an information session with Shenandoah University Bernard J. Dunn School of Pharmacy had to be cancelled. Despite that, she said that the board “had to make some adjustments in order to maintain our commitment to provide our members resources to guide them through their pharmacy career.” One of the adjustments was modifying the membership requirements and introducing two virtual events. After the spring 2020 semester, Danielle became president of the Pre-Pharmacy Society and helped lead the executive board members to strive as an organization from the Fall 2020 semester to today. Another organization affected by the pandemic was Student Entertainment Events (SEE). Reines Maliksi, the 2021-2022 SEE President, mentioned that the SEE executive board “were so excited to bring all those events to life and many were in the works, such as Art Attack 2020, our annual drag show, and more, but unfortunately the pandemic kept us from doing so.” Even though these events were cancelled, Reines praised her fellow executive board members for adapting to the pandemic immediately after the campus shutdown with their dedication to the organization. “We knew that it was important for us to continue our programming and give students various
opportunities to have fun, especially during that difficult time.” They were able to do virtual events such as DIY tutorials and game shows throughout the Spring 2020 semester. Despite all the barriers they had to face due to the pandemic shutdown, they have been able to adapt by hosting mainly Zoom events and some in-person events when students were allowed to return to campus for the 2020-2021 school year. Danielle was able to showcase guest speakers from pharmacy schools across the country for Pre-Pharmacy Society meetings as well as community service and shadowing opportunities for members to partake in. Danielle said that the online events have “allowed for [the executive board] and our members to network with professionals we typically wouldn’t be able to.” SEE mostly programmed virtual events and followed 4 Maryland guidelines for the events that were in-person. Reines said that “the executive board really began thinking out of the box and came up with such unique and amazing ideas, such as drag bingo, a voice actor comedy series, and more.” They also were able to bring back events such as the Homecoming Comedy Show and Art Attack during the 2020-2021 school year. At the same time, they were able to be cost-effective with their money to make impactful events on campus. Now that organizations have resumed to more in-person events due to COVID-19 vaccine requirements and other 4 Maryland guidelines, both Danielle and Reines as well as their respective executive boards have learned valuable lessons throughout the pandemic. For the Pre-Pharmacy Society, they have been able to utilize resources that have not been accessible previously such as listening to speakers from across the country. For SEE on the other hand, Reines reflected on the teamwork and communication from the executive board. “Although the past year and a half hasn’t been easy, I think it’s been a good time to reflect on SEE’s legacy and assess how we want to move forward. The pandemic has undoubtedly made the board closer than ever despite the circumstances and overall strengthened our skills.” One of the phrases that best reflects the journey many organizations had to take is “the show must go on”. This phrase means that despite all the hardships that are faced, one must continue to move forward with whatever they intend to do. Despite the challenges both organizations faced during the pandemic, they have been able to strive and utilize the pandemic to provide more innovative events for students on campus. THE LEADER ODK Sigma Circle | 14
Bro Terps to Pro Terps: National Champions Ben and Matt Di Rosa Speak on Leadership as Student Athletes By Daisy Yu ‘22
With the 25th and 44th pick of the 2021 MLS Superdraft, Matt and Ben Di Rosa, respectively, became the 48th and 49th Terps to be selected in the history of the draft and the first ever set of twins. Members of the 2018 Men’s Soccer National Championship team, the Di Rosas’ were not only successful on the field, but also standouts in the classroom, both earning All-Big Ten Academic selections three times. For their accomplishments, they were selected and inducted into Omicron Delta Kappa - Sigma Circle at the University of Maryland, a prestigious leadership honor society, and forever memorialized on the ODK Fountain on McKeldin Mall.
Matt and Ben Di Rosa celebrated a lot of success on the field with the Maryland Terrapins Men’s Soccer team.
Being a student-athlete is an experience that most people at the University of Maryland will never experience. With days that often start at 8 a.m. and end 12 hours later, these students must balance their academics, extracurriculars, and personal lives, while participating in hours of physically demanding activities, travel, and high pressure environments. It requires great time management skills and commitment, says Matt Di Rosa. “I knew the importance of living a balanced lifestyle and truly wanted to optimize my time, so I was always thinking about how I could manage my schedule in a way that left me time for everything.” To ensure that they were able to balance multiple involvements, most things needed to be planned well in advance. Thankfully, the University of Maryland athletic department provides access to valuable resources to aid their student-athletes through the transition from high school to the university. Ben says of their freshmen year, “Study hall and weekly meetings with academic advisors were mandatory during that first semester, so we quickly learned important 15 | ODK Sigma Circle THE LEADER
lessons about time management. Routine makes a world of difference, so my schedule rarely changed when it came to practice, schoolwork, and meals. I ate and worked at the same times each day, so I knew exactly which times I would be available for social activities or self-care activities.” For Ben Di Rosa, leadership was something he learned by watching and interacting with other people, especially NBA star LeBron James. He admires James not only for his success, but also his determination to do things the right way and give back to the community, the latter of which Ben views as the ultimate sign of an effective leader. “A leader is only effective when they act authentically,” Di Rosa says, “So it is important not to sacrifice authenticity for the sake of being viewed as a leader.” By finding his own leadership style, he was able to be a better leader on and off the field at Maryland. Matt Di Rosa values leading through action. Inky Johnson, a former football player turned motivational speaker due to an injury that prematurely ended his career, inspires Matt to embrace every challenge and give 100% to everything he does. Recalling his freshman year, Matt states that although it was difficult not getting any playing time, he remained supportive of his teammates, which ended up being a very rewarding experience. His patience paid off and he was given opportunities to be a starter throughout his remaining time with Maryland. Matt advises other student-athletes to communicate with teammates and coaches in times of need as his experience has shown him the importance of teamwork and interpersonal skills in leadership. “In every team, organization, or group of people, people are going to respond differently to different types of leadership. It’s important to get to know the people around you so that you know how they prefer to communicate,” he says. By getting to know others, Matt Di Rosa gained the skills to help him make a positive impact on his team and within the wider UMD community. These lessons are valuable beyond the university level, say both Di Rosas. With professional soccer, although there is more free-time compared to college soccer, the locker room dynamics are more intense as the sport now involves people’s livelihoods and, of course, money. However, the brothers have found the transition relatively easy after their time at UMD. Ben says, “My experience as a student-athlete was one that was spent in an environment that was more competitive than the average collegiate environment, so I feel that I am more comfortable at navigating interpersonal dynamics that can sometimes be intense and
stressful.” Similarly, Matt finds time-management to be easier at the professional level compared to college. Leaders among leaders may be a difficult thing to quantify at times, but it is clear that the Di Rosa brothers embody this motto through their dedication to academics, athletics, and the people around them from their time as student-athletes to current professionals.
The MLS Superdraft may have taken Matt and Ben Di Rosa to different cities, but they’ll always have a home at the University of Maryland. THE LEADER ODK Sigma Circle | 16
PLEASE CONSIDER MAKING A GIFT TO ODK Your support of Omicron Delta Kappa will not only help offset the cost of honoring the university’s best and brightest students, but will support the educational and leadership development programs that ODK sponsors, including the ODK Lecture Series, ODK Scholarships, and awards, like the annual Col. J. Logan Schutz Leader of the Year award. Click here to give to the ODK Discretionary Fund or send a check, made payable to the University of Maryland, College Park Foundation, to: Brooke Lecky Supple Circle Coordinator Omicron Delta Kappa Sigma Circle 7999 Regents Drive 2108 Clarence Mitchell Building College Park, MD 20742 CONSIDER SUPPORTING THE ODK SIGMA CIRCLE WITH A CORPORATE SPONSORSHIP! Sponsorship benefits include the opportunity to network with ODK members and alumni, speaking opportunities, recognition at ceremonies and receptions, tabling at signature UMD events, brand awareness in our online media, and invitations to our programs. Please contact us for more information: Lydia Nicholson, Associate Director for Development & External Relations 301-314-1336 | lydian@umd.edu 17 | ODK Sigma Circle THE LEADER
STEWARD OF THE FOUNTAIN SOCIETY 2012-2013 ODK Executive Officers 2014-2015 ODK Executive Officers 2016-2017 ODK Executive Officers 2018-2019 ODK Executive Officers Adam Chepenik Alden Gross Ann Tatsios Mowrey Barry Gossett Bob Stumpff Brian Bayly and Susan Bayly Brooke Supple and Matt Supple Bruce J. Winter Carl Tretter Caroline Carrick Pisano D. Stuart Bowers Dawn Nichols Deven McGraw Devin Ellis Dru Bagwell Eric S. Francis Eric Young and Julia Young Hillary Cherry Mintz and Doug Mintz James E. Bond James Osteen James Rychner Jason Ward and Joana Ward Jeff Hathaway Joan Meixner Joel Willcher Joseph Tydings
Kelly Kish Kenneth Brown Kevin Kruger and Lisa Hanson Khalil Pettus Kyle Beardsley Lance Governale Lee Thornton Marc Greenberg Marc Solomon Mark Sobel Michael Freiman Nick Kovalakides Norman M. Wereley Paul Mandell and Lisa Mandell Phil Aronson Phil Livingston Phil Schneider and Joyce Schneider Philip Rever Rick Jaklitsch Sara Brooks Sue Briggs Susan Wachs Goldberg and Bob Goldberg Terry Flannery Terry Zacker and John Zacker The Honorable Gordon England The Kenny Family Wayne Willoughby and Gail Smelkinson Willoughby William Fourney Zimri Diaz
Steward Spotlight Sara Brooks, MD graduated from Maryland in 1999 with a Bachelor of Science in Cell Biology. She did not set out to be a Terp, but after receiving the prestigious Banneker Key scholarship, it was too great of an opportunity to pass up. Before Brooks attended medical school, she became a double Terp, earning her Master of Science in Management Organization in 2000. During her undergraduate experience, Sara was heavily involved in the University Student Judiciary. She had an interest in ethics, and the judiciary enabled her to put her interest into action. She was a flautist in the Mighty Sound of Maryland Marching Band, an experience she values greatly years later. In 1998, she was inducted into ODK expanding her leadership and commitment to giving back to the broader UMD community. In addition to her extracurriculars as a student, she was invited by the President’s Office to help shape the vision of UMD. She is proud to look at UMD today and see the many recommendations come to fruition on which she and her fellow student leaders worked so hard. Unsurprisingly, Brooks today is a successful dermatologist and committed to giving back to her community and those who helped her along the way. As a practicing physician in Rockville and Gaithersburg, she is committed to remaining a physician who accepts Medicaid, volunteers for Project Access, and completes free skin checks for Congressional and State Delegate staffers. Brooks sums up her past, present, and future at UMD by saying, “you can do anything and be anything at Maryland.” Brooks became a Steward of Fountain in 2020 in order to support the campus and community which enabled her success today. Thanks to the support of Brooks and all of Stewards, as Terps we can confront the daunting global challenges with bold and fearless solutions. THE LEADER ODK Sigma Circle | 18
Alumni Updates In July 2021, the University of Maryland Alumni Association welcomed Jeffrey Rivest ‘75 to serve as its next President of the Alumni Association Board of Governors. In their role, the Board of Governors provide foresight, oversight and insight that guides the Association in its mission to connect, cultivate and channel the power of its 388,000+ alums around the world to enrich themselves and advance the university. Rivest received his bachelor of science degree from the university as well as a masters degree in hospital administration from George Washington University. He has served on numerous corporate and non-profit boards, and after 40 years in hospital administration, including senior roles at Johns Hopkins Hospital, Georgetown University Medical Center and The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, he retired in 2016 after serving 11 years as President and CEO of the University of Maryland Medical Center. A Pennsylvania resident, Rivest has a deep connection with the university, serving as a member of the College Park Foundation Board of Trustees for six years and chairing a $20 million campaign for the School of Public Health, where he serves on the Dean’s Council and was recognized with the Distinguished Terrapin Award in 2019. Rivest has co-chaired annual fundraising efforts for the Phi Delta Theta fraternity at the university and has served on the Alumni Association’s board for the past three years. He and his wife established the Jeffrey and Michelle Rivest-Dean’s Council Maryland Promise Scholarship, the first through the Clark Challenge for the Maryland Promise Program to target students in the School of Public Health.
In Memoriam Thomas V. Mike Miller, Jr. passed away on January 15, 2021 at the age of 79. Mike was a “Double Terp’’ having graduated in 1964 with a B.S. in Business Administration and in 1967 with a law degree from the University of Maryland School of Law. He was inducted into ODK in the Spring of 1985. Throughout his many years of service and advocacy, Mike was considered to be “a pillar of Maryland government.” Mike would continue to be a fierce advocate for higher education and played a key role in designating College Park as the state’s flagship campus. Mike will be remembered for his unwavering pursuit of service to the great State of Maryland and the world.
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