The Key November 5, 2010 Edition

COMMUNICATION

IS

A newsletter for UNIVERSITY of MARYLAND EASTERN SHORE students, faculty, staff, alumni and friends

THE November 5, 2010

CIRCLING

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NSF funds UMES research for marine science The National Paul S. Sarbanes Coastal Ecology Center Photo by Jim Glovier Science Foundation has awarded UMES a five-year $5 million grant to establish a Center for Research Excellence in Science and Technology (CREST).

The money will pay for research and educational activities in marine science conducted at the university’s Paul S. Sarbanes Coastal Ecology Center near Assateague Island.

Center Director Paulinus Chigbu’s research team will focus on the impact human activities, particularly land use, and climate change have on coastal bays and lagoons along southern Delmarva’s Atlantic coast.

“We want to understand how both factors are influencing marine ecological systems,” Chigbu said.

Researchers will be looking for causes of the degradation of water quality, including the growth of harmful algae and the depletion of oxygen – all factors that have major effects on various forms of marine life.

“Recent data from the Maryland Department of Natural Resources suggest historic levels of dissolved oxygen in the (state’s) coastal lagoons,”

Verizon Foundation grants UMES $50,000 for teacher education

Kim Dumpson J.D., director of alumni affairs and planned giving at UMES, accepts a check for $50,000 from William R. Roberts, president of Verizon Maryland and D.C to establish the Verizon 21st Century Scholars program at the university.

INSIDE

Page 2 College Fair Donor Reception

said Chigbu, a UMES professor of environmental sciences. “This makes our work very timely.”

CREST calls its project the Center for the Integrated Study of Coastal Ecosystem Processes and Dynamics in the MidAtlantic Region. In addition to observing, measuring and modeling “the effects of land use and climate change on the mid-Atlantic coastal ecosystems,” researchers will: • Provide training for undergraduate and graduate students, and high school students and teachers.

• Improve infrastructure for research and education in marine and environmental sciences.

• Increase public awareness of the relationship between humans and the coastal environment.

Of particular interest to the UMES research team is how low oxygen levels are affecting fish populations, including the Atlantic croaker, and deadly parasites that attack blue crabs. continued on page 7

Future educators at UMES will benefit from valuable technology-based training and internships through a $50,000 grant from the Verizon Foundation to establish the Verizon 21st Century Scholars program at the university.

Interns in the university’s Teacher Education Program can qualify for Verizon’s Thinkfinity training through Maryland Public Television. Thinkfinity makes available free, engaging educational resources for teachers to spark their students’ interest and improve student achievement. Following the training, the qualified participants will complete internships in grades pre-K-12 in Caroline, Somerset, Wicomico and Worcester counties.

William R. Roberts, Verizon’s president in Maryland and Washington, D.C., and a 2003 UMES honorary degree recipient sees the gift as an opportunity to give back to his native Eastern Shore.

“At Verizon, we feel it’s important to provide future teachers with state-of-the-art tools needed to educate tomorrow’s leaders,” Roberts said. “At the same time, we’re providing access and opportunity to these same educators, who might have the aptitude and the skill, but not the financial resources to finance their college education.”

Kimberly Dumpson J.D., director of alumni affairs and planned giving, UMES, said, “It’s a double-win situation.

Our students will receive training and scholarships toward their tuition. The students, in turn, will take what they learn and incorporate it into their classroom instruction.”

Dr. Karen Verbeke, chair of UMES’ Department of Education and director of Teacher Education, said, “It is the expectation that these scholars will learn to use technology, particularly Thinkfinity, to create lesson plans that enhance one-to-one interaction between the teacher and the student. We are grateful for the generosity of Verizon

Page 3 Coronation Reddick Receives CFRM

continued on page 3 Page 4 Choir Performs Concert Wind Ensemble Concert Campaign for Excellence

Page 5 Ethnic Festival Community Service Project

Page 6 Athletics WeeHawks

Page 7 Music Fund Created USDA Visits UMES

Page 8 Coastal Clean-up Calendar of Events

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UNIVERSITY of MARYLAND EASTERN SHORE

Activity on UMES’ campus takes on a new fervor Tuesday, Nov. 9, when buses roll in from high schools in and out of the area delivering some 1,500 juniors and seniors to the ninth annual Tri-County College Fair. The event takes place from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the William P. Hytche Athletic Center.

“This is our (UMES’) chance to provide a valuable service to the community, a one-stop shop for options in higher education,” said Tyrone Young, director, admissions and recruitment. “Prospective college students and their parents can speak to college recruiters from all over the country, saving them the time and money it would take to travel to them.”

Young says attending a college fair locally was an opportunity that he didn’t have when he was a senior at Pocomoke High School. The UMES event is now the largest college fair on the lower Eastern Shore.

“UMES wanted to provide area students with an event comparable to their peers in metropolitan areas,” Young said.

More than 90 colleges representing a variety of niches in higher education will participate. Specialty institutions such as Johnson & Wales University (hotel

and restaurant management), the Pittsburgh Institute of Aeronautics and the West Virginia Institute of Technology have responded along with military institutions such as the U.S. Coast Guard Academy and the Valley Forge Military College.

Religious-based colleges attending are Messiah College, Methodist University and Moravian College.

Some of the private colleges Photo by Jim Glovier represented will be High Point University, Hood College, McDaniel College, Southern Vermont, Saint Augustine’s College and Washington College. Among the public institutions participating include Frostburg State University, Salisbury University, Shepherd University, Towson State University, University of North Carolina at Greensboro, West Chester University and West Virginia University.

“Of course, it’s also a good way for local students to come on the campus at UMES for the first time and see what we have to offer local students,” Young said. Several UMES departments will exhibit their unique fields of study, he said.

For more information about the free event, call 410-651-6411 or email tyoung@umes.edu.

UMES sponsors Tri-County College Fair

Reception honors UMES donors Environmental health major Courtnee dePass brought smiles to the faces of those who gathered at the Richard A. Henson Center for the 2010 President’s Recognition Reception.

“Coming to UMES,” the sophomore from Jamaica said, “has been the best decision I have ever made.”

Beaming from a table not far away was another native of Jamaica – UMES President Thelma B. Thompson. Thompson was host of the annual event to thank donors who support the university with major gifts.

The event featured moving speeches by a loyal supporter, pharmacist Jeff Sherr of Salisbury, and a new donor with deep family ties to UMES, Dr. Sarah Miles Woods of Crisfield.

Dr. Woods spoke eloquently of how Princess Anne Academy, one of the university’s early names, provided her parents an education when blacks struggled to find a place to study.

Dr. Woods, a retired chemist who did her undergraduate studies at North Carolina A&T University, is honoring the memory of her parents, who met at UMES, by donating $50,000 to establish a scholarship in their names. The gift will be used to support undergraduates who study science, technology, engineering, agriculture, math or human ecology.

“We have great pride in your stellar academic program,” Dr. Woods said of the university.

She was followed to the lectern by Sherr, the owner of Apple Drugs. He also spoke of the challenges of growing up in family of modest means where his parents also valued a college education for their children. Sherr described how he became excited after learning UMES was launching a Doctor of Pharmacy program.

“I believe in pharmacy as a career,” he said, “And I believe in my local community.” UMES, he said, touched both interests at the same time. “I’m doing my job (making a donation)… that’s in my heart,” Sherr said of the $25,000 he contributed to support pharmacy scholarships.

Photo by Jim Glovier

Pictured, left to right, at the President’s Recognition Reception for donors are Sarah Miles Woods, a recent donor; Jordan Truitt, a scholarship recipient; President Thelma B. Thompson; Courtnee dePass, a scholarship recipient; and Jeffrey Sherr, a donor.

The evening, however, belonged to two Richard A. Henson Honors Program Scholars – Courtnee dePass and Jordan Truitt of Crisfield.

Truitt’s exuberance for her time at UMES was infectious. The junior said enrolling at UMES “opened doors for me” and has provided a rich experience inside and outside the classroom.

An honors student in the Hotel Restaurant Management program, Truitt’s goal is owning and operating a restaurant.

“There’s a sense of family here,” Truitt said after the reception. “I made the right decision coming to UMES” DePass echoed Truitt’s assessment. “Everyone wants to work together and see you succeed. It means a lot for me to be here studying in this country.

I am truly appreciative of everything that I have,” she said.

Gains Hawkins, UMES’ vice president for institutional advancement, characterized the past year of fundraising as encouraging in spite of difficult economic times. His staff’s goal is to raise $14 million in donations and gifts

by June 30, 2011. He announced at the reception that the university is within five percent of reaching that milestone.

Thanking the donors, Hawkins said, “You ground us; you remember us; you support us.”

UMES PEOPLE

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UNIVERSITY of MARYLAND EASTERN SHORE

Mr. and Miss. UMES crowned during Parents’ Weekend

Rashida Beckford, left, and Drake Winkey were crowned Mr. and Miss UMES at a recent coronation ceremony.

The Imperial Court, from left to right, are: Mr. Senior Anthony Farrar, a biology (pre-med) major from Prince George’s County; Miss Senior Denisha Ford, a human ecology (fashion merchandising) major from Washington, D.C.; Mr. Junior Anthony Wise, an English (telecommunications) major from Williamstown, N.J.; Miss Junior Chatriece Lawson, a physician’s assistant major from Princess Anne; Mr. Sophomore Paul Jerry, an English major from Washington, D.C.; and Miss Sophomore Taylor Hawkins, a professional golf management major from Washington, D.C.

Drake Winkey, a criminal justice major from Baltimore, and Rashida Beckford, a human ecology major from St. Andrew, Jamaica, were recently crowned Mr. and Miss UMES at a ceremony during Parents’ Weekend. The 2010 event marked a 78-year-old tradition.

“I saw it as an opportunity to give back to the institution that has given me so much,” said Winkey. “I look forward to acting as a liaison between the male students on campus, the SGA, and administration and representing the university when I go to other campuses for functions.”

Beckford said that during her reign, she intends to uphold the mission of the university and demonstrate “Hawk Pride.” She listed the “actualization to be a role model to my peers” as one of the most meaningful aspects of her duties as Miss UMES. Her goal for the year is to create a support network and to “give a voice to female students so that they can be the best that they

Reddick receives CFRM certification Chenita Reddick, director of advancement services at the University of Maryland Eastern Shore, recently received the Certified Fundraising Manager (CFRM) credential from The Center on Philanthropy at Indiana University.

Photo by Jim Glovier The accomplishment is a first at UMES. “I sought this certification to add validity to the job I perform as a fundraising manager—making sure that the funds coming in to the institution are being used ethically, responsibly and as donors wish,” said Reddick.

It is a job, she says, that is as equally important as going out and “getting the dollars.”

VERIZON continued from cover

in providing this opportunity to our UMES interns.”

Thinkfinity contains web-based lesson plans, in-class activities and videos in eight academic disciplines all of which can be found by searching the site by grade level, keyword or subject.

“It gets teachers and students to expand their horizons via technology to think ‘outside of the box’ and break the boundaries and routine of textbook instruction,” Dumpson said.

Content for Thinkfinity is provided through a partnership between the Verizon Foundation and 11 of the nation’s leading organizations in the fields of

Photos by Alverne Chesterfield

can be.”

Originally that of homecoming queen, the role of Miss UMES has evolved into that of a university ambassador, student role model and recruiter. Mr. UMES was added in the late 90s along with an Imperial Court to assist her in her duties. They represent the university at academic and social events throughout the year.

Mr. and Miss UMES are already off to a productive start having attended and sponsored several events. One of their first was a “Back to School” reception for area youth at the Garland Hayward Center. The event featured a BBQ, Step Show and giveaways of school supplies.

Reddick says the coursework includes all of the components of fundraising, such as major gifts, planned giving and interpersonal communication—duties handled by colleagues in the university’s Department of Institutional Advancement.

“I fully understand, now, what fundraisers face when they are sitting in front of a potential donor, particularly in this economic climate,” she said.

“I’ve learned how important it is to cultivate a donor’s affinity for an organization and make them comfortable knowing how their gifts will be administered.”

Reddick has been employed at the university for 15 years, five of which have been with Institutional Advancement as director. She maintains the donor database and works closely with faculty and staff to receive funds, and accurately code and process gifts in accordance with the University System of Maryland Foundation and other guidelines. education and literacy: the American Association for the Advancement of Science, Council for Economic Education, International Reading Association, The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, National Center for Family Literacy, National Endowment for the Humanities, National Council of Teachers of English, National Council of Teachers of Mathematics, National Geographic Society, ProLiteracy and the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History.

To learn more about the Verizon 21st Century Scholars program at UMES or to contribute to the UMES Campaign for Academic Excellence—a seven– year, $14 million commitment to raise funds for student scholarships—contact Dumpson at 410-651-7686.

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UMES Concert Choir performs annual event

Photo by Jim Glovier

As crisp and clear as the autumn sky, the voices of the University of Maryland Eastern Shore Concert Choir will ring through the Ella Fitzgerald Center for the Performing Arts on Nov. 14, at 4 p.m. at one of the few public performances music enthusiasts can hear in the choir’s home venue.

That’s not to say choir members aren’t swirling in a vortex of activity with daily and sectional rehearsals, a myriad of campus performances and at private events in the region.

This semester’s line up has already taken two members to the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C., to perform at the “105 Voices of History” as part of National Historically Black Colleges and Universities Week.

Thirty voices strong, the UMES choir will take part in the Inter-Collegiate Music Association Choral Festival, an event open to the public and slated for Sunday, Nov. 7, at Norfolk State University’s Douglass Wilder Center for the Performing Arts. It also performs at a reception for the world movie premiere of “The Lost River,” the untold story of Delmarva’s own Anna Ella Carroll, “the unrecognized member of Lincoln’s cabinet, Saturday, Nov. 20, at the Hyatt resort in Cambridge, Md.

UMES Staff and Faculty Campaign for Academic Excellence

High 5 f or $5

If everyone made a $5 contribution or more to either the annual scholarship fund or another existing endowment fund within a particular school or division, a difference could be made in the lives of our deserving students.

Let’s strive for 100 percent participation.

Please submit pledge cards by Dec. 6. Direct any questions to Dr. Veronique Diriker at Ext. 8142.

“This fall’s concert promises to be a particularly enjoyable one,” Dr. Sheila McDonald Harleston, conductor of the choir, said.

The concert features returning guest artist Gregory Gardner, a baritone from Portsmouth, Va., and faculty member at Hampton University, and new to the UMES Gregory Gardner stage—Aundi Moore, a young mezzo soprano originally from Chesapeake, Va., now living in Bowie, Md. “I always look forward to coming to the Eastern Shore,” said Gardner, and lists UMES and area hospitality as “warm and gracious.”

“Choir members and audiences in past performances at UMES have expressed an appreciation for Mr. Gardner’s talent,” said Harleston. “He is a very dedicated and professional artist.”

Aundi Moore “Ms. Moore has become one of America’s leading sopranos,” Harleston said. “She has received numerous awards nationally and internationally, particularly in the Washington, D.C., area. We look forward to her performance here on the Eastern Shore.”

Harleston said the choir will share experiences from its 2010 Spring Tour, which took students to St. Thomas and St. John, V.I. Featured music includes Bach, Berger, Burleigh, Nystedt, Swingle, Mann, Powell, Haywood and Johnson.

A tribute to veterans in recognition of Veteran’s Day rounds out the event schedule.

The event is free and open to the public. For more information about the annual concert, or to purchase a CD of the UMES Concert Choir, contact 410651-6574 or 410-651-6571.

Fall concert features UMES Wind Ensemble and Concert Band Music to the ears, the UMES Wind Ensemble and Concert Band perform their annual fall concert on Thursday, Nov. 18, at 7 p.m. in the Ella Fitzgerald Center for the Performing Arts. Wind Ensemble arrangements and holiday favorites fill the program “One of the pieces that I’m excited about is “Danzas Cubanas” by Robert Sheldon,” said Dr. John R. Lamkin, UMES director of bands. “There are three original dance-like movements celebrating the joy and energy of Afro-Cuban music. It’s very rhythmic and provides an excellent multi-cultural music experience.”

The 30-member instrumental group will also perform an arrangement of Scott Joplin’s “The Strenuous Life,” which Lamkin describes as “a ragtime two-step piece transcribed for band by Alfred Reed.” Another arrangement, “Concertino” by Carl Maria von Webber, is a piece written for solo clarinet with band accompaniment. It will feature senior music education major Talisa Moore.

The evening’s program culminates with holiday favorites including “Winter Wonderland,” “I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day” and “Let it Snow.” John Philip Sousa’s “Hail to the Spirit of Liberty” concludes the event.

The concert is free and open to the public. For more information, call 410-651-6571.

AMPUS

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AND EASTERN SHORE

UMES students from around the globe celebrate culture at

Ethnic Festival Representing more than and Tobacco and Zimbabwe.

50 different countries, a “I think the opportunity to contingent of international live in a melting pot community students at UMES will join in the allows me to not only grow national observance of academically, but develop International Education Week, personally by engaging in Nov. 15–20, with an Ethnic conversations and events with Festival, open to the campus community and the general public.

The festival takes place on Thursday, Nov. 18, from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. in the Student UMES President Thelma B. Thompson, left, is shown with a group of the Services Center Ballroom. The university’s international students. Photo by Jim Glovier event features an exhibition of cultural artifacts, demonstrations of dancing students from different and modeling in traditional country attire, and a sampling of authentic backgrounds,” said Daniel Muchai, foods. a UMES junior who grew up in “International Education Week provides us the opportunity to learn and Nairobi, Kenya. embrace the uniqueness and similarities of countries around the globe,” International Education Week Jamaican students serve samples of ethnic cuisine at last year’s Ethnic said Dr. Sarah Acquah, director of the Center for International Education at is a joint initiative of the U.S. Festival. Photo by Matthew Whittiker the university. “That view can be instilled in our youth, our future leaders, to Department of State and U.S. become more effective leaders in the 21st century.”

Department of Education designed to promote Global Education in the U.S. UMES has more than 200 international students from over 50 different and abroad to encourage global competency and competitiveness. This countries. A few are: Austria, Antigua, Argentina, Bolivia, Bahamas, year’s theme is: “International Education: Striving for a Sustainable Future.”

Bermuda, Canada, Cameroon, Chad, China, Congo, Ecuador, Egypt, England, “I am glad I came to UMES because of the friends I have made,” said Ethiopia, France, Gabon, Haiti, India, Jamaica, Kenya, Korea, Malawi, Jaime Whyte, a UMES junior and native of Jamaica. “They really go out of Mexico, Nepal, New Zealand, Nigeria, Pakistan, Peru, Sri Lanka, Trinidad their way to make me feel at home.”

Community Service Project provides holiday meals

Philip Thomas, left, and Clifton Harcum, right, both of the Office of Residence Life, coordinate student volunteers distributing boxes filled with the makings of Thanksgiving dinner for Somerset County residents in need.

A UMES community service project looks to area businesses to help present some 300 needy families in Somerset County with a Thanksgiving dinner.

Building on an effort that brought 100 families a holiday meal last year, two area directors in the Office of Residence Life at the university, Clifton Harcum and Phillip Thomas, are working with the Somerset County Department of Social Services, local churches and other organizations to identify residents of the county in need of assistance.

Harcum called last year’s inaugural event a huge success. “It was inspiring to see all of the businesses and organizations that contributed food, as well as all of the student volunteers and volunteers from the Maryland Food

Bank who helped with assembling and distributing the baskets to families,” said Harcum. “UMES is here to help—this is our community, too!”

Families that receive a voucher and instructions from an area agency or organization can pick up a basket of donated food items, said Thomas. Food will not be served.

“The smiles that we saw as family members received their dinner basket last Thanksgiving were priceless,” said Thomas. “With the expanded effort this holiday season, we expect to see even more.”

Businesses and organizations interested in donating can contact Harcum at 410-621-0497 or by emailing chharcum@umes.edu or Thomas at 410651-8306 or by emailing pmthomas@umes.edu.

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ATHLETICS

The Key / November 5, 2010

UNIVERSITY of MARYLAND EASTERN SHORE

UMES announces radio broadcast partners for men’s and women’s basketball 2010-2011 season 95.9 The Sports Animal will have men’s basketball, 540 AM WGOP will have women’s UMES athletics is proud to announce the new partners of the Hawks Radio Network. 95.9 The Sports Animal will be the new home for all men’s basketball games this season, plus, Hawks women’s basketball returns to Timeless Classics WGOP 540 AM and 100.7 FM. “We feel that these two stations are great homes for Hawks basketball,” said Assistant Athletic Director G. Stan Bradley, “We hope fans enjoy hearing Hawk athletics on these outstanding local stations.”

This year’s men’s basketball games will feature a studio show for pregame, halftime and postgame.

The show will feature game analysis, interviews and score updates for fans.

All basketball games will be available online courtesy of All-In Broadcasting. Video feed will be provided for home games online as well. These can be accessed by going to umeshawks.com.

Frankie Allen, Bret Lasky and Dave Vatz preview the upcoming season Bret Lasky returns as the voice of the Hawks for during the recent Hawk Hysteria. Photos by Joey Gardner his second season and will call play-by-play for all men’s basketball and most women’s basketball contests. Lasky currently season for all the Hawks fans on the Eastern Shore and beyond," said Lasky.

Dave Vatz joins the Hawks Radio Network as the studio host for men’s serves as the director of broadcasting and graphic design for the nearby basketball and backup play-by-play. Vatz serves as UMES’ broadcaster for Delmarva Shorebirds.

"I am really looking forward to broadcasting UMES basketball again this volleyball and baseball and has called sports games for numerous teams throughout the state of Maryland.

David Byrd also returns as the Hawks color analyst for his seventh season. Coach Byrd is one of the winningest high school coaches in Maryland, including earning a state championship. He serves as the athletic director of Pocomoke High School.

95.9 The Sports Animal is a 25,000 watt sports station based in Salisbury and owned by ClearChannel. Their broadcast signal can be reached in Ocean City and Dover, Del. ClearChannel was the original home of Hawks basketball and rejoins for an eighth season with UMES. “Coach Frankie Allen has done a great job of turning the program around,” said Randy Scott, program director of 95.9, “and we are excited to add UMES men’s basketball to The Sports Animal.”

Timeless Classics WGOP 540 AM is a 500 watt station based in Pocomoke City that will simulcast games on 100.7 FM. The radio station has been in operation since 1955 and returns as the home of Hawks women’s basketball.

WGOP will also be the home of Hawks baseball in the spring.

“We are glad to be back on 540 AM, we have a great relationship with Pictured are some of the benefits of being a member of one of the the station and they have a great reputation of broadcasting current local university’s latest programs, WeeHawks, a fan club for youth eighth programming and filling the needs of the community,” said Bradley. grade and younger. For an annual fee of $20, members receive: a The first broadcast will be on Tuesday, Nov. 9 at 6 p.m. on WGOP 540 AM certificate of membership and identification card, an official as the UMES women’s basketball team plays their exhibition contest against WeeHawks T-shirt, an activity book, team posters and schedule cards, free admission to men’s and women’s basketball games, a Wesley in Princess Anne. The first broadcast on 95.9 The Sports Animal will birthday card from Harry the Hawk, an invitation to Harry’s birthday be when UMES men’s basketball plays their first game on Friday, Nov. 12 at 7 and more. The club is an activity of the UMES Foundation. Download p.m. as they host Tulane. The women’s first official game will be Sunday, Nov. an application by visiting umeshawks.com. For more information about WeeHawks, call 410-651-7686 or email WeeHawks@umes.edu.

15 at 3 p.m. when UMBC comes to Princess Anne.

WeeHawks

SCHOOL NEWS

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UNIVERSITY of MARYLAND EASTERN SHORE

Alumna creates fund for music program

Clarice J. Michaels

John T. Williams

Kathleen Talbert, Class of 1951, recently established the Clarice J. Michaels Fund with a $10,000 gift in memory of the former head of the Music Department Clarice J. Michaels and Dr. John Taylor Williams, president of Maryland State College from 1947 to 1970.

Talbert, a music major while at the university, wanted her mentor, Dr. Michaels, “to be remembered, even if only by a few.” Her reverence for the president of the university during her undergraduate years motivated her to honor Dr. Williams as well.

“This fund is unique because it provides much-needed operational support to the Music Division within the Department of Fine Arts,” said Kimberly Dumpson J.D., director of alumni affairs and planned giving.

“It is a wonderful gift that goes a long way in providing the necessary supplies and equipment benefiting the Music Division and the students,” said Dr. John Lamkin music coordinator.

Talbert is a resident of East Orange, N.J. According to Dumpson, the fund is open to receive additional gifts. For more information, contact Dumpson at 410-651-7686 or by emailing kdumpson@umes.edu.

USDA representatives visit university U.S. Department of Agriculture representatives visited UMES prior to last week’s meeting of the USDA/1890 Task Force in Washington, D.C, which President Thelma B. Thompson attended. They underscored USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack’s commitment to: strengthen agency-higher education partnerships; develop close working relationships with 1890 universities and their presidents; solicit feedback from President Thompson about the current USDA/1890 partnership; and explore new collaborative activities, programs and initiatives between UMES and the federal government. Pictured left to right are: Mona Adkins-Easley, higher education institutions program lead, USDA Office of Advocacy and Outreach; Dr. Elisabeth Hagen, USDA undersecretary for food safety; President Thompson; Anderson Neal Jr., interim director, USDA Office of Advocacy and Outreach; Lisa Purnell, 1890 program manager of UMES’ Office of Advocacy and Outreach; and Dr. Emmanuel Acquah, senior executive assistant to Dr. Thompson and UMES’ executive director of international programs.

NSF continued from cover

“These projects will contribute to our understanding of the coastal environment and ways organisms respond to changes in environment,” Chigbu said. Research results will be shared with the Maryland Department of Natural Resources and the National Park Service, both collaborators on the project.

Chigbu said results also will be used to enhance undergraduate and graduate courses offered by project scientists not only at UMES but also Virginia Institute of Marine Science, Institute of Marine and Environmental Technology and Morgan State University.

An important aspect of the grant application was a pledge to nurture a diverse group of “the next generation of marine scientists,” Chigbu said.

The NSF grant will be used to underwrite training and financial support to eight graduate students, five undergraduates, one postdoctoral fellow, 10 high school teachers and five high school students. Chigbu estimates more than 200 high school students in the region could benefit from the research effort.

Students will work alongside CREST faculty on all phases of research; an experience Chigbu said should prepare them for careers in marine research.

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EVENTS

The Key / November 5, 2010

UNIVERSITY of MARYLAND EASTERN SHORE

UMES students assist in coastal clean-up

Arts

& Entertainment FALL 2010 CALENDAR *Unless stipulated, all events listed are FREE & OPEN TO THE PUBLIC. For more information, call 410-651-6669 or 410-651-6571.

NOVEMBER 4-6

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UMES FALL THEATER PRODUCTION* “God’s Trombones” 7:30-9:30 p.m. / Ella Fitzgerald Center for the Performing Arts UMES CONCERT CHOIR CONCERT 4 p.m. / Ella Fitzgerald Center for the Performing Arts

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WIND ENSEMBLE FALL CONCERT 7 p.m. / Ella Fitzgerald Center for the Performing Arts

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INTERNATIONAL STUDENT ETHNIC FESTIVAL 11 a.m. / Student Services Center Ballroom

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CHAMBER ENSEMBLE 7 p.m. / Student Services Center Theater FALL FAMILY RECITAL 11 a.m. / Ella Fitzgerald Center for the Performing Arts

This fall, members of the UMES community demonstrated their commitment to environmental stewardship. On Sept. 25, in conjunction with the National Coast Day celebration, a group of 19 students and faculty from the Living Marine Resources Cooperative Science Center and the Department of Natural Sciences at UMES assisted with a coastal clean-up at Assateague Island National Seashore.

“Though most of the trash removed consisted of bottles, food wrappers, fishing line and other expected debris, the group also found several unlikely items such as tires and an abandoned couch,” said Todd Christenson, program manager, LMRCSC. “Among the most interesting natural items found were a whale vertebrae and the shell of a loggerhead sea turtle that were turned over to the National Park Service.”

KEEP UMES BEAUTIFUL. PLEASE DON’T LITTER! For the latest news about UMES Athletics, check out Hawk Talk:

www.umeshawks.com G. Stan Bradley Assistant Director of Athletics for External Affairs/SID University of Maryland Eastern Shore, Department of Athletics W. P. Hytche Athletic Center, Princess Anne, MD 21853 Ph. 410-651-6499 Fax: 410-651-7514 The KEY is published by the Office of Public Relations in the Division of Institutional Advancement.

Editors Gains B. Hawkins, Vice President for Institutional Advancement William Robinson, Director of Public Relations Gail Stephens, Assistant Director of Public Relations Candice Evans, Public Relations Assistant Design by Debi Rus, Rus Design, Inc. Printed by The Hawk Copy Center Office of Public Relations Division of Institutional Advancement University of Maryland Eastern Shore 410-651-7580 / 410-651-7914 fax / www.umes.edu Submissions to The KEY are preferred via email: umesnews@umes.edu. All copy is subject to editing.

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