UMBC men’s soccer huddles up during semifinal game against Stony Brook.
βWeβre excited to be playing in another America East Championship. Itβs an honor to be playing in the game and our players have worked extremely hard to get there,β says Pete Caringi, head coach of the Retrievers for the past 28 years.
Last nightβs game followed on the heels of a nail-biting victory against University of Vermont on November 3. After 90 minutes of intense play, the Retrievers and the Catamounts stood unwavering at a 1-1 stalemate. UMBC missed the first penalty kick, increasing the tension on the field. Both teams made each subsequent goals, but UVM was denied their final shot thanks to goalkeeper Ciaran OβLoughlin β22. The Retrievers seized the opportunity and made good on their last goal attempt for a final score of 5-4.
UMBC’s Ciaran O’Loughlin celebrates a Retriever win over UVM.
The last time the Retrievers made an appearance in an America East Championship game in 2014, they walked away with the title. With yesterdayβs victory, the team has now advanced to the championship six times in the past decade. UMBC brought home the America East title three of those times, and hopes to add another championship to that list of achievements.
UMBC menβs soccer will travel to Durham and take on No. 2 New Hampshire on Sunday, November 11 at 2 p.m. Live streaming of the title game will be available on ESPN3. For the most up-to-date information, follow @UMBCAthletics on Twitter.
Game update: Despite a strong effort from the Retrievers, Sunday closed out the 2018 soccer season with New Hampshire winning their first America East title.
Banner image: UMBC men’s soccer senior night game. All images courtesy of athletic communications.
After honoring UMBC as one of the top ten universities in the nation for both teaching and innovation, U.S. News and World Report has now recognized the university on a global scale. UMBC is featured among 242 U.S. institutions in the 2019 Best Global Universities Rankings, which includes 1,250 institutions from around the world.
Now in its fifth year, the Best Global Universities ranking focuses on academic research and reputation, and includes universities in 75 countries. Thirteen areas of achievement are used to determine rankings, including global research reputation, regional research reputation, journal citations, and books published. Full methodology can be found here.
Five universities in Maryland made the list, including UMBC; Johns Hopkins University; University of Maryland, College Park; University of Maryland, Baltimore; and Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences (a federal service postgraduate academy).
UMBC performed well in several notable areas, including regional research reputation, international collaboration, and the percentage of faculty papers that are among the top 1 percent most cited.
UMBC students working collaboratively outside the classroom.
βWe are pleased that our efforts in regional research continue being recognized,β says Karl Steiner, vice president for research. βOur UMBC community is proud of our close partnerships with many of the federal labs in Maryland, as well with other academic institutions.β
βWe are also delighted that our international collaborations have increased significantly in recent years, with a growing portfolio of meaningful research collaborations with partners in Europe, in Asia and in South America,β Steiner shares.
UMBC and Peruβs Universidad de Piura establishΒ newΒ collaboration in 2017.
In addition to the institution-wide rankings, UMBC also received acclaim on two βsubject lists,β as a global leader in particular focus areas. UMBC ranked #194 in geosciences and #161 in space science of all universities worldwide. UMBC and the University of Maryland, College Park are the only institutions in Maryland to make these lists.
βIβm very proud of the ranking, especially in light of our recent renewal of the Center for Research and Exploration in Space Science and Technology (CRESST II) last year and our close connection with NASA/Goddard,β says Eileen Meyer, assistant professor of physics. βWe recently revised our astrophysics minor in the physics department and are definitely seeing an increase in interest in astronomy and astrophysics from our undergrads, many of whom have gone on to top graduate schools in recent years.β
UMBC and NASA Goddard representatives cut a ribbon to dedicate the ESI.
UMBC has been nationally and internationally recognized as a leader in space science and related fields for several years. Jane Turner, professor of physics, serves as director of the Center for Space Science and Technology (CSST), established in 2006. One year ago, UMBC expanded this work through dedicating the Earth and Space Institute (ESI) under the leadership of Vanderlei Martins, professor of physics.
Banner image: Fall scenes at UMBC. All photos by Marlayna Demond β11 for UMBC.
The UMBC Womenβs Center has planned this yearβs Critical Social Justice Week (CSJ) around the core idea that βa single light canβt illuminate a city or a nation, but it can ignite a movement that changes the world.β
CSJ: Ignite takes place October 22 β 26, 2018. The weekβs programs have been designed both to tap into the passion people already feel for issues that matter to them and to provide pathways for people who havenβt been engaged in traditional forms of activism to see opportunities to have an impact.
βItβs about being able to share your strengths and skills for activism and social change, and being able to share the message with others,β says Jess Myers, director of UMBCβs Womenβs Center.
Building connections, finding a niche
Now in its sixth year, CSJ continues to focus on broad themes of inclusion, equity, engagement, and community. This yearβs events will also focus on building new connections and empowering people to explore new ways to do social justice work, whatever that looks like for them.
βItβs really about helping people feel comfortable doing activism and finding their own niche,β says Amelia Meman ’15, UMBC Womenβs Center coordinator.
This yearβs keynote speaker is Deanna Zandt, a media and technology expert, who will present her talk on Tuesday, October 23, 6:30 β 9 p.m. in Fine Arts 118. Zandt will focus on βhow technology can move social justice forward, and what our roles may be in that effort.β
In response to the current campus conversation about sexual assault response and prevention, Myers says, Zandt will also explore what the university community βcan do as a whole to make UMBC better.β Additionally, an introductory panel will precede her talk, featuring alumnae Yoo-Jin Kang β15, interdisciplinary studies,and Susie Hinz β14, gender and womenβs studies, speaking about survivor activism.
Events for all
The technology focus of this yearβs keynote reflects a goal of CSJ organizers to engage new participants, including more students in STEM programs. To move this vision forward, the Center for Women in Technology has joined CSJ as a core partner this year, and has planned the workshop βWomen in Engineering and Igniting Change,β for Friday, October 26, 12 β 1 p.m. in ITE 456.
The Graduate Student Association (GSA) provided insight on programming that would be useful and engaging for graduate students, including a new graduate student panel scheduled for Thursday, October 25, 2:30 β 3:30 p.m. in ITE 456. GSA Vice President Adam Harvey, a physics Ph.D. student,will participate in a discussion on the interconnections of activism and research, and how graduate students whose research doesnβt connect with activism can also work toward βsocial change or supporting the campus community,β Myers explains.
Additional CSJ events include a Community Art Project (October 23, 11:30 a.m. β 2:30 p.m., Academic Row), Wikipedia Edit-a-Thon (October 24, 3 β 5:30 p.m., Library 259), and knowledge exchange on social media and elections (October 25, 4 β 5 p.m., Womenβs Center). Faculty and staff can attend a training session on Disability as Diversity on the Job (October 23, noon β 1 p.m., Engineering 023), and a staff panel on October 25 will explore activism in the workplace (1 β 2 p.m., ITE 456). Kate Drabinski, senior lecturer in gender and womenβs studies, will also reprise her popular CSJ Walking Tour on October 26 (meeting in the Womenβs Center at noon).
Myers encourages all UMBC community members to view the full CSJ schedule for information on the events of most interest to them. βWhat Iβm hoping is our participants will realize that their work does matter,β regardless of what issue they are focusing on or how they are approaching it, says Myers. βOur events are accessible for everyone, including those who are just beginning this journey.β
Featured image: UMBC students, faculty, and staff participate in group discussions during a CSJ 2017 workshop. Photo by Marlayna Demond ’11 for UMBC.
With each new school year, UMBC welcomes Retrievers back to campus with a cherished tradition. Upon entering the arena for Convocation, faculty and staff cheer on new students with high fives, smiles, and the occasional “woof!”
There are plenty of reasons to celebrate the coming of the fall semester. This year, UMBC welcomes the largest-ever class of undergraduates, a mix of first-year and transfer students. And returning students will find new construction and academic opportunities awaiting themβall signs of exciting things ahead.
βIt is your journey to travel, but we will be with you the entire way,β Dr. Katharine Cole tells new students at UMBC Convocation. #UMBCWelcomepic.twitter.com/bxF3XPDzjn
In addition to growing in numbers, the class of 2022 is the most academically competitive class in UMBC’s history, with a 30-point increase in average SAT score and an average GPA of more than 3.8. The incoming class is comprised of 1,800 first-year students, traveling to Baltimore from across the globe.
UMBC new students assemble for class photo. Photo by Poulomi Banerjee ’16 for UMBC.
“This year’s entering freshmen and transfer class represents our most diverse everβethnically, academically, as well as geographically. With a 46% increase in our new, international student population, our new students come from as far as Australia, Nepal, and Zimbabwe, to Brazil, Canada, and Great Britain,” says Dale Bittinger, assistant vice provost for admissions and orientation.
At the annual Fall Opening Meeting, incoming freshman and Honors College student Jake Doody addressed assembled faculty and staff to talk about why he decided to attend UMBC.
βAs my high school career wrapped up, I heard more and more about UMBC; the βsmall classβ atmosphere, a president well-known for his innovative philosophy, and, of course, acclaimed math and computer science programs,β said Doody, a graduate of Glenelg Country School who plans to pursue degrees in those areas.
Jake Doody ’22 with family at the annual Fall Opening Meeting. Photo by Marlayna Demond ’11 for UMBC.
βThereβs a real responsibility, a tangible responsibility, to use what Iβve been given to the best of my ability, and UMBC is the best place in the nation for me to do that,β he said.
Building Together
While students were busy with their summer activities, UMBC was working diligently to get campus ready for their return. The Interdisciplinary Life Sciences Building (ILSB) continues to take shape with a projected finish date of spring 2019. The building will feature a public art space, teaching labs, and cooperative project rooms to facilitate research and encourage collaboration.
In addition to new facilities, UMBC has also established new academic programs for the upcoming year. Students can now enroll in masterβs of professional studies programs in Data Science, Technical Management, and Integrated Product Development and Manufacturing.
Videos of the annual Fall Opening Meeting, as well as Convocation are now available on UMBCβs YouTube and below.
Summer internships and service-learning offer college students experience and professional networks that can help them succeed in competitive career paths and graduate programs. UMBC prioritizes connecting students with paid internships whenever possible, and is successful in meeting this goal with 75 percent of placements. But not all organizations are able to offer paid internships, and this means that students with financial constraints may not be able to access career-advancing opportunities. To tackle this roadblock, UMBCβs Career Center and Shriver Center partnered in 2018 to create the Student Internship and Service Fund to offer stipends to students interested in otherwise unpaid internship and service opportunities. The program launched a campaign through UMBCβs crowdfunding platform, Gritstarter, and generated enough support to offer six stipends in its first year, selected out of a highly competitive pool of 70 applicants. βWe are grateful to the alumni, UMBC community members, friends and family who donated to the Student Internship and Service Fund,β says Kacie Lawrence, associate director of internships and employment. βTheir support made it possible for these students to pursue incredible summer opportunities, gain professional experience, and make an impact in their communities.β
Tyler Moore ’20
As a captain of UMBC womenβs basketball team, Tyler Moore β20, psychology, knows the importance of leadership skills. Thatβs why she took her talents to the Special Olympics Maryland (SOMD) this summer to help with their Athlete Leadership Program. Moore worked to redesign an online captainβs course to help athletes to get certified by SOMD. βIt allowed me to put what I know about leadership into a format that can be shared with others,β says Moore. βThis not only enhances my own leadership skills, but gives me the opportunity to help those around me become leaders themselves.β She plans to apply this experience to a future career in sports psychology.
Emily Chetelat β20. Photo courtesy of Chetelat.
Emily Chetelat β20, interdisciplinary studies, spent her summer outdoors giving local students the opportunity to explore the environment. βSuperKids Camp aims to address the loss of academic skills that occurs when children lack access to academically enriching experiences during long breaks, known as the summer learning loss,β Chetelat explains. This summer was Chetelatβs second time volunteering with SuperKids Camp, making the decision to return because she βfound the experience to be incredibly enriching for both myself and the students I worked with.β The internship connected directly with Chetelatβs future career goal of helping to support Baltimore neighborhoods and increase childrenβs access to green spaces and environmental learning opportunities.
Laryssa Blanchard ’19
Laryssa Blanchard β19, psychology, began volunteering at Baltimore Animal Rescue and Care Shelter (BARCS) in fall 2017 as part of a service-learning experience, and she has continued her work there while exploring a possible career path in animal behavior. βThe Student Internship and Service Fund allowed me to be able to commute to and from the shelter two-three days a week, and made it possible for me to help BARCS during a time of the year when volunteers are scarce,β says Blanchard. βCollege students often struggle when it comes to wanting to give back to their communities, or taking on unpaid internship experiences, because as students we know that we need to finance our education in order to pursue our dream careers.β Blanchard will continue working with BARCS as a student coordinator through UMBCβs Shriver Center this fall. Sheβll be responsible for training and transporting a new cohort of service learners helping to guide prospective pet owners through the adoption process.
Samiksha Manjani β19. Photo courtesy of Manjani.
Future prosecutor Samiksha Manjani β19, political science and sociology, spent her summer in Washington D.C. interning for the Child Protection Section of the Family Services Division of the Office of the Attorney General. βUMBCβs Student Internship and Service Fund allowed me to pursue an internship I cared deeply about,β says Manjani. βI was able to experience working in D.C. alongside attorneys and got to truly experience what working for the government would be like.β Manjani was able to get a broad sense of each stage of a child welfare case, including the difficult processes of removing a child from a parent or guardian in cases of neglect and finding them a safe and secure home placement. In her role, she curated evidence, filed motions, and discovered facts that would help attorneys general build cases. In addition to gaining experience and skills, she developed relationships with mentors who will help her progress in her career.
Aubrey Livi β19. Photo courtesy of Livi.
Aubrey Livi β19, sociology and economics, returned to Brinkbit, Inc., a custom software development studio, for her second summer. Through an initial internship in 2017, Livi offered marketing support to the entrepreneurs behind the burgeoning company, but a year later, she says,βBecause the company is still growing, they were only able to offer me an unpaid internship. I definitely wanted to return and work with them again, but I wasnβt sure if I could afford to.β Seeing an opportunity through the fund, Livi applied and was granted a stipend to expand her work with the company. She spent several weeks creating original content, visuals, brand positioning, and design to help the local firm be competitive in a highly competitive sector. She hopes to pursue a career in market research.
Hello Dolly! set. Photo courtesy of Scott Sainz.
Scott Sainz β19, theatre, has been captivated by the Glyndon Area Players (GAP) since seeing their performance of The Little Mermaid in 2016. He didnβt even make it to the end of the show before tracking down the lighting designer and introducing himself. From there, Sainz began volunteering with the small theatre company in Reisterstown, Maryland, assisting with their next production from build to strike. When the opportunity arose to turn this experience into an internship for 2018, Sainz was intrigued but didnβt feel he would be able to commit to an unpaid summer. βI think the problem UMBC Career Center and the Shriver Center recognized is that all unpaid interns grapple with the fact that unpaid often means sacrificeβsacrificing our apartments, credit, savings, and parentsβ savings. For many of us, we arenβt only unpaid, but we lose money in transportation, supplies, and the potential to have a paycheck,β explains Sainz. βThe question I was faced with is do I sacrifice everything for a career advancement, or do I stay at my paying job and sacrifice the career opportunities?β With the help of the Student Internship and Service Fund, Sainz was able to pursue his theatre lighting ambitions, working start to finish on GAPβs summer production of Hello, Dolly! He earned hands-on experience and expanded technical knowledge in rigging, load calculation, genie lift practice, and other skills. βI have spent my whole life wanting to control lighting for an audience and give them an experience they canβt forget,β Sainz shares. βI am confident that we did that this summer at GAP.β “Contributions to the Student Internship and Service Fund broaden opportunities for our students to deepen their learning and make contributions in ways that might not have otherwise been possible,” says Lori Hardesty, associate director, applied learning and community engagement. “Generosity from students, faculty, staff, and alumni continue to make a difference for others.” For more information and to support this initiative, visit the fundβs Gritstarter page. All photos by Marlayna Demond ’11 for UMBC unless otherwise noted.
Baltimore Magazineβs 2018 βBest of Baltimoreβ issue features some of the regionβs standout people, places, and events of the past year, including highlights from UMBC. The magazine hails the UMBC menβs basketball teamβs historic March Madness appearance as βBest Upsetβ of the year. It also honors Lisa Moren, professor visual arts, with the βBest Public Artβ title for her innovative NONUMENT 01::McKeldin Fountain app. Β Itβs been a year of firsts for the UMBC menβs basketball teamβfrom the buzzer-beater shot heard βround the world to clinch the America East championship, to the unforgettable U Must Be Cinderella win against no. 1 seed University of Virginia, to an ESPY Award nomination for βBest Moment,β and things show no sign of slowing down now.Head coach Ryan Odom reflects on the whirlwind year saying, βIβm just so proud of these guys and what they were able to accomplish in making history and inspiring our community as a whole.βSenior captain Jourdan Grant β18, media and communication studies, recognizes that none of this would be possible without hometown fans, adding, βWe just wanted to say thank you to Retriever Nation and the whole city of Baltimore for giving us so much support and love this season.β βThis has been such a meaningful year for the team and for UMBC, and this is further recognition of that,β said President Freeman Hrabowski. βWe took that amazing March Madness moment as a chance to show the world what weβve known all along about UMBCβthat this is a community that believes in grit and achievement, and also in supporting each other. With hard work and passion, we can reach for greatness together.βIn the category of βBest Public Art-Virtual,β Morenβs NONUMENT app extends beyond the confines of traditional art forms by bringing an iconic public artwork back to life through technology. Baltimoreβs McKeldin Fountain was demolished in 2016. Working with Jaimes Mayhew, MFA β10, IMDA, and Slovenian artists Martin Bricelj Baraga and Neja TomΕ‘iΔ, Moren was able to recreateΒ the structureΒ in the virtual world this past May.
βWe set out to make an experience that would claim public space and celebrate the people who used it,β MorenΒ said to Bmore Art. βI hope Baltimoreans will feel like they own this as 21st century monument to everyday people, that this is part of their city nowβ¦No other city has a monument like this.β
Downloadable on iOS and Android devices, guests are able to revisit the Brutalist fountain by using βmemory artifactsβ to experience the events and visitors that made it a hub for social discourse. The app includes animated waterfalls and interviews with Baltimore residents, including teachers, protestors, and rappers.
About the award, Moren shared, “Itβs very gratifying that ephemeral technologies are validated as a form of public art in Baltimore through this award.”
In the Best of Baltimore Readers’ Poll, UMBC’s student-run radio station WMBC was aΒ runner-up for “Best Radio Station” in the news and media category.
The Baltimore Sun also recently released its 2018 βBest of Baltimoreβ rankings, which recognized UMBC for offering the areaβs βBest Summer Campβ (a readersβ choice award). This year marks the 40th anniversary of UMBC Summer Day Camp, which is operated through the athletics and recreation at UMBC. The camp is designed for kids in elementary and middle school, and includes a very active curriculum of sports, games, and art and craft activities.In addition to Summer Day Camp, UMBCβs youth basketball camp has continue to soar in popularity since its inception in 2016, with more than 150 campers attending this summer. The Retriever Aquatic Club also plays an important role in UMBCβs summer youth athletics programming. The Retriever Aquatic Club, now in its 32nd year, helps swimmers of all ages develop athletic skills, as well as teamwork, motivation, and resilience. Club director and UMBC swimming and diving coach Β Chad Cradock β97, psychology, recently told the Baltimore Sun, βWe want to give them lessons in discipline, focus, drive and goal-setting.β With a message shared by his colleagues across UMBC Athletics and beyond, Cradock said, βOur mission is to develop them in swimming as well as life.βBanner image: Retrievers showing off their school spirit, by Marlayna Demond β11 for UMBC. Video by Corey Jennings ’10 for UMBC.
Topping off a history-making year, the celebrations continue tonight for UMBC menβs basketball with a nomination for βBest Momentβ at this yearβs ESPY Awards. Before they jetted off for a star-studded night in Los Angeles, we caught up with some of the players hitting the red carpet to answer the hard-hitting questions #RetrieverNation needs to know. ESPYs voting is open until the start of the show at 8 p.m. EST. Click here to vote for the Retrievers! Q: Itβs a night that sports enthusiasts dream of. Is there one celebrity you’re looking most forward to seeing?
βLeBron. Cleveland still loves him.β β Nolan Gerrity β19, forward/center, unofficial representative of Cleveland.
βLeBron James.β β Max Curran β20, forward, here to state the facts and keep his eyes on the ESPY prize.
βThe GOAT (greatest of all time), Aaron Rodgers, of course. And my celebrity crush, Rachel McAdams, was there last year. I doubt she’d go two years in a row as a non-athlete, but here’s hoping!β β Joe Sherburne β18, forward, still recovering from his Aaron Rodgers Twitter shout out during March Madness.
βI donβt think I could pick just one, but definitely LeBron or Drake.β β Jourdan Grant β18, guard, ready to represent on behalf of all #UMBCalumni.
Q: The single most important question prior to any red carpet event: What will you be wearing for the big night?
NG: βDark gray suit and some Gucci shoes.β
MC: βBlack suit with white shirt and black and gold loafers.β
JS: βA fine suit, tailored by ATC Dry Cleaners in Annapolis, MD. If you want your clothes tailored right, the only option is to go to ATC Dry Cleaners #ad.β
JG: βBlue suit with some βdripβ.β Editorβs note- we Googled βdripβ for you and learned it means βimmense swag.β
Q: Youβre going to have a full day ahead of you. How do you envision it going?
NG: βI think Iβll be anxious but mostly excited. I imagine the day will be going very slowly.β
MC: βJust endless anticipation, waiting for the show.β
JS: βNo clue. Maybe I’ll visit the pool. I might stare at my reflection for a while to focus, like Cristiano Ronaldo does before games. And I definitely have to make sure my phone and portable charger are fully juiced, since I’ll be taking lots of pictures.β
JG: βVery chill and relaxing. I plan to enjoy some good food and vibing with my brothers.β
Q: Inquiring minds are dying to know whatβs the most important thing you packed in your suitcase?
NG: βDefinitely my portable charger. Iβm gonna be using my phone a lot taking pictures during the show.β Psst β make sure you follow @UMBClife on Instagram as Nolan takes over live from the show!
MC: βCali clothes.β
JS: βMy suit!β
JG: βI would say my Comme des GarΓ§on Converse shoes.β
Donβt forget to tune in at 8 p.m. on ABC or Watch ESPN on Wednesday, July 18 and show your support for #RetrieverNation!
In the wake of March Madness, UMBC menβs basketball is now on the edge of another monumental achievement. UMBCβs bracket-busting win over University of Virginia at the NCAA tournament has been nominated for an ESPY Award as the βBest Momentβ in sports this year. Fan votes through ESPNβs website will decide the winner, and members of #RetrieverNation are voting daily to help UMBC claim victory.
CBS sportscaster Tracy Wolfson interviews (l-r) Coach Odom, Jourdan Grant, K.J. Maura, and Jairus Lyles on camera after their NCAA victory. Photo by Mitchell Layton.
The 26th annual awards show will be on Wednesday, July 18 at 8 p.m. EST, airing on ABC and WatchESPN. Retriever fans tuning in will see familiar faces. Coach Ryan Odom and members of the squad will walk the red carpet at Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles, California. βWeβre honored to even be nominated for such a prestigious award. Youβre talking about moment of the year in sports, thatβs a pretty big thing,β said Coach Odom. β[Weβre] honored to be mentioned amongst the other nominees who had spectacular seasons and individual moments that captivated the sports world.β
Coach Ryan Odom addresses the crowd at Selection Sunday in the Sports Zone.
This one shining moment for UMBC has helped to catapult the team and the university into the national spotlight and resulted in tremendous outcomes. Standout player Jairus Lyles β17, sociology, has been working hard and enjoying success as a member of the Utah Jazz Summer League. Building on an already successful program, the menβs basketball youth summer camp doubled in attendance this year and continues to grow. Even with such a monumental event on the horizon, Odom is constantly looking ahead to whatβs next for his players and team. βWeβre excited and weβre gonna have fun with it because itβs kind of the final thing before we can move on to next season,β he said.
Arkel Lamar celebrates UMBC’s victory over UVA. Photo by Ian Feldmann, The Retriever.
The UMBC menβs basketball 2018-2019 schedule will be released shortly. Already scheduled is the inaugural Bimini Jam in the Bahamas, where UMBC will face the U.S. Air Force Academy in the tournamentβs opening game on November 16, 2018. Additional coverage about UMBCβs ESPY nomination is available through the Baltimore Sun. Fans are invited to keep voting daily, up until the awards show airs. Share photos of how youβre cheering on UMBC on July 18 using #RetrieverNation on social media. Banner image: True Grit joins in on March Madness celebrations at the Event Center. All photos by Marlayna Demond β11 for UMBC unless otherwise noted.
UMBC closed out the track and field season strong as two Retrievers competed at the highest collegiate level last week, traveling to Eugene, Oregon, for the NCAA Division I Menβs and Womenβs Track and Field Championships.
Freshman Kelechi Nwanaga, financial economics, qualified for javelin finals with a throw of 51.18 meters, landing in sixth place. In the finals, Nwanaga threw an impressive 55.02 meters, setting her personal best and rebreaking the UMBC record.
Nwanaga finished in fourth place overall, earning First Team All-America Honors, the sixth track and field athlete to do so in UMBC history. She originally set the school record and the America East record at the America East Outdoor Championships in May.
“It was a good experience with it being my first time in the championship competition,β said Nwanaga. βMy goal was to finish in the top five, and finishing fourth was a good feeling.β
Also competing in the javelin, Tony White β18, mechanical engineering, came in at 16th after throwing 65.71 meters. “It was a surreal experience,β he shared. βBeing able to compete against elite athletes was amazing. The competition level at the NCAA Championships is on a level unlike anything else.β
In early May, White won gold at the America East Championships and was named to Second Team All-American by the United States Track and Field/Cross Country Coaches Association.
“It was a privilege to coach these two this year,β said Β Peter Koumlelis, track and field throws coach. βWe were one of eight Division I schools to have athletes in both the menβs and womenβs javelin competitions at the NCAA Championships. They worked so hard to achieve all that they have this year.β
Times Higher Education has again recognized UMBC as one of the worldβs top young universities through the Golden Age University Rankings. The goal of the ranking, which specifically includes institutions established 1945 β 1967 is to focus on visionary institutions that have quickly risen to prominence on the world stageβover decades rather than centuries. This year, UMBC comes in at an impressive #70 globally and #10 among U.S. universities featured.
The Times Higher Education ranking comes just weeks after the Center for World University Rankings recognized UMBC as one of the top 3.5 percent of all universities worldwide. This latest list features 200 universities from 44 countries. Universities were featured based on the caliber of their teaching environment, research environment, citation impact, international outlook, and knowledge transfer (see methodology, shared with THEβs standard World University Rankings).
Also featuring UMBC is a new list of Top Universities for International Students from U.S. News & World Report. This list focuses on U.S. universities that have a particularly strong commitment to supporting international students throughout their academic journey, providing them with the resources they need to achieve their goals and become a part of the university community.
“We are excited and honored to be included in this new special ranking. This is a testament not only to UMBC’s increasing global presence, but also our deep and continued commitment to the success of our international students,β said Yvette Mozie-Ross, vice provost of enrollment management and planning.
UMBC students and alumni from around the globe have remarked on the warm welcome and high level of support the UMBC community provides. Soheila Escobar β18, information systems, originally from Colombia, came to UMBC with some uncertainties about completing an undergraduate degree abroad, and in English. She shares, βUMBC has helped me in achieving my goals by promoting a very diverse environment where I do not feel excluded, and I, more than anything, feel welcome.β
Of her UMBC experience, Escobar says, βI have taken classes with professors from different cultural backgrounds, professors whose first language is not English, and I have felt very supported and encouraged by them to continue the challenge of finishing my education in a second language.β She carried through that focus on support in her own work, presenting at Undergraduate Research and Creative Achievement Day an online tool to help students connect with peers for academic support.
UMBCβs international graduate students also reflect on how a high level of faculty and staff support encourages their success.Β Ke He, Ph.D. β18, chemical, biochemical and environmental engineering (CBEE), originally from Zhejiang, China, has worked closely with faculty advisor Lee Blaney, CBEE, to advance his research on contaminants that impact water safety.
He shares, βAs an international student, the diverse and friendly circumstances in UMBC really helped me to settle down in this completely new environment.β With his Ph.D. now complete, He will continue his research through a postdoctoral fellowship at the University of Maryland School of Medicine.
To determine their list of Top Universities for International Students, U.S. News drew from their Best Colleges ranking and assessed those institutions on specific indicators particularly geared toward international students. These included factors like the availability of international student organizations, housing and dining accommodations during holidays, and institutional need-based or merit aid for international students.
U.S. News including three Maryland universities on the list, recognizing Johns Hopkins University and University of Maryland, College Park in addition to UMBC.
βUMBC is a world-class research university that welcomes and supports talented students from more than 100 countries,β says David Di Maria, associate vice provost for international education. βOur highly regarded academic programs, attractive location, and campus-wide commitment to inclusive excellence make UMBC the institution of choice for globally-minded future leaders.β
He reflected, βAs we aspire to increase UMBCβs engagement with the world, it is an honor to be recognized as a top university for international students.
Thousands of Retriever graduates, family, and friends streamed into the new UMBC Event Center last week to celebrate spring commencement, as the ceremonies returned to Hilltop Circle for the first time in two decades. The new arena quickly filled with crowds of cheering supporters, with more tuning in to UMBCβs live webcasts from around the globe.
The class of 2018 receives thunderous support from the crowd during this year’s commencement exercises.
The graduate commencement ceremony, for students earning masterβs and doctoral degrees, took place on Wednesday, May 23. The ceremony included remarks by honorary degree recipient Erin OβShea, the first female president of the Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI).
Valedictorian Kara Seidel addresses the class of 2018.
OβShea reflected on the tremendous promise of UMBCβs graduates as leaders of tomorrow, telling graduates:
As I look around this room, I see a lot of powerful individuals. I see individuals who are true to themselves. I see individuals who will have a seat at the table and who will pull up a chair for others. I see individuals who will listen and be heard. I see individuals moving towards greatness.
UMBC hosted two undergraduate ceremonies on Thursday, May 24, including a morning commencement for the College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences, School of Social Work, and Erickson School, and an afternoon ceremony for the College of Natural and Mathematical Sciences, College of Engineering and Information Technology, and Interdisciplinary Studies.
A student takes a moment to bid farewell.
Kara Seidel β18, psychology, valedictorian of the morning ceremony, shared her familyβs deep connection to UMBC, where her parents and brother also earned their degrees. She reflected that, initially, she was uncertain about whether she could create her own unique path at the university. But once she stepped onto campus, she joked, βthe UMBC community sucked me in,β and her college career was full speed ahead.
Valedictorian Kara Seidel addresses the class of 2018.
While studying at UMBC, Seidel accessed opportunities to work in the Trauma Lab of Christopher Murphy, professor and chair of psychology; in an HIV/addiction lab at Johns Hopkins; and at the American Psychological Association. These experiences helped her identify her core interest in the field of psychology: supporting families dealing with trauma.
The people of UMBC have also had a lasting impact on Seidel. She reflected, βWe have had the opportunity to learn, not just in the classroom, but as members of a diverse, civic-minded community.β
The class of 2018 prepares to turn their tassels.
Honorary degree recipient Ted Mitchell, president of the American Council on Education, addressed graduates in the morning ceremony. βAchieving excellence, no matter what your background, thatβs the greatest victory of all,β he reflected. He also brought some levity to the festivities in recalling UMBCβs history-making NCAA victory, joking that UMBC helped advance his bracket because he chose his winning teams based on academic reputation.
President Hrabowski addresses UMBC graduating class of 2018.
Valedictorian Eudorah Vital β18, biochemistry and molecular biology, addressed her classmates during the afternoon undergraduate commencement ceremony. βThere are three things from our UMBC experience that I believe we can all carry with us into our next pursuits,β she said. βThey are: (1) learning to be comfortable with discomfort, (2) upholding the value of diversity, and (3) the practice of gratitude.β
The class of 2018 had thunderous support from the crowd during this year’s commencement exercises.
Vital became highly involved in research beginning in her freshman year, as a Meyerhoff Scholar, MARC U*STAR, and Howard Hughes Medical Institute Scholar. She has already co-authored two papers in top academic journals, and a third is coming soon. Her interest in completing clinically relevant research in an inclusive scientific community, like the one she found at UMBC, led her to select Emory Universityβs M.D./Ph.D. program in neurobiology as her next step.
Paula A. Johnson, president of Wellesley College, addressed graduates of the afternoon ceremony as an honorary degree recipient. Like Vital, Johnson spoke of the special nature of UMBCβs learning community. She reflected, “All of you have lived and learned within this remarkable culture, one that embodies the best of the nationβs values and ideals.”
Valedictorian Kara Seidel addresses the class of 2018.
Michelle Gourdine represented the University System of Maryland Board of Regents at the ceremonies, and shared her perspective on UMBCβs success. βBy any measureβnational rankings, research partnerships, public service activities, faculty accomplishments, student achievementsβ¦and letβs not forget athletic achievementβUMBC stands as one of the finest universities in the country,β she said.
L-R: President Hrabowski, valedictorian Eudoah Vital, and President Hrabowski pose for a quick photo before the final 2018 commencement ceremony.
President Hrabowskiβs remarks this year focused on an appreciation for the value of truth and integrity, as well as service and commitment to community. He took time to honor veterans and graduating students who will pursue careers in social work and teaching. He also encouraged guests to read UMBCβs Class of 2018 feature, which highlights the personal stories of 43 Retrievers recognized for academic excellence and demonstrating a commitment to a greater good through research, scholarship, creativity, and work with underserved communities.
President Hrabowski addresses UMBC graduating class of 2018.
Before the graduates turned their tassels, he reminded them:
Your dreams, and more importantly, your character will determine who you become. Your character will be reflected most clearly in the courage you possess and the compassion you show for others.
A UMBC graduate celebrates the conclusion of her college career.
Videos of President Hrabowskiβs full remarks, as well as those of the honorary degree recipients; valedictorians; Graduate Student Association President Roy Prouty, M.S. β16, atmospheric physics, M.S. β19 computer science; and others are now available with captioning on UMBC’s YouTube and below.
Graduates and those cheering them on can share memories, well wishes, and photos through #UMBCgrad, and view UMBCβs Facebook page, Instagram, and Twitter accounts for coverage of the festivities.
Monday through Thursday, rising sophomore Devin Meek is your average media & communication studies student. But once Friday rolls around, he packs his bags and does a forward 180, traveling the world for his part-time job: professional jump roper. Here are five things we learned while exploring the rapidly growing world of competitive jump rope.
Jump rope can open some pretty exciting doors for an entertainer:
βIβve been on Nickelodeon, jumped in the Macyβs Thanksgiving Day Parade twice and the Chinese New Year Parade in Macau, and even performed on a Disney Cruise.β
The jump rope community is an extremely supportive one:
βWe donβt look at competitions as a way to beat someone. Itβs more so that youβre there to show off what youβve learned and, in turn, learn from someone else. Itβs a sport thatβs still developing, so thereβs a ton of room for creativity.β
Jump ropers are starting to get noticed. In a BIG way:
βFlight Crew Jump Rope competed on season nine of Americaβs Got Talent. They were huge inspirations to me, so it was amazing when they asked me to join their group in 2016. Since then Iβve been traveling and performing with their team, as well as starting my own local group.β
Just like every other sport, yes, you can get injured jumping rope:
βIβm actually recovering from my first injury right now. I hurt a disc in my back because I didnβt warm up and stretch properly before a performance. Pretty lame injury, but it taught me a lesson!β
Professional jump roper might be the coolest part-time job in the world:
βI have tried out other jobs before. Iβve flipped burgers and even worked as a mascot for a while and, although they were fun, none of it beats jump rope.β
β Kait McCaffrey
