Spring Involvement Fest Featuring Elvis Whether you come for the free food or the chance to explore and connect with 170 of UMBC's student organizations and departments, The Commons is the place to be on Wednesday (2/1) from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.  There will be lots of free performances and demonstrations, and an opportunity to make (free) screen print t-shirts.  Rumor has it that Elvis Presley himself heard about the event's '50's/doo-wop theme and will be on hand to belt out some tunes and pose for photos.  

The Twitter hashtag for Involvement Fest is: #UMBCIFest.

For a look at last spring's Mardi Gras themed Involvement Fest, check this out.

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]]> Whether you come for the free food or the chance to explore and connect with 170 of UMBC's student organizations and departments, The Commons is the place to be on Wednesday (2/1) from 11:00 a.m.... http://cocreateumbc.blogspot.com/2012/01/spring-involvement-fest-featuring-elvis.html https://my3.my.umbc.edu/api/v0/pixel/news/11652/guest@my.umbc.edu/66ffb5138ed1918510e7d05b3dbec7f6/api/pixel events Co-Create UMBC https://my3.my.umbc.edu/groups/co-create https://assets4-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/002/5b8f025dafb56cb8d3088b7259aadcfb/xsmall.png?1499890363 https://assets2-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/002/5b8f025dafb56cb8d3088b7259aadcfb/original.jpg?1499890363 https://assets1-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/002/5b8f025dafb56cb8d3088b7259aadcfb/xxlarge.png?1499890363 https://assets4-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/002/5b8f025dafb56cb8d3088b7259aadcfb/xlarge.png?1499890363 https://assets1-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/002/5b8f025dafb56cb8d3088b7259aadcfb/large.png?1499890363 https://assets1-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/002/5b8f025dafb56cb8d3088b7259aadcfb/medium.png?1499890363 https://assets2-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/002/5b8f025dafb56cb8d3088b7259aadcfb/small.png?1499890363 https://assets4-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/002/5b8f025dafb56cb8d3088b7259aadcfb/xsmall.png?1499890363 https://assets1-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/002/5b8f025dafb56cb8d3088b7259aadcfb/xxsmall.png?1499890363 Co-Create UMBC 17 1 true Mon, 30 Jan 2012 14:06:00 -0500 Real People Profiles: Jason Palumbo
I’m asking some of the people you might encounter on the UMBC campus, including students, faculty, staff and alumni, to answer a few questions about themselves and their experiences. These are their responses.

Name: Jason Palumbo

Hometown: Edgewater, MD

Q: How long have you been at UMBC?

A: 2.5 AMAZING Years

Q: What is your current title (job or student organization position)?

A: Design and Marketing Director of the Student Events Board, Business Manager of the UMBC Mama's Boys, and Public Relations Chair of Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity

Q: In 12 words or less, what role(s) do you play on campus? 

A: I motivate myself and others to be better using humor and music. 

Q: What aspect of your UMBC role(s) do you enjoy most?

A:  I LOVE entertaining! Even though UMBC is a very academically driven school students need a place where they can release stress and have some fun. Being a part of the Mama's Boys all male a cappella group and (seb) lets me relieve my personal stress by planning events for other students to come and enjoy. I love being in front of a crowd and creating an atmosphere that they relate to and be a part of while also being enjoyable. Mama's Boys first cultivated this love by giving me the chance to use music to express myself. Being a leadership figure in the group is especially fulfilling because I have grown so much during my time with the group and now I get to lead the new members every year and make sure that they get as awesome as an experience as I did. 

The experience that I have had with the Mama's Boys mirrors my time with Pi Kappa Phi fraternity. The one year that I have spent with this amazing group of smart, caring, helpful, and all around awesome men has prepared me for the many leadership roles that I have on campus. I love being an active participent in the associate member process and watching thew new members grow as people and students. It makes me happier than ever to have the chance to connect with Pi Kapps on a deeper level than most of the acquaintances I have on campus. 

The most recent group that I have joined is (seb). It is one of the most driven, goal oriented, fun, creative, amazing (I could go on and on), and caring groups of people that I have ever come across. They have given me the chance to design (which is one of my favorite things to do!) and be a part of the planning of events for students on campus to experience. With the leadership of our AMAZING President, Evan Ponter: one of my biggest role models on campus, Vice President, Stefanie Mavronis: one of the smartest and most driven people I have or will ever met, and Advisor, Lindsey Mitchell: always keeping me and the rest of the group on the right path, I have gotten a glimpse of how a real world business runs while being in a setting that cultivates and applauds creativity. Getting to work with these leaders and the rest of the group inspires me everyday to better myself and the UMBC community. I have never felt more at home than I do with (seb) and I can't begin to thank them enough.

Q: What is the most important or memorable thing you learned in college/have learned at UMBC?

A:  During my time as an associate member of Pi Kappa Phi I learned the importance of time management, problem solving skills, conversational skills, how to effectively work in a group, and how it feels to commit to and achieve a goal. These are valuable lessons that I use everyday in my other organizations and will carry with me for the rest of my life. Other than those lessons, someone once said a quote that I keep in the back of my head with everything I do: "take things seriously, but not too seriously"

Q: Complete this sentence: "I am a big fan of __________"

A:  Committed and driven people

Q: Do you have any UMBC stories, little-known facts about UMBC, favorite spots on campus, or anything else you’d like to share?

A: One of my favorite places on campus is the amphitheater behind the fine arts building. If you haven't been there, GO CHECK IT OUT (now...go!....well, first finish reading then go)! It is a wonderful outdoor performance/relaxing space that is under-utilized by students. If you ever are looking for a quiet spot to chillax/perform then check it out! 

BONUS VIDEO QUESTION: What else would you like to share? Ask yourself a question and answer it.




]]> I’m asking some of the people you might encounter on the UMBC campus, including students, faculty, staff and alumni, to answer a few questions about themselves and their experiences. These are... http://cocreateumbc.blogspot.com/2012/01/real-people-profiles-jason-palumbo.html https://my3.my.umbc.edu/api/v0/pixel/news/11628/guest@my.umbc.edu/06b8091ea414271cf3ba92bd816be5b8/api/pixel real-people-profiles Co-Create UMBC https://my3.my.umbc.edu/groups/co-create https://assets4-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/002/5b8f025dafb56cb8d3088b7259aadcfb/xsmall.png?1499890363 https://assets2-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/002/5b8f025dafb56cb8d3088b7259aadcfb/original.jpg?1499890363 https://assets1-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/002/5b8f025dafb56cb8d3088b7259aadcfb/xxlarge.png?1499890363 https://assets4-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/002/5b8f025dafb56cb8d3088b7259aadcfb/xlarge.png?1499890363 https://assets1-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/002/5b8f025dafb56cb8d3088b7259aadcfb/large.png?1499890363 https://assets1-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/002/5b8f025dafb56cb8d3088b7259aadcfb/medium.png?1499890363 https://assets2-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/002/5b8f025dafb56cb8d3088b7259aadcfb/small.png?1499890363 https://assets4-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/002/5b8f025dafb56cb8d3088b7259aadcfb/xsmall.png?1499890363 https://assets1-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/002/5b8f025dafb56cb8d3088b7259aadcfb/xxsmall.png?1499890363 Co-Create UMBC 137 20 true Sun, 29 Jan 2012 19:18:00 -0500 Last Chance for Alternative School Break Trips Spring Break may seem far away, but now is the time to sign up for a group experience that will inspire and forever change you.  UMBC is sponsoring five profound learning adventures during the break (starting Sunday, March 18th): Opportunities to connect with other UMBC students, make meaningful community contributions and become deeply engaged in addressing important social issues.

All of these Alternative School Break trips will take place in and around Baltimore, and will involve lodging (on campus, mostly) with the other students throughout the experience.  Some trips will run 4 days (ending Thursday, March 22nd); others 5 days (ending Friday, March 23rd).  The cost to participate in each trip is about $75 (with some variation among the trips) to cover expenses such as food and gas.  Here are the different trip options:


For more Alternative School Break information, visit the UMBCServes group pages on MyUMBC (here).  The application is on this page.

The application is due on Monday, February 6th and trips are filling up quickly, so don't delay!

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]]> Spring Break may seem far away, but now is the time to sign up for a group experience that will inspire and forever change you.  UMBC is sponsoring five profound learning adventures during the... http://cocreateumbc.blogspot.com/2012/01/last-chance-for-alternative-school.html https://my3.my.umbc.edu/api/v0/pixel/news/11579/guest@my.umbc.edu/38f9cea220f86819e129ad2836a35902/api/pixel alternative-school-break Co-Create UMBC https://my3.my.umbc.edu/groups/co-create https://assets4-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/002/5b8f025dafb56cb8d3088b7259aadcfb/xsmall.png?1499890363 https://assets2-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/002/5b8f025dafb56cb8d3088b7259aadcfb/original.jpg?1499890363 https://assets1-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/002/5b8f025dafb56cb8d3088b7259aadcfb/xxlarge.png?1499890363 https://assets4-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/002/5b8f025dafb56cb8d3088b7259aadcfb/xlarge.png?1499890363 https://assets1-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/002/5b8f025dafb56cb8d3088b7259aadcfb/large.png?1499890363 https://assets1-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/002/5b8f025dafb56cb8d3088b7259aadcfb/medium.png?1499890363 https://assets2-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/002/5b8f025dafb56cb8d3088b7259aadcfb/small.png?1499890363 https://assets4-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/002/5b8f025dafb56cb8d3088b7259aadcfb/xsmall.png?1499890363 https://assets1-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/002/5b8f025dafb56cb8d3088b7259aadcfb/xxsmall.png?1499890363 Co-Create UMBC 9 0 true Thu, 26 Jan 2012 18:01:00 -0500 Real People Profiles: Morgan Christina Thomas
I’m asking some of the people you might encounter on the UMBC campus, including students, faculty, staff and alumni, to answer a few questions about themselves and their experiences. These are their responses.

Name: Morgan Christina Thomas

Hometown: Severna Park, MD

Q: How long have you been at UMBC?

A: This is my fifth semester at UMBC.

Q: What is your current title (job or student organization position)?

A: I am a Resident Assistant in Harbor Hall (5th North). I am also a Student Assistant in the Office of Undergraduate Admissions.

Q: In 12 words or less, what role(s) do you play on campus? 

A: Resident Assistant, Admissions Student Assistant, Cheer Captain, Research Assistant, Dancer, Diva Superstar!!

Q: What aspect of your UMBC role(s) do you enjoy most?

A:  I most enjoy leading by example and inspiring others to become involved on campus. UMBC has so many amazing opportunities, so it is important for students to be involved academically and in extra-curricular activities in order to truly make UMBC theirs.

Q: What is the most important or memorable thing you learned in college/have learned at UMBC?

A:  The most memorable thing that I have learned in college was shared by Dr. Hrabowski:
"Watch your thoughts, for they become words.
Watch your words, for they become actions.
Watch your actions, for they become habits.
Watch your habits, for they become character.
Watch your character, for it becomes your destiny."

Q: Complete this sentence: "I am a big fan of __________"

A:  Cattleman's Gold Barbecue Sauce at The Grill!!!

Q: Do you have any UMBC stories, little-known facts about UMBC, favorite spots on campus, or anything else you’d like to share?

A: Did you know?: Harbor Café was really supposed to be a café/coffee shop when it was built. Now it is primarily used as a study and programming space for residents.


BONUS VIDEO QUESTION: What else would you like to share? Ask yourself a question and answer it.




]]> I’m asking some of the people you might encounter on the UMBC campus, including students, faculty, staff and alumni, to answer a few questions about themselves and their experiences. These are... http://cocreateumbc.blogspot.com/2012/01/real-people-profiles-morgan-christina.html https://my3.my.umbc.edu/api/v0/pixel/news/11546/guest@my.umbc.edu/d25907fa354be7f4e18be4f86425a77a/api/pixel real-people-profiles Co-Create UMBC https://my3.my.umbc.edu/groups/co-create https://assets4-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/002/5b8f025dafb56cb8d3088b7259aadcfb/xsmall.png?1499890363 https://assets2-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/002/5b8f025dafb56cb8d3088b7259aadcfb/original.jpg?1499890363 https://assets1-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/002/5b8f025dafb56cb8d3088b7259aadcfb/xxlarge.png?1499890363 https://assets4-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/002/5b8f025dafb56cb8d3088b7259aadcfb/xlarge.png?1499890363 https://assets1-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/002/5b8f025dafb56cb8d3088b7259aadcfb/large.png?1499890363 https://assets1-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/002/5b8f025dafb56cb8d3088b7259aadcfb/medium.png?1499890363 https://assets2-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/002/5b8f025dafb56cb8d3088b7259aadcfb/small.png?1499890363 https://assets4-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/002/5b8f025dafb56cb8d3088b7259aadcfb/xsmall.png?1499890363 https://assets1-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/002/5b8f025dafb56cb8d3088b7259aadcfb/xxsmall.png?1499890363 Co-Create UMBC 56 2 true Wed, 25 Jan 2012 19:54:00 -0500 While You Were Away If you haven't been on campus since the fall final exam week, or even if you have, you may have missed these recent developments at UMBC:
  • SGA extended the deadline for this year's Prove It! competition to March 1st.  Got an idea for making the UMBC community even stronger?  If you're willing to develop a practical plan and put it into action, consider submitting an entry.  Three submissions will win $10,000 implementation grants plus $2,000 cash prizes for the authors to keep.  Apply here.
  • Speaking of Prove It!, the United States Department of Education released a "Road Map and Call to Action" for advancing democratic engagement, citing Prove It! and UMBC's SGA as examples of "next generation" civic engagement efforts:
The University of Maryland Baltimore County, one of the member campuses of the American Democracy Project, transformed its student government from a client ­service model to one that promotes social entrepreneurship. Students now compete for cash prizes to carry out innovative ideas for improving the campus community. The [2010] winning team was selected for its plan to transform used frying oil into fuel for green campus vehicles.
  • The latest update to MyUMBC makes it possible to reply to individual comments on posts. 
  • The UMBC Chess Team placed second at the Pan-Am Intercollegiate Chess Team Championship, and now heads to the President's Cup, also known as the Final Four of college chess, on March 31-April 1, 2012.
  • The restrooms on The Commons' first floor are now gender-neutral.
  • UMBC shared with all students, faculty and staff members the news that the University System of Maryland Board of Regents has adopted a new policy on reporting suspected child abuse and neglect.   Stephanie Lazarus, Human Relations Manager, is UMBC’s official contact for such reports.  She can be reached at 410-455-5745 or slazar@umbc.edu.  More guidance and education about the new policy will be provided to the UMBC community early in the spring semester.
  • 61 UMBC students and staff devoted five amazing days to becoming better leaders at the annual STRiVE retreat, with some glorious results.
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]]> If you haven't been on campus since the fall final exam week, or even if you have, you may have missed these recent developments at UMBC: SGA extended the deadline for this year's Prove It!... http://cocreateumbc.blogspot.com/2012/01/while-you-were-away.html https://my3.my.umbc.edu/api/v0/pixel/news/11527/guest@my.umbc.edu/d89ea578ebd73da7a9af696db4f23100/api/pixel prove-it strive Co-Create UMBC https://my3.my.umbc.edu/groups/co-create https://assets4-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/002/5b8f025dafb56cb8d3088b7259aadcfb/xsmall.png?1499890363 https://assets2-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/002/5b8f025dafb56cb8d3088b7259aadcfb/original.jpg?1499890363 https://assets1-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/002/5b8f025dafb56cb8d3088b7259aadcfb/xxlarge.png?1499890363 https://assets4-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/002/5b8f025dafb56cb8d3088b7259aadcfb/xlarge.png?1499890363 https://assets1-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/002/5b8f025dafb56cb8d3088b7259aadcfb/large.png?1499890363 https://assets1-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/002/5b8f025dafb56cb8d3088b7259aadcfb/medium.png?1499890363 https://assets2-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/002/5b8f025dafb56cb8d3088b7259aadcfb/small.png?1499890363 https://assets4-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/002/5b8f025dafb56cb8d3088b7259aadcfb/xsmall.png?1499890363 https://assets1-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/002/5b8f025dafb56cb8d3088b7259aadcfb/xxsmall.png?1499890363 Co-Create UMBC 21 1 true Wed, 25 Jan 2012 13:31:00 -0500 Apply to Fill 2 Rare SGA Vacancies Two elected positions in SGA have become available: one each in the Senate and Finance Board.  In addition, the Finance Board is looking for a Secretary to take minutes at its meetings.  All three positions, with terms running through May 15, 2012, will be filled through an application and interview process (apply here).  The application is due Friday, January 20th at 5:00 p.m.  The students selected will have a chance to gain valuable experience before applications to run for positions in the 2012-2013 SGA are due in March.

The Senate is SGA’s engine for collecting ideas from students and turning them into campus change initiatives.  Members meet weekly (Mondays at 5:30 p.m.) to discuss and develop initiatives, talk with campus administrators and take positions on issues.  But most of the Senate’s work takes place between the weekly meetings.  Members spend time talking with students, representing all undergraduates on university committees, meeting in project working groups and doing the follow-up needed to get initiatives off the ground. 

The Finance Board is the branch of SGA that provides funds to support student organization activities: nearly $200,000 this year.  Most of the Finance Board’s work is done at weekly meetings, where student organization leaders present requests and Finance Board members ask questions and make decisions.  These meetings, which take place Tuesdays starting at 5:30 p.m., can be both long and intense.  Finance Board members have to wrestle with complex issues: applying university policies, striking a balance between supporting amazing events and stretching funds across the entire year, thinking about the precedent-setting impact of their decisions.  But they have a lot of fun too, partly because it’s so interactive and engaging.

If you have any questions about the Senate vacancy, contact Hamza Siddiqui at siddham1@umbc.edu. If you have questions about the Finance Board vacancies, contact Michelle Kuah at mkuah1@umbc.edu.

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]]> Two elected positions in SGA have become available: one each in the Senate and Finance Board.  In addition, the Finance Board is looking for a Secretary to take minutes at its meetings.  All three... http://cocreateumbc.blogspot.com/2012/01/apply-to-fill-2-rare-sga-vacancies.html https://my3.my.umbc.edu/api/v0/pixel/news/11317/guest@my.umbc.edu/ef8c5636031d38d12b873830808a0c50/api/pixel opportunities Co-Create UMBC https://my3.my.umbc.edu/groups/co-create https://assets4-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/002/5b8f025dafb56cb8d3088b7259aadcfb/xsmall.png?1499890363 https://assets2-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/002/5b8f025dafb56cb8d3088b7259aadcfb/original.jpg?1499890363 https://assets1-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/002/5b8f025dafb56cb8d3088b7259aadcfb/xxlarge.png?1499890363 https://assets4-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/002/5b8f025dafb56cb8d3088b7259aadcfb/xlarge.png?1499890363 https://assets1-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/002/5b8f025dafb56cb8d3088b7259aadcfb/large.png?1499890363 https://assets1-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/002/5b8f025dafb56cb8d3088b7259aadcfb/medium.png?1499890363 https://assets2-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/002/5b8f025dafb56cb8d3088b7259aadcfb/small.png?1499890363 https://assets4-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/002/5b8f025dafb56cb8d3088b7259aadcfb/xsmall.png?1499890363 https://assets1-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/002/5b8f025dafb56cb8d3088b7259aadcfb/xxsmall.png?1499890363 Co-Create UMBC 14 0 true Tue, 17 Jan 2012 13:14:00 -0500 Earthquake Memory
Exactly 18 years ago this morning, I had no plans to be awake.  As a young lawyer in a busy firm, I needed all the sleep I could get, and this was a national holiday.  But before the sun began to rise, everyone’s plans changed.  My words, scrawled in a journal, from that day:

Monday, January 17, 1994, 5:00 a.m., Los Angeles, California: A few minutes ago I awakened into utter terror. The biggest earthquake I've ever felt. All power and phones are out. I have no idea how big it was. I'm writing by flashlight, being interrupted by small aftershocks. Outside in the dark, people are talking and crying.  My apartment is a mess.

I can't go to sleep again. I'd be far too afraid of waking to another nightmare, and I want to find out how bad it was.

I hope it wasn't just a foreshock!

Monday, January 17, 1994, 10:49 p.m., Los Angeles, California: When I woke up this morning, I was aware only of pitch blackness and total chaos. There was a tremendous shaking and (as I was only dimly aware) a very large amount of noise.  I was aware that it was an earthquake. I was convinced it was The Big One: the long-anticipated San Andreas Fault quake that would devastate Los Angeles. (It wasn't). I was certain that buildings were collapsing and people were dying. I couldn't imagine that it wouldn't be so, given the unbelievable shaking.

I climbed out of bed in a rush of adrenaline. I just knew I had to be ready to get the hell out of the apartment. I got some clothes on, started to look for a flashlight, remembered I had one in my car. Somebody outside shouted, "How big was it?" An answering voice deadpanned, "Big." There was nervous laughter. My heart was pounding.  I stepped outside.

It was extremely dark. (The news later reported that it was the first citywide blackout in L.A. history). The stars looked different (and far more numerous) unobstructed by city lights. I walked to my car. There were people out there in the dark. I got the flashlight, and went back to my apartment. There was an incredible silence (except during the aftershocks), in which I could hear everything being said by the people in the street.

The lamps in my living room had tumbled to the floor, as had my compact discs and a stereo speaker.  An award had fallen from a bookcase, and a picture had fallen 3 feet from the wall to my desk, near my bed. Other debris also littered my floor. I was actually surprised that so much had fallen, because I had no specific memory of crashing sounds.

I was afraid to stay in my apartment (for fear it would collapse), but afraid to stay outside (for fear of hostile people and the unknown). I chose to stay indoors. I tried to call my parents' home, but the line went dead.  I crouched with the flashlight and wrote the preceding entry.
[My friend] Barak called--he was in town, at Gabrielle's place in Hollywood.  They were also confused and in the dark.  [Another friend,] David called.  I sat in the dark listening to people outside of my building.  I still had no idea how big the quake had been, or how much damage it had done.

I finally got an outside line and tried my parents, my grandmother, Barak and David.  I got busy signals and system overload warnings.  I tried the calls repeatedly.  Then I called my aunt and uncle, and got through.  They told me they had lots of damage and couldn't get through to my parents or grandmother by phone.  I worried that my dad might have had a heart attack.  My heart was still pounding!

It was still pitch black.  I tried to call other friends, to see if they could get through to my parents or grandmother.  I tried my grandmother, parents, Barak, David--and got nobody.  Then my brother called.  It was about 6:15 or 6:30 a.m., almost two hours after the quake.  He gave me my first news of the magnitude (6.6) and epicenter (Northridge).  He was getting his information from stations showing footage from L.A. local news, which I couldn't see because the power was out!  (He's in New Jersey).

The sun began to rise (to my great relief).  I considered driving into the Valley to check on my parents and grandmother.  I heard from my aunt that my grandmother was OK, pulled from amidst the rubble of her furniture by her apartment manager.  My uncle said he'd go check on my parents.  He did, and they were fine but suffered lots of damage.

I spent all day in my apartment, napping occasionally.  The power came on at 9:55 a.m. and that's when I first saw and heard TV and radio news.  I first spoke to my parents at 4:00 p.m.

I went in to the office at 5:30 p.m., just after the announcement of a darkness-to-dawn city-wide curfew.  I had to get some documents. I'm supposed to be in court tomorrow morning!  The office was a shambles: furniture tilted over, floor-to-ceiling bookcases tipped, drawers thrown open.  The phone system was knocked out, as was the computer system.  I didn't stay long.  Later I spoke to Ty.  We're both amazed that there has been no announcement that the courts will be closed tomorrow.  It looks like I'll be driving across Los Angeles in a few hours; probably a difficult task, since the Santa Monica Freeway is closed.

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]]> Exactly 18 years ago this morning, I had no plans to be awake.  As a young lawyer in a busy firm, I needed all the sleep I could get, and this was a national holiday.  But before the sun began to... http://cocreateumbc.blogspot.com/2012/01/earthquake-memories.html https://my3.my.umbc.edu/api/v0/pixel/news/11298/guest@my.umbc.edu/18d934296b2abce7b51fddc7af27cae3/api/pixel personal-stories Co-Create UMBC https://my3.my.umbc.edu/groups/co-create https://assets4-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/002/5b8f025dafb56cb8d3088b7259aadcfb/xsmall.png?1499890363 https://assets2-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/002/5b8f025dafb56cb8d3088b7259aadcfb/original.jpg?1499890363 https://assets1-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/002/5b8f025dafb56cb8d3088b7259aadcfb/xxlarge.png?1499890363 https://assets4-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/002/5b8f025dafb56cb8d3088b7259aadcfb/xlarge.png?1499890363 https://assets1-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/002/5b8f025dafb56cb8d3088b7259aadcfb/large.png?1499890363 https://assets1-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/002/5b8f025dafb56cb8d3088b7259aadcfb/medium.png?1499890363 https://assets2-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/002/5b8f025dafb56cb8d3088b7259aadcfb/small.png?1499890363 https://assets4-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/002/5b8f025dafb56cb8d3088b7259aadcfb/xsmall.png?1499890363 https://assets1-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/002/5b8f025dafb56cb8d3088b7259aadcfb/xxsmall.png?1499890363 Co-Create UMBC 13 3 true Tue, 17 Jan 2012 07:45:00 -0500 The Last Secret of STRiVE
The situation started to get unpredictable on the afternoon of the first day. We were standing in a big circle, in the middle of a planned activity, when somebody suddenly initiated a kick-wave. It took a few tries, but soon enough we were all following the wave around the room, kicking and shouting in turn. Then there was a song about pie. And then a thousand more inside jokes, spontaneous celebrations, heartfelt contributions and courageous confessions. Right at the beginning I had stood up in front of the participants and said that 10% of what would happen at UMBC's STRiVE student leadership retreat would emerge from the coaches' plans, and 90% from the participants themselves. Turned out I was wrong; over the course of the 5-day retreat, it was more like 3% to 97%.

Billing STRiVE as a leadership retreat is accurate as far as it goes. Participants are exposed to cutting-edge leadership concepts and reflect on their own styles and values. They learn important lessons about how to initiate and bring about change for the common good. But what really takes their breath away and changes their lives--not to mention their coaches' lives--is the experience of building and becoming an unbelievably vibrant and tight-knit community from a group of strangers, all in a few days. Participants emerged from last week's event knowing that they were free to be themselves, that they had important contributions to make, and that in this diverse group, they truly belonged. All of us made this possible together. And we were absolutely over the moon about it! Even before the retreat bus reached Commons Circle, Facebook and Twitter were abuzz with ecstatic comments about the experience.

STRiVE is such a departure from the posturing and evasions of everyday life that it can feel like a Narnia: a self-contained, magical world to which few can ever hope to return. But I know otherwise. The last secret of STRiVE is that everyone has the capacity to liberate the authentic, hopeful, open and loving selves within us all, and to build communities in which we all can thrive. That's real leadership. The 61 people who did this for each other at STRiVE last week now carry the inspiration from having succeeded at it. I know we'll continue to learn from the experience, and bring that STRiVE spirit to every community we ever touch, on campus and beyond.



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]]> The situation started to get unpredictable on the afternoon of the first day. We were standing in a big circle, in the middle of a planned activity, when somebody suddenly initiated a kick-wave.... http://cocreateumbc.blogspot.com/2012/01/last-secret-of-strive.html https://my3.my.umbc.edu/api/v0/pixel/news/11283/guest@my.umbc.edu/27c8cd49d4016fd743340947503b1ac8/api/pixel leadership-education strive Co-Create UMBC https://my3.my.umbc.edu/groups/co-create https://assets4-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/002/5b8f025dafb56cb8d3088b7259aadcfb/xsmall.png?1499890363 https://assets2-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/002/5b8f025dafb56cb8d3088b7259aadcfb/original.jpg?1499890363 https://assets1-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/002/5b8f025dafb56cb8d3088b7259aadcfb/xxlarge.png?1499890363 https://assets4-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/002/5b8f025dafb56cb8d3088b7259aadcfb/xlarge.png?1499890363 https://assets1-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/002/5b8f025dafb56cb8d3088b7259aadcfb/large.png?1499890363 https://assets1-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/002/5b8f025dafb56cb8d3088b7259aadcfb/medium.png?1499890363 https://assets2-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/002/5b8f025dafb56cb8d3088b7259aadcfb/small.png?1499890363 https://assets4-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/002/5b8f025dafb56cb8d3088b7259aadcfb/xsmall.png?1499890363 https://assets1-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/002/5b8f025dafb56cb8d3088b7259aadcfb/xxsmall.png?1499890363 Co-Create UMBC 27 10 true Sun, 15 Jan 2012 21:32:00 -0500 Sun, 15 Jan 2012 21:32:00 -0500 Apply for Student Conference with President Clinton Clinton Global Initiative University (CGI U) is an annual event hosted by former President Bill Clinton for college students interested in contributing to social change in their communities and around the world.  This year's CGI U will take place at George Washington University in Washington, DC from March 30-April 1, 2012.   Each CGI U student member makes a Commitment to Action: a specific plan of action that addresses a pressing challenge on their campus, in their community, or in a different part of the world.

Click here to apply online.  The deadline for CGI U applications is January 23, 2012.

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]]> Clinton Global Initiative University (CGI U) is an annual event hosted by former President Bill Clinton for college students interested in contributing to social change in their communities and... http://cocreateumbc.blogspot.com/2012/01/apply-for-conference-with-president.html https://my3.my.umbc.edu/api/v0/pixel/news/11122/guest@my.umbc.edu/b188415ffa6eb03d55aa1b0242a27175/api/pixel opportunities Co-Create UMBC https://my3.my.umbc.edu/groups/co-create https://assets4-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/002/5b8f025dafb56cb8d3088b7259aadcfb/xsmall.png?1499890363 https://assets2-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/002/5b8f025dafb56cb8d3088b7259aadcfb/original.jpg?1499890363 https://assets1-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/002/5b8f025dafb56cb8d3088b7259aadcfb/xxlarge.png?1499890363 https://assets4-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/002/5b8f025dafb56cb8d3088b7259aadcfb/xlarge.png?1499890363 https://assets1-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/002/5b8f025dafb56cb8d3088b7259aadcfb/large.png?1499890363 https://assets1-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/002/5b8f025dafb56cb8d3088b7259aadcfb/medium.png?1499890363 https://assets2-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/002/5b8f025dafb56cb8d3088b7259aadcfb/small.png?1499890363 https://assets4-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/002/5b8f025dafb56cb8d3088b7259aadcfb/xsmall.png?1499890363 https://assets1-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/002/5b8f025dafb56cb8d3088b7259aadcfb/xxsmall.png?1499890363 Co-Create UMBC 6 9 true Thu, 05 Jan 2012 10:14:00 -0500 Thu, 05 Jan 2012 10:14:00 -0500 The View from My Window


First snowfall of the season at UMBC.  It's not much, just flurries, but still . . .


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]]> First snowfall of the season at UMBC.  It's not much, just flurries, but still . . . -- Follow Co-Create UMBC on Twitter Like Co-Create UMBC on Facebook If you're at UMBC, join the... http://cocreateumbc.blogspot.com/2012/01/view-from-my-window.html https://my3.my.umbc.edu/api/v0/pixel/news/11066/guest@my.umbc.edu/6d5b6622c60a4a8d7f691a14887791d4/api/pixel view-from-my-window Co-Create UMBC https://my3.my.umbc.edu/groups/co-create https://assets4-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/002/5b8f025dafb56cb8d3088b7259aadcfb/xsmall.png?1499890363 https://assets2-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/002/5b8f025dafb56cb8d3088b7259aadcfb/original.jpg?1499890363 https://assets1-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/002/5b8f025dafb56cb8d3088b7259aadcfb/xxlarge.png?1499890363 https://assets4-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/002/5b8f025dafb56cb8d3088b7259aadcfb/xlarge.png?1499890363 https://assets1-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/002/5b8f025dafb56cb8d3088b7259aadcfb/large.png?1499890363 https://assets1-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/002/5b8f025dafb56cb8d3088b7259aadcfb/medium.png?1499890363 https://assets2-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/002/5b8f025dafb56cb8d3088b7259aadcfb/small.png?1499890363 https://assets4-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/002/5b8f025dafb56cb8d3088b7259aadcfb/xsmall.png?1499890363 https://assets1-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/002/5b8f025dafb56cb8d3088b7259aadcfb/xxsmall.png?1499890363 Co-Create UMBC 27 7 true Tue, 03 Jan 2012 10:29:00 -0500