UMBC’s own Tiffany Robinson ’97, political science, was appointed by Governor Larry Hogan as Maryland’s new Secretary of Labor on July 9. The appointment follows Robinson’s service to the state as the Hogan’s deputy chief of staff, where she oversaw issues of labor, human services and health, housing, and education since 2016. 

With a leadership background in housing and community development organizations, according to the governor’s office, Robinson is well-suited to serve as labor secretary. In a statement, Hogan said, “Tiffany’s experience as an advocate for Maryland’s workers and small businesses, and her commitment to public service, make her an outstanding choice to be our next labor secretary.”

UMBC alumni have been steadily rising through the ranks of Maryland politics in 2019. On May 1, Adrienne A. Jones, ’76, psychology, was unanimously voted in as Maryland’s first female and first African American Speaker of the House. On March 11, Letitia Dzirasa ’03, M11, biological sciences, took on her new role as Baltimore’s Health Commissioner. She is also the first African American woman to hold this position. 

Other alumni, of course, populate various leadership positions in regional, state, and federal government, most notably, the U.S. Surgeon General, Jerome Adams ’97, M4, biochemistry and molecular biology, who replaced Rear Admiral Sylvia Trent-Adams Ph.D. ’06, public policy, in August 2017, who was serving as acting surgeon general.

Robinson will continue to work alongside many other alumni in Annapolis, including Hogan’s chief of staff, Matt Clark, ’00, history, in serving the nearly 70 percent of UMBC alumni who live and work in the state. Speaker Jones says of her fellow Retrievers working for the Maryland government, “They believe in the power of education. They are committed advocates for UMBC here in Annapolis. And they continue to be involved with the university as mentors for current students and ambassadors for UMBC in their communities.”

Robinson’s appointment is subject to Senate confirmation in January 2020, but effectively begins her role at the end of the month.

*****

Header image: Tiffany Robinson and Matt Clark join Governor Hogan on a visit to UMBC. Photo by Marlayna Demond ’11.

More than 130 members of the Retriever community gathered in Annapolis on January 23 to celebrate the many ways UMBC alumni make an impact through careers that serve the State of Maryland, including elected officials, policy analysts, and other advocates working for the public good. In addition to networking, talking with current students, and celebrating UMBC’s recent successes, guests also took part in a “UMBC 101” active learning demonstration, a highlight of the evening.

See more images from the evening at UMBC Alumni Flickr.

Photos by Marlayna Demond ’11 for UMBC Magazine.

UMBC’s annual night in Annapolis celebrated alumni who work every day for the public good of Marylanders. Nearly 70 percent of UMBC’s more than 70,000 alumni live in Maryland and contribute to the State’s economy and civic life in a variety of ways.

Along with President Freeman Hrabowski, House of Delegates Speaker Pro Tem Adrienne A. Jones ’76, psychology, hosted the event along with Senator James Mathias ’74, political science; Delegate Haven Shoemaker ’87, political science; Delegate Mark Chang ’99, psychology; Delegate Charles Sydnor, III ’00, policy sciences; Matthew A. Clark ’00, history, Chief of Staff, Office of the Governor; and Tiffany Robinson ’97, political science, Deputy Chief of Staff, Office of the Governor.

“My co-hosts this evening  perfectly represent the grit and greatness and inclusive excellence of UMBC,” said Jones.   “They believe in the power of education.  They are committed advocates for UMBC here in Annapolis.  And they continue to be involved with the university as mentors for  current students and ambassadors for UMBC in their communities.”

Over the course of the evening, the group heard from a number of current students, including UMBC’s very first Rhodes Scholar Naomi Mburu ’18. Hrabowski asked the alumni in the room to raise their hands proudly, and invited them to be mentors to current students.

“We are here tonight to celebrate the public service role each of you plays in our state,” he said.  “We are so proud of you. We know how impressive you are – and we want to make sure you know each other and the powerful network you share for career opportunities and professional development.”

See a full collection of photos from the evening.

Learn more about upcoming UMBC Alumni events.

Name: Kenneth L. Pittman ‘80, economics, CFP®, ChFC®, CLU®
Employer: PNC Wealth Management
Alumni leadership role: President of the UMBC Alumni Association Board of Directors

Q: Where are you from originally?
Annapolis, MD

Q: What’s your favorite UMBC memory?
Meeting my (future) wife at Dr. Peake’s Halloween Party

Q: Why are you involved in an alumni board or chapter?
If you are not part of the solution, you are part of the problem.

Q: Do you have a favorite hobby or pastime?
Power boating and scuba diving.

Q: If you were an Olympian, what would be your sport/activity of choice?
Decathlon.

Read more about the Alumni Association!

Spend some time with fellow alumni at these great fall events:

Annapolis Lighthouse Cruise with CYA
Saturday, September 20, 4 p.m. check-in, 4:30 – 6 p.m. cruise
Watermark Cruises, Annapolis MD

Join fellow UMBC alumni and friends as we explore and cruise by the Thomas Point Lighthouse, the most recognized lighthouse in Maryland. The event with take place on a 65′ yacht, the Cabaret II where you will enjoy a close-up view of this iconic treasure. Check in begins at 4 p.m. and the ship departs from the City Dock at 4:30 p.m. There will be an informal alumni happy hour following the cruise. Get your tickets now!

Retriever Fever: Homecoming 2014
October 8-11
UMBC Campus

Enjoy numerous UMBC activities with students, alumni, and faculty during Homecoming week. Look below for further details about some of the events offered:

Alumni Awards Ceremony, 10/9
The UMBC Alumni Association will be celebrating distinguished alumni and faculty for their accomplishments and dedication to UMBC.

Athletic Alumni Bull and Oyster Roast, 10/10
Athletic alumni and their families can gather together to remember their glory days as Retrievers while enjoying food and live music.

5K Dawg Chase, 10/11
Come out to the 6th annual run around the loop, dedicated to the late men’s track alumnus Rob Magin ’92, to kick off Saturday’s Homecoming festivities. UMBC students: $10, general registration: $20. All proceeds benefit the UMBC Track Team.

Homecoming Carnival, 10/11
Come check out the FREE UMBC carnival and enjoy rides, games, and food trucks. There will be an alumni hospitality tent which will provide refreshments, including beer and wine for those over 21, as well as giveaways. There will also be opportunities to participate in alumni reunions.

Learn more about Homecoming.

Check out our full calendar of alumni events.