Lewis on campus in 1992. Photo courtesy of Lewis.

“To me, UMBC opened up the world,” says Tamara L. Lewis ’92, psychology. As a student, that meant joining Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., for instance, holding multiple jobs all around campus, and ultimately re-envisioning her career path. 

Lewis began her studies focusing on industrial and organizational psychology. However, it was her many on-campus jobs—conference assistant, desk staffer, and student worker in the admissions office—that allowed her to realize that she was actually drawn to counseling. Working across campus let Lewis see how a university can support student success, so she began to explore how she could work with students.

Thirty years later, Lewis still feels a sense of real connection to the campus and actively works to help other alumni engage with students and the institution. And her career pathway has allowed her to continue to support students in the manner she first observed at UMBC.

The need to belong

Academic support has defined many aspects of  Lewis’s career and philanthropic life. After UMBC, Lewis received her master’s degree in counseling from Hampton University—UMBC President Freeman Hrabowski’s alma mater. She then began her career in the counseling center at Baltimore City Community College. 

“Being in the academic realm got me thinking more about college student experiences,” she shares, and she started thinking about what structures exist to help young people succeed. She drew on lessons learned at UMBC that helped her understand the value of community and support in educating the whole student. 

Lewis speaking at a CBLA event. Photo courtesy of the Alumni Association.

Lewis continued exploring the topic of academic success in her dissertation for her doctorate from Morgan University. After earning both her graduate degrees from Historically Black Colleges and Universities, Lewis understood the advantages of students feeling a sense of belonging while at school. Her own experience, along with research and alumni work, has shown her the importance of making students feel important and valuable within their community.  

Carving out space

Creating a space for Black and Latinx alumni to come together came organically through events and outreach supported by UMBC’s Office of Alumni Engagement, says Lewis. What started as a UMBC-hosted evening for Black and Latinx alumni at Baltimore’s Reginald F. Lewis Museum of African American History, would result in the creation of the Chapter of Black and Latino Alumni (CBLA) at UMBC in 2006.

“Tamara was instrumental in creating the CBLA and leading events and initiatives that would speak to and acknowledge the unique experiences of our Black and Latine/x graduates,” says Stanyell Odom, director of Alumni Engagement. “Her love for UMBC is evident in the way she gives back her time, talent, and resources through the CBLA, the Alumni Board and her beloved sorority.”

In 1991, Lewis became a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority (AKA), one of the first historically Black sororities on campus. She remembers how important it felt to build community within the “small community” of Black students on campus. Through her student work in AKA, as well as her residential life involvement, she saw the value of supporting Black students to do their very best at UMBC, a vision that was shared through the administration, she says. 

Now, nearly 30 years after joining her sorority, she continues to connect with members to support UMBC. In 2011, Lewis helped plan the first AKA Homecoming reunion. Anita Jackson ’80, health science and policy, then a member of the Alumni Association Board of Directors, and the Office of Alumni Engagement leveraged connections to the alumni community to make the event a success. AKA members have gathered at Homecoming every year since. The event also fundraises for the UMBC Second Generation Scholarship, which is dedicated to students who show a commitment to the advancement of minorities. In 2020, during the COVID-19 pandemic, the sorority sisters came together virtually in honor of the charter anniversary of their chapter.

“It’s important that people give what they can; even if it’s not money but time,”  Lewis says, emphasizing the value of expanding the ways alumni can support the UMBC community.

Integral part of the community

Now, as the state test security officer and the National Assessment of Educational Progress state coordinator for the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE), Lewis continues to ensure students have everything they need to succeed on standardized testing. The Assessment Branch of MSDE works to create uniform and accessible testing standards so students, educators, and community members can best support students and address any gaps in education. Working in Baltimore City, Lewis understands the value of equitable testing practices so students can use every support available. Her continued curiosity about addressing gaps and building community has made her an integral part of the UMBC alumni community.

As a student, Lewis realized that being an active member of the UMBC community was the best way to get the most of her education. Now, she wants to help current students—who she sees as future alumni—realize how important it is to give back to UMBC when they do graduate. “When I tell people I went to UMBC, they’re impressed,” she says, which just inspires her to give back even more.

— Imani Spence ’16

*****

Header image: Lewis, right, at an AKA Homecoming reunion in 2014. Photo by Marlayna Demond ’11.

Staying in the Loop is a new post series from the Chapter of Black and Latino Alumni (CBLA) that seeks to create connections between alumni, faculty, staff, and other supporters of UMBC and CBLA. Click here for more information about CBLA.

Name: Dr. Yvette Mozie-Ross
Major: Health Science and Policy
Grad year: 1988
Staff: Vice Provost for Enrollment Management and Planning

Q: What do/did you enjoy most about being a part of the UMBC community?

I enjoyed the close sense of community. Everyone knew everyone and looked out for each others’ well-being. I remember celebrating birthdays and also coming together to help classmates through difficult times as well (personal/family challenges).

Q: UMBC is approaching its 50th anniversary (2016) and certainly the campus has come a long way – from a small commuter school to the nation’s #1 “up-and-coming” university – in such a relatively short period of time. What, in your opinion, makes UMBC so unique/special? What’s your most memorable experience/moment at UMBC?

I think what’s special about UMBC is we provide a place for ordinary, everyday people who are passionate about their interests and willing to work hard to become extraordinary!

Q: If you could meet one person in the world who would it be and why?

Oprah Winfrey. I think she is an amazing person who has positively impacted so many lives through her work in television and media. She is a deeply spiritual person who (unapologetically) works to ensure her that her spiritual self and her professional self are in alignment. I strive for that in my day to day work.

Q: What is the best advice you’ve received?

Whatever follows “I am” will come looking for you!

Q: What is one book you think everyone should read?

Five Languages of Love by Gary Chapman. This book is great no matter where you are in your relationship – whether you are just getting started in a new relationship or celebrating 50 years of marriage!

Q: What is one thing you can’t live without?

Chocolate!

Staying in the Loop is a new post series from the Chapter of Black and Latino Alumni (CBLA) that seeks to create connections between alumni, faculty, staff, and other supporters of UMBC and CBLA. Click here for more information about CBLA.

Name: Donta Henson
Major: Health Administration and Policy
Grad year: 2013

Q: What do/did you enjoy most about being a part of the UMBC community?

The energetic and diverse learning environment.

Q: UMBC is approaching its 50th anniversary (2016) and certainly the campus has come a long way – from a small commuter school to the nation’s #1 “up-and-coming” university – in such a relatively short period of time. What, in your opinion, makes UMBC so unique/special? What’s your most memorable experience/moment at UMBC?

Hands down, the leadership of Dr. Hrabowski is what makes UMBC such a special place.

Q: If you could meet one person in the world who would it be?

Dr. Mae Jemison.

Q: What is the best advice you’ve received?

“Stay the course.” This advice was given to me during my early years in the Navy and while so simple the message of perseverance has carried me to unbelievable heights.

Q: What is one book you think everyone should read?

Toni Morrison’s The Bluest Eye.

Q: What is one thing you can’t live without?

One thing I couldn’t live without is my family. They’ve been my biggest supporters and my biggest source of pride.

Staying in the Loop is a new post series from the Chapter of Black and Latino Alumni (CBLA) that seeks to create connections between alumni, faculty, staff, and other supporters of UMBC and CBLA. Click here for more information about CBLA.

Name: Darren “Jazz” Stevens 
Major: Economics
Grad year: 1995

Q: What do/did you enjoy most about being a part of the UMBC community?

UMBC became home, and working with my UMBC family making my home what we wanted it to be was, and is, what drives me.

Q: UMBC is approaching its 50th anniversary (2016) and certainly the campus has come a long way – from a small commuter school to the nation’s #1 “up-and-coming” university – in such a relatively short period of time. What, in your opinion, makes UMBC so unique/special? What’s your most memorable experience/moment at UMBC?

The faculty prioritizes the success of the students, instead of accepting the failure of students, making it unique in the world of collegiate education. “One of” my most memorable experiences was the demonstration at the 1994 Board of Regents meeting. Students demanded their voice be heard, and we were provided the platform to express our voice.

Q: If you could meet one person in the world who would it be and why?

John Madden. I would want to take a cross country tour on the Madden Cruiser watching football films from the 60s through the new millennium, breaking down game film.

Q: What is the best advice you’ve received?

The best advice I ever received was a quote, “True power is the ability to tell someone to go to Hell, and make them feel happy that they are on their way!”

Q: What is one book you think everyone should read?

Monster by Sanyika Shakkur. The lesson to learn: Sometimes the ends justify the means, regardless of the ramification.

Q: What is one thing you can’t live without?

Football season.

Staying in the Loop is a new post series from the Chapter of Black and Latino Alumni (CBLA) that seeks to create connections between alumni, faculty, staff, and other supporters of UMBC and CBLA. Click here for more information about CBLA.

Name: Dr. Tamara L. Lewis
Major: Psychology
Grad year: 1992

Q: What do/did you enjoy most about being a part of the UMBC community?

From the moment I arrived on campus as a freshman, faculty, staff, and students reached out to encourage me to take full advantage of all the campus had to offer. After graduation, I still felt the campus was reaching out to me. I frequently received mailers and email correspondence about campus activities and opportunities to become involved as an alumni. I appreciate the opportunity to remain supportive and I stay connected by participating on various alumni committees and regularly attending alumni events. Currently, I serve on the Chapter of Black and Latino Alumni and the Alumni Board of Directors. I also enjoy co-hosting an annual alumni reunion of my sorority sisters of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated during Homecoming.

Q: UMBC is approaching its 50th anniversary (2016) and certainly the campus has come a long way – from a small commuter school to the nation’s #1 “up-and-coming” university – in such a relatively short period of time. What, in your opinion, makes UMBC so unique/special? What’s your most memorable experience/moment at UMBC?

One of the first UMBC items I purchased was a t-shirt decorated with flags and the statement, “The world is our campus.” That t-shirt reflected my perception of UMBC while I was a student and it still reflects my perception. I am excited by the world of opportunity UMBC affords its students.

Q: If you could meet one person in the world who would it be and why?

I’d like to meet President Barack Obama because he overcame many hurdles to accomplish something my ancestors never imagined – becoming the first African American President of the USA.

Q: What is the best advice you’ve received?

Giving back and saying “thank you” are two important lessons my parents taught me as a child. Upon graduating from UMBC, I couldn’t help but show my appreciation for the positive role UMBC played in my professional and personal development. It’s important for alumni to give both of their time and monetary donations, no matter how small.

Q: What is one book you think everyone should read?

I love to read, so recommending one book is difficult. However, the most important book I’ve read is the Bible.

Q: What is one thing you can’t live without?

I could never live without my belief in God because I draw all of my strength from my faith.

We are proud to announce Staying in the Loop, a new post series from the Chapter of Black and Latino Alumni (CBLA) that seeks to create connections between alumni, faculty, staff, and other supporters of UMBC and CBLA. Click here for more information about CBLA.
Name: A. Jay Nwachu
Major: Psychology
Grad year: 2003
Q: What do/did you enjoy most about being a part of the UMBC community?
The academically empowering environment as well as the diversity of the student body provided an opportunity for personal, academic and professional growth.
Q: UMBC is approaching its 50th anniversary (2016) and certainly the campus has come a long way – from a small commuter school to the nation’s #1 “up-and-coming” university – in such a relatively short period of time. What, in your opinion, makes UMBC so unique/special? What’s your most memorable experience/moment at UMBC?
UMBC is rather unique given its rapid growth, not necessarily in numbers, but in its ability to compete with the nation’s best institutions in such a short period of time. My most memorable experience, out of many great experiences, was having the opportunity to partner with 2 of my best friends today to address the potential gaps in services that would result when the university administration decided to shut down the Office of Multicultural Affairs which served as an informal home for many on and off campus students. We were able to work with the administration to keep the office open but change its focus to serve the growing diversity at the university with more structured programming. The office remained open and was renamed the Office of Social Justice and Diversity Initiatives and has since been renamed to The Mosaic Center.
Q: If you could meet one person in the world who would it be and why?
Not anyone in particular. I believe that those that I cross paths with at any given space and time can contribute to my life in some capacity. I would rather live life with the anticipation of who next I can share my life with versus wishing to meet a particular person.
Q: What is the best advice you’ve received?
You can’t make everyone happy, just focus on making God happy.
Q: What is one book you think everyone should read?
This is a tough question……
Q: What is one thing you can’t live without?
Airplanes….the ability to travel.

We are proud to announce Staying in the Loop, a new post series from the Chapter of Black and Latino Alumni (CBLA) that seeks to create connections between alumni, faculty, staff, and other supporters of UMBC and CBLA. Click here for more information about CBLA.

Name: A. Jay Nwachu
Major: Psychology
Grad year: 2003

Q: What do/did you enjoy most about being a part of the UMBC community?

The academically empowering environment as well as the diversity of the student body provided an opportunity for personal, academic and professional growth.

Q: UMBC is approaching its 50th anniversary (2016) and certainly the campus has come a long way – from a small commuter school to the nation’s #1 “up-and-coming” university – in such a relatively short period of time. What, in your opinion, makes UMBC so unique/special? What’s your most memorable experience/moment at UMBC?

UMBC is rather unique given its rapid growth, not necessarily in numbers, but in its ability to compete with the nation’s best institutions in such a short period of time. My most memorable experience, out of many great experiences, was having the opportunity to partner with 2 of my best friends today to address the potential gaps in services that would result when the university administration decided to shut down the Office of Multicultural Affairs which served as an informal home for many on and off campus students. We were able to work with the administration to keep the office open but change its focus to serve the growing diversity at the university with more structured programming. The office remained open and was renamed the Office of Social Justice and Diversity Initiatives and has since been renamed to The Mosaic Center.

Q: If you could meet one person in the world who would it be and why?

Not anyone in particular. I believe that those that I cross paths with at any given space and time can contribute to my life in some capacity. I would rather live life with the anticipation of who next I can share my life with versus wishing to meet a particular person.

Q: What is the best advice you’ve received?

You can’t make everyone happy, just focus on making God happy.

Q: What is one book you think everyone should read?

This is a tough question……

Q: What is one thing you can’t live without?

Airplanes….the ability to travel.

Name: Erica L. Reaves ​’04, biological science, ‘11 M.P.P., public policy
Employer: The Henry J. Kaiser Family Foundation​
Alumni leadership roles: Cohort Representative for the Meyerhoff Scholars, Publicity Chair for the Chapter of Black and Latino Alumni (CBLA), member of Omicron Delta Kappa ​

Q: Where are you from originally?
​Columbus, Ohio​.

Q: What’s your favorite UMBC memory?
Orientation Week, August 2000, ​and Quadmania 2001 (my first Quadmania, where I purchased my first cell phone).

Q: Why are you involved in an alumni board or chapter?
I really enjoy working with fellow alumni and UMBC staff to develop programs/events that promote school spirit and support UMBC’s dedicated students, faculty, and staff.

Q: Why do you think it’s important to support UMBC?
​UMBC is such a nurturing, diverse community of scholars. As a scholarship recipient, I feel compelled to give back — my time, money, and other resources — as much as possible. Despite the generosity of many, I know that individuals and their families miss out on having the UMBC experience because of financial constraints.

Q: If stuck on a desert island with a CD player and only one CD, which CD would that be?
Lauryn Hill, Miseducation of Lauryn Hill.

Q: What is the most recent book you’ve read?
​I am currently reading Outliers by Malcolm Gladwell​.

Read more about the CBLA!

Name: Erin Griffiths ‘05, sociology
Employer: Commissioned Corps of the U.S. Public Health Service (USPHS) and U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
Alumni Leadership Role: Vice President of the Chapter of Black and Latino Alumni (CBLA)

Q: Where are you from originally?
Washington, DC

Q: What’s your favorite UMBC memory?
Spending time with my friend while she worked at the front desk of Hillside [apartments].

Q: Why are you involved in an alumni board or chapter?
I think it is important to “pay it forward,” since I am now more established. I met some great people while attending UMBC. I want to support attendance at UMBC, so other people are able to have a great college experience and great careers.

Q: Why do you think it’s important to support UMBC?
It is always important to reflect and remember where you came from. The education at UMBC is exceptional and the foundation that I received helped prepare me for graduate school.

Q: Do you have a favorite hobby or pastime?
Singing.

Q: What is the most recent book you’ve read?
The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz.

Read more about the Chapter of Black and Latino Alumni!