The Thanksgiving leftovers have dwindled away and many of us have put a significant dent in our holiday shopping lists, having bustled through Black Friday, Small Business Saturday, and Cyber Monday. Three years ago, Giving Tuesday was established to encourage us to to break away from the consumerism and chaos that has swallowed up our holiday season and return to a spirit of giving.

This year, there are a number of great causes to consider at UMBC for Giving Tuesday.

While many students will enjoy much-needed time off from classes with family and friends over their spring break this March, four different groups of students will be giving back to the community on service trips through Alternative Spring Break.

They need our help.

Each of these trips requires resources. It’s gas for vans or a plane ticket on trips that are further afield. It’s food and accommodations where they’ll be staying. Sometimes, there are even fees associated with the opportunity of participating in the projects. The more we can help them raise now, the less money each student participant will have to pay out of pocket in March. Even a modest gift of $10 or $20 will make a difference.

These students are making an impact in the world beyond UMBC, and they need your support. Please consider donating to one of the Alternative Spring Break projects, or to any of the other worthwhile student-led projects that are affecting change both on and off campus.

Your commitment truly is a gift that will keep on giving, and our communities will benefit from the great work of the students this spring.

Thank you!

Support UMBC Students on #GivingTuesday

With the upcoming release of their second CD, we decided to catch up with two alumni members of UMBC’s Down and Dirty Dawg Band (DDDB) (Matt Basch ’08, information systems and ’10 M.S., information systems, Director of the DDDB and Paul Swenson ’06, computer science, Producer) to see why they love being a part of the nationally recognized pep band.

Q: What is the DDDB and why is it important?

Paul: The pep band [also known as the DDDB] is a musical and marching ensemble sponsored by Athletics that provides its members with a chance to perform fun tunes, become engaged with school spirit at UMBC sporting events and even earn some money through part-time employment opportunities.

Matt: The mission is to support the Athletic Department and the university through music and spirit. Whether it’s 20 degrees and snowing during one of the winter basketball games, or 100 degrees with the sun blazing during the Catonsville and Arbutus 4th of July parades, you’ll experience unbridled enthusiasm and exceptional playing from this band.

Q: Why do you (and others) continue to play even as alumni?

Paul: The UMBC Spirit Group [band, drumline, cheerleaders, dance team, fever retrievers and tumbling squad] sponsors an alumni day each year. It’s a great way to connect with past and present members of the group – and to reconnect with a group that played an important role in one’s undergraduate/graduate career.

Matt: Getting to hop on the drumset and play music with the [UMBC Spirit] Group is one of my favorite parts of the season. The Down and Dirty Dawg band is like a big extended family.

Q: Why is the support of alumni and the rest of the UMBC community so important?

Matt: It’s amazing to see the connection between current members, alumni, parents, faculty, and the community as a whole. The support means the world to the band – and helps validate what we’re doing!

Q: What are some of the benefits of staying involved as alumni?

Matt: The best part about being a DDDB alum is that you get to keep playing with us!

Paul: Having the opportunity to volunteer my time for an organization that I strongly believe in has been truly amazing.  I sincerely hope UMBC is always able to maintain its reputation of having the best pep band and most spirit in America East!

Help the Dawg Band Put Out Their New CD
Consider making a gift to the Down and Dirty Dawg band to help them produce their second CD.

This project is a part of UMBC’s Giving Tuesday campaign.