Appropriately, chapter one of UMBC’s inaugural BookFest began at AOK Library Plaza. Hundreds of students gathered at the BookMarkIt to try letterpress printing, stitch pamphlets, create and swap zines, and browse a book arts display and used books.

Lindsay DiCuirci, associate professor of English, envisioned Bookfest ’26 after receiving professional development funds from the Breaking the M.O.L.D. leadership program in the College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences in spring 2025. Her proposal for the funds included hosting a book festival that explored both the creative, maker-based aspects of book history and the importance of advocacy and access. BookFest came to fruition this April when UMBC celebrated writers, readers, makers, and advocates during National Library Week.

“My own research is in early American book history, so I am drawn to all aspects of books across time and place,” DiCuirci says. “Given that we are also facing a major resurgence in book banning and censorship, I wanted to draw particular attention to attacks on libraries and the urgency around protecting our rights to read. Books by and about underrepresented people and experiences are being pulled from shelves across the country at the same time that funding for public schools and libraries is being slashed. I wanted BookFest to amplify this dynamic.”

A communal reading experience

One of the first conversations DiCuirci had about her idea was with Aditya Desai ’09, English, a program officer for Maryland Humanities who runs its Center for the Book and the One Maryland, One Book (OMOB) initiative. The pair decided that BookFest would celebrate OMOB—a communal reading experience for the state—by hosting Lawrence Burney, author of the 2026 OMOB selection, No Sense in Wishing. Burney attended BookFest and discussed his essay collection, growing up in Baltimore, and his deep relationship to music with Chris L. Terry, assistant professor of English.

Burney contended that everyone, no matter their age or life stage, can make valuable contributions to their community. “I think that’s one of the easiest ways any critic can kind of stunt their own growth, so I always make it a point to engage with people younger than me,” he said. As he leaned into writing and sharing his passions, he says he realized, “There is a way to amplify something while also having a challenging conversation about it.” 

Desai also introduced DiCuirci to Maryland State Librarian Morgan Miller, who was instrumental in passing Maryland’s Freedom to Read Act. The pair collaborated on a BookFest panel called “Freedom to Read: Libraries and Our Democracy.” 

Miller then brought John Owen into the mix. Owen is the librarian for the Maryland State Library of the Blind and Print Disabled (LBPD), and throughout BookFest, UMBC raised funds for a nonprofit that supports the LBPD in its mission to make reading and all library services accessible to Marylanders. In partnership with Maryland Humanities, BookFest also served as a collection point for the Maryland Commission on African American History and Culture’s annual book drive. 

Stay tuned for the sequel

Craft and care were front and center throughout the festival. Graphic design senior Sonia Pivovarov brought the first iteration of BookFest to life with eye-catching print and digital advertising materials. The BookMarkIt purveyed BookFest-themed original creations and items from the Hilltop Print Shop, an instructional letterpress printing shop and mobile cart. Special Collections librarian Lindsey Loeper and DiCuirci built the shop with support from a Hrabowski Innovation Grant.

Hoping for a sequel to BookFest? The next iteration is already in the works, DiCuirci says, along with ideas for smaller pop-up events throughout the year to amplify the creative work of UMBC students. 

By Kayla Logue ’27

“You are a valued and important voice.” “UMBC cares and listens.” “The diversity on UMBC’s campus helps to bring out the best in everyone.” Along with an eye-catching color gradient, these words adorn the walls of the Mezzanine Gallery in The Commons. And while the phrases may sound like something President Valerie Sheares Ashby would (and does) say quite often, they are actually part of an Arts+ initiative, student-sourced art installation that asked students: “Inclusive excellence: What does it mean to you?”

Created by students in the spring 2025 class Professional Practices in Graphic Design, the installation transforms the Mezzanine Gallery and nearby breezeway into spaces that reflect UMBC’s welcoming community. Funded by Student Affairs Communications and Marketing, the project included Petra Janka ’25, graphic design and modern languages and linguistics, and a current human-centered computing master’s student. In this Q&A, Janka and President Sheares Ashby talk about student-led inclusive excellence and the ways that UMBC welcomes people into its community.

President Valerie Sheares Ashby: How did your class approach this project? 

Petra Janka: Our class was asked to help to reimagine and transform two spaces in The Commons: The Mezzanine Gallery and the entrance near the breezeway. We wanted students to interact with something enjoyable and inspirational. So our design approach focused on creating a multi-perspective experience.

There are three specific views you can take in this installation. From one side, you see this colorful gradient representing the diversity of residential life on campus. From the other angle, you can see the black and gold gradient symbolizing academic life at the university. If you look at it straight on, you can see the quotes included in the installation and the digital signage, which highlights additional answers. We sourced these quotes by surveying students about their connections, their advice, their challenges, their experiences on campus, and so on.

Sheares Ashby: This is fantastic. It is a brilliant idea on multiple levels. I talk about inclusive excellence all the time because it is a core value of the institution, but hearing students’ experience lets me know we are doing something right. It also lets me know there is more for us to do, right? These quotes inspire me to keep going—to try to make the place even more inclusive for everyone.

It is one thing for me to say it, but to know that your student peer is saying—”Give everyone a chance”—well, that is far more powerful than if I were using my voice. When I read the quotes on the wall, I think, “Oh, that is different. That is more powerful. That is more meaningful.”

Janka: The motto of our group was: “From the students, for the students.” We wanted everyone who passes by to stop, read, and feel seen, heard, and valued, and I think we achieved that.

Sheares Ashby: This is a unique institution. It is a very different thing to be at an institution that has been around for more than 150 years, and one that has been around for 59. Older institutions are pretty hard to change. Students certainly have an impact everywhere they go, but you are not creating that institution anymore, not fundamentally changing the DNA.

But, here, we are still in a space where we are becoming clear about our values, but we are flexible and humble enough to recognize there is still more input to receive, still more growth to experience, still new ideas to include. We can be better and different, and it is our clarity about our core principle of inclusive excellence that enables us to do that.

Janka: Last spring, when we were scouting out the space, we saw how many people pass through because this is a place to eat, study, and meet friends. We wanted to add something that becomes part of that everyday experience at UMBC. And now the colors draw your eyes to it, and then you read the messages, and you feel connected, and you’re like, “Oh, this is nice. I feel inspired to do better, to give everyone a chance.” I hope it stays up for a long time.

Sheares Ashby: We are clearly better because you are here. This is what students do. Each time a new student joins us, UMBC gets better.

The project, part of UMBC’s Arts+ initiative, was completed and installed by commonvision, UMBC Student Design and Print Center students Shomapti Hussein ‘25 and Thomas Hammond ‘25, under the print and installation guidance of Tori Richner ‘22, general associate: print production, and the supervision of SACM staff. The Commons Facilities and Operations team installed the panels and screen in the Mezzanine Gallery, and were integral partners in this project.

Securing any internship is a huge accomplishment for a college student, but it’s even sweeter when it combines hands-on leadership training with a few tasty perks. Senior Justin Medina and sophomore Gabriel Jenkins joined seven other Retrievers over the summer as part of the Hersheypark Leadership Development Internship Program, a 12-week paid internship that allows students earn an hourly wage while also providing them with intensive leadership training—oh, and full-access passes to the park during their time off.

Tools of the trade

• An open mind (you’ll be trying new experiences and meeting new people)
• Strong work ethic (be ready to be tested)
• Sunscreen and sunglasses (it IS an amusement park, afterall) 
• A watch (time flies when you’re having fun)

Step 1: Figure out what you’re hungry for

Through this unparalleled program, students get to enjoy the monetary benefits of holding down a Hersheypark job of their choice, in addition to undergoing leadership training. Medina leaned into his love of swimming and trained as a lifeguard, learning life-saving skills like CPR and how to handle a trauma kit. Jenkins chose to do ride operations and learned a few things about himself along the way. 

“I learned I’m more reliable than I thought,” he said. Jenkins was trained on Lightning Racer, the first wooden racing/dueling rollercoaster in the United States. He interacted with guests while ensuring their safety by following the set procedures Hershey Entertainment & Resorts provided, confirmed height and/or weight standards were met, checked that seatbelts and restraints were fastened and locked, and controlled the right buttons to make the roller coasters go and return with a team of other hardworking ride operators. Throughout the summer, his work ethic was recognized and his supervisors gave him additional responsibilities that helped him see abilities he hadn’t tapped into yet. 

“These students were great team members in our operations and fantastic contributors in our Professional Development Sessions, where they uncovered their strengths and how to apply them in their roles at Hersheypark and beyond,” said Jacklyn Mrakovich, college relations recruiter at Hershey Entertainment & Resorts.

Step 2: A taste of the real world

Both Medina and Jenkins packed up their things and spent the summer living in rental housing provided at a reduced rate through the company. The time away from home and campus gave them a glimpse of what post-graduate life could possibly look like. 

“It was a good taste of being in the real world, especially because I moved out there. It really teaches you how to be on your own,” said Medina. He also underscores what a unique opportunity this was: “It basically gave you the 9-5 work experience, but also has a school aspect with seminars and events. While being at an amusement park.” 

Once a week, interns attended various professional development trainings, with coursework and curriculum focused on teaching students to be better leaders and prepare them for the workforce. Although their work didn’t directly speak to either student’s majors (information systems for Medina and graphic design for Jenkins), they still learned invaluable lessons that they’ll carry with them in their professional careers. Which brings us to…

Step 3: Buckle up and enjoy the ride

“You have to go in with an open mind and not be scared, you have to just take the next step forward,” encourages Medina to those thinking about the program. The intangibles of this experience were the things both Retrievers will remember—the networking opportunities, meeting students from across the world, and learning how to be a good employee and a good colleague. 

“It really helped me understand the process of actually doing a job and working for someone, learning how to communicate with co-workers and working with people from different backgrounds,” says Jenkins. 

At a roundtable discussion held as part of the leadership portion, students were grouped by major/area of interest and given the opportunity to meet employees in their field. From this discussion, Medina was able to see how he could apply the skills he learned over the summer to his future career—directly or indirectly.

“I thought more of how it could help benefit me in the future when it comes to IT. If I’m going to be working in groups or if I end up going towards a project management route, that’ll help me as a leader and help me adapt to certain scenarios or circumstances.” 

Not realizing the program’s universal draw, both Jenkins and Medina found themselves energized by getting to know their international peers—a highlight of their experience. 

“We got to work alongside international employees and learned a lot about working with people from different backgrounds,” says Jenkins. “My favorite part was meeting people from across the world.” 

“It was so cool showing my experience and seeing their experience and how we were able to share cultures,” adds Medina.

Step 4: Reap the rewards

The summer wasn’t all work and no play for the Retrievers. Interns got to enjoy some of the perks of living in a town known equally for its chocolate and its theme park. On their days off, they could take a dip in the pool at their accommodations, check out the employee store, or take advantage of the free access to Hersheypark. 

“It just felt different going to the park as an adult and knowing I could go whenever I want. Little me would have been so excited,” says Medina. 

While the swag and all-access passes certainly are souvenirs the interns are grateful for, the lasting impact is what the experience could mean for their future careers.

Of recent alumni, 85 percent were engaged in applied learning like internships, research, service-learning, or leadership during their time at UMBC. Thanks to the work they’re putting into their futures as a student, 93 percent graduate with firm plans for employment or graduate school within six months of graduation.

“I’m continually inspired by the way our students engage in applied learning to launch their careers,” says Marykate Conroy, associate director of internships and employment. “UMBC students are entering the workforce prepared and in demand.”

“The memories and the networking are the two things I’m walking away with,” says Medina. “I have more people to reach out to and even if they’re not directly in my field, they’re so willing to help.”

Every so often, we’ll chat with an alum about what they do and how they got there. Today we’re talking with Jim Lord ‘99,Visual and Performing Arts, about his work as the Director of Creative Services here at UMBC.

Q: What drew you to UMBC for your studies?

A: I was really impressed with campus and the faculty in the visual arts department when I attended a campus visit. As a transfer student, I was glad to be able to move right into the graphic design program my first semester. UMBC had a great articulation agreement with my community college, so the majority of my credits transferred over with no issue.

Q: You now work at the university. Could you tell us how you got the position and talk a bit about what you do there?

A: I work in the Creative Services department. During my final semester, I ran into a classmate that was stepping down from a part-time position with the group. She advised me to speak with the creative director at the time who was also a past professor of mine. Jeanne Ivy hired me as a part-time web assistant. Four months later they informed me a full-time position was opening up, and allowed me to interview. I got the job and have been with the group in various roles ever since. I am currently the director of Creative Services. I oversee the day-to-day operations of the studio and continue to design materials for the campus community.

Q: You recently received your MFA from UB and were the first student to complete the 60-Credit Integrated Design Program. What was that experience like?

A: The experience was interesting to say the least. Juggling a full-time job, family obligations, and school work was a challenge, but I kept my head down and got through the program without too much heartache. I have my family and friends to thank for their support. I could not have done it without them.

Q: What aspect of creative design do you enjoy most?

A: Seeing my work become a reality. I love walking across campus and seeing my work in the hands of a student, on the side of a bus, or hanging on the side of a building.

Q: What advice would you give to students considering UMBC?

A: Don’t judge this place based on its reputation among your peers. Come to campus and see for yourself what UMBC has to offer. Your experience here is what you make it.

Every so often, we’ll chat with an alum about what they do and how they got there. Today we’re talking with author Adam Kurtz ‘09, Visual Arts,  about his career and new book, 1 Page At A Time.

Name: Adam Kurtz
Job Title: Studio Designer for Ad Agency
Grad year & Major: 2009, Visual Arts (Graphic Design) with a minor in art history and certificate in media & communications

Q: Can you tell me a little about yourself and your background with graphic design?

I’m originally from Toronto and moved to D.C. with my family in my teens. I came to Baltimore to attend UMBC and stayed for a few years before moving to Brooklyn. As a teen, I would build websites, teaching myself code and design as I went. It wasn’t always pretty! It was my way to connect online, create something entirely myself, and communicate my passions. I knew that was what I wanted to study, and have worked in related industries since graduation: at a film production studio, an internet marketing firm, and now, a big-name ad agency in Manhattan.

Q: What drew you to UMBC for your studies?

UMBC was recommended as a state school that had a true graphic design program. Truthfully, I was new to Maryland and didn’t do very much research. I wish I could say I came to UMBC because of its great X or amazing Y, but the truth is I came in blind. I am so lucky and grateful that UMBC turned out to be as amazing for me as it was. I could not have anticipated any of that. UMBC gave me a solid education and myriad experiences on campus, from student events and life to on-campus jobs that taught me real-world skills.

Q: Were there any particular influences in your life that contributed to your blog and book?

Everything I make is influenced by life. These are not great literary works. I’m not doing anything particularly unique. I’m complaining and oversharing just like everyone else online. The difference is that I make something out of it. I put feelings into words and words onto objects and then I hold them and never let them go. The book is a hybrid activity book, workbook, journal, and more. It’s sort of my process, the introspection, the collecting, the preserving memories and feelings for later. It’s also about fighting the overwhelming nature of the internet. Slowing down, pacing yourself, counting your way through a year, and exploring creativity every single day, so that you can “make” it through.

Q: Can you recall any UMBC professors who inspired you?

I had a lot of great professors, but I think the single most inspiring teacher I had was Laura Schraven, a coordinator in The Commons who I worked with at commonvision, the campus design and print center. I worked on projects for student groups, learned about production as well as communicating abstract ideas and concepts with people who aren’t as “design-minded.” As a mentor, Laura gave her all, far beyond basic design instruction. My book is loosely based on a calendar series that I self-publish annually, the first of which was printed and bound there. I think I honestly didn’t understand that I can literally make anything I need with the tools at hand before that experience. It was a very empowering thing to realize. When I visit campus as an alumni I always try to visit… commonvision gave me a whole lot.

Of course the Visual Arts department is wonderful as well. I loved design classes with Peggy Re, was lucky enough to have artist Laure Drogoul as a professor when she taught a few courses, and I think Sandra Abbott at the CADVC is a wonderful human being. And Jason Loviglio in the Media Studies department, who is very smart and awesome (you can quote me).

Q: You have created a strong fan base for your online blog. Can you explain the purpose of it and how it got started?

There is absolutely no purpose. My blog is entirely personal and I simply post visual scraps I make and things I like. I refer to it as my “scrapbook, soapbox, diary, and jukebox,” because that’s really all it is. It surprises me how much people like what I do, and I never expected that. It was just a way to share and it grew slowly into whatever it is today.

Q: How did you get the idea of creating the “daily creative companion” book, 1 Page At A Time?

An editor from Penguin reached out and basically said “what if you do the things you are already doing with your ‘Unsolicited Advice’ calendars, but make them a book?” and I said “okay yeah that sounds cool.” Essentially. I never sought out to make a book.

a. Why do you think it’s important for creative people to seek out constant inspiration in their daily lives?

I don’t know if I would make that statement. I think creative people already find inspiration in everything. But I also don’t like the distinction of “creative people.” That is limiting. My book is not for “creatives.” My book is for human beings, for anyone with a pulse. We’re all creative in some way, that’s maybe what makes us human at all. It’s not quite for children, it’s not quite for teens. It’s just exploring yourself and your own little world. Writing and drawing however you can. Taping scraps of things to pages, sharing content online with others who have the book using the provided hashtags…. This isn’t so much about being inspired as much as realizing that if you just do one thing every single day, it will grow from nothing into SOMETHING. I guess you could say that’s a lesson I learned myself, as I was posting scraps and watching them build, not realizing what I was making.

Q: What exactly does this book entail and what do you hope it accomplishes?

The book is a daily exercise, a quiet moment for yourself, and a diary that kicks your ass a little bit. I’m not a bully necessarily, but I do encourage you… strongly. “Drink water,” “take a nap,” “go back and do that page you skipped.” I think this could be really great for anyone who needs a little help moving along, someone who has maybe abandoned journals in the past. This is a fun, weird, silly book, but it’s not a coincidence that the title sounds a little bit like a recovery slogan. All of us internet-age cellphone brains need to chill out.

Q: What does your future look like with your website? Do you plan on writing more books?

I am still actually coming to terms with the fact that I am a published author, in multiple languages (with more on the way). It feels crazy. I really did not dream of being an author, though to others, a book seems like an obvious progression of what I’ve been doing online. I have a full-time job, and this isn’t it. I am just happy to keep making nice things, and it’s exciting that people have noticed. I’m working on a product collaboration for a pretty major brand due out next year, plus plenty more self-released items. A Kickstarter campaign for my 2015 weekly planner, which I enjoy handling personally as a year-end tradition. I’m just going to keep creating tangible feelings in my own little ways, turning pages until there aren’t any left.

 Visit Adam’s website.

Here at UMBC, we take pride in what our alums accomplish after graduation. Take a moment to see which Retrievers have been on the move and making news!

Working at Lockheed Martin and having a passion for STEM education, Stephanie C. Hill ’86, computer science and economics, describes her path with STEM education as unexpected. After taking  a programming class she became fascinated with the course and changed her career plans accordingly. Hill now works at Lockheed Martin, providing IT solutions to federal services such as Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid, and more. Due to her hard work and desire to spread STEM education, Hill has received various awards to recognize her excellence. She hopes her story will encourage people to pursue a STEM education. Read the full article.

Drew Westervelt ’09, economics, is the co-founder and Chief Operating Officer (COO) of Hex Performance, a new company focused on cleaning products for athletic gear. Now, stores like Wegman’s and Whole Foods are stocking their shelves with these products uniquely designed for the care and cleaning of workout gear made from synthetic materials. Westervelt is taking on a rather unusual task as COO of a company and a professional athlete, but he is proving his ability to be successful in both. Read more.

Erick Sahler ’89, graphic design and art history, created a new silkscreen print as a celebration of the 50th anniversary of the Cape May-Lewes Ferry, a landmark special to Delaware residents. This limited-edition art piece debuted at the Art Sale held in Bethany Beach on August 30 and 31, an annual Labor Day weekend event. Read the full article.

Christine DeGuzman ‘02, English, was recently named principal of Meade Middle School. She has put a lot of time and effort into developing stronger support for children with emotional and behavioral problems through programs like Restorative Practices and Alt One. DeGuzman enjoys her time working at the middle school, and hopes to give the students the opportunity to continue in higher education and future careers. Read more.

Have a story of your own to share? Submit a class note.