The College of Natural and Mathematical Sciences (CNMS) held its annual CNMS Awards and Recognition Day on May 10. Nearly 270 UMBC community members and friends attended the event in the University Center Ballroom. The department chairs presented 45 awards established by donors in support of students, faculty, and staff, such as the Carl S. Weber Award for Excellence in Teaching, awarded this year to Tamra Mendelson, professor of biological sciences. 

“I would like to thank the members of the UMBC community—alumni, parents, faculty, staff, and friends—who have made possible many of the awards we are presenting here today. These are not just names on a page—they are stories of gratitude and giving, honoring loved ones and families,” shared William R. LaCourse, CNMS dean. “You are fueling the academic success of our students, helping us recruit and retain top-notch faculty, ensuring support for programs and people across the university, and inspiring others to give. On behalf of UMBC, thank you!”

The recognition day also honored eight CNMS faculty at all levels with Faculty Excellence Awards for research and teaching designated by the college, awarded college-level Staff Excellence Awards for outstanding service, and distributed departmental awards for undergraduate and graduate students recognizing academic excellence, research, and teaching. 

CNMS also celebrated students who had been inducted into national honor societies, including Sigma Pi Sigma, the physics and astronomy honor society; Pi Mu Epsilon, the national mathematics honor society; Mu Sigma Rho, the national statistics honorary society; and the Phi Beta Kappa Society, which recognizes overall academic excellence. 

LaCourse closed the ceremony by recognizing students in scholars programs within the college. The CNMS Scholars program supports students interested in the advancement of women in STEM fields where they are still underrepresented, and the Beckman Scholars program, funded by the Arnold and Mabel Beckman Foundation, supports students desiring to pursue doctoral study in the biological and chemical sciences.

“Students who have been recognized at this ceremony have met UMBC’s academic requirements and have excelled at high levels in their academics and/or service to their departments, college, and university,” LaCourse shared. “These honorees are poised to become scientists, physicians, mathematicians, teachers, and leaders in their chosen fields. These students are our leaders of the future, and we are fortunate to have the opportunity to help provide the critical foundations for their promising futures.”

The full event program, including additional remarks from Dean LaCourse and a complete list of awardees and award descriptions, is available here. 

Connor McPherson

Degree: B.A., History; Minor in Naval Science
Hometown: Bel Air, MD
Post-grad plans: Surface Warfare Officer (Intel option), stationed in Yokosuka, Japan

As a student in the Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps (NROTC), Connor McPherson understands the implications of relationships—both friendly and hostile—between the United States and other countries. As a history major, he brings a historical perspective to how those complex relationships evolved.

He focused his studies on post-Cold War developments in Europe and East Asia, while also taking classes in Korean. His favorite class was a course on the U.S. intelligence community’s origins, operations, and management. Taught by Mary Laurents, Ph.D. ‘18, language, literacy, and culture, adjunct associate professor, the course gave him a historically-rooted understanding of the intelligence community he will ultimately join after graduation. 

McPherson’s choice of a history major was unusual for the NROTC program. “He speaks very eloquently about his passion for history and the value of his degree,” says Denise Meringolo, associate professor of history. McPherson says his studies have given him a better understanding of the culture and past of the regions of the world where he will work as a Navy officer. 

After graduation, McPherson will sail to Yokosuka, Japan, where he will serve as a surface warfare officer (intel option). He was awarded the fourth choice in the nation for his after-graduation Naval appointment, a recognition of his achievements.

Has there been a mentor or fellow student who influenced your time at UMBC?

“Prof. Van Wyck has been an inspiration to me because of the way he teaches his history classes. He truly cares about his students and gives feedback that helps their continued growth. It is that type of mentality that I hope to adopt and apply to the sailors I will lead in the near future.”

What has been the best part of your UMBC experience?

“Finding a sense of community and like-minded people as part of UMBC’s NROTC program has been an important aspect of my college experience. All the members of this organization are bound to one another through a commitment to serve our nation. NROTC members value the principles of honor, courage, and commitment, which in turn results in a group of highly motivated students who always strive for academic excellence. ”