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!

Ian Ralby ’02, modern languages and linguistics, M.A., intercultural communications, writes about Ebola’s effect on organized crime in West Africa. The impact of Ebola has dramatically slowed down, and even stopped, criminal activity throughout the region. Although there is an ironically positive affect of Ebola, there are various negatives as well. For example, illegal fishing because of the “infected” waters. Read more on Ebola’s effect on organized crime.

Computer science was not always considered a man’s profession. In fact, many of the pioneering computer scientists were women. But during the 1980s, that changed. In this piece by NPR,  Patricia Ordóñez ’10 M.S. and ’12 Ph.D., computer science, discusses her experience as a woman studying computer science. She explains that when desktops were introduced for use in the home, it caused a shift because these “toys” were more often purchased for boys than girls. Read the full story.

UMBC’s Chad Cradock ’97, psychology, recently celebrated his 200th Career Win at CCSA North Invite, a home swimming meet. This has also made Cradock the leading coach in history for wins in the program, surpassing Sid Burkot. “It is a pleasure for a milestone like this to occur at home,” said Cradock. “I am proud to work with talented athletes both in the past and the present for their spirit of hard work and upholding UMBC tradition.” Read the full article.

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

One of the things that makes UMBC great is how wonderful our alumni, students, faculty, and staff are. Because of these amazing people, UMBC often finds itself “in the news,” so each week, we’ll be sharing with you a round-up of the most newsworthy achievements from our community.

• “UMBC AIRS Team” has won a NASA Group Achievement Award
• Intramural 3K Monster Dash (10/29)
• Head Swimming and Diving Coach Chad Cradock Earns 200th Career Victory
• Two Students From the English Department Named HASTAC Scholars for 2014-2015

Read more at UMBC Insights!

There isn’t an NCAA in Estonia. No college recruiters or flashy promoters. So back in 2011, rising UMBC senior Lauri Käi had to get onto the radar of UMBC men’s and women’s swimming and diving coach Chad Cradock ’97, psychology, the old fashioned way: grit, determination, and some timely word of mouth from other Estonians – including Herol Marjak ’13, history, and Johan Rohtla ’14, biochemistry – who have swum competitively at UMBC.

Flash forward three years. Käi is one of the top performers on UMBC’s successful swimming and diving teams, chalking up individual achievements and helping the university’s 200- and 400-yard medley relay teams finish at the top of the America East Conference.

And like many UMBC student-athletes, Käi has been just as successful in the classroom, double majoring in political science and philosophy with minors in international affairs and legal policy.

UMBC was a very different experience from higher education in Estonia. “It seemed really big!” Käi observes. “Universities back home are just buildings that are spread out around the city, but there’s no actual campus.”

Käi hopes to attend law school in the United States after graduation and plans to enjoy his last year of competitive swimming for UMBC.

Cradock observes that “it has been great to watch [Käi] grow as a person. He’s someone that supports his teammates, cares a lot for the sport, and is invested in the betterment of himself. I know when he gets into the real world, whatever he does, he’s going to be extremely successful.”

— Katharine Scrivener

Read more from the UMBC Magazine!

Name: Lexi Coon
Job Title: A&D Communications Intern
Focus Area: Writing for the UMBC Giving and Alumni Blogs
Years at UMBC: 3
Grad year (if alum): hopefully fall of 2015!

Q: Where are you from originally?

I was born in Manhattan, KS, and lived there for about 2 years (not that I remember any of it). As far as I’m concerned, I’m a born and raised Delawarean.

Q: What do you love most about UMBC?

I really enjoy how many people are willing to help you succeed in whatever it is you want to do. Everyone here really does want to know how you are doing and if there is a way they can help you. Also the squirrels are really entertaining.

Q: What’s your favorite thing about your job?

I’d have to say my favorite thing about working for Alumni Relations is the people I work with. I can come in really tired and grumpy, but by the end of the day they have me laughing and smiling. There’s a lot of camaraderie and energy around here.

Q: Have you ever done anything crazy or out of the ordinary?

Well since I’m a swimmer, I have a thing for water. My dad and I both became certified scuba divers when I was ten, and a few years later we got to dive in the Epcot Aquarium in Disney! It was unbelievable. Also, this past year when I went home for Christmas, two of my friends and I went surfing on the Eve of Christmas Eve just because we could. The water temperature was about 44 degrees, but it was totally worth it.

Q: If you could visit any place in the world, where would you go?

I can’t pick just one. I have a running list of where I want to go, from all over Europe to the Galapagos Islands. I’m very much a beach girl, so any place that has sunshine, sand, and cool animals and culture always appeals to me.

One of the things that makes UMBC great is how wonderful our alumni, students, faculty, and staff are. Because of these amazing people, UMBC often finds itself “in the news,” so each week, we’ll be sharing with you a round-up of the most newsworthy achievements from our community.

• UMBC Swimming and Diving’s Andrew McKissick Featured in Sports Illustrated
• Casey Cathrall Named UMBC’s New Director of Strength and Conditioning
• Lemuel Sun ’15, Computer Science, in U.S. News
• UMBC and Japan’s Kyushu University Establish Partnership

Read more great news about the UMBC community here!