"STRiVE gave me a community unlike any I've experienced before, and I am incredibly grateful to be a part of it. Learning in STRiVE was incredibly empowering with what I've learned about myself, my place in my community, and what I can do as a leader." — Lexi Malenfant '29, computer science

• Ben Bazarsuren '27, mechanical engineering (vice president for external programming, Student Events Board (seb))
• Carly Shearer '26, computer science (evaluation intern, Center for Democracy and Civic Life)
• Francheska Burrola '28, biological sciences (senator, Student Government Association (SGA))
• Keven Guruswamy '27, biological sciences (interfaith fellow, The Gathering Space for Spiritual Well-Being)
• Maryada Bhattarai '28, information systems (treasurer, Student Government Association (SGA); special projects intern, Center for Democracy and Civic Life)
• Nate Cullen '26, psychology (captain and president, UMBC Men's Rugby Team)
• Vannessa Morant '27, mechanical engineering (digital fabrication researcher, Designing pArticipatory futuREs (DARE) Lab)

• Dr. Ciara Christian, M.A. '18, applied sociology, Ph.D. '22, language, literacy and culture (co-director, Center for Social Justice Dialogue)
• Dr. James DeVita (assistant vice president for academic partnerships & high impact experiences, Division of Student Affairs)
• Dr. Jasmine Lee (associate vice president for community and culture, Division of Institutional Equity; co-director, Center for Social Justice Dialogue)

"STRiVE created a space for me to reflect on what kind of person I am and what kind of person I want to become in terms of leadership. It also created a space for me to acknowledge my strengths and weaknesses, and continue to work on ways to improve myself." — Nneamaka Ibe '26, biological sciences

• Angelina Jenkins (assistant director, The Mosaic: Center for Cultural Diversity, Student Engagement and Belonging)
• Matt Hoffman (director, Center for Religion, Spirituality, and Pluralism, Student Engagement and Belonging)
• Michael Canale (assistant director and Deaf & hard of hearing coordinator, Office of Student Disability Services)
• Dr. Ricky Blissett '11, bioinformatics and computational biology (associate director, Center for Democracy and Civic Life)
• Tiffani McGronan (health educator, Office of Health Promotion)
• Tori Ciorra (assistant director for student organizations, Student Engagement and Belonging)
• Trentqual Rhone (coordinator for political engagement, Center for Democracy and Civic Life)
• Wendy Low (coordinator, Center for Social Justice Dialogue)

"[By the end of STRiVE] I became a version of myself I had never seen: Uplifted, encouraged, and instilled with confidence and curiosity." — Olivia Robinson '29, biological sciences

"I adored this program and it helped me build a stronger sense of self. This is necessary in order to grow as a person, as a leader, and a community member/citizen. I'm so glad I participated in this as a freshman so I could implement it into my 4 years." — Kamarya Buckley '28, biological sciences

"Reflective, emotional, connective, and actionable, this program transformed how I see and move within spaces entirely by making me realize our collective agency. Want to learn how to make a change? Do this program." — Duncan Winger '29, philosophy and psychology

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Thank you!

Looking to strengthen your research, writing, and presentation skills this semester? The Library is offering a series of Spring 2026 Grad Student Workshops designed to support you at every stage of your academic journey.

Topics include:

• Research methods & literature reviews

• Writing, communication, & presentation skills

• Sharing your work effectively

• Citation & research management

• Library services for graduate students

Whether you're just getting started or preparing to present your work, there's something here for you.

Scan the QR code on the flyer to view the full list of workshops, dates, details, and registration info.

It's happening right now!

Involvement Fest is underway, and Graduate Student Organizations (GSOs) are here and ready to meet you. If you've been thinking about getting involved, building community, or finding opportunities outside the classroom — this is your sign.

Stop by to:

• Meet Graduate Student Organizations

• Learn how to get involved or join a GSO

• Connect with fellow grad students

• Discover leadership and professional opportunities

Location: The RAC
Time: Now until 2 p.m.

Swing by before it wraps up — no RSVP needed. We'll see you there!

Join Us at Involvement Fest!

Involvement Fest is back, and the Graduate Student Association (GSA) is excited to kick off the new semester with you.

Stop by the RAC on Wednesday, February 4, from 12:00–2:00 PM to learn more about GSA and our Graduate Student Organizations, explore upcoming events and activities, and connect with fellow graduate students from across campus.

Whether you're looking to get involved, build community, or simply see what's happening this semester, Involvement Fest is a great place to start.

We hope to see you there!