The Department of Mathematics and Statistics along with Dr. William LaCourse, Dean of the College of Natural and Mathematical Sciences, join the entire UMBC community in mourning the passing of Professor Emeritus Thomas Seidman on August 14, 2024.
A native of New York, Dr. Seidman earned a B.A. from the University of Chicago, an M.A. from Columbia University Teachers College, and an M.S. and Ph.D. from New York University. He worked at Boeing Scientific Research Laboratories and Lawrence Livermore Lab in the 1960s, and held positions at UCLA, the University of Wisconsin, Wayne State University, and Carnegie Mellon University. He joined the UMBC faculty as an associate professor in 1972. In January 2017, he retired after 45 years of distinguished scholarship and service to UMBC, with wide-ranging contributions to the mathematics community.
During his time at UMBC, Tom was an esteemed and omnipresent entity in the department. In addition to his extensive contributions to the intellectual life of the department, Tom also played a strong role in the department. He wrote the departmental bylaws on the chair election procedure and was the promotion and tenure (P&T) committee chair for a long time. In 1992, he served as the acting Chair of the Department of Mathematics and Statistics.
He was a prolific mathematician with well over a hundred publications (169 with 69 co-authors from MathSciNet) and a Google Scholar citation count of over 4000. His area of research was “all things applied analysis,” which included partial differential equations, control theory and semigroup theory, and was often applied to various mathematical modeling problems. He also contributed to the field of operations research. It was almost customary for him to kick off the math colloquium series, as well as the differential equations seminar series every semester, by being the first person to volunteer to speak. There was a special seat reserved for him in the front row of MP401 from where he would dim and brighten the room lights during seminars and colloquia. His colleagues remarked that they could always count on Tom to pose insightful questions to the speaker after the talk.
Despite his mathematical stature, Tom was a very friendly and unassuming colleague. Conversations with him always wound up centering around an interesting mathematical problem, whether from first year calculus or advanced functional analysis. Tom was also an enthusiastic mentor to many junior faculty. He collaborated with multiple colleagues in the department and also with many others from North America, Europe, Australia, and South America. He spent the 1980-81 school year as a visiting professor at the University of Nice, and during one sabbatical, he visited seven countries on five continents. Tom had an Erdős number of three.
Tom married his late wife, Dr. Marjorie Shriro, in 1969. He is survived by his son, Gregory, daughter-in-law, Carrie, and grandchildren, Ren and Avery. He will be greatly missed. Services for Dr. Seidman will be held at the Owen Brown Interfaith Center in Columbia, MD on Saturday, January 11, 2025.
“How do you ground the American experience in something you can get your hands around?” asks Orser. “I always thought it was helpful to bring things down to a certain scale. Maybe because that’s as much as I could try to get my mind around, but also it is because in some ways, that’s where we live our lives.”
– W. Ed Orser, quoted in Locale Hero, UMBC Review, by Richard Byrne
It is with great sadness that we share the news that W. Edward (Ed) Orser passed away on Monday, January 8, 2024. Ed was a beloved professor and researcher in the Department of American Studies at UMBC for over forty years. Upon his retirement in 2010, and in his honor, the Orser Center for the Study of Community, Place, and Culture was established at UMBC to foster innovative collaborations among scholars, students, and local community organizations across the disciplines whose research and teaching explore place-based study, especially focused on the Baltimore region.
Ed Orser earned a Ph.D. in American Studies from the University of New Mexico and came to UMBC in 1969, just four years after the university was formed, as one of the founding faculty members of the Department of American Studies. He served numerous terms as chair of the department and developed foundational courses still taught today.
Ed’s teaching and research interests were always closely connected. His courses on “Community in American Culture” and “American Environments: Landscape and Culture” not only became central parts of the American Studies curriculum, but led to a variety of research projects with students and to themes that became the focus of his own scholarship. Ed’s work as a publicly-engaged scholar in the local community was an inspiration for the Minor in Public Humanities for the College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences (CAHSS), which is fittingly located in the Orser Center in American Studies.
Ed’s publications explore the social and cultural dynamics of the Baltimore region. His examination of the phenomenon of massive racial change in West Baltimore during the 1950s and 1960s led to the first book-length study of blockbusting and its consequences in post-World War II cities: Blockbusting in Baltimore: The Edmondson Village Story (University Press of Kentucky, 1994, 1997). Blockbusting in Baltimore was an influential, and widely imitated, text that is still cited in emerging scholarship on Baltimore and cities like it.
A collaborative research and teaching project with Professor Joseph Arnold of the History Department, resulted in an on-campus exhibition and the co-authored publication of From Village to Suburb: Catonsville, 1880-1940 (Donning Publishing Company, 1989). His first book, Searching for a Viable Alternative: The Macedonia Cooperative Community, 1937-1958 (Burt Franklin, 1981) explored the effort by a group of pacifists to establish an alternative community in North Georgia during and following World War II.
Articles on related topics have appeared in such journals as American Studies, Church History, the Maryland Historical Magazine, the International Journal of Oral History, the Public Historian, and the Journal of Urban History. Ed’s interest in environmental history in the Baltimore area resulted in publication of The Gwynns Falls: Baltimore Greenway to the Chesapeake Bay (The History Press, 2008) and the article, “A Tale of Two Park Plans: The Olmsted’s Vision for Baltimore and Seattle, 1903” (Maryland Historical Magazine, Winter 2003). His public history activity included co-authorship of The Gwynns Falls Trail Master Plan (with Diana Balmori, et al., 1995).
Ed received the UMBC Presidential Teaching Award in 1999 and the University System of Maryland Regents Award for Excellence in Teaching in 2003. The Baltimore Historical Society conferred Historian Honors recognition upon him in 2007.
Though deeply committed to Baltimore and UMBC, Ed also taught American Studies in a variety of international settings. In 1990-1991 he served as Senior Fulbright Lecturer at the University of Zagreb in Yugoslavia. In 2007, he taught in the American Studies Department at the University of Swansea in Wales. Prior to coming to UMBC, Ed served as a United States Peace Corps Volunteer teacher in Ethiopia. In his substantial service role at UMBC he was President of the Faculty Senate (1996-8) and a member of numerous university committees.
In retirement Ed served as president of the Friends of Maryland’s Olmsted Parks & Landscapes, a preservation and advocacy organization, and as Coordinator of the Urban Resources Initiative Internship program, which places interns with projects in Baltimore’s Department of Recreation and Parks and the Parks & People Foundation.
Ed and his wife Jo lived for many years in the Hunting Ridge neighborhood of Baltimore and he was known to bike to the UMBC campus. Ed and Jo recently moved to Charlestown Senior Living in Catonsville, where Ed continued to enjoy connecting with UMBC alumni and faculty.
Ed will be remembered for his contributions to how we understand cities, especially Baltimore, and issues of environmental justice. He influenced generations of students and mentored many faculty members. His kindness, humility, and generosity will be greatly missed in the Department of American Studies, the Orser Center, and across the UMBC campus.
We send our sincere condolences to Ed’s beloved family and invite the UMBC community to attend a memorial service celebrating Ed’s long and rich life at 11 a.m. on Saturday, January 20, at Salem Lutheran Church, 905 Frederick Road in Catonsville. All who knew and loved him are invited to attend. In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions be made to Salem Lutheran Church (www.Salem-Catonsville.org/) or the Charlestown Scholars’ Fund (www.ccicharlestown.org/giving/scholars-fund).
In honor of Ed’s long contributions to the fields of urban and American studies, the Department of American Studies and the Orser Center are co-sponsoring a Humanities Forum lecture by noted urban historian Davarian Baldwin on May 1, 2024. American Studies & the Orser Center will continue to find ways to recognize the work of Ed Orser and his engagement with the study of place and community in the Baltimore region. A donation can be made to support that work in Ed’s name on the Department’s Giving Page.
You can read Ed’s obituary here.
Remembering E. Michael Richards
It is with sorrow that we share the passing of E. Michael Richards, professor emeritus of music.
One of the world’s leading interpreters of contemporary music for the clarinet, Michael was an exemplary performer, researcher, and educator. He joined the UMBC faculty in 2001, was promoted to full professor in 2009, and twice served as chair of the music department before retiring with emeritus status in 2021.
Michael’s superb leadership skills were evident soon after his arrival on campus. Linda Dusman, professor of music and former chair, shares, “When we hired Michael in 2001, I did not know at the time that he would become my right hand in revitalizing the music department, recruiting students and new faculty growing from a department of 4 full-time faculty and 60 students to 15 faculty and 150 students in a very short time. Michael brought vision, administrative skills, and extraordinary artistry to UMBC.”
Michael’s contributions to that remarkable departmental growth were myriad. Working in partnership with Kazuko Tanosaki, he founded the Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in American Contemporary Music, an international program that brought several cohorts of students from Japan to UMBC. He established an exchange program with the Conservatorio “G. Nicolini” in Piacenza, Italy, which enabled a steady flow of faculty and students between institutions. He helped manage the completion of the music portion of the Performing Arts and Humanities Building, outfitting spaces and hiring staff to manage its complex operations. As director of the UMBC Symphony, he transformed the ensemble from one that was essentially a community orchestra, with little student involvement, to one comprising 80% UMBC students, and from virtually every major. At UMBC’s 50th Anniversary in 2016, the Symphony capped a weekend of festivities, performing outside with fireworks overhead.
An internationally recognized performer and researcher
An internationally recognized performer, Michael was a respected force on concert stages around the world, both as a soloist and with the Tanosaki-Richards Duo, formed with his wife and longtime collaborator Kazuko Tanosaki. He and the duo often premiered works written for them — more than 150 in all — building a substantial new repertoire for the clarinet and the clarinet-piano ensemble.
“As a composer, creating music for him as a soloist and for the Tanosaki-Richards Duo constituted high points of my career,” says Dusman. “His ability to understand the deep meanings in a musical score, to shape the color and time-space of music for clarinet for me was not only a personal gift, but also a legacy to the entire global community of contemporary music making.”
Michael was also a founding member of the UMBC new music ensemble RUCKUS. During his years with the group, the ensemble performed numerous times at UMBC, enjoyed residencies at Stanford University and the New England Conservatory of Music, and performed at venues such as the Smithsonian Institution and the Baltimore Museum of Art.
Michael (center) performing in a 2017 RUCKUS concert with colleagues Patrick Crossland, Tom Goldstein, Lisa Cella, and Airi Yoshioka. Photo by Marlayna Demond ’11 for UMBC.
A particular research focus for Michael centered around extended techniques for the clarinet, especially the use of microtones (tones that are “between” the traditional notes in the Western musical scale) and multiphonics (the ability to play two or more notes simultaneously). His book The Clarinet of the Twenty-First Century, which investigates these techniques, quickly became a de facto standard reference for students and professionals alike.
A dedicated teacher and mentor
At both UMBC and Hamilton College, where he taught before coming to Baltimore, Michael touched the lives of hundreds of students. At UMBC, he directed a symphony that included not only music majors, but also students majoring in biology, electrical engineering, English, psychology, and many other fields.
“I will never forget the hours that Dr. Richards would stay after symphony rehearsal to just hang out with us and chat or the time that he entrusted me with doing a design for an upcoming concert,” remembered Megan Clelan ’19, visual arts, a Linehan Artist Scholar who minored in music. “He believed in each and every one of his students to excel — both in their careers and as people. His empathy and kindness, no matter how frustrating the situation, will be something that I will always remember and carry with me.”
Christian Hartman ’20, music, and also a Linehan Artist Scholar, recalled, “Dr. Richards was more than a teacher and mentor — he was a great friend as well. He awakened and kindled my passion for contemporary music, and supported my openness to different musical styles. I wouldn’t be where I am today without Dr. Richards’ mentorship, encouragement, and guidance, and I am so grateful that I got to know and learn from him.”
While Michael inspired students to be their best and to challenge themselves, he was also an inspiration to his colleagues in the music department. “Michael was a consummate pedagogue and truly loved teaching,” adds professor and violinist Airi Yoshioka, a close colleague. “He saw each student as having innate abilities to blossom and knew how to bring brilliance out of them. I learned so much from talking to him about how to support, encourage and patiently watch their development. He shared so many astute observations about my own students and put me on track when facing challenges. I am so grateful for all the wisdom he shared with me because he helped me grow as a teacher.”
A generous personality
Known for his quote, “I’m not mad, I’m just excited!” Michael never hesitated to share his positive energy with those around him. Possessed with a razor sharp wit and quick smile, his often quirky sense of humor put people at ease. Faculty, staff, students and alumni alike valued his warm and affable personality.
“When Michael joined the UMBC Music Department over 20 years ago, he and I became great friends immediately,” shared Tom Goldstein, recently retired from the music department. “It would be almost impossible to overstate Michael’s contributions to UMBC as a phenomenal musician, conductor, teacher, Department Chair, and perhaps most of all, mentor and inspiration to many, many students. I will miss him incredibly.”
Michael leading the UMBC Symphony in performance during the university’s 50th Anniversary celebration.
Celebrating Michael’s life
Michael is survived by his wife, Dr. Kazuko Tanosaki, a concert pianist well known to many in the campus community, and sister, Dr. Melinda Richards Banks.
A celebration of life event hosted by the family on Saturday, March 4 will be viewable by Zoom. Friends are encouraged to visit the site of the Sterling-Ashton-Schwab-Witzke Funeral Home of Catonsville, Inc., to share memories and photographs.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions in honor of Michael can be made to the UMMC Heart Center Nursing Fund (under designation please choose Heart Center Nursing Fund), the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra’s OrchKids program, or to the UMBC Department of Music (designate Music as your recipient).
The Department of Music will honor Michael with a named seat in Earl and Darielle Linehan Concert Hall and provide an annual award to a member of the UMBC Symphony.
On Tuesday, March 7 from 6 to 7 p.m. in Earl and Darielle Linehan Concert Hall, the campus community is invited to gather together to share memories. This event will be livestreamed on Vimeo. A space for written memories has been created outside the Music Box.
Read more about Michael’s work with the UMBC Symphony in UMBC Magazine.
Kimberly R. Moffitt, Dean
College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences
Top photo of E. Michael Richards by Richard Anderson.
Dear Colleagues,
We are saddened to learn of the recent transition of Dr. Alan Sorkin who served as chair of the Department of Economics for 31 years. Dr. Sorkin passed away on Friday, August 19, 2022 at home surrounded by his family after a long battle with an illness. Our thoughts are with his family and loved ones and we know that many UMBC community members will mourn his loss.
Dr. Sorkin joined the UMBC Economics Department in 1974 upon completing his undergraduate and doctorate in Economics at Johns Hopkins University. Prior to UMBC, he also spent two years with the Brookings Institution and five years with the Bloomberg School of Public Health at Johns Hopkins. Under his leadership, the UMBC Economics Department more than doubled the number of faculty and student majors. The Department also introduced its Financial Economics B.S. and its M.A. in Economic Policy Analysis. He retired from UMBC and became Professor Emeritus in 2006.
His scholarly expertise focused on global public health but he also published innovative monographs in other areas of applied economics. He published twelve books and eight co-edited volumes. In addition to his books on health economics, the titles of his other books include Monetary and Fiscal Policy and Business Cycles in the Modern Era, Economic Aspects of Natural Hazards, Education, Unemployment and Economic Growth, and The Urban American Indian. His numerous contributions were recognized with the Heritage Award by the Bloomberg School of Public Health at Johns Hopkins University in 2019.
After his retirement in 2006, Alan still returned regularly to the UMBC campus to visit and lunch with faculty colleagues up until the 2020 pandemic. Economics Department Chair David Mitch recalls that during his visits Alan would frequently inquire about current department issues. Among his numerous non-academic interests, Alan was an avid coin collector. His presence will certainly be missed.
A visitation will be held at Schimunek Funeral Home, 9705 Belair Rd, Nottingham, MD on Friday, August 26, 2022 from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM. Another brief visitation will be held Saturday, August 27, 2022 from 9 AM to 9:30 AM at St. Michael Lutheran Church Perry Hall, 9534 Belair Road, Nottingham, MD 21236. Funeral services will begin at 9:30 AM, followed by interment at Highview Memorial Gardens, 3433 Fallston Rd, Fallston, MD 21047. The website for the funeral home is Schimunek Funeral Home | Funeral & Cremation (dignitymemorial.com).
Contributions may be made in his memory to Harford County Public Library Harford County Public Library (hcplonline.org) or to Fallston Volunteer Fire and Ambulance Company Donations – Fallston Fire Company (fvfac.org).
Kimberly R. Moffitt, Dean
College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences
]]>It is with sorrow that we note the passing of Dr. Robert P. Burchard, professor emeritus of biological sciences. Bob believed in the potential of the young university that he joined during its first year. A campus leader for decades, he served as president of the faculty senate, interim chair of his department, and as interim dean of the College of Arts and Sciences.
Bob arrived on campus in January 1967, fresh from the Peace Corps, where he had taught microbiology in Nigeria and had conducted research on tsetse flies. He was at that time a young scholar, having earned a B.A. from Brown University in 1960, an M.Sc. from Brown in 1962, and his Ph.D. at the University of Minnesota in 1965. He recalled that creating UMBC’s new biology curriculum from scratch was invigorating: “It was a great experiment. And we were excited about what we were doing. There was a sense that we were all a part of a pioneering educational experience.”
He soon became a popular figure not only in his own department, but also across the campus, building relationships with faculty staff, and students. During the Vietnam War, he participated in teach-ins. In 1981, the UMBC student body voted him “Most Outstanding Teacher.”
An energetic advocate for campus beautification and the natural environment, Bob wrote frequent letters to The Retriever Weeklyencouraging students to take more pride in the campus’s appearance, and tirelessly urged the administration to improve the university’s landscape. In the 1990s, he partnered with Sandy Parker, chair of geography and environmental systems, to preserve Pig Pen Pond, now a centerpiece of the 50-acre Conservation and Environmental Research Area (CERA).
“Bob was the epitome of the academic and scholar—a great department citizen,” recollects Bob’s colleague of more than thirty years, Philip Farabaugh, professor of biological sciences. “He had a deep commitment to the department and to UMBC, and served both the department as interim chair and the university as acting dean of the old College of Arts and Sciences. I know that he worked very hard in those posts and made a great difference in the development of the department and university. Bob was also a scholar in the true sense of the word. He was devoted to the study of his research organisms, the gliding bacteria, and was well regarded by his scientific peers. He was also a gentleman in the truest sense of that word. He was invariably kind and was someone you could rely and depend on. He made the department a better place.”
Although Bob’s research focused on microbiology—he continued to publish into the 2000s—he believed in a broad education for all members of the university, including its faculty and staff. “I’m part of a university community,” he said. “We’re here not only to further our own academic interests, but to broaden our horizons. There’s pleasure in learning something new. I would like to think that all our faculty are renaissance scholars.”
Wendy Salkind, emeritus professor of theatre who served as chair of her department during Bob’s tenure as interim dean, recalls, “Bob consistently appeared at the performances of theatre, dance, and music, he attended gallery openings, and he always spoke about the importance of integrating the arts into the life of the campus. He worked tirelessly with each of the arts departments to educate himself about the challenges that were created in a university that, early on, did not have sophisticated arts facilities. He wanted to know how the students learned, why the topics were selected for the public, and he applauded with delight the successes of the students who excited their audiences with performances and showings.”
When Diane Lee, director of the Wisdom Institute and former vice-provost and dean of undergraduate education, considered going into administration, she turned to Bob Burchard for advice. “As I was making the decision whether or not to go into administration, I asked him to reflect on his decision to go into administration. Long story short, he said he realized that he could continue to make a difference, and maybe one with wider impact than at the department or classroom level.”
She adds, reflecting on Bob’s character, “Bob Burchard was one of those people who gave sage advice, but importantly when I think of Bob it was his desire to make a difference and contribute to the lives of others. So that is how I recall Bob Burchard. Trustworthy, smart, thoughtful, kind, honest, a person of integrity, all those good qualities wrapped up into one very, very fine person and terrific educator.”
A philanthropist at heart, Bob became a consistent donor to the university. “I grew up in an environment where you give when you can,” he said. “I wanted to give back to an institution that has supported me.” He and his wife, Ann Burchard ’82, became members of the 1966 Society, which recognizes donors who have included the University in their estate plans, and were regular contributors to the annual fund.
Bob’s family suggests that contributions in his memory be made to CARE, to the Albin O. Kuhn Library & Gallery, or to the arts or sciences at UMBC. A celebration of life service may be planned for the near future.
President Freeman Hrabowski
Provost Philip Rous
Dean of the College of Natural and Mathematical Sciences William LaCourse
On May 13, 2021, J. Marvin Cook, Ph.D., Founder and Director of
the Instructional Systems Development graduate program at UMBC, died peacefully
with his family by his side at the Charlestown Retirement Community in
Catonsville, Maryland. He was born in Natchitoches, Louisiana to Clyde
and Ernestine Cook in 1929. Marvin was 91 at the time of his passing; he
lived a full and impactful life, always focused on following his faith service
to others. He was passionate about his faith, continually learning, and
had always interested in helping people through his vocation and avocations.
This was evident in his educational and life accomplishments, especially
at UMBC.
Marvin earned his B.S. in electrical engineering at Louisiana Tech
University, an M.S. in electrical engineering at Texas A&M University, and
M.Th. at Southern Methodist University, and a Ph.D. in math-education and
curriculum design at the University of Maryland. His successful career as
an electrical engineer was followed by a second successful career in the field
of adult training and education.
Dr. Cook founded the Instructional Systems Development graduate program
at UMBC (now Learning & Performance Technology) in the early 1970s. It
arguably was the first program of its kind in the nation. It was also one of UMBC’s first Master’s
degree program. Dr. Cook was a pioneer
by creating an applied professional program that targeted working adults. He
was a sought after consultant by many public and private organizations. Dr. Cook impacted lives of countless
individuals in the greater Baltimore–Washington Metro Area and mid-Atlantic
region.
Watch an interview
with Dr. Cook that includes reflections on his UMBC experience.
He authored and co-authored a dozen books and numerous articles in
the field of adult education and training. Dr. Cook was also the co-founder and
president of Educational Developmental Resources (EDR), a successful
contracting and consulting firm.
Dr. Cook was predeceased by his wife of 58 years, Zula “Abby”
Abington Cook, and his wife of 10 years, Gloria O’Donoghue Cook and his son Jim
Cook and daughter Celeste Cook Dodson.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to either The Michael J.
Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research at www.michaeljfox.org or the United Service Organization (USO) at www.uso.org. Online condolences may be made at www.legacy.com.
We are deeply saddened to share that Dr. Thomas “Tom” Roth passed away on Sunday, April 18, at the age of 89. Tom devoted his career to UMBC students for over 25 years, first as a biological sciences professor, and later as Associate Vice President for Academic Affairs, before retiring in 1998 and transitioning to the role of emeritus professor.
Tom joined the UMBC community in 1972 and made significant contributions to building the university from the ground up. His creative approach to teaching cell biology and dedicated mentorship touched the lives of countless students and faculty members.
According to biological sciences chair, Phil Farabaugh, “He was a great colleague and a passionate teacher. He influenced generations of UMBC biology graduates and produced some terrific Ph.D. scientists as well.”
His most recognized research contribution was identifying coated pits as involved in receptor-mediated endocytosis during his doctoral work with Keith Porter, who later became chair of the biological sciences department and for whom the Keith Porter Imaging Facility is named. Tom’s pioneering doctoral work will ensure his name is known long into the future.
As one of the early biological sciences faculty members at UMBC, Tom helped build the department into a collegial community that persists today.
“Tom contributed significantly to the foundation of academic excellence at UMBC. He was brilliant, kind, and dignified,” President Hrabowski says. “Most important, he was always authentic in his interactions with both colleagues and students.” He will truly be missed.
Service arrangements will be made at a later time. His obituary can be read here. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Candlelight Concert Society (where Tom was very active, serving as a past board member and sponsoring various events), or a charity of your choice.
It is with much sadness that we inform the campus that Alex Rittle, President of the Graduate Student Association (GSA) and a Ph.D. candidate in Geography and Environmental Systems (GES), passed away unexpectedly. We do not yet have details on services to celebrate Alex’s life but will share them with the community as they become available.
Alex will be remembered for his kindness and his commitment to helping his fellow graduate students succeed at UMBC. His involvement with GSA began as representative of the GES Graduate Student Organization from 2016 to 2018. He was later elected to serve as Chair of the Graduate Experiences, Achievement, and Research Symposium (GEARS) Committee 2018–2019. He was currently serving his second term as President of the GSA, and was active in UMBC shared governance, serving on the University Steering Committee 2019–2020. He also represented UMBC on the University System of Maryland Student Council and served on the joint Graduate Council linking UMBC and the University of Maryland, Baltimore. As a student representative from UMBC, he was both confident and eloquent as he worked to ensure the graduate student perspective was heard and understood.
Janet Rutledge, Vice Provost and Dean of the Graduate School, remembers that “Alex was a tireless and enthusiastic advocate for graduate students. It is telling that one of his last projects was spearheading an initiative to produce a graduate student survey, to learn how graduate students were doing during the pandemic, and discover ways in which GSA and the University could help.”
We will remember his authenticity, his passion for education, and his ability to make us think and laugh. All of these qualities shone through in his message of hope and congratulations for our Graduate School Class of 2020. In his pre-recorded Commencement remarks, Alex said of UMBC, “the compassion here is contagious…a UMBC grad knows that accomplishments are not about the attention or the notoriety that may or may not be received. No, we do what we do because we want to make the world, our community, and our homes…better.”
We will also remember his dedication to his academic studies. Alex began his Ph.D. program at UMBC in fall 2015 and reached Ph.D. candidacy in fall 2019. In 2017, Alex was among only four students awarded a prestigious Coastal Resilience and Sustainability Fellowship from Maryland SeaGrant. Matthew Baker, professor of Geography and Environmental Systems and Alex’s doctoral advisor, recalls that “Alex really took to the combination of applied science and outreach he was exposed to at Maryland SeaGrant. It was his dream to become a fellow for the American Association for the Advancement of Science, where he would have an opportunity to contribute to federal science and technology policy.”
Alex’s GSA colleagues remember him as a compassionate and thoughtful leader who inspired all to speak up and voice their opinions and ideas, and who did so without ever passing judgement. Fariha Khalid, former GSA Senator, said, “Alex managed to open every meeting with a lighthearted joke or funny stories that made everyone feel welcome and brought even the most important of conversations back down to earth. His ability to lead such a diverse group of graduate students looked so natural, and he always managed to find the perfect balance between professionalism and friendliness.”
A strong advocate for the UMBC graduate community, Alex spent countless hours searching for ways to improve the lives of students on topics ranging from student mental health and food and financial security to international student issues, graduate assistant rights, and opportunities for research and creative achievement. Samantha Fries, GSA Vice President says, “His heart was so big, and the genuine, deep compassion he felt for his peers was always evident in his words and actions. His loss will be felt greatly by many, and we will strive to honor him by continuing the wonderful work he has done to better the lives of the UMBC graduate student community.”
Deanna Cerquetti, former GSA Vice President, noted, “It’s hard to put into words how devastating it is to lose Alex Rittle. As the leader of the GSA, he truly worked hard to give graduate students a voice at UMBC, all with a natural charisma and sense of humor that made everyone feel welcome. Though it’s incredibly difficult to imagine UMBC without him, I know the impact he had on our community will inspire us all to be kind to one another and to continue to work together to make things better.”
Meghan Lynch, Chair of GSA Legislative Concerns, remembered, “I felt so welcomed and encouraged by Alex. I could tell he embodied all of what I know to be true of UMBC: authentically showing up, especially when times are tough, and ensuring people come together for the better. Alex made everyone feel that they were truly part of the community.” GSA Historian Kylie Hoffman added, “Alex’s compassionate leadership and actions will not be forgotten. He never failed to put a smile on the faces of those he crossed paths with, and he spent countless hours searching for ways to improve the lives of students. He will be dearly missed.”
GSA Administrative Assistant Dawn Galindo shared, “Alex was truly blessed with a wonderful sense of humor and quick wit that will forever be missed yet always remembered with great fondness. Alex was pure joy.”
We know that many in our community are deeply affected by this news. Students in need of emotional support can contact the Counseling Center at (410) 455-2472 on weekdays, 8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m., or the after-hours support line at (410) 455-3230. Employees can access support through the Employee Assistance Program.
During this challenging time in this most challenging year, we leave you with the heartfelt advice that Alex provided to the Class of 2020: “Lead, challenge, ask difficult questions, be wrong so that you can be right later, push yourself, do not let the small defeats distract you from the larger victories, and lastly, love and care for one another like your life depends on it.”
President Freeman Hrabowski
Provost Philip Rous
Janet Rutledge, Vice Provost and Dean of the Graduate School
Mehrshad Devin, President, Student Government Association
Samantha Fries, Vice President, Graduate Student Association
Bobby Lubaszewski, President, Professional Staff Senate
Orianne Smith, President, Faculty Senate
Melody Wright, President, Non-Exempt Staff Senate