Meet Patty Hathaway ’97, M.S. ’03, who earned her B.A. in economics and M.S. in information systems while working at UMBC. After 23 years of service to UMBC, Patty went on to work at three other universities, including the University of Maryland, College Park, where she retired. Patty now works with U.S. Navy veterans as the secretary/treasurer of the USS Hamner DD-718 Association and is the owner of Hathaway Photography of Bowie. Patty recently authored a book for the Hamner association, An American Destroyer: USS Hamner History in Photographs. Take it away, Patty!

Q: What’s one essential thing you’d want another Retriever to know about you?

A: I am a Retriever in many ways: a double alum, a former employee, a UMBC parent (twice), and a past Hilltop Society Member. I was a staff member for 23 years and earned my B.A. and M.S. while working on campus. I worked for three other universities after UMBC, and I now am loving my work with our Navy veterans. I am certain that I would not be where I am today without UMBC.

Q: What’s the one thing you’d want someone who hasn’t joined the UMBC community to know about the support you find here?

A: I would emphasize the feeling of being a “part of the campus family.” It’s not too big and not too small. You just feel like you “fit.” I felt that way as an employee and as a student, and when I visit, I still feel like I am coming home. UMBC was and continues to be a huge part of my life and the person I am today.

Q: Tell us about someone in the community who has inspired you or supported you, and how they did it.

A: UMBC had an atmosphere that made it feel like you were with family. A lot of that was encouraged by Freeman Hrabowski. Although he was the president of UMBC, he found time for employees and students, and was able to be a mentor, supporter, and leader for many. Although I have been away from the UMBC campus since 2005, I have been able to keep in touch with Freeman.

Left: Hathaway waving to the photographer at her 2003 UMBC graduation.

Q: Tell us what you love about your academic program or an organization you’re involved in.

A: During my time at UMBC, I also made time to help with non-profit veterans’ organizations. I was able to use the skills I learned on campus to help these groups. After retiring from paid employment, I have concentrated on my photography business and the USS Hamner DD-718 Association. The Hamner association is dedicated to preserving the memories of the ship and the crew who served on her.

My most recent accomplishment for the Hamner association is the book I authored for them: An American Destroyer: USS Hamner History in Photographs. This book is the sequel to a book I edited for the association in 2022. The history of our veterans needs to be told and I am very happy to be a part of that. Without the skills I acquired and the confidence I developed at UMBC, I would never have been able to edit or author a book.

Q: If you’re currently working, what’s your title and where do you work? What do you enjoy most about it?

A: I am the secretary/treasurer of the USS Hamner DD-718 Association (non-paid office). The relationships I have developed with these Navy veterans is like those at UMBC—we are family!

Q: Tell us about your primary WHY, and how it led you to UMBC.

A: I first came to UMBC in the fall of 1976 as a freshman. I have to admit, I was not ready to be a full-time university student so I pursued my associate degree on a part-time schedule instead at Catonsville Community College. There was something about UMBC that drew me back, and in 1981, I was hired to work in the accounting department. Within four years I had completed my A.A. degree and began the pursuit of my B.A. degree in 1989. I loved working on campus and I enjoyed being a student again. I worked with great people and many friendships developed at UMBC that would last for decades.

Right: Hathaway and her granddaughter at a USS Hamner Reunion.

Q: Where have you found support in the UMBC community?

A: I had several people who helped me along the way, sometimes just with encouragement as I tried new positions or pursued a new path in life. Friends who are now gone, Diane Taylor ’76, Jim Milani ’73, and Gary Rupert always had an encouraging word or good advice as I selected courses or applied for the next job opening on campus. Their confidence in me meant more than I can put into words.

In both my work life as well as academic and personal life, David Gleason, M.S. ’04, would always be there to help me find the confidence I needed to move forward. He would always know how to convince me that I could take that next step. His friendship is one I still treasure.

Q: What’s your favorite part of being a part of Retriever Nation?

A: I am proud to be a part of Retriever Nation both as a alum and a former employee/retiree. I enjoy seeing UMBC grow and being able to feel like I was part of that growth.

Q: What drives you to support UMBC?

A: I have tried to support UMBC whenever I can. I hope to be able to continue and do more in the future.

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UMBC’s greatest strength is its people. When people meet Retrievers and hear about the passion they bring, the relationships they create, the ways they support each other, and the commitment they have to inclusive excellence, they truly get a sense of our community. That’s what “Meet a Retriever” is all about.

Learn more about how UMBC can help you achieve your goals.

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