RSVP to the student workshop.

At UMBC, we celebrate the accomplishments of our alumni community year round, but our annual Athletics Hall of Fame induction and Alumni Awards ceremony and reception give us a chance to cheer extra loud for the outstanding Retrievers among us. 

Stanyell Odom, director of alumni engagement, says it best about the incoming class of awardees: “These award winners embody so many of the characteristics that make UMBC such a special place. They are leaders in their professions and fields—innovative teachers, educators, and scientists—and are engaged and proud members of this UMBC community.”

The 23rd Hall of Fame induction 

Coming up on October 13, as part of Homecoming’s series of events, Athletics will honor a new class of Hall of Fame, including:

• Cleopatra Borel ’02 , interdisciplinary studies, track & field
• Cornelia Carapcea ’09, information systems/financial economics, tennis
• Pete Caringi III ’15, psychology, men’s soccer 
• Carlee Cassidy Dewey ’10, media and  communication studies/sociology, women’s basketball 
• Emily Escobedo ’17, psychology, women’s swimming & diving 
• Brian Hodges ’07, financial economics, men’s basketball 

This range of Retriever student-athletes comprises a 4-time Olympian, a host of America East conference honors, a 4.0 GPA co-salutatorian, and others who are leaders on and off their field of play. The 23rd induction will take place at UMBC’s University Center Ballroom on Friday, October, 13, 2023 at 6 p.m. Register to attend or learn more about the awardees. 

Excellence in our alumni community

Later in the month, join the Alumni Association Board of Directors for the 2023 Alumni Awards ceremony to recognize and celebrate the professional and personal achievements of outstanding alumni, faculty, and—new this year—an exemplary staff member. 

“The cohort represents excellence in our alumni community,” says Odom, “and now honors both the faculty and staff who’ve made lasting impacts on the lives of our Retriever alumni.” Cheer on the individuals below on Thursday, October 26, 2023, at 6:30 in the Earl and Darielle Linehan Concert Hall in the Performing Arts and Humanities Building.

Outstanding Alumni

• Humanities – Aaron Ralby ’05, English and modern languages and linguistics, founder and CEO, Linguisticator
• Social Sciences – Josh Michael ’10,political science,Ph.D. ’22, public policy,  executive director, Sherman Family Foundation
• Visual & Performing Arts – James Dorsey ’05, music technology and vocal performance, artist and National Board Certified Educator, Prince George’s County Public Schools, Maryland 
• Engineering & IT – Annica Wayman ’99, mechanical engineering, associate dean and professor of the practice, College of Natural and Mathematical Sciences, UMBC
• Natural & Mathematical Sciences – Kay Bidle ’91, biological sciences, professor, Department of Marine & Coastal Sciences, Rutgers University

Distinguished Service

• Anwesha Dey, Ph.D. ‘04, biochemistry and molecular biology, director, Discovery Oncology and Distinguished Scientist, Genentech

Rising Star

• Asif Majid ’13, interdisciplinary studies, assistant professor of theatre and human rights, University of Connecticut

Outstanding Staff

• Rehana Shafi, director, Sherman Teacher Scholars Program

Outstanding Faculty

• E.F. Charles LaBerge, Ph.D. ’03, electrical engineering, professor of the practice, computer science and electrical engineering, UMBC

September 2023

Dear UMBC Colleague:

UMBC is a community that cares for students, staff, and faculty. We want to thank you for your ongoing partnership and compassion in supporting the safety and well-being of everyone on our campus, especially our students. 

The UMBC Behavioral Risk Assessment and Consultation Team (BRACT) is a multidisciplinary team that examines reports of concern to assist in maintaining campus safety. The team assists faculty, staff, and students with situations and behaviors that are concerning, disruptive, and/or threatening as well as the support and resources needed to ensure continued success on campus. 

Each department will receive our updated BRACT Poster and a BRACT sticker to share with all staff members that includes a link to the Student Affairs website and BRACT information, including the BRACT folder (UMBC Faculty and Staff Guide for Helping a Person in Distress). 

Student Affairs also offers a Retriever Peer-to-Peer listening program as well as training designed to give community members tools to help when someone is struggling with a mental health or substance use challenge. Mental Health First Aid is a 1-day skills-based course that helps identify and respond to mental health and substance use challenges. QPR (Question, Persuade, Refer) is a 1.5-2 hour training course that teaches how to talk to someone who may be thinking about suicide and encourage them to get the help they need to prevent suicide. 

Please reach out to our Community Health and Safety staff, Sue Poandl (spoandl1@umbc.edu) or Brandyn Holtzinger (bholtzi1@umbc.edu), if you have questions, a situation you would like to discuss, to request a training for your unit, or to request additional posters or stickers.  

Best,

Renique Kersh, Ph.D.

Vice President for Student Affairs, UMBC