Center for Democracy and Civic Life director, Dr. David Hoffman, Ph.D. '13, and Musa Jafri '24, former SGA president, wrote, “UMBC students learn hopeful civics lessons from empowering experiences,” published on June 19 in Maryland Matters.

Hoffman and Musa share, “The civics lessons implicit in news coverage and social media posts relating to the 2024 election, the conflict in Israel and Gaza, crime and safety, and other pressing issues are clear. They suggest that the role of a good citizen is to choose sides and speak out, knowing that an election might empower one’s enemies, and that silence might mean complicity. The civic environment driven by our feeds is full of fury and alarm. Yet it is helpful to remember that there can be more to civic life than raised voices. If we are to build a thriving democratic society, it is especially important for young people to discover that in addition to voting and speaking out, they can work across differences in perspectives and roles to make meaningful changes in their communities.”

They describe how the Center for Democracy and Civic Life, “works with UMBC students to establish that experience: the authentic connections, mutual power, and individual and collective agency achieved in the process of promoting and enacting change on campus and beyond.” Through the Center, students have participated in leadership development programs and learned how to build long-term collective civic action to address disparities, while helping to create opportunities and spaces for dialogue on campus and leading educational programming and events around civic engagement, among other initiatives. Many of those who participated in the Center’s, and other UMBC programs, are now alumni leading community centers at area colleges and universities, as well as organizations and initiatives in the private, nonprofit, and public sectors.

Career Center Director Christine Routzahn, Off-Campus Student Services Assistant Director Amery Thompson, and Retriever Essentials Program Coordinator Ariel Barbosa are the recipients of the inaugural Vice President for Student Affairs Staff Awards. The three new, internal awards—supported by the Vice President for Student Affairs, Dr. Renique Kersh—are a way to celebrate the leadership and dedication of student affairs staff. Student affairs staff nominated colleagues for the awards, and winners were announced at the division’s annual end-of-year cookout in June.

“Student affairs staff are committed to students’ well-being, success, and growth,” says Dr. Renique Kersh, vice president for student affairs. “They create events, programs, and supportive resources to help students thrive. The inaugural VPSA awards highlight the exceptional work that happens in the division, along with the important role our staff play in the UMBC community every day.”

Routzahn is the recipient of the 2024 Outstanding Leadership Award. Nominators described her as someone who exemplifies what it means to lead with inclusivity. Routzahn ensures services and events meet the needs of all student populations, and prioritizes the use of data to validate the importance of inclusion and equity. She has created a positive team by being open and transparent, helping staff to utilize their strengths, and creating authentic relationships. Routzahn is an advocate for all staff, including student staff. Routzahn brings compassion to every interaction, and staff say she is a servant leader who is always thinking about what is best for students and for UMBC.

Thompson is the recipient of the 2024 Outstanding Collaborator or Campus Partner Award. Nominators shared that he creates an inclusive environment to help students express themselves, get engaged, and find a sense of belonging at UMBC. Thompson is known for his passion and commitment, and his enthusiasm and energy. Through collaboration and individual effort, he has created programs and initiatives that have moved the needle forward in a division focused on student well-being and success. Thompson works with offices outside of student affairs, from academic programs to athletics, to partners at Shady Grove. He is well known by students who trust they can count on him for support. 

Barbosa is the recipient of the 2024 Change Maker Award. Nominators explained that she has a passion for meeting challenges with innovative solutions that improve the lives of our diverse student population. That passion is evident in the tremendous growth of the programs and resources under her thoughtful care. Barbosa is an inclusive leader, volunteer coordinator, and bridge builder. She works with internal and external constituencies and communicates positively about their collective impact. She mentors student staff in playing leadership and advocacy roles in their work. Barbosa’s dedication and advocacy has helped to increase visibility for Retriever Essentials both on and off campus, while helping to change the lives of students and supporting their well-being and ability to succeed.

In addition, the Division of Student Affairs (DoSA) is proud of its staff who received UMBC awards this academic year: Acting Associate Vice President for Student Engagement and Diversity Fritzie Charne-Merriweather, Presidential Staff Award; Director of Campus Life Engagement Jen Dress, Employee of the Quarter; and Executive Administrative Assistant Ebony Brown, Employee of the Quarter.