From an early age, Sherece West-Scantlebury ’07, Ph.D., public policy recalls being preoccupied by a single question: Why is this community the way it is?

It was a question that first took root in West-Scantlebury’s own childhood in Brookyn, where she was born to a single teenage mother and lived in public housing. Her family later moved to Baltimore, where they made ends meet on public assistance. In both places, West-Scantlebury recalls witnessing “the usual ills associated with public housing” – drug addiction, alcoholism, domestic violence and abuse. But she also remembers the working people with big dreams who seldom saw those dreams come to fruition.

“I just wanted to know how and why people lived – we lived – that way,” says West-Scantlebury. “It was just always something that drove me.”

Education was the start of her path to find answers. West-Scantlebury earned an undergraduate degree in public administration at Bowie State University, then obtained an Alfred P. Sloan Foundation Policy Institutes grant that led to a master’s degree in public policy from the Gerald R. Ford School at the University of Michigan.

West-Scantlebury wasn’t content with studying policy, however. She pursued a career in the nonprofit sector to help address fundamental social problems through targeted programs and investment in communities.

“I was born with the heart to affect social justice,” she says. “I didn’t choose philanthropy, it chose me.”

West-Scantlebury worked for twelve years as a program associate at Baltimore’s Annie E. Casey Foundation in Baltimore and worked on a doctorate at UMBC.

Even before obtaining her Ph.D., West-Scantlebury was named as president and CEO of the Louisiana-based Carrier Foundation. When Hurricane Katrina hit in 2005, she found herself helping lead (and eventually becoming the CEO) of the Louisiana Recovery Foundation, charged with the fair distribution of donations pouring into the governor’s office.

Two years later, West-Scantlebury was tapped to head the Winthrop Rockefeller Foundation in Little Rock, AR. The foundation’s mission is to improve the lives of all Arkansans by supporting education and economic development programs, and furthering the cause of racial, economic and social justice.

In 2012, the Winthrop Rockefeller Foundation oversaw more than $4.6 million in grants awarded to 65 different groups. West-Scantlebury says the foundation is focused on solving what she calls the “old and difficult problems that keep Arkansas in the bottom five [in the United States] on indicators of children and family well-being. I want us to be number one on those indicators one day.”

West-Scantlebury observes that the faculty staff and students in UMBC’s public policy department were all invested in her success as a nonprofit administrator. “There was great camaraderie, and a determination that we would all complete the program and make great contributions.”

The feeling of accomplishment is mutual, says Donald Norris, chair of the public policy department. Norris nominated West-Scantlebury for UMBC’s 2013 Outstanding Alumna of the Year award in the Social and Behavioral Sciences, which she received at Homecoming last year.

“Sherece’s excellent and effective career in public service and community leadership embodies the best of UMBC and demonstrates the best qualities of her graduate education,” says Norris.

West-Scantlebury has long moved past merely trying to answer her own question about why a community takes its shape. She says she is proud to work for a foundation that supports the demanding but essential long-term changes required to make Arkansas a better place, and help to engineer those changes through grants that target poverty reduction, education and community development.

The keys to success, says West-Scantlebury, are determination, collaboration and patience. “Collective action creates change, but it isn’t fast or easy,” she insists. “It’s about neighbor working with neighbor, but it’s also about sticking with it.”

– Michelle Gienow

Music is more than entertainment. It is woven inextricably into the fabric of our culture – and investigating that complex weave can tell us many things about ourselves. Theodore Gonzalves, an associate professor (and chair) of American studies and Michelle Scott,  an associate professor of history, have both received Smithsonian Institution fellowships to study music’s cultural impact. They talked recently about why that research is so important.

UMBC Magazine:  How can scholarship shape our understanding of music?

Theodore Gonzalves:  Understanding music actually helps us to understand the kinds of questions we face as families, as nations and as communities.  It’s a great way to learn about history, it’s a great way to learn about politics, about gender, about all sorts of things. What we have to do is get beyond the notion that music is just merely entertainment.

Michelle Scott:  I would even flip the question around a little bit. I think music enhances the study of scholarship of pretty much any field.  In my classroom there aren’t too many lectures where I don’t find some type of popular music to play to really enhance the lived experience of an era that we’re studying.  If we’re going to talk about the Great Depression, we’re going to be hearing songs that will talk about the bread lines. I really think music gives voices to the voiceless.

What sort of cultural impact can music have?

Scott: Vaudeville happened in the 1920s and 1930s. So why are we still thinking about that?  But those Vaudevillians then went into early motion pictures in Hollywood or into radio.  Some of the formats of the skits followed into early television, and so a lot of the production part of Vaudeville we still see in contemporary entertainment.

Gonzalves:  I see it in two different ways at least.  One is to think about music as a metaphor for a mirror, another is a metaphor for a light.  Mirrors can often just reflect exactly what is in front of you and music and art can do that.  It can provide a realistic and graphic depiction of what’s in front of you.  It may look like a fun house mirror, it may look a little strange, but a lot of art can reflect the conditions as artists and audiences see them. But music could also be a way to imagine a different world, a new world that doesn’t yet quite exist.

What’s going to change about music and how we study it?

Gonzalves:  Music making continues to change.  It is now digital and portable and it can be zapped around the world instantaneously.  We have access to music in a way that we’ve never had access to it before. I hope we can separate out the signal from the noise. There are traditions that are slowly fading away as a result of not being actively recorded.  Then there’s marketing that passes for music.  There are billions to be made in terms of drawing eyeballs to certain commodities and it’s done under the guise of listening to music.  We should be more critical and discerning listeners in terms of thinking about what are the histories and traditions that we should be learning from music itself.

Scott:  Music connects you to a larger human world to look at issues of political protest, gender discrimination and racial violence and it makes it plain.  You don’t have to be in an institution of higher learning to grasp it.  You don’t have to be in the classroom.  You can pick up your mp3 player, your radio, or podcast, and all of a sudden you’re filled with many more questions that you might not have the answers to, but you have the questions and a communal audience to talk about how you are going to solve some of these issues. It’s just a really wonderful gateway into some of life’s most fundamental questions.

– Max Cole

GOALS ORIENTED

Both the women’s and men’s soccer squads can look back on 2013 as an amazing journey  – breaking new ground for UMBC’s athletics program while proving that winners on the field can also excel in academics.

Both UMBC soccer teams won the America East regular season and conference championships – and claimed bids to the NCAA tournament with decisive victories in front of home fans at Retriever Soccer Park.

Expectations were high for the men’s squad going into the season, and they were fulfilled when the team won its NCAA bid – and the right to host the university’s first-ever home game in the tournament – with resounding 4-0 victory against the University of Hartford.

The Retriever men compiled a 16-1-3 record in 2013 and rose to fifth in national soccer polls. Their season ended after a 2-2 see-saw second-round NCAA tournament game against the University of Connecticut that ended with the Retrievers bowing out on penalty kicks.

The story of the Retriever women’s soccer team was even more astonishing. Its appearance in the NCAA Tournament capped off a reversal of fortune that saw the squad go from last place in the America East conference to first place in 2013, earning a 13-6-2 record, a regular season title and a conference tournament championship along the way.

The women’s team bested Stony Brook University 2-1 in the America East title game to earn its bid to the NCAA tournament, but their season ended with a hard-fought 2-0 loss in the first round to the fourth-ranked team in the nation – Virginia Tech – in Blacksburg, VA.

UMBC’s soccer success netted players and coaches numerous honors from the America East conference. Men’s head coach Pete Caringi, Jr. and his staff were voted by the league’s coaches as the Coaching Staff of the Year. Three of the team’s players also received the league’s highest honors, including senior forward Pete Caringi, III (Striker of the Year); senior midfielder Kadeem Dacres (Midfielder of the Year) and junior fullback Oumar Ballo (Defender of the Year).

Women’s head coach Leslie Wray and her staff received the Coaching Staff of the Year award from the America East conference, while junior midfielder Jessy Brown shared Midfielder of the Year honors with Hartford University’s Stephanie Santos. (Brown was also named as the MVP of the America East tournament.)

Both teams also matched their success between the lines with excellence in the classroom. In the most recent College Team Academic Awards given by the National College Coaches Association for the 2011-2012 seasons, UMBC was among only 150 schools where both the men’s and women’s teams received this honor for having cumulative team grade point averages at 3.0 or higher.

And as the America East conference gave out its individual honors, both women’s team standout Jessy Brown (who has a 3.70 GPA in biological sciences) and junior midfielder Michael DiCesare (who scored the only goal in the November 6 win that clinched the men’s regular season title for UMBC) were also named to the America East’s All-Academic team.

– Richard Byrne ’ 86

DEGREE OF INSPIRATION

With its many indie performances and off-beat exhibits, Baltimore is quickly becoming a city known for its art scene. Katie Kopajtic ’11, acting, is catching that process in real time in b.f.a. – an original web series featuring other recent UMBC graduates (many of whom were involved in the UMBC Theatre Department’s award-winning 2011 production of Las Meninas).

“We were inspired by local artists doing big things,” Kopajtic explains. “We wanted to show what’s going on in Baltimore’s art scene in a way that parallels real life.”

The seriesfollows a group of friends as they try to navigate the acting world after graduation. The cast and crew filmed a pilot episode, but Kopajtic – who serves as writer, director and producer, and also acts in the series – knew the homegrown project would need significant funding to continue to its conclusion.

“We had to think about what it would take to film an entire season,” she says. “Things like rentals and even post-production costs like editing—those add up fast.”

So the b.f.a. team launched a crowdfunding campaign on Indiegogo, eventually raising $7,000 toward a full series production budget of $10,000. Kiirstn Pagan ‘11, theatre, who served as the project’s marketing director, observes that the cast and crew were brought into the creative side of the project as the fundraising was ongoing.

“All of the cast members ended up being very involved in the writing process,” Pagan says. “We had multiple meetings over the summer to go over Katie’s scripts, where everyone was able to help mold the story, making it more interesting, funny, and compelling.”

After a June premiere of the pilot episode at Creative Alliance in Highlandtown, Kopajtic and her cast and crew were able to schedule the final round of filming on a reduced budget beginning in August.

“It was disappointing, but we came to terms with it,” says Kopajtic. “We learned to cut costs without cutting corners.”

The b.f.a. team found low-and-no-cost shooting locations (including Joe Squared and Ottobar) to stretch that budget, and they collaborated with Station North Arts and Entertainment and the Annex Theatre to use the set and lights at a new city arts space called The Chicken Box.

Sean McComas ‘11, acting BFA, says the opportunity to stretch his skill set from theatre into film was an unexpected perk of his involvement in b.f.a.

 “In theater, you are always following a character’s journey from start to finish,” McComas explains. “You may rehearse out of sequence, but in performance you actually go on a journey. In film, that is not the case.”

Filming wrapped in November, and the new episodes debuted online every two weeks through late fall. Kopajtic hopes to expand the series into a feature-length film, but she believes that b.f.a. is already achieving its goal: showcase Baltimore and the people who live and work there.

“b.f.a is a glimpse into the real lives of artists,” she says. “It shows people working hard, struggling to put themselves out there. That’s Baltimore. That’s what we do.”

– Laura Lefavor ‘13

To watch b.f.a., go to bfatheseries.com.

BANG THE DRUM

Every band needs a beat. And the heartbeat of the Down and Dirty Dawg Band – UMBC’s provider of musical pep at athletics events and other campus commemorations – is the UMBC drumline.

A fixture at Midnight Madness, athletic events and in local parades, the drumline began a little more than three years ago, when Eddy Mosenkis ’13, biological science, rounded up two other students – Will Gass ’13, business, and Cody Kenlak ’14 – to add to the musical ensemble.

For a year, they shared playing time and equipment with the Down and Dirty Dawg Band. But it didn’t take long for band director Matt Basch to recognize they’d make a great addition to his ensemble.

Merging their efforts with those of the Down and Dirty Dawg Band in 2011 boosted the drumline’s funding and proved to be a boon to its recruitment efforts, allowing the percussionists to get bigger and better.

Basch has lived and breathed drumline since he first heard one as a freshman in high school. He was hooked immediately and joined as a high school sophomore. The hard work, discipline and athleticism of drumline are something he wants others to experience at UMBC as well.

Mosenkis says the drumline and the Down and Dirty Dawg band expanded his horizons as a musician.

“It was truly an experience that has broadened my personality as the years progressed,” he observes. And it’s still an important fixture in Mosenkis’ life. “I come back to visit them as often as I can. I like remaining up-to-date on how they’re doing.”

– Katharine Scrivener

A recent article in The Washington Times reviews states that have experienced glitches after rolling out health exchange websites as part of the Affordable Care Act. The article mentions the Maryland website which experienced software defects, causing state officials to offer retroactive coverage to users who couldn’t purchase plans in time for the start of the new year.

In the article, Public Policy Professor and Chair Donald Norris offered insight into how the health exchange website problems could affect the upcoming Democratic primary in the race for governor. He said Lt. Gov. Anthony Brown will likely win despite being the target of criticism for the website’s problems.

“If he does win and the website continues to have problems the GOP nominee, whoever that is, will certainly use [Obamacare issues] against him, though I can’t imagine that that alone would cause him to lose,” Norris said.

To read the full article in The Washington Times, click here.

Our PHA Woman of the Month for February is Nicole Rangos!
Nicole is VP of Public Relations for PHA and Phi Sigma Sigma’s Sisterhood Development Chair. 

Nicole is a junior Biology major with a Psychology minor. Nicole has been very active in helping with both fall and spring recruitment. She has been awesome with her position as VP of Public Relations for PHA. She always thinks of ways to get the word out about any events and reaches out to see if she can help with Recruitment. She is very reliable and always follows through with her job. For the past few weeks, Nicole disaffiliated from her membership in Phi Sigma Sigma to help with recruitment as a Rho Gamma. Nicole loved her experience, helping potential new members find their home in the UMBC Greek community. 

Outside of Greek life, Nicole is a Teaching Assistant for Biology 141. This past summer she worked in a molecular biology lab at the University of Miami’s Miller School of Medicine, conducting research on axon regeneration. 
Nicole is a truly dedicated sister and member of the PHA family.

Congratulations, Nicole!

When I first graduated with my Bachelor’s degree, I was confused. While I had a sense of accomplishment, I also wondered what my next step should be. After a year of agonizing over how to advance my career, I decided to go to graduate school.

Surely after completing a Master’s degree my future endeavors would be laid out in front of me like a yellow brick road. There would be no confusion, only accomplishment after accomplishment. I guess I don’t have to tell you, that this ideal situation didn’t happen. After receiving my Master’s degree, yes I had obtained new skills, but I was still flailing.

Enter my mentor, Deesha Philyaw, co-author of the forthcoming book, “CoParenting 101: Advice from a Formerly Married Couple on Parenting Across Two Households” (New Harbinger, 2013)

Let me back up to say that a mentor is someone who has the type of career you would like to have. You work with this person and they help to guide you, as you accomplish your goals.

Philyaw was a professor in my Master of Professional Writing degree program at Chatham University. Throughout not just my classes with her, but my entire program she was always extremely helpful, and went above and beyond the job of being my professor.

After graduation, although afraid, I asked Philyaw to be my mentor, and she happily agreed. Since then she has been a great source of information, and inspiration.

Why You Need A Mentor:

The First Lady of the United States, Michelle Obama talks about the importance of mentors in the newest issue of More magazine. She says of her own mentor, "She stood out for me, not just because she was African American but [because] she was a professional…and she was a very passionate person who was committed to working in the community. She encouraged me to start a day-care program for some of the faculty members’ and staff members’ children. And I would have never done that without her encouragement.”

Mentors are a great resource to have because they usually have been where you would like to go. They know the steps you need to take, and often have ideas that you maybe have never thought of. So rather than walking blindly into your career path, a mentor can guide you.

Mentors are also great for being a reference on your résumé or writing a reference letter on your behalf, motivating you when you feel like quitting, finding resources or teaching you how to find the information yourself, helping you with your job search, and many other areas.

Where to Find Your Mentor:

At school— Do you have a favorite professor, or advisor? Do you look at them and wonder how they accomplished all that they have? Perhaps this would be a good person to ask to mentor you.

Internship—Usually you intern at the type of company where you would like to work after graduation. Your internship supervisor may be a great option for a mentor in that they work in the industry you desire to work in. They can give you a lot of valuable information.

Volunteering— If you volunteer for organizations that align with your passions and goals, you are bound to meet someone who would make a great mentor.

Student groups— There are often various student groups on campus that are based on certain professions such as the: Marketing Association, Literary Journals, MBA student groups etc. A mentor can be found either in the professor overseeing the group, or even in a fellow classmate. The mentor doesn’t have to be a lot older than you. Sometimes a person in graduate school would make a great mentor for someone who is an undergraduate.

Remember the goal is to pick someone as your mentor, who has a career like the one you desire to have. Their guidance will be worth so much more than you can imagine.

In an article published last week, Governing Magazine explored participation in the Democratic Governors Association (DGA), Republican Governors Association (RGA) and National Governors Association (RGA), and how it is increasingly becoming a proving ground for governors seeking higher office.

Political Science Professor Thomas Schaller is quoted in the article when describing Maryland Governor Martin O’Malley’s leadership role with the DGA. He says O’Malley “used the platform very well,” and “it gave him reason to take positions on national issues, especially inequality and poverty.”  

While leading a governors association can be a good platform to develop a policy portfolio and weigh in on key policy issues, Schaller says success “really depends upon what that chair does with the opportunity.”

You can read the full article in Governing Magazine here. 

The three PAID leadership intern programs below are taking place this summer.  These programs are open to all majors.  I encourage you to review the program details and consider applying to one or more of these great opportunities.

GOVERNOR'S SUMMER INTERNSHIP PROGRAM (http://shrivercenter.umbc.edu/students/the-scholars-programs/gsip/), Deadline:  March 10th
The Governor’s Summer Internship Program introduces college students to the unique challenges and rewards of working within MD State Government while earning a $3,000 stipend.  For 10 weeks (June 2- Aug 8), interns: -Work in state government agencies on substantive projects, including drafting speeches and correspondence, tracking legislation, attending hearings, assisting with constituent case work, and researching policy options.  - Participate in seminars with top Maryland officials and make site visits to State facilities.  - Develop policy papers on a significant issue facing Maryland (e.g. the Chesapeake Bay, crime, care for the elderly) and present their findings in person to the Governor.

WALTER SONDHEIM JR. NONPROFIT LEADERSHIP INTERNSHIP PROGRAM (http://shrivercenter.umbc.edu/students/the-scholars-programs/maryland-nonprofit-leadership-program/), Deadline: March 26 The Maryland Nonprofit Leadership Program offers paid summer internship opportunities in the nonprofit sector to college juniors, seniors, and graduate students attending Maryland institutions.  Participating interns work for ten weeks full-time from June 2nd to August 8th while participating in bi-weekly seminars in nonprofit management.  Each participating student receives a $3,000 stipend.

MDOT FELLOWS INTERNSHIP PROGRAM (http://shrivercenter.umbc.edu/students/the-scholars-programs/mdot/), Deadline: March 7th The Maryland Department of Transportation (MDOT) Fellows Internship Program is designed to introduce Maryland’s most promising college students to the rewards and challenges of working within Maryland’s integrated transportation system.  Interns can gain experience in policy development, marketing, international relations, computer networking, engineering, planning and financing, public relations, and neighborhood conservation.  Placement opportunities are available at the MD Aviation Administration, MD Port Administration, MD Transit Administration, Motor Vehicle Administration, MD State Highway Administration, MD Transportation Authority, or The Secretary’s Office. Participating student earn $3,500 during 8 weeks this summer (June 9- August 1).