Global leaders in research and industry to address UMBC’s Class of 2017

UMBC will welcome two alumni—known today as global leaders in their fields—as commencement speakers at this spring’s undergraduate and graduate commencement ceremonies.

On Wednesday, May 24, Dr. Ralph D. Semmel, ‘92, computer science, will speak at the graduate commencement ceremony. Semmel is the director of the Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL), which conducts research and development for the U.S. Department of Defense, NASA, and the intelligence community. He oversees the scientific and technological contributions of APL staff on national and global levels.

“We are absolutely delighted to have Dr. Semmel back on campus to share his story with our graduates,” says Karl V. Steiner, vice president for research.

UMBC physics professors Jim Franson and Todd Pittman both launched their careers at APL, and UMBC and APL have continued to develop meaningful connections throughout the years. “A growing number of our former students now have exciting and impactful careers at APL,” Steiner notes. “The close proximity of our two institutions makes us perfect partners for future collaborations.”

Before his current role, Semmel founded APL’s Applied Information Sciences Department and Infocentric Operations Business Area and served in numerous other research and leadership roles at APL, Wang Laboratories, the MITRE Corporation and the U.S. Army. He has also served on a number of boards, panels, and committees at federal science and technology organizations.

Stephanie C. Hill ‘86, computer science and economics, will speak to the Class of 2017 at UMBC’s undergraduate commencement ceremony on Thursday, May 25. She is the vice president and general manager of Lockheed Martin’s Cyber, Ships and Advanced Technologies (CSAT) line for Rotary and Missions Systems.

After graduating from UMBC, Hill became a software engineer at Lockheed Martin. Since then, she has held a wide range of senior leadership positions at the company in information systems, civil business, electronic systems, and sensors business.

“Stephanie Hill is such a great choice for undergraduate commencement speaker. As a female African American computer scientist who has had an incredibly successful career in technology leadership, she embodies UMBC’s commitments to diversity, civic engagement, social responsibility, and lifelong learning,” says Marie desJardins, associate dean in the College of Engineering and Information Technology and professor of computer science.

“She is also an outspoken proponent of STEM education and outreach, and is an inspiring role model for all of our students,” says desJardins.

Several organizations and publications have recognized Hill for her impressive career path and her work to advance STEM education. In 2014, she was included on EBONY Magazine’s Power 100 list, which recognized President Hrabowski in 2016. Locally, Hill was presented with the Greater Baltimore Committee’s President’s Award for supporting the development of minority-owned businesses.

Hill currently serves on the S&P Global Board of Directors and is the chair of the Greater Baltimore Committee. Driven by her passion for STEM education, she is also involved with Project Lead the Way, a national organization that provides STEM teacher training for K-12 educators.

UMBC will honor Hill with a doctorate of public service and Semmel with a doctorate of science.

Community members who aren’t able to attend the ceremonies in person can view them live through the commencement webcast, or follow them on Twitter @UMBC and through #UMBCgrad. Videos of the remarks will also be available online after the ceremonies.

Originally published as a UMBC News article by Megan Hanks.

The post UMBC CSEE Alumni Semmel and Hill address UMBC’s Class of 2017 appeared first on Department of Computer Science and Electrical Engineering.

Titus 3:3-8 - “At one time we too were foolish, disobedient, deceived and enslaved by all kinds of passions and pleasures. We lived in malice and envy, being hated and hating one another. But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life. This is a trustworthy saying. And I want you to stress these things, so that those who have trusted in God may be careful to devote themselves to doing what is good. These things are excellent and profitable for everyone.”

The Cretans were known to be quite a brutish people. In that setting, Titus was ministering to the believers in Crete and writing this letter to encourage the faithful. So when he begins that “at one time” they were foolish, they would be very familiar and quick to agree, they too were foolish, disobedient, deceived and enslaved. But the kindness and mercy of God was displayed through baptism (washing of rebirth) and the Spirit’s ministry.

This is a different way of recalling our past. If you recall your high school years you will probably cringe at what you wore and perhaps remember with some regrets that you hope will never be repeated in our lifetime! (A lesson well learned!) But the recalling for the Christian is in light of the kindness of God. We admit that we were such brutes and foolish, but in that, Christ came in kindness washing us through baptism and renewing us as a new people of God with a brand new purpose.

As we anticipate baptism worship celebration this weekend, let us turn our attention to the kindness of God. Isn’t that what our testimonies are all about?

RESPONSE: Let’s thank God for his kindness as we look back at the mercy He has shown us.

Song of worship: “It’s Your Kindness That Leads Us To Repentance” by Leslie Philipps (an oldie but goodie)
https://youtu.be/xeZe1NzjNoQ

-MK

The Baltimore Sun has honored Mike Summers as the “Best Academic” in the region for 2017. Summers, Distinguished Professor of Chemistry and Biochemistry and Robert E. Meyerhoff Chair for Excellence in Research and Mentoring, is internationally known for his HIV research. By increasing understanding of the virus’ structure, members of Summers’ lab hope to discover novel ways of inhibiting its activity. Summers was inducted into the National Academy of Sciences on April 29, after being elected last year. Membership in the NAS is one of the highest honors a scientist can receive.

“For the Academy to recognize someone who tries to do quality research, but does it in an environment that is inclusive and involves undergraduates makes it so much more special to me,” said Summers.

Summers is deeply committed to supporting students from all backgrounds. One of Summers’ mentees, Heather Frank ‘17, biochemistry and molecular biology, is featured as an exemplar of the UMBC Class of 2017. “The amazing mentorship I have received at UMBC has brought me the courage and confidence I needed to apply to competitive graduate programs and pursue my Ph.D.,” Frank says. “The environment here provided me all the opportunities so I could become my best self.” Frank will pursue a Ph.D. in biochemistry at Harvard.

“Being at UMBC opened my eyes not only to existing disparities in science research and education, but also to possibilities for effecting change,” Summers reflects. “The satisfaction that goes with helping our students achieve their dreams, and showing colleagues elsewhere new ways that they can approach and support their own students, is a reward without measure.”

Best of Baltimore 2017 Best Academic: Michael Summers, UMBC

Image: Mike Summers (center) with UMBC students. Photo by Marlayna Demond ’11 for UMBC.

The Adjunct Faculty Advisory Committee's 2017-2018 elections are open now through May 25, 2017. We ask that you select the candidate(s) who you believe will best represent your College's adjuncts as AFAC moves forward with its charge.

Please use the following College election polls to cast your vote:

CAHSS (select three candidates)

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Information about each candidate is available in a 2017 AFAC Nominee Background Information Document found on the above election poll posts.

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Thank you for your support!