CELEBRATING a MILESTONE Prince George’S County) Samuel Riggs IV Alumni Center IAP Supporters Terry and James Rubenstein in Difference It Is Making in Their Lives

SPRING 2011

INTRODUCING THE CLASS OF 2014! THE OFFICIAL NEWSLETTER OF THE INCENTIVE AWARDS PROGRAM* The University of Maryland Incentive Awards Program welcomes the Class of 2014. University of Maryland Incentive Awards Program These students are our newest shining stars with bright futures ahead of them. 1103 Cole Student Activities Building College Park, MD 20742 BACK ROW: Elizabeth Sorillo (Paul Laurence Dunbar High School), Diana Zolfaghari (High Point High School), www.umincentiveawards.umd.edu *The University of Maryland Incentive Awards Program comprises the Suzanne G. Ervin Bishop (Mergenthaler Vocational Technical and Murray A. Valenstein Baltimore Incentive Awards Program and the Prince High School), Hamza Idris (Northwestern High School, George’s County Incentive Awards Program. Baltimore City), Eberechi Ihezie (Baltimore Polytechnic Institute), Victoria Gold (Baltimore Polytechnic Institute), Carlos Howard Gomez (Northwestern High School, SAVE THE DATE! Prince George’s County), Rhonda Roach (Fairmont 11th annual Spring Reception Heights High School), Malcolm Lewis (Baltimore City Tuesday, May 3, 2011 College), William Sama (Northwestern High School, 4–6 p.m. CELEBRATING A MILESTONE Prince George’s County) Samuel Riggs IV Alumni Center IAP supporters Terry and James Rubenstein in difference it is making in their lives. Each has nur- MIDDLE ROW: Samuel Yirenkyi (Parkdale High School), October opened the doors to their beautiful home tured the values of the program and has applied Nancy Canales (High Point High School), Gabrielle to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the Incentive them in their personal lives and in the workplace, Parson (Oxon Hill High School), Jasmine Mays (Suitland Awards Program. More than 60 donors and as intended. Janiceia Adams ’07, program coor- High School), Davian Morgan (Potomac High School) friends accepted an invitation to acknowledge dinator for Teach for America, said, “IAP helped We’re on Facebook! Become a fan! this milestone and the fulfillment of the vision me to fully realize my potential and go further FRONT ROW: Bria Hamm (Western High School), of former university president C. D. Mote, Jr. than I’d ever thought I could.” To that, Tiana Wynn www.facebook.com/UMIAP Catherine Sayikanmi (Central High School) ’05, now a certified public accountant and senior Brodie Remington, vice president of University associate at S.B. & Co., added, “We are proof Relations, Baltimore Mayor Stephanie Rawlings- that the program works. We are a reflection of Blake and Jacqueline Lee, director of the the investment you’ve made in us.” Other panel- Incentive Awards Program, hosted the event. ists were Deon Jackson ’07, a 10th-grade biology Each offered reflections on the program and teacher at Friendship Academy of Engineering its impact on the university, Baltimore City and Technology, and Darian Scott-Carter ’08, Class of 2005 Class of 2008 Class of 2010 Public Schools and the City of Baltimore. mass fatality planner for the City of Baltimore. Summer 2010: Getting Oriented to the Program, the Campus and Each Other Ima Bassey married Yemi Ibidapo on Aug. 7, Darian Scott-Carter recently completed Kareem Shakoor teaches history and English 2010 at Trinity Assembly of God in Lutherville, a master’s degree in homeland security to students in grades 10–12 at Mott Hall Bronx The highlight of the evening was a small panel of Connie shared her own reasons for being drawn Md. In July, they will move to New York City, management with a concentration in health High School in New York through Teach for alumni facilitated by journalist Connie Chung ’69. to the IAP: Its values of persistence, hard work where her husband will start his residency in preparedness and a postbaccalaureate certifi- America. He writes, “Everything is going As they shared their stories of challenges and and optimism resonated with her and her hus- radiology at New York University Hospital. cate in security assessment and management. extremely well at my school. I’ve received a triumph, they revealed how exceptional they are, band, talk show host Maury Povich. They are He started a new position as the mass fatality lot of praise from my principal, the administra- why they were selected for the program and the inspired by the alumni and are impressed that Class of 2006 emergency planner with the City of Baltimore tors and other teachers and I am on track to so many are finding ways to Yavona Williams Pirali, an International in mid-February. Among many duties, he is receive tenure as soon as I finish my gradu- give back through teaching, Alumni Notes Baccalaureate health teacher at her alma responsible for advising city personnel on ate program. … I’m still getting used to living mentoring and contribut- mater, Baltimore City College High School, is mass fatality preparedness issues, developing here and it definitely has its pros and cons ing to the community. part of a cadre of teachers who Baltimore City agreements with city partners and responding but…I am enjoying the experience!” Public Schools train to instruct new teachers. to emergency events. Embraced by new University Amara Sillah joined the Teach for America of Maryland President JaNeé Jackson is a probation officer at Jennifer Covahey works for the CollegeBound corps and now lives in Memphis, Tenn. He Wallace Loh, the program the Baltimore City Department of Juvenile Foundation as a College Access Program says, “I teach seventh-grade math at Soulsville remains a university priority Services. She is pursuing a master’s degree Specialist at Friendship Academy of Science Charter School. I am doing well during my first and will continue to expand in social work at Morgan State University and Technology in Canton. year of teaching and I enjoy my job, but I miss its reach throughout the and interning at the House of Ruth, one of the being home. Some of the kids can be a hand- State of Maryland as staff nation’s leading domestic violence centers for Class of 2009 ful, but I love them all.” and funding permit. The Top right: Connie Chung ‘69 greets special guests women and their children. In August 2010, Dominic Smith graduated from challenge is to maintain the Middle right:: Baltimore Mayor Stephanie the University of Maryland’s police academy momentum that has been Rawlings-Blake with IAP Director Jacqueline Lee Class of 2007 and is now serving the campus as a police generated through the years, Bottom right: Vice President for University After teaching fourth grade for four years officer. UMD officers have all the same pow- garner even greater com- Relations Brodie Remington addresses the group in Bronx, N.Y., through Teach for America, ers and authority as any other sworn police munity support and to raise Left: Deon Jackson ‘07 participates in a panel Janiceia Adams returned to Baltimore City as a officer in Maryland and are empowered by funds critical to sustaining discussion facilitated by Connie Chung program director for the same organization. In state law to make arrests, investigate crime this university initiative. Clockwise from top left: New students at IAP Orientation; Carlos Howard Gomez ‘14 working on ice this role, she will be supporting teachers and and carry firearms. breaker activity; current students sharing perspectives with new class; adventures at Castle Laser Tag; students in city schools and using data analy- relaxing at Cold Stone Creamery; Catherine Sayikanmi ‘14 and her mother at IAP Orientation sis to evaluate student achievement and teacher retention. Taking the Road Less Traveled GUESS WHO? “JUST GO AWAY” by Lauren Robinson ’12, Journalism What happens when you put IAP alumni and current students in one place? chairs and floor cushions and settled into spirited conversations. IAP staff The University of Maryland encourages students to “Just Go Away…” The road to success is not one that’s smoothly that sleep and her social life have had to take New friendships form and valuable learning takes place. A new program initiated the conversation, then retreated, allowing the alumni to answer and to start “Thinking Outside of Your Borders” through its Education paved. Misbha Qureshi ’06 is traveling that a back seat because she’s making sacrifices implemented last spring, Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner?, provided the set- questions from students. They shared their reflections about their time at Abroad programs. In January, six students did just that. Amy Hume ’12 road today as she pursues a Ph.D. in marriage for her career. NEW FELLOWS ting for rich discussions between two sides of the IAP community. Maryland, the lessons they learned here and their workplace experiences. and Rhonda Roach ’14 learned about the geography of nine islands and family therapy. Misbha was originally a By the end of the evenings, alumni had imparted a wealth of wisdom to moti- in the Southern Caribbean. Djuan Short ‘12 studied child and adoles- pre-medicine major at Maryland, reluctant to Next month, she will begin co-teaching a Scholars, servant-leaders, Guess Who…? evolved out of current students’ curiosity: “What are the vate students to follow in their footsteps. cent development in India, Jessica Blizzard ‘11 explored the colonial admit that she wasn’t very interested in her behavioral couples’ therapy course exploring role models. To this list alumni doing today?” “What was it like for them to be students at Maryland?” history and culture of Ecuador, and Ashley Proctor ’11 and Lauren science courses. But during her last semester how substance abuse affects relationships. of responsibilities, we “How did they adjust to campus life Robinson ’12 studied language, literature, art and architecture in Italy. of her undergraduate studies, she took a fam- Misbha believes that treating families together, add the title of Fellow to coming from my community?” “What ily science class that sparked her interest in rather than as individuals, will render healing Katherine Coleman, Rafael are they like?” “The people there is what I fell in love with the most,” Lauren helping troubled families. powers to plagued relationships. Lovo and Juan Peralta, said. “Their everyday lives are anchored in religion, family and who joined the select Yavona Williams Pirali ’05 and Tiana love.” Djuan said, “I was not expecting to have a life-changing Despite being pressured by her family to apply Misbha’s busy schedule allows her just group of students this Wynn ’05 were among the first alumni experience as a result of this trip but I found a better understand- to medical school, she took a leap of faith enough time to review literature for her assis- winter. Incentive Awards to answer the call for hosts for two ing of what’s important to me. This was the beginning of a personal by deciding to pursue marriage and family tantship with Kenneth Hardy, a family therapist Fellows are exemplary stu- separate events, as they shared the journey that I hope takes me to new heights and experiences.” therapy in graduate school. who’s been acclaimed for his publications on dents who display positive students’ curiosity and were eager to diversity and oppression. The next stage of her attitudes and demonstrate re-engage with IAP. Misbha now spends the first half of her week assistantship will involve compiling data on strong character, while in classes as a doctoral student at Drexel the effects of bullying in schools. encouraging others to After a catered dinner and dessert, Above: Sade Diggs ‘13 and University. The remainder of her week, includ- follow their lead. Most several alumni and students pulled up ing weekends, is spent working as a counselor Nearly five years since Misbha graduated VaRysa Williams ‘13 Right: importantly, they are aca- Jackie Lee with Misbha Qureshi ‘06 Tiana Wynn ‘05 speaks with at the Crisis Unit at Kennedy Memorial from Maryland, she attributes her accom- demic leaders who seek and Tiana Wynn ‘05 IAP students Hospital in Cherry Hill, N.J. She acknowledges plishments so far to having been an Incentive ways to augment their Awards Scholar. She credits the program classroom experience with helping to develop her work ethic. “I got with experiential learning the support I really needed from Jackie. She and international travel Baltimore’s Hidden Historical Treasure reminded me to never slack off in my studies and pursue the meaning- In December, students attended the and she worked hard to create networking ful ways to impact the campus through “Freedom Sisters” exhibition at the Reginald opportunities for us,” says Mishba. extracurricular involvement. They are F. Lewis Museum of Maryland African- expected to support the IAP leadership American History in Baltimore, highlighting Because of her positive experience, Misbha MAKING THE GRADE by serving on the student advisory board, 20 African American women activists, edu- remains an involved alumna of the program, participating in the annual selection pro- cators, politicians and entrepreneurs. The University of Maryland Distinguished speaking at the annual spring reception and cess and coordinating social activities for attending the first Guess Who’s Coming to Dean’s List acknowledges students who earn a the entire student group. “I was impressed by their accomplishments Dinner? program. semester GPA of 4.0. Congratulations to Dekebra and this (exhibition) served as an inspiration Arrington ’10 for achieving this high honor for for me to strive to achieve what I want in my Misbha hopes that staying the course will the Fall 2010 semester. future,” said Elizabeth Sorillo ’14. lead her to becoming an adjunct professor Fundraising in Miami within the next year and obtaining her license Congratulations to everyone who earned a Seeing how many African-American women by Lauren Robinson ’12, Journalism to begin her own practice within the next semester GPA of 3.0 or higher! (Students with overcame adversity from slavery to the present moved several students. “Since men five years. She is prepared for the journey Dean’s List Academic Honors are noted in red are given the spotlight more often than women,” said VaRysa Williams ’13, “it was good In November, I was presented with an amazing opportunity: I live by the creed, Lucem Accepimus, Lucem Demus, mean- because, as she says, “I don’t think my life has and earned a 3.5 or higher) to see an entire exhibition dedicated to these influential women.” to serve as a student ambassador for the university and par- ing “We have received light, let us give light.” The Incentive ever slowed down!” ticipate in its Great Expectations scholarship campaign at a Awards Program, together with its donors, has given me the Misbha Qureshi ‘06 Jeanjuilet Alam ‘12 Ashley Lawrence ‘11 silent auction fundraiser. I traveled to Florida for the South light that I need to succeed. As a proud ambassador of the José Arevalo ‘13 Malcolm Lewis ‘14 Florida Terp Golf Outing at Shula’s Hotel & Golf Club, followed program, I will shine my light for the benefit of those who Sharina Ashton ‘11 Rafael Lovo ‘13 by a cocktail reception at the W Hotel in South Beach. follow me. Brittany Atkinson ‘11 Jasmine Mays ‘14 Here’s what we’ve been up to... Jessica Blizzard ‘11 Camille Neysmith ‘12 Journalism icon Connie Chung ’69 along with her husband, James Bowman ‘13 Juan Peralta ‘13 television host Maury Povich, hosted the event that raised Nancy Canales ‘14 Ashley Proctor ’11 more than $150,000 for scholarships. At the golf tournament Katherine Coleman ‘13 Rhonda Roach ‘14 luncheon, Mrs. Chung shared success stories of former Alexsis Davis ‘13 Lauren Robinson ‘12 Incentive Awards recipients, and I was humbled that she Maret Davis ‘13 Catherine Sayikanmi ‘14 asked me to share mine. Ashley Hall ‘13 Djuan Short ‘12 Kori Hill ‘13 Elizabeth Sorillo ‘14 In the few minutes that I spoke with her, I was able to address Chemia Hughes ‘12 Octavia Sykes ‘12 some of the donors who invest in me and others in the pro- Amy Hume ‘12 VaRysa Williams ‘13 gram. I realized that individuals—some of whom I have never Eberechi Ihezie ‘14 Samuel Yirenkyi ‘14 met—have a genuine interest in seeing me succeed. Knowing Fall Retreat Mentor Mixer Community Service at the Boys & Girls Club Hawaiian Holiday Party Snowtubing at IAP Finalists Visit Campus Alvin Ailey Dance Theater Lamara Johnson ‘12 Diana Zolfaghari ‘14 how important my success is to them gives me a remarkable Whitetail Resort at the Kennedy Center Kimberly Jordan ‘12 sense of pride. Maury Povich, Claire Cochrane, Lauren Robinson ‘12 and Connie Chung ‘69 SPRING 2011