Summer 2009 Ethnic Group

Making Waves A Place to Still Teaching 8 12 Call Home 14 Photo by Desirée Stover

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John Blair Mitchell, Ph.D. joined the art faculty at Towson in 1949 and spent 47 years teaching, mentoring and inspiring students. Through a generous gift from the Mitchell family, the printmaking studio in the Center for the Arts bears his name. John Blair Mitchell, Self portrait, drypoint etching, 1994 on the cover: Zareen Taj ’04/’08 stands above the Bamian valley in central Afghanistan, home to the Hazara insidetowson Summer 2009 ethnic group. The area is also where two ancient statues of Buddha were destroyed in 2001 because the Taliban leadership viewed them as anti-Islamic. features departments

m a k i n g w a v e s 8 p r e s i d e n t ’s l e t t e r 2 Billy Gallagher ’98 brings his satellite radio experience back down to earth as program n e w s a n d n o t e s 3 director for WTMD-FM, proving he doesn’t just a l u m n i n e w s 24 have a voice for radio, he’s got a head for it too. Grant Recipients

a p l a c e t o c a l l h o m e 12 Florida Fun Networking in Baltimore, Arizona An award-winning design team combines and New York City occupational therapy and architecture to Alpha Reunion recreate the traditional nursing home. c a m p a i g n u p d a t e 32 s t i l l t e a c h i n g 14 Help the Band Get to NYC Rick Bavaria ’70 left the classroom but lessons $1 Million Gift from Osher for students, parents and teachers can be found France-Merrick Challenge Met on his blog.

c h e n : n o w a n d t h e n 18 c l a s s n o t e s 36 The Top of Her Game Retiring Physics Professor Henry Chen recalls Towson in the late ’60s. Taking the Bull By the Horns

e s c a p e f r o m t h e t a l i b a n 20 Zareen Taj ’04/’08 M.S. fled the violence and oppression but later returned to record the stories of other Afghan women who were not as fortunate.

PB towson s u m m e r 2009 8 12 s u m m e r 2009 towson 1 to our readers

MBA program. Thanks to your advocacy and the 28 Lori Marchetti senators who voted against it, this bill did not pass. Art Director/Designer

Despite the fiscal difficulties facing our state and -na Kanji Takeno tion, the Governor, the General Assembly and the USM Staff Photographer Board of Regents cited higher education as a priority. Assistant Photographer Compared to higher education cuts across the nation, Desirée Stover the University System of Maryland received a nominal Designers Towson $5.8 million cut to general funds and a $9 million Rick Pallansch, Pat Dideriksen, Chris Komisar, Kathy Malanowski received reduction in the USM’s fund balance for FY2010. “ Contributors With the limited cut to the general fund and the aid approval for Shannon Arehart, Daniel Fox, $35.7 million of federal stimulus funds, the Board of Regents voted Melissa Kviz, Jan Lucas and Stuart Zang to extend the tuition freeze for another year, keeping Office of Alumni Relations to build phase higher education affordable for our students for the 410-704-2234 or 800-887-8152 two of the new fourth consecutive year. Towson also celebrated when Towson University’s policies, programs and activities potential cuts to the USM Hagerstown Center were comply with federal and state laws and University System College of of Maryland regulations prohibiting discrimination on restored, allowing our nursing program to the basis of race, color, religion, age, national origin, Liberal Arts continue to thrive in Western Maryland. sex, disability and sexual orientation. complex. Campus construction is a key component of www.towson.edu Towson University 2010: Mapping the Future, our strategic plan, and this funding keeps us on track to accomplish our goals. Towson received approval for e c o b o x $35.7 million to build phase two of the new College of Liberal Arts complex. Phase one opens this fall. Using this combination of papers saves the following: Be sure to tell your legislators about your connec- tion to the university and that we appreciate their WOOD USE: 7 TONS ” support. It enables TU to continue to serve the state NET ENERGY: 19,000,000 BTUs

as the “designated growth institution” and produce GREENHOUSE GASES: 880 LBS CO2

nearly 5,000 workforce-ready graduates each year. WASTEWATER: 21,475 GALLONS

SOLID WASTE: 726 POUNDS Bob Caret The Towson text pages are printed on forest-friendly Utopia Dull paper. The cover is printed on Utopia Gloss using Eco-Pride inks. President, Towson University

2 towson s u m m e r 2009 Environmental impact estimates s u m m e r 2009 towson 3 were made using the Environmental Defense Paper Calculator. news & notes

Published three times a year by the Division of University Advancement for Towson University’s alumni, faculty, staff and friends. Please send comments and contributions to Towson, University Relations, Towson University, 8000 Letters York Rd., Towson, MD 21252-0001. Telephone: 410-704-2230. Please send address changes to Alumni Relations, Towson University, Mania 2009, with 4.7 8000 York Rd., Towson, MD 21252-0001. “i d i d n ’t t h a n k y o u ” t r e e b r o t h e r ly l o v e a n d reflections RecycleMania million students and 1.1 I am taking this opportunity to Alpha Omega Lambda was not Robert L. Caret TU took top state honors million faculty and staff President thank three special people. Towson’s first fraternity. That honor in two of four categories members recycling or In 1961, at the age of 43, belongs to Alpha Phi Omega, whose Gary N. Rubin in a national recycling composting 69.4 million Vice President, University Advancement I decided to go to college. Iota Gamma chapter was the only competition. pounds of waste. Ginny Cook I did not pass the entrance exam fraternity permit- The campus placed Editor and wrote asking to enter Towson ted by President first among several Mary- Green Numbers Lori Armstrong on probation. The delightful Orville Hawkins. I joined as land schools in the Grand Associate Vice President, Alumni Relations Murphy, dean of students, arranged a freshman in 1950. Champion and Waste • 2,800 recycling containers Lori Marchetti for my entry. I thank Dean Murphy. I was delighted Minimization categories were added on campus as Art Director/Designer During my first college exam to find the article in RecycleMania, a national part of the new RecycALL Kanji Takeno program (English) I took one look at the on Phineas Wright. recycling and waste mini- Staff Photographer blackboard, burst out crying and He was a fine teacher, with a delight- mization competition for • 332 pounds per student Assistant Photographer left the room. Later Mrs. Elliott, my ful, dry sense of humor. If memory Desirée Stover colleges and universities. were recycled in 2007 delightful English professor, told me serves, Mr. Wright served as a faculty At the national level, TU Designers • 21 percent of the about one of her former students advisor to Alpha Phi Omega. I recall ranked among the top 25 Rick Pallansch, Pat Dideriksen, university’s total waste Chris Komisar, Kathy Malanowski whose problems made my problems a meeting at a member’s home percent of all schools in stream was recycled in look like a picnic. Mrs. Elliott arranged where he enjoyed the fruit of the these two categories. Contributors 2007 Shannon Arehart, Daniel Fox, for me to take the exam later in the barley, something I gathered was not The Grand Champion Melissa Kviz, Jan Lucas and Stuart Zang week. I thank Mrs. Elliott. encouraged by his spouse. When I category tallies both • 15 acres of campus have Office of Alumni Relations After [an operation] I lost quite a returned to Towson after an eight- cumulative pounds of gone into perpetual 410-704-2234 or 800-887-8152 easement for conservation bit of time and thought my college year hiatus to complete my junior recycling and waste since 2001 Towson University’s policies, programs and activities career was finished. Ella Bramblett, and senior years, I chose him to be produced by an institution. comply with federal and state laws and University System my delightful elementary education my faculty advisor. of Maryland regulations prohibiting discrimination on The Waste Minimization • 3 electric vehicles are in the basis of race, color, religion, age, national origin, professor, sent me a note and told me Jim Doran ’62 sex, disability and sexual orientation. category adds up waste the campus fleet Parkville, Md. to take up where I had left off. I thank generated per capita at an www.towson.edu • 3 campus buildings Ella Bramblett. institution. TU produced The enjoyable piece featuring are slated to be LEED If it had not been for these three 33.08 pounds of waste and Phineas Wright brought back lots of Silver-certified people I would never have known 12.06 pounds of recyclables e c o b o x memories for alumni who knew that John B. Mitchell— and his extraordi- per person during the Source—President Caret’s March he was telling it exactly as it was! 2009 testimony to the legislature. nary painting classes—nor my other 10-week competition. I have written a letter to Mr. great teachers and friends. This year’s results mark a Wright, just because I wanted him I got my B.A. at age 50 and taught 25 percent increase over the to know that there are, as he specu- second grade for 10 years with total amount of recyclables lated, a “few dozen students, well in Baltimore City public schools. I was TU collected during last their years” who remembered, along 92 in April and my years at Towson year’s competition. In all, with him, the Towson of the ’50s. and years teaching make for students, faculty and staff Thank you for your article and also wonderful memories. recycled nearly 114 tons of for the courtesy of sending my letter Thank you Taylor Gilbert for material between January on to Mr. Wright. your tree. 18 and March 28. Julia Pohlman Persky ’56 Dorothy Perkins Brown ’67 Overall, 410 schools Baltimore, Md. Bel Air, Md. participated in Recycle 2 towson s u m m e r 2009 s u m m e r 2009 towson 3 news & notes

noon at the Marriott the first- championships,” Marquis on Broadway. place says Tom Casella, A private room will trophy dance team coach. A Parade of News overlook the parade. yet again, “The team spirit and TU’s Marching Band Cost: $75/adult, $25/ winning the cooperation of this struts its stuff at the child. 2009 group of young Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Former band members National Dance women makes them Parade on Nov. 26 in New and others who want Alliance (NDA) champions. York City. The band was to find out more should Collegiate Na- I can’t begin to selected out of approxi- contact the alumni office tional Champi- tell you how mately 200 applicants to at 800-887-8152 or onship Division I proud I am of perform for 3.5 million [email protected] title in Daytona our team.”

people lining the parade The marching drills Beach, Fla. Web cast video route and more than 50 and musical arrange- is available ments will include TU’s at: www.nda. TU’s Marching new fight song scored varsity.com.

Band will strut by Jeff Hosier ’07. The Almost 5,000 student music education major athletes and 15,000 its stuff in NYC won the competition to supporters and specta- at the Macy’s compose a new fight tors convened for the Smartpen song for TU’s Marching Parade on competition of technical A TU senior in theatre Band. He penned the skills, breathtaking production and design Thanksgiving. melody—a contest to choreography, crowd is getting some hands- write the lyrics is in pleasing showmanship, on training in market- million television view- the works. synchronization and ers. Anyone wishing ing and a leg up in his teamwork. The 2009 for a front row seat Dance Wins 11th studies. NCA/NDA Collegiate is invited to attend a Winning just seems to Championship is the brunch hosted by the be part largest College Cheer Alumni Association of their and Dance Champion- from 8 a.m. to ship in the world. The TU Dance Team was the top seed going into the competition, “There are three winning the Division things you don’t I competition beating Harvard, James Madison, lose: your cell routine. Columbia University, phone, your car For the Boston University keys and your eleventh year in a row, and more. Smartpen.” the TU Dance Team com- “We’re extremely —Adam Burke ’09 bined their hip-hop, jazz, excited and proud funk and pom routines to represent Towson Adam Burke is using into a winning number. University once again the Smartpen, which is The dancers took home at the national basically a computer in news & notes

a pen that records many other countries, the conference lectures or classroom including Australia, championship. discussions. A self- South Africa, Peru, The win gave the described techy, Panama, Russia, Greece Tigers an automatic Burke was one of 30 and Costa Rica. berth and their second students selected straight appearance into nationwide by Chords the NCAA® Division Livescribe, the pen’s I Women’s Lacrosse developer, to use the Diane Luchese struck Championship. device on campus and Chalk It Up a chord last winter. In fact, the associate tout its benefits to The brick sidewalk professor of music his peers. outside the library be- struck organ chords for “There’s a recording came a canvas last April 15 hours in the concert Keys device that lets you for TU students who hall of the Center for When 84 seniors devote 100 percent wanted to celebrate of your attention to the Arts. Luchese was graduated from then performing the John lectures, as opposed to Last year more Towson State College on frantically trying to take Cage piece, “Organ2/ June 14, 1949, they left notes and missing half than 400 TU ASLSP (as slow as behind some vital keys of what was said,” Burke students studied possible)” to celebrate for those who explains. “Then you can outside the U.S. the International Year followed. upload your notes and of the Organ. “As their parting create keyword-search- their heritage, nationality able study guides with or favorite country. audio.” The Study Abroad He says the pen is Office furnished the CAA Champs more convenient than chalk for budding a notebook computer Picassos or just plain The TU women’s and makes studying scribblers to color lacrosse team earned more efficient. “You in flags of foreign their second straight have to use one to countries that included Colonial Athletic really appreciate what Botswana, France, Association title with it can do,” he adds. Cuba and Sweden. an 8-7 victory Burke, who uses the Last year more over Delaware Smartpen every day, than 400 TU students in May. says fellow students are studied outside the The Tigers curious, wanting infor- United States through held off a mation and a demo after study-abroad programs, late comeback class. He also markets exchanges and faculty- from the opposition to gift, the class the pen via Twitter, led programs win, marking the first presented the college where professionals ask While Italy and the time in CAA history with two new typewriters about future applica- United Kingdom remain that a fourth-seeded to be used by the tions of the device. popular choices, TU team (the Tigers) beat a students,” reads the study-abroad partici- second-seeded team for 1949 yearbook. pants also traveled to

s u m m e r 2009 towson 5 news & notes

A Yen for Education f u l b r i g h t s c h o l a r f r o m t u ’s c o l l e g e o f e d u c a t i o n s p e n d s t e r m a b r o a d in j a p a n

Once in the classroom, Kenreich wondered how students would react to his American teaching style. “Japanese university students are accustomed to being lectured to and taking notes,” he says. “I wanted them to consider developing a broader repertoire of teaching skills, such as what my TU College of Education colleagues and I try to foster in the next generation of Maryland teachers— active listening skills, open-mindedness and consideration of opposing viewpoints.” ? [ Kenreich also wanted to foster classroom debates, a d i d y o u difficult concept for Japanese students who were not used k n o w ? to speaking in class, felt they did not have well-informed opinions and worried about defying consensus-thinking. A two-year grant Growing up in Columbus, Ohio, Todd Kenreich recalls from the National Science Founda- 1982 when the Honda Motor Corporation set up the first tion will allow five Japanese car plant in America, in nearby Marysville. Kenreich wanted to foster TU researchers to “Our community, like many across America, began de- classroom debates, a difficult investigate barriers bating what we could learn from Japanese businesses, and to recruitment, how our schools could learn from their student achieve- concept for Japanese students who retention and ments in science and math,” says Kenreich, an associate were not used to speaking in class. advancement professor in TU’s Department of Secondary Education. As of women in one who trains the next generation of teachers, Kenreich science, technol- says he always wanted to “keep a finger on the pulse of ogy, engineering “My students participated in several debates, and over Asian education.” and mathematics. the weeks became more comfortable in voicing their Last year he went to the heart of that instructional positions in front of the group,” Kenreich explains. “Many system in Japan on a Fulbright scholarship. As a visiting told me they’d never done anything like this in class.” lecturer in American studies from September 2008 to Kenreich says the educational exchange of being a January 2009, Kenreich became fully engaged with the Fulbright scholar was one of the best professional Japanese education system, teaching in the Department experiences he has ever had. Personally, he and his family of English Education at the Kansai University of experienced the “feeling of a common humanity” that International Studies in Miki City, northwest of Kobe. motivated the late Senator J.W. Fulbright to establish the In his “Cross-Cultural Communication” course, Kenreich program. “Initially my wife and I had reservations about helped students understand some of the differences enrolling Casey, our four-year-old son, into the local between Japanese and Americans, such as the status elementary school rather than an international school,” of women, youth culture and commuting to school. he says. “We didn’t want him to feel alienated.” “My 75-minute commute included a short train ride “Our qualms were unfounded—Casey’s kindergarten to downtown Kobe and a transfer to a university faculty/ teacher embraced him, and he was warmly accepted student bus for a 40-minute ride,” he says. “Unlike TU, into the class.” few if any faculty, staff or students live in and around Kansai University, let alone drive and park there.”

6 towson s u m m e r 2009 news & notes

What’s New

Winning Strokes Teaching Chinese Autism Studies Satellite Campus Meredith Budner’s record- Towson University in TU is answering the call TU is set to build new setting season ended partnership with the to help those with autism classrooms adjacent ? with a splash. The Tiger Maryland State Depart- and their families. This to Harford Community [ sophomore was named ment of Education, has fall the College of Health College in a 30,000 d i d y o u k n o w ? the 2009 Colonial received a $517,608 Professions will introduce square-foot building that Athletic Association grant from the Office its post baccalaureate would open in 2011. Robert Rook, TU Women’s Swimmer of the of Chinese Language certificate in autism This would be the first history professor, Year. No wonder. She led Council International studies, a 16-credit undergraduate degree delivered a series the Tigers to their second (Hanban) to establish interdisciplinary program, program in the Harford of lectures for straight conference an Institute for Chinese which will prepare profes- County region, an area 10 days on Middle title and was the CAA Language Teaching, the sionals to work with the expected to see an influx East security champion in the 500- first of its kind in the ever growing number of of new residents because strategies, cultural yard freestyle (4:45.31), United States. The insti- autistic individuals and of the Base Realignment awareness and the 400-yard individual tute will provide Chinese their families. TU will be and Closure (BRAC) diplomacy aboard medley (4:15.08) and language teachers in the only public institution initiative. Students would the USS Dwight D. the 1,650-yard freestyle grades 7-12 with a pro- in Maryland to offer the spend their first two years Eisenhower. (16:16.50), setting school gram to obtain a Master program. The training is at HCC, then finish their and CAA records in all of Arts in Teaching. Grad- designed to produce bachelor’s degree in three events. Budner also uates can be certified to professionals who can programs including placed 11th in the 1,650- teach in Maryland schools serve people with autism education, business, yard freestyle at the 2009 and in other states that spectrum disorders, criminal justice, science NCAA Division I Women’s share reciprocity with whether children or and technology next Swimming and Diving Maryland. Less than half adults, in a variety door at TU’s satellite Championships this year, of Maryland’s 24 school of settings, including building. TU and with a time of 16:06.82, districts offer Chinese home, school and work. HCC officials signed which shattered her own language courses. The Students can complete a memorandum of previous record. Her institute will recruit their postbaccalaure- understanding in performance made her candidates from a pool of ate concurrently with a March. the first Tiger swimmer to native Chinese language master’s degree program earn All-American status. speakers who are already in related subjects. living in Maryland and nearby states.

s u m m e r 2009 towson 7 8 towson s u m m e r 2009 Billy Gallagher ’98 brings his satellite radio experience back down to earth as program director for Towson’s WTMD-FM, proving he doesn’t just have a voice for radio— he’s got a head for it, too. Making

WavesBy Dan Fox Listeners know him as Billy Zero. But Photos by Kanji Takeno the voice heard over the airwaves for more than 15 years actually belongs to Billy Gallagher ’98, who is much more than a DJ and radio personality. From promotions to production to programming, he’s done it all. This experience makes his homecoming to TU’s WTMD radio a perfect fit. As program director, he’s responsible for developing programming, managing DJs, promotions and live events, and collaborating with his staff to screen new music.

A sound foundation Gallagher grew up with a fascination for broadcast. “I used to tape the music and the jocks off the radio,” he recalls. But he never considered a future on the other side of the signal. Before coming to Towson, Gallagher played in bands, delivered pizza and let his hair grow long. When he enrolled in 1994, he had planned to pursue environmental engineering. s u m m e r 2009 towson 9 Satellite radio allowed Gallagher to introduce listeners to new artists and new songs every day

Billy Gallagher hopes to one day bring WTMD’s programming to a national audience.

At first undeterred by the downsizing and restructuring, Gallagher lobbied hard for local artists to get time on air and on stage. In 1996, he created the “locals only” stage at WHFS’s annual “HFStival” concert, gaining approval from station management on the sole condition that it wouldn’t impact the financial bottom line. When the stage debuted that summer, it didn’t just break even—it made a profit. Two local bands featured on the stage, Jimmie’s Chicken Shack and Good Charlotte, soon made national major-label debuts. The groundbreaking locals-only model was so successful it was replicated at other music festivals across the country. Despite these successes, the reality of hyper-commercial But at freshman orientation, as students broke off into groups radio eventually turned him away. In 2000, he made the of their intended major, the mass communication crowd decision to leave WHFS. looked a lot more fun. So he switched. “I knew it was the end. I’d play a Red Hot Chile Peppers The spontaneous decision paid off. His interest in song, and then three hours later, I’d have to play the same song communications soon led him to the student radio station, again,” he recalls. “That’s not why I got into radio.” XTSR. Within weeks, he moved to an on-air spot at WTMD, After WHFS, he took a short stint in ad sales with the TU-owned radio station serving the Baltimore area. Baltimore-based Advertising.com. Within a few months, At that time, WTMD was known as The Breeze and Gallagher heard from a headhunter. A company called XM— followed a contemporary jazz format that Gallagher admits out to revolutionize radio—wanted him in on the ground floor. wasn’t his forte. So just three months later, when progressive- rock powerhouse WHFS put out a call for interns, he jumped The beat goes on at the opportunity. XM satellite radio had the potential to bring a new order Gallagher had grown up listening to WHFS, which in the to the commercial model. With over 100 dedicated digital ’80s and early ’90s was a springboard for new artists who channels for music, sports and news, XM offered the diversity weren’t getting play anywhere else. The “music for music’s and freedom that terrestrial radio lacked. sake” attitude of the station drew him in. So in late 2000, Gallagher left Advertising.com and began As an ad sales intern, Gallagher made his mark by filling in to prepare XM for release to the public. One of his first posts for DJs—ad-libbing on the mike at live events whenever the was music director for XM Unsigned, where he worked with regular DJs arrived late. His ambition turned heads among Pat DiNizio of The Smithereens to bring up-and-coming acts station veterans, and his hard work was rewarded with a full- to the national airwaves. In its infancy, XM Unsigned’s playlist time gig: first in sales and promotions, then engineering and relied entirely on 600 unsigned and independent albums that eventually on-air. Gallagher had accumulated during his time at WHFS. His Unfortunately, Gallagher saw major changes at the station professional ties eventually brought thousands of other albums shortly after he signed on. Ownership changed hands four into the fold. times throughout his tenure. With each transaction, playlists He went on to help build the XM alternative-music channel, shrank and DJs were granted less autonomy over what they Fred, as well as Big Tracks, which focused on cuts from classic could put on the air. rock albums. He was later tapped to rehabilitate the struggling “It was sort of the end of the glory days at WHFS,” he alternative-indie channel, XMU. explains. “I got there right before the station was sold, and Many other WTMD employees are also TU graduates. over the next few years I had a front-row seat to the buying (Pictured left to right) Ryan “Bug” Glaeser ’09, Andrew Lovett ’07, and selling of the airwaves that’s now commonplace.” Nick Jackson ’07, Tyler Laporte ’07.

10 towson s u m m e r 2009 Satellite radio allowed Gallagher to introduce listeners to new artists and new songs every day

“XM was such a breath of fresh air,” says Gallagher. “At a “Make the music happen” traditional radio station I’d say, ‘OK, here are the 400 songs It’s no surprise that Gallagher wound up at WTMD. The we can play this week.’ But at XM I’d say, ‘Here are 400 new station has become a refuge on the FM dial for the pop-weary songs we’re adding this week.’” and world-aware, in many ways a microcosm of the satellite Satellite radio allowed Gallagher to introduce listeners to radio ethos that Gallagher found so energizing. An extensive, new artists and new songs every day. He didn’t just have to sophisticated playlist, strong support for local and unsigned play the hot new single; he was free to broadcast whatever he acts and an incredibly knowledgeable staff all contribute and his listeners appreciated. The medium was fresh, complex to what Gallagher calls “the youthful love of music” that and diverse. It was just the kind of radio that he’d always set permeates the studio. out to deliver. With 15 years of experience to his credit, Gallagher wants to He is unequivocal in describing the value of his time at bring the lessons learned in satellite and terrestrial radio home XM. “It was a way for the community and the country to to WTMD. “To have the promotional muscle of commercial experience music that it had been missing—thousands of radio and the creativity of XM. That’s the goal, and we build songs, thousands of artists, people would never otherwise hear. from there,” he says. That was the gift of music to me.” But WTMD is public radio, and building isn’t always easy Unfortunately, the gift had a price. Satellite radio is a paid for a station that relies on public support. Research shows that subscription service and, spurred by declining profits, XM public radio listeners wait three to five years before making merged with sole competitor Sirius Satellite Radio in late 2008. their first contribution, and less than five percent of WTMD Many XM employees, including Gallagher, were laid off. listeners will contribute at all. During his last week at XM, he was invited by John Turner, “The dollar is definitely the biggest challenge I face,” TU associate professor of electronic media and film, to speak says Gallagher. “How do we expand our audience and our to a class on campus. During Gallagher’s visit, Turner tipped membership? How do we entice listeners and help them realize him off to a job opening at WTMD. that this is valuable to them?” “I went over there and met with the station manager and the The value is there. The station’s flexible AAA (Adult Album staff. I instantly loved what they were doing. They’re all so Alternative) format translates to freedom for Gallagher and the knowledgeable and put the music first,” says Gallagher. DJs, who deliver a robust catalog of blues, indie rock, reggae According to WTMD station manager Steve Yasko, and folk, among others. Add to this over 200 live studio and the feeling was mutual. “Billy walked in with a deep station-sponsored events each year, such as the First Thursday understanding of how music fits into people’s lives,” Yasko free summer concert series, and it becomes hard to ignore says. “His experience at WHFS and XM complement the WTMD’s unique place in Baltimore’s aural landscape. fervor and tenacity that we embody at WTMD.” One day, Gallagher hopes for WTMD to follow in the So it was, once again with equal parts talent and timing footsteps of public-radio heavy-hitters like Philadelphia’s that have been the hallmark of his professional career, that WXPN (producer of the highly regarded World Café), and Gallagher found his way back to WTMD. create programming that’s broadcast nationally. For now, however, WTMD is focusing locally, and a big step forward occurred in February with the arrival of WTMD’s HD-2 channel. Called The Baltimore Channel, this high- definition broadcast brings local artists to the airwaves—local artists that probably aren’t played anywhere else. “We’re supporting our local artists and we’re getting our local programming solid. WTMD is about community. The community of artists, the community of listeners and the community of members.” “The mission is simple,” he says. “Make the music happen.” n

Dan Fox is a senior editor in University Relations.

s u m m e r 2009 towson 11 A Place to Call An award-winning design team combines occupational therapy and architecture to recreate the traditional nursing home. Home By Jan Lucas / Photo by Kanji Takeno

Lisa Fagan ’87/ ’01 M.S. is one of a growing number of professionals working across disciplines to create a new kind of nursing home: one that offers residents a lifestyle emphasizing life. Decades ago, when actress Bette Davis declared that old age was “no place for sissies,“ her blunt assessment resonated with older adults facing the prospect of spending their final years in nursing homes. It wasn’t only physical and mental decline they dreaded, but also the social isolation and loss of independence that too often accompanied it. That dreary scenario is less likely nowadays, thanks to Fagan and others dedicated to re-imagining and recreating the traditional nursing home.

12 towson s u m m e r 2009 Lisa Fagan was part of a team that won s u m m e r 2009 towson 13 first place in the Design for Aging Competiton. She and her professional partner, archi- Last year Fagan and deMenna took on deMenna a category and a hypothetical tect Quinn deMenna, are part of a national another challenge: the first Green House® building site—as well as a daunting number movement to transform nursing homes into design competition, sponsored by the of specifications and considerations. Of all comfortable, welcoming places that support Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and those vying for design awards—more than social relationships and create a sense of NCB Capital Impact. 30 teams in all—Fagan was the only OT. community. The Green House Project is a movement “We were asked to design a rural Green Fagan, a visiting instructor in TU’s dedicated to establishing smaller, more House,” she says. The “site” was a 40-acre Department of Occupational Therapy inviting and community-focused nursing parcel of land located between Denver and and Occupational Science, is no stranger homes or assisted-living facilities. Cheyenne, Wyo., that included views of the to nursing homes. The West Chester, Pa., Green House® certified homes integrate Rocky Mountains. Low-income housing native spent several years working in them architecture with services to offer “privacy, bordered the property on one side, with after earning her bachelor’s degree in 1987. autonomy, support and enjoyment” for open pasture on another. She later directed regional operations six to 10 residents. The pair had six weeks in which to for a company that provided rehabilitation complete their submission, Fagan recalls. services to about 20 nursing homes in the “Architects understand While deMenna designed the structure, Philadelphia area. Along the way, she met Fagan concentrated on individual bedroom and married the executive director of the environment. and bath layouts in keeping with Green a continuing-care community. Occupational therapists House criteria. She also addressed the But it was a professional relationship that requirement for an enclosed backyard. altered her career path. understand the “I proposed raised flower beds in place of “I met Quinn deMenna when my a fence,” she explains. “Raised beds create husband took a position managing a new relationship between enough of a barrier to keep residents with continuing-care community in New Jersey,” the environment and dementia from wandering away, and they Fagan recalls. “Quinn designed the build- offer opportunities for gardening.” ings, and I got involved with designing the those who use it.” In retrospect, Fagan says this “OT touch” rooms and features.” —Lisa Fagan brought her team’s submission to the As Fagan and deMenna interacted, each judges’ attention and played a began to appreciate the crucial role in their decision insights and expertise to award a first-place prize. the other brought to She hopes this national the project. “Archi- recognition of her work tects understand the will attract other occupa- environment,” says tional therapists to the Fagan. “Occupational challenges associated therapists understand the with developing qual- relationship between the ity residential facilities for environment and those who use it. They “Not every facility aims for Green House older adults. “Not too many are involved intervene when necessary to help people certification,” Fagan emphasizes. “But right now, but it’s a huge opportunity,” do what they need to do independently the movement has done a lot to support she says. and safely. people’s thinking about how we need to Fagan stays in touch with deMenna, “Quinn understood that we could blaze change nursing homes. noting that the architect has traveled from trails by collaborating,” she adds. “The smaller-scale facilities provide Lancaster, Pa., to speak to her classes. She The two won their first award in 2001, amenities like fireplaces and kitchens,” she says their partnership may lead to the same year Fagan completed her M.S. at adds. “Most offer private bedrooms with additional projects. Towson. (She is now pursuing a doctorate baths, and some even have adjoining rooms “It’s rewarding to know that Quinn and at TU in occupational science.) Their design, for couples or family members.” Exteriors I have had an impact in a field where so a sink for older adults with disabilities, are distinctly un-institutional as well: many much needs to be done,” she adds. ■ greatly improved on the standard model, resemble large family dwellings with attrac- Fagan says. “It used contrasting colors that tive landscaping and outdoor seating areas. Jan Lucas is an associate director in made it much easier to see the bowl. Quinn Upon entering the Green House competi- University Relations ® also incorporated Corian grab bars tion, organizers assigned Fagan and Site plans and rendering courtesy of Reese, Lower, Patrick & Scott, Ltd. for support.”

12 towson s u m m e r 2009 s u m m e r 2009 towson 13 Rick Bavaria ’70 may have left the classroom, but his lessons for students, parents and teachers can be found on his blog.

ick Bavaria ’70 may not be The site also offers forums for visi- By Laura Lewis Brown teaching in the classroom tors to sound off about anything and anymore, but he’s still the everything education. It’s not exactly Rteacher to turn to for advice on all the classroom, but the blog is a great educational matters for preschoolers way to teach even more people. and high schoolers alike. “I’m a teacher at heart. I always As the senior vice president of miss teaching. When I left the class- Sylvan Education Inc., Bavaria is the room several years ago, that was a big

voice and face of the company. It’s withdrawal,” he says. “But now I feel n

his job to reach out to the country like I’m helping the next generation TakenoPhotos by Kanji and talk about education, which of teachers become better teachers.” he does through DrRickBlog.com. When Bavaria first walked the Through this free site, students, halls of Parkville High School as an parents and teachers of all ages and English teacher in the ’70s, he never levels can tap into Bavaria’s more expected to top off his career as than 40 years of teaching experience Dr. Rick, education expert. Back then, in a friendly, accessible forum. his Baltimore County students simply Bavaria finds that people most called him Mr. B., relying on him to often come to the site in search of learn and admiring him so much that practical information. They want years later he was included in their tips on helping students succeed, personal events, such as weddings raising grades, improving attitudes and children’s baptisms. and study habits, and gaining But Dr. Rick didn’t become a confidence to learn. household name overnight. After Bavaria writes frequent opinion graduating from Towson, he earned pieces about the state of education, his master’s in liberal arts from Johns including a February 2009 piece that Hopkins University and his Ph.D. in commented on Maryland schools English curriculum and instruction being ranked as the best in the nation. from the University of Maryland.

14 towson s u m m e r 2009 s u m m e r 2009 towson 15 Along the way, he moved his way up conference Sylvan hosts for some in the county school system, from 1,000 to 1,500 people. In his 10 years English teacher to director of public at Sylvan he has also been able to information to assistant superinten- meet with parents, students and dent for the system’s Department of educators at the company’s centers Curriculum and Instruction. in all 50 states and Canada. Bavaria has also been honored for Throughout the years he’s seen his accomplishments and dedication. classrooms change with technology In 2002, Towson awarded him the and increased expectations from Distinguished Alumni Award for the parents and administrators. But College of Liberal Arts. The Commis- he’s learned that students don’t sion on International and Trans- change that much and continue From Dr. Rick’s Regional Accreditation (CITA), the to need the same things, including Blog umbrella organization for school-ac- routine. He tells parents to provide crediting agencies around the country, routine for their children to help them honored him with the Excellence in feel safe and organized. Routine also Win the Education Award, which he received helps reduce the stress that often Homework War in March. He also serves on the comes with homework. board of Grace and St. Peter’s School Growing up as a military brat, Tips for parents to tackle one in Baltimore and the education advi- Bavaria can attest to that need for of the most common battles sory board of Stevenson University. structure. Although he was a good While Bavaria refuses to refer to student, he had to face jumping from himself as “famous” in the world of school to school. As he moved among • Be a homework manager. education, he has been interviewed 17 different schools by the time he Don’t do your child’s homework, countless times in local, regional and graduated high school, Bavaria but provide the structure and national news markets. He has learned not only how to fit in and tools to complete assignments. appeared on CNN, The Today organize himself, but what he Show and NBC News, as well as on wanted to do with his life. Know your child. • national radio shows and in magazines. “I always knew I wanted to be a Each child has different learning For Bavaria though, it’s not about teacher since third or fourth grade,” styles and academic needs, so notoriety; he’s just part of a he says. “I knew I wanted to influence personalize the work schedule and study environment. conversation he’s been having lives. Great and really awful teachers with students, parents and the motivated me. I knew I could do better.” • Break long-term assignments community for more than 20 years. Bavaria still considers himself into smaller segments. Before joining Sylvan in 1998, he a student, learning from the fellow Larger projects will be less was the media representative for educators with whom he interacts in overwhelming when viewed Baltimore County Public Schools. person and online. He loves to share as a series of incremental tasks. “Americans have a deep and the practical tools he learned in his lively interest in education; they days at Parkville, Dulaney and • Set milestones. want to know what’s going on in Chesapeake high schools, such as Teach your child to display their schools, what’s important for assigning study buddies. completion dates on a calendar kids to know and be able to do, and “I got tired of kids saying they to help stay on track and how best to help their kids at home. didn’t have their homework because complete projects on time. I was able to add to the conversation they forgot the assignment,” he • Celebrate success. here in Baltimore,” he says. recalls. “I set up buddies to go But now he is able to reach far over the assignments, and they stuck Give your child a sense of beyond Baltimore, not only through together through the year, helping accomplishment and pride. his blog, but also at an annual each other with homework, as well Visit DrRickBlog.com

16 towson s u m m e r 2009 as motivating and competing with Bavaria recognizes how easy it can be for a each other.” “ teacher to get burned out on the job, urges parents Bavaria knows how important particularly when the administrative it is to have a buddy even in one’s to serve as hassles become overwhelming. working life. For him, that person is As much as he recommends paren- Larry Yeatman, a retired educator of role models, tal involvement, he cannot deny the 35 years who student-taught beside continued disagreement between Bavaria when they were Towson showing parents and teachers as to how students and then for seven years at involved each should be. Bavaria Parkville High. Yeatman explains that how they refers to a Sylvan study that found he’s not surprised that his longtime one-third of parents wish they didn’t friend has become an important use writing, have to be involved and two-thirds voice for education. of teachers believe parents should “He was the best teacher I’ve ever reading and be more involved in their child’s seen at any level,” Yeatman recalls. education. For Bavaria, the solution “He has a great concern for kids, math skills is simple: Focus on the child. knowledge of the subject matter, and “Parents always want the best for a way of getting students interested.” every day. their kids. Teachers want the best for Another theme that dominates kids. The better we adults become at Bavaria’s blog is the role of parents communicating with each other, the in their child’s education. He urges better it is for the students,” he says. parents to serve as role models, “If parents and teachers have a solid showing how they use writing, foundation of respect, best practices reading and math skills every day. and good ol’ common sense, the kids This teaches their children that what end up being successful.” n they learn in school is relevant in school or teacher’s Web site and ” Laura Lewis Brown is a former the real world. e-mail. editor in University Relations. “Balance the checkbook, do the tip “It’s important for parents to stay at dinner in front of them. Let your involved from the very earliest kids see you reading for information, days so children understand such as the newspaper. Let them see their parents want to know you perform a task, get instructions what happened at school,” to do something. Let them see you he says. “When children get turn off the TV and read for in the habit of communi- pleasure,” he says. cating with parents about However, Bavaria recognizes that school, everyone wins.” a parent’s role can be a tricky subject. Parents need to know While students need their parents’ what is going on so they support, some parents go overboard, can step in if a child needs even doing their children’s homework help. Bavaria says parents for them. Bavaria warns that this is often wait too long to hire not going to benefit the student. a tutor or ask the teacher He says parents need to be aware for extra help. It’s never of what is going on in their child’s too early to get help, he academic life, including the big says. due dates. Although children Despite Bavaria’s love aren’t always forthcoming, parents for teaching and pride in can stay in touch through the his profession, he

s u m m e r 2009 towson 17 Chen: Now Retiring Physics Professor Henry Chen recalls Towson in the late ’60s By Jan Lucas · Photos by Kanji Takeno

enry Chen waxes nostalgic when $6,000-per-year instructor. (Chen completed he recalls one of his first Towson his M.A. in biophysics at Johns Hopkins in H students. 1969, then earned a Ph.D. from the Univer- “Her name was Erica Buchman,” he says, sity of Maryland, College Park.) “and she cried after she flunked my first It was—to say the least—an interesting exam.” time to be launching an academic career. The In retrospect, Chen says his physical- Vietnam War was escalating, and the United science examination was much too States was midway through a decade now tough. “It was my fault,” he concedes. remembered chiefly for its violence, politi- “Many did poorly.” cal activism and social unrest. But there was But failure didn’t deter Erica, he explains. little—if any—of that in evidence among “She was very bright. She worked and worked, Towson’s 4,600 students, Chen says. and she ended with the highest average in the class.” That anecdote typifies the man who taught “Lunch cost 65 cents at physics to tens of thousands of Towson the faculty dining room, students over five decades. “I can’t remember everyone,” he says, “but if I had photos of and they kept a tab for you.” everyone in that first class and a list of names, —Henry Chen I probably could match about 75 percent.” Chen arrived at Towson State College in the fall of 1965 after temporarily abandon- “It remained essentially a teachers col- ing graduate studies in biophysics at Johns lege,” he recalls. Students constituted the Hopkins. first wave of baby boomers, and many also “I wasn’t doing well in my master’s pro- were the first members of their families to gram, and thought I’d better start looking for pursue a college degree. “They studied hard a job,” he says matter-of-factly. His bach- and tended to be politically conservative,” elor’s degree in biochemical science gave him he says. “Most lived at home and com- entrée to Towson’s newly created physical muted to campus, juggling course science department, where he signed on as a work with jobs.”

According to Chen Students and faculty arrived at Henry Chen’s farewell lecture in May clad in black T-shirts printed with 31 of the favorite and famous quips he uttered during 44 years of teaching. Here are a few, and as the T-shirt reads, “If any of

Professor Chen laughs after reading his trade- this makes sense to you, you’ve been in mark comments on a T-shirt made by students. Dr. Chen’s class.” Chen: Now and Then Towson had few faculty, and Chen says “It was pure political fear mongering,” campus customs encouraged interdisciplin- he says. Tensions mounted on campus ary mixing. “Lunch cost 65 cents at the as faculty, staff and students anticipated faculty dining room, and they kept a tab Agnew’s next move. But when President for you,” he says with a laugh. “Almost Earle Hawkins finally received the gov- everyone ate there, and within a year I’d ernor’s dossier, there was nothing in it met them all.” that implicated Towson. “I saw it, and it Since the college required education consisted of a few magazine articles about majors to take 12 hours of science courses, SDS (Students for a Democratic Society) Chen estimates that many future teachers on other campuses,” Chen recalls. passed through his classroom. “I was one The scare tactics left Chen unbowed of seven or eight faculty members in the and unrepentant. “I was willing to testify department, so I probably taught about before a grand jury,” he says now. “I one-seventh of the student body,” he says. may have been too blunt, but I wasn’t “I taught General Physics I; the physics afraid.” major was a few years off.” The late ’60s also ushered in academic Anti-war activism came to Towson during changes: Chemistry and physics became the decade’s final years, with Chen and a separate departments as the tumultuous colleague organizing the first teach-in in decade drew to a close. 1968. Teach-ins, then a popular form of Towson State College was advancing peaceful protest, offered lectures, discussion steadily toward university status, with panels and debate on the issues of the day. Henry Chen as an established and admired That year Chen—a self-described liberal— member of its faculty. It was the begin- accompanied some students who were ning of a relationship that would span five canvassing for presidential candidate Sen. decades and touch many more lives. n Eugene McCarthy, a vocal opponent of the Vietnam War. “It was a very benign group,” Faculty, staff, students and alumni honored Chen at a dinner on May 5. E-mail him he emphasizes. Even so, his activities drew at [email protected]. In retirement he the attention of Gov. Spiro Agnew, then will continue serving as organist and running for vice president. choir director at St. James Episcopal “Agnew came after my job,” Chen says. Church in Monkton, Md. “He’d gotten constituents whipped up about subversive student groups, and he suspected Jan Lucas is an associate director me of supporting campus radicals. in University Relations.

A picture of Henry Chen “Termites on a stick forever!” “Am I ranting and raving again? I guess so.” from the 1968 yearbook “Who needs LSD when you have Physics?” “If I have ADD, you guys have (ADD)2!” “See me if you don’t know Jello.” “It’s a good thing I’m not taking this “Nothing in Physics sucks!” exam… I’d flunk for sure!” How to prepare a duck breast “No no… that’s not right… oh wait, yes it is… wait, no…” Check with Chen ___ “This is why physicists are often not very The 243 Fact Sheet popular.” Battlestar Galactica References “Parade elephants have changing mass.” The Boy Scout Story… “I lived a sheltered life.” “I stammer a lot, and it shows in my spelling.” s u m m e r 2009 towson 19 Escape from the Taliban

Zareen Taj ’04/’08 M.S. fled the violence and oppression but later returned to record the stories of other Afghan women who were not as fortunate.

By Ginny Cook

Photos by Ehsani and Akbari

Zareen Taj sits in front of the sandstone cliffs of Bamian that for centuries held two Buddha statues before the Taliban blew them up in 2001.

20 towson s u m m e r 2009 ew will read a black leather-bound science and women’s studies in 2004, volume that sits in the archives of and a master’s degree in women’s studies F Cook Library. But within its pages is four years later. Now a naturalized U.S. “Since 1996, the a chilling documentation of ethnic citizen, married and the mother of two, cleansing, crimes against women, oppression she remains an advocate for women’s and Taliban have targeted and loss of the Hazara, the most persecuted immigrant rights. Hazaras for extinction ethnic minority in Afghanistan. Yet she is never far from her Afghan The book, titled simply, “Thesis,” world. “I carry the baggage of the past,” as they considered Escape recounts the research of Zareen Taj, which she says, linked by an identity tied to earned her a master’s degree in 2008. her homeland and what it means to be a them to be internal Now, the author wants to make sure her woman and a Hazara. work does not stay buried on the library’s infidels.” shelves. From fear to activism Throughout history, Taj says, the Haz- — Zareen Taj ara have been targeted because of their Afghan children do not believe in the looks, religion and language. Their Mon- tooth fairy. Instead, they toss their baby Taliban gol features make them stand out from the teeth skyward and ask the sun to bring rest of the population. They are Shi’a Mus- them a new one. “I could not find my lims in a country that is primarily Sunni, tooth when it fell out and I was afraid I and they speak Farsi and Hazaragi rather would never get another,” Taj recalls. than Pashto, the language of the majority This is one of the few memories of her ruling party. childhood, yet, it is tinged with fear—one “Since 1996, the Taliban have targeted of her constant companions growing up. Hazaras for extinction as they considered “I don’t remember any day in my life them to be internal infidels,” Taj writes. without fear—I feared everything silently,” In what is the first academic study of Taj says. Hazara women, Taj “confirmed that Haz- She also cannot remember having toys ara women suffered dual oppression from or playing. Instead, her memories are of being women and being Hazara.” poverty, war and killing. Her research included a two-month “I didn’t have a childhood,” she adds. investigation in her native country in “I lived as an adult always.” 2004—the first time she had returned to Even after fleeing to Pakistan, she also Afghanistan in 20 years. Taj compiled felt the yoke of religious extremists who more than 40 hours of video tapes, 700 removed girls from her public school, de- photographs and 20 hours of recorded nying them an education. Yet, Taj was one interviews from the Hazara survivors of of the few who continued her studies—in a massacres and brutality at the hands of the secret, unmarked location, she was one of Taliban. a few dozen young women who defied the “It is a story of loss, loss, loss,” Taj says. Taliban decree. And it is partly Taj’s story, partly her “I did not understand why I could not loss—a grim reminder of what her life go to school; why I could not fulfill my could have become had she remained in dream to read and write,” she explains. her village. At age 14, she joined a woman’s group, But Taj escaped as a child. She and her and although it had few members, the family fled the Soviet occupation in Afghan- camaraderie allowed her to find her voice. istan and became refugees in Pakistan. But Taj became an activist and began speak- when the Russians left, there was no going ing out at rallies in Pakistan. “I was a shy, home. Afghanistan was engaged in a civil lonely child; activism gave me a path for life. war in the ’90s, then fell under the oppres- “It changed my fears to a struggle against sive Taliban regime from 1996 to 2001. the oppression of women,” she says. Taj, however, escaped the destiny of But her words soon placed her life in many in her country and in her ethnic danger. Marked by the Taliban, Taj sought group. She came to the United States in refuge in the United States, and in April Taj visits a mass gravesite in Takhta Pul, Mazar-e Sharif, where 600 Hazara 2000 on a scholarship from the Feminist 2000 arrived in Austin, Texas. It was the men were executed by the Taliban. Majority Foundation. She earned a first stop in the U.S.A. before her studies bachelor’s degree from TU in political would be begin at TU that fall.

s u m m e r 2009 towson 21 “I had zero computer skills, no formal Traveling with an uncle—no woman education, just a strong dream of higher would dare travel without a male relative education. For the first time I felt relief. I —Taj went in search of her countrywomen was not trapped. I was peaceful,” she says. to discover who they were and how their “No one will knock on my door in the identities had been shaped by multiple middle of the night. oppressions. “At the same time, I had a terrible The journey took her to Quetta, Pakistan, feeling of isolation. I was an activist, but and Kabul, Bamian and Mazar-e Sharif in everything stopped,” she adds. “I had no Afghanistan. Each city shared a common identity, no friends, a strange language, a tragedy—they were the sites of Taliban strange culture.” slaughters of Hazaras. All of this combined to produce a loneli- In Kabul, an estimated 700 people were ness so intense, she did not think she could killed in 1993, many as they lay sleeping go on. What saved her, she says, was the in their beds. Up to 2,000 died in Mazar-e support from faculty, staff and friends she Sharif in 1998, according to Human encountered at Towson University. Rights Watch. “Witnesses described it as a “The Towson University community killing frenzy, as the Taliban shot anything reached out and guided me, supported me that moved,” Taj says. and acted as my family at each and every “Taliban forces entered Bamian on Sept. turn,” Taj says. “From learning how to use 13, 1998,” she says. “Once in the city, they a computer to performing research in the set out to find male Hazaras. Many males library, they were there to assist me. They over the age of 13 were arrested and killed. helped me through my homesickness, the Between Sept. 15 and 17, approximately 512 war in my country, and provided complete deaths were documented by a reporter of the emotional and financial support that I so Cooperation Centre of Afghanistan.” desperately needed.” The carnage left women without male supporters in countries that enforce strict Two orphaned cousins hold behavior codes for families in public pictures of their fathers—brothers ‘Each had a story to tell me’ spaces. By eliminating the men, the Taliban who were killed by the Taliban at By 2004, Taj had forged a new life. She effectively made the widows outcasts, Yakaolang Bamian. was a newlywed, completing her bachelor’s limiting the survival of the Hazara family degree. But something was missing, she members left behind. says. She felt the tug of her homeland, Taj, who shared the language and heritage an impulse that continued to intensify. “I of the Hazara, set about interviewing survi- wanted to go back home,” she says. vors. “Each had a story to tell me,” she says. David Tosi, TU director of dining Masuma, a widow in Kabul, says, “The “The Towson services, made it possible by sponsoring Taliban came into my house, fired their University community her trip to Afghanistan, as did the Office of guns, and killed my two sons and my old the President, which financed the costs of husband in front of us. Then whatever we reached out and pursuing a master’s degree. had in the house they took with them.” guided me, supported me and acted as my family at each and every turn.” — Zareen Taj

School teachers sit on the floor during a training class in Quetta, Pakistan.

22 towson s u m m e r 2009 Two victims tell Taj of their imprisonment and torture when the Taliban arrived in Mazar-e Sharif.

Up to 2,000 died in Mazar-e Sharif in 1998. Witnesses described it as a killing frenzy.

“In the mountains we had nothing to eat the provisions effectively put the Hazara so we had to eat grass to survive. We did women “in another set of chains, restrict- not change our clothes for two months,” ing their rights to schooling, employment says another widow, Amina, 62. “We and even something as simple as leaving the did not take a shower for two months. house without the permission of a male.” We lived like animals there. I saw a lot “I am enraged,” says Taj, who of children and elderly die from a lack of envisions “dangerous consequences— food there.” a loss of freedom and basic human rights.” The stories were longer, more gruesome, (The government of Afghanistan is under and Taj listened to many—too many— pressure to change this law.) accounts of chronic, sustained hunger, Her thesis demonstrates past abuses maiming, rape and death. suffered by the Hazara people, especially “While I was listening and recording all women, and “will bring the voices of those the stories they had, I realized that their unrepresented women to show how they stories could have been my stories if I had have suffered and how they are still suf- not escaped from oppression,” she says. “I fering from the damage of cruel wars and felt vulnerable; their vulnerability became lack of assistance.” my vulnerability. I felt hopeless and cried With the assistance of Matthew During- thinking what kind of lives they have right ton, TU assistant professor of anthropology, now and what they have been through.” Taj has produced a short video on her She had been fortunate. They had not. visit, www.vimeo.com/user1028639, and Taj knows she has a future while the hopes to turn her research into a longer Hazara families have little to hope for. film and book. “Their past, present and future collapsed But this new chapter in Afghan politics Orphaned by Taliban massacres, these and became lost,” she explains. has spurred her to reignite her activism. children sit on the gravesites of their What’s more the Afghan government is While she understands that Harzara wom- fathers in Yakaolang Bamian. growing increasingly fundamentalist. Last en’s participation in social, cultural and po- spring it enacted a law with some 250 pro- litical spheres will not come without struggle visions that restrict women’s rights, Hazara and hardship, Taj hopes that by raising her women in particular, Taj explains, because voice, the women who remain in her native the law applies only to Shi’a. land can somehow be empowered. n Reported in the West as a “rape law” because it condones marital rape, Taj says Ginny Cook is the editor of Towson.

s u m m e r 2009 towson 23 alumni events

Grant Recipients The Alumni Association salutes its 2009 grant recipients from the Community Grants Professional Development Grant

Band Together, Renee Dorsey ’98 Nursing

Robert Powers ’79 Dorsey, a nurse clinician III in the Pediatric Music Education Intensive Care Unit at Johns Hopkins alumni president Hospital, oversees the care of some of the Band Together, created in 2005, repairs and sickest and most unstable young patients. The It’s no secret that the economic cleans donated musical instruments which are grant money helped offset costs for Dorsey’s environment has resulted in many lent to needy students in grades 4 through 12 continuing education last spring in nursing financial challenges. But you might be in Harford County Public Schools. In the 2007- research and as an advanced practice nurse. surprised to learn that the Towson 2008 school year, 117 students in the county’s University Alumni Association offers music programs received Band Together a variety of benefits and services that instruments. Mary Jo Haley ’91 can meet your needs during this difficult time. Mass Communication If you are looking for a new job or Glendale Elementary’s Race Haley, who received a master’s in physical want to change careers, you can attend an alumni career fair planned for this to Read, Patricia Protin ’88 therapy from the University of Kentucky and fall. Year round, the campus Career Elementary Education a degree in medicine from the University of Center also offers consultations with Maryland, is completing a two-year research certified career counselors. What’s more, Race to Read, a new program at Glendale fellowship in the Pediatric Tumor Biology Elementary School in Anne Arundel County, all alumni are invited to apply for our Laboratory at Columbia University. The grant annual Professional Development Grant, invites students to run laps around a “track of enabled her to present her research at the which awards funds for conference books” to exercise their bodies and then select annual American Pediatric Surgical Association registration, tuition for undergraduate a book from the track to exercise their minds. meeting last spring. or graduate-level courses, professional The grant money helped buy books. association membership dues or other career enhancement opportunities. Jeffrey Rank ’96 Sociology Annual Spaghetti Dinner As always, you can save on car insurance expenses through alumni for the Homeless, Rank, who recently completed his post group rates at Geico, and receive a Kathryn Faris, TU Senior baccalaureate certificate in geographic variety of rewards through the Alumni information systems at Penn State Association’s Bank of America World The Annual Spaghetti Dinner for the University, used the grant money to attend the Points credit card. With your alumni I.D. Homeless fed 300 homeless individuals annual Towson University Geography Informa- card, you also can take advantage of and families in April. The annual event tion Systems (TUGIS) Conference last spring. discounts on fine arts events, designated is sponsored by the Students Sharing sports tickets and purchases at the Coalition, which provides service University Store. Rance Burger ’98 Geography Remember, even though your time learning and civic engagement attending classes at Towson may be experiences to Baltimore school Employed at TU in the Facilities Management over, you will always be part of our students from diverse backgrounds. Department, Burger is enrolled in the Construc- family. I invite you to take advantage tion Management Program at CCBC. The of the many benefits the Alumni grant money funded a course in Construction Association offers and to let us know Estimating last spring. if there are other ways we can support your success.

The Alumni Association extends special thanks to the Volunteer Committee that Best wishes, administers this program, in particular Fran Bond ’55/’60, chair, Jen Pawlo-Johnstone and Mary Marks. For more information on the Alumni Association grants, visit www.towson.edu/alumni/awards, call 410-704-2234 or e-mail [email protected].

Kim Fabian ’88 President Towson University Alumni Association 24 towson s u m m e r 2009 alumni events

Now Hear This

1 3 < Legislative Awareness Luncheon alumni president More than 100 alumni, faculty and staff learned how to advocate the Maryland General Assembly on behalf of TU. They heard from Connie Kihm ’95, 2 chair, Towson Advocacy Program (TAP), TU President Bob Caret, Regent Mike Gill ’74 and former Senator Barbara Hoffman ‘60. To make a difference, become involved with TAP.

1 Autumn Mickel ’06, Ed Crawford and Tracy Miller ’93 Visit www.tutigertracks.com, 2 Jane Akers, Lucy Slaich ’78 and Carol Wettersten call 410-704-2234 or e-mail 3 Sandra Grey ’97 and Carol Muller [email protected].

Their Way

< New York Alumni 1 2 Reception

Alumni from the Big Apple know how to a party. More than 200 graduates gathered at Stone Creek Bar and Lounge for networking and fun. The next big event is Nov. 26, Thanksgiving Day, when the TU Marching Band will perform in the Macy’s Day Parade in New York City. An alumni reception 3 from 8 a.m. to noon at the New York Marriott Marquis will provide a view

1, 2 Alumni were all smiles when they met in NYC. of the parade. Cost is $75/adult, 3 Richard Beecher ’05, Bobby Paduano ’04, Meghan $25/child for brunch. Culbertson, Mark Schlosser ’05 and Gary Rubin ’69

s u m m e r 2009 towson 25 alumni events

Sun and Fun Balls and Strikes and Crabs

Naples, Florida Reception >

White sand beaches and tropical sun were just part of the recipe for fun last February in Florida. Alumni who gathered at the Naples Beach and Resort Club witnessed one of the most beautiful sunsets 2 3 ever.

1 John and Susan ’80 Thomas, and Gary Rubin ’69 2 Carl and Joan Runk, and Arline ’60 and Bunky Ford ’61 3 G. Michael Reese ’81 and Cookie Boyd ’72 4 Sam and Marlene ’63 Oshry with Bob Caret and his wife, Liz Zoltan

26 towson s u m m e r 2009 alumni events

Sun and Fun Balls and Strikes and Crabs

1 2

< Ft. Lauderdale, Florida Reception

Take me out to the ballgame against the New York Mets during spring training. Take me out as the crowd

3 watches Rob Amos ‘76 throw out the first pitch. On Feb. 25, the Alumni Association hosted a crab feast and 4 baseball game at Ft. Lauderdale Stadium for over 150 alumni and friends. Special thanks to Danny Colera from Riggins Crabhouse in Lantana, Fla., for serving up the super Maryland crabs and to Laura Williams for making the event possible.

1 Tom Hopp, Arlene Hopp ’69, Ken Hopp and Christine Hopp 2 Saundra McCulloch ’86 and Lesia Crinchlow 3 Dianne and Brian Hinterberger ’91 4 Iris ’63 and Bernard Berger 5 Denise Miller ’87, Charles Miller, Gloria Miller and Craig Miller 6 Bob Traupman ’94 and Mike Walck ’01 7 Audrey and Leonard ’77 Chapel

s u m m e r 2009 towson 27 alumni events

Out West Check This Out

1 2

Phoenix Reception >

Alumni who live in Phoenix, home to exceptional weather and spectacular scenery, got the lowdown on all things Towson last March when Gary Rubin 3 ’69, vice president of Univer- sity Advancement, and Lance Johnson ’93, Alumni Association board member, came to visit.

1 John and Andrea ’98 McLamore 2 Shawn Curran and Allison Farina ’07 3 Harriet ’66 and Jim Mulligan 4 Micheline and Herb ’90 Egbert

28 towson s u m m e r 2009 alumni events

Out West Check This Out

1 2

< Bull Roast Benefits Men’s and Women’s Lacrosse

The Alumni Association partnered 3 4 with the men’s and women’ lacrosse programs to host their annual bull roast. The fundraiser featured fine food, a wine wheel and a dunk tank, which raised more than $20,000 for TU lacrosse. Mark your calender for the next feast, April 3, 2010.

1 Terry Teeters, Katie Cloud, Shannon Kennedy and Kortney Dwyer 2 Kristen Burke, Jen Greenberg, Brian Vetter and Mark Latonick ’08 3 Mary Beth Ardolino ’06, Lou Dollenger ’74 and Kerin Bogosian ’06 4 Joe Ardolino ’74 and Frank Mezzanottee ’73 5 Christine Dougherty, Steph Taylor, Missy Doherty and Lauren McAfee

s u m m e r 2009 towson 29 alumni events

Band of Brothers A Historic Occasion

1 2

Alpha Omega Lambda’s 40th Reunion >

More than 40 years have passed, but one would have thought these gentlemen 3 4 were living together yesterday. More than 150 Alpha brothers, alumni and friends gathered for a weekend to reminisce and pay tribute to the late Joseph Ferrante, an unsung hero of the men’ s lacrosse team. During halftime of the TU Tigers vs. Sacred Heart lacrosse game, the 2009 Joseph

Ferrante Memorial Scholar- 5 6 ship was presented to junior goalie, Rob Wheeler. The Alpha brothers have raised more than $6,000 for the Ferrante Scholarship Fund this year.

1 Mike King ’74, Gary Tarr ’74 and Bryan Ashley ’71 2 Halftime presentation of the Ferrante Scholarship at Unitas Stadium 3 Teresa and Chris Ciletti ’80, Ed ’78 and Gina Webster, and Michael Rossetti ’77 4 John ’75 and Sherry Whaples, and John Gillis ’74 5 Bob Greibe ’75, Joe Ardolino ’74, Chuck Lotocki ’74 and Frank Mezzanotte ’73 6 Doug Schweinhart ’76, Don Knight ’76, David Rossetti ’79, Mike Jones ’78 and David Nutter

30 towson s u m m e r 2009 alumni events

Band of Brothers A Historic Occasion

1 2

< The Antrim 1844

More than 50 alumni and friends joined us at the Antrim 1844, a restored historic mansion in Taneytown, Md. Legend has it that General George Meade planned his Gettysburg campaign from 3 4 the cupola at Antrim. The setting allowed Towson alumni to get new perspectives on their alma mater and catch up with fellow graduates and friends from the Carroll and Frederick County areas, as well as York, Pa.

1 Tim Beal ’76, Deanna Beal ’83 and Kim Fabian ’88 3 Jenny ’96 and Jim Gambino, and Errol and 2 Ellen Flattery ’84, Lori Armstrong and Joy Fisher ’62 Smith Nicolette Kaszak ’99/’03 4 Terrance ’87 and Jennifer Rickrode

The Towson University Alumni Association announces its 2008-2009 Board of Directors

Officers Barbara Eckley ’77 Ex-Officio Members College Representatives Kim Fabian ’88, President Teresa Ernst ’00 Robert L. Caret Glenn Ross ’81 Ellen Flattery ’84 Lou Dollenger ’75, Vice President TU President College of Business Lance Johnson ’93, Treasurer Frank Mezzanotte ’74 Gary Rubin Karen Schafer ’68 Keith Ewancio ’94/’07, Secretary Gavin Moag ’84 Vice President, College of Education Cathy Plakatoris ’83 University Advancement At Large Members Bill Stetka ’77 David Lucantoni ’76 Darcy Accardi ’06 Bill Wood ’87 Lori Armstrong The Jess and Mildred Fisher College Frank Berry ’74/’85 Associate Vice President, of Science and Mathematics Past President Alumni Relations Fran Bond ’55/’61 Jon Graf and Executive Director, Andre Cooper ’87 Lone Azola ’69 Student Government Association Alumni Association Patrick Dieguez ’07

s u m m e r 2009 towson 31 $36 Million Raised from the c a m p a i g n r e a c h e s 72 p e r c e n t o f $50 m i l l i o n g o a l

Growing a University – The Campaign for Towson has raised $36 million to date in private support for scholarships and programs, faculty development and more. Thank you to all campaign chair who have contributed to date.

I had the pleasure recently of meeting a number of scholarship recipients $50 at the annual Foundation Scholars Luncheon (see page 35), some of Million GOAL: $50 Million FY ’11 whom had received the scholarship I established in my husband’s memory, $45 Campaign the Stephen K. Shock Memorial Schol- Progress arship. What a meaningful experience! to Date: Meeting these students is always $40 FY ’10 a vibrant reminder of why we give $36,031,090 to Towson, and highlights well the transformative nature of giving. Gifts small and large make their way to $35 FY ’09 students through enhanced programs, $5,386,363 (as of May 4, 2009) faculty development, equipment, and THE CAMPAIGN FOR TOWSON of course, scholarships. $30 As we round the bend to reach the FY ’08 end of our fifth campaign year (June $6,345,669 30), we hope that you make time, if $25 you have not already, to do your part to keep Towson students achieving. s u p p o r t t o w s o n FY ’07 Your gift to Towson has never mattered more. $20 $5,787,314 To make a gift to support Towson Have a wonderful summer. University students, faculty or FY ’06 programs, contact the Development $15 $4,996,568 Office at 1-866-301-3375 or visit

www.towson.edu/supportTU. $10 FY ’05 Molly F. Shock ‘75 $13,515,176 Campaign Chair Growing a University— $5 Includes $10,200,000 gift from the Robert M. Fisher The Campaign for Towson Memorial Foundation to rename the College of Science and Mathematics

32 towson s u m m e r 2009 Osher Foundation Awards $1 Million g i f t b e n e f i t s t u ’s o s h e r l i f e l o n g l e a r n i n g i n s t i t u t e

The Bernard Popular courses this past year included “Historic Presidential Osher Foundation Elections”, “Baltimore’s Architectural Landmarks” and “History has awarded of U.S. Slavery.” $1 million to The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute is an important component establish an of Towson’s Extended Education and Online Learning program (EEOL), endowment for and the Division of Economic and Community Outreach (DECO). the Osher Lifelong In addition to its on-campus program, OLLI furthers a mission of Learning Institute community outreach through partnerships, offering courses at area (OLLI) at Towson. retirement and senior centers. campaign chair OLLI at TU offers “This endowment will assist OLLI in maintaining the high quality adults age 50 program which it has worked so diligently to achieve over the past and older 10 years,” said OLLI Director, Jacqueline Gratz. opportunities Founded in 1977 by Bernard Osher, the Bernard Osher Foundation for continued seeks to improve the quality of life through support of higher educa- learning, along tion and the arts. Since 2001, the foundation has provided grant funds with programs to foster the growth and development of 120 Osher Lifelong Learning and activities for Institutes currently operating at universities and colleges across the OLLI students learn about space travel from Don Thomas, former NASA astronaut and director of TU’s Hackerman Academy. social and cultural country. enrichment. The $1 million endowment, which will provide a source of permanent support to t h a n k y o u augment membership and tuition income, was awarded after OLLI Thanks to our TU donors. Every gift makes a difference. at TU received three consecutive annual $100,000 grants to help Here are highlights of recent contributions. grow the 10-year old program’s course offerings and membership. “The Bernard Osher Foundation’s generous support has enabled • John T. Beynon ’73 and Robin Clark Beynon ’70 established OLLI at TU to heighten its profile, grow its membership in excess the John T. Beynon Men’s Basketball Endowed Scholarship of 500, and furnish and equip its classrooms to create a learning to give scholarship support to student-athletes. environment that befits the breadth and caliber of its courses • Professor Emeritus Frank R. Milio, Ph.D. who taught chemistry and meets the expectations of its members,” says TU President to generations of students during his 40 years at TU, died Robert L. Caret. Dec. 20, 2008. The Milio family, along with friends and Each spring and fall semester, OLLI offers more than 40 courses colleagues of the professor, have established a chemistry in the areas of fine arts, humanities, social sciences and natural book fund in his memory, which will be used to help defray sciences. There are no grades or college credits to be earned. the cost of textbooks for deserving students. Participants take courses because they wish to continue learning. • Oracle Corporation gave over $100,000 in software, support and curriculum to the Department of e-Business and Technology Management of the College of Business and Economics.

s u m m e r 2009 towson 33 Behind the Scenes n e w c o l l e g e o f l i b e r a l a r t s building

The first phase of the College of Liberal Arts complex, TU’s first new academic building in

Craig Johnson, chair of TU’s psychology more than 25 department, discusses the technology in years, opened the new psychology classroom. its doors to guests in April for a reception and guided tours. The building opens for classes this fall. Visitors walked through 30-to 90-seat wired classrooms, student gathering spaces and faculty offices designed with modern educational needs in mind. “This building reflects both tradition and innovation, what Towson has been, and the college’s promise for the future,” says Terry Cooney, CLA dean. “The building provides open spaces for students to work between classes, and emphasizes the importance of learning beyond the classroom.” Most spaces in the new complex present opportunities for donor support. Those interested in supporting the College of Liberal Arts may name a space in the new building to commemorate an achievement or to honor faculty, friends or family. Get Behind the Band Naming gifts will be directed to the College of Support TU band members in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade Liberal Arts Endowment, which will support the Towson’s Marching Band is stepping onto one of the world’s largest stages— college’s programs. the streets of New York City for the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. The performance will bring unprecedented visibility for TU as 3.5 million spectators and more than Private tours of the new College of Liberal 50 million television viewers watch the parade. Orchestrating such a feat requires Arts building are available by appointment. skill, savvy and support to bring more than 200 students, faculty, instruments and Call 410-704-3375. For more information about the college’s programs, events or equipment to the Big Apple. building project, visit www.towson.edu/cla. Gifts at all levels are needed and will make you a part of this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. For example, a tax-deductible gift of $757 will cover the cost of sending a Towson band member to the parade. Use the enclosed envelope and designate Marching Band, visit www.towson.edu\supportTU, or contact Meghan Culbertson, 1-866-301-3375 or [email protected].

34 towson s u m m e r 2009 Forging Connections TU Achieves Goal d o n o r s a n d s t u d e n t s m e e t a t f o u n d a t i o n s c h o l a r s l u n c h e o n f r a n c e -m e r r i c k c h a l l e n g e m e t a h e a d o f s c h e d u l e

The fifth annual Foundation Towson University Scholars Luncheon celebrated has met the terms of philanthropy and the accomplish- the France-Merrick ments of student scholarship Challenge for Top Ten recipients on April 22. The event Scholars, creating a pool gave a record 325 donors, stu- of scholarship funds for dents and university leaders the economically disadvan- opportunity to meet each other. taged students enrolled

Jennifer Stine ’91, Grey Adkins, recipient of the One donor, Vince Talbert ’90, in the university’s Top Renegade Spirit Scholarship in Stine’s honor, and explained his motivation for 10% Program. Admission donor Tim Watkins Latia Blake ’12 is a France-Merrick creating three scholarships in Top Ten Scholar for 2009. to the Top 10% Program honor of his former professors. is offered to Baltimore “I’ve done the math—there is City and County students who ranked in the top 10 percent of absolutely no better return on your their graduating classes. Commitments totaling $1.5 million from investment than to support educa- university alumni, friends, faculty, staff, corporations and foundation.” says Talbert, vice president tions will leverage a $500,000 grant from the France-Merrick of marketing for Bill Me Later. Foundation. Four students talked about how Buoyed by a $1 million gift in fall 2008 from area philanthropist scholarship support has given and TU friend Ruth Marder, Towson wrapped up the five-year Recipient of the Nick Ziolkowski Scholarship, them a better future, validation challenge in March 2009, two years ahead of schedule and just William Doherty, with donor Tracy Miller ’93 and encouragement. “None of the in time for the first class of Top 10% scholars to cross the accomplishments of which I am so commencement stage in May. proud would have been possible Approximately 95 percent of challenge-eligible contributions without these scholarships,” says were designated to endowment funds, which will grow over Grey Adkins, a senior electronic time to provide a sustaining source of support for economically media and film major. “To those disadvantaged Top 10% students. The remainder has been who made funds available to the earmarked for operating scholarships, which heighten the many of us here today…these program’s visibility and provide an immediate boost to the scholarships have the ability to scholarship resources available to current Top 10% students.

Recipients of the James Dunbar Jr. Memorial completely change the course Through the generosity of the France-Merrick Foundation and Scholarship and James Dunbar Jr. Music of our lives. Thank you.” donors to the France-Merrick Challenge, 52 students have Scholarship with Laura Peterson ’94 (middle front) and donor Gwen Dunbar (right front) received scholarship support over the past three years. Visit www.towson.edu/founda- tionscholars for more photos and video clips of the 2009 luncheon.

s u m m e r 2009 towson 35 class notes

Obituary Edward V. Badolato ’60 In Memoriam Donna M. Parks ’76 L. Edward Goedeke ’55 December 18, 2008 February 23, 2009 Alumni Elizabeth K. Evans ’86 Bessie W. Kaufman ’39 Vera Kinnear ’44 December 20, 2008 February 23, 2009 July 2, 2008 Helen T. Kadlec ’89 Thomas W. Donahue ’91 Douglas V. Allen ’80 December 21, 2008 February 25, 2009 November 4, 2008 Charles H. Raynor ’59 Louis T. Cox ’39 Eugenia L. Rice ’63 December 21, 2008 February 28, 2009 November 4, 2008 Betty L. Miller ’64 Dorothy H. Joh ’23 Royce W. Van Norman ’94 December 22, 2008 March 11, 2009 November 7, 2008 Edward V. Badolato ’60, John R. Potis ’85 Dorothy C. Tice ’62 a member of the TU Board of Visitors Joyce H. McCallister ’69 December 22, 2008 March 11, 2009 and founder of the distinguished November 9, 2008 speaker series that bears his name, John B. Storck ’78 Wade M. Zirkle ’71 Barbara W. Kleylein ’65 December 29, 2008 March 25, 2009 died October 30, 2008 and was November 13, 2008 buried with full military honors in Edmond R. Sistek ’58 Elizabeth N. Catterton ’29 Arlington National Cemetery. Paul G. Churchill ’75 December 31, 2008 March 28, 2009 November 14, 2008 Badolato, a retired U.S. Marine Marjorie C. Carter ’47 Corps colonel, was recognized as Margaret D. Gist ’51 January 2009 Faculty November 15, 2008 one of the world’s foremost experts Marlyn T. Gartrell ’52 Arthur N. Rogers III ’73 on homeland security. James T. Hubbard ’72 January 2009 M.Ed./’79 M.A., former director His resume included three combat November 15, 2008 of veterans affairs at TU and tours in Vietnam and stints as Kathleen B. French ’44 Janine L. Coble ’73 January 17, 2009 former adjunct assistant professor deputy assistant secretary of the November 16, 2008 of geography, died Jan. 2, 2009. Department of Energy under Jeanne Louise Horner ’95 Presidents Reagan and George Bernard R. Bond Jr. ’68 January 18, 2009 Phyllis Frankel ’74 M.A., November 19, 2008 a widely known opera singer H.W. Bush, where he focused on Simon Kahle Price ’92 who taught voice for nearly two counter-terrorism and emergency Evelyne “Kitty” Emmart January 20, 2009 decades at TU, died Feb. 17, 2009. planning. McQueen ’42 Michael J. Schuck ’76 November 23, 2008 David Firman, TU Professor He founded and was president January 21, 2009 Emeritus of Geography and and CEO of Integrated Infrastructure Grace S. Block ’29 Environmental Planning and Edward P. Abendroth ’78 Analytics, Inc., a provider of November 24, 2008 former department chair, died January 28, 2009 specialized power, homeland March 14, 2009. Deeply inter- Merelyn Paul ’46 ested in the physical and cultural Alfred D. Proffitt ’53 security consulting and strategic December 3, 2008 geography of South Asia, he January 31, 2009 support services, and related researched the development and Roslyn R. Michelson ’76 e-learning programs. Saranna C. Beegle ’57 use of water resources in India’s December 7, 2008 In 2005 he received the February 7, 2009 Ganges Valley and in the Indus Valley of Pakistan. Patriotism Award for Homeland Michael T. Johnson ’92 Barbara L. Mallery ’52 December 9, 2008 Security Services from President February 8, 2009 George W. Bush. Linda Lou Wiles ’73 Elaine S. Robertson ’57 Staff Last year, he received an December 9, 2008 honorary Doctor of Humane February 9, 2009 Marguerite German Andrea L. Aguilar ’01 January 13, 2009 Letters degree at TU’s spring Daniel Ho Coverston ’08 December 10, 2008 Commencement. He was also February 13, 2009 John I. Toland Mildred B. Ruark ’52 January 30, 2009 a recipient of the university’s Rita G. Bortz ’69 December 11, 2008 Distinguished Alumni Award. February 14, 2009 Leona Harber Miller ’55 Herbert W. Findeisen ’60 Memorial gifts may be made to the December 12, 2008 Edward V. Badolato Distinguished February 14, 2009 Charlotte A. Shinn ’83 Speaker Series Fund, c/o Towson William L. Connors ’78 December 17, 2008 University Foundation, Inc., 8000 February 15, 2009 York Road, Towson, Md. 21252-0001.

36 towson s u m m e r 2009 class notes

Before the 1960s William H. Richardson ’70, a musician Deborah Zink ’77 is volunteer coordinator and jewelry maker, retired as an art instructor for the Baltimore Office of Promotion and the Stan Wisniewski ’57, fine arts professor at after 25 years. Arts and producer of Artscape, the Baltimore Lock Haven University in Pa., was the featured Book Festival, Baltimore’s Martin Luther King Jr. artist at the Clinton County Arts Council’s Artwalk Saundra R. Oliver Brown ’71/’72 M.Ed. parade, and the Inner Harbor’s New Year’s Eve last fall. sang with the Baltimore Opera Company for five Spectacular. years, and has been teaching for 41 years. She Henry Lichtfuss ’58, an All-American soccer was the only African-American music education Veronica Fluelling ’79 started a consulting player at Towson, was inducted into the Maryland instructor on the TU campus between 1971- business for human resources, compliance and Oldtimer’s Soccer Association in May. A member 1979. Brown lives in Chicago. liability, change management and leadership of the TU Athletic Hall of Fame and the Carroll development. She is also pursuing her doctorate County Sports Hall of Fame, he was selected by J. “Cookie” Boyd ’72 left North Carolina in organizational leadership. a Carroll County Times survey as one of Carroll nine years ago, relocating to Naples, Fla., where County’s greatest 100 athletes of the last century. he works in real estate. He writes, “I am enjoying Vicki Isennock Griffin ’79 BUAD/’79 Lichtfuss has been a teacher and a principal, paradise with my wife Nancy and my precocious MCOM, a Community Voices columnist for The and served as an instructional supervisor in the lab Barley.” Atlanta Journal-Constitution in Atlanta, Ga., is a Carroll County School System. His teammates standardized test scorer for Educational Testing from the 1955-1958 teams honored him by Dana Brooks ’73 M.S., dean of the West Services, Inc. of Princeton, N.J., and a substitute attending the May 8 induction ceremonies. Virginia University College of Physical Activity and teacher in neighborhood schools. Her oldest son, Sport Sciences since 1993, received the Living Steven, is a junior at the University of Georgia, the Dream award for human and civil rights from and her youngest son, Jeffrey, is a freshman in 1960s the West Virginia Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday high school. The family lives in Roswell, Ga. Commission. Nicholas Kolb ’64 retired as associate Dana Brooks ’73 provost at Indiana University of Pennsylvania Rich Serbay ’74, head football coach and received the and is a part-time field research coordinator at 1980s athletic director at James Monroe High School in Pennsylvania State University. He and his wife, Living the Dream Fredericksburg, Va., led the school’s football team Suzanne Molino Singleton ’81 COMM Jane, live in Indiana, Pa. and have two married began SNIPPETS in 2006, an on-line weekly award for human to its fourth state championship last December. daughters and two grandsons. inspirational column to help women juggle As head coach, Serbay also took the team to and civil rights work, home and relationships. Singleton is also state championship victories in 1986, 1987 and in West Virginia. a columnist for Smart Woman Online and a staff 1996. Serbay’s overall record is now 170-100-1 writer for The Catholic Review. 1970s in 24 years. Ronald G. Hartman ’70 BIOL retired from Marge Steele ’82 joined the TU department Baltimore County Public Schools in 2003 after Sherry Marsh Cavallo ’75 MCOM is an of athletics as assistant athletics director for a 33-year career as a teacher, counselor and archivist for her community’s historical society athletic corporate sales. She has extensive administrator. He earned a Master of Divinity and has served on the organization’s promotion marketing experience, having worked for degree from the Lutheran Theological Seminary and advertising committee. Cavallo also has her PHH Corporation, MCI WorldCom, and MCI at Gettysburg in 2008, was ordained in the own business as a professional organizer, serving Telecommunications, Inc. Evangelical Lutheran Church in America and is businesses and homes in the Los Angeles area. now pastor of Christ Lutheran Church in Sharon, Jean Seiler ’83 PSYC, a registered nurse, Pa. He and his wife of 38 years, Pat Connors Patricia Steeg ’75 BIOL received the joined the board of directors of Chesapeake ’72 MATH, live in Sharpsville, Pa. Pat, a senior Susan G. Komen for the Cure Brinker Award Therapeutic Riding, which provides horse-related programmer analyst, also retired from the for Scientific Distinction in basic research and activities and riding lessons to people with BCPS in 2008. clinical research, the highest merit award given special needs. Seiler is a nursing supervisor on by the organization. Steeg, a Ph.D., is chief of weekends at Levindale Hebrew Geriatric Center Robert J. Krebs Jr. ’70, a Vietnam veteran, the women’s cancers section of the laboratory of and Hospital and coordinates the Heart Aware retired after 35 years with the federal govern- molecular pharmacology in the Center for Cancer program at St. Joseph Medical Center ment. He worked for the Veteran’s Administration, Research in the National Cancer Institute (NCI), in Baltimore. the Health Care Financing Administration and the and studies how and why tumors recur. She also Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. He leads drug development efforts as co-chairman of Wilma Brockington ’84 BUAD was lives in Westminster, Md., with his wife, Chris, the molecular targets faculty and as deputy head elected to the board of directors of New and their daughter, Cait. of the Molecular Oncology Center of Excellence. Pathways, Inc., which provides counseling,

s u m m e r 2009 towson 37 class notes

The Top of Her Game

Ellen Mangels ’86/’93

Math teacher of the year tests new video game to teach algebra

For 21 years, Ellen Mangels ‘86/’93 In the game, students must negotiate Mangels also appears in an M.Ed. has stood at the head of the class the Tasti Pet Factory to find a pet that instructional video that introduces teaching middle school students prime has mysteriously disappeared. Along the math teachers to the game and gives numbers, fractions and other complex way, students must solve nine puzzles tips for using it with students. algebra topics. But the 2008 Maryland matched to Maryland’s curriculum Unlike other math games, often Council of Teachers of Mathematics objectives in mathematics. developed to entertain, this one was middle school teacher of the year Some puzzles are easy enough for designed strictly for classroom use. confesses to “amazement” the first time an eight-year-old to decipher. One was Lesson plans coordinate the math she used a particular video game to so difficult that Mangels admits, “I was concepts needed to solve each puzzle. convey those concepts. really challenged to figure out how it There is also follow up and a more “The students understood fractions worked.” But despite any complexities, traditional pencil and paper assessment. so well, I didn’t have to go back and students love to play the game. “They While hard data is still being re-teach that lesson over and over like always ask me, ‘When do we get to play compiled to determine whether the I always have,” she says. the game again,’” she says. Even her game helps students improve their Mangels, math department chair colleagues at school want to use it, she pre-algebra skills, Mangels is certain and eighth-grade algebra teacher at adds. the game intrigues the “digital natives” Cockeysville Middle School, is one of There is also strong interest from in her classes. a handful of teachers throughout the other teachers across the state, says Whenever the game is used, students state who are using “The Lure of the Mangels, based on feedback she begin to pay more attention, Mangels Labyrinth” in their classes, a game received after giving a presentation on says. “They have a reason to care. developed by Maryland Public Television the game at last April’s annual meeting They want to beat the game.” and two companies that specialize in of the National Council of Teachers of education media. Mathematics. —Ginny Cook

independent living and developmental opportuni- Jenifer Kelly Walsh ’91 BUAD and her Bettie Kroutil ’92 ACCT was promoted to ties for Maryland youth emerging from foster husband, Steve, welcomed twin boys, Thomas managing director at Sante Fe-based Thornburg care. Brockington, a certified senior professional Patrick and Jack Andrew, on Sept. 24, 2008. Tom Investment Management. in human resources, also recently published her and Jack join big sisters Bridget, 6, and Kate, 4 second novel, Office Politics. in Bel Air, Md. Michael J. Sauri ’92 ENGL is president of TriVista USA, a design-build company in Shirley Appleby ’92 ACCT was promoted Arlington, Va. Michael and his wife, Deborah, 1990s to assistant vice president of BB&T Corporation, have two children, Kamryn Leigh, born Oct. 15, a financial holding company. Appleby, a certified 2006, and Gibson Valence, born June 20, 2008. Karen DeCesare ’90 PSYC and her public accountant and author of Death and Taxes, husband, Hutch Smith, welcomed Charlotte joined BB&T in 2008 and works as a commercial Dawn K. Barton ’94 and her husband, Penelope on Sept. 24, 2008. Charlotte joins finance field examiner in the commercial finance Charles R. Barton II ’92, welcomed their siblings Alexander, 9, and Claudia, 7. The department. seventh child, Joseph Benjamin, on Oc. 15, 2008. family lives in Stokesdale, N.C. Joseph joins siblings Faith, Mary, Hannah, Abigail, Rachael and Samuel. The family lives in Owings

38 towson s u m m e r 2009 class notes

Mills, Md. where Dawn is an elementary school Jason Abosch ’98 ACCT joined Silberstein Lisa Czawlytko ’00 BUAD, former captain teacher and Charles is a financial center Insurance Group as an associate, specializing in of the Baltimore Ravens cheerleading squad manager for Wachovia Bank. insurance counseling, financial planning for fami- and a professional choreographer, starred in an lies with special-needs children, estate planning, episode of “Made,” MTV’s reality show about Ronald A. Blocker Jr. ’94 BUAD executive compensation and employee benefits. transforming nerds, couch potatoes and ugly welcomed a daughter, Kaitlyn Sydney, on ducklings. Czawlytko coached 16 “teen misfits” Sept. 27, 2008. Kaitlyn weighed 6 pounds, Shannon Mennell Goodwin ’98 HLTH in Louisiana for a cheerleading performance at 13 ounces and was 19.5 inches long. and her husband, Kevin, welcomed twin girls, the Papa John’s Bowl game. Elle and Francesca, on June 2, 2008 in New York Angela Davids ’95 MCOM City. Shannon is a regional sales manager with Jennifer O’Keefe Hydorn ’00 ELED established an organization and Web site Cord Blood Registry and Kevin is a firefighter in announces the birth of Elizabeth Grace on Jean Seiler ’83 is on to support the one million pregnant women the South Bronx. June 16, 2008. the board of directors placed on bed rest each year. The Web site, www.KeepEmCookin.com, provides an online Amanda Shyman Leyden ’98 ELED Jennifer Speir Noll ’00 KNES and of Chesapeake community and high-risk pregnancy news married Michael Leyden in November 2008. Michael A. Noll ’03 M.S. welcomed Therapeutic Riding. “that is current, concise and easy to understand.” She teaches fifth grade in Manhattan. Joshua Michael on March 27, 2009. Mike, a TU employee from 1999 to 2004, returned Nicole Holmes Gribben ’97/’02 M.S. Brian Simeone ’99 graduated from Brooklyn as a training specialist in TU’s Office of Human and her husband, Rob, welcomed their son, Law School in spring 2008 and was admitted to Resources. Jen is the outpatient dietitian at Kyle Joseph, on May 31, 2008. He joins older the New York Bar Association in February. He is Union Hospital in Elkton, Md. The couple’s first sister, Ava Cecilia, 3. Nicole is a reading specialist an attorney with Davis and Venturini in New York. son, Andrew Joseph, will be 3 in September. with Baltimore County Public Schools. The family lives in Bel Air, Md. Mark Del Gallo ’01 THEA had a speaking 2000s role in The Spirit, an action film based on the Carl Stahlman ’97 is a senior principal comic books by Will Eisner. Del Gallo also served analyst in the Department of Defense and Jessica Hodgson Conway ’00/’04 M.A. for two years as the assistant to the movie’s and her husband, Scott, celebrated the birth of Intelligence and is also a major in the U.S. producer, Frank Miller, allowing him the Jackson, Dec. 1, 2008, who weighed 6 pounds, Army Reserves. He and his wife, Dina, have opportunity to travel to Europe. a son, Alexander, 2. 3 ounces. He joined big sister, Madison, born May 11, 2006.

Send Us Your News What’s new? Your friends from college want to know. Please send news about your personal and professional life to Class Notes, Alumni Relations, Towson University, 8000 York Rd., Towson, MD 21252-0001 or e-mail [email protected]. Because of production schedules, your news may not appear in the magazine you receive immediately after submitting an item. Name______Class Year______Major______Name at Graduation______Address______City______State______ZIP Code______

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s u m m e r 2009 towson 39 class notes

Rod Lopez ’01 CCMM premiered two short films “Dating License” and “Cleaning Law” at the Creative Alliance in March.

Dorian Skrinak ’01 MCOM and her husband, Jason, welcomed Samantha Stephanie on Dec. 12, 2008. She weighed 7 pounds, 5 ounces at birth.

Steffani Harris ’02 MCOM, a freight processor and customer service representative by day, is a poet who started Tokens of Life, which sells framed inspirational pieces. Good Intent Graphics

Betsy Crossman Squires ’02 OCTH and her husband, Jeff, welcomed Katelyn Elizabeth, Taking the Bull by the Horns on Oct. 27, 2008. Katelyn joins her brother, Joshua Thomas, 1.

Mike Herman ’08 Kristen Blackburn ’04 BIOL and Michael Carr ’04 BIOL were married Henry Lichtfuss ’58 Bull riding is his pastime and a passion Oct. 11, 2008. Michael is a physician assistant was inducted into in cardiology and Kristen graduated from the the Maryland medical school at University of Maryland in May, Oldtimer’s Soccer and plans to pursue a career in family medicine. Association. Even before he had accepted his “I have to place high enough in college diploma, Mike Herman ‘08 events to get a paycheck, and if had his sights set on another edu- I don’t win, I don’t get paid.” Richard J. Huffman ’04 ACCT, a staff cation—one that required “bucks” While he has yet to take home accountant with Stoy, Malone & Co., P.C., a rather than books. the prize money, Herman has stayed Baltimore-based accounting and business Soon after completing his final atop some bucking bulls for eight consulting firm, passed the Certified Public TU exam, the Dundalk native seconds—the time required to earn Accountant exam. reported for a weekend of instruction points to get to the winner’s circle. in bull riding at the Sankay Rodeo Now he hits the rodeo trail, Linnea Davis ’05 is a first lieutenant in School in North Carolina, and within promoting his riding and looking the U.S. Army serving with the 398th Combat hours experienced his first ride on for sponsors to cover competition Service Support Battalion in Iraq. a bucking bull. expenses such as entry fees, travel “All I really remember is nod- and equipment. Eager for practice, Joseph M. Esmont ’05 POSC is an ding my head and seeing the bull he plans to enter as many IBR events associate in the Cleveland office of the national take off,” Herman says, recalling his as possible, including the Maryland law firm Baker & Hostetler LLP. first ride. It was an adventure that State Fair. lasted only seconds. Still, it was time “Making the eight-second whistle Trisha M. Whitacre ’06 ACCT was enough to get him hooked, and while on the second bull I ever got on was promoted to senior in the audit, accounting his instructors suggested riding one the moment that kept me going,” and consulting department of Ellin & Tucker, bull for the day, he rode five. Herman explains. “Your first few Chartered, a regional certified public Now he’s classified as a profes- experiences with the bulls is what accounting and business consulting firm. sional rookie in the International makes you addicted and makes you Bull Riders (IBR) association, but any catch the fever, or what turns it into Cheryl Fisher ’08 Ed.D. co-authored income comes from his day job as a bar story about something you Developing Online Learning Environments: a customs broker in Baltimore. tried once.” Best Practices for Nurse Educators. “Unlike most sports, I’m paid what I earn [as a bull rider],” he explains. —Melissa Kviz

40 towson s u m m e r 2009 the big picture P hoto by Desirée Stover

flower power

Some of TU’s gardens grow thanks to an outreach program with Baltimore County Public Schools. A partnership between TU and the school system, that has been budding since 1996, provides vocational training to special education students in various service jobs on Towson’s campus. Using equipment borrowed from Landscape Services, TU’s occupational therapy students helped special education students not only plant flowers in front of Prettyman Hall last spring, but also learn that gardening can be relaxing, and lead to a career. Non-Profit Alumni Relations U.S. Postage Towson University PAID 8000 York Road Towson University Towson, MD 21252-0001

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Pass along any duplicate copies to a friend and advise us of error by sending back your mailing label. Thank you. For more information, contact the Office of Alumni Relations at 800-887-8152 Parents: If this issue is addressed to a sonor alumnior [email protected], who no or book directly through Joanna Miskelly Cox ’74, longer410-467-4147 maintains an address or joannamiskellycox @verizon.net. Please mention the at your home, please send the correctTowson address University to Alumni Alumni Ireland trip. Relations, Towson University, 8000 York Road, Towson, MD 21252-0001.

WITH

HOMECOMING 2009

Alumni Homecoming Festival & Reunion Row Saturday, October 17, 2009 • Burdick Field, Noon – 7 p.m. Enjoy games, music, food and activities for children. Towson Tigers vs. University of Delaware Kickoff: 3:30 p.m. • Unitas Stadium

Reunion Row: Do you have a group of TU friends and classmates coming back for homecoming? Reserve a tent for your group at the festival. Call the Alumni Office for more details.

For more information, contact the Office of Alumni Relations, 800-887-8152 or [email protected]. October Look for detailed information in the September issue of the Towson magazine. 11-17