Fall 2009 Riding, Eating and Raising Money for Good Causes

Analyze This Not Just Bricks Winning Words 14 17 and Mortar 20 I have a wonderful life and I am forever grateful for that, so I give back. Maybe I can help somebody else along the way.

After putting her children through college, Connie Kihm ’95 decided it was her turn to earn a bachelor’s degree. She had had a successful career as a retail buyer, but still wanted “that piece of paper.” At the age of 48, she started her degree at Towson “University, and has wanted to give back ever since. “I give back to the school that has given me so much. Nothing in life is free. If you have been blessed, I believe you need to give,” Kihm says.

Amid difficult economic times and declining state support, Kihm realizes how important it is to give to the Towson Fund, TU’s campaign for annual operating support that ” provides students and faculty with vital funding. Most recently, in addition to her annual gift, Kihm focused her support on the new College of Liberal Arts building. As an English major, Kihm was excited to help her alma mater with its beautiful addition.

“My husband, Jim, and I donated a classroom in honor of emeritus Professor George Friedman, who inspired me as a student. Although Jim is not a TU graduate he’s a big supporter because of how happy the university made me. His company matches whatever I give,“ she says.

Join Connie and the many others whose lives have been touched by their experiences at Towson University. Make a gift and watch it open doors and change lives. For more information on contributing to the Towson Fund, contact Meghan S. Culbertson, Director of the Annual Campaign, at 410-704-3375 or [email protected]

Office of Development, 8000 York Road, Towson, MD 21252-0001 | 1-866-301-3375 www.towson.edu/development on the cover: In 2004, Ken Shapiro ’75 launched Semites on Bikes—the SOB—which has a penchant for insidetowson Fall 2009 riding, eating and raising money for good causes.

features departments

h i s b e a u t i f u l b a l l o o n 8 p r e s i d e n t ’s l e t t e r 2 Balloonist and entrepreneur Matt Lidinsky ’08 has been flying high most of his life. n e w s a n d n o t e s 3 a l u m n i n e w s 23 r e b e l w i t h a c a u s e 12 Career Connections Ken Shapiro ’75, founder of Semites on Bikes, 50th Reunion, Class of 1959 blends nonconformity with charity. Homecoming Activities Distinguished Alumni and a n a l y z e t h i s 14 Dean’s Recogniton Awardees Theresa M. Long ’80 directs the Maryland laboratories that evaluate fingerprints, DNA, c a m p a i g n u p d a t e 29 firearms and other evidence to help bring $1 Million Gift from Willard Hackerman the guilty to justice. The Jazz Man Golden Tiger Society n o t j u s t b r i c k s a n d m o r t a r 17 c l a s s n o t e s 33 Welcome to the new College of Liberal Pet Project Arts Building, which features innovation, technology and greenness.

w i n n i n g w o r d s 20 Whenever TU English professor Geoffrey Becker puts down words, he seems to pick up an award.

17 20 to our readers

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 York Rd., Towson, MD 21252-0001. s another academic year gears up, our Telephone: 410-704-2230. Please send address excitement of the past few years continues. changes to Alumni Relations, Towson University, A 8000 York Rd., Towson, MD 21252-0001. The word is officially out on the incredible value and quality of a Towson University education. Earlier this Robert L. Caret President year the Princeton Review cited TU as a “Top 50 Best Value Public Institution.” More recently, it named Tow- Gary N. Rubin Vice President, University Advancement son a “2010 Best Institution in the Northeast Region.” This fall Towson welcomes more than 2,400 new Ginny Cook Editor freshmen from 21,000 applicants. While our enrollment remains steady, we have expanded online Lori Armstrong Associate Vice President, Alumni Relations courses to meet increased demand and will soon break ground on a new academic building in Harford County Lori Marchetti Art Director/Designer in partnership with Harford Community College. This Kanji Takeno satellite campus will offer four-year programs in the Staff Photographer growing northeast region, and we continue to expand Assistant Photographer our offerings at regional centers in Hagerstown, Desirée Stover La Plata and Shady Grove. Designers Each of our Each of our entering freshmen will take at least Pat Dideriksen, Kathy Malanowski entering one class in the newly completed first section of the Samantha Wentz “ College of Liberal Arts Building—our first new Contributors freshmen will academic building on campus in 30 years. With West Shannon Arehart, Daniel Fox, Melissa Kviz, Jan Lucas and Stuart Zang take at least Village Commons construction also underway, future students will have another gathering place which will Office of Alumni Relations one class in 410-704-2234 or 800-887-8152 the newly be the size of the University Union. This summer TU and Baltimore Hebrew University Towson University’s policies, programs and activities comply with federal and state laws and University System completed integrated academic programs and established the of Maryland regulations prohibiting discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, age, national origin, College of Baltimore Hebrew Institute at Towson University. This sex, disability and sexual orientation. Liberal Arts addition not only bolsters our academic offerings in www.towson.edu Jewish Studies and enhances the student experience at Building. TU, but also incorporates the holdings of BHU’s Joseph Meyerhoff Library into Towson’s Albert S. Cook Library. e c o b o x With more than 70,000 volumes and an important rare book collection, this is the region’s largest independent Using this combination of papers Judaic library. saves the following:

Our busy summer is giving way for an exciting fall. WOOD USE: 7 TONS

Please make plans to visit the campus soon to see all NET ENERGY: 14,000,000 BTUs ” the changes underway. GREENHOUSE GASES: 4,174 LBS CO2

WASTEWATER: 20,103 GALLONS Bob Caret SOLID WASTE: 1,221 POUNDS

The Towson text pages are printed on forest-friendly President, Towson University Utopia Dull paper. The cover is printed on Utopia Gloss using Eco-Pride inks. Environmental impact estimates were made 2 towson f a l l 2009 using the Environmental Defense Paper Calculator. news & notes

Lori Marchetti Championships, where she and mathematics (STEM) in secondary schools Art Director/Designer “What’s really appealing about this earned All-American honors in and offers scholarships to meritorious under- program is that it will support our graduates Kanji Takeno the 1,650-yard freestyle. graduate juniors and seniors. The program also Staff Photographer beyond the preparatory phase,” says David While she is the first Tiger aims to recruit STEM professionals who want to Vanko, acting dean of the Jess and Mildred Assistant Photographer swimmer to earn All-American obtain teacher certification. For every year of Desirée Stover Fisher College of Science and Mathematics honors in Division I, I thought that support they receive, recipients are committed Designers and the project’s principal investigator. my former teammate and captain to teach in a high-needs school district such as Pat Dideriksen, Kathy Malanowski TU will monitor and mentor Noyce scholars Samantha Wentz Miguel Ferrer was the first Tiger Baltimore City or Baltimore County for two years. for six years beyond certification. swimmer to earn All-American The recruitment phase of the program targets Contributors “By tracking their progress and setbacks in Shannon Arehart, Daniel Fox, honors when Towson competed students with academic potential and financial the teaching field,” says Vanko, “we will be able Melissa Kviz, Jan Lucas and Stuart Zang in Division II in the late 1970s. need. It will rely heavily on coordinated efforts to assist graduates with additional resources and Office of Alumni Relations I remember seeing his picture with other NSF programs and activities at TU, 410-704-2234 or 800-887-8152 support which are so critical in the early years.” and framed All-American honors including the following: Towson University’s policies, programs and activities certificate(s) in the glass showcase comply with federal and state laws and University System of Maryland regulations prohibiting discrimination on in the hallway right outside the the basis of race, color, religion, age, national origin, swimming pool at Burdick Hall. sex, disability and sexual orientation. www.towson.edu Marc LeGoff ’86 Who Will Care? Washington, D.C. $1 Million Grant Addresses Maryland’s Nursing Shortage

Editor’s note: Miguel Ferrer ’83 TU received a Across the state, grants to other nursing e c o b o x was an All-American Division II swimmer in 1978-79. He is $1.1 million grant from schools will increase the number of nurses serving his first term as president the Who Will Care? graduating in Maryland by 300 and add 20 of Towson’s Athletic Hall of Fame. program, a coalition faculty positions. of health care industry At TU, the money will also be used for a leaders who want comprehensive Nursing Retention and Success to ease the nursing Program. “Not only will this grant permit shortage in Maryland. Towson to expand its current program but it The money will will provide the means to support and retain allow Towson to increase the number of faculty our current students as our program grows,” and students, and invest in clinical technology. says Jacquelyn Jordan, TU nursing department One TU goal is to increase its nursing graduates chair and project director. by 16 each year through expanded enrollment at the USM Center at Hagerstown. f a l l 2009 towson 3 news & notes

• Young film studio makes Lev says he will also ex- student perspective and a splash with Shirley plore, “The challenge from acts as an informal liaison Temple movies. television, the Hollywood between board members Film Scholars Award Blacklist, and “Cleopatra’s” and USM students. • Studio grows up as World expensive and scandalous “Most students have The news came via War II rages, using pinup production.” no idea what the board phone not in the proverbial Betty Grable to bolster Lev receives half of the is, or even that they’re “envelope, please.” troop morale, while defying $25,000 now and half represented by a student The Academy of Motion a Congressional mandate when the book is com- regent,” she explains. “One Picture Arts and Sciences to make films that foster pleted in 2010. of my goals is to break this was on the line, naming U.S. isolationism. communication barrier so Peter Lev, TU professor of • Headed by not one, but that students know they two, power brokers—Dar- have someone to voice ryl Zanuck in Los Angeles their concerns to.” and the lesser-known TU’s Student Regent During her one-year Spyros Skouras in New term, Elfreth will attend York—who communicated Although she has six board meetings, sit constantly through a dedi- yet to finish her under- on four committees and cated telegraph line. graduate degree, former attend events on each USM senators and members campus. “Skouras,” Lev says, of congress are already “To sit in a room with “was the driving force looking to Sarah Elfreth for such successful people is behind CinemaScope, Fox’s daunting, but their attitude key technological innova- toward me has been more tion of the 1950s which welcoming than I ever was quickly adopted by could have imagined,” electronic media and film, most of the film industry.” she says. “I am truly one of one of two recipients of Zanuck, who served in their own, and more often the $25,000 Academy Film the Signal Corps during than not, I’m asked for Scholars award. WW II, retained enough my opinion before I have Lev won for a book influence to muster 250 a chance to raise my proposal on the history U.S. troops for the filming hand.” of Twentieth Century- of “The Longest Day” in Fox from 1935 to 1965. 1961, despite the Berlin The book, his sixth on crisis. “Zanuck knew all the Musically Inclined film history, examines generals,” Lev explains. With three albums the economic, political Lev will get an intimate already released, Jordan and social sides of look at both men, thanks to “I’m asked Tice has been hitting all movie-making an interview with producer the right notes. with topics Sid Ganis, president of the for my opinion A largely self-taught that could Academy of Motion Picture before I have a musician, the TU senior in easily Arts and Sciences, who music composition has a become knew them from a long chance to raise passion for a wide variety movie career in the film industry my hand.” of music, from bluegrass trailers. that started in the publicity —Sarah Elfreth, TU senior to jazz to classical. department of Fox’s New and USM student regent His musical tastes have York office. helped him to compose Lev’s research includes insight and information. distinctive pieces for his watching more than 200 As the newly appointed albums, including his second of the 1,000 films produced student regent to the solo project, Long Story. by Fox during those 30 University System of Mary- “I think I intuitively grab years, and combing Peter Lev won land Board of Regents, a little bit of everything a $25,000 award archives and film libraries from the Academy the TU senior provides a from each style of music, of Motion Picture at Stanford, UCLA and USC. Arts and Sciences. news & notes

after-school programs, The outreach continues summer programs and this fall as TU staff work STEM (Science, Technology, with Chinquapin’s principal Engineering and Math- to tailor programs to the Fame ematics) activities, as well school’s curriculum and It may not have been his as college-awareness identify students who will plan, but it all came together services, according to participate. for Dwight Schultz ’69. First project leader Barry Evans, he starred in TU’s theatre outreach specialist in the department productions Department of Enrollment such as the one pictured and I just let all the influ- Management. below where he plays ence settle into something He knows the task is Hall of Fame Mick in a 1969 production that I can call my own,” huge. More than half of of Harold Pinter’s “The The TU Athletic Hall of he says. Caretaker.” Fame will welcome four Tice has performed with Then in the 70s, Schultz “We’re seeking new members Oct.16 at musicians all over the played the insane pilot, a dinner in the University country and has traveled to create a learn- Captain Howling Mad Union during Homecoming to Ireland and Australia for ing environment Murdock, various festivals and tours. weekend. Now forming his which sets high The 2009 inductees own musical group, Tice expectations are Michael J. Bruno ’76, recognizes the value of ap- soccer; Carrie A. Leger preciating different styles for student ’96, gymnastics; Mark F. of music. achievement.” Orlando ’95, football In order to switch gears and Meilani M. from one musical style —Barry Evans Snellenberger ’96, to another, he says, “You swimming and have to have a concept of the students at Chinquapin diving. what makes each style into scored at or below the level The Hall of something that’s worth of basic proficiency in read- Fame will also listening to.” ing and math. Nearly 21 recognize the 1976 percent of students’ fami- football team. lies are living in poverty

and 61 percent are eligible For the Birds on “The A-Team.” He was for free and reduced meals. The Baltimore Orioles also in “Star Trek, the Next Last summer TU faculty Generation.” Getting There held some classes at the signed two Tiger baseball players last spring. Now fans may recognize Chinquapin Middle school or hosted students Gary Helmick ’09, a first his voiceovers in video School sits a mere three in laboratories on TU’s team All-Colonial Athletic miles away from Towson campus. One interactive Association shortstop as a University, but for many lesson had students esti- senior, joined the Bluefield students the journey mate their daily water use, Orioles of the Pioneer seems impossible. then race to fill a 35-gallon League. Now thanks to a trash can with water, one Jason Stifler ’09, a two- $59,000 grant from the gallon at a time. year starter at catcher, Maryland Higher Education “They not only had a will play for the Aberdeen Commission (MHEC), some lot of fun, but learned Ironbirds of the New York- games and cartoons, students might be able to how much work it takes Penn League. including roles as Eddie the find their way to TU and to fill up the cans,” Evans Squirrel on Nickelodeon’s other institutions of higher says. “The kids soon had “CatDog” and Maechen in learning. a greater appreciation for the Final Fantasy X-games. The money will help how much water they use.” TU provide much needed

f a l l 2009 towson 5 news & notes

The Russians are Coming f u l b r i g h t s c h o l a r -in-r e s i d e n c e t o p l a y p i v o t a l r o l e in n e w r u s s i a n d r a m a p r o j e c t

Russia’s new playwrights represent people living in a time of great changes. The topics they chose and even the language they use are very different from those before. These plays require a different approach to directing and acting.” Urnov first became acquainted with Towson in 2006 through TU’s Philip Arnoult, founder and director of the CITD, who arranged an East Coast theatre and university tour. The following year, Urnov and the Department of ? [ Theatre Arts began developing a proposal for what became d i d y o u the New Russian Drama Project. From 2007 to 2009, k n o w ? Urnov taught directing and translation methods at TU. Yuri Urnov will direct “Tanya – Tanya” this fall. He will continue to teach courses in dramaturgy and David Bergman, Nearly two decades have passed since the Cold War professor of English, wrote a ended, yet cultural misunderstandings still cloud relations poem, “Death and between Russia and the United States, says Yuri Urnov, “Works by Russia’s new the Young Man,” Russian theatre director, educator and administrator. Urnov, playwrights represent people which was set to who is coming to TU as a 2009-2010 Fulbright Scholar- music and premiered in-Residence, hopes his participation in the New Russian living in a time of great changes.” by mezzo-soprano Drama Project will provide Americans with a clearer view —Yuri Urnov Susan Graham of modern Russian society. at Carnegie Hall Spearheaded by TU associate professor Robyn Quick, in May. and sponsored jointly by the Department of Theatre Arts acting this fall, but also plans to reach out to other and the Center for International Theatre Development departments during his Towson residency. “I’ve had great (CITD), the New Russian Drama Project will introduce experiences interacting with the political science, language American audiences to the new wave of dramatic writing and film departments,” he says. “I hope to continue those that has emerged in Russia over the past decade. Urnov dialogues and to talk with more people at Towson, attract- and his Towson colleagues will translate and produce a ing their attention to contemporary Russia and its art.” selection of Russian plays depicting the social and political Urnov sees his year at Towson as an opportunity to experiences of a generation of playwrights coming of age use theatre to break down long-held cultural barriers. in post-Soviet Russia. “We make many decisions based on personal experiences Three plays—Tanya-Tanya by Olga Mukhina, Martial and knowledge. [Russians and Americans] need to study Arts by Yury Klavdiev and Frozen in Time by Vyacheslav each other more than we do now,” he says. Durnenkov—will be full-scale productions. Other works “Otherwise, the myths of Russian bears and American will be staged in workshops and readings. burgers will prevent us from coming to a real and deep “The playwright’s role became more important during understanding of what is similar and what is different these years,” explains Urnov. “Soviet theatre very much in our cultures.” avoided contemporary writing and produced almost exclusively a classic repertoire. In contrast, works by

6 towson f a l l 2009 news & notes

What’s New

Top Scientist Jewish Studies Music of Rio New Provost John S. LaPolla, an Last summer the Christina Magaldi, Marcia G. Welsh became assistant professor in TU’s programs of Baltimore Department of Music, TU’s provost and vice ? Department of Biological Hebrew University, a is TU’s first recipient of president for Academic [ Sciences, won the 2009 90-year-old institution of a summer stipend from Affairs in August. A former d i d y o u k n o w ? Maryland Outstanding Jewish learning, became the National Endowment provost and senior vice Young Scientist award. part of Towson University. for the Humanities. The president at Adelphi You can follow Sponsored by the The Master of Arts degree money took her to Rio de University, she earned a all the news about Maryland Academy of programs in Jewish Janeiro for two months Ph.D. from the University Towson University Sciences, the award was studies and Jewish where she continued her of Texas, Health Science on Twitter at established in 1959 to communal services will research and writing of Center at San Antonio. twitter.com/ recognize and celebrate be housed under the her book, Sounds of Her extensive service TowsonUNews. extraordinary contribu- College of Liberal Arts, Civilization and Progress: record includes chair of tions of young scientists while the master’s in Music and Cosmopolitan- the University of South in Maryland. La Polla, an Jewish education will ism in Rio de Janeiro at Carolina (USC) Faculty entymologist, examines be offered through the the Turn of the 20th Senate; faculty representa- the complex evolution- College of Education. Century. This is the tive to the USC Board of ary relationship between In addition to degree second book for the Trustees; member of the Acropyga ants and programs, the new specialist in Latin Commission on the Status mealybugs. He is also arrangement will provide American music, music of Women; and member of completing a revision opportunities for non- of the Americas and the USC Faculty Legislative of a large genus with degree-seeking students popular music. In 2005, Liaison Committee. She over 140 species of ants, as part of life-long her book Music in was voted Teacher of the including many species learning and continuing Imperial Rio de Janeiro: Year in the USC School that invade crops. Defin- education programs. European Culture in a of Medicine; received the ing these species will The academic programs Tropical Milieu received Gender Equity Award from help produce biological began this fall. the Robert Stevenson the American Medical methods that can control award from the American Women’s Association; the pests rather than Musicological Society for and was selected one relying on chemicals. the best publication on of Long Island’s Top 50 an Iberian topic. Women in 2007.

f a l l 2009 towson 7 ▼ Matt Lidinsky checks the vent lines inside the balloon. 8 towson f a l l 2009 His Beautiful Balloon Balloonist and entrepreneur Matt Lidinsky ’08 has been flying high most of his life

By Jan Lucas • Photos by Kanji Takeno

brief flight on an advertising Up Up Away customers run the “Once in a while I meet people balloon—an opportunity gamut, he says. Many are celebrat- who aren’t thrilled to see a balloon connected to his father’s ing engagements, anniversaries or on their property, but 99 percent are Abusiness—altered the course of Matt birthdays. For others, a balloon ride excited,” he says. Lidinsky’s life. “That was it,” Lidin- is a bucket-list item or just something Lidinsky explains that the company sky recalls. “I was hooked.” they’ve always wanted to try. truck tracks each flight to its eventual He was six years old. Lidinsky says the flights—which landing site. “From the moment the From that day forward Lidinsky set are limited to no more than three balloon touches down, it takes only his sights on becoming a hot-air bal- passengers—typically last 45 minutes another 30 minutes to pack up and loonist. He helped other balloonists to an hour, though the entire experi- leave.” operating in the area and took les- ence takes three to four hours from Not surprisingly, Lidinsky says sons. At 14 he passed a written test to start to finish. Up Up Away charges weather is the biggest factor affecting earn his student pilot license. By 16 $220 per person for its champagne hot-air ballooning. he was a licensed private pilot, and flights and $575 for a romantic flight “I fly only when the wind speed is at 18 he qualified for his commercial for two. under 7 mph.” he says. “During the pilot license, which authorized him to summer, the possibility of pop-up charge passengers for rides. thunderstorms means I have to watch Now a full-time MBA candidate at “It’s an amazing the radar constantly.” Fog is also an Towson, he’s also the pilot-proprietor issue, since balloon pilots navigate of Up Up Away, a Baldwin, Md.- experience. You’re not visually. based hot-air balloon company. “Precautions are an essential part Lidinsky is the brains behind the enclosed. It’s quiet; of flying,” Lidinsky emphasizes. operation, but the undeniable beauty there’s no engine noise.” “We’re dealing with mother nature is “Windswept,” an enormous red, up there. We have to watch the sky, white and blue balloon equipped with —Matt Lidinsky ‘08 see what’s coming and put the a propane burner and a wicker basket balloon down in time. for the pilot and passengers. “Balloon accidents make head- Today, 18 years after his inaugu- Windswept launches from a site lines,” he adds, “but in fact they’re ral flight, Lidinsky retains a boyish near Monkton, Md., or near Shews- very rare.” enthusiasm for hot-air ballooning. bury, Pa., depending on wind direc- Although he’s unsure what he plans “It’s an amazing experience,” he tion. Time spent aloft is limited to to do once he’s earned his MBA, says. “You’re not enclosed. It’s quiet; Northern Baltimore County, because Lidinsky says he’ll continuing hot-air there’s no engine noise. And the views it offers more open space on which ballooning. “It’s fun, and I’ve met a from 2,000 feet are spectacular.” to land. Lidinsky says he often ends lot of nice people from all over the Windswept’s envelope, which is flights in open fields, though he’s country.” n constructed of rip-stop nylon fabric, careful never to damage crops. He’s weighs in at about 250 pounds. also landed in residential neighbor- Jan Lucas is an associate director When not in service, Lidinsky stores hoods, to the delight of all children in University Relations.

it in a bag kept in a 6-by-10 trailer and the vast majority of adults. To see a balloon ascent from start emblazoned with the company name. to finish, turn the page. ▼ Matt Lidinsky checks the vent lines inside the balloon. f a l l 2009 towson 9 Going Up 1 Matt Lidinksy ’08 brought his balloon to campus for a tethered ascent in front of Stephen’s Hall last spring.

1. From end to end, the red, white and blue balloon called Windswept measures 60 feet, roughly the height of a six-story building. Empty, the balloon envelope weighs 253 pounds. 2. After the 249-pound basket is attached to the balloon, a gas-powered fan blows air into the balloon for about 2 3 10 minutes to inflate it. 3. Bursts of propane gas cause the balloon to rise. 4. The balloon is fueled by two 18-gallon tanks of propane using a dual Aerostar Zone V burners with total output of 19.3 million BTUs an hour at 120 psi. 5. & 6. The balloon rises quickly giving Lidinsky (right) and a friend a bird’s eye view of the lawn in front of Stephen’s Hall. 7. What goes up must come down and be packed away. Volunteers walk the length of the balloon, squishing out the air. 8. The tank assembly is removed from the basket. 9. A critical mass forces out the remaining air so the balloon will fit in a carrying pouch. 10. Thirty minutes after landing, the balloon, basket and propane tanks are loaded into the truck, ready for the next launch. For more information, go to MarylandBalloonFlights.com

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f a l l 2009 towson 11 9 10 Ken Shapiro ’75, founder of Semites on Bikes, blends nonconformity with charity

By Jan Lucas Photos by Desireé Stover

sked to imagine a retired male A kindergarten teacher, most of us would conjure the late Fred Rogers of “Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood” fame. Least likely to spring to mind would be Parkville, Md., resident Kenneth Shapiro, a rugged, tattooed man astride a Harley- Davidson motorcycle. Shapiro, also known as King Ken, is a professed “nonstereotypical Jew” and the founder of Semites on Bikes (SOB), a motorcycle club for like-minded enthusiasts. Shapiro has spent the better part of a lifetime playing against type. During his undergraduate days at Towson he was one of only two men majoring in early childhood education. After graduation he taught second grade at Deer Park Elementary School in Owings Mills, Md. A master’s degree in counseling from Johns Hopkins paved the way for a five- year stint as a school guidance counselor. His career path took a sharp turn during the early ’90s when he was repri- manded for leading a movement to oust a controversial superintendent of schools. “The system decided that I had too much discretionary time on my hands,” he says dryly. The sentence: reassignment to kindergarten teacher. “They probably thought that putting a “It also helps to be a right-wing Ken Shapiro ’75, 40-year-old guy in charge of 4- and 5-year-olds conservative,” quips King Ken. would be humiliating,” he says. “I taught Club members meet for breakfast or founder of Semites kindergarten at Deer Park for the next 15 to nosh at a favorite Hunt Valley, Md., years. It was the best job I ever had.” restaurant. Official activities include on Bikes, blends As retirement loomed, Shapiro consid- monthly rides that culminate with meals onformity ered starting his own motorcycle club. (“Ride to eat”) as well as competitions, group of middle-aged Englishwomen who nonc He’d been riding since 1969 and had charity events and other group ventures. posed nude—tastefully, of course—for a ty participated in some outings with a Wash- They’ve encountered the merely curious calendar to fund cancer research. with chari ington, D.C., based Jewish motorcycle (“What is a Semite?”) as well as members Shapiro’s brainchild, the 2009 Cat club called Hillel’s Angels. But it wasn’t of outlaw motorcycle gangs who refer to House Calendar, showcased 12 unclothed By Jan Lucas a good fit, he says. “They didn’t ride on themselves as “1 percenters.” (Ninety- SOB members in varying states of fitness, the Sabbath, and they ate only at kosher nine percent of bikers are presumed to most atop their bikes and holding strate- Photos by Desireé Stover restaurants.” be law-abiding citizens.) Shapiro tells of gically placed felines. King Ken was Mr. In 2004 Shapiro launched Semites on a ride to Ocean City, Md., recalling his January, his cat Bandit in his lap. Bikes, anointed himself King Ken, and discomfort as he realized that a burley The club sold 800 calendars and raised proceeded to recruit other nonstereotypical 1 percenter was staring at him. “This $16,000 for the Humane Society. Jews by placing an ad in the Motorcycles was one mean guy,” he says. SOB intends to outdo itself with the for Sale section of The Baltimore Sun clas- The biker finally ambled over and 2010 calendar, this time to benefit Pet Res- sifieds.Sun columnist Kevin Cowherd spot- gestured toward Shapiro’s Skullberg patch. cue of Maryland. The no-kill organization ted the ad and devoted a column to SOB, “Hey!” he barked. “What’s Semites on doesn’t operate shelters, Shapiro explains. thus boosting interest in the fledgling club. Bikes?” Shapiro shot back, “It’s Harley- “It consists of about 70 volunteers who SOB now boasts about 40 active mem- Davidson spelled backward.” The 1 per- take dogs and cats that shelters would bers, comprising both male and female center pondered this news for a moment. ordinarily euthanize. They foster them bikers. (Although it remains predominantly “Cool, man,” he said. in their own homes and eventually place Jewish, Shapiro says about a fifth of the Good guys 1, bad guys 0. them with new owners,” he says. “They’re members are non-Jews.) The club motto SOB’s penchant for good works may be very discriminating in terms of whom they is “Eat to ride; Ride to eat.” Its emblem, a one of the few areas in which its members allow to adopt these pets.” grinning, yarmulke-topped skull, is revered conform to type. Two years ago, 31 par- Proceeds from calendar sales will help as “Skullberg.” (Shapiro even sports a ticipated in Dick Gelfman’s annual Ride offset Pet Rescue’s large veterinary bills, Skullberg tattoo on one bicep.) Across Maryland and raised $70,000 for he adds. Membership qualifications are stringent, breast cancer research. “We raised more The “PG-13 rated” SOB calendar if tongue-in-cheek. The first criterion for than any of the other motorcycle clubs,” features 11 male and two female models, SOB aspirants, Shapiro says, is to be “a Shapiro notes with pride. “And some of each wearing nothing except the critter of ‘reasonable facsimile of a biker’ or RE- the other clubs were much bigger.” his or her choice. Shapiro says this year’s FOB.” Other qualifying traits—there are 14 The following year Shapiro hatched a menagerie includes not only cats and dogs, in all—include “works with hands,” “lip plan to help The Humane Society of Balti- but also parakeets, a guinea pig in a syncs Kaddish at funerals,” “enlisted in the more County, which was seeking dona- motorcycle helmet and a goat. military,” “has a tattoo that won’t wash tions to construct a special facility for cats. A goat? off” and “has been arrested at least once.” “The idea came from the movie, Calendar “One of the guys located a goat farm, Girls,” he says, recounting the story of a knocked on the door to explain why he needed a goat, and asked to borrow one for the photo shoot,” he says. “The farmer was OK with it.” n

To order the 2010 Semites on Bikes The ‘PG-13 rated’ calendar to benefit Pet Rescue of Maryland, go to www.petrescueofmd.org. SOB calendar features 11 male and two female Jan Lucas is an associate director in University Relations. models, each wearing nothing except the critter of his or her choice.

f a l l 2009 towson 13 AnalyzeBy Laura Lewis BrownThis Photos by Kanji Takeno

fter more than two decades of getting her hands dirty as a forensic chemist, Theresa M. Long ’80 A has a much cleaner, yet busier, job running the show at Maryland’s crime labs. As director of the Forensics Science Division of the Theresa M. Long ’80 directs Maryland State Police, Long oversees 82 employees in the the Maryland laboratories full-service lab in Pikesville and two satellite labs in Berlin and Hagerstown. Unveiled in October 2006, the $30 mil- that evaluate fingerprints, lion Pikesville lab is a hub of scientific tests that aids police DNA, firearms and other investigations and criminal prosecutions. Here technicians evidence to help bring the analyze DNA samples, controlled dangerous substances and toxicology samples. They identify firearms, tool marks and guilty to justice. fingerprints, and examine other evidence from crime scenes. The lab is also a storehouse for evidence in open and cold cases with its Central Evidence Repository. “Now that I’m a director, my job is mostly administrative and managerial,” says Long, who misses sitting at a laboratory bench but welcomes the challenges of being in the director’s chair. “It’s quite a juggling act to make sure the staff has

14 towson f a l l 2009 In 2008, the lab handled more than 20,650 criminal the resources they need to do the to help carry the load of increased job well.” cases, including more than DNA work, and she worked That juggling act involves closely with the Governor’s Office working with state’s attorneys, 650 DNA samples. of Crime Control and Preven- judges, police detectives and tion and other state agencies to investigators to make sure the lab establish protocols, training and completes analyses in time for collection procedures. court. The lab receives cases from 23 counties and Balti- Despite the increased staff, forensic analysis doesn’t more City, and submissions have increased significantly happen overnight, especially with a constant flow of since it opened its doors. samples to be tested. In 2008, Long’s staff of state police crime scene techni- “We are backlogged. Once the case gets in here, it’s cians conducted more than 1,200 forensic investigations. averaging six months. Some cases are more complex The lab handled more than 20,650 criminal cases, includ- than others. Sometimes we have to wait for reference ing more than 650 DNA samples. samples,” she explains. “One of my jobs is to educate “It’s very exciting, the work we’re doing. We have a people about the time it takes, what the results mean, new fingerprint technology in place, and the latent print and explain the results to the jury in layman’s terms.” unit is making a lot of hits on cold cases,” Long says. The It’s not as simple as what is presented on TV shows, lab’s Automated Fingerprint Identification System can Long says. “We have the CSI effect. Because of the popu- identify a crime scene fingerprint in seconds, if a known larity of forensics in general and on TV shows, judges print is in the computer files. “Anything you can do to and juries expect forensic analysis to be done in an hour provide one piece of information to give a detective a new with a commercial in between.” lead is rewarding,” she adds. “Above all, we get to help The plus side of the CSI effect is that there are now more the community.” young scientists ready and trained to work in the field. A large part of her job is overseeing the state’s DNA “Schools like Towson have opened programs, and we database, which has expanded since 1994 when the state’s get to choose the best of the best,” Long says. “When we first DNA law went into effect. Modified in 1999, 2002 have job openings, we have such a great selection.” and earlier this year to include more criminals, the law While many people may imagine a DNA analyst works now requires that each person charged with a crime of solely with a microscope and slides, Long explains that violence or burglary in the first, second or third degrees the job is much more complicated, requiring not only a submit a DNA sample to Maryland’s DNA database. strong scientific background but also excellent written The lab must wait until there is an arraignment date to and oral communication skills. A forensic chemist who conduct the analysis; if the person is acquitted, his or her works in the controlled dangerous substance unit may sample must be expunged. receive a batch of cases, take notes on the packages and “Once we collect the sample and run it, any unsolved what the materials look like (note taking must be very crime in the database could be solved. If you make that detailed because the case may not go to court for another link, then it could prevent future crimes,” says Long, who five years), look at the sample under the microscope, has years of experience in DNA analysis. perform screening tests and spectral analysis, type the In 1988, she was selected to be a visiting scientist at report, give the case to another analyst for review before the FBI’s training and research center in Quantico, Va. the report is released. In the meantime he or she fields There she learned the latest DNA testing technology, then calls from state’s attorneys, who are looking for results returned to Maryland to set up the first DNA analysis and trying to line up the scientist to appear in court as program at the state lab. Long also served as the liaison a witness. A forensic scientist also needs to be able to between local, state, and federal crime laboratories when speak in court and present the evidence in a manner the the first DNA database law took effect. jury can understand. With the implementation of a new DNA law, Long is “Most people go into science because they are inter- busy making sure her staff has the resources to get the ested in the lab work,” Long says. “All your science skills work done. She hired 10 more scientists and support staff cannot necessarily help you manage people. People who

f a l l 2009 towson 15 want to move up in science should invest some time in “I’ve been really fortunate in the opportunities I’ve personnel classes.” gotten. I came in on the ground floor. I got a lot of Forensic scientists at the state lab normally train for six opportunities to be trained. To come in the beginning months before doing independent casework, and Long of DNA technology was so exciting. It’s been very makes sure they give tours and presentations at the facility rewarding to help the lab grow and become what it to practice talking to groups. is now,” she says. It’s hard work, but it’s also rewarding and even creative. Long first became interested in forensic science “You get to use your creative side to try to figure out what when she worked at her dad’s country grocery store in piece of evidence might make the link between the suspect Waynesburg, Md. and the victim and the crime scene,” Long says. “You get “A state police crime scene tech would stop at the to deal with different groups: police investigators who see store and see me studying biology,” Long recalls. things one way, state’s attorneys who see the legal side, “He started talking up forensic science.” and peers who see the science.” As she headed toward graduating with honors from While it can be difficult to see horrific images of victims Towson with a biology degree, Long kept calling the of sexual offense and murder, Long says it’s about “just state police once a week looking for a position. In the the facts.” meantime she worked at the Johns Hopkins University “We are scientists. You do get some of the storyline, biochemistry laboratory performing tests for a Ph.D. but you’re not personally involved in the case,” she says. candidate, until she finally heard from the state police “Your job is to do a professional analysis and make the and started as a forensic chemist. evidence tell the story.” Since then she has continued her education, earning a Just as a forensic chemistry can take weeks, months and master’s degree in biological sciences from the University even years to help solve a crime, Long’s climb to the top of Maryland in 1993. A year later, she received a Gov- is the result of years of dedication and hard work. She has ernor’s Citation for her dedication, outstanding ability, worked her way up the state police ladder over the years, professionalism and loyal service. holding the titles of forensic scientist, forensic chemist Outside the lab, science is still a big part of her life, manager, assistant director, deputy director, acting director although she enjoys taking a break at the beach or with and director in January. her daughter’s activities. In 1993 she married a now- retired Maryland state trooper, who was a crime scene technician. They have a 14-year-old daughter who jokes that she lives in a “house of science.” Science is definitely in the genes, as she is focusing on environmental science. As Long’s duties have shifted and expanded over the years, she looks forward to the future of forensic science and how it will change. She expects DNA technology to continue to evolve, likening it to computer software changing every year. While budget restraints make it harder to keep staff trained with new technologies, Long thrives in this challenging environment. “I’ve been always challenged, always learning new things to expand the lab and help the lab. Before I was expanding my own horizons; now I’m working to expand the lab,” she says. n

Laura Lewis Brown is a former University Relations editor.

Theresa Long, shown here and on page 14 in the Maryland State Police forensics lab in Pikesville, set up the state’s first DNA analysis program.

“Your job is to do a professional analysis and make the evidence tell the story of what happened.” Terry Long ’80 16 towson f a l l 2009 By Ginny Cook & Dan Fox Photos by Desireé Stover

Welcome to the new College of Liberal Arts Building, featuring innovation, technology and greenness

When classes began in August, there was a new building on campus—TU’s first entirely new academic building in 30 years. The first phase of the College of Liberal Arts Building is a $51.5 million, 100,000-square-foot techno-hub of learning with innovative use of interior spaces and green measures that should make it LEED silver certified in the near future. Women’s studies, foreign languages, philosophy and psychology, with the exception of animal care facilities, moved in for the fall semester.

Phase Two Phase Two is underway and slated for completion in fall 2011.

f a l l 2009 towson 17 College of Liberal Arts Phase I – Fall 2009

1 2 4 5 7

3 8

A Green Building High Tech, Close Collaboration

1 Spillways transfer excess water from the roof into drains. 2 Carpet tiles, manufactured with 50 percent recycled materials, emit no harmful chemicals and can be easily replaced in high traffic areas. 3 Sensors control the amount of light in each room by monitoring not only daylight, but motion and carbon dioxide.

4 “Fritting” inside window panes filters out UV rays. 5 Countertops in bathrooms and on top of recycling bins are made with recycled glass. 6 Those who want to save gas by biking or walking to campus can shower in the basement locker room. 7 Up on the roof is mostly dirt, planted with rows of Stonecrop, a full-sun perennial that lessens the impact of runoff and insulates against the heat, keeping the building cooler in summer. 8 Ledges on the building’s south side are angled to reflect the summer sun or let in more light during the winter.

Air Supply Dyson hand dryers rapidly blow filtered air, drying hands in 12 seconds and using up to 80 percent less energy than other hand dryers. College of Liberal Arts Phase I – Fall 2009

7 1 2 5 7

3 8

A Green Building High Tech, Close Collaboration

1 Spillways transfer excess water from the roof into drains. 2 Carpet tiles, manufactured with 50 percent recycled materials, emit no harmful chemicals and 1 An “alternative learning space” is a shape-shifter that can be reconfigured with asound-proof partition that turns a meeting place into classroom space can be easily replaced in high traffic areas. 3 Sensors control the amount of light in each room by monitoring not only daylight, but motion and carbon dioxide. at the flip of a switch. 2 With the push of a button, computer consoles in the Language Lab retreat below the desk surface to facilitate unobstructed,

4 “Fritting” inside window panes filters out UV rays. 5 Countertops in bathrooms and on top of recycling bins are made with recycled glass. 6 Those who want seminar-style discussions. 3 Space is wired for digital video cameras to archive the day’s lecture. 4 There’s cutting-edge technology in every corner— to save gas by biking or walking to campus can shower in the basement locker room. 7 Up on the roof is mostly dirt, planted with rows of Stonecrop, a full-sun but it’s all controlled from a central, simple control on the professor’s podium. 5 A series of flat-screen TVs pipe in real-time images of students from satellite perennial that lessens the impact of runoff and insulates against the heat, keeping the building cooler in summer. 8 Ledges on the building’s south side are classes. 6 The building’s design increases chance encounters between professors and students. 7 Observation rooms fitted with two-way mirrors adjoin angled to reflect the summer sun or let in more light during the winter. psychology classrooms for ongoing studies of children at play and aging-adult cognition to give students a front-row seat to research. 8 Unlike the traditional “sage on the stage,” with a professor at the head of the class, a collaborative design allows students to face each other while the professor roams a central aisle.

The Scoop There’s something cool in TU’s Disordered Eating and Body Image Lab—freezers full of ice cream. One study, headed by lab director and Assistant Professor of Psychology Alix Timko, serves up gallons of the frozen confection in an investigation of adult eating habits. Winning Words Whenever TU English professor Geoffrey Becker puts down words, he seems to pick up an award

By Ginny Cook Photos by Kanji Takeno

20 towson f a l l 2009 ou could write a book about how ‘Why not enter?’” Geoffrey Becker, TU English professor Why not, indeed. Yand director of the graduate program Some 40 judges read through the submis- in professional writing, became an author. sions and in the end selected as the winner First, there is the precocious kid who what Becker describes as his “somewhat reads Dickens. Then comes the guitar- comic, messed up love story of a woman playing college graduate who seeks his who had given up her baby for adoption.” musical fortune in New York City clubs Four years later she has second thoughts and and on the streets of Europe. plots to kidnap the child, aided by a live-in He works a string of odd jobs—waiter, lover who never really believes she is serious tax preparer, record seller—goes to graduate until he finds himself helping her commit school and then lands in academia. There the crime. are papers—the ones he must grade, the “It’s fast moving with a sense of danger, manuscripts he writes, the rejection slips and characters I think are interesting and that come in the mail. psychologically complex,” Becker adds. Becker’s Black Elvis, But don’t forget the chapter that When he flew to Nashville last October to which comes out covers his awards for books and short accept the award, Becker was somewhat in October, won stories, because he has won many. surprised and overwhelmed by the number last year’s Flannery O’Connor Award Becker’s most recent honors are the of entrants. “I entered a room which was for Short Fiction. Flannery O’Connor Award for Short Fiction piled high with the manuscripts,” he says. His novel Hot and the Parthenon Prize, both awarded “Mine was short,” he laughs, “300 pages.” Springs, due out in in 2008. While the volume of new works may February, earned him the $15,000 The Flannery O’Connor Award, estab- have amazed him, Becker is no stranger to Parthenon Prize. lished in 1983, is “a showcase for the talent producing words that win awards. Here and promise that have brought about a are just a few he has won: 2002 and 2004 resurgence in the short story as a genre,” Maryland State Arts Council Fiction Award; according to the contest’s Web site. The Best American Short Stories 2000 selection annual competition attracts as many as 300 judged by E.L. Doctorow; and the Great manuscripts. Lakes Colleges New Writers Award for Best Becker won with Black Elvis, a collection First Book of Fiction in 1996. of short stories he says “I had been putting together for 10 years.” He received $1,000 Snow days “You can’t just wait for and a publishing contract. The book comes His path to literary glory may well have Winning Words begun on a ski slope. inspiration. You must out in October. Whenever TU English professor Geoffrey Becker puts down words, he seems to pick up an award His novel Hot Springs brought him the A music major at Colby College in Maine, show up to write like you second-ever Parthenon Prize. Begun in 2007 Becker wanted nothing more than to ski during the winter break of his sophomore would for any job.” by John Spence, a Nashville, Tenn., By Ginny Cook businessman, the national contest aims “to year. With the resourceful eye of an 18-year- Photos by Kanji Takeno —Geoffrey Becker find and publish excellent literature.” old, he found a creative writing course The prize comes with $15,000, which offered during the college’s minimester Becker accepted, and a publishing offer, that fit perfectly into his plans. which he declined because he soon found a “I only had to meet with the professor more favorable deal with Tin House Books, once a week and turn out two stories,” he which will publish the book next February. says. That syllabus left him with plenty of Hot Springs the novel sprang from one of time to do what he really wanted—schuss Becker’s short stories of the same name. And down the slopes. for a time it languished. Becker, however, found a few surprises at “My agent had been sending the the end of the run—compliments from his manuscript around but hadn’t found a teacher and a newfound passion for writing. publisher,” Becker says. “So I found out He soon switched his major to English, about the Parthenon contest and thought, enrolled in creative writing classes in his junior and senior years and, he says, “got serious.”

f a l l 2009 towson 21 It wasn’t that much of stretch given He says anyone can learn some aspects another lifelong hobby—reading. of the craft, such as writing descriptions “As a kid, I read voraciously,” he says. or dialogue, “but you can’t teach imagina- “I read Dickens when I was 9, although tion.” I’m sure I didn’t get much out of it.” He And some students are writing-challenged, also devoured books by Ian Fleming, J.R.R. having grown up with television and movies Tolkien and C.S. Lewis. as their sole story diet. “They don’t know Later his tastes turned to books by Philip how to write with a point of view,” Becker Roth, Stuart Dybek, Flannery O’Connor, explains. “They have only seen stories Denis Johnson and others. He also men- presented visually.” tions the influence of his late friend and During his 22 years teaching, Becker colleague, Fred Busch, an author who has encountered many talented writers, gained critical though not popular acclaim. including TU students and, at Colorado His “poetic novels and stories delved into College, Kaui Hart-Hemmings, who went the seemingly unspectacular but ultimately on to write two books of fiction,House profound experiences of people and families of Thieves and The Descendants, as well grappling with existential crises,” wrote as book reviews for The New York Times. The New York Times in Busch’s 2006 “She was extremely promising. There was Becker, who played in a college band and obituary. no question she would become a published toured through Europe as a street musician, Writers such as these helped nurture author,” he says. says music came before words. Becker’s imagination. “One always responds to what one admires in other’s End notes work,” he notes. He also finds inspira- This summer Becker is reviewing editor’s tion and story ideas from news stories that notes on Hot Springs and making final “have an emotional connection that I could revisions before the book goes to press. But “One always responds transplant to a character.” he always finds time for other notes—the to what one admires in Some stories are “vaguely autobiograph- musical ones. ical,” he says. Take, for example, “Big Grey,” He says music came before words. He other’s work.” published in Dangerous Men, Becker’s played guitar in a college band, Pearl, and —Geoffrey Becker 1995 collection, which won the Dru Heinz after graduation moved to New York City, Literature Prize. A tale of human and strumming bluegrass and performing with canine misfits, “Big Grey’s” genesis came bands at The Lone Star Café, O’Lunney’s from Becker’s late night, lonely walks with Country Music City and the Eagle Tavern. his dog through Brooklyn’s Prospect Park in He even toured through Europe as a the late ’80s. “A pack of stray dogs roamed street musician. He never got his musical there,” Becker says. “One—the alpha break, but he did get story ideas from his male—even had a busted paw like the one travels, he says. in the story.” Becker still picks up the guitar. He played But even with an idea, the words don’t for the audience in Nashville after receiving just flow on to the paper or computer the Parthenon Award. monitor. Writing requires “creating a And at a recent Colby College reunion, regular routine for yourself,” Becker says. he reunited with band members from Pearl “You can’t just wait for inspiration. You for a one-night gig. “There were six of us,” must show up to write like you would for he says. “We had three quick rehearsals any job.” and gave a show. The music was so good It’s advice he gives to students when that people from other reunion years were he appears in the classroom to teach sneaking in to hear us.” n aspiring writers. A short story, “Big Grey,” about human Ginny Cook is the editor of Towson. and canine misfits, was inspired by Becker’s late-night walks with his dog in a Brooklyn, N.Y., park during the 1980s.

22 towson f a l l 2009 alumni events

Alumni Events

Alumni Career Connections from the Wednesday, November 4, 2009

2:30–5:30 p.m. Job fair hosted by the Towson University Career Center 5:30–8:30 p.m. Alumni Career Connections event alumni president • Resume and cover letter review • Interview tips and preparation skills Engagement has become a popular • Create your LinkedIn profile buzzword in many types of organiza- • Network with fellow alumni tions—and for good reason. Whether • you are a major corporation or a small Career presentations and roundtable discussion groups non-profit, it’s more important than ever • Learn about job searches in a down economy that your stakeholders feel involved in and dedicated to your mission. All alumni are welcome to participate in this exciting career resource event. It’s no different at Towson Univer- sity. Over the past several years, we’ve worked hard to create an environment that promotes engagement among our We Have Not Forgotten students, faculty, staff and alumni. Last year alone, nearly 5,000 alumni Honor Elizabeth Wainio ’95 Scholarship Fundraiser participated in events sponsored by Thursday, September 10, 2009 the Alumni Association. This year, we are again offering a variety of ways to Ropewalk a Federal Hill Tavern, 6-8 p.m. reconnect with your alma mater. $50 per person; $35 is a tax deductible contribution On Nov. 4, in partnership with the TU Career Center and Burkshire Marrriott, the Alumni Association will host a career fair, packed with networking and edu- Wine Tasting with a Twist cational opportunities to help you make your next professional move. In addition, Friday, September 25, 2009 we’re hosting a wine tasting in Septem- Basignani Winery, 6-9 p.m. ber, planning a fantastic Homecoming Festival in October, and getting ready to $30 per person cheer on Towson’s marching band when they perform in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City. We’ll also be traveling to special alumni events in Atlanta Alumni Reception Atlanta and Florida. You can also engage with Towson Tuesday, October 13, 2009 by giving back. One way to do this is Capital City Club, 6-8 p.m. by attending the Sept. 10 fundraiser for Honor Elizabeth Wanio ’95, who was killed Sept. 11 on Flight 93. The event will be held at the Ropewalk Tavern in For more details, contact the Office Federal Hill. Part of the proceeds support of Alumni Relations at 800-887-8152 a scholarship for a student majoring or [email protected]. To RSVP, in mass communication. go to www.tutigertracks.com.

I hope to see you soon, Support the TU Marching Band at the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.

Kim Fabian ’88 Go to www.towson.edu/bands/alumni President Towson University Alumni Association for more information. alumni events

Celebrating Golden Years

1 2

Oak Crest and Charlestown Luncheon >

Nearly 50 alumni and guests gathered at the retirement community of Oak Crest March 17, 2009 for an annual luncheon. Gary Rubin ’69, vice president of University 3 4 Advancement and Ray Lorian, dean of the College of Educa- tion delivered campus news, while alumni told stories about their experiences at Towson.

Reunion Brunch > 5 6

Alumni from the classes of 1940-1958 celebrated at a luncheon on May 1, 2009. An archives display with yearbooks, photos and the Towerlight from those years was available for review. Kim Fabian ’88, president of the Alumni Association, 1 Ruth and James ’50 Wetzel reviewed the changes on 2 Irma Seitz, Alvin Pasquinelli ’56 and Deane Cody ’52 campus before alumni took 3 Teresa Bosco ’38 and Louise Fitzell ’38 4 Eugene ’59 and Charlotte Langbehn and Gary Rubin ’69 a tour to get a look at what’s 5 Members of the Class of 1945 new since their last visit to TU. 6 Tess Paros ’51 and Patricia Edwards ’51

24 towson f a l l 2009 alumni events

Celebrating Golden Years

1 2

< 50 Years Later

The class of 1959 gathered on May 2, 2009 to celebrate their 50-year graduation milestone. The group spent the weekend partying with alumni and 3 friends at Towson University and then extended the good times by taking

4 a trip to Ocean City, Md. Classmates Mike Devita and David King presented wonderful memories from Towson State Teachers College. The weekend was filled with music, laughter, good food and great company.

6 1 Herb Lang, Marcia Storm Lang ’59 and Myra Harris ’59 2 Ray Davis, Jr. ’61, Jean Rogers Davis ’59 and Dave King ’59 3 Classmates, Charmagne Kessler Holt, Carole Brydon Patschke and Dorothy Dunn Deluca 4 Margaret Powers ’59 and Edith Jackson Fafard ’59 5 Members of the Class of 1959 posed for a class photo on the steps of the Auburn House. 6 Earl Myers ’59, Barbara ’59 and John Huesman

f a l l 2009 towson 25 alumni events

Office of Alumni Relations 800-887-8152 • 410-704-2234 [email protected] 8000 York Road • Towson, MD www.tutigertracks.com

October 12, 13 & 14 University Alumni Volunteer Athletic Hall of Fame Induction Dinner Service Award 6 p.m. – cocktails Janet Kines ’80 Homecoming Blood Drive 7 p.m. – dinner 8 a.m. – 6 p.m., Oct. 12, 13 Alumni Volunteer Athletic Chesapeake Room, University Union Service Award 8 a.m. – 2 p.m., Oct. 14 $75 per person Potomac Lounge, University Union Tony Seaman Come celebrate the 2009 inductees: Alumni are welcome to donate blood. Visitor Michael J. Bruno ’76, soccer parking and metered spots are available in Friday, October 16 Lot 11 next to the Union Parking Garage. Carrie A. Leger ’96, gymnastics Mark F. Orlando ’95, football Millennium Reunion Meilani M. Snellenberger ’96, swimming and diving Thursday, October 15 7 – 9:30 p.m. The accomplishments of the 1976 football team Classes of 2000-2009 will also be recognized. Volunteer Recognition Reception Charles Village Pub 6 – 8:30 p.m. The TU Alumni Association says, “Welcome For more information or to R.S.V.P., contact Auburn House Pavilion back.” Reconnect, network and enjoy the the Athletics Office at 410-704-3284. kickoff to Homecoming weekend with The Towson University Alumni Association is entertainment, food and a cash bar. RSVP proud to honor their most outstanding alumni, online at www.tutigertracks.com, faculty and staff volunteers. Recipients of the Saturday, October 17 on the Alumni Association Facebook page, Alumni Association Scholarship and Grant by calling 800-887-8152 or e-mailing program will also be recognized at the Alumni Homecoming Festival [email protected]. reception. Please contact the Office of & Reunion Row Alumni Relations at 800-887-8152 or Noon – 7 p.m. [email protected] for more information. Golf Outing for Alumni and Friends 9 a.m. – Continental breakfast Sponsored by Spirit of the University Award Burdick Field Daniel J. McCarthy ’75/’83 10 a.m. – tee off; 18-hole scramble Chestnut Ridge Country Club, Lutherville Alumni get “Wild with Pride” at the fifth Alumni Volunteer Staff Service Award annual Alumni Homecoming Festival. $150 per person includes ticket Get ready to celebrate Homecoming with Louise Shulack to the TU-Delaware football game. fellow alumni, friends and family for a day For reservations, contact golf coach of food, fun and more. Alumni Association Volunteer Brian Yaniger at 410-704-3578 by Service Award October 5, 2009. All proceeds go to the Barbara Eckley ’77 TU men’s and women’s golf programs.

Alumni Volunteer Faculty Service Award Format: 2 low nets / foursome individual best score (gross) will determine James Anthony the 2009 Tiger Golf Alumni Champion For detailed information on alumni and student events, please visit:

26 towson f a l l 2009 www.towson.edu/ homecoming alumni events

Festival Highlights What can I bring? Sunday, October 18 • Fun, family atmosphere Outside food and beverages are permitted. with games for kids You may bring your own grill. Classical Music Benefit for No one under the age of 21 will be • Reunion Row tents available The Center for Adults with Autism (see below for more information) admitted without parent or guardian. No drinking games permitted. 2 p.m. – Reception and silent auction • Stop by the Alumni Association 3 p.m. – Welcome and concert tent for goodies and a Be sure to get your TU alumni gear at the University Store in the University Union chance to enter the alumni raffle Center for the Arts, University Store Hours: • Campus tours Harold J. Kaplan Concert Hall Friday, October 16: 8:30 a.m.–5p.m. • Watch TU’s championship dance team Saturday, October 17: 11 a.m.–7p.m. $100 – adults, premiere seating • Hear the TU Marching Band $50 – adults, general seating • Free food at the GEICO hospitality Marching Band Tailgate $15 – TU students/children

tent with expanded family picnic area The TU Marching Band invites alumni from Enjoy an afternoon with music by pianist • Free shuttle to Unitas Stadium for the band to parking lot 21 (near the Towson Reynaldo Reyes, violinist Zoltan Szabo and the Homecoming football game Center) for a cookout before the Homecoming vocalist Monica Szabo. Presented by the football game. College of Health Professions to benefit How do I make a Reunion Row TU’s Center for Adults with Autism. reservation? For more information please contact To order tickets call 410-704-3375 or visit Jackie Blinke at [email protected] www.tutigertracks.com/autismevent Contact the Office of Alumni Relations at or visit the Marching Band Web site at [email protected] or 800-887-8152 http://www.towson.edu/bands/alumni/. for a reservation form or print the form Hotel Rooms at www.towson.edu/homecoming. Homecoming Football Game Burkshire Marriott Conference Hotel What is Reunion Row? 3:30 p.m. 10 West Burke Avenue • 800-435-5986 Reunion Row is an opportunity for you to plan Towson University Tigers vs. A block of rooms has been reserved for a mini-reunion of fellow alumni and friends University of Delaware October 16 and 17, 2009. To receive the block at the Alumni Homecoming Festival. Groups Johnny Unitas® Stadium rate, please make your reservation no later than range from five people to 200 people and can September 18, 2009 indicating you are part Tickets can be purchased through the be informal or organized gatherings. Last year of the “Alumni Homecoming Room Block”. Athletics Box Office at 410-704-2244 38 alumni groups participated in Reunion Row. The special block rate is $129 plus tax for a one-bedroom suite and $159 plus tax for With nearly 2,500 alumni and friends attending For more information on a two-bedroom suite. the Alumni Homecoming Festival and Reunion Tiger football or other Tiger teams Row, you’ll be sure to see someone you know. go to www.towsontigers.com. For a list of additional area hotels, go to www.towson.edu/homecoming/ What does a Reunion Row Nancy Romita accommodations.asp. Reservation include? 25 Years of Moving at TU • one 10x10 canopy tent on Burdick Field 4 p.m .and 7:30 p.m. • two six-foot tables Center for the Arts, Dance Studio Theater • Sign for your tent Nancy Wanich Romita celebrates 25 years with TU as her artistic home. This performance is a • Access to festival entertainment, retrospective of her unique blend of humor and games and food humanism through dance. Each dance will be • Parking permits performed by alumni and area dance compa- • Optional grill rental available nies. All proceeds will benefit the TU Dance Department Endowment.

What is the cost? For information go to $100 per tent www.towson.edu/artscalendar or call 410-704-2787. $80 per grill (includes 5-foot grill with charcoal and lighter fluid) alumni events

Awards Banquet

Distinguished Alumni Award Recipient Gary T. Gill ’74

Distinguished Alumni and Dean’s Recognition College of Business and Economics College of Education College of Fine Arts Awards Banquet > Vincent Talbert ’90 James B. Binko ’59 and Communication Dianne Benson ’68 Seven alumni were honored for their outstanding achieve- ments at the annual awards banquet.

College of Health Professions College of Liberal Arts Jess and Mildred Fisher College Carmen E. Aldinger ’96 Richard F. Blue, Jr. ’78 of Science and Mathematics Linda R. Wilbanks ’73

28 towson f a l l 2009 from the

Giving Highlights c a p i t a l c a m p a i g n r e a c h e s $37.8 m i l l i o n campaign chair The university has reached historic levels Towson donors are inspiring. of philanthropy, thanks to the great generosity Despite the economic realities that of individuals and organizations choosing to all of us are facing, many individuals and organizations continue to make support Towson scholarships, academic and Towson University a priority. While our athletic programs, and more. Even in this $50 Million GOAL: $50 Million students have never been more chal- difficult economic period, Towson donors FY ’11 lenged to come up with funds for their education, you contributed more than stepped forward to provide crucial support $45 Campaign $2.5 million in scholarship support. to keep our students achieving. Thank you Progress The need for funding academic and for your gift in 2009. to Date: FY ’10 community programs with long-term $40 $37,881,972 $212,254 economic and social impact is ongoing; Following are just a few highlights of the (as of August 1, 2009) you answered the call with more than 2009 fiscal year (July 1, 2008 to June 30, 2009). $4 million in contributions. $35 With your help, we continue to FY ’09 make great headway toward our n Towson has raised a record-breaking $7,034,923 seven-year campaign goal of $50 THE CAMPAIGN FOR TOWSON $37.8 million toward the $50 million $30 million. With two years remaining, we capital campaign goal. have already reached 76 percent of our FY ’08 $6,335,999 goal. The immediate impact of what n Total contributions from alumni, faculty, $25 has been raised to date—from STEM staff, parents, friends, corporations and scholarships to visiting artists—is out- foundations totaled more than $7 million, standing, and it energizes us to know FY ’07 a 9.5 percent increase over the previous year. how much more can be accomplished $20 $5,785,015 with your generosity. n Three $1 million gifts were received this year, On behalf of the campaign commit- two for scholarships for Towson students FY ’06 tee, the TU Foundation, the develop- $15 $4,998,460 ment office and the university, thank coming from Baltimore high schools and you. Thank you for picking up the one to establish an endowment for the Osher Lifelong Learning Center. phone to a TU student caller, for open- $10 ing that envelope, for making your FY ’05 n The numbers of donors who gave online gift online. Large or small, your gift is $13,515,176 having an impact; you are making a increased 14 percent. $5 Includes $10,200,000 gift difference. from the Robert M. Fisher n Of the nearly 12,000 donors this fiscal year, Memorial Foundation to rename the College more than 4,500 were TU alumni. of Science and Mathematics

n Membership in the Tower Light Society increased by 6 percent as more of you Molly Shock ’75 added the Towson University Foundation Campaign Chair as a beneficiary of your estate plans. Growing a University— The Campaign for Towson

f a l l 2009 towson 29 First Hackerman Scholarships Awarded a $1 m i l l i o n g i f t a l l o w s b a l t i m o r e polytechnic i n s t i t u t e g r a d u a t e s t o a t t e n d t u t u i t i o n -f r e e

The first recipients of the Hackerman Presidential Poly- “Poly graduates are especially well-suited technic Scholarship to meet these needs, and it is my wish are attending TU this to give them the opportunity to develop fall, thanks to the generosity of Willard their gifts at Towson University.” Hackerman. Hackerman, a 1935 graduate of and mathematics. The first students to receive this scholarship began Baltimore Poly- classes this fall. One intends to major in biology, while the other is technic Institute planning to pursue computer science. and president of Both were excited to begin their collegiate careers at Towson. “It the Whiting-Turner was an honor attending Poly, and I believe that Towson University will Contracting Com- have the same impact on me,” says one of the recipients. “I hope to pany, recently gave Willard Hackerman make Towson University—and Mr. Hackerman—proud.” $1 million to Towson Polytechnic Institute director Barney J. Wilson says, “Mr. Hackerman for scholarships to enable qualifying Poly graduates to attend the believes in the potential of our young people and has a strong university tuition-free. He designated his gift to benefit Poly graduates tradition of supporting them financially and spiritually. His actions who intend to enroll in a major in the Fisher College of Science and speak to who he is and where his heart is. We are truly honored that Mathematics at Towson. Selection will be based on financial need and he is a graduate of the Baltimore Polytechnic Institute.“ academic achievement. This gift continues Hackerman’s support and long standing interest in science and technology. He previously contributed $1 million to establish the Willard Hackerman Academy of Mathematics and t h e a n n u a l r e p o r t is g o i n g o n l i n e Science at Towson University. “It is critical that we attract more students into STEM (Science, Towson is committed to being a good steward of Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) majors and prepare teach- university resources and natural resources. To this ers who will be energized to teach in area schools in these much- end, the 2009 annual report of donors soon will be in a needed disciplines,” Hackerman says about his most recent philan- new online format on the Towson University Web site. Look for your name among those who have led the way thropy. “Poly graduates are especially well-suited to meet these needs, in supporting Towson with contributions for students and it is my wish to give them the opportunity to develop their gifts and programs. at Towson University.” If you have questions or comments about this initiative, Baltimore Polytechnic Institute, established in 1883, is a co-ed col- e-mail [email protected] or call 410-704-3425 lege preparatory school emphasizing science, technology, engineering to speak to Shannon Arehart, manager of stewardship programs and donor relations.

Thank you for your gift.

30 towson f a l l 2009 The Jazzman Remembering LeAnn Foster ’05 b i l l m u r r a y ’08 h e l p s b r i n g a r t i s t s t o c a m p u s e n d o w m e n t c r e a t e d f o r g r a d u a t e s t u d e n t s in p s y c h o l o g y

Bill Murray ’08 has LeAnn Foster ’05 had just always been drawn to embarked on a career she jazz. His mother, a music loved when cancer overtook teacher, taught him piano, her. Her parents, Marvin and and by age five his fingers Shirley Foster, are celebrating were plying the ivories. LeAnn’s life and spirit by estab- By the time he was in lishing an endowment in her eighth grade, Murray name. The Anita LeAnn Foster

Bill Murray ’08 was performing in dance Graduate Psychology Endow- bands. Though he went ment will provide scholarships, on to pursue an education and successful career in business, research and teaching- Anita LeAnn Foster ’05 he never lost his love for music. assistant stipends to Towson As his retirement neared, Murray decided to pursue his pas- University students who are pursuing graduate degrees in psychol- sion at Towson University. Murray auditioned, was accepted ogy and intending to work in the mental health field. to Towson’s respected jazz program in 2002 and received his Foster received her undergraduate degree from Radford University undergraduate degree in May 2008. in Virginia in 1994 and an M.A. in psychology from TU in 2005. She Over time, Murray, who is a director on the Towson University was licensed as a counseling psychologist in Maryland later that year Foundation Board, and his wife Helen became interested in and employed as a mental health therapist in Baltimore. finding ways to assist the mission of the jazz program. “It is Foster was diagnosed with breast cancer in March of 2006. what we do,” Bill Murray explains. “It is in our nature to look She fought a courageous 18-month battle, through which her family for ways to help.” Murray has a particular interest in kick- lovingly cites her inexhaustible positive attitude and humor in the starting vital projects with the necessary funding. According face of pain. She died on June 20, 2007, at the age of 35. to Dave Ballou, director of TU’s jazz and commercial studies “Mr. and Mrs. Foster have chosen a strikingly appropriate way division in the Department of Music, there is a great need for to honor their daughter and the positive experience she had as a talented musicians to mentor TU students. graduate student in psychology at Towson,” says Terry Cooney, dean With Ballou’s guidance, the Murrays created a visiting jazz of the College of Liberal Arts. “Their gift establishes an ongoing artist endowment in 2004 that allows guest artists to means of assisting other students with a passion for helping others come to campus to teach and perform. In 2008, the Murrays and keeps LeAnn’s spirit alive within the psychology programs.” established a fund to start a jazz artist residency. The fund supports visiting musicians who can spend more time on campus conducting master classes, mentoring jazz students and t h a n k y o u participating in performances with both students and faculty. The Bill and Helen Murray Jazz Residency Program brought its Thank you to all of our friends who make Towson University a first artist to campus last fall—Drew Gress ‘81, a double bassist philanthropic priority each year. and award-winning composer. To make your gift for 2009-2010, “There is no substitute for collaborating with and hearing contact the Development Office firsthand stories of these artists. Bill Murray is a great friend to at 1-866-301-3375 or visit the university and a great musician, and I’m grateful that he www.towson.edu/supportTU. made a vision we’ve had into reality,” says Ballou.

f a l l 2009 towson 31 TU Rolls Out Giving to Towson at the Golden Tiger Society Founders Society level allows me consecutive a n n u a l d o n o r s r e c o g n i z e d to honor an important milestone While there are many wonderful in my career. donors who have a long history of giving to TU, there “Mike Donahue ’74 was ready for an academic is a special group challenge when he entered Towson after serving two who has never years of active duty in the Navy. He quickly found what he needed for a successful business career. missed a chance to contribute. “My TU experience was the initial trigger that got me motivated and focused. It gave me the skills and Cristen Grich ’02 has contributed to More than knowledge that helped lay the foundation for my TU each year since her graduation. 1,500 alumni, career in finance,” he says. parents, faculty, staff and friends were recognized ” in the rollout of the Golden Tiger Society, which Donahue now finds that giving to CBE’s Scholarship honors those who have made contributions of Fund at a Founders any size to Towson annually for five or more Society level is a consecutive fiscal years. These individuals meaningful way continue to make the university a philanthropic to help other priority year after year through their annual gift, students enjoy the even through the ups and downs of a challeng- same experience ing economy. Their commitment is vital to the he did. The university’s students and programs. Founders Society, the “Donors who have achieved the Golden Tiger leadership recognition program at Towson, welcomes new Society are committed to the future of Towson,” members annually. says TU President Robert L. Caret. “I am grateful that we have such loyal partners in our endeavors.” “I give because I see an immediate result of giving. It’s rewarding to see Cristen Grich ’02, a teacher in the Harford the profound impact my gift has on County Public School System, has been contrib- a program or a student’s ability to uting since her graduation. “Each year I give complete a degree,” he says. to help support the university that gave me so much. Towson afforded me fabulous experiences Join Mike in the Founders Society and prepared me for my journey as an elementary and watch your gift enhance opportunities school teacher,” says Grich. “I can honestly for our students today and tomorrow. say that Towson enabled me to become a For more information, contact Wendy Neuman, responsible and successful adult.” director of the Founders Society, at 410-704-3375 or [email protected].

www.towson.edu/founders

32 towson f a l l 2009 class notes

In Memoriam Prudence M. Walz ’65 ELED retired after Attention 30 years of teaching in public elementary schools Alumni in Kentucky, West Virginia and Maryland. She Harrison A. Axelrad ’97 Thomas K. Czawlytko ’84 English Majors and her husband of 45 years have three grown August 21, 1997 April 26, 2009 children, each with Master of Arts degrees. Two of The English department has their children are pursuing their doctoral degrees. Ethel B. Weber ’48 Joseph P. Gutkoska ’56 posted a survey for graduates June 23, 2002 April 28, 2009 who majored in English. You Walt Bockmiller ’67 retired from Volusia Robert K. Dietz ’70 Michael L. Donaldson ’95 can voice your opinions about County Leisure Services after 21 years as November 7, 2004 April 30, 2009 the major, the courses you took recreation manager-deputy director, and facilities Joseph A. Morton ’68 Sharon W. Berkemeier ’89 and the professors who taught and operations manager. He was a city manager March 25, 2005 May 6, 2009 for two years in Florida and had a long career them. Your input will help as director of Recreation and Parks for Carroll Debra T. Morici ’87 Marty Hyatt ’91 improve the program. October 10, 2006 May 7, 2009 County, Md., Rockville, Md. and Ocean Pines, Md. Bockmiller is married with three daughters and Elizabeth G. Chalson ’74 Joseph H. Beaver Jr. ’53 Visit www.towson.edu/english/ three grandchildren. March 6, 2007 May 8, 2009 documents/GradQuestionaire.pdf. Brenda J. Nesselroad ’73 Helen W. Norfolk ’48 There is also a link to it on the Cheryl C. Aydelotte ’69 BIOL, who retired May 11, 2007 May 10, 2009 English department home page, from the Baltimore County Public School System Ann S. Zimmer ’60 Jonie Marilyn Lehmann ’03 www.towson.edu/english. in July after working for 40 years as a teacher, is June 29, 2007 May 14, 2009 looking forward to traveling in the off-season. J. Jacqueline Waryasz ’60 William P. White ’92 September 6, 2007 May 17, 2009 John Edward Roach ’69/’77 M.Ed. was Before the 1960s inducted into the Poly Alumni Hall of Fame by the Louis Truszkowski ’59 Esther L. Lang ’40 Baltimore Polytechnic Institute Alumni Association July 21, 2008 May 29, 2009 James A. Addy ’55 EDUC was re-elected to on April 21. During his 23 years on Poly’s faculty, a fifth two-year term as mayor of Harpers Ferry, James S. Edelen ’74 Francis L. Hartman ’66 he taught chemistry, served on many school W.Va. He ran unopposed. August 18, 2008 June 6, 2009 committees, sponsored various clubs, served as Morton D. Weiner ’42 Lois Stalling Appel ’78 president of the student activity board and was October 2, 2008 June 14, 2009 1960s producer for the Poly Follies. Hirsch C. Ribakow ’84 Edward J. Novak ’78 October 29, 2008 June 14, 2009 Sherman Silverman ’63, a geography professor at Prince George’s Community College 1970s Lloyd Y. Nyamekye ’88 Jacob Epstein ’35 for 41 years, has a strong interest in the historical December 8, 2008 June 18, 2009 Tobias Stanislas Haller ’71 FREN, a vicar geography of North America. He has published at St. James Church Fordham in New York, had Mary K. Weiss ’31 Jonathan Harding ’01 numerous works, including two textbook editions, his book, Reasonable and Holy: Engaging April 2, 2009 June 19, 2009 three workbook editions as well as journal and Same-Sexuality, published by Seabury Books. Bertha C. Flom ’31 William C. Kiszner ’85 encyclopedia articles. Silverman received the April 3, 2009 June 19, 2009 Distinguished Teaching Achievement Award given Marguerite C. Hall ’72 ELED celebrated by the National Council for Geographic Education Mildred C. Nicodemus ’44 Geraldine M. Heiss ’46 her 90th birthday in December 2008 with a in 1993 and the Distinguished Scholar Award April 11, 2009 June 20, 2009 surprise party thrown by her two sons. presented by the Pennsylvania Geographical John D. Costlow ’48 Mary B. Frantz ’63 Society in 2001. April 12, 2009 June 21, 2009 Barry W. Thomas ’72, dean of Strayer University in Owings Mills, Md., received an Veronica Y. Altenburg ’91 Estelle W. Bell ’43 Richard Sours ’63 and Charlotte award at a recent management retreat. The April 14, 2009 June 22, 2009 Murphy Sours ’64 are retiring from their Owings Mills campus was recognized as the respective careers as educators. Charlotte taught Charles B. Schorr ’71 Evelyn Ernst Hughes ’41 Outstanding Mature Campus of 2009. April 17, 2009 June 23, 2009 elementary and middle school students, and later, college students. Richard taught mathematics and Jeffrey Jones ’73 has five grandchildren: Dane P. Kornick ’69 computer science before becoming an administra- April 20, 2009 two grandsons and three granddaughters. tor. He was the executive vice president and dean of Ferrum College, and most recently, was the president of William Penn University. They live at Smith Mountain Lake near Roanoke, Va.

f a l l 2009 towson 33 class notes

Bill Owings ’73 ENGL/EDUC and his at TU last spring. “The acoustics of Towson’s con- Laurie Hennessey Manfreda ’91 ELED wife, Leslie Kaplan, published their ninth book, cert hall are fantastic and the band was firing on and her husband, Matt, welcomed their first American Education: Building a Common all cylinders,” he writes. “And as fortune would child, James Patrick, on April 25. James weighed Foundation. have it, there was an aspiring sound engineer 8 pounds, 2.5 ounces. on the premises who seized the opportunity and Beth Wiseman ’74 received an Advocate of captured the whole event.” Steven Kazlowski ’92, a wildlife pho- the Year award from Jim Smith, Baltimore County tographer, displayed his work in the new GHG executive, for her work advocating for senior Marge Steele ’82 BUAD became TU’s assis- Photos exhibit, “Visualizing Climate Change,” citizen issues. tant athletics director for athletic corporate sales. at the Henry Gregg Gallery in Brooklyn, N.Y. His She brings an extensive background in corporate museum exhibit, “The Last Polar Bear: Facing the Jeffrey Riddle ’75 BUAD retired after 35 marketing from jobs at PHH Corporation, MCI Truth of a Warming World,” will be on display at years in the food industry, having worked for WorldCom and MCI Telecommunications, Inc. the University of Alaska’s Museum of the North Borden Foods, Quaker Oats and ConAgra Foods in Fairbanks until October. Kazlowski was a guest throughout his career. His oldest daughter works R. Duane Cespedes, M.D. ’85 BIOL, a speaker aboard the Prince Albert II on a trip in advertising in Virginia and his youngest daugh- urologist, was hired by Johns Hopkins Bayview as exploring Norway’s arctic. ter began medical school in Arizona this fall. He a specialist at the Johns Hopkins Women’s Center lives in Venice, Fla. for Pelvic Health. Delana M. Lantz ’92 EDUC, who danced the role of the Sugar Plum Fairy before going Albert F. Kelly ’76 retired in 2008 after Jonathan R. Flora ’85 was made a partner to college, has worked as a model and makeup eight seasons coaching Charlotte Catholic High in the tax & wealth management department of artist for 20 years and is hoping to start dancing School’s lacrosse team in Charlotte, N.C. He and Schnader Harrison Segal & Lewis in Philadelphia. again. Marguerite C. Hall ’72 his wife, Terese, recently moved to Jacksonville, celebrated her Fla., and welcomed their second grandchild, Hope Tarr ’86 PSYC will have her 12th novel Jonathan Oleisky ’92, CEO of Media 924, released by Harlequin Enterprises in December. 90th birthday in Sawyer Jon, on Feb. 24. wondered how many phone calls to the front Twelve Nights is a Christmas historical romance. desk it takes to get a light bulb changed in his December with a Eve Golden ’79 THEA will have her seventh hotel room. After two days of unsuccessful en- surprise party thrown book, Bride of Golden Images, published in Michele Forney ’88/’04 M.S. has been treaties, he Twittered the question. The light bulb by her two sons. December, which is a sequel to her 2000 work, a media specialist at High Bridge Elementary was replaced that day. USA Today picked up the Golden Images, a collection of her magazine School in Bowie, Md. for four years. She is also Tweet and put his story on one of its blogs. and newspaper articles on film stars of the president of the Maryland Association of School 1930s through the1960s. Librarians, a state organization with more than Hemal Shah ’94 earned a master’s degree in 500 members. aging studies from the College of Notre Dame in Marty Piepoli ’79 is a health care regulatory May 2003, and has been a medical technologist consultant in South Carolina. He and his wife, Patricia Mager ’89 ACCT, president of the working at Johns Hopkins Hospital for 15 years. Send Us Your News Patty, recently celebrated their 25th wedding accounting and management firm WHBG, Inc. Shah has traveled to Europe, Mexico, India, 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 was elected treasurer of the Maryland Society of anniversary. They have two sons, one Canada and the Caribbean. [email protected]. Because of production schedules, your news may not appear in the magazine you receive graduating from college and one who will Accountants. She is pursuing her master’s degree immediately after submitting an item. be beginning college. in finance and accounting at the University of Mark ’95 ECON and Ricci ’94 MCOM Name______Maryland. Koenig welcomed their son, Ashton Lane, Class Year______Major______Name at Graduation______Jan Strevig ’79, an instrumental music on April 13. Address______teacher at Westowne Elementary School in Catonsville, Md., performed at Carnegie Hall on 1990s Robyn Columbo Locker ’95 MCOM and City______State______ZIP Code______June 6 with her vocal sextet, the CUMCwhats. her husband, Erich, welcomed Wyatt Robert on Previous Address (if address is new)______Chris Devlin ’90 CCMM played Johnny They were one of 24 groups accepted from April 21. Wyatt joins older brother, Ryan, 2. Home Phone______Business Phone______in A Hatful of Rain, at the Skylight Theatre the United States and Canada to perform as a Business Address______in Los Angeles last summer. mass choir to celebrate the 70th anniversary of Anthony J. Castro ’96, a clinical psycholo- Employer______Shawnee Press. gist who treats children, adolescents and adults, Glen Caple ’91 entered the U.S. Navy in Title______E-mail______is the author of Creating Space for Happiness: January 1993 and two years later was designated The Secret of Giving Room, a self-help book Here’s my news (please use a separate sheet of paper if necessary):______a naval aviator. For the next seven years, he “that can improve lives and relationships.” ______1980s traveled all over the world, visiting many different He also frequently speaks to parents, colleagues announces the places, including Puerto Rico, Curacao, Norway, ______Ellery Eskelin ’81 MUSC and teachers in the St. Louis, Mo., area. release of One Great Night…Live. He and his Denmark and Tunisia. ______band recorded the new CD during a performance

34 towson f a l l 2009 class notes

Timothy V. Martin ’96 and Amy Purdum 2000s Amber Rathgeber Mentz ’01 MCOM Martin ’99 welcomed Alyssa Katherine on Aug. and her husband, Gerry, welcomed Grace 18, 2008. Alyssa joins sister, Kaylee. Tim has been Tim Bibo ’00 and his wife, Kristen, welcomed Elizabeth on Feb. 16. Grace joins big brother, a senior financial analyst at Greater Baltimore Anna Lindgren on March 7. She weighed 5 Carsyn, 3. Medical Center in Towson since March 2008. pounds, 15 ounces and was 18.75 inches long. Jennifer N. Albano ’02 earned her doctor- Kimberly MacKerron Clemens ’98 Erin Kimes ’00 HIST and Kim Bauguess ate in pharmacology from Temple University MCOM/’00 ISTC and her husband, Dan, ’01 KNES welcomed Jonathan Daniel on Dec. School of Medicine in September 2008. She is a celebrated the birth of their daughter, Katelyn 9, 2008. Jonathan joins big brother, Jake, 4. pharmacologist/reviewer with the Food and Drug Grace, on March 9, 2008. Katelyn joins big Administration in the Office of Generic Drugs in brother, Luke Daniel, 4. Matt Monius ’00 and Gina Rosenberger Rockville, Md. ’00 were finalists in a television dream-wedding Benjamin Schmitt ’98 and Melissa contest hosted by “The Young and the Restless.” Rachel DiCarlo Curry ’02 ENGL is a R. Duane Cespedes, ’85 Wickerson Schmitt ’98 welcomed Jackson speechwriter for Arizona Sen. Jon Kyl. BIOL is a urologist Charles on Jan. 14, who joins big sister, Jessica Tracy L. Steedman ’00, an attorney with Kathleen. Benjamin was one of only 25 teachers Niles, Barton & Wilmer, LLP, was designated as a Jeffrey Folk ’02 BUAD and Brandi at Johns Hopkins nationwide to receive a grant by the National Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design Frazee Folk ’02 OCTH have two children— Bayview. Endowment for the Humanities for a UMass Accredited Professional by the U.S. Green Build- Timothy, born Jan. 1, 2007, and Madison, born Dartmouth summer program, Maritime America ing Council. May 11, 2009. The family lives in the mountains in the Age of Winslow. in Garrett County, Md. Thomas J. Giordano Jr. ’01 was elected to Frank Damian Altuna ’99 is pursuing his the board of directors of the Epilepsy Foundation Yi Ma ’02 ACCT was promoted to advanced law degree at Universidad Central de Venezuela. of Eastern Pennsylvania. He is the head of the senior accountant at Stoy, Malone & Co., P.C., a Social Security Disability Department at the law regional accounting and business-consulting firm. Kimberly McNair ’99 was appointed to firm of Martin, Banks, Pond, Lehocky & Wilson the 2009 Board of Examiners for the Malcolm and has been honored as a Pennsylvania Super Marcia Grieb Fellows ’03 CCMM Baldrige National Quality Award, a prestigious Lawyer Rising Star in 2006, 2007 and 2008. married Jonathan Fellows on Nov. 8, 2008. award presented to U.S. organizations for performance excellence.

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______

Previous Address (if address is new)______Home Phone______Business Phone______Business Address______Employer______Title______E-mail______

Here’s my news (please use a separate sheet of paper if necessary):______

f a l l 2009 towson 35 class notes

Jean Fiumara ’03 M.Ed. published Never Too Busy for a Hug, which provides uplifting thoughts about being a parent. Fiumara is in her seventh year as a teacher at Friends School of Baltimore.

Danielle Mallon ’03 FMST and her husband, Tim, celebrated the birth of Kimberly Susan, on May 26, who weighed 8 pounds, 3 ounces. She joins big brother, Timothy.

Allyson M. Wynn ’03 earned a master’s degree in teaching-special education from Goucher College in May. She was also inducted into Pi Lambda Theta, a national honor society for educators. Pet Project Katie Lauren Macken ’04 BIOL gradu- ated from the University of Maryland, Baltimore, Pamela Spear ’00 M.S., OTR Dental School and is completing one year of residency at Danbury Hospital in Connecticut. Helping people cope when their pets die Randall Cooper ’09, Jason McDuffie ’04earned the Microsoft a biology major and Certified Desktop Support Technician credential. co-captain of the Pamela Spear ’00 M.S. understands Spear, who began her career in oc- Tiger men’s lacrosse the pain of losing a furry friend. cupational therapy in 2001, is also a Eric Rhew ’05, athletic media relations team, received an When her beloved tabby cat, Sonny, certified grief counselor and trained assistant director at TU, was cited by the Col- NCAA Post-Graduate died in 2006, she suffered a wrench- as a professional pet bereavement lege Sports Information Directors of America Scholarship. ing grief but soon discovered there counselor with the Association of for excellence. He wrote and edited the men’s was little emotional support for for Pet Loss and Bereavement in lacrosse guide, which took second place, and the herself or other pet owners who had New York City. She offers a range women’s lacrosse guide, which took third place. lost their companions. of grief counseling services either Spear, a self-described “pet par- at her office in Crofton, Md., or at Julie Erin Stull ’07, who does audio, ent,” soon turned her experience into clients’ homes “where they may feel camera and graphics work for QVC, married a private practice, Not Just a Pet: more comfortable expressing their Benjamin Stull, a registered nurse, on July 19. Pet Loss and Bereavement Support feelings,” she says. She will also Services. accompany pets and people to veteri- Kim Cherry ’09 M.S. is the executive Now in its second year, Spear says nary offices for hospital procedures director of the Mathematics and Science Teacher the practice has helped many griev- including euthanasia. Institute at Xavier University of Louisiana. ing pet owners, often referred by Although Spear and her family local veterinarians, animal hospitals have since welcomed two new cats Randall Cooper ’09, co-captain of the and pet crematory facilities. into their home, she never considers Tiger men’s lacrosse team, received an NCAA “The emotional, psychological and them to be Sonny’s “replacements.” Post-Graduate Scholarship. The scholarships are physiological responses that clients “Everyone copes differently with awarded to student-athletes who excel academ- have when a pet dies are much like the loss of a pet,” she says. “I some- ically and athletically and who are in their final those experienced at the death of times advise my clients to heed the year of intercollegiate athletics competition. A a family member or close friend,” words of Dr. Seuss: ‘Don’t cry because biology major with a 3.85 GPA, Cooper started she says. “It is no surprise that the it’s over, smile because it happened.’” 16 of 17 games for the Tigers, is a seven-time grief and bereavement processes are Dean’s List honoree and received the Joseph similar and that the special human- —Melissa Kviz Ferrante Memorial Scholarship Award last year. animal bond must be accorded the same respect.”

36 towson f a l l 2009 I have a wonderful life and I am forever grateful for that, so I give back. Maybe I can help somebody else along the way.

Office of Development, 8000 York Road, Towson, MD 21252-0001 | 1-866-301-3375 www.towson.edu/development Non-Profit Alumni Relations U.S. Postage Towson University PAID 8000 York Road Towson University Towson, MD 21252-0001

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Parents: If this issue is addressed to a son or daughter who no longer maintains an address at your home, please send the correct address to Alumni Relations, Towson University, 8000 York Road, Towson, MD 21252-0001.

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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 Detailed information inside, pages 26–27. 11-17