SPRING 2021

SEAHAWKS TAKE FLIGHT AFTER SPORTS HIATUS Adapting to the Pandemic [ PAGE 10 ]

St. Mary’s College | THE MULBERRY TREE | spring 2021 | 1 ST. MARY’S COLLEGE of Maryland

SPRING 2021, VOL. XLII, NO. 2

www.smcm.edu/mulberrytree

Editor Lee Capristo Design Jensen Design Editorial Board Karen Anderson, Michael Bruckler, Lee Capristo, Molly McKee-Seabrook ’10, Gus Mohlhenrich, Karen Raley ’94, Olivia Sothoron ’21, Lauren Taylor ’14 Publisher Office of Institutional Advancement St. Mary’s College of Maryland 47645 College Drive St. Mary’s City, Maryland 20686

The Mulberry Tree is published by St. Mary’s College of Maryland, Maryland’s public hon- ors college for the liberal arts and sciences. It is produced for alumni, faculty, staff, trustees, the local community, and friends of the College. The magazine is named for the famous mulberry tree under which the Calvert colonists signed a treaty of friendship with the Yaocomico people and on the trunk of which public notices were posted in the mid-1600s. The tree endured long into the 19th century and was once a popular meeting spot for St. Mary’s College students. The illustration of the mulberry tree on the cover was drawn in 1972 by Earl Hofmann, artist- in-residence when St. Mary’s College President Renwick Jackson launched the magazine. Copyright 2021 The opinions expressed in The Mulberry Tree are those of the individual authors and not necessarily those of the College. The editor reserves the right to select and edit all material. Manuscripts and letters to the editor are en- couraged and may be addressed to Editor, The Mulberry Tree, St. Mary’s College of Maryland, 47645 College Drive, St. Mary’s City, MD 20686. Photographs and illustrations may not be reproduced without the express written consent of St. Mary’s College of Maryland.

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St. Mary’s College of Maryland has offset 6,905 pounds of paper used to produce this issue by planting 83 trees in the U.S. GRETCHEN PHILLIPS GRETCHEN CONTENTS SPRING 2021

ST. MARY’S COLLEGE OF MARYLAND July 2020 — June 2021 FEATURES

ALUMNI COUNCIL BOARD OF TRUSTEES PAGE 10 Executive Board Chair Alice Arcieri Bonner ’03, Arthur “Lex” Birney Jr. Seahawks Take Flight President Vice Chair after Sports Hiatus Kate Fritz ’04, Exec.Vice Susan Dyer President After a nine-month COVID-19 Bobby Rudd ’13, Treasurer Vice Pres. of Operations John Chambers shutdown, varsity sports manage Angie Stocksdale Harvey ’83, Wobensmith ’93 Secretary a mini season blitz. Thomas Brewer ’05, Secretary Parliamentarian Lawrence PAGE 16 Geoff Cuneo ’10, Treasurer “Larry” E. Leak ’76 Michele Everett Shipley ’92, [ PAGE 10 ] Vice Pres. of Chapter Activities Trustees Built to LEAD Nicolas Abrams ’99 Elected Voting Members Carlos Alcazar Externships on the Professional Pathway John Ahearn ’76 Anirban Basu Jack Blum ’07 John Bell ’95 Paul Broccolina ’00 Alice Arcieri Bonner ’03 PAGE 20 Kelsey Bush ’94 Alumni Association Sean Floyd ’06 Fatima Bouzid ’22 Science and Other Hans Lemke ’93 Student Trustee Molly McKee-Seabrook ’10 Peter Bruns Ventures Kate Monahan ’12 Donny Bryan ’73 Lauren Payne ’09 Paula Collins An interview with Charles Adler, Amir Reda ’11 Mike Dougherty (HSMC) Kevin Roth ’93 Peg Duchesne ’77 professor of physics and science Paul Schultheis ’98 Judith Fillius ’79 Sara Kidd Shanklin ’11 Elizabeth Graves ’95 fiction author. Edward Sirianno ’82 Gail Harmon, Esq. Student Member The Honorable Sven DEPARTMENTS Vacant Holmes [ PAGE 16 ] The Honorable Chapter Presidents Steny H. Hoyer 2 President’s Letter Annapolis: Capt. Glen Ives, Erin O’Connell ’91 usn Retired 3 College News Baltimore: Doug Mayer ’04 Marie Snyder ’10 William Seale 24 Alumni Connection Black Alumni: Danielle Troyan ’92 28 From the Archives Janssen Evelyn ’01 Harry Weitzel Boston: Raymond Wernecke Eunice Akins-Afful ’96 COVER:#5 Chanel Lucas ’22 and the varsity California Bay Area: PRESIDENT volleyball team got a chance to play five games Megan Brown Vilson ’07 Tuajuanda C. Jordan, PhD (masked) during its mini season during the pandemic. Chicago Region: COVER PHOTO: Bill Wood. Katie Tinder ’13 Denver Regional: Vacant New York Regional: John Haltiwanger ’10 [ PAGE 20 ] Philadelphia Regional: Ian Murphy ’08 Southern Maryland: Megan Brown Vilson ’07 Southern Maryland: Cathy Hernandez Ray ’77 TFMS Alumni: Vacant Washington, D.C. Metro: OPPOSITE & INSIDE BACK COVER: Rosa Trembour Photos from the College’s collection, Goodman ’11 Western Maryland: taken by Gretchen Phillips Vacant

St. Mary’s College | THE MULBERRY TREE | spring 2021 | 1 A LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT

or more than a year, we have all tried to persevere and persist amidst Editor’s Note a global pandemic. The challenges have been real, as families, businesses and schools try to stay afloat in a shut-down world. When we are able to lift he flowering dogwood is an F Eastern North American tree current restrictions to campus and classroom capacities and enjoy in-person, unmasked Twhose bark was once used as a activities, it won’t mean that we return to normal. We’re in a new place now that helps burgundy dye and a remedy for malaria. us move forward with the lessons we’ve learned during COVID-19. Each spring, I seek out the flowering dogwood, peeking from the edges of the We’ve accomplished a lot. Last fall, we launched our LEAD initiative with its enhanced woods, along the border between forest and clearing. Its flowers open up gently, like a CORE curriculum for all new students in the Class of 2024, our largest class in five years. welcoming hand, reaching out as if to say As these students progress through their coursework for their academic major, they will “join me.” This is its moment, but it does not scream springtime like the returning simultaneously develop professional skills with credit-bearing courses and hands-on osprey. It beckons me, quietly, to notice that opportunities that help them build pipelines to post-college jobs. spring has arrived. A revised array of academic programs rolls out this fall, having been unanimously An achingly beautiful pair — one pink, one white — conjoin in an erotic twist behind approved by the Board of Trustees in February and including new majors in marine the building that houses the Office of Public science and neuroscience (pending MHEC approval) and a varsity track and field Safety on campus. program. These changes are part of the outcome of a program prioritization review that By the time this issue reaches you, the flowering dogwood will be dressed in leaves, took place over the past 18 months with task force work involving input from faculty and its moment on the stage gone until a new trustees (see summary on p. 7). season restarts the cycle. So it is with stu- dents at St. Mary’s College; they are here, With our gains in enrollment, our LEAD initiative, and new and upcoming programs and before we realize, they are graduated and gone, and a new batch of students that include business administration, applied data science and the performing arts, restarts the cycle. Yet each student finds St. Mary’s College will emerge from this global pandemic more vibrant and relevant their moment on the stage while they’re here. Some find it in the classroom; others than before. on the athletic field. Some are helped to When we can safely celebrate in person, it will bring me joy to congratulate the Classes their moment by the welcoming hand of a working professional who invites them of 2020 and 2021 on a tough job, well done and to thank all the faculty and staff who to join their work as an extern. made it possible. This issue celebrates those moments.

Lee Capristo, editor

correction: In the article “Called to Action” (fall 2019 issue) the inaugural recipient of the Jordan Teaching Exemplar Award was incorrectly named. The inaugural recipient was Veronica Tuajuanda C. Jordan, PhD Arellano Douglas, who was honored with the President, St. Mary’s College of Maryland award in 2017.

2 | St. Mary’s College | THE MULBERRY TREE | spring 2021 COLLEGE NEWS

CAMPUS & COMMUNITY NEWS SGA Keeps Focus on Students When St. Mary’s College of Mary- land pivoted to address health guidelines early in the COVID-19 pandemic, it altered many aspects of campus life, but the College’s Student Government Association (SGA) stepped up to help in a big way for students both on and off campus. “A lot of emphasis has been placed on students’ needs during this time of COVID-19 and we believe that the money in the funds should benefit the student more [directly] as it is theirs to begin with,” said Josh Ajanaku ’22, president of SGA. Ajanaku has been building on prior administrations’ work and supporting new projects. Ajanaku said he is most proud of two unanimous votes from SGA to donate to the College’s Recovery Fund. The Recovery Fund assists SMCM students with financial hardships they may face due to the pandemic. “It really showed our true poten- tial as an SGA to support students. Not only did we do it once, but we did it twice,” Ajanaku said. SGA Rising Before donated $50,000 to the fund dur- ing the spring 2020 semester and Our Eyes an additional $25,000 in the fall. Work continues on the new academic The SGA also voted to allocate buildings and auditorium, scheduled to $10,000 toward campus flu vacci- open for the fall 2022 semester. The main nations and $60,000 to replace the building will house the Department of floating dock at the waterfront. Music and a 700-seat auditorium. The west building will house the Department of Educational Studies, a study commons and a café.

St. Mary’s College | THE MULBERRY TREE | spring 2021 | 3 COLLEGE NEWS

New Major Offered in Marine Science CASE/Collegiate The marine science major came about through a year-long process that Awards reviewed proposals for new majors as part of the College’s task force work. The new major will embrace the College’s waterfront environment with the The Institutional Advancement’s use of the St. Mary’s River and Chesapeake Bay to create a one-of-a-kind integrated marketing team earned program that will be unique, rigorous, and innovative. Because of the location a CASE District II Silver Award of St. Mary’s College on the St. Mary’s River and because of the College’s close for its COVID Response: The St. association with the St. Mary’s River Watershed Association, many opportunities Mary’s Way entry in that annual exist for marine science that are not available at the other Maryland higher awards competition. The entry education institutions. Marine science will consist of a rigorous curriculum highlighted the key components of foundational physics, chemistry, and biology courses along with advanced of the College’s COVID com- courses that utilize the campus’ resources. munications response between March-August 2020 related to the The major will create new in-state opportunities for Maryland students. The safe reopening of the College. The state of Maryland belongs to the Academic Commons Marketplace (ACM), integrated marketing team also which is a consortium of several southeastern states. It allows a student from one earned a Gold award in the 2020 state to attend another state’s public universities and pay in-state tuition if the Collegiate Advertising Awards for student’s major is not offered in their home state. According to the Maryland the design of a giveaway apparel Higher Education Commission records, nearly 1,000 Maryland students used item for newly admitted students. the ACM and left the state to enroll in undergraduate programs in marine The design was done by Keely science and marine biology between 2008-2018. Houk ’17. This makes 13 national Pending approval by the Maryland Higher Education Commission, the marine awards that the team has earned in science major will be offered in fall 2021, along with the new neuroscience major the past two years. approved by the Board in October 2020. In development are three additional majors: applied data science, business administration and performing arts.

4 | St. Mary’s College | THE MULBERRY TREE | spring 2021 Alumna Directs TFMS Production SMCM’s Department of Theater, Film & Media Studies virtually presented “Baltimore,” Kirsten Greenidge’s drama about racism on college campuses, February 25- 28. Greenidge’s drama reveals the effects of a racially charged incident on a college campus that divides resident adviser Shelby’s first-year students, and Shelby finds herself in the middle of a conversation she does not want to have. The produc- tion was directed by A. Lorraine Robinson ’92. Ethics Bowl Team Goes 2-2 at Nationals Comedian Janelle The St. Mary’s College Ethics Bowl team was one of the top 36 teams in the James Gives CSD Hosts Range nation to compete in February’s National Championships. of Speakers Coached by Associate Professor of Philosophy Michael Taber, the team of Invited Twain Robert Artiga-Valencia ’21, Asia Dofat ’21, Mollie Rudow ’22, Darah Lecture St. Mary’s College of Maryland’s Schillinger ’22, Nathan Villiger ’24, and Hannah Yale ’23, went 2-2 Center for the Study of Democ- “An Evening with Janelle James” against schools like DePauw University and the U.S. Naval Academy. The 17 racy and The Patuxent Partner- took place on April 10 via Zoom. cases this year included issues like what tech companies should do in the face ship, presented two guest lecturers James was the 15th performer for of spreading conspiracy theories, changes in Title IX policies, the (over)use of virtually in February. The first was the Annual Twain Lecture Series comfort animals, sex in the times of (supposed) social distancing, and whether by Kerry Fosher, director of research on American Humor and Culture. public school teachers should be forced to return to in-person instruction. for the United States Marine Corps James is a Los Angeles-based University, on February 3. The comedian who can be seen on second was by Major General “The Comedy Lineup” on Netflix, Charles Bolden (ret.), former NASA SMCM Partners “Late Night with Seth Meyers,” WGSX Colloquium administrator and former astronaut, and “Crashing” (HBO). She is with TheDream.US on Activism on February 10. currently a staff writer on “Black St. Mary’s College of Maryland The annual Women, Gender and Monday” on Showtime. The Center, in partnership with has partnered with TheDream.US, Sexuality Studies Colloquium the College’s Division of Inclusive St. Mary’s College’s Mark Twain a national program that provides ran virtually on March 17-18. The Diversity, Equity, Access and Lecture Series on American college scholarships of an amount colloquium’s theme was “Activism Accountability and the College of Humor and Culture was launched which typically covers the difference Now: Building Feminist Futures” Southern Maryland, also spon- in 2007. Since then the series has in the lost Pell grants and federal and focused on the unfolding sored the series “Bridging Our grown to one of the largest events loans that Dreamers are not eligible strategies and goals of a new Gaps: Community Conversations in Southern Maryland. Past per- to receive. The Dream.US offers generation of feminist activists and to Rebuild Our Democracy” from formers include Jordan Klepper, two scholarships: The National scholars working in the movement late February through mid-April. Roy Wood Jr., Tig Notaro, The Scholarship is for high school or today. Speakers included Maria Topics included U.S. immigration Onion’s Scott Dikkers, and W. community college graduates; the Goyanes, artistic director of the policy; attitudes on race; electoral Kamau Bell. Opportunity Scholarship is for stu- Woolly Mammoth Theater; Soraya integrity; attitudes on policing. dents who live in a state where they Chemayl, executive director of The The Center also hosted award-win- are not eligible for in-state tuition. Presentation Project; Noorghan ning journalist Kavitha Cardoza on For graduates of Maryland schools, Akbar of Free Women Writers; March 24, who discussed her work this financial aid would be in addi- faculty panelists Argelia González- on undocumented children in U.S. tion to any state financial aid they Hurtado and Jessye McDowell. public schools. may be eligible for by completing the Maryland State Financial Aid Application.

St. Mary’s College | THE MULBERRY TREE | spring 2021 | 5 COLLEGE NEWS

Dual Degree associate professor of physics and degrees, achieving a minimum cu- SMCM Transfer department chair. “The advantage mulative 3.25 GPA in all coursework Offered in for an applied physics major is and in STEM coursework, and an Edge Program Engineering that we are accepting some of the endorsement from students’ pre- St. Mary’s College of Maryland and St. Mary’s College of Maryland upper-level engineering courses as engineering adviser. the College of Southern Maryland replacements for student capstone have partnered to create the SMCM has partnered with Washington Those admitted to the engineer- experience at St. Mary’s College. Transfer Edge Program (STEP), University in St. Louis, Missouri, ing dual degree program have This will make it easier for students which allows CSM students to to offer an engineering dual degree two tracks from which to choose: to complete their requirements in a pursue their associate degree and program. The program, consid- 3-2 Option: Earning a St. Mary’s timely manner.” simultaneously work towards their ered one of the country’s premier College bachelor’s degree and a bachelor’s degree at SMCM by tak- engineering programs, is now in its St. Mary’s College students should Washington University bachelor’s ing one course per semester up to a 48th year at Washington University. apply to Washington University degree or the 3-3 Option: Earning total of four courses at a 50 percent in their junior year. There is no a St. Mary’s College bachelor’s de- “While the St. Mary’s College discount. CSM students participat- application fee and no additional gree plus a Washington University students that are most likely to be ing in the program will also have testing is needed. According to bachelor’s degree and Washington interested have a focus in physics, access to SMCM advising, the Hilda Washington University, clear eligi- University master’s degree. chemistry, math, and material sci- C. Landers Library, recreation facili- bility criteria result in a dual degree ences, the dual degree program is ties, and can attend campus student admission rate of nearly 90 percent. open to all students independent of events. major,” said Erin De Pree, SMCM That criteria includes students tak- ing specific courses that contribute to both liberal arts and engineering

CONTRIBUTING TO A SPIRIT OF CARING The Recovery Fund was created to help with the unexpected hardships and challenges facing our students due to the pandemic. The Recovery Fund has provided and is still delivering a lifeline to students. Over $129,000 has been awarded through 141 grants to students for basic needs, books and technology, and tuition and fees. The requests keep coming. Please lend your support for this essential fund today.

GIVE NOW:

GO.SMCM.EDU/ RECOVERY-FUND/

6 | St. Mary’s College | THE MULBERRY TREE | spring 2021 THE ST. MARY’S WAY

PRESIDENT’S NEWS During its February 6 Board meeting, the St. Mary’s College of Mary- land trustees approved a freeze in tuition and fees for the 2021-2022 academic year, the second consecutive year for such action. The Board also authorized an increase of 2 percent for room and board (dining) rates for 2021-2022. At the same meeting, the Board unanimously voted to adopt the following academic program changes, effective for all new students entering in fall 2021 (current students noted will not be affected and will be able to graduate in their chosen programs):

A new major in Performing Arts The minors-only programs in will be created comprising Music, Democracy Studies, Mathematics- Theater Studies and Dance and Applied, Physics-Astrophysics, be more inclusive of non-Western and TFMS-Dance will no longer be forms of expression. The new available to new students starting major will complement the new fall 2021. auditorium building to be com- The Office of the President pre- Chicago Bulls. Rather than letting Students can minor, but not major, plete in 2022. sented ESPN analyst and bestsell- the near-fatal accident destroy in ILC-Chinese, ILC-French, Music ing author Jay Williams on March his future, Williams parlayed his Majors and minors in Art His- and TFMS-Theater Studies. tory, International Languages 11 via Zoom. Williams, who was the experience on the court into a suc- The current Core 101/301 course & Cultures (ILC)-German, Latin #2 pick in the 2002 NBA Draft, is cessful career in broadcasting and will be reimagined as writing American Studies, Physics-Fun- now an analyst on “College Game- business. Drawing from his time in intensive, humanities-focused damental; Religious Studies; and Day ‘’ and a regular commentator recovery and building his brand, courses to ensure that the humani- Theater, Film and Media Studies on ESPN and ESPN2’s weeknight Williams has established himself ties continue to be prominently (TFMS)-Film & Media will no lon- studio coverage. Following a mo- as a premier keynote motivational represented. ger be available to new students torcycle accident in 2003, Williams speaker for various executive busi- starting fall 2021. was forced to retire from basket- ness conferences and charitable ball after just one season with the organizations nationwide. The program prioritization review evolved over the past 18 months with task force work involving input from faculty, trustees, Provost Michael Wick and President Jordan. Among the criteria, academic programs were measured for effectiveness, efficiency and equity. “I am confident President Jordan presented her Emily Brownlee (biology) that the outcomes from the program review, combined with gains in Trailblazer Award, the Jordan Andrew Cognard-Black (sociology) enrollment, student engagement, the LEAD initiative, among other Exemplar in Teaching Award, Torry Dennis (neuroscience) areas, will ensure that our students will be in an even stronger position the St. Mary’s Award and 17 new Jeff Eden (history) to compete in the ever-changing and competitive world in which we junior faculty professorships at the Gili Freedman (psychology) live,” said President Jordan. See details of fall 2021 programs: www.smcm. Awards Convocation virtual cere- Jerry Gabriel (English) edu/academics/fall-2021-curriculum mony on April 16. Laurie Scherer, Liza Gijanto (anthropology) director of the Wellness Center, Argelia González-Hurtado President Jordan participated in a The virtual conference was featured received the Trailblazer Award for (ILC-Spanish) panel discussion at the American in Diverse Issues in Higher Educa- her health management leader- Cassie Gurbisz Association of Blacks in Higher tion. ship during COVID-19; Professor (environmental studies) Education’s (AABHE) virtual of Political Science Sahar Shafqat SooBin Jang (educational studies) conference on March 15. Presidents The Office of the President received the Teaching Award; Brad Ellen Kohl (environmental studies) from Ithaca College, Central State with the VOICES Reading Series Newkirk ’04, director of the physi- Kelly Neiles (chemistry) University, University of Southern presented “An Evening to Honor cal plant, received the St. Mary’s George MacLeod (ILC-French) Indiana, and Columbia College the Legacy of Lucille Clifton” on Award. The following received the Michelle Milne (physics) Chicago joined President Jordan March 1 via Zoom. Poets Li-Young new junior faculty professorships: Amy Steiger (theater) to provide insight into the current Lee and Leah Naomi Green were Troy Townsend ’07 (chemistry) landscape of higher education, recognized for their work dur- Antonio Ugues (political science) including financial and academic ing the event, which welcomed www.smcm.edu/academics/ disruptions to institutions across a record-breaking number of awards-convocation the country brought on over the participants. last year because of the pandemic.

St. Mary’s College | THE MULBERRY TREE | spring 2021 | 7 COLLEGE NEWS

Karen Crawford, professor of absences. In addition, Howansky FACULTY, STAFF & STUDENT NEWS biology, has been appointed to the was interviewed on the AskPsych- external advisory committee for Sessions podcast about being an The online journal Age of Revolu- Assistant Professor Geoffrey Bow- the Vermont Biomedical Research early career academic during the tions has published Professor of ers, Professor Randolph Larsen, Network (VBRN). The VBRN is pandemic. Posing the question, History Christine Adams’ paper and Associate Professor Kelly funded by a grant from the Nation- “How can I employ radical empa- based on her live talk with Newber- Neiles recently published their al Institutes of Health to promote thy to teach during a pandemic,” ry Library Director of Fellowships implementation of a new scholarly biomedical research in the state they discussed using safety cues to and Academic Programs Keelin laboratory model for upper-level of Vermont. The external advisory increase belongingness and how Burke on Jan. 15. The subject of the chemistry courses in the Jour- committee for VBRN assists with radical empathy can make classes talk was the three “flash points” in nal of Chemical Education. The the evaluation of proposed awards go more smoothly. the French Revolution: the Septem- model teaches students about the at participating institutions, faculty ber Massacres of 1792, the Reign of fundamental skills of a particular Sue Johnson, professor of art, has and student development within Terror, and the fall of Maximilien field in a first-semester laboratory been awarded a 2021-22 residency the network, and overall evalua- Robespierre. Adams is on sabbati- course, then puts the students in for one month at Delaware’s Win- tion of VBRN itself. Crawford sits cal working as a Newberry Library the research lab working on faculty terthur Museum, Garden and alongside SMCM Board Trustee residential fellow in Chicago, Il- scholarly work in the second semes- Library. She will do research for Peter Bruns on this advisory com- linois, through June 2021. ter as an example of a course-based her project, “Woman, As Adver- mittee. To read her paper, visit: https://ti- undergraduate research experience tised,” which focuses on 19th and nyurl.com/277n5b49 (CURE). In their model, students early 20th century material culture work in teams on a small, semester- sources for the creation of new Leo Boucher ’23 placed first in long research project that feeds works for her ongoing project, the International Laser Class As- directly into the supervising faculty “Hall of Portraits from The History sociation (ILCA) at the 2021 West member’s scholarly goals. Students of Machines.” Marine US Open Sailing Series engaged in these scholarly labs re- - Clearwater. The West Marine Katherina von Kellenbach, port they are highly engaged in all US Open Sailing Series is a new, professor of religious studies, is steps of the scientific method and U.S.-based racing and training one of 100 international scholars that they integrate, implement, and series of Olympic-class regattas. to contribute to the Encyclopedia improve the research skills gained The regatta was the third and final of Jewish Christian Relations. The throughout the four-year research stop of the three-event Florida tour. encyclopedia is a project for which, skill curriculum in chemistry and Other SMCM athletes in the series in 200 scholarly entries, more than biochemistry. Participation in the included Farrah Hall ’03, who took 2,000 years of Jewish-Christian scholarly based laboratory model third in board sailing and Markus interaction will be summarized, as- led to a statistically significant Edegran ’16, who was leading in sessing achievements and address- (10%) improvement in lab note- kite sailing after 11 of 18 races before ing fundamental issues. Professor book, final presentation, overall lab, an injury ended his race. The West von Kellenbach’s entry can be found and overall course grades for the Assistant Professor of Psychology Marine US Open Sailing Series online: http://www.ejcr-project.com. scholarly lab cohort compared to Kristina Howansky and collabo- picks up again this summer in a traditional lab cohort in second- rators recently published their Sarah Malena, assistant professor California. semester physical chemistry. research in the journal Teaching of history, has been published in To view the article, visit: https:// of Psychology. The research found the volume Scribes and Scribal- tinyurl.com/y5pss5fj. that identity safety cues — signals ism (T&T Clark, 2020). Malena’s to let students know diverse identi- contribution, “Influential Inscrip- ties are valued in the higher-ed tions: Resituating Scribal Activity classroom — were associated with During the Iron I-IIA Transition,” more positive impressions of a stu- examines the significance of inscrip- dent’s professor, a higher sense of tions in a time of extremely limited belonging in the class, and fewer literacy and great social and politi- cal turmoil in the ancient Levant.

8 | St. Mary’s College | THE MULBERRY TREE | spring 2021 Pamela Mertz, professor of bio- Serdar Ongan, visiting professor of Adjunct Professor of Environmental chemistry, was one of the organizers economics at St. Mary’s College of Studies Laura B. Schneider has and moderators for a conference Maryland, has six new publications published an article in the journal hosted by ASBMB Student Chap- in 2021: Science & Children with Kayce ters, “Constructing Narratives for “Monetary Policy Uncertainties Wills, a staff member at Duke El- Teaching Science,” held virtually and Demand for Money for Japan: ementary in Leonardtown, Mary- on February 6. This was the first Nonlinear ARDL Approach” in the land. The article centers on using virtual ASBMB Catalyst Conversa- Journal of the Asia Pacific Econo- scientific phenomena to study the tion, showcasing talks on teaching my, 26(1), 1-12 (SSCI); fossils of the Calvert Cliffs region strategies/projects that are works of Maryland. It includes a data in progress as a means to gener- “How Do Various Health Insurance set of photographs of roughly 300 ate ideas and discussion. For this Coverages Affect COVID-19 Related Miocene fossils allowing classrooms Catalyst Conversation, participants Stay-at-Home Tendencies of People around the country to be able to were encouraged to talk about how Across U.S. States?” in the Journal have access to analyze and interpret their response to the pandemic of Health Management, 1-8 (ESCI); data and complete an investiga- will inform their teaching moving tion. The article teaches how to use Assistant Professor of Digital Art & “Money Stock Determination Pro- forward, when more faculty are fossil data to make inference about Animation Jessye McDowell was cess and Money Multiplier: Case back in the classroom face-to-face past environments. The article can one of four artists invited to create a of South Korea” in the Journal of with students. be found online: https://tinyurl. new work for the Wassaic Project’s Financial Economic Policy, Febru- com/3pzkk9n3. 2021 Winter Benefit, which took a Chair and Associate Professor of ary Volume. (ESCI); novel form during the pandemic. Chemistry & Biochemistry Kelly “The Increases and Decreases of Donald Stabile, professor of Consisting of four events, the art- Neiles, along with colleagues at the Environmental Kuznets Curve economics and professor of the ists were paired with a collector of St. Mary’s College of Maryland, (EKC) for 8 OECD Countries” in College and a leading expert on their work, who gave a virtual tour have accepted an invitation from Environmental Science and Pol- the history and economics of the of their home and art collection. the Howard Hughes Medical lution Research, published 2/4/21 living wage, was a guest speaker at Each tour was a collaboration Institute (HHMI) to participate in (SSCI); the Notre Dame Just Wage Forum between the collector and the artist an Inclusive Excellence Learning 2021 on February 12. The forum “Convergence Analysis of the Eco- — with the collector exploring how Community. The award includes offered a series of conversations logical Footprint: Theory and Em- the artist’s work fits within their $30,000 to support participation between scholars and practitioners pirical Evidence from the USMCA collection, and the artist explor- in the Learning Community, in pursuit of a fairer and more Countries” in Environmental ing their creative process. Each which focuses on the evaluation of inclusive economy. Stabile’s topic Science and Pollution Research, featured artist also produced a inclusive teaching and is meant to was “The Seven Just Wage Criteria: published 2/24/21 (SSCI); limited-edition print exclusively for build capacity for inclusion of all A Perspective from Historical Study the event. McDowell, who attended students, especially those who have “Economic Growth and Environ- of a Living Wage.” been historically excluded from sci- mental Degradation: Evidence the Wassaic Residency in 2016, Professor of Psychology Libby ence. Neiles stated that she and her from the US Case Environmental contributed her new work, “Future Nutt Williams has recently been team “are excited for the opportuni- Kuznets Curve Hypothesis with Sets (Unknown)”, 2021. In addition, recognized for her contributions ty this will provide the College both Application of Decomposition” McDowell, who is currently serving by being named a fellow of the in terms of educating ourselves on in the Journal of Environmental a three-year term as president of the American Psychological Associa- this important topic, and also in Economics and Policy, 10(1), 14-21 New Media Caucus, contributed tion’s Division 2 (Society for the programming to highlight new me- positioning ourselves to gain future (ESCI). PHOTO BY BILL WOOD BY PHOTO Teaching of Psychology). Williams support for this work.” dia art and scholarship to the 2021 is also a fellow of several other APA College Art Association conference, Neiles’ team will participate in a Divisions (17: Counseling Psychol- held virtually in February. learning community cluster with ogy, 29: Psychotherapy, and 35: approximately 14 other teams from Psychology of Women). other institutions, focusing on evaluation of inclusive teaching. Two other clusters OF ELIZABETH GRAVES COURTESY PHOTOS will concentrate on content of the introductory science experience, and effective partnerships between 2- and 4-year institutions.

St. Mary’s College | THE MULBERRY TREE | spring 2021 | 9 “ Having no competition last fall was pretty tough, but what was really tough was not being allowed around my teammates outside of practice workouts.” Christian Oliverio ’22 DAN PINDELL ’10 PINDELL DAN

10 | St. Mary’s College | THE MULBERRY TREE | spring 2021 Seahawks Take Flight after Sports Hiatus

BY OLIVIA SOTHORON ’21 WITH DEVIN GARNER ’21 AND GRETCHEN PHILLIPS

over the course of the past year, people all over the world set aside their traditions to adhere to mandates to prevent the spread of the Coronavi- rus, adapting to life behind masks and six feet away from the ones they love. One aspect of life which was especially impacted by the pandemic was sports. The NCAA College Basketball Tournament — which was held even during World War II — was canceled entirely, bringing countless collegiate careers to a crashing conclusion. Major League Baseball canceled their Opening Day games, unable to start its season until mid-July, with a number of big- name players deciding to opt out of the season due to health concerns. Foot- ball stadiums were quiet due to the absence of fans, and even the Super Bowl only welcomed healthcare workers who were already fully vaccinated.

St. Mary’s College of Maryland athletes were the fall that sometimes felt like they were all for also greatly impacted by the pandemic. Spring naught would prove crucial when it came time athletes in the Class of 2020 were unable to for these teams to compete. compete in their final seasons as Seahawks. The “Our student-athletes have been the critical College announced before the start of the fall piece of making this whole operation go; they 2020 semester that there would be no fall sports have committed to decreasing contact with every- season, bringing an end to the athletic careers of one outside their living spaces in their free time, SMCM students who would graduate in Decem- even other teammates,” said Director of Athletics ber. The absence of competition caused many and Recreation Crystal Gibson. “Our students athletes to question whether the early morning have committed to remaining on campus and practices were worth it, and if they were ever go- not seeing family and friends in order to make ing to be able to compete this academic year. sure their ‘bubble’ stays secure, this is a HUGE However, after a successful winter season of sacrifice and extremely demanding. However, both men’s and women’s basketball, St. Mary’s it has worked, and we have been successful in College announced that fall sports would continuing outside competition.” compete in spring 2021 on condensed seasons. In addition to the importance of athlete adher- This meant that the men’s and women’s soc- ence to restrictions, Gibson reflected on the role cer teams, rowing teams, sailing teams, field of coaches in making sporting events possible. hockey team and volleyball team would all be Their abilities to communicate with the athletic able to compete in the spring to make up for department, athletes and families have proven the absence of competition in the fall. Just as critical throughout this challenging time. “Our the men’s and women’s basketball players were coaches have also been critical communica- consistently tested for COVID-19 throughout the tors with our student-athletes and parents, season, so too would the fall and spring athletes relaying important updates and information, be held to these requirements. The continued while holding the groups accountable for their practices and conditioning sessions throughout actions,” Gibson added. “More than anything,

St. Mary’s College | THE MULBERRY TREE | spring 2021 | 11 our coaches have remained committed to the “We have found a way to communicate and growth, stability and mental, physical and understand each other that maybe we would not academic health of our student-athletes. Helping have been as efficient at doing had we not been each student find the necessary resources and forced to because of COVID,” she stated. help on and off campus to make them success- ful - the same as any year, even before or after the SEAHAWK SOCCER COVID-19 pandemic.” As a dual-sport athlete, Mangold is used to the All St. Mary’s College students, staff and faculty rigorous testing schedule, and does not mind have worked relentlessly to adhere to the restric- having to be tested regularly if it means that tions implemented in order to mitigate the she gets to play both basketball and soccer. She spread of COVID-19. Members of the St. Mary’s stated, “I just want to compete and if around College community have worn masks, social- the clock testing is required, then I am ‘all in’ in distanced, taken their food from the Great Room order to play the sports I love.” She explained, in to-go boxes to eat in the safety of their rooms “There is such a limited amount of time for us and sat six-feet apart from their classmates and to compete as collegiate athletes. Our seasons professors. The return of Seahawk athletics have been drastically shortened and while I am represents the return of a sense of normalcy. so fortunate to be able to play both of the sports Although fans were unable to cheer on the bas- I love, I will mourn the opportunities that I have ketball teams in the Michael P. O’Brien Athletics missed to play.”

and Recreation Center Arena, they continued BILL WOOD Haley Bullis ’21 reflected, “As a senior, I felt to livestream the games and cheer from the responsible for setting a good example for the safety of their homes. St. Mary’s College athletes rest of the team in terms of staying safe. This and coaches represent so much more than just often meant missing out on key events that are an athletic team at the College, for when they “ It meant so important to every student, especially the seniors display the Seahawk across their chests, they are much to me at SMCM, but it was worth it to get our season representing the entire St. Mary’s College com- in the spring.” munity. Even if it means being swabbed in the to play for one nose throughout the entire semester, members of SEAHAWK FIELD HOCKEY the SMCM community are committed to doing more season...” what they must in order to safely return to play, Caitlin Mays ’21 Emily Pulkowski ’21 stated that the limited and bring an end to the pandemic. amount of time that players could spend at practices with their coach made them more SEAHAWK BASKETBALL appreciative of her instruction and guidance. Pulkowski noted that being tested for COVID-19 Caitlin Mays ’21 was very grateful for the op- regularly ensures the safety of the players, and is portunity to play basketball for one last season in therefore not much of a burden. “It allows me to as a Seahawk. She stated: “It meant so much to be comfortable to play without masks alongside me to play for one more season, especially since my teammates as well as against opponents, I don’t plan on playing after college. I am really and is a step towards guaranteeing safety for all. grateful to have had the opportunity to be on the Testing allows us to play at our high intensity court for a final time.” Mays will miss practices level without masks while also ensuring we are the most because they served as an opportunity not part of the spread of COVID,” she explained. for her to stay in shape and be with her team- “Being able to put on our jerseys and play com- mates. petitive field hockey is something I will forever be One of the things that Cameron Mangold ’22 grateful for especially during COVID.” missed most during this basketball season was Hannah Dietrich ’21 added that head coach the fans in the arena, cheering on the Seahawks. Jessica Lanham has been extremely supportive “Hearing their cheers and voices really does up- during these challenging times. She stated: “It lift our teams during games,” she said. Although means so much to me that Coach Lanham has the pandemic complicated the season, Mangold had our backs through it all and pushed us to explained communication among the women’s grow, even during a pandemic!”

basketball team has improved greatly. BILL WOOD NICHOLAS MCINTOSH

12 | St. Mary’s College | THE MULBERRY TREE | spring 2021 “ Being able to put on our jerseys and play competitive field hockey is something I will forever be grateful for especially during COVID.” Emily Pulkowski ’21 BILL WOOD St. Mary’s College | THE MULBERRY TREE | spring 2021 | 13 SEAHAWK CROSS COUNTRY Tyler Wilson ’22 credits assistant coach Cathy Friedel with creating workouts for the athletes to complete in the fall during the absence of meets. “It was not a perfect system, but I think Coach Cathy and the team did the best that we could considering the circumstances,” he explained. Wilson reflected back on his first two seasons at SMCM, explaining that he misses the exhilara- tion of meets the most. “Seeing the crowd by the start line just sent shockwaves of adrenaline through my body because I knew then and there that me and my team were going to show the world that St. Mary’s is a force to be reckoned with,” he stated. David Salazar ’24 added that new cross country and track and field coach Reava Potter has made an impact on the program since her arrival in November 2020. Coach Potter did this by “encouraging and pushing us to be better BILL WOOD every day, getting us ready to compete, and expanding our team,” Salazar explained. SEAHAWK ROWING SEAHAWK TENNIS Christian Oliverio ’22 reflected, “Having no competition last fall was pretty tough, but what Brooke Oliver ’21 found tennis to be a way to

was really tough was not being allowed around relieve stress during this challenging time. “With BILL WOOD “ I think the other my teammates for outside of practice workouts.” all of the chaos and isolation that a pandemic Lilly Stein ’22 added that in addition to secur- brings, spending the afternoons on the ten- seniors and myself ing the single boats and scheduling a virtual nis courts with my team has been the greatest regatta in the fall, head coach Anna Lindgren- stress-reliever this semester,” she stated. “Among tried to make it Streicher has worked hard to secure extra space the many challenges that come with competing feel more normal in the Jamie L. Roberts Stadium for the team during a pandemic, one of the biggest challenges to set up their ergometer machines, allowing for me is the distance I am expected to keep for the younger them to practice together, outdoors and socially- from not only my own team, but our competi- distanced. tors as well. There is no shaking hands with your guys on the team.” opponents, and no high-fives to your teammates. Graham Bos ’21 explained, “It’s important Although it feels strange and impersonal, I know Andy Collins ’21 to me to be able to finish out my time here at it is for everyone’s well-being that we follow SMCM with something that has been such an protocol.” integral part of my time here. Especially having lost the 2020 spring season to COVID, I am SEAHAWK BASEBALL incredibly grateful for the opportunity to practice One of twelve seniors on the baseball team, and compete given the circumstances in 2021.” Bos will miss the people on the team most after infielder Andy Collins ’21 explained that this he graduates, as well as “the added motivation to year’s graduating class worked hard to provide a wake up and accomplish something early in the welcoming experience for the team’s underclass- morning.” men. “I think the other seniors and myself tried to make it feel more normal for the younger guys on the team,” Collins stated. “They obviously aren’t getting a normal first year of college, and BILL WOOD

14 | St. Mary’s College | THE MULBERRY TREE | spring 2021 STEPHAN LENIK STEPHAN “ I feel so lucky that doing something I love is my actual job, so now every practice – rain or shine – I am just so thankful to be out there with my team.” Erin McDonnell Women’s lacrosse coach BILL WOOD

we all remember how welcomed we felt and how went through as athletes (injuries, losses, or busy kept emphasizing was focusing on what we can great it was to be part of a team.” Collins also schedules) I was always thankful for the relation- control, looking for positives, and finding ways to added, “The biggest challenge has just been ships we made and the fun we had as students,” grow during this time.” adjusting after going almost a year without play- said Sutliff, who looks forward to returning for Virtual recruitment has allowed both Coach ing competitively as a team. Games themselves alumni games. Lanham and Coach McDonnell to enjoy more don’t feel much different than normal times, just time at home with their loved ones, and has a lot quieter without having family and fans at SEAHAWK COACHES made them realize how important it is to ap- the games.” Women’s lacrosse coach Erin McDonnell preciate every second they have with their team. recounted the devastation that followed the “It was heartbreaking to have our season cut SEAHAWK GRADUATES announcement of the cancellation of the 2020 short and the cliche saying that you don’t realize Ellyse Sutliff ’20 graduated a semester early in season. “At first, we were dealing with the shock what you had until it’s gone, is very true. I feel December 2020 with a major in environmental of having our season literally ripped from our so lucky that doing something I love is my actual studies and minor in political science. She is cur- hands. There was definitely a time where we job, so now every practice – rain or shine – I am rently working as a regulatory technician with just let the team breathe and get their bearings just so thankful to be out there with my team,” Wetland Studies and Solutions, a company she while trying to adjust to the fact that they had to Coach McDonnell reflected. interned for over the summers while a student at stay at home for quarantine.” Coach McDonnell St. Mary’s College. As a member of the volley- held frequent virtual meetings with her players ball team, Sutliff was unable to play her senior at the start of the quarantine and throughout season due to the fact that all competitions the summer. Similarly, field hockey head coach were moved to the spring, after she had already Jessica Lanham explained that she encouraged graduated. Sutliff asserted that she misses her her players to focus on everything that they had volleyball teammates. “Through everything we to be grateful for, stating: “A big message we

St. Mary’s College | THE MULBERRY TREE | spring 2021 | 15 Built to LEAD Externships on the Professional Pathway BY LEE CAPRISTO WITH OLIVIA SOTHORON ‘21 AND CRYSTAL OLIVER

As part of the College’s rollout of its Learning through Experiential and Applied Discovery (LEAD) initiative, all SMCM students begin a series of courses, called the Professional Pathway, that starts in the first semester and continues into the major. This is the part of LEAD that blends together their academic experience with professional skill development, weaving credit-bearing courses and hands-on opportunities throughout the entire college experience. The courses help build awareness of career opportunities, expand professional networks and offer real-world work experience through a semester-long externship which often leads to summer and year-long internships and eventually full-time employment. The externship course is designed to remove barriers to internship participation for students, while simultaneously acting as a recruitment pipeline for employers. Unlike a traditional internship where students must apply and be selected, SMCM students are placed in an externship that aligns with their academic and professional goals. “Externships are a precursor to internships and serve as an opportunity to test out a career while gaining hands-on experience with an employer who is committed to

hiring SMCM talent,” explains Ciara Williams, associate director of career education. LEE CAPRISTO

Crystal Oliver, lecturer in English, has been a placed). I also have the students document their partner with the Career Development Center since strengths and interests and submit a resume so Kristina Norgard ’22 landed a paid internship with that I can get the best picture possible.” 2018 in developing and piloting the three Profes- EcoTheo Review as social media editor following her sional Pathways courses. In the first two courses, Oliver has observed that the experience for CORE 201 externship with the magazine. students identify their strengths and interests, students provides huge rewards. “The theoretical explore how their academic choices compare to and hypothetical become actual, and they get to their professional goals, develop a resume, attend see, first-hand, how their liberal arts education the practice. For some, the assignment has led to a career fair and practice for job interviews. The has prepared them for the real world,” she says. full-time employment after graduation. third course — the externship course — is Oliver’s So what do these experiences look like from the Jennifer Tennyson, the business operations direc- favorite, she says, because “students put into perspectives of the students and of their externship tor at Personalized Therapy, says that the practice the skills they’ve learned while getting that and internship hosts? These are a sampling of opportunity to host students at the practice practical, hands-on, resume-ready experience to perspectives taken during the past 12 months. allows her to share with them the range of therapy complement their discipline and degree.” Personalized Therapy LLC in California, Mary- services and disciplines. “Our therapy services are The challenge to match students and extern- land, has hosted SMCM student externs and extremely necessary for many individuals, but a ship host sites is real. “I absolutely consider each interns for several years, mostly those studying psy- lot of people do not have knowledge about them student’s experience, interests and strengths before chology and looking for a field placement experi- until they need them,” she says. “We also hope to placing them,” Oliver says. “I meet with students ence. Often, the students are able to do more than create an interest in possible careers for future to get an idea of what would be the best fit for one placement with the clinic, which enables them therapists.” them (and for the organizations where they are to engage in different therapeutic disciplines within

16 | St. Mary’s College | THE MULBERRY TREE | spring 2021 For Hannah Dietrich ’21 (psychology major), Since EcoTheo Review has always oper- these experiences combined to give her a notice- ated online, the pandemic did not hamper able edge for applying to graduate school in the ability for students to work. They occupational therapy. “I began by taking CORE joined in Google meetings and shared 103 and 104 as well as 201 in an effort to help the work assignments through Google Drive. Built to LEAD Career Development Center with the initial trial For Kristina Norgard ’22, nervousness Externships on the Professional Pathway runs of the classes,” Dietrich explains. “Little did I about the externship assignment was know how much they would help me in my future typical of any first-experience and not BY LEE CAPRISTO WITH OLIVIA SOTHORON ‘21 AND CRYSTAL OLIVER career path. The 103 and 104 classes exposed me more or less so because of being remote. LEE CAPRISTO to new career options and got me thinking about “My first assignment as an extern for exactly what I wanted to do after undergrad.” The EcoTheo Review was to collect and

“I got the opportunity to do a job shadow at Per- organize contact information for heads

sonalized Therapy. I was able to observe various of departments and deans at art schools

types of therapy, such as occupational therapy, and institutions with MFA and divinity

ABA therapy, speech therapy and physical therapy. programs,” says Norgard. “This was used

I fell in love with occupational therapy and was left for EcoTheo to reach out to the students

wondering what I could do to be more involved of these programs and see if they were

with it,” she continues. “I then participated in interested in submitting their work for the

the initial Personalized Therapy externship class, next issue.”

which was a perfect opportunity for me. At this Myers finds it interesting that with student

externship, I learned more about OT, fell more in volunteers, each takes a different approach in

love with the field and decided this was going to be terms of the level of freedom vs. engagement

what I wanted to do in the future. Without that ex- they desire/require and their aptitudes for

ternship class/opportunity I wouldn’t have learned creative vs. administrative assignments. “The CAPRISTO LEE all that I have and been able to get an internship host experience has helped me, I hope, to be an with an OT clinic near my home.” agile and thoughtful supervisor.” Rachel Pettit ’21’s externship with the Sola fam- In the summer of 2019, Dietrich was hired as the Norgard landed a paid internship with EcoTheo ily’s Rolling Stone Farm, above, a new organic cattle head counselor at a pediatric OT clinic’s camp for Review as social media editor after her CORE 201 farm, enabled her to learn and practice grant writing. children. The internship earned her more than externship. “I was able to find a way to translate double the hours needed for her OT graduate the position into a credit-bearing off-campus in- Rachel Pettit ’21 (English major) was looking for school application. This summer, she begins her ternship during the fall 2020 semester.” An English an externship aligned to social justice; when there doctorate of OT program at Mary Baldwin Uni- major, she plans on basing part of her St. Mary’s was not one to be had, she opted for the chance to versity, where she plans to specialize in outpatient Project (SMP) on the experience of working with learn and practice grant writing for a newly found- pediatric OT. EcoTheo Review. “My experience with working ed organic cattle farm. Pettit’s work of researching Jason Myers is editor-in-chief of the EcoTheo for EcoTheo certainly helped in expanding my possible farming grants for the Solas filled a need Review, a 501(c)3 that publishes a printed maga- perspective being exposed to the variety of pieces they had with a new perspective. “Rachel looked at zine and a website (ecotheo.org) that “enlivens and creatives that were featured in the issues,” she things from a different perspective than we would conversations and commitments around ecology, says. “A good amount of the submitted content have and found some interesting opportunities,” spirituality and art.” He has hosted CORE 201 within each issue dealt with similar ideas that I says Jon Sola. “ I don’t think we would have found externs as well as SMCM interns working in all am interested in incorporating into my SMP. It those grants and opportunities ourselves.” With aspects of the magazine and website. “They have was also incredibly beneficial to hold a perspec- the Solas’ help, Pettit contributed to the writing assisted in layout, helped share calls for submis- tive within EcoTheo of what creative writers are of a successful grant proposal for a fencing project. sions, and essentially participated in every level of producing and doing after undergrad/graduate The fencing of the 14-acre farm in Park Hall, putting together a literary magazine and getting a school.” Maryland, was completed in early March 2021, nonprofit off the ground.” just days before a dozen Hereford cattle arrived.

St. Mary’s College | THE MULBERRY TREE | spring 2021 | 17 optimization (SEO) to its fullest, you need to have a bank of content that relates to many dif- ferent articles and posts and can act as a hub for linking other articles and posts to, over the long

KATHY WHITE PHOTOGRAPHY term,” he explains. “The species-specific articles our FishTalk interns have worked on get linked with new posts going online on a weekly basis. That makes Google happy, which means our web

COURTESY OF LENNY RUDOW LENNY OF COURTESY pages rank higher when people search for terms related to our content.” Lenny Rudow ’90, top left, is the “angler- Devin Garner ’21 (English major) grew up in in-chief” of FishTalk magazine. FishTalk has now. “I attended hosted several SMCM students as externs and Huntingtown, Maryland, on the Chesapeake Bay. Drexel Univer- interns including Rudow’s daughter Mollie He’s an occasional fisherman. His CORE 201 sity which has a Rudow ’22, top center, Devin Garner externship with Lenny Rudow last summer threw co-op program,” ’21, right and Cameron White ’22, him headfirst into the world of fishing. “I did have he explains. “I did far right. some knowledge of fishing terminology, but not COURTESY OF DEVIN GARNER two co-ops before much,” says Garner. “I had to do a lot of research I graduated. The before, during and after the articles that I wrote Working remotely during COVID-19 was an first was with the Philadelphia Eagles Sales & for FishTalk so that the articles were accurate obstacle toward the Solas’ goal of their extern Marketing department and the second was with and credible.” Garner wrote an article each week being on site to “get the full experience of what we a [St. Mary’s County, Maryland] government during his externship, with each article being are working towards,” but the progression of the contractor. The Eagles co-op opened my eyes to published in the magazine during the fall and externship via remote channels (Zoom meetings, the cut-throat, dog-eat-dog world of high-profile winter months. shared documents and email) served as a valuable organizations like that and I realized that was learning experience. Pettit currently serves in a not where I wanted to be. My co-op back in St. Garner’s toughest assignment was to interview remote internship with Lutheran Social Services in Mary’s County was when I met Roberta and both eight professional anglers to get their best tips the National Capital Area and credits her remote made me realize I wanted to move home.” and tricks for regional fishing. “I researched work with the Solas for giving her an advantage. background information on each specific fisher- Lenny Rudow ’90 is the “angler-in-chief” of “It was extremely helpful to gain experience work- man and came up with questions based on their Rudow’s FishTalk magazine, a monthly print ing entirely remotely with Rolling Stone Farm,” background so that I could learn different strate- magazine with an online version at fishtalkmag. she says. “I was able to learn how to effectively gies and techniques from each of them.” His most com. His daughter, Mollie Rudow ’22 (English communicate remotely with supervisors and rewarding experience was an interview with David major) is part of the family business, compiling complete tasks in an all remote format — which is Sikorski of the Coastal Conservation Association. and writing the weekly fishing reports, a key digital something that I am doing now as well. Learning “I learned many state and federal regulations that component of the magazine read by as many how to effectively communicate with my extern- have been put in place to conserve the striper pop- as 5,000 anglers each week. “She’s an excellent ship supervisors only via email and Zoom was ulation,” says Garner. “Through learning about writer,” brags her father, “And yes, she does like to sometimes a challenge, but also a valuable skill such conservation efforts and regulations that are fish!” that is very applicable to today’s work environ- being put in place to conserve our local waterways, ment.” Pettit also credits the professional writing Rudow has hosted several SMCM students as I feel as if I have gained a renewed sense of hope course she took alongside her externship with externs and interns with FishTalk magazine and is for the health of the Bay moving forward.” glad for the chance to show them the importance helping her to learn more about project manage- Cameron White ’22 (English major) currently of understanding how to write for both a print and ment and professionalism. interns with FishTalk and says that the biggest online publication. “To be a successful writer in For Jon Sola, impactful externship and internship challenge for him has been learning to write for a today’s marketplace you really have to be able to experiences during his undergraduate years con- larger audience and keeping in mind the impor- write for both,” says Rudow. For him, the biggest tribute to his desire to help SMCM students tance of attention-grabbing hooks and sentence help the students offer is in creating “cornerstone structure that keeps the reader engaged. “So far, content.” “In order to utilize search engine this internship has shown me that careers

18 | St. Mary’s College | THE MULBERRY TREE | spring 2021 in writing [are something] that you have to work “Before, I thought I would just be working in hard at,” says White. “I’ve also noticed that having a lab or something, but I realized I wanted to a sharp eye for different things in your work, such be on the frontlines with grassroots organiza- as the clientele type you are writing to, is especially tions.” As she and her fellow externs worked important to becoming a successful writer.” with Hance to establish a campus Sierra Club Rosa Hance is the chair of the Maryland Chapter Student Coalition, she was energized by the of the Sierra Club. For her, the opportunity to enthusiastic campus response as they worked work directly with SMCM students benefits the the process through the Student Government Sierra Club in Maryland and as a whole. “Getting Association’s club chartering process. “One of students engaged and ready to take on their own the most rewarding parts of the externship was local advocacy on campus is the greatest help,” she getting emails from other students hearing about says. “Having students launch their own student it and wanting to join,” says Stevens. “It makes group is a help in the climate movement overall you feel like you may have a real chance at making and also helps our ‘brand’ expand and have an a difference.” MAYS CAITLIN OF COURTESY even more youthful face.” Caitlin Mays ’21 (English major) externed with Hance hosted several SMCM students as CORE Century 21 last summer, writing real estate listings; 201 externs, and did so remotely by video chats and she also wrote for Southern Maryland Woman virtual meetings. For Abbey Clements ’21 (envi- magazine. She is now interning with The BayNet, ronmental studies and economics double major), a local online news agency. “My experience with it was a useful learning experience. “Being remote Century 21 taught me how to use my writing skills helped me practice a new form of communication to write professional, attention-grabbing para- that I didn’t have a lot of experience with.” graphs to sell a product,” says Mays, “while The BayNet is helping me grow in my ability to engage “One way my externship experience prepared me an audience and edit the work of others.” Mays for my potential career path is to introduce me to plans to work in editing and publishing, so the how a major nonprofit organization works,” says exposure has been directly on point. “I have been Clements. “I am pursuing a master’s degree in published five times so far with The BayNet as a public policy or public administration after college Caitlin Mays ’21, top, externed with result of the internship,” says Mays. “I am proud Century 21 last summer writing real estate listings; she and this externship gave me direct experience of these accomplishments and I am thankful I also wrote for Southern Maryland Woman magazine. that will complement either of these programs.” have had this opportunity.” Brenda Litynski ’21 externed with award-winning Working directly with the chair of the Maryland Miranda Paul ’04 is the award-winning children’s children’s author Miranda Paul ’04 and helped Chapter of the Sierra Club offered insight on how with the promotion of the release of Paul’s new book, author of “One Plastic Bag” and “Water is Water,” the organization approaches environmental policy. “Speak Up” above. both named Junior Library Guild selections. Her Clements is writing a research paper for her titles have received starred reviews from School environmental studies senior capstone class on the Library Journal and Publisher’s Weekly in addi- Tube video in which I interviewed Miranda Paul effectiveness of renewable energy and future green tion to being named to several recommended and and Ebony Glenn about ‘Speak Up,’ says Litynski. energy projects in Maryland. She is grateful for the “best of” reading lists. Paul’s “10 Little Ninjas” The experience solidified her career choice of Sierra Club connection for that reason. “One of was named an Amazon Best Book of the Month being an author and illustrator. “This externship the Sierra Club’s driving missions is the promotion (August 2016). “Speak Up” was published in helped me achieve a greater understanding in the of green energy, so I know I have a great resource July 2020; “Peace” in March 2021; “BEYOND: creation process, editing, reviewing, copyrighting, to reach out to for my project if needed.” Discoveries from the Outer Reaches of Space” in promoting, and so much more.” For Paige Stevens ’21 (biology major), the April 2021. Brenna Litynski ’21 (art, environ- Boasting a career outcome rate 10 percentage externship has made her reconsider her career mental studies double major) externed with Paul points higher than the national average, SMCM options. “The externship actually made me realize last spring, just as “Speak Up” was released, and truly seems to be built to LEAD the way in career I wanted to take a more hands-on career path helped with the promotion of the book on social preparation. working in sustainability,” Stevens admits. media. “The most rewarding aspect of the extern- ship was producing an author and illustrator You

St. Mary’s College | THE MULBERRY TREE | spring 2021 | 19 SCIENCESCIENCE ANDAND OTHEROTHER VENTURESVENTURES ALEXANDRA ADLER

20 | St. Mary’s College | THE MULBERRY TREE | spring 2021 SCIENCESCIENCE ANDAND OTHEROTHER VENTURESVENTURES

Professor of Physics Charles Adler earned his bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees in physics from Brown University, where he focused on experimental laser physics. He joined the faculty of St. Mary’s College in 1997. The author of more than 40 papers on experimental physics, optics and mathematics, Adler has also co-edited four issues of the scientific journal Applied Optics on the topic of meteorological optics. For this inter- view, editor Lee Capristo asked Adler about his commercial ventures into writing and recording science and science fiction for non-scientists.

St. Mary’s College | THE MULBERRY TREE | spring 2021 | 21 he possibility that “Wizards, Aliens, Having no previous writing experience in and Starships: Physics and Math in genres other than scientific papers, Adler Fantasy and Science Fiction” could jumped in deep with “Wizards, Aliens, be a book came from a conversation THETHE BOOKBOOK ISIS FORFOR MYMY and Starships.” His self-described single TTbetween Adler and an editor for the Princeton superpower was a key to staying afloat: “I read University Press who accompanied a guest 15-YEAR-OLD15-YEAR-OLD SELF,”SELF,” really fast, much faster than most people. I speaker to St. Mary’s College for the NS&M can read a 200-page novel in about an hour. Colloquium Series. Two years later, Adler sent ADLERADLER ADMITS.ADMITS. Popular science, fantasy, science fiction, his- the editor his idea; four years after that the tory: these are the things I read an awful lot book was published. In 2015, it was a co- “WHEN“WHEN II WASWAS VERYVERY of.” He went about the project with the mindset winner of the Science Writing Award for Books of “read a lot, write a lot; that’s how I get better from the American Institute of Physics and YOUNG,YOUNG, II WANTEDWANTED at writing.” was named to several lists of notable science But how does a full-time faculty member find books, including that of The Guardian. Through TO BE A SCIENCE TO BE A SCIENCE time to write a book? “You have to be disci- it all, Adler learned several things about writing plined and spend a scheduled amount of time a book. FICTION WRITER FICTION WRITER doing it,” he says. “There was a lot of research “The book is for my 15-year-old self,” Adler BEFORE I WANTED in addition to the writing. It was fun but it was admits. “When I was very young, I wanted to be BEFORE I WANTED a lot of work. I actually enjoy writing, so that a science fiction writer before I wanted to be a TOTO BEBE AA SCIENTIST.SCIENTIST. helped a bit.” scientist. One of the authors I read a lot was “The editing process with Princeton was Isaac Asimov. His style of writing influenced tedious but not horrific,” he recalls. “The editor me the most in my own writing. Another is Poul focused on specifics like word choice more Anderson [to whom he dedicated his book]. than structural issues.” As a result of this, he His essay ‘On Thud and Blunder’ is really learned all the editor’s typographical symbols amazingly accurate even today. Other authors I and the difference between page proofs and admire are Steven Jay Gould, Richard Feynman galley proofs, which is an interesting but in his and Peter Medawar; they are very good scien- own words, “pretty useless” skill. The book tists and write for a general audience. A more had a print run of 5000 hardback and 5000 recent influence is Randall Munroe, creator paperback copies. It was also translated and of the webcomic ‘xkcd’ and author of ‘Thing published in Japanese and Chinese. Explainer: Complicated Stuff in Simple Words.’ Preparing for recording The Great Courses In that book, he uses only the 1,000 most series “How Science Shapes Science Fiction” commonly used words in the English language was like writing “Aliens, Wizards, and Star- to explain complicated science and technology. ships” in that each of the 24 lectures in the Basically, the desire to write came from being series was scripted and so had to be written an avid reader and choosing certain authors out. Unlike the book, the editing process with that I wanted to emulate.” TGC was with a whole team rather than a

22 | St. Mary’s College | THE MULBERRY TREE | spring 2021 single editor. A content manager helped Adler something I thought about in person is another decide on the topics and arranged clearance thing for which I now make more conscious with Princeton University Press for the material choices.” to be used. A producer directed the content Adler is currently working on a book about and graphics and helped script each lecture to the science of Leonardo da Vinci with Oxford fit the 30-minute timeframe. “We determined University physicist and colleague Matthew that 4,400 words turned into a 30-minute Landrus. “COVID really upended us on this; video,” Adler says, “so it was about 100,000 we’re just now getting back together to work written words for all of the videos combined.” on this ongoing project. We intend to write it to Adler recorded all 24 lectures during one week explain Leonardo’s understanding of science in March 2020, just before COVID-19 shut in his time. He was a genius on the one hand; everything down. Video and audio editing and on the other hand, he did not have a modern recutting took another six months. The series understanding of certain things that are funda- was released by TGC in October 2020. mental and common knowledge today.” That week of recording in March 2020 handed Is there a novel in his future? “Maybe,” he Adler some uncomfortable moments. “First of admits. “I have outlines of half a dozen novels all, I have to say that it was a great thrill to do on my computer at home. I have ideas, and this,” he admits. “The most unnerving thing one that is almost in first draft form, but I don’t about it was the amount of control that you know if it’s any good.” have to have over your own body when giving In between teaching, writing books and the lectures. I’m used to making big gestures, recording a lecture series, Adler is a baking going off on tangents, and speaking loudly in enthusiast. “When I was about 11, my family class and none of that worked well on camera went to France,” he says. “When I came back at all. I had to be careful to make only very con- I decided to learn to bake bread. I wanted to trolled movements on camera and modulate know why it is so hard to bake a good baguette my voice to a lower level. I also learned that at home. It turns out commercial steam ovens very long sentences and big words just sound give baguettes their unique texture and crust. awful when read out loud on camera. I remem- The way that you get that extra crispy crust is ber seeing in my script on the teleprompter to inject steam into the beginning of the baking that “incongruous” was coming up and I knew I process.” Applying a scientist’s mind to the wasn’t going to want to say it: it’s too long!” task, Adler eventually achieved his “Voilà!” His These uncomfortable moments stuck with method: “Tent the loaf in foil and spray it with Adler after the recordings were complete. water. Start it in a very hot oven; remove the “The whole issue of control over the body and tent later and lower the temperature.” voice has influenced me in the classroom and over Zoom. The issue of word choice that was noticeably a problem on camera but not

St. Mary’s College | THE MULBERRY TREE | spring 2021 | 23 ALUMNI CONNECTION

PEOPLE Magazine’s “PEOPLE Picks: The Best New Books,” CLASS and Parade Magazine’s “Best 2021 Releases to Read This NOTES Winter.” Mark Christie Garcia ’96 [3] 1970s joined the staff of the UC San Diego Moores Cancer Center as David Cribbs ’74, professor in director of research administra- residence of neurology at Uni- tion and operations in March versity of California, Irvine, was 2021. In this role, he leads a team identified as one of the top 2% that provides financial, HR, of the world’s scientists based grants management, and IT on publications and citations services for the Center’s research 2 in a recent report from Stanford enterprise. Garcia credits the University. Cribbs previously 1990s liberal arts education he received 3 served on the SMCM faculty at St. Mary’s College, along with Lindsey “Elle” Plaut Cosimano and the Alumni Council. the invaluable experience of be- ’95’s [2] book, “Finlay Donovan ing a dramatic arts major, to his is Killing It,” is being adapted career success. 1980s for television by I. Marlene King, the writer, producer Coya Paz-Brownrigg ’97 [4] Sue “Niki” Nickerson Byram and director best known as has been named interim dean of ’86 [1] published a second the executive producer and The Theatre School at DePaul book of poetry in February 2021. showrunner of teen drama series University in Chicago, Illinois. titled, “The Book of You, You “Pretty Little Liars.” The book is Not Me.” The book is interac- an award-winning mystery, pub- tive in that the reader is invited lished in February 2021, about 2000s to write thoughts within the a single mother and suspense Stephanie M. Chesney ’05 pages and is available through novelist, Finlay Donovan, who was elevated to partner at Amazon and Barnes & Noble. becomes involved in real-life MG+M Law Firm, a national Byram resides in Daytona- murder investigations. The litigation and trial firm that pro- 4 Beach, Florida. book has also been included in vides coordinated, coast-to-coast including representing the election occurring on November Goodreads’ “36 Most Antici- services for corporate clients in voices of all Frederick County 8, 2022. pated Thrillers of 2021,” as high stakes matters. Her experi- citizens, making education a ence includes representing Joanna Suder ’07 [5] and hus- priority and helping provide clients in diverse business and band Neal Goldstein, together support during the COVID-19 commercial litigation matters, with their coauthor Chris Fer- pandemic. In addition to including employment, general rie, wrote two children’s books her position on the County liability, products liability, con- about public health. The first Council, Fitzwater has taught struction and premises liability. book, “Pandemics for Babies,” music at Oakdale Elementary Chesney also handles profes- was released in October 2020 School in Ijamsville, Mary- sional liability matters in the and breaks down the complex land, for 16 years. “As County defense of health care providers scientific topics and vocabu- Executive I will ensure we do and institutions. She received lary that adults use to discuss not rest on outdated ideas, nor her J.D. from New England pandemics. The second book, will we chase trends. I will lead School of Law. “Germ Theory for Babies,” with deep caring, listening, was released in February 2021 Jessica Fitzwater ’05 an- accountability, confidence, and and discusses what germs are nounced her plans to run for action. I will lead our County and how we can practice good Frederick County Executive to represent the Government hygiene. Suder is a public after serving seven years as a of the people, for the people, health attorney and Goldstein is member of the County Council. by the people -- meaning all 1 an infectious disease epidemi- She represents District 4 in her people of Frederick County.” ologist. The couple resides in position as Councilwoman, and The primaries will be held on Wilmington, Delaware. has worked to address issues June 22, 2022, with the general

24 | St. Mary’s College | THE MULBERRY TREE | spring 2021 prior to moving to Savannah, crossover group, “Clazzical IN MEMORIAM Georgia in 2019. Jam.” He performed with a number of notable musicians Don Stapleson ’80, age 66, during his lifetime, including After missing for more than 14 died on January 31, 2021 after Ray Charles, Dexter Gordon, months, the remains of Brian a long battle with cancer. He Nancy Wilson, Wayne Newton, Patrick Kennedy ’04, age 39, studied at the Berklee College of and Rock and Roll Hall of Fame were found on January 12, 2021 Music and earned degrees from inductee Martha Reeves; he also in Richmond Hill, Georgia. The St. Mary’s College of Maryland appeared on MTV with Danny exact cause of death is unknown. and the University of Maryland. Gatton. Stapleson performed He was born on September 23, Stapleson taught saxophone and 1981 in Washington, D.C., and at the National Theater as a SOURCEBOOKS KIDS SOURCEBOOKS directed the Jazz Program at member of the pit orchestra attended St. Mary’s High School St. Mary’s College of Maryland 5 during its productions of “Annie before attending St. Mary’s for over 25 years. He played Get Your Gun” and “Cats.” He College of Maryland, where he saxophone and flute with his as the senior graphic designer at was a former member of the 2010s played lacrosse and majored in own groups, The Don Stapleson St. Mary’s College, in the Office Peabody Ragtime Ensemble political science. Kennedy was Quartet and “The Clazzical Cara Eser ’12 [6], DJ and of Integrated Marketing. She and appeared as a guest soloist employed as a CAD designer by Project,” as well as with the producer, started their own will be greatly missed by her with the Chesapeake Orchestra. John J. Magnolia Plumbing Inc. popular classical/jazz record label called Chub Rub. colleagues at St. Mary’s Col- In November 2020, Eserhad a lege, who wish her the best of track hit #1 under their stage luck with her new position. name, “Baby Weight.” Eser is JR Rhine ’17 MAT ’18 [7] was based in Arnold, Maryland. featured in the Southern Mary- Andrew McDowell ’12 had po- land News article, “Third-year etry and short stories published teacher works creatively to keep in four anthologies in 2020: students engaged” published “Faery Footprints,” “Nightmare February 25, 2021. Rhine is a Whispers: Madness Echoes,” fourth-grade teacher at George “Fae Dreams,” and “As the Washington Carver Elementary World Burns: Writers and Art- School in St. Mary’s County ists Reflect on a World Gone and recently published a Mad.” children’s book titled, “Jimmy Loves His Long Hair.” Nicole DeAngeli ’14 complet- 6 ed a PhD in psychological and 6 7 SOUTHERN MARYLAND NEWS SOUTHERN brain sciences from Dartmouth 2020s College in 2020. She is currently Erin Moran ’20 [8] was a first-year medical student at recently honored with an the University of Nevada Las ADDY Award in the American Vegas School of Medicine. Advertising Federation-Balti- Keely Houk ’17 was recently more’s 2021 student competi- hired by Purdue University in tion. Moran earned a silver West Lafayette, Indiana, as the award won for her illustrations graphic designer for the Purdue in the fall 2020 edition of The for Life Foundation. Keely will Mulberry Tree. be working directly under the Delilah Parks ’20 is a market- senior creative director and ing assistant at Charter Com- alongside a team of designers, munications, a telecommunica- 8 writers and web developers. tions company in Charlotte, After graduation, Houk worked North Carolina.

St. Mary’s College | THE MULBERRY TREE | spring 2021 | 25 ALUMNI CONNECTION

1 ERICA LYNN STUDIOS LYNN ERICA

2 3 BRITTANY DUNBAR PHOTOGRAPHY DUNBAR BRITTANY TYSONBROOKE PHOTOGRAPHY

home. Guests included maids Danielle Norwood ’14 and Ty- Zoe Smedley Hersey ’19 [3] ’19, Lauren Hall ’19, Nora MARRIAGES of honor Megan McDonough ler Wates ’14 [2] were married married KC Hersey on August Hetzler ’19, Emily Huey ’19 ’09 and Kathya Orellana ’09, on November 14, 2020 in Bel Air, 2, 2019 at St. Louis Catholic and Ben Webster ’19. The &UNIONS bridesmaid Tiffany Johns ’09, Maryland. Members of the wed- Church in Clarksville, Mary- Herseys reside in Mülheim an and Chris Sauter ’09. The ding party included co-maids of land. The reception was held der Ruhr, in North Rhine-West- Jacqueline Caminiti ’09 [1] couple resides in Cabin John, honor Rachel Braunstein ’14 at Springfield Manor Inn in phalia, Germany, where Zoe married Arthur Williamson Maryland. and Laura Rodriguez ’14 and Thurmont, Maryland. Members works as an English speaker in a groomsmen Julian Lamphear of the wedding party included preschool (KITa) and KC plays on August 1, 2020 in Ijamsville, Elise Valkanas ’13 and Patrick ’13, Stephen Masson ’13 and Matt Rados ’16, Katie Flores professional soccer. Maryland. The original wedding Montague ’15 postponed their Jacob Mullen ’14. The couple ’19, Jenna Pastel ’19 and was canceled due to the CO- wedding in Historic St. Mary’s resides in Crofton, Maryland. Haley David ’20. Wedding VID-19 pandemic and replaced City until 2021 and opted to elope guests included Luke Green with an intimate backyard cer- near their home in Boston, Mas- ’15, Jess Konecke ’16, Chiko emony at Caminiti’s childhood sachusetts, on October 15, 2020. Kulemeka ’18, Joshua Akwara

26 | St. Mary’s College | THE MULBERRY TREE | spring 2021 4

6 ALLIE ELIZABETH PHOTOGRAPHY

1

2 3 5 7

Courtney Russell Hedrick ’02 Devin Carlson ’07 and Chrissy Galen Brew Brown ’08 [5] and Danielle Krause Haig ’14 [7] [2] and husband Nick welcomed Holt Carlson ’08 [4] welcomed a husband Bill welcomed a daugh- and husband Bill welcomed a BIRTHS& a daughter, Ashlynn Elise, on son, Theodore “Teddy” Holt, on ter, Maren Louise, on September daughter, Vivian Mona, on Au- ADOPTIONS April 20, 2020. Ashlynn joins October 7, 2019. This pre-pan- 9, 2020. The family resides in gust 11, 2020. The family resides older brother Matthew (4). The demic photograph features Teddy Vineyard Haven, Massachusetts. in Falls Church, Virginia. family resides in Monkton, and his fellow SMCM friends Isla Carrie Hughes Peery ’01 Alexandra “Allie” Scott Maryland. Carrier (daughter of Tim Carrier [1] and husband Jonathan Bowden ’09 and Michael ’08 and Lisa Crear Carrier ’08) welcomed a daughter, Emma Justin Bates ’06 [3] welcomed Bowden ’11 [6] welcomed born July 24, 2019 and Cecelia Louise, on October 30, 2019. a daughter, Mila Genevieve, on a son, Bryce Christopher, on Pundt (daughter of Paul and Emma joins older brothers August 30, 2020. Justin resides in December 30, 2020. Bryce joins Rachel Boyer Pundt ’08) born Thomas (6), Charlie (9) and Jack Baltimore, Maryland. older brother Cameron (1.5). October 8, 2019. (11). The family resides in Severna The family resides in Baltimore, Park, Maryland. Maryland.

St. Mary’s College | THE MULBERRY TREE | spring 2021 | 27 FROM THE ARCHIVES

EVERETT L. MERRITT By Kent Randell, college archivist

Many people, including myself, have walked astronomical observatory in his home, by the College’s sundial while traveling he also busied himself by coaching the from Kent Hall, past the May Russell Lodge, College canoe and kayak team to national and down to the James P. Muldoon River victory in 1977 and 1978 using vessels Center without considering the ingenuity, which were built by Merritt himself. astronomy and geography of its design. This Everett’s sons Bruce ’84 and Barry were is no ordinary sundial, and neither is the members of the U.S. national canoe racing man behind its creation, Everett L. Merritt. team. Bruce competed in the 1984 and 1988 Summer Olympics. Everett Merritt Merritt began a career in photomapping was also an avid archer and knife thrower. while serving in the Marine Corps during World War II, where he received The original version of the College’s sundial, the Bronze Star. He later headed the dating from 1979, was the result of a Research and Evaluation Division of the summer course titled “Astronomic Theory 2 Naval Photographic Interpretation Center and Design Variation of Sundials,” taught and served as technical director of an by Merritt and constructed by Merritt’s Argentine survey of Antarctica. Merritt sons Bruce and Barry, John Allard, Mike published the landmark textbook “Analytical Ironmonger (director of the waterfront) Photogrammetry” in 1958 (the practice of and Bobby Abell (director of maintenance). It showed “solar time” and was accurate within two minutes of “true sun time.” Later, as a 350th Anniversary present to the College, Merritt updated his design to take into account the movement of the earth around the sun and the solar analemma (the sun’s daily “figure 8” movement through the sky caused by the earth’s tilted axis

and elliptical orbit). This necessitates the 3 curved lines on the present sundial’s inner arc which appear on a grid that divides the curved metal plate into hours of the day and 1

months of the year. The gnomon (vertical LEE CAPRISTO LEE structure that casts a shadow) is calibrated to the College’s latitude and longitude. This extracting three-dimensional measurements improves the “clock time” accuracy of the from two-dimensional photographs), in sundial to 15 seconds! Upon the occasion addition to publishing numerous scientific of the updated “equatorial” sundial’s publications and articles. Interestingly, installation in 1984, Merritt explained to Merritt served on the Photographic Analysis The Enterprise newspaper: “A sundial is a 4 and Enhancement Panel for the House clock whose moving parts are the earth’s Select Committee on Assassinations rotation.” following the death of President John F. Kennedy. Everett L. Merritt, explorer of both poles, [1] The sundial today, with the inner arc showing the died January 7, 1991 at age 78 and was photo was taken at 1530 EDT. [2] Everett L. Merritt When Merritt “retired” in 1976 to Ridge, buried with full military honors at Arlington during the construction of the sundial, p1983_1070e. Maryland, he began teaching courses in National Cemetery. The brick, mortar and [3] Merritt’s sons, Bruce and Barry, helped construct celestial navigation and astronomy at metal sundial will be enjoyed long into the the sundial, p1983_1070a. [4] Merritt in his home St. Mary’s College, where his son was a future by countless casual observers and observatory, p1987_1332. student. In addition to building an astronomy devotees.

28 | St. Mary’s College | THE MULBERRY TREE | spring 2021 Calendar of Events

Virtual Commencement, Governor’s Cup Yacht Race For registration and information on these and other Class of 2021 July 30-31 upcoming events, visit www.smcm.edu and click May 8 Fall Semester Classes Begin on EVENTS. Note that events are subject to change. Grad Walk, Classes August 30 of 2020 & 2021 Hawktoberfest & May 8 Family Weekend Summer Classes Begin September 24-25 May 17 Winterim Classes Begin Mulberry Music Festival December 20 June 18 Spring Semester Classes Begin Folklife Festival January 18, 2022 June 23-25 GRETCHEN PHILLIPS GRETCHEN St. Mary’s College | THE MULBERRY TREE | spring 2021 | 31 Non-profit Org. U.S. Postage PAID Permit #10001 Leonardtown, MD

commemorative can be a reflective piece, but it can call you to action and make you think about something that is positive A there. It can affect how you live your life going forward.” president tuajuanda c. jordan

The Commemorative to Enslaved Peoples of Southern Maryland on the College campus adjacent to the Jamie L. Roberts Stadium, was dedicated in a virtual ceremony, “From Absence to Presence” on November 21, 2020. Visitors to the commemorative remark on its power, its beauty, its starkness, its ability to stir the soul and spirit.

Learn more: www.smcm.edu/commemorative BILL WOOD