ST. MARY’S COLLEGE of Maryland

WINTER 2015

IMAGINE THAT! WHAT YOU CAN DO WITH A LIBERAL ARTS EDUCATION

SATISFACTION! Surprising Careers Feed Mind and Spirit [ PAGE 6 ]

A NATURAL PASSION Troy Townsend ’07 Works to Harness Sunlight [ PAGE 14 ] ST. MARY’S COLLEGE of Maryland

WINTER 2015, VOL. XXXVI, NO. 1

www.smcm.edu/mulberrytree

Editor Lee Capristo Alumni Editor Kathy Cummings Design Skelton Design Photographer Bill Wood Editorial Board Karen Anderson, Lee Capristo, Kathy Cummings, Elizabeth Graves ’95, Missy Beck Lemke ’92, Nairem Moran ’99, Karen Raley ’94, Gary Sherman, Lindsey Siferd ’13 Publisher Office of Advancement St. Mary’s College of Maryland 18952 East Fisher Road 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 popu- lar meeting spot for St. Mary’s 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 2015 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, 18952 E. Fisher Rd., 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. CONTENTS

WINTER 2015

SMCM ALUMNI COUNCIL JULY 2014 – JUNE 2015 FEATURES

Executive Board PAGE 6 Danielle Troyan ’92, President Satisfaction! Todd Purring ’86, Vice President Angie Harvey ’83, Secretary Surprising careers feed Alice Arcieri Bonner ’03, Parliamentarian mind and spirit. Jim Wood ’61, Treasurer

Elected Voting Members PAGE 14 Emily Brown ’10 Camille Campanella ’12 A Natural Passion David Cribbs ’74 Donna Denny ’81 Troy Townsend ’07 is [ PAGE 6 ] Barbara Dinsenbacher ’56 working to harness sunlight Laurel Tringali Eierman ’84 Mark Fedders ’74 with spray-on solar cells. Kate Fritz ’04 Chris Holt ’86 PAGE 4 Missy Beck Lemke ’92 Ryan McQuighan ’05 Inauguration Laurie Menser ’01 Celebration Jeremy Pevner ’09 Allan Wagaman ’06 St. Mary’s College of Maryland’s Jayson Williams ’03 seventh president, Dr. Tuajuanda Student Member C. Jordan, vows to “make the Jemile Safaraliyeva ’15 invisible visible.” Chapter Presidents Annapolis: [ PAGE 14 ] Erin O’Connell ’91 DEPARTMENTS Baltimore: Dallas Hayden ’06 2 President’s Letter Boston: 3 College News Kyle McGrath ’11 18 Alumni Connection D.C. Metro: Matt Schafle ’10 26 Philanthropy Denver: 28 From the Archives Alisa Ambrose ’85 New York: Christelle Niamke ’05 Philadelphia: Emma Prasher ’09 [ PAGE 4 ] San Francisco: Micah Cupid-Benons ’09 Southern Maryland: Cathy Hernandez Ray ’77 Western Maryland: COVER: Kristi Jacobs Woods ’97 Evan Wallace ’05 at his recording studio, Lineup Room in Parkville, Md. Staff Photo by John Dean David Sushinsky ’02 OPPOSITE: Beth Byrd Walking across campus. Lawrence MacCurtain ’11 Photo by Melissa Barrick

St. Mary’s College | THE MULBERRY TREE | winter 2015 | 1 A LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT

THE NEXUS OF HIGHER EDUCATION

his year we are celebrating the 175th anniversary of the Editor’s Note founding of our institution. In these 175 years there have been substantial and T significant changes. Through it all we have remained true to our mission to didn’t go to college to learn provide an excellent and affordable education. how to think. In 1840, the College, known I I went to college to gain more knowledge about English and American as St. Mary’s Seminary (“Female” The stories in this issue represent some of the best literature, about Spanish culture, the world’s was inserted into the name later) religions, modern history, Renaissance art. I was started. The Board of Trustees, of what the liberal arts went to college so I could study abroad. comprised of three local men of experience is all about. For four years, I drank thirstily from the high esteem, raised a little more “fire hydrant of knowledge” (thanks, Dad, than $18,000 to purchase the land, for that visual) and graduated with my thirst quenched, or so I thought. After one pay taxes, and hire teaching staff. year of teaching high school English, I was The school opened its doors in 1846 with three teaching faculty led by Edward Meaney, thirsty again, this time for knowledge that the principal. There were 10 boarding students and the cost was $120 per year for the I imagined would be useful in the world of elementary branch, $130 for the advanced English curriculum, and $267 if you wanted to work. I pushed through a master’s program take everything the school had to offer (impossible!). The guiding principle was to offer to learn a paid-for skill: technical writing and editing. girls within Maryland the best education possible that was affordable. Indeed, at that time, What I didn’t know until much later is 1 St. Mary’s Seminary was the lowest priced “girls” institution in the state. what Christopher B. Nelson (president of Today we are a four-year, public honors college governed by a board of 22, led by a St. John’s College) explained in a Washing- woman of color. We provide an excellent education to women and men from across the ton Post article on Nov. 1, 2014, and that country. Our 2014 full-time enrollment is 1,694 students and our operating budget is $68 is that “information transfer” is not the primary purpose of a college education. million. U.S. News & World Report consistently ranks us in the top 90 national liberal Rather, he says, it’s the maturation of the arts colleges. Equally important, Kiplinger’s ranks us in the top 50 Best Buy schools. In student in learning how to think. He writes, 2015-16, our tuition will be lower than it was in 2010. We boast the highest four-year “the educated graduate is an independent graduation rate among all Maryland public institutions and an educational experience learner, able to seek out answers to what- that is evident by the long-term success of our alumni, mentored by our excellent faculty ever questions arise, and able to direct his or her own learning in accordance with the of 149 across 26 academic departments. challenges that life presents in the circum- The liberal arts approach is the nexus of higher education in the context of student stances of his or her own life.” preparation for an unknown future. St. Mary’s College has always placed a premium on Life’s experiences have given me op- student preparation for life, an avocation that is more lasting and impactful than simply portunity to write, to edit, to think. I am preparing our students for a job. The stories in this issue represent some of the best thankful for that and for work that feeds my of what the liberal arts experience is all about: preparing global citizens who have the mind and spirit. In this issue, St. Mary’s alums share their surprising careers and the profound ability to work at their passion while helping the world in all its beauty and passion that fuels them. How did English complexity to be a better place for all. major Jen McCabe ’04 become a venture Enjoy these stories. I look forward to see you at some of our events celebrating capitalist? Why would political scientist 175 years of all that is St. Mary’s College of Maryland. Jared Romey ’93 quit his government job to start Speaking Latino? Find out, beginning on page 6. Lee Capristo, editor

Dr. Tuajuanda C. Jordan, President, St. Mary’s College of Maryland

1 “The Monument School of the People” by J. Frederick Fausz (openlibrary.org)

2 | St. Mary’s College | THE MULBERRY TREE | winter 2015 COLLEGE NEWS

CAMPUS & COMMUNITY NEWS Students Awarded Research Grants Sarah Jarrin ’15 and Bradley Roberts ’15 were jointly awarded an undergraduate research grant from Beta Beta Beta (biological honor society) for the neuroscience research they are conducting for their joint St. Mary’s Project. Their research is a collaborative work with Brain N. Mathur (Ph.D.) at the University of Maryland Baltimore School of Medicine and Aileen M. Bailey (Ph.D) from the St. Mary’s College Psychology Department. Their research, “In Vivo Optogenetic Disinhibition of the Indirect Output Pathway of the Dorsolateral Striatum in a Hemi- Parkinsonian Mouse Model,” may aid future developments of Parkin- son’s disease therapeutics. PHOTO: ASHLEY STOPERA THE ST. MARY’S COLLEGE COMMUNITY FARM was the Tuition Frozen Southeast region winner of Bon Appétit’s “Fork to Farm” grant on Sept. 29, 2014. The initiative requires Bon Appétit chefs for Third Year to buy at least 20% of their ingredients from small farmers, In an action firmly signaling an ranchers, fishermen, and food producers within 150 miles ongoing commitment by St. of their kitchens. The $5,000 grant will fund a much-needed Mary’s College of Maryland to greenhouse to grow seedlings in the winter months. provide a top liberal arts education that is affordable, the Board of Trustees voted on Dec. 6, 2014 to approve no tuition increase for the 2015-16 academic year. This is the Traffic Calmed Nnamdi Delivers third straight year with no increase By Rte. 5 Project for Maryland residents and the Carter G. Woodson A federally funded pedestrian and Lecture second year with no increase for traffic safety improvement project out-of-state students. The vote during the fall semester added Kojo Nnamdi, host of “The locks into place the 2014-15 tuition sidewalks and bike lanes along Kojo Nnamdi Show,” a daily news rate of $11,195 for in-state students both sides of the road between program produced by American which had already been cut by the College’s main crosswalk University’s WAMU 88.5, gave 8.6% from the previous year. It and Trinity Church Road. It also the Carter G. Woodson Lecture also locks into place the 2014 included additional street lighting on Oct. 23, 2014 to a full house in tuition rate of $26,045 for out-of- and realignment of the Trinity Auerbach Auditorium of state students. Church Road intersection and St. Mary’s Hall. crosswalks. Improved stormwater management was realized through a bio-retention zone, reducing

PHOTO: BILL WOOD road runoff into St. John’s Pond.

St. Mary’s College | THE MULBERRY TREE | winter 2015 | 3 Dr. Jordan was unanimously elected the seventh president of St. Mary’s College by the Board of Trustees in March 2014 and took office on July 1.

PRESIDENT’S NEWS President Jordan Receives Torchbearer Award The National Coalition of 100 Black Women, Baltimore Metropolitan Chapter, presented Tuajuanda C. Jordan its Torch- bearer Award at its 25th annual Torchbearer Awards Breakfast held Sept. 27, 2014 at Morgan State University in Baltimore, Md. The coalition honors women who have distinguished themselves in the areas of health, education, economic develop- ment, cultural arts or social and political action. This year’s hon- orees, recommended by the coali-

PHOTOS: BILL WOOD tion’s membership, are women in education with an emphasis on INAUGURATION CELEBRATION science, technology, engineering St. Mary’s College of Maryland celebrated the installation of its and mathematics (STEM). seventh president, Tuajuanda C. Jordan, with inauguration ceremo- nies Oct. 17-18, 2014. Guest speakers included Howard Hughes Medical Institute Vice President Emeritus Peter Bruns; Univ. of Md. WYPR’s Baltimore County President Freeman Hrabowski; Florida Southern Dan Rodrick College’s Associate Provost Mary Crowe; Morgan Odell Professor of Interviews Humanities (Lewis & Clark College) and Literary Executor for Ralph Ellison’s Estate, John Callahan; and Jordan Starck, teacher and son President Jordan of Tuajuanda Jordan. Jordan was unanimously elected the seventh Dan Rodricks of WYPR’s “Mid- president of St. Mary’s College by the Board of Trustees in March day with Dan Rodricks” wel- 2014 and took office on July 1. A transcript of her inauguration comed President Tuajuanda C. speech, “Making the Invisible Visible,” is available at www.smcm. Jordan to his show on Nov. 13, edu/about/administration/index.html. 2014. A podcast of the interview is available at www.smcm.edu/ about/administration/index.html.

Clockwise, from top: Tuajuanda C. Jordan during her inauguration ceremony; President Jordan snaps a selfie with her son, Jordan Starck; first-year student Cody Dorsey gets his own selfie with President Jordan; Lewis & Clark colleague John Callahan was a guest speaker; Freeman Hrabowski (president, Univ. of Md. Baltimore County) congratulates President Jordan with Chip Jackson, vice president for business and finance.

4 | St. Mary’s College | THE MULBERRY TREE | winter 2015 Barbara Beliveau, Dana Cullison FACULTY & STAFF NEWS and Paula Ropshaw retired from Thomas Barrett, professor of builds technology skills. Muilen- St. Mary’s during calendar year history, had his essay included burg also won the Association for 2014. Barbara Beliveau was as- in the new book, “James Bond Educational Communications sociate professor of economics for and Popular and Technology Distance Educa- eight years. Dana Cullison was Culture: tion Book Award for “Handbook the OneCard administrator and worked at the College for 31 years Essays on the of Mobile Learning” (Routledge Julia King, professor of and was active in the Staff Senate. Influence of 2013) which she co-edited with anthropology, is recipient of Paula Ropshaw, who came to the the Fictional Zane Berge (UMBC). funding from St. Mary’s County College after many years work- Superspy” to complete an assessment of Anne Marie ing at Historic St. Mary’s City, (McFarland known archaeological resources Brady, associ- worked for 14 years as an office & Co., 2014). in the county. The essay, ate professor of associate for Student Activities. “The Undefined Agent, Illya psychology, was Chris Tanner, Kuryakin: Making the Russian recipient of the professor of (In)Visible in The Man from fall 2014 joVE biology, received U.N.C.L.E.,” explores the por- PHOTO: L MACCURTAIN award. The joVE funding from trayal of the Russian spy in that award is offered by the Journal of Cove Point 1960’s television show. Visualized Experiments and al- Natural Heritage lows researchers the opportunity Trust for an “Wizards, Aliens to publish their methods-related oyster restoration project in the and Starships: studies in its video-based journal. St. Mary’s River. The project Physics and Math Katharina von evaluates three-dimensional reefs. in Fantasy and Kellenbach, pro- Science Fiction” fessor of religious (Princeton Univ. studies, received Press, 2014) by a grant to serve Charles Adler, professor of phys- as researcher in ics, was a Book of the Year finalist PHOTO: BILL WOOD residence at the for Physics World’s 2014 award faculty of theology at Vrije Uni- and one of “Five Books That versiteit in Amsterdam for fall Stood Out in 2014” as chosen by 2014. She published a book chap- Physics Today. ter: “Cultivating a Hermeneutic Lin Muilenburg, of Respect for Judiasm: Feminist associate profes- Interpretation of the Hebrew sor of educational Bible after the Holocaust” in “A studies, was Retrospective of Feminist He- awarded a 2014- brew Bible Exegesis: Context & 2015 Fulbright Ideologies” (vol. 2), edited by Su- Seahawks’ Charity Soars sanne Scholz (Sheffield Phoenix Scholar Grant Seahawk athletes gathered shoes and food for charity the Press, 2014). She also published to teach courses at the Faculty fall semester. The men’s and women’s cross country teams a journal article: “Satifsfactio als of Education of the University collected 1,200 pairs of shoes for the Soles4Souls distribution of Ljubljana in Slovenia. The Reinigung des Gedächtnisses” in center in Frederick, Md. while the Student-Athlete Advisory focus of her project is to help Tübinger Theologische Quar- Committee collected 200 pounds of food for the food pantry K-12 teachers create engaging, talzeitschrift, edited by Michael at St. Cecilia’s Church in St. Mary’s City. student-centered instruction that Theobald and Ottmar Fuchs (2014) vol. 194, no. 3.

St. Mary’s College | THE MULBERRY TREE | winter 2015 | 5

IMAGINE THAT! WHAT YOU CAN DO WITH A LIBERAL ARTS EDUCATION

In an age where being “employment-ready” is seen as so vital, some sneer at the idea of a liberal arts education, calling it superfluous or a waste of money. In actuality, a survey conducted by CNBC found that 74% of employers cited a liberal arts education as “the best way to prepare for success in today’s global economy.” Skills gained from a liberal arts education (such as critical thinking, problem solving, and communication) can transfer to nearly any career, regardless of the undergraduate major one pursues. Nine alums shared stories of how their St. Mary’s education has taken them to careers and success they would not have expected. Satisfaction! Surprising Careers Feed Mind and Spirit

Edited and introduced by Maureen Shea ’17, English major, Publications and Media Relations Fellow

opposite: Evan Wallace (e-dubble), who studied to become a political scientist, lays down tracks for his new release at the Lineup Room studio in Parkville, Md. Photo by John Dean

St. Mary’s College | THE MULBERRY TREE | winter 2015 | 7 IMAGINE THAT!

“ y experiences have allowed me to learn to think differently, see the world differently, and have opened up opportunities and a lifestyle I would Mnever have experienced had I stayed in that first government job out of school.” — Jared Romey ’93

What would you say is the value of a liberal St. Mary’s helped nurture my curiosity for arts education in today’s job market? learning, and this has equipped me well for my A liberal arts degree teaches you how to think career as a senior compliance engineer. Looking for yourself. As a businessman, a person is sig- back, I can see how my critical thinking skills and love of learning have continued to grow JARED ROMEY ’93 nificantly more helpful to me if they can identify problems, propose answers and then execute and mature since studying at SMCM. After majoring in political science, Romey the required changes. People who can’t think for What would you say is the value of a liberal worked for the federal government. However, themselves can’t work through these steps and, arts education in today’s job market? Romey eventually realized his future did not because of that, will not be as helpful to improv- lie in politics and moved to South America. ing my businesses. I think employers seek out people who have a Today, he publishes Spanish language guides variety of strengths to offer, including creativity, through his own company, Speaking Latino. If you could do it all over again, would you integrity, and interpersonal savvy in addition He also owns a company that imports and still choose St. Mary’s? to the core skills required to do a specific job. distributes beauty and party products in You bet. The ability to connect with others and develop Puerto Rico and is currently developing its strong personal relationships within an orga- own brand of products. nization is highly valued. Those with a liberal arts education tend to have a firm foundation of CATHY PELL ’86 Where did you originally intend to go with these sought-after abilities and strengths. your bachelor’s degree, career-wise? Originally intending to be a counselor, Pell majored in human development. She ended If you could do it all over again, would you still I had some general ideas about where I was choose St. Mary’s? going and what to do, but really had no clear up entering the engineering field after direction or goals. I knew I enjoyed economics graduation, and currently serves as the Yes, I would. I fell in love with SMCM as soon and politics, so working in D.C. made sense. I senior compliance engineer for Plantronics. as I rounded the corner and saw the river on interned with the federal government during St. the right-hand side of the road. I’ve never had Mary’s and then took a job at the same agency. How do you translate what you learned while a second thought or regret about graduating However, after a short time, I realized it was pursuing your degree to your current work? from SMCM. The small class sizes, getting definitely not something I wanted to spend the I remember taking a class with Professor Wesley to know my classmates and professors, living next 40 years doing. So I moved to the next job, Jordan, which taught me more about the sci- on the beautiful campus, and reading in the again without much of a plan. entific method. That class in particular helped Garden of Remembrance are all cherished develop my interest for hands-on experimenta- memories for me. I am pleased and proud to How do you feel a liberal arts education has tion. I learned a lot about engineering while be an SMCM graduate. helped you to get to be where you are now? doing safety testing during my time working at It helped open my eyes to the world beyond Underwriters Laboratory and this was valuable Maryland. In part because of my liberal arts training, just as that original SMCM class was. degree, I moved abroad for 15 years, living in South America and the Caribbean, learned a How do you feel a liberal arts education has language, studied others, started several busi- helped you to get to be where you are now? nesses and have been able to travel extensively. By far, one of the most valuable benefits of my My experiences have allowed me to learn to liberal arts education was learning how to think think differently, see the world differently, and critically. My SMCM classes, which included have opened up opportunities and a lifestyle I discussion in addition to the lectures, provided would never have experienced had I stayed in an environment encouraging thought and the that first government job out of school. exposure and exchange of different ideas.

8 | St. Mary’s College | THE MULBERRY TREE | winter 2015 WHAT YOU CAN DO WITH A LIBERAL ARTS EDUCATION

TIFFANY GOODYEAR ’04 While pursuing a major in philosophy, Goodyear was more interested in obtaining a well-rounded education than pursuing any one vocation. After graduation, she eventu- ally found herself drawn to advertising and then founded Yours Truly Cupcake, her own company, in Denver, Colorado.

Where did you originally intend to go with your bachelor’s degree, career-wise? Having chosen to major in philosophy, I knew that there were endless possibilities regarding my future career. My original intention was simply to have a well-rounded liberal arts education. I didn’t look at my college education as a vocational school. I wanted to read and think and learn about all aspects of the world around me. I loved all my classes at St. Mary’s, from Russian history to economics, women in Tiffany Goodyear opened Yours Truly Cupcake politics, mathematics and all of the philosophy while pursuing her master’s degree. SCOTT McCORMICK ’95 classes. Somewhat ironically, “Biology of Civilization” was probably my favorite. After McCormick initially had ambitions of work- How do you translate what you learned while ing in politics. However, during his time at graduation, I knew I would want to pursue pursuing your degree to your current work? a graduate level degree in something more St. Mary’s, McCormick found more passion specialized, but it took several years after The amount of knowledge gained while pursing in developing his acting talents. He found graduation to find what that would be. my degree is immeasurable. In each of my his calling after not finding happiness in career choices, I was hired because of my ability his chosen profession and joined a theater What led you to your current career? to see the big picture and to connect the dots. I touring company. McCormick currently use my problem-solving skills every day, along works as an audiobook director for Graphic- My first job out of college was a full-time posi- with my writing skills, critical thinking and the Audio, a position he calls his “dream job.” tion at a luxury apartment building in D.C. art of persuasion when hawking my wares. From there, I was hired as the executive aide Where did you originally intend to go with to the president of a non-profit called Seeds What would you say is the value of a liberal your bachelor’s degree, career-wise? of Peace. Seeds of Peace takes children from arts education in today’s job market? areas of conflict and gives them the traditional When I graduated with a major in political sci- American summer camp experience. I learned First, I don’t think liberal arts is for everyone. ence, my goal was a job on Capitol Hill and to so much, met diplomats from around the I think it is for people who like learning, for then attend a graduate program in peace stud- world and got to travel to the Middle East on those who are able to gather insights from any ies after gaining some real world experience. I several occasions. I then became a lobbyist at experience and apply them to other situations. had a number of interviews and made it to a lot a boutique firm that dealt with defense and The value in today’s market is that all industries of second interviews, and then nothing. I think security issues before landing a job in adver- can benefit from individuals that know about while I had a depth of knowledge, thanks to tising. I fell in love with advertising: it is the the world around them through different lenses, St. Mary’s and the opportunities it provided, pinnacle of business and art. I loved it so much from arts to science, to business and community. both my interviewers and I realized that my that I moved back to my hometown, Denver, to true passion laid somewhere else. pursue a master’s in advertising management. While in school, I started Yours Truly Cupcake, What led you to your current career? which combined my hobby for baking with Looking for direction, I reached out to friend what I was learning in school. Upon gradua- and mentor Sandy Wilkes, who was then a mem- tion, instead of working for a large ad agency, ber of the St. Mary’s College Board of Trustees, I decided to stay in Denver to see the company hoping he would help me find a job in the law out of its infancy. or politics. Having laid out my experiences in

St. Mary’s College | THE MULBERRY TREE | winter 2015 | 9 IMAGINE THAT!

“ eople need to be given the tools, resources and experiences to recognize what they want in life, and a good liberal arts education can and should Pprovide them with that.” — Evan Wallace ’05

What would you say is the value of a liberal me to the company and thought that I’d be a arts education in today’s job market? perfect fit for their communications team. A liberal arts education is experiencing new ways of thinking. Rather than locking your brain How do you translate what you learned while into one way of problem solving, a liberal arts pursuing your degree to your current work? education allows you to explore numerous ways Studying sociology afforded me an intimate of approaching a problem. If I had only ever understanding of the consumer, helping to taken political science courses, I would think like deepen Chobani’s relationship with its loyal and a political scientist. But because I took classes in passionate fan base while recognizing key tactics literature, art history, math, biology, anthropol- to bring in new consumers. Scott McCormick ogy and even sailing, I have multiple means of solving a problem in my mental tool box. How do you feel a liberal arts education has college and since I graduated, Sandy asked me helped you to get to be where you are now? If you could do it all over again, would you still if I wanted him to tell me a hard truth. I said The most valuable thing my liberal arts educa- choose St. Mary’s? yes. He said, “The only time you have had tion at St. Mary’s gave me was a well-rounded showed any excitement was when you were talk- When you turn that corner going down Route view of the world and how various parts fit in it. ing about your time in the theater at St. Mary’s.” 5, you know you have come home. I believe that He suggested that instead of pursuing a career every good choice in my life began when my What would you say is the value of a liberal in politics, I should try the theater. I took his high school counselor came into my fifth period arts education in today’s job market? advice and did some regional auditions, which Spanish class and told me that St. Mary’s To me, a liberal arts education gives you cre- led to a tour with National Players, a classical College wanted to know whether I wanted to theater touring company. After I finished tour- ative, communicative and problem-solving skills be considered for Early Admission. And that are crucial to succeeding in any industry. ing, I settled in D.C. with some friends from now that I have found my dream job with SMCM and began auditioning at area theaters. GraphicAudio, I attribute a good deal of my If you could do it all over again, would you still I have performed in the D.C. region, become happiness to that decision. choose St. Mary’s? a company member of Rorschach Theatre and worked in television, film and voice-overs. Even- There’s no debate. The river is and always will be home. tually, I began working for GraphicAudio as a ASHLEY BUTLER ’11 voice artist. They came to like my work ethic and asked them to join them as a book adapter Originally intending to pursue early and then a director. childhood development or educational policy, Butler majored in sociology. After How do you feel a liberal arts education has a friend introduced her to the Chobani helped you to get to be where you are now? Greek yogurt company, however, Butler Ashley Butler Every good thing that has ever happened in my found her skills translated well to a life has been because I chose to go to St. Mary’s. position on the communications team. It inspired a thirst for knowledge. It has given She currently assists in social media me a network of friends that have supported and strategy and engagement for Chobani. been there for me every important moment of my adult life. And it was at St. Mary’s that my What led you to your current career? talent for acting found its feet with guidance from Around the time I graduated from St. Mary’s, amazing professors such as Michael Ellis-Tolay- Chobani was beginning to make its mark on the do, Joanne Klein and Merideth Taylor. community I grew up in. A friend introduced

10 | St. Mary’s College | THE MULBERRY TREE | winter 2015 WHAT YOU CAN DO WITH A LIBERAL ARTS EDUCATION

If you could do it all over again, would you still EVAN WALLACE ’05 choose St. Mary’s? While attending St. Mary’s, Wallace I would still choose SMCM. The great people (e-dubble) had an initial interest in I met (many of whom are still in my life today), pursuing political science and economics. the access to resources and facilities, the “build Though he ended up majoring in political your own major” concept – these are all at the science, Wallace opened his eyes to his foundation of a great liberal arts education, and true passion during his undergraduate SMCM covers those bases and many more. My Calvin Wise years—music. He’s now a rapper and has only regret is not having the confidence back released multiple albums and singles since then to march into the audio engineering de- graduating in 2005. partment and say, “Hey, I don’t have any musical schools also attract so many different types of training, but for some reason I HAVE to make people, which helped me develop the skills to music. Mind if I play studio rat while I get my relate to individuals from diverse backgrounds. What led you to your current career? album together?” After a few years of focusing on political science What would you say is the value of a liberal and economics courses, I was finally freed up to arts education in today’s job market? take some more elective courses outside of my CALVIN WISE ’09 A liberal arts education helps you develop skills concentration. I took a few digital art courses, that transfer into any field. I’ve been conditioned A four-year starter playing forward on the where I managed to use my music production to think critically about problems that need solu- men’s basketball team (co-captain his skill set to score some of the projects. It was so tions. I’ve learned how to express myself in either senior year), Calvin was an economics much fun and did not feel like work or studying a written or oral interaction. I think my generation major who figured he would go into finance at all. I felt kind of “awakened,” like I had been is different from my parents. We will be offered as a career. He was a member of the doing “what I was supposed to be doing” but many opportunities in the future that currently Multicultural Achievement Peer Program now I was actually onto something I loved. do not exist. While at St. Mary’s, I was preparing and worked for the Office of Admissions for a career that I had never even heard of. How do you translate what you learned while as a student. It was in Admissions that he got a taste of higher education as a career pursuing your degree to your current work? If you could do it all over again, would you still possibility. Today, he’s senior associate choose St. Mary’s? My time at SMCM was key to my ultimate director of admissions at The Johns decision to pursue a career in music. If it weren’t Hopkins University in Baltimore, Md. Of course. I met some of them most amazing peo- an actual liberal arts education I was receiving, I ple down there, including the best of friends and would probably have never been exposed to the What led you to your current career? my beautiful wife (Elyse Tyler Wise ’08). Every factors that gave me the belief and strength in time I see someone with a SMCM bumper sticker The former director of admissions at St. Mary’s, myself and my education to pursue a career in or sweatshirt, I introduce myself. Even if our years Rich Edgar, introduced me to the field. After an industry as challenging as music. did not overlap, experiences at the boathouse, spending two years at St. Mary’s working in the path or the Green Door connect us. What would you say is the value of a liberal the Admissions Office, I wanted to broaden my arts education in today’s job market? experience to see if a career in higher education was all that I perceived it to be. My time at Johns I would say, now (maybe) more than ever, JEN McCABE ’04 Hopkins has solidified my love for the field. the value of a liberal arts education can’t be A Nitze Scholar, Jen started out thinking overstated. People need to be given the tools, How do you translate what you learned while she’d go into pre-med, but switched to resources and experiences to recognize what they pursuing your degree to your current work? English, earning the Ted Lewis Poetry want in life, and a good liberal arts education can Prize. She worked in healthcare research and should provide them with that. If I hadn’t The data analysis skills I developed in my economics courses have been immensely help- and noticed missed opportunities to use stumbled across “Intro to Digital Art” with Colby technology to deliver healthcare. McCabe Caldwell, I may never have pumped the brakes on ful. The ability to evaluate policy has also been beneficial. then joined a health startup, eventually my “socially constructed, ingrained, involuntary re- becoming CEO of Contagion Health, an flex” to go the poli sci/econ route without any real app company that helped people take knowledge or aspirations of what I wanted to do. How do you feel a liberal arts education has helped you to get to be where you are now? control of their health. Then she went The opportunities and culture at SMCM allowed to Romotive to work on robots and later me to open my eyes again to my real passion and The diversity of classes I took in a liberal arts joined VegasTechFund in Las Vegas. help me prepare to carve a path less traveled. curriculum allows me to look a problem from She’s interested in making starting a a number of different perspectives. Liberal arts hardware company as easy as a software

St. Mary’s College | THE MULBERRY TREE | winter 2015 | 11 IMAGINE THAT!

“ erhaps the single biggest benefit I see today in my liberal arts education is the ability to challenge different perspectives and not feel threatened Por react emotionally when I encounter the same, inside and outside the workplace.” — Jen McCabe ’04 PHOTO: EMILY WILSON PHOTOGRAPHY PHOTO: EMILY Jen McCabe company and helps startups with five key and write project plans, construct marketing If you could do it all over again, would you still challenges: designing a product, building, copy and design collateral, and I really enjoy the choose St. Mary’s? selling, shipping it and delivering quality time-pressure to execute by applying creative Absolutely. I found myself in the still waters customer service. composition to concrete business needs. beside our campus. When I talk to MBAs who come from business or engineering undergrad What led you to your current career? How do you feel a liberal arts education has programs I often discover a yearning for the helped you to get to be where you are now? Happy accidents, sheer blind luck, and neces- kind of experience we had at SMCM. I would sity. At Romotive, a robotics startup, we needed Debating with friends from the drama program, love to see an interdisciplinary, workshop-style someone to go to China and get robots deliv- bio kids, sailors and Nitze Scholars in the Great executive education program at SMCM with a ered in nine months, and I was the only one Room about how gendered biases and their focus on diversity. on the team at the time available to go. Living influences on situational leadership may affect cor- in China for months and learning manufactur- porate America and academia while munching a ing on the line gave me the experience to come fruit pizza was much harder than trying to defend CHRIS SEGAL ’05 home and start investing in hardware companies why we should/should not invest in a particular An English major, Chris now works as a who wanted a venture capitalist on their side company or venture. My earliest on the job train- AAA minor league baseball umpire and with some real operational experience on the ing probably happened there, and in the frank “call-up” umpire for the major leagues. His line. There are lots of little traumas and jolts in discussions with female professors (in particular) major league debut was on April 14, 2014, the manufacturing process for introducing a new like Professor Jennifer Cognard-Black, who were during the Oakland Athletics-Anaheim product, and when you have been through those very open in discussion about challenges faced as Angels game, serving as first base umpire. it’s like vets sharing stories of deployment. As professional women with ambitious career goals. On May 17, 2014, as home plate umpire for an investor with plenty of “China stories,” I can These liberal women who make teaching an art the Baltimore Orioles-Kansas City Royals listen empathetically and (hopefully) make help- taught that I could achieve whatever job goals game, he ejected the Royals team manager ful suggestions to the entrepreneurs we fund, or I wanted, but also that there may be personal for arguing a foul ball call in the top of at the very least provide a shoulder to cry on. I tradeoffs. I had to go out and do my own study, the ninth inning. Chris replaced injured definitely do NOT want to be “dumb money.” of course, and re-learned some of their lessons the major league umpires throughout the 2014 I want to be functionally useful to the founders hard way, but now I feel like I’m finally striking season, umpiring over 100 games. we fund, so hopefully they may be able to avoid the right balance between work acceleration and some of the mistakes we made. life pursuits, including family (I got married last Where did you originally intend to go with week!) and hobbies (rock climbing and working your bachelor’s degree, career-wise? How do you translate what you learned while with my adopted mustang horse, Odin). pursuing your degree to your current work? I seriously thought about pursuing journalism What would you say is the value of a liberal in some capacity. My senior year at St. Mary’s, I When lucky enough to run into another liberal arts education in today’s job market? worked as the sports editor and as a managing arts graduate in startups, tech and investing editor for The Point News and really enjoyed the we generally agree on the approach to creative Whatever you make it out to be. A degree now whole process. thinking, supporting arguments in theory and is just one part of the multi-faceted package you practice, and the insatiable curiosity for more— present to the world when chasing a dream job. What led you to your current career? learning, education and self-improvement for Perhaps the single biggest benefit I see today in my I have umpired baseball since I was 13 years old, the good of ourselves, our families and our liberal arts education is the ability to challenge dif- mainly just as a source of extra cash flow. After communities—benefits us and our employers. ferent perspectives and not feel threatened or react I graduated college, several members of my When we compare notes, we are often told we emotionally when I encounter the same, inside college association in Northern Virginia told me “think outside the box,” although I sort of loathe and outside the workplace. Well, I don’t always about professional umpire school in Florida, sug- that particular platitude. Plus, I use my writing succeed at that, but I’ve become far less reaction- gesting I should give it a shot. I’ve always loved skills daily to communicate effectively via email ary to having my biases confronted over time. baseball and having just graduated, there was really nothing to keep me from giving it a shot.

12 | St. Mary’s College | THE MULBERRY TREE | winter 2015 WHAT YOU CAN DO WITH A LIBERAL ARTS EDUCATION

How do you translate what you learned while pursuing your degree to your current work? While the English degree has proved beneficial in writing reports and improving my ability to communicate with others, I feel that my entire experience at St. Mary’s is what I have benefited the most from. It seemed as though the guys who had life experience (college) adjusted better to life on the road than those who had been at home all their lives. In the minor leagues, the baseball is sometimes the easiest part—learning to live on the road is what proves hardest for most new umpires.

How do you feel a liberal arts education has helped you to get to be where you are now? My close friends in the game joke about my spreadsheet and management abilities, but I al- ways seem to be one of the guys who organizes things, whether it be training classes, housing for multiple guys at spring training, airline/ hotel arrangements and other scheduling. I also am able to use various skills to help raise money for UmpsCare, a charitable organization where MLB umpires visit children in hospitals throughout the country during the season.

If you could do it all over again, would you still choose St. Mary’s? No question about it. I thoroughly enjoyed my time at St. Mary’s and feel that I really grew up there. This past fall when I returned for the base- ball alumni game, I walked around campus by myself for a little while to take in all the changes. But for the things that have remained the same – for instance, the squeak of the stairway door to walk down to Dorch[ester] first right where I lived my freshman year—great memories came flooding back to me.

Chris Segal relaxing in the off season near his Burke, Va. home. Photo by Bill Wood

St. Mary’s College | THE MULBERRY TREE | winter 2015 | 13 14 | St. Mary’s College | THE MULBERRY TREE | winter 2015 IMAGINE THAT! WHAT YOU CAN DO WITH A LIBERAL ARTS EDUCATION

A NATURAL PASSION St. Mary’s Alumnus Troy Townsend ’07 Brings His Liberal Arts Experience Full Circle By John Alexander Bird ’16, English major

s students of the liberal arts, we devote our studies to exploring questions of great social and personal import, hop- ing to find answers that enlighten our understanding of the world as well as ourselves. The reasons for this pursuit seem clear and Aeasy on the banks of the St. Mary’s River; anyone who’s had the chance to do their homework while digging their toes into the sands of Church Point knows that there’s something more to the liberal arts than just practical knowledge. How- ever, it can be difficult to explain to skeptics when they ask the looming question, “What on earth are you going to do with a liberal arts degree?” The journey to answer this question often starts long before we enter the classroom. In fact, it can start by asking another question completely: “What are your passions?” Troy Townsend first realized his passion for the environment in the woods of Chemistry professor Troy Townsend ‘07 (right) with rural West Virginia. Townsend spent his childhood years on his family’s farm, student Keene Kelderman ‘15 where he developed a close bond with the environment. “I grew up with a full set prepare reagents for inorganic of stars every night and food on the table from our back yard,” he says. “I felt con- nanocrystal synthesis reactions. At left, a spray-on nanocrystal nected with nature.” This connection led to a growing concern over our society’s solar cell array. dependence on the environment’s resources, particularly our use of fossil fuels. To Townsend, it was evident that society’s reliance on a finite resource was a significant threat to the well-being of our planet. Concern over the future of man’s dependence on fossil fuels led Townsend to develop a desire to preserve the en- vironment, to find a balance between society’s appetite for energy and the fragile balance of the natural world. “This problem needs solutions and I knew I wanted to be a part of this movement,” he said. Coming from a family deeply seated in the medical profession, Townsend was no stranger to the idea of pursuing a college degree. However, his desire to help the environment and engage with other people with a passion for the natural world steered him away from the pre-med programs his family encouraged him to pursue, and towards the liberal arts approach offered by St. Mary’s College.

photos: ashley stopera St. Mary’s College | THE MULBERRY TREE | winter 2015 | 15 IMAGINE THAT!

“ B ecause of the liberal arts nature of St. Mary’s, I was naturally exposed to many disciplines. I Townsend attributes this choice to a mix of student engagement and relationship with the drew from each of these in order to environment. “I chose St. Mary’s College be- cause of its stellar reputation, small class sizes focus my ambitions toward solving and beautiful campus. In many ways, I felt at home here on a campus that was not highly problems that I am passionate manicured but instead holds true to minimal environmental impact. Many native plant spe- about. I learned more about the cies are allowed to grow here on campus and this natural beauty drew me in.” environmental aspects of ecology, However, it was not the campus’ connection to the environment that ended up holding evolution and conservation than Townsend’s attention. His adviser, chemistry professor Al Hovland, cultivated Townsend’s I had previously understood.” passion for preserving nature. “We spent hours discussing the state of our dependence on non-renewable resources and its impact on the environment,” says Townsend. Taking a range of general chemistry and biology courses, where his focus shifted from conservation Townsend and his adviser Ed Foos developed Townsend developed a better understanding of biology to renewable energy. “I decided that the world’s first spray-on solar cell that could how he could apply his interests. “Because of the I needed to start from the ground up with a be applied to a non-glass surface and cheaply liberal arts nature of St. Mary’s, I was naturally renewable energy that would meet people’s generate power with minimal equipment. This exposed to many disciplines. I drew from each need for convenience while having minimal was a breakthrough for solar in that it offered of these in order to focus my ambitions toward environmental impact.” In the end, Townsend the prospect of versatility and sustainability. solving problems that I am passionate about,” he saw solar energy as the answer. “I knew that For Townsend, this was a vindicating experi- says. “I learned more about the environmental developing and implementing renewable en- ence. “Science is hard, unforgiving and riddled aspects of ecology, evolution and conservation ergy sources would favor economic growth with daily failures. Once in a while, however, than I had previously understood.” It was clear and save people money,” he says. with an eye for patterns in the results, we can that biology and chemistry would allow him He applied and was admitted to the Uni- discover a trend and be successful,” he says. the means by which to improve man’s relation- versity of California, Davis, to work with Dr. “This was true for my research at St. Mary’s, ship with the environment. Frank Osterloh, whose research on solar fuels UC Davis and at NRL. When we first dem- Townsend took his first step towards actual- from water splitting appealed to Townsend. To- onstrated a working device, we pulled from izing this application with his St. Mary’s Project. gether, Townsend and Osterloh designed, built months of research and by that time, we knew Joining up with an old high school friend and and tested inorganic nanocrystals that, when it would work because of all of the effort we’d his father, Townsend traveled to Lake Malawi, suspended in water, could use energy from the invested along the way. In the end, it felt great Africa. Working under a research grant with sun to split water molecules into hydrogen and to have completed the task.” the supervision of Dr. Ken McKaye, one of the oxygen, resulting in a clean, combustible fuel. After two years at NRL, Townsend was of- world’s leading experts on the tropical fish of In his final year at the University of Cali- fered the opportunity to continue his research Lake Malawi, Townsend spent two summers fornia, Townsend presented his findings on for the Navy, but he turned down the position, scuba diving in the fresh water lake, studying renewable energy at a conference in Boston deciding instead to teach. “I’d always wanted the ecological impact of a pervasive snail spe- and soon after was contacted by the Naval to be a professor,” he says. “I decided I needed cies. Through his research, Townsend discov- Research Laboratory in Washington, D.C. At to communicate what I’d learned.” ered a correlation between overfishing and NRL, scientists were conducting research on This decision brought Townsend full circle the growing prevalence of a parasite known the development of solar cells that could be when he took a position in the St. Mary’s as schistosomiasis. This parasite is known to sprayed onto surfaces. Townsend applied as a College Chemistry Department as a visiting cause a variety of health problems in develop- postdoctoral candidate at NRL and began to professor in 2014. “I feel like I have a purpose ing countries, often increasing the rise of infec- research flexible alternatives to using glass as here. St. Mary’s fits what I want to be doing,” tion by other diseases, including HIV. a substrate for solar cells so that these devices he says. “Teaching has let me continue my re- Townsend’s St. Mary’s Project served as a could be sprayed onto any surface and gener- search and share what I’ve learned with oth- stepping stone for his post-graduate pursuits, ate electricity. Over the course of two years, ers.” Townsend’s courses are naturally focused

16 | St. Mary’s College | THE MULBERRY TREE | winter 2015 WHAT YOU CAN DO WITH A LIBERAL ARTS EDUCATION

on the relationship between environmental and environmental preservation. Dario Du- Townsend at work in the chemistry labs of Goodpaster Hall. conservation and technology. His foundational rastanti ’16 is working in conjunction with the chemistry course focuses on global energy ca- nearby Patuxent River Naval Air Station to For Townsend, his return to St. Mary’s has pacity and consumption. In the spring, he will develop an anti-corrosion spray-on nanocoat- served as a capstone for his liberal arts experi- teach the College’s first class that focuses specif- ing for aircraft. Keene Kelderman ’15 is work- ence. “Coming back to St. Mary’s has let me see ically on the development of nanotechnology. ing with Townsend to develop a non-toxic how my passion has evolved from what I starting “Both of these classroom topics are new to St. spray-on solar cell for his St. Mary’s Project. looking for here,” he says. My studies have al- Mary’s and offer students the chance to invest Townsend’s hope, and that of the students lowed me to pursue my passion for the environ- time and thought into these growing fields,” he working with him in the lab, is to apply their ment and to take a goal and turn it into some- says. “One of the reasons I chose to return to research in a practical fashion, by bringing thing real. In order to be successful in the world, St. Mary’s is that I could now offer opportuni- solar energy to the St. Mary’s campus. His you have to be able to draw from strengths in ties I wished I had as a student.” group is working with the College business every discipline. I think that the liberal arts ex- Townsend is also mentoring several inde- office and local photovoltaic companies in a poses students to many disciplines and in doing pendent research projects that allow students grass-roots effort to integrate renewable en- so allows them to work on a multitude of levels,” to explore their interests in renewable energy ergy into the College’s power portfolio. he says. “I know that’s what it did for me.” 

St. Mary’s College | THE MULBERRY TREE | winter 2015 | 17 ALUMNI CONNECTION

shown here with the current Contract Audit Agency, first degree in trumpet performance 1970s scholarship recipient, Katelyn in Philadelphia and then in from Northwestern University CLASS Kean ’16 of Newtown, Conn. J. Howard Hixson III ’73 has Chicago. Terri went on to work and a K-12 teaching certification retired from the Morgan State as a computer specialist for the from Dusquesne University. She NOTES 1950s University-Patuxent Environ- U.S. Army at the Fort Sheridan lives in Hollywood, Md. mental & Aquatic Research Army Base and the Military Mary Lib Roseberry Saleh Center on the Patuxent River in Entrance Processing Com- Gabrielle Leenas Lucke ’84 1930s ’51JC , elected in 1993 as the St. Leonard, Md. after 42 years mand at Great Lakes, Ill. and is a senior consultant for train- Eleanor Quirk Abbey ’34HS first female mayor of Euless, as a fisheries/shellfish biologist. the Department of Energy as a ing and development in the [1], still spry at 97, attended the Texas, retired in May 2014 He held his retirement party chief information officer (CIO) Office of Human Resources at October 2014 inauguration of St. after many years of service to Nov. 1, 2014 on campus at the at Argonne National Lab, where Dartmouth College. She says Mary’s College’s president, Dr. her community. During her Daugherty-Palmer Commons. she received her CIO certifica- classic political theory learned Tuajuanda Jordan. Eleanor has retirement ceremony, the local He and his wife, Sandra Hills tion from Carnegie Mellon at St. Mary’s has served her fond memories of her time at St. library was renamed the Mary Hixson ’72, live in Cobb Island, University. Her final assignment, well throughout her multi-fac- Mary’s Female Seminary. Back Lib Saleh Euless Public Library Md. as CIO and executive commit- eted career in higher education then, the waterfront consisted in her honor. The city of Euless, tee member of the U.S. Railroad because she’s always worked of a dock and a couple of row- Texas produced a video in Bob “Crunch” Thornton ’73 Retirement Board, was a senior in very political environments, boats. Girls who smoked could tribute to her and her legacy, has retired from State Auto In- executive service position with whether doing clinical work, either take out a rowboat and which can be viewed at http:// surance Company after 30 years responsibility for the agency’s being in front of the classroom, smoke on the St. Mary’s River www.eulesstx.gov/news/Tribute- as a senior claims representative, daily operations. Terri lives in as an administrator, board of or just hang out of their Calvert ToMayorSaleh.htm. claims supervisor and workers Glenview, Ill. with her children, education member or fund Hall dorm room windows. comp/liability specialist. A biol- Michael and Mackenzie. raiser for local non-profits. The 1960s ogy major turned art major, he other benefits of a St. Mary’s Holly Buckner Salisbury first worked as an editorial artist 1980s liberal arts education are her ’65JC at the now defunct Baltimore love for art, her ability to identify retired in 2005 after 26 Karl Lewis ’84 is chief years of service as the first News American newspaper a flying buttress and know its before changing career fields to executive officer of AllTrust Net- architectural significance and director of the Singletary Center works, the leading business so- for the Arts at the University insurance. After working nearly the ability to hold her own when five years as a multi-line claims lutions provider providing check conversations turn to phenom- of Kentucky. After graduating cashing and alternative financial from St. Mary’s Seminary Junior adjuster for Kemper Insurance enology. Gabrielle, husband Company, he moved to State services to their customers. George Lucke ’86, and their 1 College, she spent a year in Flor- Auto. Recently, he’s added Throughout his career, Karl has children, Matthew and Andrew, ence, Italy studying at the La focused on launching businesses Abbey with Katelyn Kean ’16 Accademia de Belle Arte. She re- substitute teacher to his resume, live in Hartford, Vt. teaching for the Carroll County, that leverage new technology to ceived a bachelor’s degree in art change an industry and has held Eleanor and her roommate, from George Washington Uni- Md. public schools. He reports Chris Holt ’86 was elected in Jean Tenney Gray ’34JC, ran a that while eighth graders are leadership positions at MCI, 2014 as treasurer and finance versity and taught art for three Proxicom, Cigital, GridPoint hairstyling business out of their years in the Charles County, somewhat challenging, he’s committee chairman for the dorm room. Eleanor would enjoying his new adventure so and Treater. He lives with his Maryland Council on Economic Md. public schools before mov- family in Great Falls, Va. wash hair for a nickel and Jean ing to central Kentucky where far. Bob and wife Carol live in Education, a nonprofit organiza- would set it for a dime. Eleanor Manchester, Md. tion dedicated to improving she was born. Holly volunteered Dawn Locke ’84, founder and received her bachelor’s degree in many arts related programs economic and financial literacy Terri Semmens Morgan ’76 owner of Allegro Music Service in 1938 from the University of while raising her two children. in grades K-12 in Maryland’s Maryland College Park. An retired in May 2013 after 37 years in California, Md., was profiled public schools. A banking She has many happy memories in a July 2014 issue of the St. avid reader of history, historical of her time at St. Mary’s and of federal service. A math major, veteran with over 25 years of novels and biographies, in 2012, her first job was at the Social Mary’s County Times newspa- experience, he has been the never dreamed that years later per. After graduation, she left St. she established the Eleanor she would be scheduling the Security Administration as a chief credit officer of Susque- Quirk Abbey Fund at St. management analyst special- Mary’s County. When she re- hanna Bancshares, Inc. since likes of Ella Fitzgerald and the turned in 2000, she couldn’t find Mary’s College for the purpose London Symphony to perform izing in work measurement/ January 2014. A graduate of of making annual $1,000 industrial engineering. After a employment, so she started Al- Leadership Maryland’s Class of at the Singletary Center. Holly legro Music Service, a “business scholarship awards to students now gives private art lessons temporary assignment to auto- 2011, he holds a master’s degree with demonstrated financial mate the agency’s administrative dedicated to making sure musi- from Johns Hopkins University to 20 students ages 6 to 17. She cians get whatever they need need who are studying history, lives in Lexington, Ky. functions, she changed career in real estate finance and is a anthropology, archaeology or fields to computer specialist to stay musicians” including a member of St. Mary’s College’s museum studies. Eleanor is and worked for the Defense “full service band repair facility.” Alumni Council. He lives in Dawn has a master’s of music

18 | St. Mary’s College | THE MULBERRY TREE | winter 2015 Newly Elected Public Officials Congratulations to Mike Hewitt ‘76, Gabrielle Leenas Lucke ’84, David Fraser-Hidalgo ‘93, and Jessica Fitzwater ’05 on their election to public office on Nov. 4, 2014. Mike, who owns Hewitt’s Service Center in Hollywood, Md., was elected to the St. Mary’s County, Md. Board of Commissioners. Gabrielle, 30 years after graduating as a social science major with a political Finksburg, Md. with wife, ’92 live in Columbia, Md. with adult programming. Michele, science concentration, was elected to the Vermont House Teresa Borgerding Holt ’83, their twins, Nathan and Abigail. husband Christopher Happel of Representatives. David, who had been appointed in and their children, Alexandra ’99 and their children, Noah and October 2013 by Maryland Governor O’Malley to fill Courtney and Chris. Daughter John Starmer ’92, owner and Samuel, live in Ellicott City, Md. a vacancy in the Maryland House of Delegates, was Holt ’12 is a project specialist founder of Starmer Systems, re-elected to his delegate seat. Jessica, a music teacher at CyberPoint International and Elizabeth Pickard ’94, director received his doctorate in who was named in 2012 as one of Frederick’s “13 Young lives in Baltimore, Md. zoology from the University of of interpretive programs for the Professionals Under 30,” was elected to the Frederick Florida in 2014 and also holds Missouri History Museum, is County, Md. Council. Eric Holcomb ’89 is the a master’s degree in marine shown here with high school new executive director of the chemical ecology from the senior Amesha Payne [2], ac- Baltimore City Commission University of Guam. He has cepting the 2014 National Arts dying & bereavement) from Jones Fall Valley. for Historical and Architectural spent over 20 years working in and Humanities Youth Program Hood College and is a member Preservation, which recently the marine ecology field with a Award from First Lady Michelle of the Association of Death Misty Uhlfelder Troll ’97 and celebrated its 50th anniversary. particular focus on studying and Obama. This award, the nation’s Educators and Counselors. seven other 1997 alums [3] A preservation planner for the conserving island biodiversity highest honor for after-school Heather and her husband, are still great friends who love commission since 1994, he in the Commonwealth of the arts and humanities programs, Craig, live in Frederick, Md. the chance to get together and was selected after an extensive Northern Marianas Islands. was given to 12 organizations, reminisce about their glory days nationwide search. He also including the Missouri History Gregory Coan ’96, after a long at St. Mary’s, including having serves as chief for the historical Michele Sames Happel ’94 Museum, for its “Teens Make career in higher education infor- some good laughs looking at old and architectural preservation has worked for the Howard History” program, which mation technology and teaching yearbooks. The next Seahawk division of the Baltimore City County, Md. library system for Elizabeth founded in 2007. photography, is teaching digital generation also enjoys getting to department of planning. Eric 20 years. A psychology major “Teens Make History” is a work- art at Concord-Carlisle High know each other. Pictured from lives in Baltimore, Md. with his who was not ready for graduate based learning program which School in Concord, Mass. He left to right are: Rob O’Haver wife Tracy and their two sons, school, she found a job at her encourages high school students has a master of fine arts degree in with Chuck Orifici’s son, Luca, Eliot and Emerson. local library, loved it and never to develop key professional photography from Washington Lawrence Lanahan holding a looked back. Starting out in skills, build self-confidence, and University. Gregory moved to photo of his son, Emil, Kevin customer service, she worked explore the complexities of 1990s Massachusetts in 2012 and was Corbin, Chuck Orificiwith her way up, presenting chil- history. One of the unexpected Jackie Green Abell ’92 a desktop services specialist at daughter, Vita, Mike Kopec dren’s story time classes before effects of the program has been lives on the Fairchild Air Force Boston University and a systems with daughter, Abigail and son, transitioning to adult classes the rise in grade point averages Base in Spokane, Wash. with administrator for the Wellesley Nicholas, Damien Ossi with and working at various research for 60% of the participating her husband, David, recently Public Schools before accepting son, Jude, Troy Mann with desks. Today, she’s a supervisor teens. Elizabeth and her family promoted to Chief Master Sar- his current teaching position. Misty’s son, Emery, and Misty at the Miller Branch Library, live in University City, Mo. gent in the Air Force, and their He lives in Waltham, Mass. with daughter, Amelia. the county’s newest and largest two children, Justin and Jenna. branch, and also in charge of Heather Whittington Stang She has two master’s degrees: Jeff La Noue ’96 has a website Christian O’Brien ’99 gives ’94, a certified Phoenix called Comeback City (www. dance lessons and teaches his- one in counseling from Capella Rising yoga therapist since comebackcity.us). An economics tory in Austin, Texas. Feel free University and one in school 2003 and author of the book major with a master’s degree in to reach out to him if you want a counseling from University of “Mindfulness & Grief,” opened community planning from the twirl, spin or a dip. Phoenix, and is looking for a the Frederick Meditation University of Maryland, College school counseling job in the Center in Frederick, Md. in Park, he has worked at the Uni- Spokane area. April 2014. She holds a master’s versity of Baltimore since June degree in thanatology (death, Jason Slaughter ’92 2 2009 as a project and sustain- has PHOTO: STEVEN E PURCELL joined Fitzgerald Financial ability planner. Comeback City Group as a residential lending is his forum for urban insights officer specializing in renova- gained through research, review- tion and construction financing. ing best practices and direct He also is a board member for observation and it’s not limited MakingChange, a non-profit to Baltimore or the U.S. Recent which provides access to finan- posts have included the future cial education and resources of Baltimore beach volleyball at necessary to help people become Rash Field and transportation self-sufficient. Jason and his wife infrastructure in Strasbourg, Wendy Beverungen Slaughter 3 France. Jeff lives in Baltimore’s

St. Mary’s College | THE MULBERRY TREE | winter 2015 | 19 ALUMNI CONNECTION Alumni Spotlight Mike Boynton ’00 is a tenure-track assistant professor of acting and directing in the drama department at Jacksonville State University. The path to his current job and his love of theater started in high school when he was “forced” to listen to the “Les Miserable” soundtrack. He got so into the recording that he sat at his kitchen table “crying my eyes out because it was so awesome.” A science geek in high school and unsure of his direction at St. Mary’s, he took both chemistry and theater classes, which led to him graduating with an independent, student-designed major, or, as he jokingly calls it, “a degree in everything.” After graduation, as he was faced with choosing “between science and stability, or the chaos of life in theater,” a Virginian Shakespeare company offered 4 him the role of Rosencrantz in its production of “Hamlet.” From there, he went to graduate school at New York University, was “found” by a Broadway producer who gave him an internship, which led to him working with the creative team converting John Waters’ “Hairspray” from film to Broadway musical. When Mike realized that the “Broadway lifestyle” destroyed more lives than it helped, he took a job back at St. Mary’s as an English adjunct 5 6 professor and fell in love with teaching. From there he went ILLUSTRATOR: ELIZABETH ZUNON ILLUSTRATOR: PHOTO: MEGAN KELLY ’09 PHOTO: MEGAN KELLY to Wayne State University for another master’s degree, this time in acting. Along the way, Mike found time to be Sidney Hillman Award for “The 2000s a guest/artist instructor at The Shakespeare Theatre in Poorhouse,” and a 2011 Maggie Washington, D.C. and a graduate teaching assistant at the Laurel Dietz ’00 is co-director Award for “Behind the Assault University of Maryland College Park (where he is currently of the new Southern Maryland on Planned Parenthood.” a PhD candidate) before moving to Northern Alabama in Youth Choir for elementary Ryan lives in Washington, D.C 2013 and his current job. It’s clear he’s found the proper and middle school students with his wife Elizan and their career path when he says, “If I can make good theater with from Calvert, Charles and St. children, Iris and twins Sidney excited students for good people, I’m a happy camper.” Mary’s counties. In addition to and Virginia. directing the youth choir and 7 her full-time job as supervisor Billy DeLorbe ’02 is the of instruction for fine arts for St. Baltimore Ravens cross train- to become a medical doctor. He Live with Nik Wallenda,” which Miranda Williams Paul ’04 Mary’s County Public Schools, ing specialist. He began his completed his pre-med courses followed him live as he became [5] intended to be a marine Laurel also is an original fitness career while earning at Georgetown University the first person to cross the biologist but graduated as an member and current director of his master’s degree in applied before starting Georgetown Grand Canyon on a high wire English major with a secondary Patuxent Voices, a women’s a industrial mathematics from medical school. After graduating with no net. Jess, husband Earl teaching certificate, in large mea- cappella singing ensemble. She Towson University. He worked in 2012, Chad did a one-year Eutsler ’02, who is the deputy sure because of writing courses lives in California, Md. ten years as a master personal internal medicine internship at associate director for the urban she took from Lucille Clifton trainer at the Maryland Athletic Georgetown University Hospital forestry administration in the among others. She credits the Ryan Grim ’00 is the Washing- Club, leading structured group followed by a year at Louisiana Washington, D.C. Department experiences from her semester ton, D.C. bureau chief for The training exercises and providing State University, New Orleans of Transportation, and their chil- in the Gambia for “mapping out Huffington Post, an MSNBC high-intensity workout sessions for his ophthalmology residency dren, Noah and Kaelyn, enjoy her life’s direction.” Miranda contributor, author of the book for several athletes. Billy, wife in eye surgery and then back sailing—something Jess learned and her husband, Baptiste Paul, “This Is Your Country on Megan and son Will live in to Georgetown University for to do at St. Mary’s. The family fundraise for Books for Africa, Drugs,” and now the author of the Lutherville, Md. his remaining two years of resi- lives in Washington, D.C. Inc.’s “One Million Books for periodic newsletter “Bad News,” dency. Chad and his wife, Arthi, Gambia” initiative and she also (www.tinyletter.com/RyanGrim) Chad Marcantonio ’03 is a live in Washington, D.C. Katie Daly ’04 is the health serves as an Executive Vice which covers breaking news second year ophthalmology resi- psychologist for the University President for We Need Diverse and investigations mostly about dent at Georgetown University Jessica Wolfley ’03 [4], of Central Florida’s Medical Books, a grassroots organiza- money and politics, the drug war Hospital. A psychology major, director of digital strategy for School. She previously worked tion dedicated to diversification and other political goings-on. He’s he joined the Peace Corps after Discovery Channel, won a 2014 at St. Mary’s College as a visit- in children’s literature (www. also an award-winning journalist, graduation and worked as a Emmy for outstanding creative ing psychology professor and diversebooks.org). Her debut starting in 2007 when he won translator for medical doctors achievement in interactive assistant director of counseling picture book, “One Plastic Bag: the Alt-Weekly Award for best in East Timor in Maritime media - multiplatform storytell- and psychological services. Isatou Ceesay and the Recycling long-form news story for “The Southeast Asia. His Peace Corps ing for the June 2013 Discovery Katie lives in Orlando, Fl. Women of the Gambia,” has Painmaker,” followed by a 2010 experiences led him to decide Channel’s program, “Skywire been named a Junior Library

20 | St. Mary’s College | THE MULBERRY TREE | winter 2015 CAC Silver Anniversary Teams During the 2014-2015 academic year, the Capital Athletic Conference (CAC), one of the strongest conferences in NCAA Division III, is celebrating its 25th season by naming a silver anniversary team featuring 25 former or current standout players for each of its championship sports. The following Seahawks have been named to seven silver anniversary teams. The remaining anniversary teams with Seahawks will appear Guild selection. Her second since 2010. Freddie is a certified practice as a physician assistant in the Spring 2015 Mulberry Tree. book, “Water is Water,” will be advanced resume writer and in South Carolina. MEN’S SOCCER WOMEN’S SWIMMING published by Macmillan in May certified resume specialist in Ryan Olsen ’02 Paula Goodwin Lehman ’95 2015. She also has two titles the fields of accounting and Peter Krech ’09 finished his (Athletic Hall of Fame ’08) Kim Crance Colby ’99 forthcoming from imprints of finance and training and human first season as head coach for Alun Oliver ’04 (Athletic Hall of Fame ’04) Lerner and Random House in resources. He lives in Knoxville, the Seahawk women’s soccer (Athletic Hall of Fame ’10) Brie McDowell Porter ’09 2016. Miranda, Baptiste and Md. with his wife, Chelsea team with a 9-6-3 record and a Brian Wolcott ’05 Rachel Hotchko ’10 their children, Soleil and Amani, Ebmeier Rohner ’06. first round appearance in the (Athletic Hall of Fame ’12) Kelly Heyde ’13 live in Green Bay, Wis. Capital Athletic Conference WOMEN’S SOCCER Chris Kalman ’07 [6] chose (CAC) tournament. Designing MEN’S BASKETBALL Kathy Holmes Sulkowski ’02 Julio Zarate ’04 is lead senior philosophy as his major because his own major in sports coaching Sheldon Taylor ’01 (Athletic Hall of Fame ’08) II coach working with the he knew it would force him to and management, he started (Athletic Hall of Fame ’06) Brooke Barcheski ’03 15-18 age group at SwimMAC take a more creative path in life, coaching at both the club and Tyson Lesesne ’08 Katie Klotz ’09 Carolina. This Charlotte, N.C. and it has. An experienced rock college level after graduation. He Alex Franz ’11 Sophie Esparza ’10 based non-profit, in existence climber for over 16 years, his spent three years as an assistant WOMEN’S BASKETBALL Yvonne Latour ’14 since 1977, was designated a first job after graduation was as coach and recruiting coordina- Erica Pearson Grover ’99 swimming “center of excel- a member of the Rocky Moun- tor for the Seahawk men’s soccer MEN’S SWIMMING (Athletic Hall of Fame ’02) Pat McGarrity ’99 lence” in 2007 and has produced tain National Park’s trail crew, team, followed by two seasons VOLLEYBALL (Athletic Hall of Fame ’06) numerous national champions which led to two summers at with the University of Maryland, Claire Kodan ’11 and Olympians. Julio had been Mount Rainier National Park as Baltimore County (UMBC) Cameron Hedquist ’13 an integral part of the Seahawk a climbing ranger. For the past women’s soccer team, which, in swim program for 14 years as four years, Chris has travelled 2013, went from worst to first in recently returned from a West- Kathleen Overman ’11 both a swimmer and a coach to Southern Chile to establish the American East Conference ern Pacific deployment. Caitlin describes herself as a “college and remains one of its most groundbreaking first ascents on and won its first ever NCAA lives in San Diego, Calif. student turned foodie turned decorated male swimmers in unclimbed walls in Cochamo— tournament berth. Peter also has extreme foodie and local busi- school history. ‘the Yosemite of South America.’ won state championships at the Chris Shanklin ’10 is a custom- ness advocate.” While at St. In September 2014, he launched club level with his Maryland er service manager for Cowan Mary’s, she was introduced Libby Davis ’05 received her his own content website United U18 and U12 girls’ teams. Systems, a major trucking to truly fresh foods and began doctorate in environmental called “Fringe’s Folly” (www. He lives in California, Md. company. His first job at Lexus cooking family meals for friends chemistry in May 2013 from fringesfolly.com) for “purists, of Towson as a service lane and neighbors. In 2013, she Duke University and teaches dirtbags, and salty old-timers Drew Solyst ’09 earned his manager gave him experience combined the lessons of support chemistry at Butler University. who live climbing.” Chris was doctorate in neuroscience from and laid the groundwork for local and be sustainable with She lives in Indianapolis, Ind. back on campus in November Emory University in June 2014 his current job. An economics her love of food and cooking 2014 to do a slide show about and works at the University of major, he says his current career to start her company, Sweet Jim Mitchell ’06 is an assistant Cochamo. When not climbing Arizona as a National Institutes path is not where he thought Leenie. Kathleen helps small coach and defensive coordinator and traveling the world, he lives of Health postdoctoral trainee. his degree would lead him, but food related businesses and for Rutgers University’s men’s in Annapolis, Md. His research focuses on how the his major has helped him feel entrepreneurs grow and get the lacrosse. This is his fifth coach- brain detects eye contact and prepared everywhere he’s been attention they deserve via grass- ing job since playing Seahawk Keith Buzby ’08 graduated how a potential treatment for since St. Mary’s. Chris lives in roots marketing. Her website lacrosse where, as a midfielder from the College of William & autism called oxytocin alters this Lutherville Timonium, Md. (www.sweetleenie.com) allows and team captain, he led his Mary Law School in May 2014 system to promote social interac- her to blog about food and the team in 2006 to its highest na- and passed the Virginia Bar tion. Drew lives in Tucson, Ariz. Sara Kidd ’11 received her local companies she loves, share tional ranking in school history. exam in October. He is a special master’s degree in social work recipes, and alert her followers assistant commonwealth’s at- 2010s from the University of Maryland, to what’s new in the world of Freddie Rohner ’06 was a torney for the city of Richmond, Baltimore in May 2014. She locally sourced food. Kathleen Caitlin Nichols ’10 graduated finalist in the 2014 Toast of Va. and also lives in Richmond. studied macro/clinical social work lives in Severna Park, Md. in 2013 from Philadelphia Uni- the Resume Industry (TORI) with a specialization in the field of versity with a master’s of science resume writing competition Larisa Diffley ’09 [7] has aging. After working five months Brandon Bimber ’12, in August degree in physician assistant sponsored by Career Directors graduated from the Medical as a social services assistant at 2014, completed two years in studies. Now a Lieutenant Junior International. Nominated in the University of South Caro- FutureCare Canton Harbor, Sara the Peace Corps, teaching math Grade in the U.S. Navy, she’s category of best accounting and lina with a master’s of science now is a geriatric social worker for to fifth and sixth graders in stationed at Marine Corps Base finance resume, he has worked degree in physician assistant Charlestown, an Erickson Living Entsikeni, a large rural village in Camp Pendleton, where she is for iHire, a company which studies. She passed her board Continuing Care Retirement the KwaZulu-Natal province of the sole medical provider for a offers a network of job boards exams in September 2014 and Community in Catonsville, Md. South Africa. He’s most proud Marine unit. She and her unit dedicated to specific professions, was licensed in October 2014 to She lives in Baltimore, Md. of the school library he was able

St. Mary’s College | THE MULBERRY TREE | winter 2015 | 21 ALUMNI CONNECTION

to start. Brandon says he’ll miss China and is scheduled to end his students and South Africa in mid-February 2015 in Phnom MARRIAGES with its 11 national languages, Penh, Cambodia. Check out their many different cultures and bio- progress on their website, www. &UNIONS logical and geographical diversity. thewatercycle.bike. Learn more He lives in Russell, Pa. about Splash at www.splash.org. Dave Sushinsky ’02 and Katie Aviva Brown ’12 received her Bobby Rudd ’13 had a busy Siguenza ’09, MAT ’10 [1] master’s degree in community/ 2014 summer interning for two were married Aug. 16, 2014 at urban planning in May 2014 from professional baseball teams, the Holy Face Church in Great the University of Maryland, Col- Washington Nationals in its Mills, Md. and held their recep- lege Park. An associate consultant ticket operations office and the tion at the St. Mary’s College for Vantage Point Economic and Baltimore Orioles in its stadium riverfront. Members of the Transportation Development operations office. After seven wedding party included Kathy Strategies, LLC, she focuses on busy months, he has a new Orellana ’09, Claire Tolbert transportation, economic analysis found respect for all the work Abramoff ’09, Harold Lee ’96, honorary alum Richard Edgar and real estate market analysis that goes into the planning and 1 throughout the United States. execution of daily events. Now ’13, Michael Carver ’05, and LAURA ELIZABETH PHOTOGRAPHY Darren Frank ’05. The couple Aviva also chairs the Emerging in graduate school at Mount St. ’06 was a bridesmaid; Calvin at the wedding ceremony. Also is planning their honeymoon Planners Group for the American Mary’s University, Bobby also Wise ’09, Chase Lynn ’09 in attendance were Daniel Blair for Costa Rica in spring 2015. Planning Association’s Maryland works as a graduate assistant and Dakim Gaines ’09 were ’08, John Henry Adams ’07, Dave is the director of alumni Executive Committee. She lives with Athletic Development, groomsmen. Megan is a and Brenna Higgins Tan ’07. relations at St. Mary’s College; in Pasadena, Md. the school’s primary athletic program manager for Paralyzed The couple honeymooned on Katie teaches social studies at fundraising arm, coordinating Veterans of America; Dino is a the Hawaiian island of Maui Spring Ridge Middle School Justin Foreman ’12 is the pre-game hospitality for Mount medical student at Wake Forest in August 2014. Clare teaches in Lexington Park, Md. and digital media specialist in the Club supporters and donor University School of Medicine. outdoor science for Arlington teaches educational studies at College’s library. He previously outreach initiatives. He intends The couple lives in Winston- County, Va. public schools at the St. Mary’s College. They live in did freelance work in videography to pursue a career in athletics Salem, N.C. Phoebe Hall Knipling Outdoor Drayden, Md. and photography. Justin lives in after he graduates with an MBA Lab. Tommy is a self-employed Leonardtown, Md. in spring 2015. Katy Caperna ’07 and computer programmer with Chad Marcantonio ’03 and Lawrence Trundle [4] were Three Screen Studios, LLC. Arthi Venkat [2], shown here in Cassey Elder ’13 is an account Shannon Hammerlund ’14, married July 12, 2014 at the They live in Falls Church, Va. one of their favorite engagement executive at RMR & Associates, a survey statistician at the U.S. Hyatt Regency Chesapeake Bay photos, were married Oct. 4, a public relations and market- Census Bureau, works in the in Cambridge, Md. Rachael Emily Nelson ’07 and Carl 2014 in Washington, D.C. Wed- ing communications firm in business investment branch of Carter Reilly ’07 was in Alexander Ringholm [6] were ding attendees included fellow Rockville, Md. Although she the company statistics division, the bridal party. The couple married July 17, 2014 at Arlanda 2003 alums Mike Daumbach, majored in psychology with a where her analysis reveals trends honeymooned in the Bahamas. Airport near Stockholm, Swe- Kelly Mills, John Gaginis, minor in educational studies, the in capital expenditures useful for Katy is a public health research den. Emily’s “bridesmaids in Leslie Fields, and Matt public relations/communications product development, business analyst for Westat; Lawrence is spirit” were Laura Wallace ’07, Pembleton as well as Shannon field is where she plans to stay. planning and identifying business a U.S. Navy lieutenant stationed Clare McLean ’07, Stephanie Heaton Pembleton ’04. The Cassey lives in Montgomery opportunities. Shannon lives in at the Pentagon. They live in Reiner Marsich ’07, and Bren- couple honeymooned in Big Sur, Village, Md. Washington, D.C. Vienna, Va. na Higgins Tan ’07. The couple Calif. Chad and Arthi are both honeymooned in the European ophthalmology residents, Chad Lukas Iraola ’13 and Alex Lisa Williams ’14 was unable to Clare McLean ’07, MAT ’08 cities of London, Paris and Bar- at Georgetown University and Cole ’13, both economics study abroad while at St. Mary’s, and Tommy Woo [5] were celona. Emily is pursuing a two- Arthi at George Washington majors, have been biking through so she decided to go overseas for married April 13, 2014 at The year vocational training program University. The couple lives in Southeast Asia to raise money graduate school. Now studying Barns at Wolf Trap in Vienna, to become a certified medical Washington, D.C. and awareness for Splash, a veterinary medicine at the Uni- Va. The bridal party included secretary in Sweden; Alex is a non-governmental organization versity of Glasgow in Scotland, Laura Wallace ’07, Emily study and career adviser, special- Megan Brown ’07 and Dino whose mission is to give children she expects to graduate in 2019. Nelson ’07, Stephanie Reiner izing in teacher certification, at Vilson ’09 [3] were married in Southeast Asia and Africa Lisa says Scotland is as beautiful Marsich ’07, David Marsich Stockholm University. They July 5, 2014 at the Billingsley access to clean, safe drinking and green as the pictures depict, ’05, and Alyssa Hobbs- live in Huddinge, a borough of House Museum in Upper water. Their trip started in mid- but a bit rainier than St. Mary’s. Nayyar ’08. Meghan Sullivan Stockholm, Sweden. Marlboro, Md. Kharin Sears December 2014 in Chengdu, Neumeier ’08 played the violin

22 | St. Mary’s College | THE MULBERRY TREE | winter 2015 Troy Townsend ’07 and Emily Kathryn Miller ’09 and Adam Washington University. They Bzdyk ’08 [7] were married Curtis ’09 [10] were married live in Washington, D.C. June 23, 2012 at Silverbrook Oct. 4, 2014 at the State House Farm in Purcellville, Va. Mark in Historic St. Mary’s City, Md. Lindsey Anne Goldsmith ’10 McKaye ’13 was a grooms- Laura Hamilton ’09, Judy and Frank Joseph Corasaniti III man; Corey Ahearn ’07, MAT Sellner ’09, Phil Varady ’10, [12] were married Oct. 4, 2014 ’09 was the best man; and and Eric Horwitz ’11 were in at the Kitty Knight House in Justine Hoewing Ahearn ’08, the wedding party; Megan Bo- Georgetown, Md. The couple 2 MAT ’10 and Amelia Hin- emio ’09, Michele Hoffmann honeymooned on the Hawaiian 9 SPLENDIDPHOTOBOOTH ALISHA SULLIVAN PHOTOGRAPHY ALISHA SULLIVAN nebusch Smith ’08, MAT ’09 ’09, and Ian Prince ’10 were island of Maui. Lindsey is the were bridesmaids. The couple guests. The couple honey- administrator for the Roberto honeymooned in St. John, mooned in the Adirondacks. Clemente Health Clinic in U.S. Virgin Islands. Troy is a Kathryn is a senior editorial Nicaragua; Joey is a nurse in visiting chemistry professor at assistant and is completing a the University of Maryland’s St. Mary’s College. The couple master’s degree in archives, Intensive Care Unit. They live lives in St. Mary’s City, Md. information and records man- in Reisterstown, Md. agement; Adam is a high school 3 Sonja Kubik ’09 and Brent history and theatre teacher. Marshall Betz ’12 and 10 STORY & RHYTHM STORY Charpentier [8] were mar- They live in Silver Spring, Md. Aimhirghin Gilligan ’14 [13] VICTORIA PHOTOGRAPHY DAWN ried Oct. 11, 2014 at the New were married June 22, 2014 in England Carousel Museum in Niki Novak ’09 and Seth the Garden of Remembrance Bristol, Conn. The couple took LaShier ’09 [11] were mar- at St. Mary’s College. The a honeymoon cruise to the ried Sep. 6, 2014 at Historic ceremony was officiated by Caribbean in December. Sonja St. Mary’s City, Md. Kathy Andrew Keiper, a former is a math teacher at Lyme-Old Orellana ’09, Katie Conlon member of the college staff with Lyme High School in Old ’09 and Paul Morris ’10 were numerous alumni, staff and fac- Lyme, Conn.; Brent is a social members of the wedding party ulty in attendance. The couple 4 11 HAMILTON PHOTOGRAPHY HAMILTON studies teacher at Elisabeth C. with many other St. Mary’s Col- honeymooned at Disneyland. JOHN HEREDIA PHOTOGRAPHY Adams Middle School in Guil- lege alums in attendance. The Aimhirghin is pursuing a mas- ford, Conn. The couple lives in couple honeymooned on the ter’s degree in advanced theatre Middlefield, Conn. Caribbean island of Jamaica. practice at the Royal Central Niki is the director of training School of Speech and Drama; Brie McDowell ’09 and and quality improvement at Marshall was a dance instructor Tommy Porter ’09 [9] were Pathways to Housing DC; specializing in modern ballet married Sept. 21, 2013 at the Seth is a doctoral candidate in before the couple relocated to Porter family farm in Per- American history at George London, Great Britain. 5 12

TELLCHRONICLES ryville, Md. The wedding party BRYAN LEE PHOTOGRAPHY BRYAN included bridesmaids Eleanor Koerner ’09, Natalie Schae- fer ’09, Megan McDonough ’09, Taylor Cervenka ’09 and Rachel Burnside ’11, MAT ’12; groomsmen Jordan Grant ’09 and Alex Boulden ’10; and Ron Saul ’08, who offici- 6 ated. The couple took a quick 13 honeymoon to the family beach ALEXANDER R. STILLSON house in South Jersey, N.J. Brie and Tommy work for the Cecil County, Md. public schools; Brie is a high school biology teacher and Tommy teaches eighth-grade English. The couple lives in Colora, Md. 7 8 JACEK MIKOLACZYK

St. Mary’s College | THE MULBERRY TREE | winter 2015 | 23 ALUMNI CONNECTION

To Jessica Kemp Sohn ’04 and Andrew Sohn ’06, a son, IN MEMORIAM BIRTHS& Luke Leonard [5], born May 16, ADOPTIONS 2014. He joins proud big sister Grace, age 2. Jessica teaches Lydie Peach Price ’36HS, of in the St. Mary’s County, Md. Annapolis, Md., died Sep. 25, Gia Trionfo Hooper ’99 To and public school system; Andrew is 1 2014 at age 95. She is survived Eric Hooper, a son, Jackson Mau- a cost analyst at Naval Air Station by her children William Heim, [1] rice , born Jan. 6, 2014. Gia is Patuxent River. The family lives Nan Heim Shetterly ’68JC, a yoga teacher, owner of BMore in Saint Inigoes, Md. Caroline Heim Millett, John Yoga, LLC and founding partner Heim, Richard Heim, Ben Price, of Karmic Consulting, a staffing To Erica Mundle Pickett ’06 Sally Price Boardman, and company. Eric teaches environ- and Daniel Pickett, a son, Levi Stephen Price; ten grandchildren mental science at Parkview High Weston [6], born Feb. 9, 2014. 2 and 15 great-grandchildren. Her School in Loudon County, Va. Erica teaches fourth grade at sister, Betty Peach Caldwell The family lives in Reston, Va. Norrisville Elementary School ’30HS, pre-deceased her. Memo- in Harford County, Md.; Dan rial donations may be made to Josh Alexander ’02 To and is a financial analyst for T. St. Mary’s College of Maryland Diana Alexander, a daughter, Rowe Price. The family lives Foundation, 18952 E. Fisher Rd., [2] Emma Marie , born May 4, in Jacobus, Pa. St. Mary’s City, Md. 20686. 2014. Josh owns Regional Food 3 4 5 & Drink (RFD), a Washington, To Troy Townsend ’07 and Ann Gruber Rambo ’43JC, of D.C. bar and restaurant; Diana is Emily Bzdyk ’08, a daughter, Murrells Inlet, S.C., died Sept. a stay at home mother. The fam- Lucy Bzdyk Townsend [7], born 7, 2014 at age 91. A native of ily lives in Annapolis, Md. Feb. 19, 2014. Troy received Hagerstown, Md., she worked his doctorate in 2012 from the as a secretary during World War Erin Taylor ’03 To and Fer- University of California, Davis II and later was a stay-at-home nando Hoces de la Guardia, and did a post-doctoral fellowship mother. Ann is survived by her a son, Benjamin Hoces de la at the Naval Research Labora- daughters, Elizabeth Rambo [3] Guardia , born Oct. 10, 2014. tory before joining St. Mary’s Temple and Nancy Rambo Erin, who received her doctor- College’s faculty in August 2014 Bachtell, one grandchild and two ate in health economics from as a visiting chemistry professor. great-grandchildren. the University of Pennsylvania’s Emily received her master’s of Wharton School, is an associate science in entomology in 2012 Patricia Murray Chester health policy researcher at the from the University of California, ’55HS, of Berlin, Md., died Oct. RAND Corporation. Fernando is Davis and, for now, is a stay at 6 7 4, 2014 at age 77. A native of pursuing his doctorate in public home mom. The family lives in Worcester County, Md., she co- policy at the Pardee RAND St. Mary’s City, Md. owned Cropper Oil Company Graduate School. The family and Hadder Farms and was a lives in Santa Monica, CA. To Laura Wigginton Moore member of the Farm Bureau, ’09 and Nicholas Moore, a son, International Goat Association Jennifer Wong Cernak ’04 To Peter Benjamin [8], born June and Chincoteague and Paint and Brent Cernak, a daughter, 17, 2014. Laura is a self-employed Horse Association. Pat is sur- [4] Lana Wai , born May 12, wedding and lifestyle photogra- vived by her children, Thomas 2014. Lana’s four-legged older pher; Nicholas works in sales for Cropper, Jane Cropper Warren brothers, Boomer and Ralphie, Fastenal in Hollywood, Md. The and Robert “Craig” Cropper; are finally warming up to their family lives in Valley Lee, Md. five grandchildren; two great- adorable life intrusion. Jennifer is grandchildren; and her brothers, a teacher and directs her school’s Harry and John Murray. enrichment programs; Brent does information technology work for a government contractor. The family lives in Chester, Md. 8

24 | St. Mary’s College | THE MULBERRY TREE | winter 2015 Frances “Franny” Shaw Hoyt Robert Collins ’71, of Ventura, Andy also served St. Mary’s During his tenure, the active ’56HS, of New Milford, Conn., Calif., died May 1, 2014 at age FACULTY AND FRIENDS County, Md. as a board member affiliation between the City and died April 9, 2014 at age 77. 64. Born in Germany, he grew OF THE COLLEGE of the county’s community devel- the College led, among other Franny grew up in Bel Air, Md. up in Severna Park, Md. A histo- opment corporation from 1985- things, to a landmark $65 million and was a long-time volunteer at ry major, he earned his MBA in 1992 and as a housing authority Maryland Heritage Project. the New Milford Hospital and 1987 from California Lutheran commissioner from 2003-2012. the local chapter of the American University and was a partner in Andy is survived by his wife, He played an important role Cancer Society. She is survived a property management business Rebecca; step-son, Aaron Boyles; with the College’s Center for the by her husband, Tony; children, until his 2012 retirement. Bob and his sisters, Barbara Kozak Study of Democracy, a joint ef- Sidney Barteau, Susie Barteau is survived by his wife, Aleda; Coady and Ginger Kozak Bohar. fort between Historic St. Mary’s Cammett and Julie Barteau daughter, Elizabeth Collins Mat- Contributions to a scholarship City and the College, serving Gemmell; stepchildren Cara thews; son, Robert; and three in his honor may be sent to the on its advisory board from its Hoyt O’Connell and Charlie grandchildren. St. Mary’s College of Maryland beginning. Bradlee established Hoyt; 13 grandchildren; and her Andrew “Andy” Kozak, of Cali- Foundation, 18952 E. Fisher Road, in 2004 an endowed lecture siblings, Maggie Shaw Melville, Dennis Nial ’75, of Mont- fornia, Md., died Oct. 16, 2014 at St. Mary’s City, Md. 20686. series in journalism. The series Sarah Shaw Bouscaren, Betsy gomery Village, Md., died Oct. age 63. Described by a colleague brought journalists to campus Shaw Smith and Al Shaw. 26, 2014 at age 62. He was a as someone who was great at for public lectures, among them supervisory juvenile justice making people see the best in David Broder, Gwen Ifill, Tom Sarah “Sally” Mason Day case management specialist for themselves, he was a beloved Brokaw and David Ignatius. ’60JC, of Fort Worth, Texas, Montgomery County, Md. and friend and mentor to generations died July 18, 2014 at age 74. enjoyed playing on his office’s of St. Mary’s College students. The father of four children, Sally grew up in Rising Sun, softball team. Dennis is survived Bradlee was married to Md. on her family’s Woodbine by his beloved companion, Jen Andy received his doctorate in journalist and author Sally Farm. After graduating from Smith; his mother, Irene; and his economics from the Univer- Quinn. His family maintains Lamar University in 1982 with a siblings, Jack, Jim, Gary, Kevin sity of Notre Dame in 1983 and residences in Washington, D.C., bachelor’s degree in nursing, she and Mary. joined the St. Mary’s College Benjamin C. Bradlee, of Wash- and in Porto Bello, a historic worked as a home health cancer faculty in 1984, where he quickly ington, D.C., died Oct. 21, 2014 house across the river from St. nurse; started Family Services John W. Beach III ’76, of established himself as one of the at age 93. Bradlee was a member Mary’s College of Maryland. Hospice in 1986; and, in 1992, Lewes, Del., died July 13, 2014 at College’s best teachers, receiving of the St. Mary’s College of became the executive director for age 59. A native of Dover, Del., the Homer L. Dodge Excellence Maryland Board of Trustees Valentine “Val” Ojo, of Tall Family Hospice of Fort Worth, he last worked in maintenance at in Teaching award in 1988. He from 2003 – 2011 and chaired Timbers, Md., died Aug. 23, Texas and later its director of Cadbury at Lewes, a continu- directed the Honors Program/ the Historic St. Mary’s City 2014 at age 66. Born in Ondo, education for 20 field offices. ing care retirement community, Paul Nitze Scholars Program Commission from 1991 – 2003. Nigeria, he was a profes- In 1998 she was recognized for where he put his gift for repair- from 1998-2003 and chaired Bradlee was executive editor of sor of German and Italian at her excellence in hospice nurs- ing anything to good use. John is the Department of Economics The Washington Post from 1968 the University of Ife, Nigeria ing with the Heart of Hospice survived by his wife of 22 years, from 2004-2009 and 2011-2012. A to 1991, becoming well-known before relocating to the United award and also chosen as one Ursula; and his siblings, Linda, member of the Board of Mary- for his editorial role in The Post’s States. He taught at St. Mary’s of the “Great 100” nurses in the David and Jay. land Collegiate Honors Council uncovering of the Watergate College (1996-2002), Lincoln Dallas/Fort Worth area. Sally is from 1994-1997, he served as scandal, the story that thrust The University and Prince George’s survived by her husband of 53 Paul DiIorio ’12, of Holtsville, council president from 1996-1997. Post into national prominence. County, Md. public schools. years, Douglas; daughters Laura N.Y., died Nov. 3, 2014 at age Actively involved in student Val is survived by his wife, Day Park, Gail Day-Russell and 24. A chemistry major, he also activities and a supporter of As head of the Historic St. Agathachristy; four children, Rebecca Day Dennis; 10 grand- was an orientation leader and Seahawk sports and the Econom- Mary’s City Commission and Mayowa, Omolayo, Mayokun children; 2 great-grandchildren; member of the Multicultural ics Club, he received the Student simultaneously its ambassador to and Omotayo; and his siblings, and her siblings, Henry, David Achievement Peer Program and Government Faculty Service the College’s Board of Trustees, Vitalis Ojo, Lucrentia Abdullahi and Richard Mason, Florence the rugby team. Paul is survived award in 1987 and 1997. Profes- Bradlee strengthened the mis- and Crescentia Adelabu. Mason Bannister, and Eleanor by his parents, Paul and Jeanette, sor Don Stabile created the Andy sion of Historic St. Mary’s City Mason Cline. and his brother, Daniel. Kozak Faculty Contribution to and ensured a productive affilia- Student Life award in his honor tion between it and the College, to recognize faculty who dedicate effectively planning for the two themselves to students through institutions to have separate gov- active community engagement. ernance but equal partnership.

St. Mary’s College | THE MULBERRY TREE | winter 2015 | 25 PHILANTHROPY DIVINE DISCOURSE A St. Mary’s Internship on Public Radio By Lawrence P. MacCurtain ’11

hat do you get when you While Patrick may have been a longtime lis- He was primarily responsible for building put a Catholic nun in a broadcast tener to the program, until this past summer, and maintaining the show’s expansive guest Wbooth with polemicist Christopher he would never have guessed that he would list, researching potential guests and draft- Hitchens, actor Rainn Wilson, or therapist “Dr. be intimately involved with the production of ing interview questions in preparation for Ruth” Westheimer? Throw in a rabbi for good “Interfaith Voices” as an intern. the screening process. Elaborating on this measure and the answer may seem like the Patrick describes the initial process of in- practice, Patrick states, “After finding people punch line of a bad joke. In reality, the preced- terning with “Interfaith Voices” as very dif- that might work as guests, I had to schedule ing lineup is a guest list for the most popular ferent from the typical university arranged a ‘pre-interview.’ This is an unaired conversa- religious program on public radio, WAMU’s experience. He notes, “One day I was listen- tion done by the producers to gauge a visi- “Interfaith Voices.” The program is broadcast ing to the program, and at the end I noticed tor’s speaking ability and area of expertise.” from American University across the country that there was no name given on behalf of Following a successful pre-interview, Patrick by more than 80 NPR and independent public the production intern. I figured they must not would then create talking points and program radio stations, has a diverse weekly audience have one, and that maybe I could give it a try.” questions that were edited and used by Sister of over 150,000 listeners, and, during this past Curious and determined, Patrick emailed Sis- Fiedler during the primary interview. The summer, a St. Mary’s student as an intern. ter Fiedler about joining the program. “I had final stage for Patrick before broadcast was

“ I think I brought a unique perspective to the program as a physics and religious studies major. There are qualities of both areas of study that allowed me to thrive as an intern. Specifically, I think I brought to the table both an analytical thought process and an open, objective mindset by way of my religious studies background. This was especially helpful when interviewing and interacting with the program’s diverse guest list.” —Patrick Montague ’15 From left to right: Patrick Montague, Catherine Roberts (assoc. producer), Sister Fiedler, Laura Kwerel (senior producer).

Since 2002, “Interfaith Voices” has served as no idea what to expect, and nothing to lose,” helping the senior producer, Laura Kwerel, a compelling platform for the free exchange of says Patrick. When he heard that he was be- with the audio editing of the day’s materials ideas related to all manner of creeds and cus- ing taken on as the show’s new intern, Patrick in preparation for broadcast. toms. In this way, Sister Fiedler’s program is a did not realize how integral his role would be Patrick believes the most challenging and strong parallel to the type of open discourse in the production of the program. Far from rewarding aspect of his work was the research that is a hallmark of the liberal arts experience fetching coffee or dry cleaning, Patrick was an leading up to a pre-interview. Crediting or- at St. Mary’s College of Maryland. Given the important part of a four-person team. ganizational and analytical skills honed at program’s devotion to social justice, world Describing his first day at the studio,- Pat St. Mary’s as a physics and religious studies events and ethics, it’s not surprising that “In- rick notes, “Initially, I was a little surprised by double major, Patrick says he had a great deal terfaith Voices” caught the attention and lis- Sister Fiedler.” She was hardly the image of of fun talking to a diverse array of spiritual tenership of St. Mary’s student Patrick Mon- the cloistered, habit-wearing nun of decades and philosophical authorities. He remarks tague ’15. Patrick says he first tuned in to the past. Patrick was also surprised by the extent that he dealt with various topics and experts, program during his early college years, and to which Sister Fiedler involved him in the entailing “everything from Japanese Zen mas- enjoyed the broad scope of topics discussed. day-to-day management of the radio program. ters to Mormon missionaries in Germany; I

26 | St Mary’s College | THE MULBERRY TREE | winter 2015 cannot emphasize how much I learned.” More collection of individuals, including Rajiv Shah, of my religious studies background. This was broadly, Patrick also recognizes his St. Mary’s executive administrator of the United States especially helpful when interviewing and inter- liberal arts background as an integral foun- Agency for International Development (US- acting with the program’s diverse guest list.” dation and tool in facilitating his work with AID); Ravi Shankar, an Indian spiritual guru, Sister Fiedler says that Patrick was a great “Interfaith Voices.” “It was fantastic to have a who has a following of millions; and Robert intern and a valuable asset to the program. wealth of knowledge to draw from,” he says. Jones, CEO of the Public Religion Research She remarks that Patrick approached the in- “In preparing for a program about Buddhism, Institute. Patrick admits that working with ternship with “uncommon energy and pas- I drew upon Professor Daniel Meckel’s ‘Re- famous guests, “although terrifying at first,” sion.” Furthermore, Sister Fiedler notes that ligions and Cultures of India’ class. For an taught him to interact with a broad spectrum Patrick’s strong background in St. Mary’s lib- interview on the Sunni-Shia divide and its of people with professionalism and confi- eral arts tradition made for an intern that pos- manifestations in Iraq, I referred to my days in dence. More broadly, Patrick summarizes his sessed a dynamic and nuanced appreciation Professor Betül Bas¸aran’s ‘Islam in the Mod- contributions as an intern by saying “I think I for complex global issues. Patrick sums up his ern World’ course.” brought a unique perspective to the program internship simply by saying, “My time with ‘In- Patrick identifies the relationships and con- as a physics and religious studies major. There terfaith Voices’ and Sister Fiedler provided an tacts he made through “Interfaith Voices” as are qualities of both areas of study that allowed excellent surrogate of a liberal arts experience among the most valuable aspects of his intern- me to thrive as an intern. Specifically, I think I in the professional world.”  ship. He notes that he routinely had the oppor- brought to the table both an analytical thought tunity to work and interact with an impressive process and an open, objective mindset by way

St. Mary’s College | THE MULBERRY TREE | winter 2015 | 27 FROM THE ARCHIVES A SENSE OF HISTORY

The Archives Partners with Local Author to Preserve and Provide Access to Oral Histories

By Kent Randell, College archivist and assistant librarian From left to right: Steny Hoyer, Governor Upon the January, 2014 passing of St. Mary’s Marvin Mandel, County’s own Judge John Hanson Briscoe John Hanson Briscoe. (who was also a former speaker of the Maryland House of Delegates), Rep. Steny Hoyer said, “He had a very decisive vision for Southern Maryland and the state that went far beyond local parochial politics. We’ll miss his humor. We’ll miss his wisdom. We’ll miss his sense of history.” At Historic St. Mary’s City In keeping with Judge Briscoe’s sense of State House, seated from left history, the judge’s son-in-law, Samuel Baldwin to right: Jeannie Blackistone of Baldwin and Briscoe, P.C., is continuing to Dorsey Mandel, General honor the judge’s legacy by writing a book Robert E. Hogaboom, Steny about his late father-in-law. The book will also Hoyer, Governor Marvin cover other aspects of St. Mary’s County Mandel, John Hanson Briscoe history and life. (standing), Louis Goldstein. In the interest of providing to the public easy access to materials, Baldwin is publishing the book in a groundbreaking way. He has removed the “middle man” from the publication process and is making the book available for free online. The first chapter, “Johnny Briscoe, a Great Life,” is already available online.* The website also includes multimedia features, such as video and audio. Chapter Two will be about the lawyers practicing in St. Mary’s County during the 1940s, 50s, and 60s, and will be published online in January. Chapter Three will be about Sotterley Plantation.

In the process of writing his book, Baldwin has conducted oral histories of dozens of St. Mary’s County citizens. He has also arranged for these interviews to be transcribed. With the completion of every chapter of his book J. Frank Raley, Jr. and project, the oral histories used in each John Hanson Briscoe chapter are then transferred to the archive in 2011 of St. Mary’s College of Maryland, which will house the paperwork and digital files in a climate controlled storage area equipped with fire suppression. The text of the oral history transcripts are then made available to the public on the SlackWater Oral History Collection website.

You can view the 18 transcripts from the Chapter One interviews here: http://tinyurl.com/pzp3bpr *“Johnny Briscoe, a Great Life,” is available at: http://tinyurl.com/k9ou982 Photos: From the Collection of John Hanson Briscoe

28 | St Mary’s College | THE MULBERRY TREE | winter 2015 Calendar of Events

VOICES Reading Series Phi Beta Kappa Visiting Scholar 8:15 pm in Daugherty-Palmer Judith Resnik, Arthur Liman Commons Professor of Law, Yale University January 29: Kate Milliken March 31 at 7 pm (short fiction) Auerbach Auditorium of St. Mary’s Hall February 19: Paul Hanstedt (memoir) Object Theater Workshop March 12: Francisco Aragón (poet) and Exhibition with visiting artist Megan Murtha April 2: Mike Branch (humorist) April 6–10, Boyden Gallery April 23: “Books That Cook” reading by Jennifer Cognard-Black St. Mary’s Project Art Exhibition and Melissa A. Goldthwaite with April 13–May 5, Boyden Gallery Tenaya Darlington, Howard Dinin, Caroline M. Grant, April Lindner, “Slasher (A Horrifying Comedy)” and special guest Michael S. Glaser by Allison Moore and directed by Mark A. Rhoda Environmental Citizenship April 22-25 at 8 pm Speaker Series April 26 at 2 pm This is a new speaker series: Bruce Davis Theater in look for upcoming speakers/dates Montgomery Hall on the web calendar or email [email protected]. Awards Convocation How does nature fit into our April 24 at 3 pm conceptions of citizenship? In what Michael P. O’Brien Athletics & ways do communities cultivate Recreation Center Arena attitudes and aptitudes aimed at moving society toward a more The Ninth Annual Twain Lecture environmentally, socially, and Aasif Mandvi economically just path? April 24 at 7:30 pm Michael P. O’Brien Athletics & “Exquisite Corpse” Recreation Center Arena conceived and directed by Jess Lustig Young at Art: An Exhibition of Art February 25–28 at 8 pm from St. Mary’s County Schools March 1-2 at 2 pm May 11–31, Boyden Gallery Bruce Davis Theater in Montgomery Hall Commencement May 16 at 10 am 46th Annual All Student Townhouse Green Art Exhibition Alumni Weekend March 3–27, Boyden Gallery June 11-14

16th Annual WGSX Colloquium: Golden & Beyond Reunion “Gender Goes to Jail” Weekend March 25 at 4:45 and 8:15 pm (for classes celebrating 50th, 55th, March 26 at 4:15 and 8:15 pm 60th anniversaries) Cole Cinema in the July 17-19 Campus Center Chesapeake Writers’ Conference August 2–8 www.smcm.edu/summer/writing

Check for event updates and additions: Photo: Ashley Stopera www.smcm.edu/calendar/index.php Non-profit Org. U.S. Postage PAID Permit #10001 Leonardtown, MD PHOTOS: BILL WOOD Bamboo Boat Race The 2014 Great Bamboo Boat Race David Kung; second place went to “To at Family Weekend on September 27 Pay Our Debts” captained by Michael brought out faculty, staff, students and Reinitz ’15; third to “Fast as Molasses” alumni for a friendly, frenzied and wet captained by Patric McMann ’17; fourth competition. These photos show the to “Panda Paddlers” captained by importance of design for boat stability! Rebecca Partan ’15; fifth to “And Plenty The faculty grabbed first prize, with II” captained by Elian Imlay-Maire ’17. “We Grade You” captained by Professor