UNIVERSITY SUMMER 2017

SOX APPEAL Athletes worldwide wear alum’s patented socks

BIG PICTURE

WHAT’S IN YOUR WATER?

John Sivey wants to know what’s in your drinking water. Backed by a $500,000, five year, CAREER grant from the National Science Foundation, the assistant professor of chemistry in the Jess and Mildred Fisher College of Science and Mathematics is examining chemical reactions that can result from adding chlorine to drinking water. Chlorine, used to purify U.S. drinking water since 1902, inactivates bacteria and viruses. But chlorine can also react with natural organic matter, such as broken-down leaves, to form toxic disinfection by-products (DBPs), including compounds known to cause cancer. Sivey and his team of student researchers are on the hunt for DBPs that contain bromine, because this group of DBPs is more toxic than its chlorinated cousins. Sivey, Kayla Martin-Culet (chemistry ’18), Tyler Swanson (chemistry ’18), and Garrett Taggart (chemistry ’17) analyze samples of drinking water using liquid chromatography with high-resolution mass spectrometry—an instrument which separates and identifies complex mixtures of chemicals, including brominated DBPs. The CAREER grant is the NSF’s most prestigious award for early-career faculty members. This project also includes an edu- cational outreach program in which sixth grade math students explore how linear functions are essential to careers in science and engineering. STUDENT SPOTLIGHT

“If we don’t have “any pollinators, we’re losing our food supply.”

THE CAMPUS BUZZ

Elena Sachs ’18 understands the “sting” of the declining bee population. The environmental science major, along with other TU students, established a campus garden that will attract pollinators. Rebuilding bee populations is crucial, she says. “Seventy percent of the top 100 crops that we eat in the whole world, which makes up about 90 percent of the human population’s food, is pollinated,” Sachs explains. “If we don’t have any pollinators, we’re losing our food supply.“ Bees also pollinate about 75 per- cent of all wild plants, making them vital to the stability of the ecosys- tem, she adds. During April’s Big Event, volun- teers planted nine native species— 56 plants total—in the 17 feet by 23 feet plot atop a hill facing Lot 24 near the Administration Building. Sachs along with members of the Student Environmental Organiza- tion will tend the garden. The environment is a priority for Sachs; after graduation, she’s considering careers in conservation biology, restoration ecology or sus- tainability management. “My dream job would probably be an explorer for National Geographic,” she says.

2 3 Joseph Hockey FEATURES

DEPARTMENTS 12 | SOX APPEAL After some initial PRESIDENT’S LETTER | 4 slip-ups, TruSox, founded by Jim Cherneski ’97, is NEWS & NOTES 5 | gripping the feet of athletes worldwide. WE ASKED | 10 Bill Smith talks about privacy issues and other pitfalls when employees use their personal computing devices at the office.

ALUMNI NEWS | 23 Scientific Assets Black Alumni Alliance Lunar New Year

PHILANTHROPY | 33 Perfect Birthday Gift Bridgers-Moore Endowed Scholarship Scholarship Honors Armin Mruck

CLASS NOTES | 37 Rooted in Nature The Mobilizer

16 | RX FOR VIOLENCE Lori Toscano ’96 works with communities across the nation to treat violence as an infectious disease.

18 | A FANTASTIC SEASON Lax players discuss a stellar season, the road to the NCAA Championship and the heartbreaking loss to Ohio State, 11-10, in the semifinals.

20 | HIS BROTHER’S KEEPER For Evan Zemil ’85, Afghan and Iraqi refugees have become an extended family.

2 3 PRESIDENT’S LETTER TOWSON My first full academic year at Towson UNIVERSITY University was one of our busiest years on record. From strong enrollment growth to extraordinary progress on the Presidential Priorities, we experienced an inspiring several months. SUMMER 2017 ISSUE We began building a culture of philanthropy that will lay the foundation Kim Schatzel for Towson University’s largest capital President campaign. We have also completed the research phase of a multi-year identity audit that will help tell Towson University’s Ginny Cook contemporary story and why, TU truly Editor does matter to Maryland. As the largest university in Greater Lori Armstrong Baltimore, Towson University is the anchor Associate Vice President, that has spurred the region’s economic Alumni Relations and intellectual vitality for more than 150 years. Our place-making strategy in up- town Towson will help us attract and retain Lori Marchetti the best and brightest faculty, staff and Art Director/Designer “We began students as well as create a post-college town for our graduates. That’s why in April we Kanji Takeno announced the conversion of the TU building a culture Staff Photographer Marriott hotel to student housing to of philanthropy strengthen this connection and support enrollment growth. Lauren Castellana that will lay the For the first time, we earmarked eight Assistant Photographer annual events as a “Celebration of Excellence.” These distinct occasions foundation for Contributors highlighted TU’s excellence and recog- Megan Bradshaw, nized our talented faculty, dedicated staff, Towson University’s Ray Feldmann ’77, outstanding students and prestigious Kyle Hobstetter, alumni. One example is the six TU faculty largest capital Joseph Hockey and members, more than any other University Jan Lucas campaign.” System of Maryland institution, who received 2017 USM Board of Regents’ Faculty Awards for excellence. Office of Alumni Relations In the pages ahead, you will get a closer 410-704-2234 or 800-887-8152 look at our innovative faculty, prominent alumni and successful student-athletes. The men’s lacrosse team and women’s track and field team won CAA champion- VISIT US ONLINE ships. And off the field, we have an out- standing African-American student-athlete towson.edu graduation rate and our student-athletes led the nation in community service magazine.towson.edu among men’s Division I programs. There is much to be proud of at Towson University and there are great things ahead!

Kim Schatzel Published three times a year by the Division towson university president of Marketing and Communications for Towson University’s alumni, faculty, staff and friends. Please send comments and contributions to Towson, Marketing and Communications, Towson University, 8000 York Rd., Towson, MD 21252-0001. Telephone: 410-704-2230. Please send address changes to Alumni Relations, Towson University, 8000 York Rd., Towson, MD 21252-0001 or email [email protected].

4 5 Working Together TU’s Elite Eight BTU SHOWCASE EXPLORES A “CELEBRATION OF EXCELLENCE” COMBINES EIGHT EVENTS PARTNERSHIPS AND PROGRESS TO SHOWCASE THE UNIVERSITY’S BEST AND BRIGHTEST

This spring Towson University took a celebratory first step, combining a series of special events held each April and May into an inaugural “Celebration of Excellence” to showcase TU’s best and brightest. “One thing I’ve noticed in my first 15 months here is that we don’t brag enough, among ourselves and outside the campus, The celebration ran from April 7 about what a special place Towson Univer- through May 10 and included: sity is,” says President Kim Schatzel, who • Foundation Scholars Luncheon suggested the celebration idea. “We don’t brag enough about our talented faculty, our • Student Research and Creative dedicated staff, our outstanding students Inquiry Forum and our amazing alumni; or about the pos- • BTU Partnerships Showcase itive impact our university has throughout Call it a cornucopia of collaboration. the state, and why we matter to Maryland. • Senior Colleagues Reception When TU opened its doors April 24 for “This ‘Celebration of Excellence’ ties to- • Student Affairs Leadership the 10th Annual BTU Showcase, dozens of gether eight wonderful events and provides Award Ceremony exhibitors were on hand to explain their a perfect path toward the ultimate cele- partnerships. bratory event on our campus, our spring • Distinguished Alumni and Dean’s There was Project Astro, a collaboration commencement,” she adds. “Although these Recognition Awards Ceremony among TU, the Maryland Science Center, events are very different, they all have one • Golden Paws Student-Athlete Banquet and the Space Telescope Science Institute thing in common: celebrating excellence at to serve Baltimore students and educators. Towson University.” • Service Awards Breakfast and Ceremony From MentHER, a networking initiative for college and high school women to bio- informatics analysis for the Food and Drug Administration, to finding novel biocontrol techniques against insect pests such as the stink bug, the BTU showcase exhibited the Geoscientists depth and breadth of the diverse initiatives Should Apply and cutting-edge research between TU and its partners. NSF GEOSCIENCES EDUCATION “Towson University is committed to GRANT IS RAISING THE PROFILE making a difference and transforming lives OF CAREERS IN GEOSCIENCE in Greater Baltimore—but we don’t do this work alone, “ says TU President Kim Schatzel. “We do it through partnerships. We do that Two professors in the Jess and Mildred through BTU—Partnerships at Work For Fisher College of Science and Mathemat- Greater Baltimore.” ics not only want students to become BTU’s five project areas include equitable geoscientists, they also research the best education, community development, com- ways to recruit and retain those who petitive economy, health and well-being, choose to major in the field. and arts and culture. Backed by a nearly $350,000 grant Geoscientists monitor water quality. Sessions explored why community matters from the National Science Foundation, to TU and how its going commitment to Joel Moore, assistant professor, and strengthen TU’s connections with commu- Ron Hermann, associate professor, are The recruiting efforts of Hermann and nity and business partners. The showcase promoting TU’s three majors—geology, Moore include expanding partnerships provided networking opportunities and a environmental science-geology and with area high schools and community chance to connect with leaders from TU earth-space science—and acknowledging colleges, and raising awareness of the centers, programs, and departments—all the wealth of jobs that await geoscience field in grades K -12. Their menu of deeply involved with university-community graduates in areas from climate change, retention methods involves improving partnerships. minerals and environmental remediation. introductory geoscience courses to “It is all about building a stronger founda- The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics incorporate more hands-on, active tion for Towson University’s future and for predicts job growth in the geosciences to learning practices, altering advising making Greater Baltimore a better place to be 50 percent higher than average along procedures, and increasing networking live, work and learn,” Schatzel explains. with a shortfall of 135,000 geoscience opportunities among students and the graduates by 2022. geoscience community.

4 5 3 Office of the Secretary of De- BEST FOR fense for support- JEWISH ing TU graduate STUDENTS | student David TU was ranked Houston when he 13th in the United was deployed to States and Canada the Middle East. by The Algemeiner 1 as a university that 8 is a model “for SCIENCE promoting Jewish GLOBAL FUNDED | culture and life.” LEARNING | Construction on The magazine cited The Study Abroad the new Science multiple factors, in- Office awarded Facility begins this cluding TU as host over $32,000 in fall thanks to $26 to the Baltimore scholarships to million in funding, Hebrew Institute, students studying which was recently abroad during which supports 6 approved by the the education of Minimester and state legislature. Jewish-studies FOOTNOTES | spring 2017. More In fact, more than scholars, educators Vincent Thomas than $16,000 of $124 million was and professionals. wants young men the money went earmarked for the to know it’s OK to students who project, covering to kick up their applied for the 4 its entire cost heels on the dance Inaugural TU STELLAR through 2020. The RISING IN floor. Backed by Institutional Diver- Science Facility THE RANKS | funds from the sity Study Abroad will be the largest U.S. News & World Baltimore County Scholarship. academic building Report ranked TU’s Commission on STATS on campus, adding College of Education Arts and Sciences, state-of-the-art among the best the associate labs, equipment online graduate professor of dance and space to education programs. offered a residency support TU’s STEM TU moved from with his VTDance programs and 153rd place last studio geared to faculty. year to 66th place Baltimore County in the magazine’s middle and high list of 197 private school male and public regional students. Dancers 9 institutions offering took Thomas’s FULBRIGHT online graduate class at TU and WINNER | programs. performed in the Sonali Raje, asso- TU Spring Dance ciate professor of Concert. chemistry in the Jess & Mildred 7 Fisher College of 2 TUNES FOR Science and Math- OLD ROOMS, TYKES | ematics, received NEW DIGS | “Saturday Morning a 2017 Fulbright To meet the strong Tunes,” offered U.S. Scholar grant. demand for upper- by WTMD, is live She will examine how chemistry division student 5 music just for kids. housing and help TU’s public radio faculty at the Homi offset a 2,000 to PATRIOTIC station launched Bhabha Center 2,500-bed shortage, EMPLOYERS | the concert series for Science Edu- the TU will end its Give a salute to the with a test run last cation in Mumbai, agreement with the Office of Graduate year, followed by India, prepare Towson University Studies’ Janet Dela- monthly concerts undergraduates Marriott Hotel at ny, Robin Walczak from January for a chemistry the end of the con- and Arlene Ceri- through May in “Olympiad.” Raje tract in June 2018, belli, along with 2017. Baby Beats, wants “to translate and will convert Rajeswari Kolagani 123 Andres, and that experience to the university- and David Schaefer Danny Weinkauf my chemistry con- owned building to of the Depart- and his Red Pants tent teaching and student housing ment of Physics, Band were among mentoring student by fall 2018. Astronomy, and the groups who teachers at TU.” Geosciences. They kept tots dancing received a Patriot in the aisles. 6 Award from the 7 Hearts and ZZZs NIH GRANT WILL CHART THE IMPACT OF A GOOD NIGHT’S Bringing Words to Life SLEEP ON HEART HEALTH READING CLINIC OBSERVES 50TH ANNIVERSARY AS TU LITERACY CENTER EXPANDS OUTREACH

At TU’s Reading Clinic, everyone from first session,” Huggins says. “We have a photo of him graders to grandparents can acquire the skills at the MVA with his driver’s license. they need to flourish in the classroom, in the “Experiences like that affirm our belief that we workplace and in their everyday lives. change lives though literacy every day.” “Entire families learn strategies that help them With the establishment of the TU Literacy continue to develop literacy skills,” says Shelly Center, Huggins says the College of Education Huggins, director of the Reading Clinic and the allows the expansion of services to children and TU Literacy Center. “The clinic is the oldest out- adults at schools and other sites. reach effort on campus and the most diverse.” “The Reading Clinic is tied to enrollment in Founded in 1957 and opened in 1958, the the graduate program, and that limits it in terms Reading Clinic provides internships for TU grad- of outreach,” she says. The TU Literacy Center uate students—primarily experienced classroom allows them to go off campus and reach a more teachers. They are in the final stages of the uni- diverse population. Devon Dobrosielski versity’s graduate reading education program and these internships enable them to hone the Tossing and turning all night might do more teaching skills they’ll need as reading specialists than make you cranky. It could adversely while benefitting people from all walks of life. affect your heart. Today, under the umbrella of services now Backed by a grant from the National called the TU Institutes of Health, an assistant professor Literacy Center, the in the College of Health Professions is clinic continues the conducting a study to see if there is a con- work educators nection between sleep and heart health. initiated a half-cen- Devon Dobrosielski, assistant professor tury ago. of kinesiology, received an Academic “People find us Research Enhancement Award (AREA) grant through recom- of $446,000 from the National Heart, Lung mendations or READY TO READ and Blood Institute. The three-year project teachers, many of will examine the impact of sleep apnea on whom are Reading The Reading Clinic provides an individual’s ability to improve cardiovas- Clinic alumni,” up-to-date techniques; cular health with exercise. Huggins explains. one-on-one evaluation and tutoring; one-hour sessions; “The importance of sleep behavior and “We have great family literacy initiatives; treatment of sleep disorders on our health word-of-mouth.” home activities; a lending li- is underappreciated,” Dobrosielski says. An $80 fee brary; the opportunity to dis- “Sleep may have a huge impact on our ability covers at least cuss concerns with education to improve health and well-being with 10 sessions, and professionals; an end-of-term lifestyle change.” His research will evaluate Huggins says list of recommendations; and whether the beneficial effects of exercise low-income fam- opportunities to meet par- on vascular function are reduced in obese ilies can apply for ents/guardians with similar people who suffer from untreated scholarships supported through the clinic’s concerns. obstructive sleep apnea. foundation account. Dobrosielski is recruiting 60 men and Huggins points with pride to former clients women between the ages of 30-65 who are who recount how the Reading Clinic changed overweight and sedentary, or snore heavily. their lives. “They often identify a reading “Through the TU Literacy Center, we’ve been They will participate in an overnight sleep strategy they learned here and still use,” she able to work with people with dysgraphia (the study, cardiovascular testing and six weeks says. “They date their academic confidence inability to write coherently) and autism,” she of exercise. to that time.” continues. “We’ve also assisted refugees who Dobrosielski has spent most of his career She also tells of a man who worked construc- are learning to read English.” affirming the connections between diet, tion but lacked the literacy and test-taking skills The TU Literacy Center commemorated the exercise, sleep and cardiovascular health. to obtain a driver’s license. “He wanted to grow clinic’s 50th Anniversary with events including Before coming to Towson University in his drywall business, but had to take public reminiscences of faculty and students at the 2012, he managed clinical trials examining transportation to job sites,” she explains. State of Maryland International Reading Associ- the cardiovascular consequences of “With the help of the Reading Clinic’s literacy ation conference and a book celebration corner different diets and exercise in those who tutors, he accomplished his goal in one 10-week in Hawkins Hall. suffer from chronic diseases. One of his first projects at TU examined the relationship between physical activity, vascular health and self-reported sleep quality.

6 7 SPORT SHORTS

4 6 20+ 71

LAX LIST | THEMATIC | FINAL FORE | MAKING THE Four Tiger lacrosse Six TU teams Brian Yaniger, GRADE | players were among held theme days men’s golf coach, According to an 50 student-athletes throughout the retired after over 20 October 2016 report, named to the 2016-17 season to years. He led the Towson University Tewaaraton Trophy promote their sports program to four has a student-ath- Watch list, an award while honoring fans conference champi- lete graduation rate presented annually and organizations. onships, four NCAA of 71 percent—the to the top men’s and Football, men’s and Tournaments and highest for any Di- women’s player in women’s basketball, 12 regular season vision I public insti- the nation across all men’s and women’s tournament titles. tution in Maryland. divisions. They are lacrosse, and He says watching TU is also ranked junior midfielder gymnastics hosted his student-athletes in the top 5 percent Kaitlyn Montalbano, Military Appre- “graduate and go on nationally in Afri- senior defensive ciation Day, First to lead productive can-American male midfielder Jack Responders Day, lives has been an student-athlete Adams, senior Autism Awareness honor. I am not graduation rates, attackman Ryan Day and honored sure a coach could according to the Drenner, and teachers, the Girl ask for much more Federal Graduation sophomore faceoff Scouts, TU colleges than that.” Rate. specialist Alex and neighborhoods Woodall. Finalists surrounding campus, are announced as TU’s student-ath- June 1. letes displayed their competitive spirit. 8 9 WATER WINGS saunderson, who swam butterfly in the ncaa championships, is caa swimmer of the year

To cap off a highly successful 2016-17 swimming season, TU sophomore Jack Saunderson added the accolade of being the Colonial Athletic Asso- ciation (CAA) Men’s Swimmer of the Year. He also set a school record (1:41.84) in the 200-yard butterfly trials at the 2017 NCAA Swimming and Diving Championships in March. He fin- ished 16th in the 200-yard butterfly finals en route to earning Honorable Mention All-America honors. Saunderson is just the second member in the history of the men’s program to be selected to the national meet and the first to qualify in the butterfly. (He joins TU’s Aaron Krause, who competed at the 2003 GYMNAST SPLITS HER TIME NCAA Division I Championship in cahalan selected to attend naval academy foreign affairs conference the 100- and 200-yard backstrokes and was also the only other men’s swimmer to earn CAA Swimmer of TU gymnast Lauren Cahalan is an “all Outside the gym, the TU junior has done the Year in 2003 and 2004.) around” student-athlete. extensive research on the International Saunderson is the first in the A balance beam and floor exercise Monetary Fund (IMF) and spent last program’s history to qualify for an competitor, Cahalan is also an ace in the summer as an intern in the Maryland event final and to receive All-America classroom. She was selected to attend the Governor’s Office of Community Initiatives. honors. The Laurel, Maryland native 57th Naval Academy Foreign Affairs Confer- Her invitation to the Naval Academy is the first CAA student-athlete to win ence (NAFAC) in Annapolis, Maryland. She conference gave her “more of a military CAA Rookie and CAA Swimmer of the joined 149 other undergraduates from the perspective on foreign affairs; it changed Year honors in back-to-back seasons United States and a dozen foreign countries my whole perspective on foreign relations,” since Tom Koucheravy accomplished at the three-day conference last April. Cahalan explains. “It was like nothing you the feat for George Mason in 2004-05. The NAFAC has featured speakers as can learn in a classroom!” During the 2017 CAA Champion- notable as former President George H.W. The NAFAC invites a select list of insti- ship, Saunderson was named the Bush and Secretary of Defense Robert Gates. tutions to send one student representative, league’s Most Outstanding Men’s “It truly was a once-in-a-lifetime experi- who is assigned to discuss specific aspects Swimmer of the Meet after winning ence,” she says. “I learned just as much from of the conference theme. seven medals, setting five school my civilian college peers and midshipmen Cahalan’s assignment was how nations records, two conference meet records as I did from the speakers.” respond to pressing security and humani- and posting a pair of NCAA ‘B’ times Cahalan is double majoring in economics tarian concerns, from refugee crises to nu- to help TU finish third overall at the and political science, along with a minor in clear non-proliferation agreements, under conference meet. business administration, and is a member the theme ““Great Power Cooperation and of TU’s Honors College. During her 2016 the Role of International Organizations and gymnastics season, she competed on the Agreements.” balance beam in all 11 meets, made nine “I am specifically focusing on the various floor exercise appearances and finished in problems the IMF faces with its efforts to the top 10 12 times during the season. combat corruption, money laundering and 8 terrorism financing. I’ve really enjoyed the 9 research,” Cahalan says. CAN WE BORROW YOUR PHONE?

WE ASKED William Smith about privacy issues and other pitfalls when employees use their personal computing devices at the office.

HOW WIDESPREAD IS OFFICE USE OF PERSONAL DEVICES? | Processing power, functionality, and storage now sit comfortably in a per- son’s hand. Employees can collaborate and share data from any location and at any time. According to a 2015 report FACULTY from the Poneman Institute, which conducts research on privacy, data protection and information security, 68 percent of IT managers reported Q&A their organizations support BYOD (bring your own device). A survey by Tech Pro Research found that 74 per- cent of organizations either were already using or planning to allow em- ployees to bring their own William Smith, professor of devices to work. And Willis, management, teaches an insurance firm, says business ethics and that by 2017 half of all international business in employers will require the College of Business employees to provide and Economics. His research their own devices as has evolved from studying part of their job. Facebook tags and employee emails to examining the brave new world of policies that focus on the legal and ethical issues that employees and employers face when workers use their own devices in the workplace. The following is adapted from Smith’s paper, “Can we borrow your phone? Employee privacy in the BYOD era” published in a forthcoming 2017 issue of the Journal of Information, Communication and Ethics in Society.

10 WHAT ARE THE RISKS Sometimes these policies were ig- of Maryland, the Board of Regents, ASSOCIATED WITH USING nored; other times they presented students, alumni, communities a bit too much “wiggle room.” But and various professional acade- A PERSONAL DEVICE? | policies are just that, a formal state- mies. These stakeholders expect a Without a doubt, information secu- ment of expectations. Without serious high degree of responsiveness and rity is one of the hazards of BYOD enforcement and culture change, engagement with the university. programs. A company’s proprietary policies inevitably fall short of their Due to its mission and culture, an information can now be copied, desired effect. employer like TU probably grant a altered, transferred and deleted bit more respect to employee privacy A modest degree of malfeasance may from a wide variety of non-company claims than would a typical for-profit be all it takes before an employee’s or devices. Information on personal company. devices also becomes more vulnera- manager’s casual curiosity crosses a ble if the device is lost or stolen and line into a serious intrusion. The rapid WILL CLOUD-BASED COMPUTING may be particularly susceptible to pace of innovations makes it nearly malware and virus threats. Another impossible for managers to respond AFFECT DATA SECURITY? | dilemma is how to protect confiden- to, let alone anticipate potential We should remain mindful when it tial information and trade secrets liabilities. In the case of BYOD envi- comes to our conception of “device.” when employees leave the company. ronments and employee privacy, we The vast majority of our information cannot predict how or where the thin will be stored and accessed through membrane between employee privacy cloud-based services. In the grand HOW CAN DATA BE and problematic access might occur. network of information, “devices” PROTECTED? | are just clumsy conduits to our photos, Two common approaches of assuring personal history, communications, information security are Mobile De- documents and other potentially vice Management (MDM) and Mobile “A modest degree of sensitive data. Access into or through Application Management (MAM). a device can open a pathway to virtual MDM solutions involve registering malfeasance may be medicine cabinets, closets, and book- and approving all devices with access all it takes before an shelves (Dropbox or GoogleDrive). to company information. MDM Though the risks of authorized access systems can also generate reports employee’s or manager’s can be minimized, the consequences detailing the analytics of device use. A become more severe. MAM solution installs a partition that casual curiosity crosses restricts the use of applications based a line into a serious WHAT TECHNOLOGICAL on the role of the user. Both systems William Smith INNOVATIONS ARE ON THE should limit privacy compromises or intrusion.” — unauthorized access of data. HORIZON? | Devices of the future will be more DO EMPLOYEES FORFEIT powerful, more functional and more ARE THERE ANY DIFFERENCES integrated into our surroundings. THEIR RIGHT TO PRIVACY IN PRIVACY ISSUES BETWEEN From fitness bands that can track our WHEN USING THEIR OWN FOR-PROFIT COMPANIES VS. physical activity and monitor health DEVICES AT THE OFFICE? | data to smart watches that manage NONPROFITS OR GOVERN- Employers retain some ability to appointments, contacts and messages, access an employee’s device, so MENTAL ORGANIZATIONS, data input will become less dependent there is a need for clear boundaries. SUCH AS TU? | on keyboards and driven more by Personal data can be subject to Legally, there is little difference voice and sensory monitors. exposure, alteration or deletion when between the rights/duties of employ- Devices will be connected to an applications are shared with the ers and employees in for-profit and expanding network containing other employer. Sensitive information about nonprofit firms. For public sector/ devices, also known as “IOT” or “in- employee location (GPS tracking), government organizations, like TU, ternet of things”. Homes, automobiles, health or credit records also may be things change a bit. Public employ- and household appliances will be accessible to employers. Workers are ers, like Towson University, have connected, monitored and adjusted already aware of this issue. Just 61 duties to respect the constitutional as part of larger network systems. percent of the more than 3,500 mobile rights of their employees. Specifi- There’s even a “smart toilet” that will workers surveyed in 2015—respondents cally, fourth amendment protec- monitor important health data from came from the United States, United tions from “unreasonable searches” urine and stool. These trends point to Kingdom, France, Germany, Spain place extra burdens on government expanding numbers of devices linked and Japan—said that they believed employers not to invade their em- to data networks. For employees and employers could keep employees’ ployees’ privacy and property with employers that share platforms, it will personal information private. the exception of fraud or misconduct be increasingly difficult to keep their investigations. information domains separate. n CAN POLICES PREVENT IN- Beyond just the legal considerations, APPROPRIATE USE OF DEVICES BY public and nonprofit organizations EMPLOYEES OR EMPLOYERS? | answer to a broader range of stake- In most legal cases regarding email holders and over a broader range and text messaging, policies existed of issues. Towson University, for about appropriate use and monitoring. instance, is accountable to the state

11

SOX APPEAL After some initial slip-ups, TruSox, a company founded by Jim Cherneski ’97, is gripping the feet of athletes worldwide.

BY GINNY COOK

im Cherneski ’97 just wanted out—that anchor feet in shoes and give ath- happy feet. letes more stability when changing directions. His weren’t. His company—TruSox—now sells its In high school, in college and in patented socks worldwide to runners, boxers, Ja various semi-pro and professional leagues, and soccer, rugby, cricket and baseball players. his feet slipped in his soccer cleats. He “We had $3.2 million in sales in 2015,” he says. couldn’t cut and run like he wanted. He And, he adds, some of the world’s elite players felt unstable in his shoes. wear his socks. Cherneski tried various DIY remedies— But his quest for the perfect sock was wearing shoes that were too small, shrinking filled with side steps, missteps and stumbles. his cleats in hot water, using sticky sprays Through it all, Cherneski persevered with the to adhere his socks in his shoes. Nothing tenacity, determination and the will to win worked. that he’d honed on soccer fields. One night in 2007 he came home particu- His story just might knock your socks off. larly frustrated after playing in a semi-profes- sional game. He had gone up for a header and SOCCER YARNS (Left, top to bottom) Among felt his foot rotate in his shoe as he landed. the pros who wear TruSox are “I can’t stand it,” he told his wife. Cherneski is on the phone from Manchester, Barcelona’s Luis Suarez, MLB’s Miguel Cabrera and the NFL’s “You’ve been complaining about this since England, where he lives with his wife and Mohamed Sanu, who wore 1993,” she replied. “Why don’t you do some- two sons. them in Super Bowl 2017. thing about it?” Pretty much weaned on a soccer ball, he So the former TU soccer player resolved has a vivid childhood memory—at age 5— to put his feet first. Eventually he fashioned of asking his dad, “What is the most popular socks with nonslip gripping pads—inside and sport in the world?

13 “When he said, ‘soccer,’ that’s what I wanted to play.” He researched nonslip hospital socks, He did, and early on was coached by some of the greats in the sport. Peter Mellor, who melted thermoplastic elastomer played professional soccer in England for three decades, was the father of a classmate pellets, visited or picked the brains and his youth coach. Tony Frankovich, former pro player and executive director of FC Red of sock and clothing companies Star, a soccer academy, also recruited and coached him. from North Carolina to Colorado. Cherneski built an impressive soccer resume in school, on club teams and at TU. From 1993 to 1996 he wore a Tiger uniform, choosing the school not because both parents are TU graduates, but because he liked the “I had a desk, a phone and a pitch book,” Still, he knew he was on to something coach. he says. “I made 50 cold calls every day. and began the drawn-out process of “I visited a few schools but I liked Frank I hated it.” obtaining a patent. [Olszewski,]” he says. And he’s quick to admit But his training as an athlete gave him the During the next three years, he played he preferred the pitch to the classroom. “I drive and persistence to keep dialing number and coached full time. There was no time went to Towson to play soccer. I wanted to after number. “That is key,” he stresses. “You for socks. play professionally.” don’t give up. You review what you did wrong By 2010, however, Crystal Palace USA was He majored in business because most of and learn from your mistakes.” insolvent. Cherneski wasn’t getting paid and his teammates did. “It was great to have older He never quit—not MCI; not soccer. was living off his credit cards. Then the patent players to guide you about which courses or He racked up seasons with multiple teams, attorney needed another $1,500 for a filing professors to take—or avoid,” he laughs. moving to MCI’s offices in Massachusetts and he couldn’t come up with the cash. With Cherneski on the team, TU earned a so he could play with nearby pro teams in Eventually, his brother and two Crystal final No. 20 ranking in 1995 when the Tigers Rhode Island or New Hampshire, eventually Palace accountants came to the rescue in went 14-4 and were America East runners-up. returning to Baltimore in 2005. exchange for part of the patent. “Jim was an important part of our program,” Two years later Crystal Palace, a profes- For the next year or so, Cherneski’s house says Olszewski, now head coach at Davis & sional soccer team in England’s Premier became a lab where he tinkered with various Elkins College. “His work ethic and drive to League, expanded to the United States. sock iterations. The following morning, he’d improve every day are what allowed him to be, Cherneski became player/coach of the try them out while training with fellow soccer and continue to be, successful. His optimism minor-league Crystal Palace USA, which players. He was staying in shape, hoping to and passion were examples and inspirations launched in Baltimore. play for another club. for his teammates.” He was in soccer heaven—when the team He researched nonslip hospital socks, melted Cherneski was rookie of the year in ‘93 and won. “Every game mattered,” he says. thermoplastic elastomer pellets, visited or team captain in ’96, his senior year, but for In addition to feeling the pressure of picked the brains of sock and clothing compa- him, his finest hour was beating third-ranked competition, Cherneski noticed that the nies from North Carolina to Colorado. Call after Maryland as a junior. higher level of play in the league increased call, idea after idea, sock after sock resulted in He also met his wife at TU during freshman the movement he felt in his shoes. It upped mounting failures, along with mounting debt. year. (Erin Shanley Cherneski ’97, a gymnast, his frustration. He was behind on his mortgage. His was elected to the TU Athletic Hall of Fame in On the hunt for a solution, he saw potential mortgage was “underwater.” 2007, owning school records on vault, floor in the waistband of his uniform shorts—a Cherneki was undeterred. He just kept and all-around when she graduated. She tacky yarn that perhaps could be woven into kicking. “If I fall I get up again; it’s not accept- was the fourth Tiger gymnast to qualify for a sock. With years of MCI cold-call experi- able to lose. If I do, I figure out a way to win,” nationals.) ence, Cherneski got to work telephoning sock he explains. manufacturers to explain his idea. Finally, a His victory came in November 2011—a sock mill in Alabama listened. sock that gripped, stretched and recovered. THE OTHER PITCH He would soon visit the mill, learn more And when it got wet, it gripped even more. After graduation, Cherneski played for about socks than he ever dreamed and walk the Delaware Wizards, a semi-pro team. out with a prototype. “I gave the socks to a few ONE FOOT AT A TIME The minimal pay translated into “playing guys at Crystal Palace. Initially, they worked,” for the love it,” he notes. he says, but after 15 to 20 minutes, their feet Now the real crusade began. To make ends meet, he coached on the began to perspire. “No store was going to carry a no-name side and worked full time for MCI/World Cherneski headed back to the drawing product,” Cherneski explains. “Plus the socks Com, selling phone services after the board in search of a solution for wet and dry were super expensive—$9 to make; $29 to breakup of AT&T. conditions. $39 retail.”

14 He knew he had to get them onto the feet of the highest-level professionals. Then folks would see the telltale rows of trademark squares that snake up from the heel of the TruSox brand. Once again, Cherneski worked the phones, calling contacts at home and abroad to give away his socks to prominent players. He even flew to England. Victor Moses, a former Palace player, was the first to put them on, like them and request more socks for other players. The Nigerian National Team player still wears them in the Premier League where he plays for Chelsea. Now, Cherneski says, a quarter of Premier League players wear TruSox. Cherneski repeated the tactic, employing former athletes to reach out to players of their respective sports. Top cricket and rugby players worldwide wear the product, as does baseball’s Miguel Cabrera and the NFL’s Mohamed Sanu, who sported them in the 2017 Super Bowl, Cherneski says. Based on Cherneski’s sales figures, the giveaway idea worked. He reports sales totaled $70, 000 in 2012, $500,000 in 2013 and $1.9 million in 2014 with 15 percent of World Cup players wearing his socks. Cherneski’s former TU coach Olszewski says if he were still playing, TruSox “would definitely be a part of my equipment. Every player wants the consistency that the product brings. In our game the feet are the instru- ments to produce the music on the field.” Olszewski’s players at Davis & Elkins College wear TruSox. “Did it make a differ- ence in us winning the GMAC championship this past year?” he asks. “I would say it certainly played a part in maintaining on-field confidence.” “Now stores call me to stock the product,” Cherneski says, and he worries about how to keep expanding sock sales and develop new products, including shoes, while managing cash flow. Whatever happens, one thing is certain. Jim Cherneski will be putting one non- slipping foot in front of the other. n

Ginny Cook is the editor of Towson. James Calder James

(Top) When he wore a Tiger uniform, Cherneski was rookie of the year in 1993 and team captain in 1996. (Bottom) Cherneski played and coached at Crystal Palace USA, when the English Premier League team launched in Baltimore. 15 BY JAN LUCAS

sk Americans to name a public interventions: detec- health issue, and most point to the tion and interruption, Lori Toscano ’96 usual suspects: disease outbreaks, treating people with environmental pollution or the highest risk, and works with com- Aaddiction. changing social norms to They’re overlooking a potential killer, says prevent recurrence. munities across Lori Toscano ‘96. The outcomes can be Violence, she explains, is a public health astounding, Toscano says, with the nation to epidemic too few recognize as such. documented reductions treat violence as The Baltimore-based executive director in violence of up to 70 percent in some of U.S. programs for Cure Violence, Toscano communities. a health issue explains that violence typically is seen as a “This model uses health approaches to problem for law enforcement, not health reduce violence,” Toscano adds. “Like many workers. other health issues, violence is a learned “People tend to associate violence with behavior. bad people,” Toscano says. “Cure Violence “We know that exposure to violence perpet- focuses on violence as a behavior that can uates violence.” be unlearned—and it’s working.” From an office in Baltimore’s Station North neighborhood, Toscano oversees the imple- VIOLENCE IS AN EPIDEMIC mentation of violence-prevention programs involving over 400 people at over 50 sites in The 17-year-old nongovernmental orga- 25 U.S. cities, including Baltimore, New York, nization was founded by Gary Slutkin, M.D., Chicago, New Orleans and San Antonio. professor of epidemiology and international Cure Violence programs are supported health at the University of Illinois at Chicago by a variety of sources, including charitable School of Public Health. foundations and municipalities, she says. Slutkin recognized that violence bore Toscano’s job takes her all over the country striking similarities to the epidemics he’d to conduct site assessments and explain helped reverse as an infectious disease the Cure Violence model to community control specialist in Africa and Asia. He stakeholders. She also provides training and went on to develop the public health model technical assistance to existing sites, analyzes of reducing violence that drives all Cure data to increase effectiveness and efficiency, Violence programs. and works with violence-prevention program Imagine violence as a plague or being like managers, outreach worker supervisors, out- the flu, for example, and it’s easier to see how reach workers and violence interrupters. it can be addressed through public health 16 “Like many other health issues, violence is a learned behavior.”

Lori Toscano ’96 VIOLENCE CHANGING BEHAVIOR earned her M.S. in criminal justice from the Cure Violence program sites throughout the University of Baltimore. United States and abroad. The staff is critical to a program’s success, Before joining Cure Violence, she spent “I’ve known Lori Toscano for about seven or says Toscano. Many workers come from nearly seven years with the Baltimore City eight years, ever since she was directing Safe communities disproportionately affected Health Department, first as a community Streets in Baltimore,” he recalls. by violence and have experienced violence liaison and later as director of Safe Streets, “Lori and I worked hand-in-hand to make firsthand. Some are ex-offenders. Baltimore’s Cure Violence program. sure the Baltimore program was ‘on model.’ “They know their neighborhoods better During her tenure the Johns Hopkins And just last month we went to Louisville, than anyone,” she adds. “They know the res- Bloomberg School of Public Health evaluated Kentucky, and Omaha, Nebraska, to talk idents, the history, the issues. With training Safe Streets and found significant reductions with people there who want to start a Cure and oversight, they can make a real difference in homicides and nonfatal shootings in three Violence program. She did an assessment in preventing and reducing violence. out of four of Baltimore’s highest-risk neigh- and explained the Cure Violence model, and “For example, if violence interrupters hear borhoods. I talked about what violence interrupters do.” about bad blood between two groups, they Her honors include the Baltimore City Williams says Toscano brings passion and can intercede, mediate the conflict and per- Mayoral Certificate of Recognition in 2013 commitment to a very demanding role. “On suade the rivals to stand down.” and the Baltimore City Health Department top of everything else, it takes good commu- The next move is to identify and treat those Commissioner’s Commendation in 2012. nication skills,” he insists. “Lori can explain at highest risk for involvement in violence. things, break it down for people. That’s “They work with these individuals, providing FROM INMATE TO INTERRUPTER important, because they don’t always get why new skills and information aimed at reducing we see violence as a disease.” their risk for future violence.” Toscano is incredibly good at what she For Lori Toscano, any given day brings at Program workers connect people with does, says Ricardo “Cobe” Williams. least 10 inquiries from city officials or con- appropriate services, including education, He would know. cerned citizens who want to implement the job training, housing and mental health. Williams, a national director with Cure Cure Violence model. They also direct efforts to change group and Violence, learned about violence firsthand on “We’re a small office, and sometimes it’s community norms, thus helping residents Chicago’s tough South Side. In those days his difficult to manage so much interest from all understand that violence doesn’t have to be future seemed anything but promising: He over,” says Toscano. “The upside is that we an inevitable part of their lives. was a former gang member and served three know Cure Violence works, that it’s the pre- Toscano handles enormous responsibility prison terms. eminent strategy for reducing violence and and a frequent-flier lifestyle with aplomb. But when Williams decided to turn his changing behavior. “I’ve been in Baltimore for a couple of weeks, life around, his local Cure Violence program “That gives us the impetus to keep doing and it feels strange,” she admits with a laugh. stepped up with a job as a violence interrupter. what we do.” n Yet it’s hard to imagine anyone better quali- Against all odds, he found his calling as a fied for the job. Toscano graduated from TU peacemaker. Jan Lucas is associate director of publications with a B.S. in interdisciplinary studies with Ten years on, Williams travels to train in University Marketing and Communication. a concentration in law enforcement, then interrupters and outreach workers at

17 HIS BROTHER’S KEEPER For Evan Zemil ’85, Afghan and Iraqi Refugees Have Become an Extended Family

BY JAN LUCAS

here’s one thing Evan Zemil wants the world to know: These men are heroes. “They put their lives on the line Tfor this country,” Zemil explains. “They left everything they knew—and most of what they had—to come here.” He’s referring to the Afghan and Iraqi combat interpreters and other allies who worked for the United States in their war-torn native countries, often at great risk to them- selves and their families. Thousands later qualified for the State Department’s Special Immigrant Visa (SIV) and sought refuge here. Thousands more are waiting to emigrate; some have died waiting. In 2015 Zemil decided to get involved. Fast forward to 2017, and he’s known to practically every Iraqi and Afghan family on Chicago’s Far North Side, functioning as a combination of village elder, go-to guy and life coach. It’s like the word-of-mouth repu- tation he earned as a small-business owner willing to tackle tough projects, except that now he’s also using that can-do spirit to help resettled former interpreters. Until fairly recently the Pikesville, Maryland, native could never have imagined himself in this role. “I majored in business at TU and worked at Montgomery Ward after graduation,” he says. Two years later Zemil left his home- town for a position at the Chicago Mercantile Exchange. In 1989 he launched Kitchen Concepts, a company specializing in remod- eling, windows, doors and household repairs. Along the way Zemil married, had a daughter and grew his business. He invested in residential real estate, assuming a Evan Zemil (far left), on a landlord’s duties. bridge on the Chicago River near his home, says helping former interpreters settle here “isn’t about religion— it’s about being human.” 21 Reaching out to refugees “It’s amazing how he can have a refugee He says his life changed in 2015 after family all set up in a couple of days,” says watching a five-part series about the Afghan Pat Barth, who met Zemil when both were and Iraqi interpreters on the VICE News volunteering with No One Left Behind. channel. “At first I offered money,” he recalls. “Evan knows what benefits they’re entitled “Then I volunteered with the Chicago chapter to and which agencies might be able to of No One Left Behind.” Founded by former lend a hand. U.S. Army Capt. Matt Zeller, whose Afghan “And if he doesn’t know, he finds out.” interpreter saved his life, No One Left Behind Barth says she was among the helps wartime allies with special visas resettle volunteers who helped Zemil salvage safely in the United States. The nonprofit also furnishings from a condo. “A member provides assistance with housing, employ- of his synagogue invited us to clean it ment and cultural adaptation. out, so we hauled away whatever the No One Left Behind directed Zemil to local refugees could use,” she recalls. social-service agencies, which in turn steered “Evan owns a truck and has a garage him to five refugee families in need. Those crammed with stuff.” five quickly became 15, then 20. Now he estimates he’s helped more than 50 Afghan Bridging cultural divides and Iraqi families put down roots in America. Zemil doesn’t see any irony in the fact “If the interpreters haven’t met me, they’ve that he’s a Jewish benefactor to Muslim probably heard about me,” he says. refugees. “They all know I’m Jewish,” he Zemil says these refugees receive a green says matter-of-factly. “This isn’t about card on arrival, plus short-term financial aid religion—it’s about being human. I have and help finding an apartment. Then he takes a responsibility to stand up for those who over, rounding up donated furniture, bedding, stood up for us,” he insists. “I feel like I’ve Zemil rounds up dishes, cooking utensils—even computers become a part of the interpreter community.” and bikes. “The program allows only two suit- At times the gratitude brings tears to donated furniture, cases per person,” he points out. “When they his eyes. get here, they need just about everything.” One refugee told Zemil he’d done more for bedding, dishes, Zemil notes that while No One Left Behind the resettled interpreters than any Muslim. and other private and public agencies can A cabbie gladly obliged a request to pick up cooking utensils— smooth the way, newcomers are expected Zemil’s daughter after school one day—then to be self-supporting within a few months. refused to take his money. A man phoned even computers “Often there’s only one breadwinner per from Afghanistan to inform Zemil that he family, so it’s a struggle,” he says. possessed “the biggest heart of anyone I and bikes. The former interpreters have an edge know.” Another, hearing Zemil was no longer over non-English speakers; even so, jobs are working with No One Left Behind, told him, scarce. Zemil knows a man who started a suc- “Brother, I don’t care as long as you’re still cessful painting business, but says most take my friend.” entry-level service jobs. Many drive for taxi or Former interpreter Hamat Aziz says he ride-sharing companies, working seven days observed Zemil’s selflessness firsthand. Reviewing his remarkable accomplish- a week to make ends meet. “I heard about this guy, Evan, then I got to ments, Zemil says he never in his wildest Sometimes Zemil finds himself delivering know him when he was helping a family,” dreams thought it would turn into this. brotherly, if blunt, advice on how best to Aziz remembers. “There were seven or eight “There are lots of other things I could be overcome the challenges they face daily. people, including little kids, and the father doing,” he admits, “but how could I say no? “Work hard,” he urges. “It’s up to you to make could not support everyone. The landlord was “To get to the United States after all these it happen.” going to evict them. guys have gone through and to find some- Zemil left No One Left Behind after a year, “Evan did a lot, including getting two body they can count on—that can make all continuing the outreach he began during his months’ rent through No One Left Behind,” the difference.” affiliation with the chapter. “I work through he says. “This family didn’t have furniture or So when the calls come, Evan Zemil says, No One Left Behind, just not with them,” he any of the basic things, so Evan got people to “Welcome, brother. I’m here. What do you emphasizes. Now a one-man aid operation, donate what they needed. need?” n he’s renowned for his ability to persuade peo- “Evan is doing all of this and running a ple to part with useable secondhand goods. business too,” Aziz adds. “It’s an incredible Jan Lucas is associate director of publications He scopes out deals on small, high-demand job that he does for the interpreters.” in University Marketing and Communication. items, often paying out of pocket.

22 A FANTASTIC

By Ginny Cook, editor with assistance from John C. Stark, assistant director of athletic communications SEASON

Kudos to Nadelen “It was an honor to play under Coach Nadelen. Besides my parents, there are few people who have made a significant impact on my “life like Coach Nads has. He tells us, ‘Always leave something better then you found it.’ There is no doubt that I am a better person than I was four years ago because I played under him. He taught me a lot

of valuable lessons over my career both on and off the field. I can’t

Senior Ryan Drenner, who was named to the NCAA Division I thank him enough for all that he has done.” All-Tournament Team, is pictured above during the NCAA semifinal game against Ohio State on May 27. Attacker Tyler Konen, biology major “Playing for Coach Nadelen was a huge honor. He’s taught us not “ only lacrosse skills but also life skills. How to handle adversity and how to hold each other accountable is definitely something he [conveyed] to us over four years.”

18 Midfielder Mike Lynch, sports management major

SEASONLAX players discuss a stellar season, the road to the NCAA Championship and the heartbreaking loss to Ohio State, 11-10, in the semifinals.

A Pivotal Moment Team Chemistry Major League Draftees “Beating [sixth-ranked] Hopkins was “This was by far the closest team I have Six of the 11 senior class members from really good for us [as a No.17 team.] the 2017 squad were drafted to various “ “ ever been a part of. I love all these guys “The [back-to-back] home wins this “and would do anything in my power to “MLL franchises: Jack Adams/ Charlotte year really fired us up.” help them out, and I know they would Hounds; Ryan Drenner/ Florida Launch;

do the same for me. This mutual under- Joe Seider/Ohio Machine; Tyler Mayes/ Long stick midfielder Tyler Mayes, business administration major and 2016 standing was established over the course Charolotte Hounds; Tyler Young/

Joseph Ferrante scholarship winner of the fall both on and off the field and it Charlotte Hounds and Mike Lynch/ is definitely why we were able to be so Florida Launch. successful this year. We all just trusted each other to do the right thing and go “ all out on the field. It gave us some real

confidence heading into the postseason. The Underdog Mentality I would give anything to have another

The Senior Squad year with these guys.” “The underdog attitude that every day “These guys really showed me their fight, we had to prove how good we were and Attacker Tyler Konen, biology major their willingness to just, regardless of the that we really are a legitimate program “ “ “ “ definitely helped us achieve the things circumstances, regardless of the adversity, push through. This senior class definitely we did. That kept us on track, kept us is a special one in our hearts as a staff.” motivated to keep working hard. The results paid off in the end with the Head Coach Shawn Nadelen as told championship weekend appearance.” to Inside Lacrosse May 27. Goalie Matt Hoy, business administration major

Heartbreak

CAA Threepeat “A missed opportunity against Ohio State The team claimed its third-straight was a real stinger. We could have pulled “ CAA crown when the top-seeded Tigers “the game to one point … that in the end “ “(10-4) knocked off fourth-seeded UMass could have been a wonderful tie game in 9-4 May6 at Unitas Stadium. The win also the last play of the game when we were gave the team a ticket to the NCAA on offense. That is something I’m going Tournament for a third straight season. to remember for the rest of my life.” Midfielder Matt Wylly, international business major ALUMNI NEWS

It has been an honor to serve as the Alumni letter to TU’s alumni, I am happy to announce Association president for the last five years. the process has been launched and you will What was supposed to be a two-year term see evidence of these changes in the coming turned into an extended stay to help with the months. transition of several TU presidents. As a member of the Alumni Association Many people deserve my thanks for sup- board of directors and a proud graduate of porting the Alumni Association, including the the Class of ’93, I was honored to represent late President Maravene Loeschke, Interim our alumni who graduated from this remark- President Timothy Chandler, President Kim able institution. As a member of the men’s Schatzel and all past and current board soccer team, I represented the university ac- Lance Johnson ’93 members. I especially want to thank Lori ademically, athletically, and in the community. Armstrong, associate vice president of alumni Each alumnus has a story to tell about their relations, for her leadership. success as a result of their TU education. “It has been an honor I extend best wishes to the new Alumni My own story would not have been possible Association president, Anthony Hamlett ’76. without the education, experiences and to serve as the He will head a board that has evolved into an connections I made at TU. organization that will improve its efforts to Alumni Association advance and engage alumni, while support- All the best, ing TU’s mission. In my last letter, I discussed Lance Johnson ’93 president for the how your input was an integral part of shap- president, tu alumni association ing these developments. Now, in my final last five years.”

NEW BOARD ELECTED ALUMNI ASSOCIATION RECEIVES GRANT Candance Hall ’87, president-elect of Alumni Association International, presented a $4,000 The Towson University Alumni Association check to the TU Alumni Association to fund welcomes its Board of Directors for 2017-2018 TU’s Graduation Station, the one-stop shop for Towson University graduates.

Officers At Large Members Ex-Officio Members IN LOVING MEMORY

Anthony Hamlett ’76 Joan Cox ’91 Kim Schatzel Louis Adam Dollenger ’74, President Sharon Mary Curran ’79/’06 President, Towson University past president of the Karen DiGiovanni ’03 Stephanie Johnson ’95 Brian DeFilippis TU Alumni Association, Tierra Fields ’10 Vice President Vice President, died March 9, 2017. He Linnita Hosten ’11 University Advancement was a longtime TU Brittany Larkins ’10 John Kenneally ’79 advocate, whether he Vice President Taylor Lutz ’14 Lori Armstrong was fundraising, cheering Darren Margolis ’92 Associate Vice President, Bill Stetka ’77 on Tiger lacrosse, or Edward McDonald ’78 Alumni Relations & Vice President attending events with Brandon Moore ’08 Executive Director, Alumni Association his many friends and Maria Morales ’94 fraternity brothers of Glenn Ross ’81 Alpha Omega Lambda. Dollenger worked in the Karen Schafer ’68/’75 professional audio and recording industry, including Matt Sikorski ’12 on the sound systems for Camden Yards, the Tanisha Taylor ’04 Strathmore Concert Hall and the Hippodrome James Torrence ’10 Theater among others. To make a contribution to Patrick Young ’10 the scholarship fund in Lou’s memory, please visit Bob Zhang ’07 www.towson.edu/loudollengermemorial.

23 ALUMNI NEWS ALUMNI NEWS

1 2 A WINTER ADVENTURE Alumni break the ice at Pandora Rink

The cold temperatures didn’t stop intrepid alumni and friends from lacing up their skates Jan. 15. With hot choc- olate in hand, they glided across the ice at Pandora Ice Rink in Baltimore City, enjoying an old-fashioned ice skating experience. 3 | 1 Conor Anderson ’12 and Erica Anderson ’12 | 2 Laura Slemp ’15, Jessica O’Brien ’03, Jenna Weyant and Thomas Slemp ’14 | 3 Yosok Pun ’13, Sapana Pun and daughter

1 A TOAST TO THE FUTURE Celebrating the Lunar New Year

TU’s Asian Pacific alumni, faculty and staff celebrated the Lunar New Year Feb. 4 at Hunan Taste in Catonsville, Maryland, and received a citation from Maryland’s governor, the Hon. Larry Hogan.

2 3

| 1 Alumni and guests truly enjoyed the celebration | 2 Lori Armstong, Keith Ewancio ’94/’07 and Bob Zhang ’07 | 3 Student Lili Liu and Yang Li

24 25 ALUMNI NEWS ALUMNI NEWS

1 FACE OFF Men’s lacrosse team beats Hopkins

Fans were roaring when the men’s lacrosse team beat the Johns Hopkins Blue Jays on March 11 at Unitas Stadium. A special hospitality tent on the track, sponsored by the Alumni Association, warmed up alumni and friends so they could cheer the team to victory.

2 3 | 1, 2, 3 TU’s LAX fans in the tent and on the field.

1 FERRANTE SCHOLARSHIP PRESENTATION Two lacrosse players honored this year

More than 50 Alpha Omega Lambda brothers, friends and donors gathered April 29 to present the Joseph Ferrante Memorial Scholarship to two “unsung heroes” on the team—Charles “Calvin” Livingston, defense, and Cole Robertson, midfield. Established in 1998, the 2 3 scholarship honors the late Joseph Ferrante.

| 1 Alpha Omega Lambda fraternity brothers, previous scholarship recipients and this year’s scholarship recipients Calvin Livingston and Cole Robertson with their families | 2 Tom Ferrante, Jon Ferrante, President Schatzel and Domenic Ferrante | 3 Alpha Omega Lambda brother Byron Hall and Sarah Hall

24 25 ALUMNI NEWS ALUMNI NEWS

1 2 BIRDLAND Crab feast and Orioles baseball are always a hit in Sarasota

More than 225 alumni and friends were on hand to enjoy crabs and two Orioles spring training games at Ed Smith Stadium on Feb. 26 and 27. Thanks to Pinchers Crab Shack for steaming up the classic Maryland crabs. 3 4

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| 1 Esther Heymann ’72, President Kim Schatzel and Ben Wainio | 2 Mary McCarthy, Dan McCarthy and Barb Barett | 3 Scott Lenz ’01, Natalie Harris Lenz ’98 and Mandy Hughes ’92/’02 | 4 Sonia Velasco ’88 and Jeffrey Mehler | 5 Barton Hedges ’87 and Lance Johnson ’93 | 6 Lori Armstong, Lance Johnson ’93, O’s Bird and Brian DeFillippis

26 27 ALUMNI NEWS ALUMNI NEWS

1 HOOPS Tigers faced the College of Charleston in the CAA Basketball Tournament

Alumni and friends took a road trip to cheer for the TU men’s basketball team at the North Charleston Coliseum in Charleston, North Carolina. Unfortunately, the Towson Tigers lost 67-59, but there’s always next year!

2 3 | 1 Alumni and parents of student athletes join President Schatzel and her husband, Trevor Iles, before the game. | 2 Rich Farrell and Jane Farrell ’80 | 3 Rob Betz ’99, Marie Betz ’88 and Tim Leonard

1 LET’S GO O’S Alumni gather at Camden Yards

Alumni and friends grabbed their Orioles gear to celebrate the April 7 beginning of the baseball season. More than 125 Tiger fans descended on Camden Yards for a bullpen picnic and then a game against the Yankees as Manny Machado and Seth Smith hit homers to clinch a 6-5 O’s victory.

2 3 | 1 Alumni and guests enjoy the pre-game picnic. | 2 Newlyweds Jessica Dabney Hueitt ’09 and Rodney Hueitt | 3 Clay Collins ’14 and Marie Cutler ’14

26 27 ALUMNI NEWS ALUMNI NEWS

1 2 COMMOTION AT THE OCEAN The Ropewalk Tavern in Ocean City, Maryland, welcomes alumni We went “downy ocean, hon” to network and catch up with our Eastern Shore and Delaware alumni. At this annual spring event, held April 1, over 80 alumni and guests gathered at the Ropewalk, owned by Marc McFaul ’95. 3 Donna Abbott ’79, director of tourism for Ocean City, presented the key to the city to President Kim Schatzel.

4

| 1 Desiree Moore ’87 and Terrence Moore | 2 Norma Gaunt ’77 and Bill Gaunt | 3 Vickie Demos ’69 and Fred Peterson | 4 President Kim Schatzel, Donna Abbott ’79 and Keith Ewancio ’94/’07

28 29 ALUMNI NEWS ALUMNI NEWS

1 2 MOVING FORWARD Towson Black Alumni Alliance hosts summit

Jolene Ivey ’82 was the keynote speaker when the TU’s Black Alumni Alliance presented “Moving Forward: Empowerment Through Community” at the University Union on April 22. Panel discussions addressed the state of black America and achieving 1 financial wellness.

| 1 TU student athletes and Will Huff at the summit. | 2 TU athletes present $500 to benefit the Barnes- Harris Scholarship Endowment. The money came from basketball ticket sales on Feb. 18 that celebrated black members of TU’s Hall of Fame. | 3 Towson Black Alumni Summit organizers and TU staff with Marvis Barnes ’59, one of TU’s first black graduates

1 SCIENTIFIC ASSETS Reception for actuarial science club members and board

The TU Alumni Association, the Actuarial Science and Risk Management Board, and the Actuarial Science and Risk Management Club held a panel discussion March 31. Students, friends and industry leaders heard from Matt Deveney ’01, Katherine Gavin ’98, Virginia Jones ’09, Amy Ovuka and Gary Viener. 2 3 This inaugural event was inspired by a fundraiser last year to honor Ohoe Kim, professor of mathematics, for his 30 years of service to TU. To make a gift to the Dr. Ohoe Kim fund, please visit www.towson.edu/asrmendowment.

| 1 Heesoo Jean, Michelle Lin, Maryam Jazayeri ’14 and Rachel Redmond ’16 | 2 Ohoe Kim, professor, and David Vanko, dean | 3 Ilya Usik ’15, Fulvie Djatchd ’16, Ge Han, Vicky Le ’15 28 29 ALUMNI NEWS ALUMNI NEWS

1 2 IN SEARCH OF Event helps students find internships and jobs Students had a chance to network and look for internships and jobs at the ninth annual Corporate Internship Partner Reception, a joint venture of the Alumni Association, Student Government Association and the Career Center.

3

| 1 Tom Benner ’98 and Mook Phawapoothanon, SECU partner and freshman council representative | 2 SGA Senator Abigail Collins, SGA President Taylor James and SGA Assistant Director of Civic Enagement Summer Hagelin | 3 Eden Parks, member of the Graduate Student Advisory Panel, Alice George, President Kim Schatzel, Elnatan Amare, Janet DeLany, dean of Graduate Studies, Kalia Green and Danvic Royer

30 31 ALUMNI NEWS ALUMNI NEWS

1 THE BIG EVENT Over 2,000 work their volunteer magic at 200 sites For the second year, TU alumni joined students for the Big Event on April 22— TU’s largest day of community service. Volunteers planted flowers and helped clean up the campus and surrounding neighborhoods. Other community service events—supporting soup kitchens or cleaning up parks— coincided with the Big Event in Washington, D.C., Philadelphia, New York and Los Angeles. 2

3

| 1 Marlene Riley ’80, Hailey Apperson, Jay and Charity Apperson ’85 | 2 Porshia Bernard ’11, her son Michael Grimes and Pei Ge ’15 | 3 Stephanie Johnson ’95 and Keith Ewancio ’94/’07

30 31 ALUMNI NEWS

1 2 THE VIEW AT THE ZOO Baltimore’s Zoo welcomes the USM Towson University had a wild time April 29 at the Maryland Zoo in Baltimore, which welcomed students, alumni, faculty and staff from schools in the University System of Maryland. More than 2,700 guests had a chance to meet Willow, the baby giraffe, and join in the fun of a scavenger hunt, free rides and discounted drinks and cuisine. 3 4

5 6

| 1 Doc, TU President Kim Schatzel, FSU mascot, FSU President Ron Nowaczyk, SU mascot Sammy Sea Gull and USM Chancellor Robert L. Caret | 2 Janet Gardner ’78 takes a break and relaxes with her family. | 3 Taking a break from taking pictures | 4 Students find a familiar tiger at the zoo | 5 Alumni, family and friends enjoy the zoo | 6 Marina Cooper and her children Olivia and Lucas

32 PHILANTHROPY

Throughout my life I have been fortunate faculty, staff, alumni and friends. Their to experience, firsthand, the powerful im- collective passion for Towson University pact of philanthropy. As a college student is evident each and every day, and the I was privileged to receive an alumni schol- opportunities to celebrate our achieve- arship. Without the support of that selfless ments and expand our impact are present alumnus, my life would have taken a very across the institution. different course. It is an honor to lead Towson University’s Having directly benefited from the advancement efforts. This institution generosity of others, I ultimately discov- enjoys immense possibilities, visionary ered a calling for fundraising. For nearly leaders and a deeply passionate two decades, I have been rewarded community. I look forward to working “This institution with innumerable opportunities to pay with everyone to build upon our strong it forward by securing gifts, many of foundation and to realize our tremendous enjoys immense which have, in ways both large and small, potential. altered countless lives. possibilities, visionary In just a few months I have become Brian J. DeFilippis familiar with many exceptional members leaders and a vice president of of the Towson University community—our university advancement deeply passionate diverse, talented and dedicated students,

community.”

The Perfect Gift “Rather than taking substantial dollars and purchasing some nice object or experi- HIS CHILDREN TOAST REX ence for him, it seemed more meaningful REHFELD’S 90TH YEAR WITH to invest in what is meaningful to him— AN ENDOWMENT FOR OSHER learning, ideas, teaching—and in a way that would give back to his memory for a long time,” Andrew Rehfeld explains. It came unwrapped. But Rex Rehfeld’s Edward Rehfeld hopes these courses children—Andrew Rehfeld, Carla Rosen- “spur the kind of discussions that Rex thal, Edward Rehfeld and Lore Rosenthal— is fond of engaging in with family and delivered the ideal 90th birthday gift to friends.” their father. Their father considered his children’s It was a perfect fit for a World War II gift priceless. “It was a total, total Rex Rehfeld and wife, Ellen O’Brien and Korean War veteran, a man who has unexpected shock,” Rex Rehfeld says. witnessed life’s depravity and resilience, “I couldn’t have come up with anything well organized, and his PowerPoint has traveled the world and has taught better.” presentations outshine those of most various subjects at Towson University’s Rehfeld makes his own investment other teachers,” says Jacqueline Osher Lifelong Learning Institute since in Osher when he prepares his courses. Gratz, director of Osher. 2008. He enjoys reading and researching his What’s more, teaching has become Rehfeld’s children knew how much he subjects, and delights in the people who a family affair. His wife, Ellen O’Brien, enjoyed teaching at Osher. His interest in take his classes. “Mature and often very teaches theology-related courses history, politics and economics spurred knowledgeable about the subject, and at Osher. them to celebrate his 90th birthday by with a great deal of interaction, they creating the R. Rex Rehfeld Endowment, make teaching great fun,” he says. To support this fund, which provides funding for courses in In turn, he is highly regarded by visit www.towson.edu/ these subjects. his students. Rehfeld’s “research is GiveToRehfeldEndowment impeccable, his course material very

PB 33 PHILANTHROPY

A Chance Meeting Changes Lives SCHOLARSHIP AIDS GRADUATE STUDENTS AT HUSSMAN CENTER FOR ADULTS WITH AUTISM

A serendipitous encounter turned into phil- After a tour of the Hussman Center, the anthropic support for those working with Bridgers knew they wanted to help support young adults on the autism spectrum. the social, educational and fitness pro- When Elesha and Matthew Bridgers met grams that help adults with autism develop Michael Cather ‘93, associate vice president the tools needed to lead meaningful and of development, at a dinner in 2014, their engaged lives. They created a scholarship conversation led to a campus visit to one to support graduate students pursuing a of the strong programs aligned with TU’s career working with people on the autism Institute for Well-Being. Less than two spectrum. years later the couple established the Bridg- “If we can do just a little to advance the ers-Moore Endowed Scholarship. education of those students learning to “I shared my thoughts regarding starting improve the lives of young adults on the a program to help young people, like our spectrum, it is money well spent,” Bridgers son on the autism spectrum, transition says. “I hope students are reminded that to adulthood with key life skills,” Elesha it only takes a little time, a little love and a Bridgers says. “As I’ve watched my son grow little help to change someone’s life.” and interact with the world around him, I’ve come to realize autism is an area of To support the Bridgers-Moore behavioral and medical science that is not Endowed Scholarship, visit www.towson. well understood by most people. Michael edu/GiveToBridgersMooreScholarship mentioned there was a program at Towson Elesha and Matthew Bridgers created a University’s Hussman Center for Adults scholarship for graduate students who with Autism, and I should come visit.” work with those on the autism spectrum.

Food Insecurity Fund: Solving a TU Problem FUND PROVIDES MEALS VIA DEPOSITS ON ONECARD

times during the year,” fund. “Providing support to food-insecure according to a definition students has an immediate impact on from the United States students and their Towson University Department of Agriculture. experience.” The Food Insecurity Students who approach Olstad for meal Support Fund, created by assistance are also referred to FoodShare, a the President’s Leadership Towson University food bank, for long-term Institute Class of 2015-2016, assistance. “I would like every member of helps lessen some of this our campus community to know about the burden for TU students. The Food Insecurity Fund and to refer students fund deposits up to $50 on a who are experiencing food insecurity. student’s TU OneCard, which Ideally, I hope we can alleviate food they can use to purchase a insecurity from our campus,” Olstad says. meal in campus dining halls. Over 5,000 Towson University students are “So far, we have served 23 To support this fund, visit www.towson. food insecure. Food insecurity means students and provided $900 in meals,” says edu/GiveToFoodInsecuritySupportFund “consistent access to adequate food is limited Christina Olstad, assistant to the vice pres- by a lack of money and other resources at ident for student affairs, who manages the

34 35 PHILANTHROPY

Celebrating 30 Years of Building Bridges CLA STUDENTS WHO STUDY ABROAD WILL BENEFIT FROM THE DR. ARMIN MRUCK ENDOWED SCHOLARSHIP

IN SEARCH OF

UNIVERSITY ARCHIVES SEEKS ARTIFACTS FROM LIDA LEE TALL SCHOOL

Former students need no introduc- tion to the Lida Lee Tall School. They know it was an elementary and middle school as well as an observation lab for those training to be teachers. The school, formerly located on Towson University’s campus, closed in 1991, but was renowned for its focus on student engagement and learning. TU’s Special Collections and University Archives continues to celebrate the more than 100-year legacy of the Lida Lee Tall School by collecting and sharing artifacts from the school. The collection is limited to adminis- Command Sgt. Maj. Richard E. Burdette III ’96 and Armin Mruck, professor emeritus trative documents and a few examples of student work. TU’s Special Collec- In 1987, Armin Mruck was instru- are studying abroad. “You can’t tions is looking for items such as class mental in forming the Towson have fun if you’re worried about projects, photographs, publications University partnership with the money,” Burdette says. “I want and yearbooks. To donate materials or University of Oldenburg in Germany. students to enjoy their study for more information, please contact Now, 30 years later, Mruck, history abroad experience, to immerse Ashley Todd-Diaz, head of Special professor emeritus and TU’s themselves in it; otherwise, they’re Collections and University Archives, “grandfather” of study abroad not getting the best out of it.” at [email protected] or 410-704- programs, is being honored for his What began as a small global 2398. There is also a fund dedicated legacy of building cultural bridges partnership with one university in to preserving the collection, www. with the Dr. Armin Mruck Endowed Germany has evolved into a study towson.edu/GiveToLidaLeeTallLega- Scholarship. abroad program with more than Command Sgt. Maj. Richard E. 60 countries. “Now, more than 500 Burdette III ’96 and his wife, Allene, TU students participate in an edu- endowed the scholarship to pay cational experience outside of the tribute to his former professor. United States each year, broadening While studying in Germany, Bur- their worldview and enhancing dette bonded with Mruck and still their global competencies to recalls the benefits of spending succeed in the 21st century,” says time in another country. “Exposure Liz Shearer, TU director of study to different cultures, different ways abroad. of thought, makes us more adapt- able, makes us more successful in To support this fund, the long run,” he says. visit www.towson.edu/ The scholarship is earmarked for GiveToMruckScholarship College of Liberal Arts majors who

34 35 PHILANTHROPY

Celebrating Scholars and Donors FOUNDATION SCHOLARS LUNCHEON CELEBRATES OPPORTUNITY AND GRATITUDE

MIKULSKI GIVES TO BHI Former U.S. Sen. Barbara Mikulski donated a beau- tiful sculpture of Moses by Dmitry Gerrman to the Joseph Meyerhoff Judaic Collection of the Balti- more Hebrew Institute. The sculpture is displayed in the second-floor lobby of Cook Library.

To learn more about this collec- Heidi Stasiowski ‘17, Michael Boyle ‘17 and Carmen Gilliam’17 were the student speakers. tion, visit libraries.towson.edu/ bhi/special-collections Foundation scholarship donors, recipients and campus leaders gathered April 7 for the Foundation Scholars Luncheon. The annual event is an opportunity for donors to meet the beneficiaries of their gifts and to share how their experiences led them to support Towson University. Students have a chance to meet donors and thank them for their support. “Few events exude the warmth, generosity and gratitude in this room,” Timothy Chandler, provost and executive vice president for academic affairs, told the crowd. Command Sgt. Maj. Richard Burdette III ’96, a former study abroad student who endowed the Dr. Armin Mruck Endowed Scholarship, was the keynote speaker. Student speakers concluded the program.

For photos and videos of this event, visit towson.edu/ScholarsLuncheon.

I’m able to do what I love and work towards securing a job post-graduation because of this scholarship. Thank you again for allowing me to have this opportunity.” “ —Heidi Stasiowski ’17, recipient of the Elizabeth Wainio Communications Scholarship Endowment

I want every donor to know that you do more than contribute financially. You give students the opportunity to spend less time working, and more time studying. “You give all of us the confidence to pursue our dreams.” —Michael Boyle ’17, recipient of the Robert H. & Ruth S. Sander Distinguished Presidential Scholarship

You, Mr. and Mrs. Dunbar, are now a source of my daily motivation. You allow me to say with pride that I want to be like you. I want to continue to give back to my community, “ make a difference in others’ lives, and inspire others in the way you have inspired me.” —Carmen Gilliam ’17, recipient of the James L. Dunbar Jr. Memorial Scholarship Endowment

36 PB HELEN GRAHAM TURNER ’26 (Maryland State Normal School) celebrated her 110th birthday April 1. CLASS NOTES CLASS NOTES

BEFORE 1960 PAMELA OLSZEWSKI ’75 celebrated her HELEN GRAHAM TURNER ’26 (Maryland State 15-year anniversary as a faculty member of Normal School) celebrated her 110th birth- Salisbury University’s art department. day April 1, putting her in the rare company of supercentenarians and perhaps the only DEB TILLETT ’76, president and CEO of one with a Facebook page. A resident of Emerging Technology centers, is on The New Jersey, Turner is a former schoolteacher Daily Record’s list of 2017 Influential Mary- who has two children, three grandchildren landers for her contributions in the technol- KELLY SMITH ’00 ACCT and two great-grandchildren. She enjoys ogy field. playing the game Rummikub, dancing at Friday afternoon happy hours, knitting and was admitted as spending time with friends. 1980 a member of the MICHAEL BURNS ’80 HIST left his post as a full-service certified 1960 judge at the Maryland Office of Administra- public accounting tive Hearings to become executive director and consulting firm DIANA THOMPSON ’65 presented a of the Maryland Uninsured Employers’ Fund. one-woman presentation of the life of Smith Elliott Kearns Harriet Tubman last March in Cambridge, MARY PETERS DIBARTOLO ’81 NURS was & Company, LLC. Maryland. The former human resources awarded the first Fulton Endowed Professor executive is founding president and chair of of Geriatric Nursing at Salisbury University. the Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad She was also recognized with SU’s Distin- Byway board of directors of Dorchester and guished Faculty award in August 2016. ALLYSON LESTNER ’01 Caroline counties of Maryland.

LAURA OLSZEWSKI ’81 has joined Keller is vice president and TOM SUPENSKY ’68 M.ED. won Best in Show Williams in Wilmington, North Carolina, as director of development at the North Augusta Arts and Heritage a real estate broker. Center in South Carolina for his clay for the Community sculpture “Before and After.” Foundation of REESE A. SCHUYLER NANK ’82 MCOM Howard County published Small Town Scandal, a memoir 1970 of forbidden love. EDDIE APPLEFEL ’70, promotions director of Talk Radio 680 WCBM since DAVID JONES ’85 BIOL published an e-book, BRIAN STELTER ’07 CCMM 2001, can also be heard on Rouse & Co. The Grand Canyon to Yellowstone: A View radio show on Q1370. from a Busy Mind, in the nonfiction travel won the Walter genre. Cronkite Award WILLIAM O. CARR ’70 ENGL retired in May for Excellence in after 33 years of service as a judge on the MARY HASTLER ’88, CEO of Harford County Television Political Harford County Circuit Court. Public Library System, is on The Daily Record’s list of influential Marylanders for Journalism. her civic leadership. WILLIAM RICHARDSON ’70 received the Distinguished Performance in Art award from Morgan State University. He taught art SETH CHANOWITZ ’89 CCMM published a TOM SUPENSKY ’68 M.ED. in public schools for 25 years and received spy thriller, Russia Rising, featured in numerous art-related awards, gifts and Finland’s largest circulation publication, won Best in Show at the prizes. He has been happily married for Helsingin Sanomat. North Augusta Arts and more than 30 years. Heritage Center. DENNIS KANE ’89 BUAD, president and CEO DENNIS MATHER ’72 BUAD earned the of Kane Construction, had four company certified residential specialist designation projects receive excellence awards from the as a sales associate with Long & Foster Baltimore Chapter of Associated Builders & Real Estate. Contractors.

ANN BRACKEN ’74 SPPA read from her new PATRICIA RHODES ’89, associate director, book of poems, No Barking in the Hallways, retired after 38 years with TU’s financial aid at April’s Speaking Up and Speaking Out, department. sponsored by TU’s College of Education and the Maryland Writing Project. PB 37 ALUMNI 1990 IN MEMORIAM PROFILE KEVIN DAVIS ’91, police commissioner for Baltimore City, is on The Daily Record’s list of influential Marylanders for his civic Sarah Cooksey leadership. ’78/’84 M.S. SHERRI THOMAS ’92 BUAD was promoted to vice president of auto operations for the non-catastrophe division of Eberl Claim Service.

KEITH L. EWANCIO ’94/’07 M.S. received the Distinguished Alumnus of the Year award from the Community College of Baltimore County. He is only one of eight graduates to be selected in the college’s 60 years.

AILEEN ESKILDSEN ’95 ACCT was one of 40 women mentors at The Baltimore Business Journal’s fourth annual Mentoring Monday held April 3.

JEFF NEWMAN ’95 BUAD was promoted to senior vice president and chief human resources officer at TEGNA, a company with a portfolio of media and digital business.

AGISI MAKRODIMITRIS ’96 earned a Certifi- cate of Added Qualifications in emergency medicine from the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants.

TRACY SCHEFFLER HART ’97 MCOM, host ROOTED IN NATURE of Q1370 Rouse & Co. Morning Show, has NATURE CONSERVANCY PROGRAM DIRECTOR HELPS PROTECT an additional radio show, Hart & O’Neill, on THOUSANDS OF ACRES IN DELAWARE Saturdays from noon-2 p.m.

Sarah Cooksey ’78/’84 M.S. has always had “I knew I wanted to be a scientist and HEATHER PLOTT ’97 MCOM won the Makeup Artists & Hairstylist Guild Award for Best Pe- a profound connection to nature, and her study biology,” she says, recalling the en- riod and/or Character Makeup for a limited successful career in environmental conser- vironmental protection laws in the 1970’s series for “American Crime Story: The People vation is deeply rooted in that bond. and the first Earth Day. “Through those v. O.J. Simpson.” She was also nominated for She was recently appointed director of experiences I learned that, unfortunately, a Primetime Emmy for makeup for the series. conservancy programs at The Nature Con- most people won’t voluntarily protect and servancy (TNC) in Delaware, a nonprofit conserve the environment,” she says. DENNIS M. ROBINSON JR. ’97 PSYCH, a partner that since 1989 has helped protect more Cooksey is responsible for overseeing at Whiteford, Taylor and Preston since 2006, than 30,000 acres and manages more restoration projects at TNC and managing was appointed by Gov. Larry Hogan to the than 5,000 acres in its Delaware preserves. other initiatives such as “large-scale land Baltimore County Circuit Court. Her background includes 20 years as protection, the establishment of a water the environmental program administrator fund in the Brandywine-Christina and an GREGORY SLATER ’97 GEOG was appointed for the Delaware Department of Natural increased effort to make conservation by Gov. Larry Hogan to lead the State Resources and Environmental Control. more relevant to urban audiences,” ac- Highway Administration. He spent 18 years with SHA recently as deputy administrator While there, she chaired the state’s Sea cording to TNC. for planning, engineering, real estate and Level Rise Advisory Board that produced “I love my new job. Coincidentally, my environment. the state’s first major report on its sus- TU education is being directly put to use— ceptibility to sea level rise and represent- I literally have dusted off my old botanical CASEY BAYNES ’98, founder of Casey Cares, ed Delaware in the development of the keys to help refresh my mind and move is on The Daily Record’s list of influential Mid-Atlantic Ocean Plan, according to back into the study of terrestrial ecosys- Marylanders for philanthropy. TNC. tems. Moving from government to the Cooksey followed in her parent’s foot- not-for-profit world has been a huge steps as public servants, focusing primarily change, but TNC values are directly in my on water issues so she could really make a line of thinking, so I feel grateful to be in IN MEMORIAM difference. a place with so many like-minded people,” Quinton “Q. D.” Thompson ’42, longtime she explains. n advocate and volunteer of Towson University, died May 20, 2017. He was 95. He served in the U.S. Navy during WWII, for a time aboard —HEIDI STASIOWSKI ‘17 the U.S.S. Enterprise, rising to the rank of lieutenant. Upon discharge he worked at McDonogh, spending 32 years as its middle school head. Thompson was inducted to the TU Athletic Hall of Fame in 1968 and received the Distinguished Alumni Award in 1981. He is credited with securing TU’s first million 38 dollar gift. Agnes T. Avera ’81 IN MEMORIAM Feb. 26, 2017 Annette Ferebee ’82 CLASS NOTES April 22, 2017 Judith A. Weinert ’82 ALUMNI Charles L. Mott ’60 Feb. 28, 2017 Nov. 6, 2016 Libby H. Goldstein ’37 Alvyn I. Nacman ’60 Mildred B. Christfield ’83 2000 April 15, 2017 Jan. 15, 2017 Feb. 12, 2017 Mildred Rand Irvin ’39 PAIGE BOYLE ’00 BUAD received the Mary Ann Flickinger ’62 Martin L. Kozlowski ’83 Nov. 1, 2016 Feb. 10, 2017 Nov. 24, 2016 ATHENA Young Professional Leadership Genevieve Steinhorn ’40 award form the Harford County Community Sharon V. Murphy Smith ’63 William Tait Wilson ’86 March 13, 2017 Jan. 1, 2017 April, 2017 College Foundation. It honors an emerging Marjorie C. Radford ’41 leader age 40 and under. Richard D. O’Brien ’64 Michael Raleigh ’88 Jan. 16, 2017 Sept. 1, 2016 Dec. 11, 2016 Ruth D. Vosloh ’41 Valerie R. Hall ’64 Dorothy A. Levinson ’90 KELLY SMITH ’00 ACCT was admitted as a Jan. 10, 2017 Feb. 7, 2017 April 10, 2016 member of the full-service certified public C. May Diekmann ’42 Mary M. Smith ’68 Debra L. Murdock ’90 accounting and consulting firm Smith Elliott April 1, 2017 Feb. 2, 2017 April 17, 2017 Kearns & Company, LLC. Agnes K. Samek ’42 Joseph W. Doran ’71 Anita M. Hardisky ’91 April 13, 2017 March 12, 2016 July 10, 2016 BENJAMIN DABROWSKI ’01 CCMM was pro- Quinton D. Thompson ’42 Henry A. Groff Jr. ’71 Scott K. Kishimoto ’91 moted to senior asset manager for Mid-At- May 20, 2017 Dec. 20, 2016 April 21, 2017 lantic’s Office and Retail Portfolio. Esta B Wolfram ’43 Jane E. Jenkins ’71 Robert J. Belanger ’92 Dec. 4, 2016 March 30, 2017 Dec. 30, 2016 Cecelia H. Fink ’44 ALLYSON LESTNER ’01 CCMM was named Richard F. Schmitt ’71 Scott J. Wrzesien ’92 March 19, 2017 vice president and director of development August 1, 2016 Jan. 18, 2016 Susanne M. Healy ’44 for the Community Foundation of Howard Joseph J. Adams ’72 Robert K. Gregory Jr. ’93 March 9, 2017 County. March 28, 2017 March 3, 2017 Arlene P. Magness ’44 Albert M. Hess ’72 Kathryn L. Moody ’93 Jan. 24, 2017 KIM TYRRELL LISTMAN ‘01 and her husband, Dec. 18, 2016 March 31, 2017 Winifred M. Kammer ’45 Joel, welcomed their daughter Sadie Abigale Sandra R. Hittman ’72 Marc E. Warren ’93 Dec. 18, 2016 on September 30, 2016. Dec. 16, 2016 Dec. 21, 2016 Janice C. Scarff ’47 Norma J. Lambert ’72 Matthew Rike ’96 Jan. 1, 2017 Jan. 13, 2017 April 1, 2017 JULIE GEHRING CCST ’03, director of Mother Jessie M. Brandhoff ’47 Harvey R. Tate ’72 Sylvia I. Cohen ’98 Caroline Academy’s Mentor Program in Bos- April 11, 2017 Feb. 22, 2017 March 6, 2017 ton, was chosen by the Eurasia Foundation Jane B. Monahan ’47 Betty Beck ’73 Dara L. Schill ’00 to participate in a social expertise exchange Jan. 5, 2017 Feb. 5, 2016 March 10, 2017 with Big Brother Big Sister’s Moscow and Ruby M. Parks ’48 Bruce W. Byron ’73 Christian Carter Cannella ’01 Saint Petersburg Russia. Oct. 31, 2016 May 2, 2017 Oct. 24, 2016 Elizabeth F. Weiss ’48 Jo Anne Dobson ’73 Laura E. Bonneau ’04 LAUREN AMBROGIO-NUTERANGELO ’07 MCCM Jan. 9, 2017 March 22, 2016 Jan. 12, 2017 was promoted to global product manager of Janice M. Dagostino ’50 Louis A. Dollenger III ’74 Jessica M. Rehn ’05 Women’s Guess Watches. Jan. 6, 2017 March 9, 2017 July 26, 2016 John J. Hull ’50 Eric Avery ’06 Shelley P. Gardner ’74 HANNAH BENNETT ‘07 was appointed as Jan. 26, 2017 April, 2017 Dec. 12, 2016 district court commissioner for Baltimore Rose D. Montgomery ’51 Margaret M. Dell ’75 Sean T. O’Brien ’10 March 3, 2017 County in March 2016. March 26, 2017 Feb. 6, 2017 Mary E. Hoffheiser-Kelly ’52 Jaison L. M. Gugliemi ’10 Elizabeth Mays BURKE BOWERS ’07 BUAD joined Howard Feb. 1, 2017 Benzinger ’76 April 4, 2017 Jeanne S. Munson ’52 March 25, 2017 Terrence Michael Grant ’14 Bank as vice president and business banking relationship manager. Feb. 18, 2017 Concetta F. Busick ’76 April 3, 2017 George W. Speer ’52 Jan. 9, 2017 Matthew Christopher Stupi ’14 Oct. 19, 2016 Mary K. Gamewell ’76 June 8, 2016 MICHAEL CIRANGLE ’07 was promoted to Gloria Cerino-Gruss ’53 Jan. 27, 2017 Andrew Christopher Heiss ’15 tax principal at the Baltimore-based public Jan. 19, 2017 William C. Floyd ’77 April 11, 2017 accounting and business consulting firm, Betty S. Cooper ’53 Feb. 9, 2017 Ellin & Tucker. March 6, 2017 Thomas R. Gooley ’77 FACULTY/STAFF William F. Myers ’54 Dec. 31, 2016 BRIAN STELTER ’07 CCMM won the Walter Gail M. Price March 17, 2017 David A. Newberry ’77 Cronkite Award for Excellence in Television Dec. 19, 2016 Henry Wolpert ’54 Dec. 24, 2016 Political Journalism for his CNN program, Raymond Long Sept. 9, 2016 Edith G. Blount ’78 “Reliable Sources.” Jan. 4, 2017 Mona E. Coberly ’55 Feb. 15, 2017 Harry Zhou Dec. 11, 2016 Shelda J. Bond ’78 Jan. 7, 2017 LAURIE BERGLIE ’08 M.A. published her first George E. Hohl ’55 April 29, 2017 Tom O. Meinhardt novel, Where the Bluegrass Grows, an eques- Jan. 17, 2017 Albert M. S. Gondo ’79 Feb. 17, 2017 trian romance. Marlene K. Barrell ’56 Dec. 29, 2016 Donald L. Cassatt March 15, 2017 Joyce Helfrich ’79 March 7, 2017 ALEX DUNCAN ’08 MCOM is a social media Rosalie Renbaum ’56 April 9, 2017 Dennis G. Bohlayer account executive at Bonnie Heneson Com- May 2, 2017 Elizabeth Edwards ’80 March 10, 2017 munications. Peggy A. Bolender ’58 Jan. 21, 2017 Diane L. Bandurchin Dec. 10, 2016 Virginia S. Grim ’80 March 25, 2017 Patrica E. Hinton ’59 Dec. 6, 2016 MATT ’08 and JENN ’08 LAUMANN Kenneth Russell Feb. 17, 2017 Majorie P. Hogan ’80 welcomed their first child, Brooke Vera, April 7, 2017 Norman J. Dean ’60 Jan. 24, 2017 in July 2016. Ruth C. Schwalm Dec. 12, 2016 Linda E. Kumkumian ’80 May 5, 2017 W. Lee Hammond ’60 April 20, 2017 Dec. 9, 2016 39 ELIZABETH TERSCHUUR ’08 DANC was a SARAH KRAUSE ’14 CHEM, who is pursuing CLASS NOTES guest artist in Millennial Motions of the Rep- her doctorate in organic chemistry at the ertory Dance Ensemble at Coppin University. University of Delaware, won the National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship. 2010 JOSEPH MOORE ’14 EMF is the personal ROSEMARY LEGER LONG ’10 M.S. earned a photographer and videographer for rapper Certificate of Added Qualifications in emer- 2Chainz. gency medicine from the National Commis- sion on Certification of Physician Assistants. SEND US YOUR NEWS! MELISSA SHIRLEY ’14, who is pursing her master’s degree in sport sciences at the RACHEL PIAZZA ’10 M.S. WMST was featured University of Akron, coached boys and girls on ESPN.com in an article about her feminist middle school basketball in Cleveland. We’d like to hear from you about self-defense workshops. She has also what’s happening in your personal become a TEDx speaker on sexist language. LORIANNE WALKER ’16 MCOM is an associate and professional life. account executive at Abel Communications. KIMBERLY SCHAFFER HARMON ’13 M.S. SEND MAIL TO: earned a Certificate of Added Qualifications Alumni Relations, Towson University, in emergency medicine from the National 8000 York Rd. Towson, MD 21252-0001 Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants. EMAIL: [email protected] ALUMNI PROFILE

Diana ANN BRACKEN ’74 Goldsmith ’16 published a book of poems, No Barking in the Hallways.

LAURIE BERGLIE ’08 M.A. THE MOBILIZER published an ASSOCIATE FOR REPAIR THE equestrian romance, WORLD SPURS YOUNG JEWISH Where the Bluegrass ADULTS TO GIVE BACK Grows. Giving back and working with the Balti- programming for the young adult community,” more Jewish community defines Diana she says. Goldsmith ’16. Now she’s refining that role Goldsmith’s experience includes working SETH CHANOWITZ ’89 CCMM as a program associate for Repair the World, with the Har Sinai Youth Group and the Bal- an organization that mobilizes thousands of timore Educational Initiative for Teens and published a spy young Jewish adults who want to make giv- Reform Judaism. As a TU student, she was treasurer of Students Helping Honduras, the thriller, Russia ing back part of who they are. Repair the World is a New York City-based student director of the Honors College, and Rising. fellowship program with four other “commu- studied abroad in Costa Rica at the Interna- nities” in Chicago, Detroit, Philadelphia and tional Center of Development Studies in the Baltimore. The Baltimore group focuses on Human Rights and Development program. REESE A. SCHUYLER issues of food justice and education equity, “While abroad, I learned about a variety of NANK ’82 MCOM and works with the Jewish Volunteer Con- social issues, human rights law, and how to nection, an organization that connects its execute community development success- published a memoir, volunteers with top community partners. fully, all of which have been extremely useful Small Town Scandal. Goldsmith connects young adults with in my work, she notes. service opportunities, planning volunteer Her plans for Repair the World include events and service learning programming, continuing to encourage other young adults and overseeing teams of volunteers. to make service an important part of their “It involves a lot of emailing and meetings, daily lives and learning about and tackling but it is so fun and incredibly meaningful to social issues that are having an impact on be able to create purposeful and influential Baltimore. n

—HEIDI STASIOWSKI ‘17

40 “My scholarship provides the education I need to better educate my students.”

Michelle Bowers ’17 received the Bridgers- Moore Scholarship. It is helping her earn a post-baccalaureate certificate in autism studies and dedicate her life to teaching those with autism and other profound learning, physical and psychological disabilities.

To help students further their education, go to towson.edu/giving or contact the Development Office at 1-866-301-3375. Non-Profit U.S. Postage Alumni Relations PAID Towson University Towson University 8000 York Road Towson, MD 21252-0001 Change Service Requested

Pass along any duplicate copies to a friend and advise us of error by sending back your mailing label. Thank you.

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

CELEBRATE HOMECOMING / SAT., OCT. 28

Return to campus for football, food and tailgating fun during Homecoming 2017.

TOWSON TIGERS VS. DELAWARE BLUE HENS

The Alumni Tailgate Festival will be held on the lower practice field. YouMUST reserve a space to tailgate in this area. Call the Office of Alumni Relations at 410-704-2234. Packages are available beginning in July.

FOR FOOTBALL TICKETS, CALL 1-855-TU-TIGER (1-888-4437) OR VISIT TOWSONTIGERS.COM

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