SUMMER 2011 the Magazine of University of Maryland University College

SUMMER 2011 the magazine of university of maryland university college

www.umuc.edu | 1 | Achiever CONTENTS VIEW FROM THE TOP

Cover Story 10 Dear Friend: 6 THE IRREVERENT VOICE OF IRAN In this issue of Achiever, we look at a changing world—and by MANDY MCINTYRE those who work to change it. Meet Saman Arbabi—executive producer of a hugely popular show called Parazit and careful The issue opens with a feature on UMUC graduate Saman critic of Iran's oppressive political regime. Arbabi, executive producer of Parazit, a hugely popular Voice of America show that takes a satirical but nonetheless serious look at the oppressive Features regime in Iran—the country Arbabi once called home. The show has been profiled inThe Washington Post and Arbabi has been a guest on 10 MR. FIX-IT The Daily Show with Jon Stewart, but Arbabi has even loftier goals. by ALLAN ZACKOWITZ Our second feature focuses on Mark Gerencser, chair of UMUC’s Mark Gerencser, chair of UMUC's Board of Visitors, 14 Board of Visitors and executive vice president of consulting giant tackles some of society's most vexing problems— Booz Allen Hamilton. Gerencser likes to fix things—not simple and gets results. This is his story. things like computers, but more complex things like the environment, energy and transportation policy, or national security. The key to 14 THE WAR ON (CYBER) TERROR success as an executive, he says, is “to have the courage to take by Chip Cassano on hard problems.” With support and guidance from industry leaders like ManTech International Corp., UMUC cybersecurity A third feature focuses on UMUC’s still new and growing cybersecurity students are poised to fight cyberterror nationwide. programs, and two new cybersecurity students—Christopher Carpenter and Christopher Crabtree—who have benefited from the generosity and support of companies like ManTech International Corp., which News and Updates served as premiere sponsor of the university’s spring fundraising gala, “An Evening in Cyberspace: Supporting Tomorrow’s Cybersecurity 2 Cybersecurity Gala Raises $1.2 Million for Scholarships Leaders Today.” 3 UMUC Surpasses $26 Million Fundraising Goal 3 UMUC Celebrates Commencement Worldwide You’ll read another thought-provoking piece by Jay Liebowitz, Orkand Endowed Chair in Management and Technology in UMUC’s Graduate 4 UMUC Wins Awards from CCME, MDLA, USDLA School, who argues the importance of a “University with a Center.” 4 UMUC Bestows President’s Medal on Orkands That’s in addition to the usual News Updates, Class Notes, and Faculty 4 Catherine G. Kuenzel Named UMUC 2011 Distinguished Alum Kudos that are part of every issue. As always, I hope you find them as back of the book engaging as I do, and I hope you’ll continue to share your own news

photog r aph by kathe ine lambe t and perspectives with us. 18 Commentary: Research and Scholarship at the Core of a ”University with a Center” Sincerely, by JAY LIEBOWITZ

19 Class Notes

20 Letter from a Grateful Grad by amalia lopez Susan C. Aldridge, PhD President 23 Faculty Kudos 6 University of Maryland University College

Cover photograph and top right by Danuta Otfinowski; Left: photograph by Mark finkenstaedt; right center: illustration by john hersey. Achiever | 2 | University of Maryland University College www.umuc.edu | 1 | Achiever President NEWS & UPDATES Susan C. Aldridge, PhD

Associate vice President of Marketing and Communications Tracy Mucci director of public relations Two cybersecurity visionaries Chip Cassano UMUC Arts Program and proj- in particular were cited—Lt. ects, including the Leroy Merritt Gen. Kenneth A. Minnihan Center for the Art of Joseph Art Director and Photo Editor (USAF, Ret.), who received Sheppard ($5.1 million); aca- Cynthia Friedman Spring Gala the ManTech and UMUC demic program support ($7.4 Pioneer in Cybersecurity million); and unrestricted sup- Contributing Writers Raises $1.2 Million Award, and Gen. James E. port for the university’s areas Allan Zackowitz, Mandy McIntyre “Hoss” Cartwright, USMC, of greatest and most immedi- for Cybersecurity vice chairman of the Joint ate need ($2.5 million). Production Manager Chiefs of Staff, who received Said Dr. Donald S. Orkand, Bill Voltaggio Scholarships the UMUC Award in who served as chair both of Cybersecurity Leadership. UMUC’s Board of Visitors and The Achiever is published three times a Said UMUC President of the capital campaign, “For year by Marketing and Communications at Susan C. Aldridge, “We’re UMUC, this represents more University of Maryland University College, tremendously proud to honor than a fundraising milestone. Adelphi, Maryland. Call 240-582-2509 Lt. Gen. Kenneth A. Minihan It’s a victory for adult students with your comments and suggestions, By UMUC Public Relations technology, it is not a trained and Gen. James ‘Hoss’ in Maryland, across the country, or send e-mail to [email protected]. workforce, it is the lack of poli- Cartwright with these awards, and around the world. We are University of Maryland University College UMUC hosted “An Evening cy,” said Hayden. “It is the lack which acknowledge their con- deeply grateful to the hundreds subscribes to a policy of equal education in Cyberspace: Supporting of clear guidance as to what tributions to and impact upon of individual and corporate and employment opportunities. Tomorrow’s Cybersecurity is permitted and what is not. I the cybersecurity industry and donors whose generosity has Leaders,” April 2, 2011, with thank UMUC for taking on this the field of cybersecurity as a helped support the educationa- Dr. Allan Berg, fourth from left, with graduating class in Bagram. ABOVE RIGHT: Lt. Col. Ann L. Summers, who earned her Doctor of Management from UMUC, is con- ManTech International Corp. challenge. . . .” whole. As cyber attacks grow l hopes and dreams of adult increasingly sophisticated gratulated by Gen. David Petraeus, commander, U.S. Forces Afghanistan. serving as the event’s premiere The gala also offered a plat- versity’s cybersecurity curricu- students everywhere. They and dangerous, it’s essential sponsor. Thanks to ManTech’s form to thank and honor those lum and made significant con- have enabled UMUC to meet its eco box that we have highly trained generosity and the support who had helped shape the uni- tributions to the field in general. fundraising campaign goal and deployed to Afghanistan. Gradu- the student speaker, expressed of other industry leaders like cyber warriors to protect strengthened the base for future ates and guests alike burst into pride in her fellow 2011 gradu- Paper Requirements: 15,932 lbs. Booz Allen Hamilton, Northrop our infrastructure. Lt. Gen. advancement efforts.” applause as an image flashed on ates for reaching their aca- Grumman, Pearson, SAIC, and Members of the UMUC Cyber Think Tank Minihan and Gen. Cartwright the screen of Lt. Col. Summers demic goals while working in a Using this combination of papers are pioneers in cybersecurity in Afghanistan with Gen. David challenging environment. Maj. many more, the event raised a UMUC Celebrates saves the following: total of $1.2 million for scholar- Lt. Gen. Harry D. Raduege (U.S. Vice Adm. Mike McConnell through their efforts, respec- Petraeus, commander, U.S. Raymond Edwards, a UMUC Tr ees: 16 ships and program support. Air Force, Ret.), chairman, (U.S. Navy, Ret.), senior vice tively, at the National Security Commencement Worldwide Forces Afghanistan. adjunct faculty member, served Agency and the U.S. Strategic But Dr. Summers wasn’t the as the faculty speaker. Total Energy: 11,000,000 BTUs Gen. Michael V. Hayden Center for Network Innovation, president, Booz Allen Hamilton (USAF, Ret.), formerly direc- Deloitte Services LP Command, and have helped By UMUC Public Relations only graduate in Afghanistan. Lisa Henkel, director of Purchased energy: 4,000,000 BTUs tor of the Central Intelligence Dr. Donald S. Orkand, president pave the way for future cyber- One of the season’s final com- downrange operations for FPO to be updated by printer 2 GreenHouse Gases: 1,745 lbs CO Agency and the National Lt. Gen. John Campbell (U.S. and CEO, DC Ventures and security specialists.” More than 8,700 students mencement ceremonies, and UMUC Europe, wrote in Wastewater: 5,719 Gallons Security Agency and cur- Air Force, Ret.), executive vice Associates, LLC received UMUC degrees during one of the most memorable, in- describing the event, “M-4s this year’s spring commence- were slung across the gradu- Solid waste: 946 lbs rently principal at The Chertoff president, Government Pro- UMUC Surpasses $26 volved only 35 soldiers, airmen, Group, offered the keynote grams, Iridium Satellite, LLC. James F. X. Payne, senior vice Million Fundraising Goal ment season, with graduates and contract civilians, who ate’s robes as sweat trickled participating in ceremonies The fall 2011 Achiever text pages are address, mixing insights president and general manager, walked across a dusty stage in out from beneath their mortar Rear Adm. Betsy Hight (U.S. National Security and Cyber in Tokyo, Okinawa, Seoul, scorching desert heat to receive boards. The ceremony was well printed on forest-friendly Centura gained from years of perspec- By UMUC Public Relations Silk Text and Centura Silk Cover FSC tive with sly humor. Navy, Ret.), director, U.S. Infrastructure, Telcordia Heidelberg, Adelphi, and Guam. their diplomas in Bagram, attended, and each graduate paper. Environmental impact estimates Defense Command and Control Technologies, Inc. Stateside graduates alone hailed Afghanistan, over the Memorial was cheered on by members “I’m kind of backing in to UMUC reached a milestone on were made using t--he Environmental Infrastructure, HP Enterprise from 50 states and the District of Day weekend. It was the second of [his or her] unit. There’s no the conclusion that this cyber March 30, 2011, meeting its Defense Paper Calculator. Services Marcus H. Sachs, vice president, Columbia, as well as from Can- annual recognition ceremony in place I would have rather been thing is a big deal,” Hayden seven-year fundraising goal National Security Policy, Verizon ada, Chile, Colombia, Germany, Bagram, and seven graduates on Memorial Day weekend said, drawing laughter from of $26 million three months Catherine G. Kuenzel, vice presi- India, Israel, Italy, Japan, Leba- from UMUC marched; other than in Afghanistan celebrating the packed house. He praised ahead of schedule. “The dent, Federal Civil Programs, John Stewart, vice president and non, Norway, Pakistan, Poland, participants earned degrees these inspiring graduates.” UMUC for helping to develop a Campaign for UMUC: Building 10%% Northrop Grumman Informa- chief security officer, Cisco Sys- Russia, South Africa, Taiwan, from Central Texas College, the It was a fitting end to skilled workforce while calling a Legacy of Educational tion Systems tems, Inc. and the United Kingdom. Community College of the Air another memorable com- on others to support a broader, Opportunities,” ended the In Adelphi, Dr. James Gelatt, Force, and other U.S. educa- mencement season at UMUC, more integrated approach to fiscal year with a total of Robert Lentz, president and CEO, Bill Varner, president and chief program director for UMUC’s tional institutions. which—for more than 60 cybersecurity. $26,437,153. Cyber Security Strategies, LLC operating officer, Mission, Cyber, Doctor of Management, accept- Dr. Allan Berg, vice president years—has provided educa- “The biggest limiting fac- The funds are allocated to Cert nono.. XXX-XXX-000SW-COC-2006 and Technology Solutions Group, ed a doctoral degree on behalf and director of UMUC Europe, tional services to the United tor right now on American scholarships and endowed ManTech International Corp. of Lt. Col. Ann L. Summers, an gave the keynote address, and States military, both at home capacity in cyberspace is not chairs ($11.3 million); the information assurance manager UMUC graduate Monica Ray, and abroad.

Achiever | 2 | University of Maryland University College www.umuc.edu | 3 | Achiever NEWS & UPDATES

UMUC Wins Awards from Said Maryland Governor tation project, which for Northrop Grumman surprised—by her success and In her current position as vice Information Systems in CCME, MDLA, USDLA Martin O’Malley, “It is so impor- increases student contributions to the field of president of federal civil pro- tant in Maryland that we make success. USDLA McLean, Virginia—as its 2011 information technology, and grams, Kuenzel is responsible quality college education accessi- recognized the MBA Distinguished Alumna at its we are proud to count her for growing and managing By UMUC Public Relations ble to anyone who works hard for program for excel- May 14, 2011, stateside com- among our alumni and recog- modernization, sustainability, a better future. I am so proud that lence in interactivity, mencement ceremony. nize her as this year’s UMUC and information assurance of IT 2011 has been an award- UMUC has received this presti- design, technology, “Catherine is an indus- Distinguished Alumna.” infrastructures for a wide range winning year for UMUC. gious award for its outstanding and assessment. try leader who has directed Kuenzel held a variety of civil enterprise systems. The university received the commitment to providing educa- Pang was honored some of the largest informa- of leadership positions at Kuenzel, a resident of prestigious 2011 Institution tional services to the brave men by USDLA for achiev- tion technology companies Fortune 500 companies, Edgewater, Maryland, gradu- Award from the Council of and women who serve our nation ing extraordinary in the country,” said UMUC including Oracle and Lucent ated from UMUC in 1999 with College and Military Educators and their families.” results in the distance President Susan C. Aldridge. Technologies, before joining a Bachelor of Science in busi- (CCME), and followed that UMUC’s Doctor of learning field. Porto “We are impressed—if not Catherine G. Kuenzel Northrop Grumman in 2002. ness management. ✦ by winning a total of five Management (DM) program and Bojanova were Dr. Donald S. and Mrs. Kim L. Orkand awards from the Maryland won the “Best Distance honored for out- Distance Learning Association Learning Programming” award standing leadership in Orkand Endowed Chair in (MDLA) and the U.S. Distance from MDLA, and the Master of distance learning, in program or management and technol- Learning Association (USDLA). Business Administration (MBA) technology development, pro- ogy in the UMUC Graduate CCME is a not-for-profit program won the “2011 Best gram leadership, and research. School of Management and organization founded to Practices in Distance Learning Technology. promote, encourage, and Programming—Silver” award UMUC Bestows President’s Kim Orkand has also enjoyed deliver quality education to from USDLA. Dr. Les Pang a distinguished career, man- servicemembers and their (program director, Information Medal on Orkands aging large-scale projects for families in all branches of Systems and Services) won the more than 20 years in the field the U.S. armed services. The “2011 Excellence in Distance By UMUC Public Relations of information technology, Institution Award goes to Learning Teaching—Platinum” including financial, health care, a college or university that award, and Drs. Stella Porto UMUC granted the President’s and administrative systems supplies quality education (program director, Distance Medal to Dr. Donald S. and development. Throughout her programs to the armed serv- Education and Technology) Mrs. Kim L. Orkand at the career, she has received numer- ices. CCME chose UMUC and Irena Bojanova (program university’s stateside com- ous awards for leadership and because of its dedication, director, Telecommunications mencement ceremony on May exceptional performance. leadership, and many accom- Management) both won 14, 2011, for service to and “When it comes to plishments in providing qual- “Outstanding Leadership By support of the institution. University of Maryland ity, voluntary off-duty educa- an Individual in the Field of Donald Orkand is a success- University College and its PART-TIME TEACHING OPPORTUNITIES, tion programs. Belinda Jones, Distance Learning” awards, ful entrepreneur who founded students, there is no end to ONLINE OR ON-SITE president of CCME, presented also from USDLA. the Orkand Corporation in ADJUNcT FACULTY the Orkands’ commitment,” the award at a special ban- “We are honored that UMUC 1970 and, more recently, said UMUC President Susan C. quet February 17, 2011. has been recognized by USDLA co-founded DC Ventures and Aldridge. “Their name is syn- and MDLA, both for our inno- Associates, a mergers and onymous with philanthropic vative programs and for our acquisitions firm. Over the Join a faculty committed to student success at University of Part-time positions are available in accounting, generosity at UMUC, and I am talented and dedicated faculty,” years, he has served on a Maryland University College (UMUC). You’ll be helping our proud to award them both the cybersecurity, finance, intelligence management, said UMUC President Susan variety of business, profes- mature, motivated students become tomorrow’s leaders, UMUC President’s Medal.” C. Aldridge. “Our mission is to sional, and academic gov- while enjoying the advantages of a teaching career that fits marketing, international business, IT-related serve adult and nontraditional erning bodies, including the your professional life, including disciplines and more. students, and it is gratifying boards of the University of UMUC Names Catherine G. • The extensive information and library resources of the to receive these prestigious Maryland Foundation, Inc., University System of Maryland awards, which acknowledge our and Suburban Hospital. A Kuenzel 2011 Distinguished position as a leader and pioneer member of the UMUC Board Alumna • Comprehensive training and support in providing quality educational of Visitors since 2001 and • Access to many state of Maryland benefits, such as opportunities to adult students the past chair of the board, By UMUC Public Relations medical, prescription and dental plans EOE/F/MC/V. Women and minority applicants are strongly encouraged to apply. in Maryland, across the country, he established the Orkand and around the world.” Endowed Scholarships for University of Maryland MDLA recognized the DM UMUC undergraduates, University College (UMUC) To learn more and apply, honored Catherine G. program for innovation and the Orkand Family Military visit umuc.edu/facultyrecruit specifically cited the program’s Scholarship Fund to aid Kuenzel—vice president Copyright © 2011 University of Maryland University College Dr. Les Pang modular approach to the disser- military families, and the of federal civil programs

Achiever | 4 | University of Maryland University College www.umuc.edu | 5 | AchieveAchieverr The Irreverent Voiceof iran Through a hugely popular show called Parazit, UMUC graduate Saman Arbabi takes a satirical look at the repressive regime that governs the nation he once called home.

By MANDY McIntyre

It was a dreary winter day in the nation’s capital, but inside the headquarters of the Voice of America Persian News Network (PNN), the excitement was electric. UMUC graduate Saman cultural critic Saman arbabi, executive Arbabi, executive producer of the satirical television show Parazit, was producer of Parazit, says the satirical show took a serious brimming with joy, running through the halls, jumping up and down tone when antigovernment protests turned violent after with his colleagues. Arbabi had just read an e-mail he’d been waiting two the 2009 elections in iran . years to receive—an invitation to appear on Comedy Central’s The Daily

Achiever | 6 | University of Maryland University College www.umuc.eduwww.umuc.edu | |7 7| | AchieveAchieverr arbabi, who earned a bachelor’s on Location Israel, Syria, and Bahrain. I learned to work Arbabi’s and Hosseini’s degree in communications from UMUC, After Arbabi joined voice of fast under pressure. It was a lot of hard work, America, his first assignment hadn’t always dreamed of appearing on took him to afghanistan, but it was very rewarding.” admiration was apparent as they national television. Born in Tehran, Iran, followed by iraq, lebanon, About four years later, Kambiz Hosseini Arbabi was still a young child when his israel, syria, and bahrain. joined VOA as an art critic and host of a cultural sat down opposite Stewart at the country went to war with Iraq in 1980. show. Arbabi had met him before—Hosseini Five years later, the war was still raging, and Arbabi was 12 years had actually interviewed Arbabi for Radio Free episode taping. “You’re the old; in another year, he would be eligible for the draft. So his Europe about a music video Arbabi produced. family moved to America, and Arbabi’s life changed. He imagined The two hung out often, venting over pints of prophet!” they exclaimed, his new home would be much like what he’d heard of Disneyland, Guinness about what was happening in Iran. but when his family arrived in still-rural Rockville, Maryland, he “One day, we started writing ideas,” said beaming at their role model realized the area was much more farmland than Disneyland. Still, Arbabi. “We both like satire, and Kambiz has a there was plenty of magic in his new, American teenage life. great sense of humor. So we came up with our from across the news desk and “I came from a country that was struggling in a war, and all of a idea for a satirical news show.” bowing repeatedly. sudden I had not one, but three lockers—one for woodshop, one for Their boss at VOA was cautiously enthusiastic. gym, one for classes,” said Arbabi. “It was the first time in my life I VOA delivers serious news, and the network had woke up every day and actually looked forward to going to school.” never experimented with satire. But 70 percent of channel was generating 45,000 hits a week. Perhaps most Assimilating easily into American culture, Arbabi made Iranians are under the age of 30, and satire offered the possibility gratifying, though, was that Jon Stewart, host of The Daily friends, played sports, and attended rock concerts. At 18, he of reaching a huge, untapped market. VOA granted the duo a Show, was watching as well. After all, Arbabi and Hosseini had, graduated from high school and looked at options for college, 10-minute segment that would air once a week, with Arbabi as in part, modeled Parazit after The Daily Show. just like his classmates. UMUC offered a convenenient option, executive producer and Hosseini as the show’s host. “We had always said, ‘How cool would that be, to be on his and he majored in biology because he loved science. But after a For the first 15 weeks, Parazit—which means “static,” and refers show?’” said Arbabi. “Then it happened. It was really exciting to few classes, Arbabi found that he couldn’t imagine working as to the Iranian government’s attempts to jam foreign satellite pro- get that kind of recognition. Jon Stewart is incredible, and we a scientist. Unsure of his career path, he decided to take a year gramming—was a cultural show with almost no focus on politics. have so much respect for him. He’s done so much for the media, off, and stumbled onto an internship working for a local rock “The first story I did was on Ben’s Chili Bowl, where Presi- things it’ll take years for people to really understand.” station—WRQX MIX 107.3 FM. dent Obama had gone to have a meal,” said Arbabi. “As the arbabi’s and Hosseini’s admiration was apparent as they sat “Once I started, I knew my future was in media,” Arbabi 2009 Iranian election approached, we mocked it, with me run- down opposite Stewart at the episode taping. “You’re the proph- said, and he returned to UMUC to study for a degree in ning as a candidate—I applied online and of course got refused. et!” they exclaimed, beaming at their role model from across the communications. It was all fun and games until the uprising started.” news desk and bowing repeatedly. Immediately, Arbabi knew he had found his calling. In a cre- Iran erupted into violent antigovernment protests after the “So,” Stewart deadpanned, “you calling me a prophet will ative writing class, he learned to toss out his old writing conven- elections, and the tone of Parazit quickly changed. in no way get me in trouble, will it?” As the segment ended, tions and take a fresh approach. “For my first assignment, I went “When that happened, our show found its angle,” said though, Stewart turned serious, acknowledging the very real risks “The class encouraged me to be creative and forget about Arbabi. “Up to that point, we’d been playing around. We had that Arbabi and Hosseini run by positioning themselves as critics all the templates and things previous teachers had put in my straight to Afghanistan,” said Arbabi. avoided politics, but we couldn’t any longer. It would not have of a brutal and oppressive regime. head about writing,” Arbabi said. “At the time, e-mail and the made sense to cover anything but the uprising.” “You’re like our show, but with real guts,” said Stewart, “and Internet had just bloomed, turning the language into something “Soon after, I went to report from Iraq, Lebanon, Parazit soon picked up a cult following among Iranians and I’m proud to be considered in the fraternity of humorists that different. Writing styles were changing, and this class helped me Israel, Syria, and Bahrain. I learned to work fast Americans, and more people were constantly introduced to the you guys are in, and I’m honored to have you on the show.” develop a more modern style.” show through Facebook and YouTube. As the online and televi- It was high praise from a media giant, but Arbabi isn’t ready arbabi took classes at UMUC locations in College Park and under pressure. It was a lot of hard work, but it sion audiences exploded in size, the 10-minute segment grew to bask in his success. His ultimate goal is to build his own Shady Grove and even enrolled in some of the university’s very into a full 30-minute show. Iranian viewers were captivated— network and reach an even broader audience with shows in both first online classes. was very rewarding.” and so was the Iranian government. English and Farsi. “This was back in the day, in the late ’90s, when the first “They write about us in their papers, which are all media- For now, though, Arbabi is enjoying the new attention Parazit online classes were being offered,” said Arbabi. “I still had a 56K controlled,” said Arbabi. “But it’s all good for us. When they has received. He and Hosseini hope to add English subtitles to computer modem! It’s amazing to think that now people are “I became the first video journalist they had.” talk about us, it’s all great content we can use on the show. They their broadcasts, a request they get regularly from fans on Face- doing this on their cell phones.” the combination of training and experience at VOA served don’t like us at all, but they’re definitely always watching!” book and Twitter. Beyond that, Arbabi has no plans to alter the After a few years in radio, Arbabi moved into print media, then Arbabi well, and he soon knew how to shoot video, edit, write As the show skyrocketed in popularity, the American media show’s format just to cater to larger audiences. into video and television. Finally, Voice of America (VOA) called. stories, and report from anywhere in the world. took notice, too. In January 2011, the Washington Post “As long as we’re being transparent,” he said, “that’s all we owe “They knew I had experience in media, and they wanted me “For my first assignment, I went straight to Afghanistan,” reported that Parazit’s Facebook page had been viewed more them. It’s what Iranians don’t get from their media—honesty. to help the Persian service launch as a TV station,” said Arbabi. said Arbabi. “Soon after, I went to report from Iraq, Lebanon, than 17 million times the month before, and its YouTube That and a sense of humor. It’s what our audience deserves.” ✦

Achiever | 8 | University of Maryland University College www.umuc.edu | 9 | Achiever Ask Mark Gerencser what he likes most about his work, and he’ll answer that he likes to fix things. But Gerencser—a graduate of UMUC’s executive MS in technology management program and now chair of the university’s Board of Visitors— isn’t talking about fixing computers or the customized Harley Davidson that he rides on the weekends. Rather, his passion runs to fixing more complex problems—the environment, for instance, or energy and transportation policy, or national security. It’s all in a day’s work for Gerencser, who serves as executive vice president of Booz Allen Hamilton, a Mr. Fix-It $6 billion global management and technology consulting Mark Gerencser, chair of UMUC’s Board of Visitors, tackles some of society’s most perplexing problems—and gets results. This is his story. By Allan Zackowitz

senior executive gerencser's career has advanced steadily since he joined Booz allen hamilton fresh out of college. The key? "have the courage to take on hard problems," says gerencser.

Achiever | 10 | University of Maryland University College www.umuc.edu | 11 | AchieveAchieverr rink side when he isn't solving society's most vexing problems, one of gerencser's favorite escapes is rink side, where he cheers for the washington capitals. giant that is a leading provider of defense, “Cybersecurity is an area that I have intelligence, and civil markets consulting focused on professionally for a number of services to business, industry, and the U.S. years,” said Gerencser said. “For example, I government. Gerencser has been a primary initiated Booz Allen’s investment in cyber- architect of Booz Allen’s growth over the past security, and have been very active with two decades, leading the company’s National Business Executives for National Security Security business and creating its Homeland (BENS) on the topic of cybersecurity.” Security Practice. He also started the com- Central to Gerencser’s focus is the need pany’s Commercial Enterprise Resilience for more numerous and effective education Practice, serving clients in energy, financial programs in cybersecurity, which led him to services, health care, and other consumer create the United States National Security industries. Along the way, he has worked with Scholarship Program, working with local the White House and the Pentagon and in the boardrooms of some universities and the federal government to recruit new talent into the of the country’s largest corporations, helping organizations of all kinds national security community. The White House nominated him to solve their most complex problems. His expertise has led to television the National Security Education Board, and he has been an active appearances on MSNBC, Fox News, and CNN, and to profiles in the supporter of UMUC’s new undergraduate and graduate cybersecu- Wall Street Journal, Los Angeles Times, and The Washington Post. rity degree and certificate programs, which launched in the fall of “My general role at Booz Allen has been to build new capabilities, 2010 and have already attracted more than 2,000 students—includ- add business, or fix broken ones,” said Gerencser, who leads Booz ing more than 100 from Booz Allen who have enrolled in graduate Allen’s government business on a global basis, overseeing a staff of certificate programs as part of a special partnership with UMUC to 20,000 in more than 10 countries. The advice he has given to clients provide cybersecurity training for Booz Allen’s workforce. page 10–-11 and right: Copyright © 2011 by D anuta O tfinowski over the past 29 years has earned Gerencser a reputation as a creative the nationwide focus on cybersecurity is a relatively new one, thinker with breakthrough ideas. In 2007, Consulting magazine though, while Gerencser’s relationship with UMUC stretches back Gerencser advocates a national awareness campaign and involved in UMUC’s cybersecurity initiatives. The shortage of named him one of the top 25 most influential consultants in the 20 years to 1991, when Gerencser enrolled in the executive Master cybersecurity professionals continues to be a problem in every sector world. ExecutiveBiz magazine named him to its list of the “Top 10 of Science in technology management program. That program ”to increase our computer and information safety of the economy, and Gerencser sees UMUC’s cybersecurity degree Beltway Game Changers” in Washington, D.C., for 2009 and one served as a prototype for other UMUC executive master’s degree and certificate programs as an important component of the solution. of the “Top 20 People to Watch” for 2011, and he coauthored the programs, which were tailored for executive-level professionals, with hygiene. We need a greater understanding of “That’s why the cybersecurity programs were created,” said best-selling book, Megacommunities. classes that met every Friday afternoon and evening and all day vulnerabilities and issues so everyone can pitch in. Gerencser. “Recent reports have documented the human capital Despite his success, Gerencser’s career as a consultant wasn’t one he Saturday for just over a year. Already a principal at Booz Allen by shortfall that exists today, and the demand is growing. A cybersecur- planned out in advance. A 1982 graduate of Rutgers University with a the time he enrolled, Gerencser maintained his full-time consulting ity degree from UMUC will not just land you a job, it will equip degree in electrical engineering, the only significant experience on his job while balancing the additional requirements of an accelerated Security is only as good as you for long-term career opportunities. America has a major infra- résumé was as an administrator at St. Peter’s Medical Center in New degree program with his responsibilities as a father. structure crisis, which impacts our way of life, our business success, Brunswick, New Jersey, where he worked evenings and weekends “My last class was December 4 and my son was born December the economy, and our national security. Our lifeline infrastructures while in college. (It happened to be the hospital where he was born.) 12,” Gerencser recalled. “I finished my master’s project early the the weakest link.” are in desperate need of renewal, and cybersecurity will remain a That experience, though, qualified him as “the youngest hospital following year and graduated in the spring of 1993.” prominent factor throughout.” administrator in the state of New Jersey,” and Booz Allen offered him the effort was worth it. Not only did the technology manage- Always focused on long-term solutions, Gerencser advocates a a position as an entry-level consultant straight out of college. ment program complement his undergraduate studies, but it his classmates, his teachers, and UMUC. One faculty member in national awareness campaign “to increase our computer and informa- at the time, Gerencser was thinking of going to medical school, brought his education up to date. particular, Dr. John Aje, “remains a good friend and was instrumen- tion safety hygiene. We need a greater understanding of vulnerabilities but he set those plans aside to focus on his new consulting career, “My UMUC education was a career enabler,” said Gerencser, tal in my continued engagement with UMUC, introducing me to and issues so everyone can pitch in. Security is only as good as the rising quickly to senior leadership and serving six terms on the “especially in helping me understand leadership and its various UMUC President Susan C. Aldridge, which led to the invitation to weakest link. The element that needs to be worked on the most is hu- company’s Board of Directors. He was elected partner in 1995, forms and effects, helping me understand how important culture is serve on the university’s Board of Visitors,” said Gerencser. man behavior and decision making, an area that doesn’t get enough senior partner in 2003, and currently serves as chairman of the firm’s to both progress and failure in an institution, and helping hone my In 2009, Gerencser received the UMUC President’s Medal for attention in critical infrastructures and their vulnerabilities.” Partnership Committee. project management skills.” his leadership and vision in advancing higher education, and earlier That is the sort of big-picture thinking that motivates Gerencser— In its article about him, ExecutiveBiz magazine wrote that adding another degree to his résumé helped bolster his creden- this year he was elected chair of the Board of Visitors. He is moti- and the sort of challenge that he thrives on. Gerencer’s “name has become synonymous with cybersecurity.” And tials as a consultant, as well, while the accelerated curriculum and vated by the fact that UMUC focuses on adult education, which “The key to success as an executive is to have the courage to take while Gerencser is quick to point out that cybersecurity is not his cohort format of the executive master’s program (students who en- addresses this country’s clear need for an educated and technologi- on hard problems,” said Gerencser. “The hard problems were the sole area of interest, it is clearly one in which he has a very influential tered the program together took all of their courses together, collab- cally savvy workforce, in cybersecurity as well as other disciplines. biggest challenges for me, but they also represented the greatest voice on a national and international level—and one which makes orated on the same projects, and finished together) fostered strong while his focus at Booz Allen has shifted to energy, transporta- opportunities. Being a consultant allows me to help others address him a particularly valuable asset on UMUC’s Board of Visitors. professional bonds and lasting relationship between Gerencser and tion, and the environment, Gerencser remains intensely interested their most vexing problems. It’s fun to fix stuff!” ✦

Achiever | 12 | University of Maryland University College www.umuc.edu | 13 | Achiever T he War on (Cyber) Terror |||||||||||||||||||||||| ||||||||||||||||||||||||

Thanks to the support and guidance of industry leaders like ManTech International Corp., UMUC students like Christopher Cybersecurity is hot. The threat of Carpenter and Christopher cyberterrorism and its potential for catastrophic damage has driven cybersecurity to priority status for business, Crabtree are poised to lead the government, and the military, while the shortage of fight against cyberterror in qualified personnel has made headline news and drawn the attention of the White House. It’s no surprise, then, the 21st century. that when University of Maryland University College (UMUC) launched the first online undergraduate and graduate degree and certificate programs in cyberscurity By Chip Cassano and cybersecurity policy, more than 2,000 students enrolled in the first year. More growth is expected. Illustration by john hersey the program got a huge boost when ManTech International Corp., a leader in providing mission- critical security services to the federal government, signed on as premiere sponsor of the university’s spring

Achiever | 14 | University of Maryland University College www.umuc.edu | 15 | AchieveAchieverr “Access to education is the key to our success in managing, growing, and preparing a cyber ”I learned a great said Varner. deal from practical force capable of dealing with tomorrow’s challenges,” experience, but I |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||

wanted to hone my Christopher Crabtree: Career Changer Focused on the Future acting on advice from his father, a career employee of the skills and further One student who was especially grateful to discover what the field National Security Agency (NSA), Crabtree enrolled in a two-year has to offer was Christopher Crabtree. Like many in these troubled cybersecurity program at Anne Arundel Community College and, my career,“ economic times, Crabtree fell victim to the collapse of the housing two years later, graduated with an associate’s degree. He im- market and a supremely challenging job market. mediately applied to the undergraduate program at UMUC and said Chris Carpenter. Married and the father of three, Crabtree was a senior manager was pleased to learn that he, too, had qualified for one of the first in the mortgage industry when the credit crisis hit. cybersecurity scholarships. He’s already landed a job in the field. “We were doing things the right way—or at least we thought looking to the future, Crabtree is optimistic—and open to so at the time—but when the credit markets dried up, the banks change. “I took part in the Collegiate Cyber Defense Competi- that were lending us money started having problems,” said Crab- tion, which was more of an incidence-response environment, tree. “Eventually, we simply couldn’t do business anymore.” and that was exciting, but in the cybersecurity club, we have he found another job, only to face the same scenario again— been doing a lot of penetration testing and more offensive secu- and again. Finally, Crabtree was forced to make a decision: rity, and I’ve found that interesting as well and a lot of fun. On continue to look for jobs in an unstable career field or turn the the whole, I just think this entire industry is pretty exciting!” |||||||||||||||||||||||| challenge into an opportunity and enter a more promising field. For more about UMUC’s new undergraduate and graduate crabtree sat down to discuss his options with his family, and degree and certificate programs in cybersecurity, visit www.umuc. together they decided it was time for him to change careers. Re- edu/spotlight/cybersecurity. ✦ gala, “An Evening in Cyberspace: Supporting Tomorrow’s Cyberse- career in IT security after leaving the Air Force, working for the turning to school seemed like the best path—and something that curity Leaders.” Driven by ManTech’s generous, multiyear pledge and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Crabtree had been planning to do for some time. the support of other industry leaders, the event (see p. 2) raised $1.2 the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), and the Executive Of- “At my old company, a colleague was arguing that you don’t million for program support and scholarships. fice of the President. really need to go to college to be successful,” said Crabtree. “And the strategic partnership between ManTech and UMUC came carpenter earned his associate’s degree from a technical my CIO made a comment that I’ll never forgot. He said, ‘Well, of naturally. ManTech—which boasts 10,000 professionals around college, his bachelor’s degree from UMUC, and a variety of cer- course you don’t have to go to college to be successful. But when the world and ranks as one of the 100 fastest-growing companies tifications along the way—CISSP, CCNA, CEH—but eventu- you go to college, you get a lesson and then you take the test. in the nation—helped shape UMUC’s cybersecurity curriculum. ally he reached a point where he needed a graduate degree if he When you don’t go to college, you take the test, and then you get Bill Varner, president and COO of ManTech’s Mission, Cyber, hoped to advance further in his career. the lesson.’ And I knew that was true, based on my own experi- and Technology Solutions Group, served on the Cyber Think “I learned a great deal from practical experience,” said Carpen- ence. And it was just something that brought things into focus, Tank that guided curriculum development, working with thought ter, “but you reach a sort of glass ceiling, you know? It was time and I said to myself, ‘Man, I really need to go back to school.’” leaders from the military, government, and private industry. to move into more of a managerial role, and I said to myself, ‘All “Access to education is the key to our success in managing, right; you need to get a master’s degree.” growing, and preparing a cyber force capable of dealing with still, he had his reservations. “I knew it would be a large in- tomorrow’s challenges,” said Varner. “There is currently a short- vestment in time and money,” said Carpenter, “so any program I age of qualified cybersecurity professionals in the government enrolled in needed to offer tangible results. ”My CIO made a comment that I'll never forget. and national security sectors, and ManTech has worked with “One of the things I liked about the UMUC degree program He said, ’Well, of course you don't have to go UMUC through the gala and as part of the university’s Cyber was that, first, there weren’t any fluff courses. I didn’t see courses Think Tank to fill that void by ensuring that students receive the in macroeconomics or other silliness that doesn’t apply to my to college to be successful. But when you education required for cybersecurity careers. There is nothing field. At this point in my career, I know how to do my job. more essential to our nation’s future than ensuring our readiness Classes aren’t cheap, so when I’m paying the money, I want to go to college, you get a lesson and then you take to protect and defend our critical infrastructure and national learn something that applies to my career. UMUC’s classes seem security information.” like they’re actually focused on real, hands-on, useful informa- the test. When you don't go to college, you ManTech’s support is already making an impact on the lives tion that’s relevant to doing my job.” Now he’s ready to put take the test, and then you get the lesson,‘“ of UMUC students like Christopher Carpenter, who won one of what he learns to immediate use, after landing a position as chief the university's first graduate cybersecurity scholarships. information security officer for the U.S. Mint. said Chris Crabtree. carpenter’s career path, though common, isn’t the only one Christopher Carpenter: Building On a Successful IT Career open to cybersecurity professionals, however. Cybersecurity Carpenter, a veteran of the U.S. Air Force, developed a knowl- attracts people from all walks of life, whether they are drawn edge of network operations and security while serving his country by the potential for professional growth, job stability, or from a |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||| as an aircraft avionics technician and instructor. He launched a sense of mission. Cybersecurity has something to offer everyone. T op left and right: Copyright © 2011 by mark finkenstaedt

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Commentary: Research Roxanne Gonzales ’82 Denver, Colorado, was appointed academic Top Military Attorney director of Regis University’s College for and Scholarship at the Professional Studies. After graduating from Visits UMUC Classroom UMUC with a bachelor’s degree, she went on to earn a master’s degree from Creigh- UMUC students in Stephen Redmon’s HMLS 414 Core of a ”University ton University and her doctorate in higher International Security Issues class at Ft. Belvoir, education administration from the Univer- Maryland, were granted a unique opportunity to with a Center“ sity of Massachusetts. She served as a faculty interact with a superstar in the field in April 2011, member at Colorado State University, then when Col. William A. Gunn (U.S. Air Force, Ret.), as dean of Park University Distance Learn- general counsel of the Department of Veterans Af- ing, in Kansas City, before joining Regis fairs, visited the classroom. Gunn, a graduate with University in March 2011. honors of the U.S. Air Force Academy and Harvard By Jay Liebowitz Law School, in 2003 was named the first-ever Chief Jack Kushner ’90 Defense Counsel in the Department of Defense Of- Annapolis, Maryland, recently published fice of Military Commissions. In that role, he built his fourth book, Courageous Judicial Deci- a defense team and supervised all defense activities During the past year, Congress has taken This research grant program encourages collaboration across sions in Alabama (iUniverse.com, 2011), for detainees selected for trial before military com- a close and critical look at a number of for-profit universities, disciplines to increase innovation. and is working on his fifth, a book about missions—the first such proceedings to be conduct- questioning the value of the education and services they provide we will launch another new initiative—the First Annual Share- spinal cord injuries written for a lay audi- ed by the United States in more than 60 years. In the process, he set the tone so that to students. Because UMUC offers courses online and serves Fair on UMUC Faculty Research and Scholarship—in the fall in ence. Dr. Kushner, who holds a medical military lawyers under his leadership could vigorously defend their clients, radically adult students, we run the risk of being lumped in with these both on-site and online formats. This event will feature an address degree from the University of Alabama, changing public perceptions of military lawyers and focusing international attention schools, and it is vital—as part of the respected University System by the National Science Foundation program director in cyber was featured in Going the Distance, a book on the Guantanamo Bay prison camp. Visiting UMUC, Gunn spoke for more than of Maryland—that we do all we can to distinguish ourselves from learning, followed by faculty research poster sessions, moderated about remarkable alumni by UMUC two hours, fielding questions from students and offering a unique, firsthand perspec- institutions that have been criticized by Congress. But how? round table discussions (Knowledge Cafés), a “How to Get Pub- President Susan C. Aldridge. For more tive on international security and the law. one clear way of showing our value to others is through our lished” panel, and recognition awards for research and scholarship. about Dr. Kushner or to order his books, “University with a Center” focus. The “center,” in this case, is This ShareFair will be an exciting venue for fostering knowledge visit www.drjackkushner.com. 2009—she managed Federal Information Institute Web site for his contributions to research and scholarship that complements our strong teaching sharing among faculty, as well as with our students. Security Management Act reporting, gov- the community and project leadership, and mission. Without having faculty actively engaged in research These new initiatives, along with our monthly faculty research Peggy Naleppa ’93 ernance, risk management, crisis manage- received a personal letter of thanks from and scholarship, there would be no renewal process for stimu- seminars, visiting scholar presentations, Orkand Chair Distin- Salisbury, Maryland, was honored by the ment, strategic oversight, and compliance Maryland Governor Martin O’Malley for lating intellectual curiosity and bringing innovation to our guished Lectures, UMUC Working Paper Series, Provost’s Best Maryland Daily Record as one of Mary- expertise. Prior to that, she worked in IT his service and devotion to the country and programs. Research and scholarship go Paper Competition, SOARS (Student land’s Top 100 Women for 2011. She management for the Office of Manage- to Maryland. hand-in-hand with teaching, as new and Opportunities to Advance Research and serves as CEO and president of Peninsula ment and Budget, Department of Com- creative ideas spawned by research can Scholarship) Doctoral Research Poster Regional Medical Center. merce, and the Government Accountabil- Hilary Talbot ’02 then be integrated into the curriculum. Research and scholarship Sessions, and our one-stop research site ity Office. She improved USDA systems Aberdeen, Maryland, was appointed chief To be an effective professor—able to share at www.umuc.edu/library/research_pubs/ Christina Johnson ’94 by helping to develop and implement the of human resources management services new ideas in the classroom and develop research.shtml, all work together to further go hand-in-hand with Richmond, Virginia, joined Mondial As- USDA Certification and Accreditation for the Veterans Affairs Maryland Health unique programs—one must be engaged in increase our intellectual capital and build sistance as manager of general accounting. Center of Excellence. Care System, effective February 2011. research and scholarship, or at least aware teaching, as new and a stronger “center” at UMUC. As we Previously, she served as controller and of new trends and approaches. continue to strengthen our inner core, our chief communications officer for Roseline Kirk Platt ’99 Raymond G. Tuttoilmondo ’03 to this end, UMUC has launched teaching and programs will be enriched, creative ideas spawned Financial Group in Richmond. Glen Burnie, Maryland, received the Dickinson, Texas, is a major in the Galves- several new initiatives designed to enrich and we will further distance ourselves from Distinguished Scouter Award from the ton County Sherriff’s Department and a our research and scholarship “center.” The other, less effective schools.✦ by research can then Valerie Burks ’97 Four Rivers District for dedicated service graduate of the FBI National Academy. He Faculty Research Grant Program is open ______Bowie, Maryland, was appointed deputy and an award certificate from the Mary- was one of 10 finalists for the position of to all full- and part-time faculty world- Jay Liebowitz is the Orkand Endowed Chair be integrated into the CIO for IT Security at NASA. Previously, land Elks Association for outstanding police chief of Galveston, Texas. wide, offering a stipend for competitively in Management and Technology in UMUC’s she served as associate CIO for cyber and support of the Scouting-4-Food program selected, semester-long research projects. Graduate School of Management and privacy policy at the U.S. Department in spring 2011. He was cited by name curriculum. Technology. of Agriculture (USDA), where—since on the tribute wall of the Points of Light Continued on page 21

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Continued from page 19 Renea Ondra-Yodie ’06 began a literacy publishing project with the Literate Voices Foun- Providence, Rhode Island, was promoted Letter from a Grateful Grad dation to allow these students to tell the stories of their lives and to vice president and fair lending manager achieve English language literacy and proficiency. at Citizens Bank in Providence. Amalia Lopez '10 we spent three months writing a book that has now been Lindsay, California published—Among the Groves: Lindsay Lives (Booklocker.com, Jonathan Riffe ’06 2011). These students learned to be true and literate storytellers in Huntingtown, Maryland, a graduate of the process, and they have told the UMUC’s fire science program, is chief of I graduated from UMUC in May of 2010 with stories of their lives that are at once the Huntingtown Volunteer Fire Depart- a BA in English. I am writing to share the type of success my both wonderful and disastrous. ment Company 6 and a career firefighter degree with UMUC has allowed me to pursue and achieve. They have released the stories that in Washington, D.C. After graduation, I accepted a high school teaching job in a comprise what they have endured, high-needs school in Tulare County, California. I pursued my overcome, and hope for the future. Brittany Snyder ’06 English degree with UMUC just for this purpose—to bring Their narratives, compiled in this Key West, Florida, has been appointed pro- English skills to the large majority of students in this area who anthology, reveal the universal vost of Florida Keys Community College. are immigrants, language learners, and victims of generational themes so common in students’ She is currently working on her Doctor of poverty. I also chose this school, Lindsay High School, because of lives but so often ignored or un- Management degree, also from UMUC. its progressive and innovative approach to education. It is one of derscored—crossing the Mexican a handful of schools in the country daring and dedicated enough border and dealing with abuse, Jerry O. Bamgbade ’07 to use performance-based grading, meaning no student is ever left neglect, gangs, drugs, teenage Laurel, Maryland, is PMP director and behind and every student motherhood, judgment, chief technology officer for the Depart- must prove proficiency hope, love, fear, anger, ment of Homeland Security DC1 pro- in state standards in and absent fathers and gram of the Homeland Security and every subject. There is mothers. These learn- Law Enforcement Division of Computer no social promotion and ers use their experiences Science Corp., where he serves as director the school is determined and stories to challenge of engineering. Born and raised in Nigeria, to graduate every student what people have long he took his first job in the United States in with a proficient and assumed of them and 1996 and joined CSC in 2003. Your support through gift planning allows UMUC to college-ready level of demonstrate that they Created to honor education. have critically considered Brian August ’08 Raymond “Ray” • Make more academic scholarships available to a as a new teacher, their past choices and Waterford, Virginia, is founder and Ehrensberger, greater number of students in need CEO of Waterford Holding Group LLC, I had the classes of now hope for a better, first chancellor • Develop innovative programs in emerging career a boutique investment and consulting students who often spent more informed future. of UMUC, the fields while maintaining the high quality of current company specializing in equity, debt, more time in correc- Their book, now avail- Ehrensberger academic programs and mezzanine financing for small busi- tions and treatment able from Amazon and Society is reserved • Enhance the cutting-edge technology that serves Author! Author! Teacher Amalia Lopez (center back) and Dr. Jyothi Bathina (left), curriculum director, nesses. He is also a pilot for Southwest than in school and who other major booksellers, for benefactors who with students from Lindsay High school who contributed to the book, Among the Groves: Lindsay Lives. Airlines and sits on the board of direc- students around the world are often, outwardly, is as much a literacy have chosen to make tors of Centercede. • Support its exceptional faculty fascinated by the trap- project as a business planned or deferred pings of gangs, drugs, and disassociation with school. These were venture for these students. The students receive 100 percent of the gifts to UMUC. Dana M. Neshe ’08 Help ensure that UMUC and its students continue to students who did not want to read and write; they spent more profits from the books. I do truly think that the depth and rigor of Natick, Massachusetts, has been promoted have a bright future for generations to come. time picking in the fields with their parents to pay the rent and UMUC’s content prepared me to teach in this manner, to reach to executive vice president of Middlesex were—and still are—part of a vicious cycle in which one picks to these students, and to create ripples of success behind my own. Join the Ehrensberger Society today. Savings Bank and has joined the bank’s survive and survives to pick. My job was to not only teach them For more about our book project, visit LINDSAYLIVES on Senior Management Committee. She is in but to get them through the requisite state test for graduation. Facebook. charge of community banking at Middle- thanks to UMUC’s rigorous curriculum in English, I knew Sincerely, sex Savings, where she oversees the delivery why these kids were not interested in the texts often presented Amalia Lopez Call 240-582-2708 or of retail banking services throughout the to them and why they struggled, linguistically, in English. To English Facilitator 800-888-UMUC, ext. 1-2708 bank’s 24-branch network. She also serves approach their many needs and create an avenue of success, we Lindsay High School Copyright © 2011 University of Maryland University College Visit umuc.edu/giftplanning as president of the Middlesex Savings

www.umuc.edu | 2321 | Achiever AchieverAchiever || 2020 || UUniversityniversity ofof Marylrylaandnd UUniversityniversity CCollegeollege www.umuc.edu | 21 | AchieveAchieverr CLASS NOTES

faculty kudos

Amy Ackerberg-Hastings, who teaches in the history John F. Jones Jr., who previously served as UMUC’s vice program in UMUC’s School of Undergraduate Studies, presented president of Department of Defense Relations and now teaches in the “The Evolution of Mathematics Teaching Practices: 1770–1970” at School of Undergraduate Studies, published “Building Upon Tradition, Charitable Foundation, a position she has Scott McCown ’10 a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice— Trinity College in Dublin, Ireland, at the Joint Conference of the British Relationships, and a Keen Understanding of Each Moving Part: The held since October 2000. Neshe gradu- Stratham, New Hampshire, an assistant the same year that three of his children Society for the History of Mathematics and the Canadian Society for Historic Partnership between University of Maryland University College ated with honors from Framingham State vice president at TD Bank, was named earned degrees from other schools, and History and Philosophy of Mathematics. and the U.S. Military,” as part of Duty, Honor, Country . . . & Credit: Serv- University in 1990 and went on to earn store manager of the Derry location, where 41 years after he first enrolled in classes ing the Education and Learning Needs of Active Military and Veterans, an MS in management and an MBA from he is responsible for new business devel- at Prince George’s Community College Courtney Anderson, a collegiate associate professor in published by the Council for Adult and Experiential Learning (CAEL). UMUC. She began her career in banking opment, consumer and business lending, in 1970. In the interim, he served for UMUC’s Graduate School of Management and Technology, as an examiner with the Federal Deposit management of personnel, and day-to-day 28 years as a police officer, also in Prince presented, “It’s Not Magic, It’s HR Management,” at the 2011 World Jay Liebowitz, Orkand Endowed Chair in Management and Insurance Corporation, then accepted a operations. George’s County, but his mother never HRD Congress in Mumbai, India, in February 2011. The Global HR Technology in UMUC’s Graduate School of Management and position as compliance officer with the let him forget that he had promised to Excellence Awards 2011 were also conferred at the event, and Technology, contributed special links to his knowledge management Cooperative Bank of Concord before Al Creveling ’11 return to school and earn his degree. Anderson received the Strategic Leadership Award for her work in strategy Flash talks to the United Nations Online Training Center. the field of business leadership and management. More than 1,000 The presentations were prepared by UMUC’s Center for Support of returning to the FDIC as compliance and Arnold, Maryland, was profiled by Creveling told the reporter, “Now all I Wash- delegates from 89 countries attended. Instruction as part of its Knowledge Management in Government Community Reinvestment Act examiner. ington Post columnist John Kelly after have to do is figure out what I want to do Organizations online course. She joined Middlesex Savings in 1995. Creveling graduated from UMUC with when I grow up.” ✦ Anna Andriasova, who teaches in the history program in UMUC’s School of Undergraduate Studies, successfully mentored Wendy McDonough, collegiate associate professor in UMUC’s Team Rubikey of Colombia to a win in the New Markets category of School of Undergraduate Study, received a Faculty Research Grant this year’s Talent and Innovation Competition of the Americas. The Award from UMUC for her study, “A Study of Multimedia to Enhance team takes home $5,000 and a chance to compete in the next round Teaching, Social, and Cognitive Presence in Online Courses.” in Taiwan. Irmak Renda-Tenali, program director for homeland security Irena Bojanova, program director for telecommunications in UMUC’s Graduate School of Management and Technology, management in UMUC’s Graduate School of Management and received a Faculty Research Grant Award from UMUC for her Technology, received a Faculty Research Grant Award from UMUC study, “Assessing the Benefits of Web-Based Scenario Simulation for her study, “Conducting Immersive Group Projects for Core Exercises for Homeland Security Management Courses at UMUC.” Graduate-Level IT Courses.” Richard Schumaker, assistant director of faculty development Robert Bromber, academic director of African American workshops and training in Instructional Services and Support, pre- studies, history, and political science in UMUC’s School of Under- sented “Technology and Textuality in Contemporary Representations graduate Studies, presented “Aculturating the Echo-Boomer” at the of Shakespeare” at the Northeastern Modern Language Association Ninth International Conference on New Directions in the Humanities Convention, hosted by Rutgers University in New Brunswick, New in Granada, Spain. Jersey. In June 2011, he completed a three-year commitment with the Maryland Distance Learning Association during which he has served umuc Jim Chen, program director for information assurance in UMUC’s as president-elect, president, and vice president. During that time, Graduate School of Management and Technology, received a Faculty he created the MDLA Wired Wednesday Webinar Series, which will Research Grant Award from UMUC for his study, “Enhancing Ethics continue throughout the academic year. career-relevant Education in Cybersecurity and Information Access.” Barbara Schwartz-Bechet, director of the teacher Jeffery B. Cook, who teaches in the history program in UMUC’s certification program in UMUC’s Graduate School of Management School of Undergraduate Studies, published Harry S. Truman: Continuity and Technology, received a Faculty Research Grant Award from and Change, due out in the fall from Nova Science Publishing. UMUC for her study, “Can Course Design in the MAT Program Continue your education. Advance your future. With more than 100 undergraduate and graduate programs Promote Personalized Learning Through E-Learning and E-Teaching A degree or certificate from University of Maryland University available, including UMUC’s award-winning MBA, you’re William Gawthrop, who teaches in the history program in Practices?” College (UMUC) can help you keep up—and get ahead—in some sure to find one that matches your professional goals. UMUC’s School of Undergraduate Studies, published “The Influence of today’s hottest career fields, such as Most can be completed entirely online to fit your life and of Islamic Law on Intelligence and Law Enforcement,” in the January Claudine SchWeber, program director in the Doctor of • Cybersecurity your schedule. And scholarships, loans and an interest- 2011 issue of The Vanguard: Journal of the Military Intelligence Management Program in UMUC’s Graduate School of Management • Intelligence management free monthly payment plan can make your education as Corps Association. and Technology, received a Faculty Research Grant Award from • Environmental management affordable as it is relevant. UMUC for her study, “Disaster Management, Continuity of Operations, chair of business and executive programs in and Organizational Resilience,” which she completed with assistance and others Robert Goodwin, UMUC’s Graduate School of Management and Technology, served from Marcia Bouchard. ✦ on an expert panel for the Financial Times on the subject of online Call 800-888-UMUC (8682) or Enroll now. education in the field of business. To view a transcript, visit visit umuc.edu/ontarget www.ft.com/businesseducation/ask/online2011. Copyright © 2011 University of Maryland University College

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Thank You for Supporting An Evening in Cyberspace An Lead Sponsor Friends Stay Evening ManTech International AT&T In Corporation CACI Connected Cyberpoint CYBERSPACE Visionary Sponsor Dell Supporting Tomorrow’s Mark J. Gerencser Google Cybersecurity Hyland Software University of Maryland University College Leaders Futurist Sponsors Donald S. Orkand, DC Ventures and Associates, LLC ALUMNI ASSOCIATION Booz Allen Hamilton Telcordia Northrop Grumman Pearson Supporters Link to the Power of the SAIC Mr. Richard F. Blewitt and Ms. Elizabeth Reinhardt Mr. Joseph V. Bowen Jr. and Ms. Michèle E. Jacobs UMUC Alumni Network Innovator Sponsors Lieutenant General John Campbell (USAF, Ret.) Apptis, Inc. and Mrs. Marky Campbell Cisco Systems, Inc. General Dynamics Advanced Information Systems Virtual Networks Are You a Leader? Serve on an Alumni Association Deloitte iNovex Information Systems, Inc. The University of Maryland University College (UMUC) Alumni Standing Committee–Committees act in a supporting role L-3 Stratis Mr. John Milton and Mrs. Symantha Milton Association has a number of ways to keep you virtually con- to the Alumni Association Board of Directors to plan and NJVC Serco Inc. nected to the association, the university, and your fellow alumni. help implement activities that support the goals of the Alumni Association. SAS Sypris Electronics, LLC • Join our conversation on Facebook University of Maryland School of Medicine • Join the Alumni Association’s official LinkedIn group Join UMUConnect.org–This secure online community • Follow the UMUC Alumni Association in real time on has a searchable online directory, discussion forums, RIGHT (left to right): Mark J. Twitter links for professional networking, and information about Gerencser, Chair, UMUC Board • Register as an Alumni Association member at upcoming events. of Visitors, and Executive Vice President, Booz Allen Hamilton; www. umuconnect.org and become part of our quickly UMUC President Susan C. growing and secure online alumni community Mentor UMUC students–Become a mentor for new or Aldridge; and Gen. Michael V. at-risk undergraduate students by volunteering for the Hayden (keynote speaker), • Share your unique UMUC story at www.umuc.edu/ Allies Mentoring Program or help new and prospective Principal, The Chertoff Group, your_story/alumni and Former Director, Central students navigate WebTycho by assisting with UMUC 411. Intelligence Agency and National Security Agency Professional Networks Join the Alumni Association today! Join the UMUC Alumni Association today! Membership is BELOW: U.S. Congressman To activate your membership, visit www.umucalumni.org free and open to all UMUC graduates. Become part of the C. A. Dutch Ruppersberger (left) and begin enjoying exceptional benefits and the opportunity and Dwayne Robinson, Chief global UMUC network, enjoy the numerous benefits member- to expand your personal and professional networks. Executive Officer, VSTI, an SAS ship offers, and stay connected to your fellow alumni and Company the university for life!

www.umucalumni.org

RIGHT (left to right): UMUC President LEFT: Kym Nelson, ABOVE: Gen. James E. Cartwright, Vice Chairman of the Susan C. Aldridge; Chief of Staff, Maryland Joint Chiefs of Staff (center); Sgt. Johnny Jones (second Christian S. Department of Labor, from right); and Lt. Gen. Harry D. Raduege Jr., Chairman, Johansson, Licensing, and Regula- UMUC Cybersecurity Think Tank, and Chairman, Deloitte Maryland Secretary tion (left), and Theresa Center for Cyber Innovation (right); joined by Team Wilson Questions? Call us at 240-582-2777 of Business and Poussaint, Associate from the Orlando (FL) Civil Air Patrol Cadet Squadron, Economic Develop- Vice President, UMUC first place winners, All Service Division, CyberPatriot III ment; and Lacy Morley Alumni Relations national high school cyber defense competition

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Save the Date Thursday, October 6, 2011 | 8:30 a.m.–12 p.m. | UMUC Inn and Conference Center 3501 University Boulevard East, Adelphi, Maryland THE 2011 UMUC CYBERSECURITY Breakfast Seminar Cybersecurity: How Far Have We Come? What difference does it make? And are we any safer or any smarter now? Don’t miss an information-packed morning of speakers, a lively panel discussion, and networking with cybersecurity experts from government, the military, industry, and the media.

For registration and complete agenda, go to www.umuc.edu/cyberbreakfast.

REACH THE REGION’S TOP CYBERSECURITY

POLICY AND DECISION MAKERS presented by Premier Sponsor For sponsorship opportunities, call Seth Katz, Director, Corporate and Foundation Relations at 240-582-2700 or e-mail [email protected].