Summer 2010 Using the Environmental Summer 2010 Towson 3 Defense Paper Calculator

Henneman. Al ’66 andSuzie TU andlandowners partnership between Md., thankstoa Station inMonkton, at the228-acreField for hands-onresearch gets theopportunity a master’s student, Matt Jennette,

DEPARTMENTS FEATURES Saints andwinnersofSuperBowlXLIV. Two former Tiger footballplayersarenow super second-largest universitytodistinction. Mark P. Becker ’80isleadingGeorgia’s georgia conducting researchinthegreatoutdoors. Wooded parcelmeans TU canhaveafieldday land of abuseandneglectintostorieswithhappyendings. Nancy Johnson’75, acaninefostermom, turnstales dog rewards ofwellness. tale underscoresthedangersofobesity…and from his414-poundframe andsavedhislife. His Keith Ahrens ’85droppedmorethan200pounds weighty Honorary DegreeBestowed Miss Adventure class Powerful Ingredients Judaica and Preserving AsianArt philanthropy Towerlight Sarasota andNaplesReceptions Los Angeles andSantaMonicaReceptions Meet theBoard alumni news president ’ s

of and notes best men Alumni Reunion

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Published three times a year by the Division of University Advancement for Towson University’s alumni, faculty, staff and friends. Please send comments and contributions to Towson, University Relations, Towson University, 8000 ith a productive and successful academic York Rd., Towson, MD 21252-0001. year behind us and a summer promising Telephone: 410-704-2230. Please send address W changes to Alumni Relations, Towson University, to be just as busy, many new and exciting develop- 8000 York Rd., Towson, MD 21252-0001. ments are on the horizon for Towson University. Robert L. Caret Square-foot by square-foot, our campus landscape President is quickly changing, but with a thoughtful eco-friendly Gary N. Rubin approach. By fall 2011, three campus construction Vice President, University Advancement projects will be open with Leadership in Environmen- Ginny Cook tal and Energy Design (LEED) silver certification. The Editor second phase of what will become the campus’ largest Lori Armstrong classroom building, the College of Liberal Arts, will Associate Vice President, Alumni Relations add 300,000 square feet of new academic space. The Lori Marchetti Art Director/Designer second phase of West Village housing will provide 650 additional campus beds and will be finished at the Kanji Takeno Staff Photographer same time as the West Village Commons, a building large enough to be a second student union that will Assistant Photographer Desirée Stover provide much-needed office and meeting spaces, and On August 1, Designers additional dining options. TU will become Kate Bateman, Pat Dideriksen, Chris Komisar, “ Recognized for our environmentally conscious Kathy Malanowski and Eleni Swengler Maryland’s efforts, Towson University is proud to be included in Contributors first smoke-free The Princeton Review’s Guide to 286 Green Colleges. Shannon Arehart, Daniel Fox, Emily Koch, The book lists the nation’s most environmentally Melissa Kviz, Jan Lucas and Stuart Zang four-year conscientious campuses that have taken a comprehen- Office of Alumni Relations institution, sive look at green building, energy conservation and 410-704-2234 or 800-887-8152 banning waste reduction. Towson University’s policies, programs and activities Taking our award-winning Go Green campaign a comply with federal and state laws and University System smoking on of Maryland regulations prohibiting discrimination on step further, campus-wide efforts have extended to the basis of race, color, religion, age, national origin, sex, disability and sexual orientation. any university foster a healthy campus environment from recycling www.towson.edu property. initiatives to clean air. On August 1, TU will become www.towsonalumnimagazine.com Maryland’s first smoke-free four-year institution, banning smoking on any university property. The end of the academic year also brings sobering eco box legislative news. When the Maryland General Assembly concluded, Towson saw a $12.6 million cut to its fund Using this combination of papers balance with the knowledge that a minimal tuition saves the following: ” increase and employee furloughs are imminent. WOOD USE: 7 TONS

Towson University is growing a smarter, healthier NET ENERGY: 15,000,000 BTUs and welcoming campus atmosphere. Please plan to GREENHOUSE GASES: 4,680 LBS CO2

visit us this summer to experience all of the campus WASTEWATER: 22,541 GALLONS

changes. SOLID WASTE: 1,369 POUNDS

The Towson text pages Bob Caret are printed on forest-friendly Utopia Dull paper. The cover is printed on Utopia Gloss using Eco-Pride inks. Environmental impact President, Towson University estimates were made 2 towson summer 2010 using the Environmental summer 2010 towson 3 Defense Paper Calculator. news & notes

Published three times a year by the Division of University Advancement for Towson University’s alumni, faculty, staff and friends. Please send comments and contributions to Towson, University Relations, Towson University, 8000 York Rd., Towson, MD 21252-0001. Starting with a Bang Telephone: 410-704-2230. Please send address nobel prize-winning cosmologist delivers lecture at grand opening of tu’s digital planetarium changes to Alumni Relations, Towson University, 8000 York Rd., Towson, MD 21252-0001.

Robert L. Caret the Big Bang; Mather’s team was the first to While waiting for a planetarium show, President discover them. visitors also enjoyed telescope viewings, learned Gary N. Rubin He connected with the audience at Towson how to make pocket solar systems or watched Vice President, University Advancement by filling his talk with humorous stories and space-themed movies. Later this year, a new Ginny Cook cartoons, says James Overduin, assistant profes- 16-inch telescope will be installed, which will Editor sor, Department of Physics, Astronomy and be wired to the planetarium projector for Lori Armstrong Geosciences, who introduced the Nobel laure- indoor viewing. Associate Vice President, Alumni Relations

Lori Marchetti Art Director/Designer The $50,000 planetarium renovation is the first Kanji Takeno Staff Photographer since the facility’s construction in 1965.

Assistant Photographer Desirée Stover ate. Mather also illustrated the Big Bang by not The redesigned planetarium and telescope Designers Kate Bateman, Pat Dideriksen, Chris Komisar, illustrating it at all, Overduin adds. Instead, he facility will act as lab space for many courses Kathy Malanowski and Eleni Swengler presented a blank slide explaining, “The event in the Department of Physics, Astronomy and Fluctuations in microwave background light, evidence of the Big cannot be pictured except by going to higher Geosciences. It will also continue to serve the Contributors Bang discovered by Mather and COBE, are represented in TU’s Shannon Arehart, Daniel Fox, Emily Koch, renovated planetarium. dimensions and looking down from outside,” community as a venue for shows and stargaz- Melissa Kviz, Jan Lucas and Stuart Zang something that cannot be done. ing, with free events for the public scheduled Office of Alumni Relations The friendly skies of TU’s planetarium The evening also included five consecutive on the third Friday of every month during the 410-704-2234 or 800-887-8152 twinkled with excitement on March 27 when shows in the updated planetarium. The $50,000 academic year. Towson University’s policies, programs and activities Nobel laureate John Mather opened the newly renovation is the first since the facility’s comply with federal and state laws and University System Mather’s talk is available at http://mediasite2. of Maryland regulations prohibiting discrimination on renovated Watson-King Planetarium with a construction in 1965, and includes a state- towson.edu/mediasite/Viewer/?peid=91273d0411 the basis of race, color, religion, age, national origin, of-the-art projector, new sound system and sex, disability and sexual orientation. bang—a lecture on the Big Bang to be exact. f2460db3ac83d36d01b81a a redesigned seating layout that centers the www.towson.edu Mather, who was awarded the 2006 Nobel www.towsonalumnimagazine.com Prize in physics for his critical role in confirming audience in the room rather than around the the Big Bang theory, spoke to a packed house. perimeter as in a traditional planetarium space. More than 300 people filled Smith Hall’s largest The new equipment and seating arrangement eco box auditorium with another 100 listening to his allow the audience to become more immersed talk, “From the Big Bang to Life and the End of in the show, says Alex Storrs, associate profes- the Universe,” in a nearby classroom with a live sor in the Department of Physics, Astronomy video feed. and Geosciences. Mather led the 1992 Cosmic Background “Our fisheye-lens projector and the arc shape Explorer (COBE) satellite experiment that of the seats now allow us to put people right detected minute variations in the brightness in the middle of the dome, where the illusion of of light left over from the formation of the the sky is best,” says Storrs. A centrally linked universe. Researchers had been looking for computer allows astronomers to zoom and pan TOWSON—the alumni magazine— such phenomena for decades as evidence of through an astronomically accurate night sky, now delivered online. Please visit from the rooftop of Smith Hall to the limits of www.towsonalumnimagazine.com the known universe.

2 towson summer 2010 summer 2010 towson 3 news & notes

testing security systems. Nature of Nutria cutter that would eat The TU students success- unwanted vegetation,” A 1953 ad from Popular fully fended off two days she explains. Science Magazine (below) Computer Sentries of attacks, earning a victory But soon, there was hooked Lauren Tucker that sent them to San little market for nutria When it comes to com- into studying how a furry Antonio in April for the fur and the animals at puter security, TU has the finals of the National A-team on its side. Collegiate Cyber-Defense Eight TU students won Competition. Towson the Mid-Atlantic Regional placed fourth in a field Cyber-Defense Competition of eight. last March by defending “We learned a lot that the information technology can help us prepare better infrastructure of a fictional town. Coached by TU profes- Eight TU students sor Mike O’Leary, students Madeline Pelkey, Brian won the Mid- Haar, Shane Lester, Felix A. Atlantic Regional Mercado, Brian Namovicz, Cyber-Defense Finn Ramsland, Bryan rodent, nutria, went from Blackwater were released Sizemore and Jon Wiseman Competition being an economic windfall into the wild. kept the town’s e-mail, to an environmental disas- last March. While nutria have eaten websites, databases and ter. Her research, she says, more than 7,000 acres a disaster management “explores the evolving for next year,” says Pelkey, of marsh vegetation in system up and running discourse on nutria in the the team captain. “Nation- the Blackwater refuge, while under attack from Chesapeake Bay and the als are very different from eradication of the species a team of hackers— notion that exotics become the regional competition, was pushed decades before professionals skilled invasives when a place is so there’s an entirely there were any physical in network deemed forbidden to them TU’s winning different way to changes, Tucker says, warfare and by humans.” cyber sentries approach it.” to preserve the “native Nutria were touted ecosystem.” throughout the As Tucker examined world as the next early historical reports big commodity in the and conference pro- fur market, says ceedings relating to the Tucker, who animal, she expected to earned a find documentation of its master’s in large population and its geography increasing damage to plant in May. At life. Instead she found a Maryland’s “drastic evolution” in the Blackwater perception of the animal National “even before there was an Wildlife increase in the population Refuge, the of nutria and even before animal was any damage had been cultivated not reported,” she says. only for its Next year Tucker will pelts but also begin a Ph.D. program at as a “four- the University of Maryland, legged grass Baltimore County.

4 towson summer 2010 summer 2010 towson 5 news & notes

it a victim of Despite the range of season. Head coach Dick increased costs and ages, younger survivors Filbert ’71 and assistant perhaps students’ prefer- share common concerns. coach Lynda Filbert ’94, his Through the ence for Facebook and “Many fear the cancer may wife and a Tiger gymnast Yearbooks other social networking recur, which often makes from 1975 to 1978, once media rather than a tome. them unable to plan or feel again led the Tigers to a The archives of Cook as if all their plans must be sixth straight ECAC Library has what is thought accelerated,” Curran says. championship title. to be the first yearbook— What’s more, “they cannot Dick Filbert was also The Aletheia—from the relate to their peers,” who named the ECAC Coach 1902 class of the Maryland still possess the invincibility of the Year for the fourth State Normal School. Life After Cancer of youth, she adds. time in his career. Before 1902, a simple Mary Curran ’79/’05 Curran began her stud- Lynda Filbert was honored unbound photograph M.A. understands the ies by surveying the needs as the ECAC Assistant album held class pictures. obstacles faced by young of young adult survivors to Coach of the Year for the Much like the school it adults who survive cancer. provide education and net- second time in her career. chronicled, the yearbook For five years, the clinical working groups. In 2006, changed names throughout assistant professor in TU’s she presented an abstract the last 108 years. In 1914 Golf and Swimming Department of Nursing has of the project at the Inter- it was the Normalite, in Champs delved into the psychosocial national Psycho-Oncology 1919 The Daisy and from issues affecting those aged Society in Venice, Italy. In Make room in the trophy 15 to 40 who survive the a follow-up study, Curran, case. The men’s golf team shock of diagnosis, the a 2008 recipient of the TU and the women’s swimming often rigorous and debili- College of Graduate and diving tating cancer treatments, Studies Faculty Fellowship, team each and then must somehow collaborated with a number won the return to a normal life. of agencies, investigat- Colonial Last January, her efforts ing the effectiveness of Athletic earned her a Volunteer support services for young Association Service Award from the adult cancer survivors in Champ- 1971 Tower Echoes Ulman Cancer Fund for Baltimore City. ionships Young Survivors. One surprising finding this year. 1928 to 1932, The Crystal. was “we did not have a The Then came a 13-year span big enough group coming men’s when the student newspa- “Many fear back to use the services,” golf team per produced a soft-bound the cancer may she explains. So future was ranked June issue that served as studies will shift support 151st in the the yearbook. recur, which and education to parents Golfweek/ In 1947 a hardbound often makes and health care providers Sagarin College volume returned, but it who must also learn how Rankings but that didn’t have a name. Then them unable to deal with the needs of didn’t stop them the class of 1948 dubbed to plan or feel cancer survivors in this from claiming their its yearbook White and age group. first CAA Men’s Golf Gold, which was followed as if all their Championship, winning by Tower Echoes in 1949. plans must be the title by a comfortable Thus began a 50-plus year 11 strokes. publishing run, although a accelerated.” The women’s swimming few classes—2003 through —Mary Curran and diving team won 2005—did not produce a Gymnastics its third straight CAA volume. Curran has a personal Coaches Retire Championship, finishing But now TU’s yearbook interest in younger TU’s gymnastics coaches ahead of UNC Wilmington has gone the way of ana- patients—her son is a vaulted into retirement this by more than 100 points. log TV. Tower Echoes won’t young adult cancer survivor. June after a stellar final be published in 2010. Call 4 towson summer 2010 summer 2010 towson 5 news & notes

Extreme Makeover renovation gives archives and special collections area a new look

collectible and daily-use china from former president Theresa Wiedefeld; and a 24-karat gold-plated Maryland blue crab in the collection of former governor Robert Ehrlich. The Baltimore Hebrew Institute Joseph Meyerhoff Collection contains more than 70,000 volumes, and a number of rare and special items, including approximately 130 Holocaust video testimonies and a Jewish scholar com- mentary on the Bible published in Naples, Italy in 1492. Renovation and expansion of the archives and Special ? [ Collections began in spring 2009. “We gutted the place did you from floor to ceiling,” says Nadia Nasr, university archivist know? Nadia Nasr holds a Babylonian tablet from 2300 B.C. and digital collections librarian. Renovators took down Although holdings in Cook Library’s Special Collections walls, ripped up carpet and lightened up the dark, formal A disaster drill last date back as far as 2300 B.C., the spaces housing them space of the adjacent Towson Room by removing its spring, sponsored are less than a year old. wood paneling. by the College of A once dark and cramped repository of archives and Nasr says the three-month renovation was extensive Health Professions, artifacts located on Cook’s fifth floor has been transformed but necessary. The old storage space contained several enabled more windows, which exposed materials to sunlight and drafts. than 350 nursing into a functional, user-friendly facility, with 50 percent students to gain invaluable hands- on experience Special Collections has Babylonian clay tablet cuneiforms dating helping victims from 2300 B.C., and a 24-karat gold-plated Maryland blue of a faux tornado. crab in the collection of former governor Robert Ehrlich.

additional storage capacity and spacious, brightly lit Fan coil units connected to the TU power plant’s heating work areas. and cooling systems prevented rooms in the archives from Now known as Special Collections, it is home to the maintaining a stable temperature or humidity level. historical records and artifacts of the university dating back A “desperately needed” dedicated workspace for visiting to its founding as the State Normal School in 1866. Hold- researchers was created; in the past, researchers were ings include school catalogs and bulletins from 1866 to the forced to use the Towson Room, if it was available. present; faculty and staff publications; more than 12,000 The updated facilities contain two closed-stack storage photographs, slides and negatives; a complete run of spaces that are climate and humidity controlled along with student literary magazines from 1952 to now; a complete dedicated user space. Other additions include built-in staff run of student newspapers from 1921 to the present; and stations, a small conference room and a new materials yearbooks dating back to 1902. processing area with high counters. Special Collections also serves as repository to an eclec- “Whether you’re a student, a faculty member, a tic mix of items, including Babylonian clay tablet cunei- researcher or just a curious passer-by up on the fifth forms dating from 2300 B.C. purchased by former history floor,” says Nasr, “we hope you’ll find Special Collections professor Lena Van Bibber in 1939; a wide assortment of an inviting place to explore.”

6 towson summer 2010 summer 2010 towson 7 news & notes

What’s New

Fisher Dean Dancer’s Dozen Green Rooms Honor Roll David Vanko, a geolo- What else can we say? Dig this. TU broke ground More than 15,000 Towson gist who has studied the They did it again. The on phase II of the West students propelled TU onto ? formation of ocean crusts, TU Dance Team won the Village housing project the President’s Higher [ was named dean of TU’s National Dance Alliance in April, a project that Education Community did you know? Jess and Mildred Fisher (NDA) Collegiate National will build two residential Service Honor Roll. The College of Science and Championship in April. It facilities slated to receive award comes from the The Education Trust’s Mathematics in February. was the team’s 12th con- LEED silver certifica- Corporation for National January 2010 report He came to TU in 2001 secutive victory. Perform- tion when they open in and Community Service ranked TU as one and since 2007 served ing to a medley of tunes August 2011. Located and is the highest federal of the top 25 for as acting dean of the including “Stand By Me” in the university’s West recognition a school can increasing gradua- college. His accomplish- and “We are Family,” the Village precinct, the achieve for its commit- tion rates for under- ments include establish- dancers rocked Florida’s buildings will mirror the ment to service learning represented minori- ing the college’s Advisory Peabody Auditorium and Paca and Tubman houses and civic engagement. TU ties from 2002-2007. Board, creating the Rob- the Daytona Beach Band and contain 651 beds for students logged 255,700 ert Noyce Scholarship Shell. The young women freshman and sophomore hours volunteering for Program which is funded not only sparkled in their students. Those beds will projects which included by a five-year, $900,000 blue and black costumes, be in single- and double- tutoring elementary, National Science Founda- they also dazzled the occupancy rooms, and middle and high school tion grant and spear- judges with hyper-paced students will find commu- students, helping the heading an Academic precision moves and syn- nal lounges, study space, homeless in South Florida Research Infrastructure chronization. Says coach meeting rooms and com- and rebuilding homes in proposal to the NSF for Tom Cascella, “The team munity centers in their Baltimore neighborhoods. $1.87 million. Vanko spirit and cooperation living quarters. What’s TU is one of 115 schools received a bachelor’s and of this group of young more, the buildings are nationwide but the only a master’s degree from women makes them designed with tranquil- Maryland school named Johns Hopkins University champions. I can’t begin ity in mind—featuring to the Honor Roll with in Baltimore and a Ph.D. to tell you how proud sound mitigation systems Distinction for 2009. in geology in 1982 from I am of our team.” to reduce noise between Northwestern University rooms. One last perk— in Illinois. each entrance lounge will have a flat screen cable television.

6 towson summer 2010 summer 2010 towson 7 Weighty

Mattersy ill heridan B B S

8 towson summer 2010 Keith Ahrens ’85 Keith Ahrens never meant to weigh 414 pounds. It just kind of … happened. dropped more Losing more than 200 of those pounds and saving his than 200 pounds Klife? That took a little more effort—and just a touch of dizziness. from his 414-pound The 1985 Towson University graduate had battled weight issues for most of his adult life. Though active and frame and athletic while at Towson, the post-graduate Ahrens too readily embraced a sedentary lifestyle and a love for fast saved his life. food that piled on the pounds. Years went by—22 of them, His tale underscores to be exact—and eventually, he was wearing size XXXXXL shirts and pants with a 60-inch waist. the dangers of He was, in a word, obese. And being obese, of course, meant enduring all of the obesity … and things that come with it—the disapproving glances at restaurants, the judgmental comments from passers-by, the the rewards of shame of not being able to fit into a seat on an airplane. wellness. Ahrens experienced it all, and at some point he built a “big, protective shell that kept people away.” Obesity, it turns out, is often a lonely battle. Ironically, Ahrens wasn’t alone. Nearly 34 percent of adult Americans are obese, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. That’s more than double the percentage of 30 years ago. Among children, the number has tripled over the past 30 years, to 17 percent. The related health trends are predictable. According to the American Heart Association, coronary heart disease is the leading cause of death in America. More than 425,000 deaths—one in every six—were attributed to heart disease in 2006. Nearly 9 percent of all medical spending in the United States each year—some $147 billion—can be attributed to obesity, according to the CDC. “Obesity, and with it diabetes, are the only major health problems that are getting worse in this country, and they are getting worse rapidly,” CDC Director Dr. Thomas Frieden told a gathering of reporters in 2009. “The average American is now 23 pounds overweight.”

Saved by a heart attack Ahrens was one of them, but he didn’t stop at 23 pounds. He was well on his way to an early grave, and he didn’t even know it. “Nobody thinks heart disease will strike them,” he says, “but it doesn’t discriminate.” Then came that day in April 2007—the day he lifted his 414-pound frame off the bed and felt dizzy. He had been used to shortness of breath and chest pains that he passed off as heartburn. “When you are obese,” he writes in his book Outrunning My Shadow, “you always blame any warning signs of potential heart disease on the fact that you are just fat.” But the dizziness was something new. It came again a couple of days later, only more severe. He decided to see a doctor. That decision saved his life. The dizziness, the heartburn, the shortness of breath

summer 2010 towson 9 were all symptoms of a “silent” heart attack, a condition impact on health, “but we no longer honor eating in a way whose warning signs go largely unnoticed. Some studies that is really healthy.” indicate that up to 60 percent of all heart attacks are not Modern America, she says, views food either as an recognized as such, and nearly 200,000 people are affected obsession or an inconvenient necessity. We have completely by them each year. lost touch with the notion that “we are what we eat”—that In Ahrens’ case, the symptoms were made worse by three who we are physically depends on the foods we eat. almost entirely blocked arteries. Without bypass surgery, he “As I travel, it seems to me that people in other countries was told, his life would be in danger. are less neurotic about food,” Werts says. “People just eat. That moment—the worst of his 45-year-old life—marked They eat when they’re hungry and stop when they’re full the start of his resurrection. and go on with their lives. We’ve lost a lot of that in our modern society.” Back from the brink The problem in America isn’t a lack of knowledge. In the three months between his diagnosis and his surgery, People seem to understand which foods they should be Ahrens lost 60 pounds mostly out of necessity; doctors told eating. The problem, says Werts, is finding an incentive that him the extra weight would pose a risk during surgery. convinces them to make a change. After surgery on Aug. 23, 2007, Ahrens got down to “Saying you should do it just because it’s good for you is business. not enough,” she says. “If I was to tell someone, ‘I’m from Soda was replaced by water. Fast food was out; The Biggest Loser and we’ll give you a million dollars to vegetables, fruits, whole grains, lean meats and fish were in. lose some weight,’ that might work. Unfortunately, we’re at So was exercise, and a lot of it. a place where we have to incentivize healthy eating, and I Before his heart attack, Ahrens couldn’t walk from his haven’t seen anyone doing that very well.” office to his car without being completely winded. After, The answer, says Werts, might lie in helping people eat in exercise became an important part of his daily routine. a way that doesn’t demonize food but honors it instead. Walking on the treadmill led to bicycling … and basketball “It’s not just about food; it’s about how people nourish … and work on a punching bag … and swimming … and themselves physically and emotionally,” she says. “Eating weight training. He worked his way up to five hours of more simply, slowly and seasonally—what I call the cardiovascular exercise each week. three S’s—can make great strides in getting people more In essence, he deconstructed his life and rebuilt it on a connected with their food.” foundation of health and wellness—a daunting endeavor, to be sure. Back to the dinner table “Was it scary? No. But it was challenging,” he says. “It Carrie McFadden prefers Michael Pollan’s mantra. came down to this: I had to make me the most important Pollan, author of the best-selling books The

“I had to start taking care of myself. That was the only way I would possibly survive.”—Keith Ahrens ‘85

person in my life. I had to start taking care of myself. That Omnivore’s Dilemma was the only way I would possibly survive.” and In Defense of Food, implores his ‘We no longer honor eating’ readers to “Eat The obese Ahrens is a cautionary example of the food. Not too consequences that come with the modern American diet. much. Mostly Gone are the days when families spent time cooking plants.” their meals, then sat down together and enjoyed those “If we ate like meals amid leisurely conversation. Today, the key word that, we’d be so is “fast.” If we’re not eating takeout or at a restaurant, much better off,” we’re “cooking” processed foods at home that bear little says McFadden, resemblance to anything our ancestors ate. We’ve lost our a visiting instructor at relationship with food, says Niya Werts, a TU assistant Towson’s College of Health professor in the College of Health Professions, and it’s Professions who lectures on taking a toll on our health. nutrition. “We need to get “Eating and having an appreciation of our food is part of back to the dinner table and eat our natural cycle,” says Werts, who lectures on food and its real food with one another.”

10 towson summer 2010 McFadden’s basic nutrition class requires students worse, then give them some strategies for making wiser to keep a “food intake journal” in which they record choices,” she says. “My students walk out of the classroom everything they eat over five days. And everything means with at least some knowledge of how to make smarter everything. If they have a chicken salad sandwich, they decisions about their food.” must record all of the ingredients of that sandwich—the chicken, the mayonnaise, the bread and everything in ‘I’m more alive than ever’ between. The students then post that information into Following his surgery, Ahrens’ new diet and exercise a website affiliated with MyPyramid.gov by the U.S. regimen left him feeling better than he had in years, and Department of Agriculture. In return, they receive a the pounds began to melt away. That combination was snapshot of the nutritional value of the foods they eat. addictive, and Ahrens was hooked on his new life. It’s an exercise that never fails to astound. Two and a half years after his heart attack, Ahrens was

“My students walk out of the classroom with at least some knowledge of how to make smarter decisions about their food.”—Carrie McFadden, lecturer, College of Health Professions

“The reaction from students is overwhelmingly one of down to 208 pounds. He dropped 20 inches from his waist shock and surprise,” McFadden says. “They really have and five X’s from his shirt size. no idea how many saturated fats, how much cholesterol or “My life has taken a 180-degree turn,” he says. “I feel sodium they take in, or how little Vitamin E and Vitamin like a champ every time I wake up.” D they get, or how low in fiber, antioxidants, calcium and There are other benefits as well. He fits comfortably into water their diets are.” any chair now, including those narrow airline seats, and Nor do they realize how their diets are affecting their as a result he has traveled to parts of the world he’s never health. McFadden routinely asks her students if they seen. He can wear a seatbelt. And he sometimes catches feel tired, stressed or women staring at him—not because he’s fat, but because overwhelmed, “and the hey, he’s a good-looking guy. hands shoot up. One “That’s definitely a different experience,” he laughs. of the immediate tolls The most satisfying byproduct of his life change, though, our diets take is on our is his new career. Ahrens added “author” to his resume collective energy, and these last year when he published Outrunning My Shadow, kids are at an age when which chronicles his journey back to health, and he has they shouldn’t feel that since become a motivational speaker and certified fitness way. We’d all have more trainer. His goal: to help other overweight people make the energy, would feel better, journey, too. would sleep better if we “There’s nothing more rewarding than knowing that ate better and didn’t carry people have hope and motivation by hearing my story around that extra weight.” and seeing what I’ve done,” Ahrens says. “I get to help The project is making an hundreds of people, and every day something else happens impact. that inspires me.” One student told And what does he tell them? McFadden the food journal “It can be done. It’s not impossible. It’s never too late had changed her life. and you’re never too old,” he says. “If you screw up McFadden says, “She never and overeat today, there’s always tomorrow. It’s kind realized how poorly she was of like that movie, Groundhog Day. Every day, we get Ahrens (left) at 400-plus pounds and eating until she started this an opportunity to wake up fresh and clean and make (above) after dropping 200 pounds project.” a change, but we have to have faith and confidence in and five X’s from his shirt size. Another student came ourselves that we can do it.” to class one day and For those who complete that journey, the greatest reward announced to her classmates that she had quit her of all awaits. management job … at McDonald’s. “I have my life,” Ahrens says. “I wake up every day and That’s the kind of difference McFadden is take a deep breath and know that I’m alive … and I’m determined to make. more alive than I have ever been.” n “My job is to help them become aware of how they’re Bill Sheridan’s last magazine story was about Don Roberts ’78, a eating and how that can impact their health, for better or television anchor in Virginia.

summer 2010 towson 11 dog’sdog’s BestBest FriendFriend

ammy’s family decided they were better “He was such a wonderful, gentle dog,” she off without him. They packed up a truck, recalls wistfully. “But I knew it might be difficult S chained him in the backyard and moved to find a home for him.” Nancy Johnson ’75, away. Alone, without food or water, Sammy Still, Johnson began searching for a permanent a canine foster mom, withered. By the time the little Pekingese was or “forever” home for Sammy. Five weeks turns tales of abuse rescued, he was blind. went by without an inquiry. But good things “Doctors told us his condition could have come to those who wait, and Johnson eventually and neglect into been avoided,” says Nancy Johnson ’75, who is received an e-mail from a family experienced in stories with all too familiar with stories of abandoned pets caring for dogs with special needs. happy endings like Sammy. “I knew right away they could give Sammy the Johnson is a foster parent to Baltimore’s most love and care he needed,” she says. Within days, unwanted animals. To Sammy, she was a hero. the family had fallen in love and signed an By Emily Koch She welcomed him into her home and cared adoption agreement. Now it was time for Photos by Kanji Takeno for him as if he were her own—slowly showing Johnson to say goodbye to the dog she had him how to get around her house, feeding and come to adore as her own. walking him, and adjusting her work schedule “As long as I know they’re going to good to administer the eye drops he so desperately homes, it makes it easier. But it’s still very hard needed. to let go,” she admits. And sometimes she just can’t. “The first time I saw Collie, her face was covered with turnoff,” says Johnson, who fostered Cookie until she lacerations,” says Johnson, recalling the 10-year-old dog was adopted. she fostered for several months and eventually adopted. In cases like Cookie’s, rescue organizations finance all “When a potential home was found for Collie, I was forced medical bills, but foster families provide the dogs with to think about letting her go. As the adoption day affection, food and shelter, and help rehabilitate the approached, I realized the home I most wanted for Collie animals that have been severely mistreated or abused. was my own.” “It can be a slow process for some of the dogs, but just Since Collie’s death less than two years later, Johnson has letting them know that you love them and that you aren’t adopted two more dogs—Kirsi and Annabelle—and going to abuse them in any way is the first big step to continues to foster other pets in need. finding them a forever home,” Johnson says. This is surprising behavior from someone who until To unearth the perfect adoptive family, rescue groups recently considered herself a “cat person” and didn’t even increasingly rely on social media and Internet ads, but have a dog of her own. It was most permanent homes are still walking in the park among found through old-fashioned other people’s pets that she word-of-mouth. When met animal rescuer Sallyann someone expresses interest in Jennings—and found her life adoption, the dog and family permanently changed. are introduced, references are “Sally asked me if I wanted checked and a home visit is to foster,” says the education conducted to guarantee a safe, major, who coordinates GED secure environment for classes for the Center for Adult everyone involved. and Family Literacy, a division “The most important thing of the Community College of we’re looking for is permanence Baltimore County. and a stable home situation,” “At the time, my two kids explains Johnson. “We want were grown and in college, to ensure the dog gets adopted and I was living by myself in into a home where the family a condo with a cat. I thought, won’t turn around and decide it ‘Well, I can just give this a try. If isn’t the right fit.” I don’t like it, I don’t have to do This rarely happens. The it again.’” majority of Johnson’s foster That was about six years dogs live out the rest of ago. Now, 34 foster dogs Sammy is one foster dog Johnson their days in a comfortable, later, she is still bringing kept for her own. healthy home with loving home canines that need foster “We want to ensure the dog gets people. care before they find a Happy endings inspired permanent human to look adopted into a home where the her to write Recycled Love: after them. “I just enjoyed the family won’t turn around and Foster Dogs Have Tales Too, process, so after the first dog decide it isn’t the right fit.” a self-published book that was adopted, I kept doing it.” chronicles the uplifting She fosters through area –Nancy Johnson ’75 stories of 20 once neglected, organizations like Recycled now adopted dogs. With the Love and Pet Rescue of help of Towson lecturer Maryland. These groups find Barbara Steele, who provided encouragement and Baltimore’s most desperate animals—often at overburdened editorial guidance, Johnson finished the book in 2008. and underfunded animal shelters—and place them with Copies sold across the country have raised money for foster parents to save them from euthanasia. area rescue groups and expanded Johnson’s good will “A lot of the dogs we take in wouldn’t be put into to four-legged friends everywhere. traditional adoption programs because they’re too sick, too “Dogs are not our whole life, but they make our old or have handicaps of some kind. They aren’t considered lives whole,” wrote the late Roger Caras, a television ‘adoptable,’” Johnson explains. personality, former president of the ASPCA and Baltimore Tell that to Cookie, a playful Pomeranian who suffered native. Nancy Johnson is a believer—and her door is open from Alopecia, a condition that results in significant fur to any dog in need. loss. Her patches of baldness discouraged potential owners “I’ll always foster as long as my life allows it,” she says. n before they even had the chance to get to know her sweet, loving personality. “I guess for some people that was a Emily Koch is an editor in University Relations.

summer 2010 towson 13 Wooded parcel means TU can have a field day conducting research in the Land of great outdoors.

OpportunityBy Dan Fox Photos by Kanji Takeno

Something is growing in the woods “We’ve been interested in obtaining a site like this since the early ’90s,” says Don Forester, TU professor emeri- of Baltimore County. On 228 acres tus and program director for the field station. “But we of protected land along the banks of couldn’t find anything that was the right size, with the the Gunpowder River, an innovative right resources, in the right location.” Until now. Made possible by a partnership between TU and land research center has taken root. owners Al ’66 and Suzie Henneman, the field station opens avenues of natural research that students and faculty can’t Conservation biology students splash through a shal- pursue on TU’s suburban campus. low stream, breaking apart decayed logs as they hunt for The site itself offers a diverse cross-section of Maryland salamanders. On the crest above them, a team of graduate geography and ecology. The Gunpowder River bisects the students is just wrapping up a GIS survey of the hillside. northern tip of the property, and low-lying wetlands punc- In the nearby Gunpowder River, an ecology class follows tuate the landscape. A steep elevation in the interior rises their professor waist-deep into the flow, seining nets in to one of the highest points in Baltimore County—700 hand. And back on the TU campus, 19 miles away, meteo- feet. Throughout the property, mature hickory and oak rology students track an approaching storm in real time. trees tower overhead, providing thick shade to the Or at least, they will. wildlife below. It’s all part of the plan for the newly established Tow- And every inch of it is protected from development by son University Field Station, a research outpost for TU a conservation easement. Adjacent properties are under students and faculty that opened this spring. Located similar protections, including 1,000 acres of neighboring in Monkton, Md., the facility will be host to long-term Gunpowder State Park. ecological and biological studies, field work and hands-on research.

14 towson summer 2010

LandOpportunity of

Don Forester (above), professor emeritus and field station director, is excited by the prospect of studying how the land changes at the research outpost in five, 10, even 20 years down the road.

summer 2010 towson 15 TU crews converted the rustic red building (above) into lab areas. One research priority is to catalog the plants, animals and insects on the property, which include the North- ern Dusky salamander (right). Don Forester, field station director, and master’s students Teal Richards (biology) and Matt Jennette (environmental sciences) arrived in April to survey the pond (far right).

“It’s not just a 228-acre research While Henneman knows a thing “The facilities still look pretty site,” says Forester. “It’s 228 acres in or two about smart moves, he also rustic on the outside,” says Forester, the middle of a much larger protected knows that success isn’t always mea- referring to the humble architecture Out of the Woods area. We’re incredibly lucky to have sured by the bottom line. He wanted and traditional barn-red paint job access to it.” his new endeavor to have an impact of the buildings. “But inside they’re beyond the balance sheet. completely updated.” A budding partnership “This time, I wasn’t looking to TU Facilities Management crews In 2008, when Al Henneman make a profit. I continued running worked for months to renovate the purchased a disused, former summer day camps and scout camps in the structures. The once-spartan class- camp that would eventually become summer. But what was I supposed to room buildings (think camp-style the field station, he admits he had no do for the other nine months of the wooden benches and not much else) idea where the venture would lead. year? I knew there had to be someone have been refitted with new walls, But he’s not one to let a little ambigu- out there who could use the land, but windows and doors. New lab areas ity stand in his way. I was at a loss for where to look.” have been carved out of the current “I’ve always been a bit impulsive,” So Henneman contacted Tow- classroom spaces. A wet lab will sup- he says. A retired Baltimore County son about a possible partnership. port the study of aquatic life on site, high school teacher, Henneman oper- Within days, senior members of TU’s while new equipment—microscopes, ated the Worthington Valley Swim administration were walking the plant presses, a state-of-the-art pro- Club in Owings Mills, Md., for two grounds, and Don Forester had his jector for presentations—will serve decades. He purchased the ramshack- field station. as a toolkit for field work and class le club in the early ’80s, working meetings alike. Plans are also under hard to make it a premier recreation Room to grow way to run fiber optic line to the site center and profitable business. In Under the agreement, TU will op- for high-speed Internet access. many ways, he says, the challenge of erate the facility during the academic Possibilities for research abound the Monkton property reminded him year. The Hennemans will continue (see sidebar) but, according to Forester, of those early days with the swim club. to offer a stable of camps, scouting a few activities will take priority. The “The camp was really run down. programs and outdoor education Department of Biological Sciences But I’d been retired for a few years opportunities during the summer will soon conduct a “bio blitz” to and knew I had to do something to months. catalog the complement of plants, keep busy. I’ve always loved the out- In exchange for use of the land, animals and insects on the property. doors, so I thought, ‘This is it. This the university invested $100,000 to The Department of Geography and should be my next move.’” renovate the infrastructure and exist- Environmental Planning is expected ing buildings—many of which Hen- to conduct a survey of the entire site neman has granted TU exclusive use. using Geographic Information Sys- tems (GIS) mapping equipment.

16 towson summer 2010 While the sciences seem the obvi- the College of Health Professions to undertake.” In fact, it’s the kind of ous beneficiaries of the site, Forester using the facility’s ropes course for research that most universities don’t is quick to point out that the real kinesiology programs. get to undertake.” value of the field station comes from Even more exciting for Forester is Henneman, too, is excited by the its interdisciplinary appeal. the possibility of long-term studies. long-term prospects. “Initially the field station will be “The majority of research—the stuff “I hope this lasts a long time. used for the [Jess and Mildred Fisher] we can do in a traditional lab—lasts Who knows what kind of discoveries College of Science and Mathemat- no more than two years. As long as they’ll make out there? Maybe they’ll ics. But eventually we hope for other we renew this partnership, we have find some new species.” colleges to get involved.” Forester potential for longitudinal studies of He laughs. “Hey, maybe they’ll envisions the College of Education five, 10, even 20 years. We’ll see how even name it after me.” n promoting environmental education, the environment is changing over Dan Fox is a senior editor in University the College of Liberal Arts conduct- time. That’s the kind of research that Relations. ing ongoing geography surveys, or students and faculty don’t usually get

OutProposals of for studythe range Woods from bees to deer to stars and weather

When the TU Field Station is running at full capacity, it will be a Why it’s important: The field station is located in the heart of the model of interdisciplinary education and research. Here’s what’s Hereford Zone, a “microclimate” region in northern Maryland currently on the drawing board. that experiences weather patterns drastically different from the surrounding area. A weather station at the site ensures not only Buzzworthy. The property is home to a highly active greater understanding of weather patterns, but also more accurate honeybee colony, which until recently had been inhabit- reporting during severe weather events. ing the walls of the main building. The bees have been moved to a box hive, where the colony will be maintained and Oh deer. Construction of a 100-meter deer exclosure studied. An observation hive—a sort of ant farm for honeybees—is is under way. These tall fences restrict deer access to also in the works; it will allow students and faculty to see the inner certain tracts of land. Without deer to consume low- workings of the hive and study things such as colony hierarchy and growing vegetation, or understory, plant life flourishes and sets bee body language. into motion great ecosystem changes within the exclosure. Says Forester, “It’s amazing how much growth occurs. It’s almost like Why it’s important: Honeybee populations are in decline world- seeing a rain forest sprout up right in front of you.” wide. Theories include parasites, pesticides and even EMF-emis- sions from electronic devices. The cause is still under debate, but Why it’s important: As urbanization pushes deer out of population there’s no question that the TU Field Station’s colony is thriving, centers and into shrinking forest boundaries, excessive grazing making it an excellent candidate for research. leads to the decimation of low-lying plant life. Exclosures prevent grazing and allow insight into what the forest floor should look like. Starstruck. TU’s Department of Physics, Astronomy and Geosciences is currently selecting a location for a perma- A vast array. Planning and site selection are in prog- nent telescope installation at the field station. ress for a stock tank array for ecological research. The array will comprise a series of steel tanks, each capable Why it’s important: Being located far from urban centers and of holding hundreds of gallons of water. offering one of the highest elevations in the area, the field station’s night sky suffers little of the light pollution found closer to Why it’s important: Researchers interested in the effects of human Baltimore and Towson. The pitch-black nights offer perfect opportu- impact on natural phenomena, such as acid rain on vegetation or nities for serious research and stargazing alike. road-salt runoff on aquatic life, can establish a tank array to test different variables in a more natural environment than a traditional lab. Weather, or not: Plans for the TU Field Station include the installation of a weather station with fiber optic Internet link. Students and faculty can monitor weather conditions in real time, without even leaving the TU campus.

summer 2010 towson 17 Mark Becker ‘80, president of Georgia State University Georgia State on his mind Mark P. Becker ’80 is leading Georgia’s By Jan Lucas second-largest university to distinction. Photos By MeG BusceMa

Ask non-Georgians to name a 1978 after completing two years of competitive apprenticeship required public university in the Peach study at Harford Community College. for a chance at a university presidency. He initially intended to major in phys- He taught statistics at the University State, and they’re most likely to ics, but opted for mathematics instead. of Florida and was a post-doctoral point to the University of Georgia It was a fortuitous move, he adds, fellow in biostatistics at the University or Georgia Tech. But perceptions recalling with gratitude the Depart- of Washington before moving to the ment of Mathematics faculty—espe- University of Michigan in 1989, are shifting, says Mark Becker ‘80. cially Martha Siegel, Ohoe Kim and where he rose through the ranks to What’s more, they’re shifting into Albert Chang—who recognized his professor of biostatsitics and associate high gear under his leadership. aptitude and mentored him. “All three dean of academic affairs at the School encouraged me to pursue graduate of Public Health. Sworn in last year as Georgia State’s studies,” he says. In 2001 Becker joined the University seventh president, Becker is deter- Becker found love as well as of Minnesota as dean of the School mined to see the Atlanta-based urban academic success on campus. He met of Public Health, later taking on the research institution—with enrollment his future wife, mathematics major added responsibilities of assistant vice exceeding 30,000—reach its potential. Laura Voisinet ’81, in a probability president of Public Health Prepared- It’s a dream job for the internation- theory class. “She sat in the front row, ness and Emergency Response ally known biostatistician, public and I took my usual place near the following the 2002/2003 global health researcher and academic leader, back,” he says. The former classmates SARS outbreak. but it was not the career path he started dating during his senior and assumed he’d follow as a teenager her junior year, marrying in 1983 after in Havre de Grace, Md. Voisinet completed the first of two “PuBLic PercePtion That career called for enlistment, master’s degrees. hasn’t cauGht uP not enrollment. After graduating magna cum laude “My father was a soldier,” Becker from Towson, Becker enrolled in with the reaLity of says. “I thought I would be one, too.” graduate school at the Pennsylvania how far we’ve coMe. His parents felt differently, however, State University, where he earned a and made the case for higher educa- doctorate in statistics in 1985. But it wiLL.” tion. “They thought college was a The next 25 years saw him focused better idea for me,” he recalls. on research, teaching and academic —Mark Becker ’80 Becker transferred to Towson in administration—the rigorous, highly

summer 2010 towson 19 Four years later the University of community needs from the outset. producing original scholarship.” South Carolina beckoned with its The university traces its roots to Students are changing too, Becker second-highest administrative posi- 1913, when Georgia Tech established adds. Once composed almost entirely tion: executive vice president for an evening business school for work- of nontraditional-age commuters, academic affairs and provost. ing adults in downtown Atlanta. Georgia State is now attracting recent It was an enormous undertaking, The school, operated out of rented high school graduates for whom it’s a with responsibility for developing and space at several locations, flourished in first-choice school. implementing academic policy, as well the rapidly growing state capital. “We enrolled 3,000 freshman last as coordinating teaching, research and In 1947 it graduated to “Atlanta fall—traditional freshmen of increas- public service programs. Division of the University of Georgia,” ing quality,” he says. “This generation Georgia State entered the picture followed in 1955 by the “Georgia wants what we have to offer and likes in 2008 when it launched a search State College of Business Administra- being in an urban environment.” for a president who could continue tion.” Only six years later the state’s They want to live near school as the work of taking the institution Board of Regents recognized its well. “We have 3,000 beds on campus from a somewhat underappreciated enlarged mission with a yet another and a waiting list of 700 students,” commuter campus to its rightful name: Georgia State College. Becker says. The university will soon place as one of the nation’s great In 1969 the college, which had by open a Greek townhome complex educational assets. then added several colleges as well with an additional 300 beds, and

Becker stresses childhood literacy

and reads to preschool children

on campus as part of the ferst

foundation’s “the Battle of the

ceos,” a friendly competition

among georgia executives to raise

money for childhood literacy.

By then Mark Becker was up for as master’s and doctoral programs, officials remain alert for opportunities the challenge. He admired Georgia attained full-fledged university status. to add more housing. State’s commitment to high-quality Fifteen years ago the University Students also wanted a football education, its relatively new role as System of Georgia designated Geor- program, and Georgia State added the an urban research university and its gia State as one of only four public sport to its roster of 16 varsity teams vibrant diversity. research institutions in the state. not long before Becker’s arrival. The But the evolution was far from over. Mark Becker plans to continue the Panthers, coached by former Balti- For years admission policies had work begun by his predecessor—and more Colt Bill Curry, will play their offered access, but too many incoming to put his own stamp on Georgia first game September 2 at the Georgia students struggled with college-level State’s steady rise to distinction. Dome. In 2012 the team will join work. Retention suffered. The univer- The 1995 mission change was trans- Towson in Colonial Athletic Associa- sity needed academic resources and formative, he points out. “Becoming tion play. opportunities for student and faculty an urban research university changed Urban campuses have to integrate researchers. Its sprawling campus was how the faculty allocated time and into the neighborhood, which can trying to catch up with the kinds of effort. Faculty members have always make expansion challenging, Becker services and amenities long taken for cared about teaching, but now there’s says. “We identify the projects we granted at more traditional schools. a significant research expectation. want to do, then look for opportuni- Although its origins were modest, “That changed how Georgia State ties to acquire land or repurpose an one look at Georgia State’s history recruits new faculty, he adds. “We’re existing structure.” He notes that the shows it addressed important seeking people with a passion for university recently dedicated a new

20 towson summer 2010 Honoring one generation, encouraging the next

FiRSt RecipientS oF tHe MildRed t. BeckeR ScHolaRSHip announced

for her final year at Towson. The Kingsville, Md., resident praises the Department of Mathematics, not only for the excellent academics, but also for its accessible and helpful faculty. “The award definitely will come in handy,” she says. She has been accepted as an undergraduate researcher at Carnegie-Mellon University in Pittsburgh this summer, where she’ll work on mathematical science projects. Robert Baldwin Sara Miller Although unsure about what lies beyond commencement, Two mathematics majors have been named as the first she says she’s considering graduate school. to receive the Mildred T. Becker Scholarships. Beginning In addition to helping talented students at their alma this fall, seniors Robert Baldwin and Sara Miller will use the mater, Becker says he and his wife sought to pay tribute to award to further their education at Towson. his mother, whom he describes as “moral, hard-working and Baldwin and Miller are Honors College students and committed to the success of her children.” Top 10% Scholars; both have 3.98 GPAs. When the teenage Becker balked at going to college, she Mark Becker ‘80 and Laura Voisinet ‘81 established the encouraged him to give higher education a try. That mother- scholarship endowment at Towson in 2006 to honor his ly nudge helped launch a career that has taken Mark Becker mother and to encourage promising mathematics students. to heights neither he nor his mom could have imagined back Recipients must be juniors or seniors with a record of then. academic accomplishment and be considering graduate “I haven’t been out of school since age five,” he says. study in mathematics or teaching high school mathematics. “Education is my life.” Miller says she was delighted to receive the letter inform- ing her that she’d been selected to receive the scholarship Jan Lucas

“Georgia State is getting bigger and colleges or universities tuition-free. better,” Becker emphasizes. “Our Even so, students continue to rely average freshman SAT score has risen on loans, Pell Grants and other forms 87 points since 1995, while over the of financial aid to help pay for their past six years alone our freshman education. “HOPE Scholarships class has grown by more than 1,000 have kept high-ability students in students. And this January The Educa- Georgia,” Becker explains. “We have tion Trust lauded us for significant to work with HOPE recipients to gains in our minority graduation ensure that they maintain the 3.0 rate and for eliminating the so-called grade point average required to keep achievement gap.” the scholarship.” But, like his colleagues at other Despite these and other concerns, public universities that are grap- Becker exudes confidence about pling with budget reductions and the Georgia State’s future. need to raise tuition, Becker is deeply “Public perception hasn’t caught concerned about continued access to up with the reality of how far we’ve located in the heart of atlanta, Georgia higher education. come,” he says. “But it will. State enrolls more than 30,000 students. “People must have the opportunity “I believe Georgia State has to develop their talents, so that they unlimited potential as it emerges as science research and education build- may better contribute to the work one of the nation’s premier urban ing made possible by a land swap. force and to the community,” he says. research universities. In the end, it’s all about students: He notes that 74 percent of Georgia “We’re on the move, and we’re not what they take away from Georgia State freshmen have a HOPE Schol- going to stop.” n State and what they can give back arship, a program that enables any qualified Georgia high school graduate Jan Lucas is an associate director in to the state of Georgia as citizens University Relations. and workers. to attend one of the state’s public

summer 2010 towson 21 Super Men Two former Tiger football players are now Saints and winners of Super Bowl XLIV

Joe Vitt, Saints assistant head coach/linebackers coach, was a member of the undefeated 1974 TU football team that was inducted into the TU Hall of Fame in 2004.

Jermon Bushrod, the Saints starting offensive left tackle, was a four-year starter for the Tigers and an All-Atlantic 10 pick in 2006.

22 towson summer 2010 By Ginny Cook What you don’t He and other Tiger teammates have attended each other’s weddings, chris- Photos by knoW about Michael Herbert tenings and other events marking life’s and kanji Takeno Joe Vitt milestones. “Now at 55, you are on the back-nine of life and can see the There is no denying it. Joe Vitt is, clubhouse,” he says. “But there are well, a regular joe. at least six guys—six friends— Sure he’s part of the 2010 Super around to be your pall bearers. Bowl winning team. But the assistant I feel pretty lucky.” head coach/linebackers coach of the New Orleans Saints has always 1974’s perfect season remembered his Towson football In 1974, TU football enjoyed a Men roots. For five years, he has hosted season of gridiron greatness. The team two former tiger football an annual crab feast to benefit Tiger played 10 games and recorded 10 wins football. “This year I’ll be bringing the with three shutouts. Vitt, then a fresh- players are now Saints and Lombardi Trophy with me,” he says. man linebacker, says, “I got a lot of Vitt can rattle off the names of playing time because Jim Sandusky ’75 winners of teammates, their positions and key broke his arm.” The Tigers were Super bowl XLiV plays from 36 years ago as easily as if anything but a shoo-in, however. “No he were reciting his ABCs. It’s all part one gave us a chance,” he notes. “But of his philosophy of staying grounded, we were tough, and had a hard-nosed being humble, working hard and defense. We worked together and putting team first. found the will to win. In fact, we didn’t just win; we blew the other Just a lucky guy teams away. We had scores. There Despite more than 30 years in were no close games. And no one the pros, Vitt still has a crackerjack thought we could do it.” memory when it comes to TU football. Mention that and he’s quick to say, Vitt in charge “Here’s the deal, and it’s something The Saints Super Bowl victory we relay to the Saints football team. against Indianapolis was especially When you share special accomplish- sweet for Vitt, who still has a soft spot ments, you never forget that bond.” for the Baltimore/Maryland area. “My wife is from Towson and we have a house in Ocean City,” he says. What’s more he began his pro career in 1979 as an assistant strength coach with the Baltimore Colts. From there he gained experience and increased responsibilities with the Seattle Seahawks, Los Angeles Rams, Philadelphia Eagles, Green Bay Packers and Kansas City Chiefs. His next stop, in 2004, was St. Louis as linebackers coach for the Rams. When Head Coach Mike Martz had to step down because of illness, Vitt filled in for 11 games. He joined the Saints in 2006 and the organiza- tion says each year his unit has ranked “among the Saints’ most productive position groups.”

summer 2010 towson 23 The Saints formula Team building blocks Bushrod, who came back to TU for What makes a winner? “Individual Teams need trust. Vitt says, “Our a basketball halftime celebration in accomplishments are nothing,” Vitt program is built on trust. Trust the his honor, responded with the charac- says. “Our togetherness, our unselfish- team; trust that if we fall behind you teristic humility and grace he always ness starts with Sean [Payton, head can persevere; trust that if you are in displayed as a TU student-athlete. He coach] and Mickey Loomis [executive the lead, you can maintain the lead.” smiled and posed and signed, saying, vice president/general manager] draft- “It’s a blessing to be in this situation.” ing players of high character.” From That is his off-field persona. there, Vitt points to a locker room On the field, his height, weight and filled with rapport. “While everyone quickness on his feet make him an might not agree, I believe team chem- almost-impenetrable human wall who istry is key to success,” Vitt says, “and guards the quarterback’s blind side. the Saints have it.” He is a barrier that opposing defensive ends find difficult to penetrate. A metaphorical guy Football coaches are statisticians, Triple player with figures such as passing comple- He played his first football game in tions, tackles, running yards and middle school. A few years later he interceptions filling their heads and was a three-sport standout, playing clipboards. While Vitt talks that talk, Kissing the football, basketball and baseball for he also compares coaching his players Vince Lombardi Trophy the Foxes at King George High School to “cultivating a garden that must be “Really?” says Vitt, when told of in Virginia where he earned an honor- strengthened, and watered, and cared the photo. “I do not remember that at able mention all-state selection at for if it is going to bloom.” all. What I do remember is getting on offensive tackle. He helped the basket- the team bus at the end of the game ball team win a district championship The iconic onside kick to ride back to the hotel. There was and led them to the regionals. Bushrod The Saints began the second half of a cooler of beer in one seat. Sean was also named honorable mention the Super Bowl with a startling onside [Payton] was sitting across from me. All State for the baseball team. kick, which says Vitt “was something And I remember wishing that ride we worked on all week.” Practice would never end.” The Tiger didn’t make it perfect, however, as Vitt A four-year starter at Towson, he adds Thomas Morstead’s onside kick What’s next? was voted an All-Atlantic 10 selection in the game was his worst ever. The “Defend the title,” he says. “The at left tackle in 2006 and excelled in good news was, “my players saw him Saints won one Super Bowl and we’re both pass protection and run block- making a cross-body kick all week, the only team that can do it again.” ing. He earned third-team all-league so when we found out we were going honors as a junior and recorded nine with that play, it was a no-brainer. We blocks that resulted in touchdowns. knew where the ball would end up.” WhAT you don’T He posted 72 knockdown blocks and And for anyone who was not part of garnered third-team All-Atlantic 10 the record audience who saw the game KnoW ABouT honors as a sophomore. One game on television, the Saints Chris Reis Jermon BuShrod memory he cherishes is the 35-31 win recovered the ball. The possession led over Delaware in 2005, a nail-biter At 6’ 5’’, 315 pounds, Jermon to a touchdown, putting the Saints in which the lead changed hands four Bushrod ’07 dwarfed just about every ahead for the first time in the game. times during the last 10 minutes. other human in the Towson Center One thing he didn’t like—the yellow Super Bowl jitters? last March. And it’s a good thing too, football helmets. “I always wanted the None. “I get nervous every week because everyone wanted a piece black ones, but we before games because I want to get of him. didn’t get them things right,” Vitt says. “But the Parents thrust pint-sized children until after I Super Bowl was the least nervous at his side, recording the moment graduated,” time ever for me. The players were on cameras or cell phones. Older he says. physically, mentally and emotionally fans, too, wanted pictures with him ready. Besides, as a coach you want or appeared with posters, footballs, to be calm and offer nothing but programs and napkins for him to encouragement.” autograph.

24 towson summer 2010 executed like we envisioned and I was just waiting to get back on the field to score.”

Post-game healing After brushing off the last bit of confetti and riding in the New Orleans parade to celebrate the Saints Super Bowl win, Bushrod took a rest. Week after week of bodies crunching on the field leaves a punishing toll. “I need to get my body up underneath me,” he says. “Playing in the NFL is like The size and speed of Jermon Bushrod ‘07 kept opposing pass rushers away from his quarterback. playing two back-to-back Riding the pine and in the NFC championship game college seasons.” In April 2007, the New Orleans against the Vikings, denying “sack ma- Saints chose Bushrod in the fourth chine” Jared Allen a chance to tackle What’s next? round of the NFL draft, making him his quarterback. Bushrod doesn’t mention the Tigers’ highest NFL draft pick. taking vacations or getting Good-luck grub He signed a three-year contract but as the prized Super Bowl ring. Although not as storied as Notre backup to All-Pro left tackle Jammal He is already thinking about Dame football players slapping the Brown, Bushrod saw little action in training for next year. “I’ll “Play Like a Champion Today” 2007 and 2008 other than a few plays get back to the weight room, sign before each game, Bushrod on special teams. To stay sharp while but I’ll be starting slowly,” has his own game-day tradition— waiting on the sidelines, Bushrod he says. “Conditioning is a pre-game meal. “I have a Belgian relied on his work ethic. “My key. I don’t want to show waffle,” he says. “It’s something I like motivation was to keep focusing on up out of shape.” goals, to keep trying to be the best I to do.” The menu changes slightly could be,” he says. “You pay attention for night games. “Then it’s a Belgian An unselfish player waffle for breakfast and steak and to detail and that is your contribution Bushrod has always been potatoes—mashed potatoes,” he em- to the team’s success.” involved in the community, phasizes, “for dinner.” volunteering at NAACP Pseudo-rookie season Biggest surprise as an NFL-er events. “Anytime I get time It happened in a snap. The Saints’ “The talent,” Bushrod says. “Week off, I make visits to hospitals All-Pro left tackle Jammal Brown was in and week out, I am surprised at the and schools and whatever out of the lineup, injured in practice. size and the speed of some players I else the Saints arrange,” he Bushrod was in. He shrugs when face on the field.” says. Bushrod reiterates asked how he performed, or reminded that he “feels blessed and that the Saints had one of the top of- The on-side kick is happy to be able to give fensive lines in the NFL in 2009. “All “Coach had talked about the onside back.” n 11 guys were doing their assignments. kick all week, but when I knew it was I just go out and get the job done,” coming, I was biting my fingernails,” Ginny Cook is the Bushrod says. But that job has been Bushrod says. “I understood that if it editor of Towson. more than impressive. He helped keep didn’t work they would get the ball quarterback Drew Brees from being back in great field position. But we sacked in regular season games against the Giants, Cowboys and Patriots, alumni events

The City of Angels Meet the Board

from the the towson university alumni association announces the 2010-2011 board of directors

Officers:

Lou Dollenger ’74 President alumni president Lance Johnson ’93 Vice President Fran Bond ’55/’60 Treasurer Dear Friends: It is with great pleasure that I will be Keith Ewancio ’94/’07 Secretary serving you this year as president of the Towson University Alumni Association. As a seasoned member of the Board of Di- rectors, I am familiar with our successes At Large Members: and challenges and am committed to representing your interests. My involve- Ken Abrams ’92 College of Business and Economics ment with the TU community over the Darcy Accardi ’06 Lisa Michocki ’06 years includes being a member of the Alpha Omega Lambda Fraternity, which Frank Berry ’74/’85 College of Education celebrated its 40th reunion last year. Donnice Brown ’91/’94 Karen Blair ’74 In addition to lifelong friendships, this Andre Cooper ’87 group makes a difference to students. College of Fine Arts and Communication Many years ago, the fraternity es- Patrick Dieguez ’07 tablished the Joseph Ferrante Memorial Teresa Eaton ’00 Chris A’Hern ’94 Scholarship Fund to support a junior la- Barbara Eckley ’77 Life’s A Beach crosse player who, based on the coach’s College of Health Professions recommendation, is the team’s unsung Scott Hargest ’79 Diana Ramsay ’78 hero. Every year, at the last home game, Beverly Norwood ’68 we proudly walk onto the lacrosse field College of Liberal Arts Cathy Plakatoris ’83 to make the presentation. The moment Gerry Gaeng ’81 is both bittersweet and beautiful, but John Raley ’80 the scholarship will always honor Joe’s Mark Rapson ’93 Fisher College of Science and Mathematics memory, even after the brothers who David Lucantoni ’76 remember him are gone. Barbara Shifflett ’79 With the ever-increasing costs as- Bill Stetka ’77 sociated with a college education, I Bill Wood ’87 challenge you to give back to Towson. Your generosity can change the lives of students. Please use the envelope inside this magazine to make your contribution. No Past President: amount is too small. On behalf of the Kim Fabian ‘88 students, I thank you in advance for your consideration. I look forward to serving you this year, to connecting with old friends and Ex-Officio Members: meeting new ones. You can e-mail me Robert L. Caret, president at [email protected] if you have any comments or suggestions. Gary Rubin, vice president, University Advancement Lori Armstrong, associate vice president, Alumni Relations & executive director, Alumni Association

Lou Dollenger ’74 President 26 towson summer 2010 summer 2010 towson 27 Towson University Alumni Association alumni events

The City of Angels

Meet the Board 1 2 the towson university alumni association announces the 2010-2011 board of directors < The Los Angeles Alumni Dinner

Los Angeles, home of Grauman’s Chi- nese Theatre, the Griffith Observatory and Hollywood, the “entertainment capital of the world,” is also the place

3 4 of residence for many Towson Univer- sity graduates. Some of them gathered with TU President Bob Caret for good times at the Water Grill in Los Angeles on Feb. 3.

Life’s A Beach

5 6

< Santa Monica Alumni Reception

In Santa Monica, Calif., folks enjoy swimming and surfing at the beach, outdoor volleyball and the attraction- packed Pier. There are art galleries and 7 8 shopping. And this February, there was an event at the Jonathan Club where TU alumni and friends visited with TU President Bob Caret and Vice President Gary Rubin ’69 to discuss memories and recent highlights of Towson University.

1 Bob Caret, Larry Gould Jr. and Shea Welsh ’89 2 Pepper Mintz ’89 and Martin Kruger 3 Joe Heidelmaier ’77 and DonnaAnn Ward ’96 4 Suzanne Burke ’80 and David Burke 5 Jeremy Gabriel ’99, Erika Gabriel, Bill Horten ’82 and Cynthia Fary ’03 6 Gary Rubin ’69 and Chris Devlin ’90 7 Amanda Sutherland and John Kassir ’81 8 Michael Armstrong ’05/’07, Brianna Armstrong ’05 and Doni Ross ’06 26 towson summer 2010 summer 2010 towson 27 alumni events

Diamonds and Crabs

Sarasota, Florida 1 2 Reception >

Take me out to the ballgame as the Orioles defeat the Tampa Bay Rays in Sarasota, their new home for spring training. But forget the peanuts. Instead, how about some crabs? The Alumni Association hosted a crab feast at the Ed Smith Stadium Picnic 3 4 Area for more than 100 alumni and friends on March 3. A special thanks to Peace River Seafood for serving up the super Maryland-style blue crabs. Mark your calendars for 2011 once the Orioles release their spring training schedule.

5 6

1 Jeff Riddle ’75, Gary Tarr ’74, John Gilliss ’74, Frank Mezzanotte ’73, Steve Willett ’79 and Lou Dollenger ’74 2 Carmen Alvarez ’84 and Sonia Velasco ’88 3 Iris Berger ’63 and Bernie Berger 4 Jessica Ritter ’96 and Matt Ritter 5 Michael Murphy, Cheryl Murphy ’78 and Nicolas Murphy 6 Tom Harrison ’76, Kathy Harrison ’77 and Bob Caret 7 Lori Armstrong, Oriole Bird, John Gillis ‘74 and Frank Mezzanotte ’73

28 towson summer 2010 summer 2010 towson 29 alumni events

Diamonds and Crabs Fun in the Sun

1 2 < Naples, Florida Alumni Reception

Last summer U.S. News & World Report selected Naples as one of America’s “10 Best Undervalued Places to Live.” So what better place to gather with TU alumni? On March 1, President Bob Caret 3 sought out TU graduates near the white sand beaches and warm climate of Naples, Florida.

Lunch and Learn

4 5 < Charlestown/Oakcrest Alumni Reception

Residents of Charlestown and Oak Crest Villages spent a relaxing afternoon on March 18. There was a luncheon and discussions led by Ray Lorion, dean of the College of 6 7 Education and Nadia Nasr, archivist at TU’s Cook Library. Special thanks to Louise Fitzell ‘38 for being the Charlestown liaison to the TU Alumni Association.

1 Doug Dollenberg, Molly Shock ’75 and Bob Caret 2 John Richardson ’67, Bobbi Richardson ’68 and Gary Rubin ’69 3 Lou Dollenger ’74, Patricia Raco ’91, Marlene Oshry ’63 and Sam Oshry 4 Gayle Webb and Donald Webb ’54 5 Mary Marks and Louise Fitzell ’38 6 Wrenda DeHaven ’73, Billy Hauserman and Margaret Schwanebeck ’31 28 towson summer 2010 7 Mary Flanery ’49, Sylvia Butler ’49/’68 and James Butler summer 2010 towson 29 alumni events

A Re-laxing Event

1 2

Bull roast for men’s and women’s lacrosse >

The Men’s and Women’s lacrosse teams and the Alumni 3 4 Association couldn’t have picked a better day than April 3 to host the annual bull roast. Earlier in the day both teams defeated Delaware—the Tiger women won 17-8 and the men won 9-7. Then it was on to a celebration to benefit TU’s lacrosse programs.

5 6

1 Vinnie and Laura Mezzanotte 2 Peggy Ardolino ’75 and Joe Ardolino’74 3 Lou Dollenger ’74, the Easter Bunny and Nancy Bumgartner ’77 4 Mike King ’74, Sal Maffei ’76, Steve Willett ’79, Ron Brown ’76, Frank Berry ’74 and Jeff Riddle ’75 5 Justin Riefner, Warren Riefner ’77, Phil Ross ’77 and Jim Williamson 6 Kathy Yeager, Jeff Yeager and Paul Markey enjoyed coloring their Easter bags.

30 towson summer 2010 summer 2010 towson 31 alumni events

A Re-laxing Event Special Edition

1 2 < Towerlight Alumni Reunion

Former Towerlight editors, writers, photographers and other staffers gathered April 10 to celebrate the Lorraine Mayers Scholarship Fund. Mayers, who spent 30 years as secretary for The Towerlight before retiring in 2005, was an office fixture 3 4 whom many Towerlighters remember fondly. The $1,000 scholarship will be awarded annually to a student who will work on the paper for at least a semester.

1 Angela Davids ’95 with her husband Lyle Hein and their children Laney and Gavin 2 Jennifer Lehman ’04, Lewis Poole ’04, Rachel King ’06/’09 and Cailin McGough ’04 3 Donna DeMarco ’96, Dean Storm ’96, Nicholas DiMarco ’09 4 Brian Stelter ’07, Eric Gazzillo and Lauren Slavin 5 Towerlight alumni

30 towson summer 2010 summer 2010 towson 31 alumni events

Connecting

Towson University 1 2 Executive Club >

Members of the Towson University Executive Club gathered at the home of TU President Robert L. Caret and Liz Zoltan on April 14. The event marked the beginning of the 2010 membership cycle and celebrated the camaraderie 3 4 and business successes of alumni. For more information on the Towson University Executive Club, please call Alumni Relations, 410-704-2234 or (toll-free) 1-800-887-8152.

5 6

1 Les Ireland ’86 and Gary Rubin ’69 2 Marcia Zercoe ’83, Liz Zoltan and David Nevins ’76 3 Paul Wiedefeld ’79 and Marcia Wiedefeld 4 Bob Caret, Cathy Williams ’85 and Jack Williams ’87 5 Ron Brown ’76, Jodi Dinkin and Daniel Dinkin ’88 6 Victor Brick ’75/’82, Lynne Brick ’78, Scott Hargest ’79 and Carol Coughlin ’82 7 William Jones ’77, Susan Hunt and Barry Hunt ’72

32 towson summer 2010 summer 2010 towson PB from the

campaign chair Success is in Sight $43.6 million and counting We are in the home stretch. In just one short year, we’ll be concluding Growing a University—The Campaign for Towson, and sharing with you all On July 1, we mark the start of the new $50 Million GOAL: $50 Million of the wonderful things that gifts fiscal year, and the beginning of the final year FY ’11 to Towson University have and will of Growing a University—The Campaign Campaign accomplish. We have real momentum, $45 Progress and are optimistic we will exceed our for Towson. We have worked to gain the to Date: FY ’10 goal to bring $50 million in scholar- support of a broad segment of Towson alumni, ships, endowment, faculty enrichment $40 $43,610,021 $6,049,386 and partnerships to the Towson parents and friends, and we are succeeding. University community. Your gifts to Towson University have been $35 There is still time for you to be part transformational—from ensuring that students FY ’09 of Towson’s success. Your gift makes $6,966,419 a strong statement that you believe can afford classes to providing fundsTHE CAMPAIGN for crucial FOR TOWSON in quality, public, higher education. It programs. But we are not done. We are close $30 says you believe that Towson Univer- FY ’08 sity is of great value, not just to the to our goal, but must continue our progress $6,305,170 Baltimore region and Maryland, but to get there, and your gifts can help build and $25 also to the country and beyond. grow Towson in ways we can only imagine. FY ’07 Towson graduates are everywhere, $20 $5,775,469 accomplishing great things through From purchasing a brick at the Auburn their careers and passion for business, House to naming a classroom to naming a education, health care, art, science and FY ’06 college, you can leave your mark on Towson $15 $4,998,400 public service. Flipping through the pages of this magazine, keep in mind while giving strong support to the university’s that every one of these successful TU students, faculty and programs. $10 alumni started as a student. Says TU President Robert L. Caret, “There FY ’05 I am proud of Towson and its $13,515,177 has never been a better time to support our achievements and growth thus far, and $5 Includes $10,200,000 gift I ask you to join us as we continue to from the Robert M. Fisher students, faculty and programs, and to make Memorial Foundation grow our university. to rename the College an incredible difference for Towson with a of Science and Mathematics leadership gift to the university.“ Thank you. Make a gift today.

Molly F. Shock ’75 Campaign Chair Growing a University— The Campaign for Towson

summer 2010 towson 33 philanthropy matters

Preserving Judaica and Asian Art future generations will benefit from two gifts in kind

Not all gifts to Towson University arrive have been chosen to be stewards of these as monetary donations. Thanks to the artifacts that will encourage respect, honor generosity of donors, many items have and celebration of the Jewish faith,” says found a home at Towson, including Gary N. Rubin ’69, vice president for books, sports equipment, record university advancement. collections, sculptures, art, his- Oliver and Pei-Hwa Foo have been torical artifacts and more. Now TU collecting ancient ceramics, furniture adds two more exceptional donations and other works of art from to its roster—collections of Judaica periods as early as the 6th and Asian art. century Tang Dynasty. Rec- With the express intent ognizing the important work to educate and inspire that the Asian Arts and Cul- faculty, students, renowned ture Center does to preserve scholars and the commu- and promote Asian arts, they The late Alvin S. Mintzes nity, Elaine S. Mintzes of have given a part of their Baltimore has planned collection to Towson for a charitable bequest of a study and exhibition.

The generosity of the Foos and the Mintzes adds Asian art and Judaica to Towson’s collections.

collection of nearly 100 items of Judaica to the Items in the collection range from a pair of Towson University Foundation. She has also 19th-century Famille Rose hexagonal-shaped bequeathed a fund for the display and enameled lanterns to a carved bowl from the maintenance of the collection. Ming Dynasty, 15th century. Once received by the Towson University “We were so pleased to be able to give these Foundation, these bequests will be known items to the Asian Arts and Culture Center, as the Alvin S. and Elaine S. Mintzes Judaica which has done a beautiful job of bringing Collection. Mrs. Mintzes and her late husband, the art to the community,” says Mrs. Foo. Alvin S. Mintzes, are recognized for their service, The Foo’s gift is an important contribution philanthropy and deep commitment to to Towson’s collections, notes Suewhei Shieh, humanitarian efforts. Many of the items in the director of the Asian Arts and Culture Center. varied collection were given to the couple to “The range and quality of the items the Foos honor their generosity. have given to TU is significant,” she says. “We The collection includes several mezuzot, are so grateful that they wished to share this Torah crowns and sculpture, rare books and collection with us and the present and future artwork. “Towson University is proud to patrons of the Asian Arts and Culture Center.”

34 towson summer 2010 summer 2010 towson 35

philanthropy matters

Powerful Ingredients mccormick’s links to tU benefit stUdents and alUmni

Since 1889, McCormick & Company has I could never have been when I attended. ways of giving been a fixture in the Baltimore area, produc- I’m so happy to be reconnecting with TU.” Contribute to an existing scholarship. ing spices, flavorings and other products that Even TU’s President, Robert L. Caret has Help make a Towson University education are sold in more than 100 countries world- ties to the spice company, working there as possible for a current student. From a wide. But the company, now headquartered a chemist early in his career. financial aid award, such as the in Sparks, Md., is also a seasoned veteran Now McCormick’s Chairman, President Towson Promise Scholarship, to a schol- of philanthropy, giving back to its neighbor, and CEO Alan Wilson has begun forging a arship designed for specific majors or Towson University. connection with the university. He volunteered interests, there are many ways to support Most recently, McCormick partnered with for CBE’s “The Associate,” based on the students who are studying at Towson. TU’s College of Business and Economics popular television show, “The Apprentice.” with a leadership gift to support the Business Now in its sixth year, TU’s version of the Make an unrestricted gift. Writing Assistance Lab. The lab enhances competition allows business majors to show- The University Enhancement Fund at the communica- case their skills Towson is used to support the priorities of the university. tion and critical for Baltimore’s thinking skills business elite. Create a named fund in your area of TU’s business Wilson served as of interest, or take advantage of our students. “Donald Trump,” many naming opportunities. In addition and is part of a Honor a loved one by naming a class- to improving panel that critiques room, lab or any one of many options on student’s the research and TU’s campus. writing skills, presentations of McCormick each team of busi- Plan for Towson’s future by A group of Associate competitors has offered ness students, ulti- making an estate gift to the internships to TU students for years. Being mately deciding who is fired and who comes Towson University Foundation. an intern not only fulfills a graduation back the following week. “It’s a little…. Bequests, beneficiary designations and requirement but also gives students the different, to actually look at somebody and gift annuities are popular gift options. Start your planning at www.towson.edu/ opportunity to gain real-world experience say, ‘You’re fired,’” Wilson says. “But being giftplanning. and build their resumes. Many of these exposed to the students and their energy and internships have turned into full-time strengths has been really rewarding.” For more information on ways positions after graduation. The winner of this year’s Associate competi- you can make a difference, visit TU alumni who have found employment at tion will receive a position with McCormick & www.towson.edu/supportTU McCormick include F. James McGrath ’79, vice Company, a boon in difficult economic times. or contact the Development president of human relations and a member “We are fortunate to have a truly engaged Office toll-free at 1-866-301-3375 or of the CBE Advisory Board. “Towson has partner in McCormick & Company,” says towsonfund.edu. changed dramatically since the ’70s when CBE Dean Shohreh Kaynama. “The time, I attended,” he says. “I was a non-traditional leadership, energy and insight McCormick’s student, and experienced the campus differ- representatives provide has a positive ently than most. Since I’ve been on the CBE impact on the entire CBE family of students, Board, I’ve been involved at Towson in ways faculty and staff.”

34 towson summer 2010 summer 2010 towson 35 philanthropy matters

Towson Needs You Stewardship Update help today’s students become tomorrow’s alumni find out what your funds accomplish

Decreasing state support means making some hard choices. Over the last 30 years, state support has been reduced by almost 50 percent. While trimming and streamlining has led to greater ef- Destiny Whitehead ficiency in what we do at Towson University, it has Class of 2013 also meant making cuts to the programming and The Ronald E. Garrison Memorial activities that contribute to our success. Towson Scholarship will support Destiny now increasingly relies on individual contributions Whitehead during her sophomore year. to maintain excellence. “I chose to attend Towson based on the We need you to help us support the people and cultural diversity of the university, as well programs that are important to you. Student aid as its high academic standards. As a is needed now, more than ever. Requests for aid criminal justice major, I plan to work for continue to rise as students and their families feel the FBI or DEA to help protect people the effects of the economy. and to combat the manufacturing of According to Vince Pecora, director of financial aid, more than 68 percent of Towson’s illegal drugs,” she says. “You have made such a great impact within my full-time undergraduate students receive some sort of aid from Towson (from federal educational career because of your need-based aid to tuition waivers), and 46 percent of that same group receive generosity. Thank you!” student loans. In response to growing financial need, the Towson Promise The Towson Promise Scholarship was established in 2009 Scholarship provides immediate to provide a source of immediate support to students facing financial support to students facing Seth Hammer Professor, challenges. Towson has promised to financial challenges. Accounting do all it can to ensure that students The Accounting Faculty are able to continue their educa- Professional Development Fund tion, but we can’t keep that promise without your help. Make a gift. Help today’s Towson helped keep accounting faculty at the students become tomorrow’s proud alumni. top of their fields by providing funds for Giving to Towson can take but a moment—the impact can last a lifetime. Visit research, travel to professional conferences www.towson.edu/supportTU to make your gift. and more. “By providing funding to attend a national conference, you have allowed me to showcase my research and share calling all golden tiger society members in learning the latest developments from scholars in my field,” says Seth Hammer, The Golden Tiger Society recognizes the loyalty and commitment of donors professor. “During these difficult economic who have given annually to the Towson University Foundation for five or more consecutive fiscal years. The support of our Golden Tigers enables TU to accom- times, the resources provided have been plish great things. Don’t forget to make your gift by June 30 to keep your invaluable to our faculty’s continued membership alive. For more information, visit www.towson.edu/goldentiger. growth and maintenance of professional skills. Thank you.”

36 towson summer 2010 class notes

Obituary Before the 1960s Ida Grimes ’25 ELED celebrated her 105th Dan L. Jones, former A poet and professor, Jones was known as birthday on Feb. 16 with a dinner attended by provost and interim president “the writing guru of Towson University.” Some of his family and friends. Born in 1905, the sixth of of Towson University died many contributions to Towson included the develop- seven children, she has spent most of her life in May 13, 2010 of sepsis. ment of more than 16 interdisciplinary programs and Williamsport, Md., except for two years when she He was 72. the expansion of the English curriculum to create the attended the Maryland State Normal School. Jones’ career at Towson Master’s in Professional Writing program. One of his “I guess it was in my blood,” she told the Herald spanned four decades favorite metaphors for the university’s exceptional Mail. “My uncle was a teacher and I had friends beginning in 1966 after having earned his bachelor’s value was that Towson University is “a Mercedes at who became teachers.” Grimes returned to and doctoral degrees in English from the University the cost of a Chevy.” Williamsport after graduation, teaching first, sec- of Utah. He moved through the ranks at Towson, He is survived by his wife, Daisy Regina Johnson; ond and third grade in a one-room schoolhouse. becoming chair of the English Department and two sons, Kirsch Marlow Jones of Baltimore and Later she taught elementary students at other interim dean of the College of Liberal Arts. William Richard Jones of Catonsville; two sisters schools until she retired in 1976. Grimes is a When the university needed him most, Jones presid- and two grandsons. member of Zion Lutheran Church in Williamsport ed over TU bridging the gap of the presidency for more and is visited weekly by her minister and other than 14 months until June 2003. He demonstrated To contribute to the Dan Jones Award for members of the church. steady leadership and brought a sense of calm and Writing Excellence, contact Tracey Ford, healing to the university at a time of uncertainty. 410-704-3729 or [email protected]. Herman C. Bainder ’35 ELED enjoyed a cabaret-type program performed at Baltimore’s Everyman Theatre in December, which featured Betty M. Manning ’44 Stephen D. Hein ’75 In Memoriam February 12, 2010 March 11, 2010 many songs by composer Irving Berlin. He writes that former professors, “Miss Weyforth and Miss Marion P. Szymanski ’72 Carol Ann DeGiulio ’83 Alumni February 12, 2010 March 11, 2010 Pritchard opened the doors to music of all types Jay F. Wall ’70 Jane L. Kovalcik Hite ’52 Erin K. Kvedar ’04 adding so much background to my eventual January 1, 2010 February 15, 2010 March 16, 2010 enjoyment.” James O. Nash ’83 Margaret K. Guchemand ’73 Robert B. Holmes ’74 January 16, 2010 February 15, 2010 March 17, 2010 Ralph Piersanti ’52 and Bucky Louis J. Jerbi ’70 Rena Deitsch Sugar ’29 Martha Karsh Resnick ’42 Kimmett ’51 are two of the five-member team January 23, 2010 February 17, 2010 March 20, 2010 that represented Maryland at the 2009 Summer Neal A. Elover ’75 Robert P. Semies ’76 Kathleen Yotz Harrell ’77 National Senior Games in California. The pair January 23, 2010 February 18, 2010 March 20, 2010 along with other team members practice three Patricia Shipley Hook ’52 Margery M. Wilmore ’61 Ryan E. Stumptner ’00 times a week in the Bykota Senior Center in January 25, 2010 February 19, 2010 March 21, 2010 Towson. Piersanti, 81, and Kimmett, 80, played Russel E. Kacher ’64 Raul Munoz ’74 Gladys Mullendore Kubski ’38 together on the TU basketball team from 1947- January 26, 2010 February 20, 2010 March 23, 2010 1951, when Kimmett scored more than 1,000 Bruce H. Winand ’84 Warren Douglas Lewis ’95 David C. Johnson ’70 points and Piersanti led the team in assists. January 26, 2010 February 20, 2010 April 1, 2010 Kathleen L. Powers Barbara E. Zimmerman ’36 John A. Snyder ’74 Coming of Zimmerman ’65 February 21, 2010 April 4, 2010 Clara Bowie ’57 EDUC wrote January 31, 2010 Age: A Personal Memoir with her daughter, Lydia Helen Freitag Fink ’39 Gene W. Meekins ’75 Carol H. Gabinet ’71 February 25, 2010 April 12, 2010 Hazel. The memoir confronts a cluster of issues January 31, 2010 surrounding the process of aging. The book, Bowie Edna O’Keefe Troutman ’44 Lillie T. Grill ’74 Gregory W. Schummers ’81 February 25, 2010 April 18, 2010 says, “combines wisdom from clinicians in the field February 2, 2010 with insights gained from personal experience. Bruce E. McDade ’70 Pearl Lowitz Silberman ’32 Kathleen M. O’Neill ’87 February 25, 2010 April 19, 2010 The authors present old and new strategies for February 3, 2010 Agnes M. Thomas ’41 Peggy Crump Nottingham ’47 navigating the uncharted waters of this complex Elizabeth M. Weigand ’71 March 1, 2010 April 25, 2010 transition.” Bowie lives in Carbondale, Ill. February 5, 2010 Matthew Bishop McDonough ’09 Martha J. Masters ’70 Patricia A. Daley Moses ’74 March 3, 2010 April 28, 2010 February 5, 2010 Arthur F. Johansen ’69 Kevin H. Kotzen ’92 March 5, 2010 Staff February 7, 2010 Richard Feeney ’66 Charles E. Maloy, who served TU for 30 John F. Kern ’73 March 6, 2010 years as Counseling Center director, VP February 8, 2010 of Student Services, VP of Student Affairs Sean William Stellfox ’09 Vella Kobin Steinberg ’42 and as ombudsman, died December March 7, 2010 20, 2009. February 9, 2010 summer 2010 towson 37 class notes class notes

1970s

“Once I joined Tim at the bottom, Blaine Taylor ’72 HIST published his I had to walk all the way back up, [to seventh book, Hitler’s Chariots Volume 2: the starting point],” Keen says. But Mercedes-Benz 770K Grosser Parade Car. when she reached the top, “I was given a healthy round of applause!” Sally T. Grant ’77 HIST was the guest Keen is no stranger to travel and speaker for the fourth annual Women’s History adventure. The former public and Month celebration presented by the Maryland private schoolteacher, and current Department of Housing and Community Florida resident has also traveled to Development on March 15. Russia, China and Australia. “I got to sit in on an art class in Kenneth “Boh” Hatter ’79/’87 M.A. Russia, and held a koala bear in Aus- was inducted into the Maryland Fastpitch Soft- tralia on my 40th wedding anniver- ball Hall of Fame in October 2009 for being “an sary,” she says. “I walked the Great outstanding clutch hitter and fierce competitor” Wall of China on my 50th anniversary, who is “known as a deft handler of pitchers.” and recently had the chance to see He has competed in seven world and national Miss the migration of the Monarch but- softball tournaments in over 30 years. terflies in Mariposa, Mexico.” Adventure When not traveling, Keen is an active community participant. She 1980s Ruth D. Keen ’48 is involved with the Teen Moms Daniel Still ’80 was promoted to police program and various church activi- lieutenant in the Tacoma Police Department in ties, and started training to become Washington. He has been with the department Former teacher puts zip a docent at the Palm Beach County for 25 years. in her golden years History Museum. The former educator also recently Brian Stricker ’82 MATH was named returned to the classroom—this time senior vice president of corporate development It’s called the “Kid Killer.” Maybe as a student studying Spanish. for the Baltimore Life Companies. Stricker joined that’s why it was no match for 82- “When I spent last Christmas in Baltimore Life in 1983 as a pricing actuary, was year-old Ruth Keen ’48. Mexico, all I could say was ‘hello,’ elected vice president and actuary in 1996, vice Last December the octogenarian ‘goodbye,’ and count to ten,” she president of insurance services in 1999 and vice became the second oldest person to says. “When I visit again, I want to Send Us Your News president of business development in 2006. ever slide down that zip line over a have the chance to thank everyone What’s new? Your friends from college want to know. Please send news about your personal and professional rocky chasm in Zacatecas, Mexico. in Spanish for their wonderful life to Class Notes, Alumni Relations, Towson University, 8000 York Rd., Towson, MD 21252-0001 or e-mail Diana Fusting ’83 BUAD, former director “I’ve been told I had a look of hospitality.” [email protected]. Because of production schedules, your news may not appear in the magazine you receive of development and admissions, and director immediately after submitting an item. pure terror on my face on the way Although she has faced hardships, of marketing at the Edenwald Retirement down,” Keen says. And rightly so as including the death of her husband Name ______Community, was appointed director of major she thought she was bound for a from Alzheimer’s disease and the Class Year ______Major ______Name at Graduation______gifts at Towson University. leisurely gondola ride over the mas- deaths of two of her sons, Keen Address ______sive canyon. continues to live life to its fullest, Joe Durham ’85 BUAD was promoted to City ______State______ZIP Code______Before she knew it, Keen found inspiring both friends and family. business banking market manager for greater Previous Address (if address is new) ______herself strapped into a harness, “She is full of energy and joy, but Baltimore/Chesapeake at M&T Bank. Home Phone ______Business Phone ______instructed not to touch the wire and most of all she has a big heart,” says Business Address ______given a push. One adrenaline rush Keen’s daughter-in-law, Mariela. “She Ken Skrzesz ’86 DANC/THEA moved to later she joined her son, Tim, who is an example of how we have to live Employer ______Delaware five years ago to start Clear Space had preceded her on the zip line. our lives at the age of 82.” Title ______E-mail ______Productions, a theatre company and arts

—Melissa Kviz institute. Now his company, with a mission Here’s my news (please use a separate sheet of paper if necessary): ______“to educate and inspire audiences, artists ______and students to explore and participate in the ______performing arts through high quality experi- ______ences,” has an incredibly successful record.

38 towson summer 2010 summer 2010 towson 39 class notes class notes

According to its website, more than 25,000 Benjamin Wade ’93 PSYC was named the Internet browser to the theatre and will people attended or participated in Clear Space 2009 Elementary School Counselor of the Year by present their electronic ticket by accessing Productions programs, over 800 students studied the Maryland School Counselor Association. www.MissionTix.com. with CSP faculty and more than 100 community organizations have seen its “On Tour” programs. Joseph Cummiskey ’94 HIST was named Jack Monell ’97 CCMM completed his first vice president of Chesapeake Utilities Corporation book, Delinquency, Pop Culture, and Generation Frank D. Barile ’89, a former member of the by the company’s board of directors on December Why? to be published in the CPCC Press. He is an U.S. Army airborne infantry and a 20-year veteran 15, 2009. He was also named president of instructor in criminal justice at Central Piedmont of law enforcement, is one of three members of PESCO, the company’s natural gas marketing Community College in Charlotte, N.C. the Fallston Group, a Harford County business. subsidiary. Cummiskey began his career with The company specializes in crisis leadership, Chesapeake Utilities Corporation in 2005. Tim Maurer ’98 BUAD authored communications and management, planning and Prior to that, he was employed by Ferrell North The Financial Crossroads: The Intersection of preparedness, marketing communication, and America. Cummiskey was also a U.S. Army Money and Life with international bestselling business development and operations. officer for 12 years. author Jim Stovall. Maurer is also an adjunct Brian Stricker ’82 faculty member at TU. is senior vice president Michelle Harvin Huggins ’94 PSYC/ 1990s SOCI, personnel administrator of the Maryland Natalia Okshewsky ’98 M.S./’10 M.S. of corporate Department of Transportation, will serve a graduated in January with a master of science development for John Long ’92 BUAD/’94 HIST leads four-year term as a consumer member of the degree in integrated homeland security manage- an effort to clean up the 3.71 mile Bread and the Baltimore Maryland State Board of Morticians and Funeral ment from Towson University. It is her second Cheese Creek in Baltimore County. The creek Life Companies. Directors beginning July 1. master’s from Towson—her first was in psychol- has been identified as one of the top three ogy. She works in the homeland security field for streams contributing to the pollution of Back Joe Loverde ’95, principal for Mission Media the federal government. River and the Chesapeake Bay. Long organized and manager of MissionTix, is offering a mobile an April 10 cleanup along Plainfield Road e-tickets technology that “revolutionizes the Bridge and Old North Point Road to remove process of admission to Baltimore events from trash and debris to keep it from ending up 2000s concerts to school plays and beyond.” Used at in the bay. Tracy L. Steedman ’00 INST was one of the Recher Theatre in Towson, ticket buyers will only three fellows selected nationwide to partici- be able to bring any mobile device with an pate in the Forum on the Construction Industry

Send Us Your News What’s new? Your friends from college want to know. Please send news about your personal and professional life to Class Notes, Alumni Relations, Towson University, 8000 York Rd., Towson, MD 21252-0001 or e-mail [email protected]. Because of production schedules, your news may not appear in the magazine you receive immediately after submitting an item. Name ______Class Year ______Major ______Name at Graduation______Address ______City ______State______ZIP Code______

Previous Address (if address is new) ______Home Phone ______Business Phone ______Business Address ______Employer ______Title ______E-mail ______

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

38 towson summer 2010 summer 2010 towson 39 class notes

Women and Minority Fellowship Program of the American Bar Association. The three-year program will draw on her experience in Honorary Degree construction law. Bestowed Edward Molen ’00 HIST, president of the TU Quarterback Club for more than19 years, had David H. Nevins ’76 the Service to Tiger Football award named in his honor. Now known as the Edward Molen Service to Tiger Award, it is given to supporters of TU football. CBE gives award to lifelong TU advocate Charisse Hodges Montgomery ’02 ENGL completed her Master of Arts in English Literature at the University of Toledo in May and David H. Nevins ’76 received a student representation on the Board plans to pursue a doctorate in educational Doctor of Humane Letters from the of Regents—then made Maryland psychology at the University of Toledo’s Judith College of Business and Economics at history as the first student regent. Herb College of Education. Montgomery is Towson University’s 2010 commence- In the years following graduation, director of communications for the University ment ceremonies in May. he advocated for his alma mater in of Toledo College of Pharmacy, and founded The president of Nevins & Associ- key roles, notably as president of the Heather Wallace ’09 Alliance Editing & Copywriting, an editing house ates, the Hunt Valley, Md., marketing Alumni Association and as a member is the assistant that works with academic and literary writers. and public relations firm he founded of the university’s Board of Visitors. art director at in 1983, has spent most of his life He served on the University US Lacrosse. Doray A. Sitko ’05 SCHE accepted a championing Towson’s role in the System of Maryland Board of Regents position at Econometrica, Inc., a private research University System of Maryland from 1999 until July 1, 2009, working management and consulting firm near Washing- mission. tirelessly on behalf of Towson and its ton, D.C. Her skills as an educator, technical Nevins’ passion for TU began as sister institutions. adviser and project manager benefit the com- an undergraduate and has continued pany’s federal program clients in the housing and unabated through four decades. Excerpted from the citation in the Commencement Program. To read more health care sectors. Sitko is pursuing her master’s As an undergraduate business about Nevins, see the Winter 2009 issue degree in education from Virginia Tech University. administration major and Student of Towson, the alumni magazine. Government Association president, Rachelle Bell ’07 ACCT was promoted he lobbied for legislation requiring Visit www.towsonalumnimagazine.com. to senior in the audit, accounting and consulting department at Ellin & Tucker, Chartered, a regional certified public accounting and Patrick Smith ’09 CCMM, a photojournalist County, Md. Then Stierhoff rallied his mount, business consulting firm. at The Daily Herald in Provo, Utah, received an Twill Do, crossing the finish line a half-length Award of Excellence for his sports action photo ahead of the second-place horse. Jose Zambrano ’07 ECON was promoted in the respected Pictures of the Year International to senior in the tax department of Ellin & Tucker, contest in March 2010. The image, “That’s How Heather Wallace ’09 was hired by US Chartered. It’s Done,” shows a golfer letting go of his club Lacrosse, the national governing body for men’s just after firing his first drive of the day at the and women’s lacrosse based in Baltimore, as Megan Hykes Roach ’08 PSYC married Sorenson Champions Challenge Golf Tournament assistant art director. Wallace previously was Stacey Roach in a Holy Union ceremony on in Utah last year. a part-time designer at Biographical Design. Dec. 31. The couple, who adopted a puppy named Max in October, was legally married in James Stierhoff ’09 ECON won the Boston. Megan began work as a psychiatric 114th Maryland Hunt Cup, his first National rehabilitation counselor at Mosaic Community Steeplechase Association-sanctioned event, tak- Services in Baltimore in November. ing home a $75,000 purse. The race seemed all but over until the lead horse faltered at the 20th jump on the four-mile, 22-jump course on the Worthington Farms site in northern Baltimore

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