News Updates and Briefs

Students relax in Greece (right) and test the track in Olympic Stadium (above).

Mannheim Campus Goes to Greece

More than 50 students from UMUC's Mannheim Campus spent their spring break in Greece this year, visiting Athens and Delphi. They prepared for the trip by studying classical mythology in a class taught by Simona Schiopu.

"This class [offers] an in-depth study of Greek and Roman mythology," Schiopu said. "It covers works by familiar authors such as Homer, Ovid, and Sophocles, and places them in the context of ancient Greece."

Schiopu praised the tour guide for the trip, who tailored the tour to subject matter the students had covered and pointed out places that were significant in Greek mythology.

"As we say at the campus, 'Europe is our classroom,' and we definitely use Europe to teach," said Jerry Deaver, director of residence life and coordinator for the trip. "We also took time to relax when we took a cruise to three Greek islands—Hydros, Poris, and Aegina. The water was crystal blue and we watched the dolphins swim. The scenery was amazing."

Students and faculty members enjoy food and fun at the second annual senior barbecue on Okinawa.

UMUC-Asia Hosts Barbecue on Okinawa

UMUC–Asia hosted the second annual senior barbecue on Torii Beach in Okinawa, Japan, June 8, 2002. Occasional clouds didn't deter about 40 UMUC students and faculty members from attending the event, just one week prior to commencement. Anxiety and relief was evident on faces everywhere. Allan Berg, area director for Okinawa, congratulated the students, and led out in a game of Jeopardy that offered insights into UMUC history. Guests left the beach with full stomachs and high anticipation for the coming commencement ceremony.

UMUC Takes the Lead in Okinawa Women's Forum

Dawn Berge, UMUC faculty member and assistant to the area director for Okinawa, chaired the Fourth Annual Okinawa Joint Women's Forum, held May 11, 2002. The forum was coordinated almost exclusively by UMUC staff, present and past, and drew 230 attendees from across the tiny island of Okinawa, Japan. Seventy-five presenters and 40 volunteers staffed 65 information booths offering goods and services ranging from health and wellness aids to financial guidance.

UMUC has played an important and growing role in the forum ever since it's inception in 1999, when Janet Breslin Smith, wife of Wing Commander and Brigadier General Jim Smith, brought the Forum from Hawaii to Okinawa with the goal of enriching, empowering, and enlightening women. This year, six of the seven primary coordinators were current or former UMUC staff members—Berge; Rosie Edmond, administrative assistant; Lori Cleymans, outreach coordinator; Elena Sinnemaki, graphic designer; Carla Hercules-Means, field representative; and Jenny Lessner, field representative.

The group received a gracious response from the authors of the popular Dear Abby advice column in response to an invitation to attend: "One day I would love to meet you and to experience the unique island you call home. I admire your strength, patriotism—and the proud self-respect of service spouses—and I send you all my respects. . . . With all good wishes, Abigail Van Buren."