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Events Archives - 2008
October 2008
President's Circle Members Honored
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President Susan C. Aldridge (left) with Outstanding Circle Member Award Winners, Elizabeth Reinhardt (middle) and Richard F. Blewitt (right). |
UMUC’s President’s Circle honored its members and celebrated the university at the 2008 President’s Circle Brunch held at the UMUC Inn and Conference Center Ballroom on October 26, 2008.
At the brunch, UMUC President Susan C. Aldridge presented Richard F. Blewitt and Elizabeth Reinhardt with 2008 Outstanding Circle Member Awards.
The President’s Circle at UMUC is a giving society that ensures brighter futures for current and future UMUC students. Since its founding, the President’s Circle has been an important component in the development and support of the university and its students. The President’s Circle also allows UMUC to pursue and support individual projects, such as the Arts Program, that contribute to society in general. Join the President's Circle.
UMUC Staff Members Compete in 24-Hour Game Challenge
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Photo of 'Bite Me' and its UMUC creators, Felix Lehmann (top left), Rafael Ormino (top right) and José Olivieri (bottom). |
Three UMUC staff members participated in the first ever experimental Health Game Jam at University of Baltimore on October 18-19, 2008. Following contest rules, Felix Lehmann, José Olivieri and Rafael Ormino (UMUC Course Development team members) had just 24 hours to design and build a computer game that was not only fun, but also teaches others how to improve their personal heath.
The UMUC team created a game titled 'BiteMe', in which a character chooses from healthy, and not-so-healthy, foods. Of the seven teams that competed, the University of Baltimore team won first prize. However, the UMUC team said they had a wonderful experience and learned a lot during the contest.
University of Baltimore cosponsored the event with Games for Health Project, along with an additional prize donation from the Baltimore County Department of Economic Development.
UMUC Faculty Member William Sondervan Honored by His Alma Mater
UMUC is proud to announce that William Sondervan was recently named Criminal Justice Alumnus of the Year by his alma mater, Jacksonville State University in Alabama. Sondervan, professor and director of UMUC’s criminal justice, investigative forensics and legal studies programs, attended the university’s Alumni Association dinner and ceremony to accept the award on October 17, 2008.
Learn more about William Sondervan and UMUC’s criminal justice programs in his Faculty Focus profile.
UMUC and Oklahoma City Community College Sign Alliance Agreement
UMUC is proud to announce a new alliance partnership with Oklahoma City Community College. This partnership is designed to allow students to have simultaneous enrollment in both schools. In addition to the seamless transition and access to bachelor's degrees, scholarship opportunities through the UMUC Community College Transfer Scholarship are available to students interested in pursuing the degree programs.
UMUC Celebrates National Hispanic Heritage Month
UMUC celebrates National Hispanic Heritage Month, September 15-October 15, with the 2008 theme "Getting Involved: Our Families, Our Community, Our Nation." Observed each year, Hispanic Heritage Month gives the people of the United States an opportunity to recognize the many contributions of the diverse cultures within the Hispanic community.
For information about celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month and its history, visit the Hispanic Heritage Day Web site.
Celebrate Constitution Week with UMUC
This week, help UMUC celebrate the birth of our government and our nation's greatest document, the U.S.Constitution. Find an introduction from President Susan Aldridge, read the Constitution, take a short quiz and access a wealth of Constitution Day resources.
Visit the Constitution Day Web site
September 2008
UMUC and Miami Dade Sign Articulation Agreement
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Dr. Susan C. Aldridge, President of UMUC and Dr. Eduardo Padrón, President of Miami Dade College |
On July 10, 2008, UMUC President Dr. Susan C. Aldridge and Miami Dade College (MDC) President Dr. Eduardo Padrón signed an articulation agreement that will enhance educational opportunities for students. The agreement provides that MDC Associate degrees will be accepted in full transfer to UMUC and that competitive transfer scholarship assistance will be made available.
"This partnership is instrumental not just because it comprises the top two higher education institutions in the United States but because we have a common passion for students and we want them to achieve the best for their lives,” said Dr. Aldridge.
UMUC is the second-largest university in Maryland and MDC is the largest higher education institution in the United States.
RSVP for Reception, Art in the Spirit: Collages by Annie King Phillips
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For more information, call 301-985-7937 or visit www.umuc.edu/art |
RSVP to attend the reception for Art in the Spirit: Collages by Annie King Phillips on Thursday September 18, 2008 at 6-8 p.m. at the UMUC Inn and Conference Center in Adelphi, Maryland.
Registration is free—RSVP today.
Thursday, September 18, 2008
6–8 p.m.
UMUC Inn and Conference Center
3501 University Blvd East, Third Floor Gallery
Adelphi, MD 20783
UMUC Observes Patriot Day With Moment of Silence
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As the nation commemorated Patriot Day on September 11, 2008, UMUC observed a moment of silence at 8:46 a.m., Eastern Standard Time, to honor lives lost on this day.
This year marks seven years since the attacks on the World Trade Center in New York, the Pentagon in Virginia, and the United Airlines Flight 93 in Pennsylvania. On that day, nearly 3,000 people perished. In the ensuing months and years many others have died due to the attacks.
Eight UMUC alumni lost their lives on September 11, 2008: Max Beilke, Kris R. Bishundat, Julian T. Cooper, Wayne T. Davis, Sgt. Maj. Lacey B. Ivory, Ronald D. Milam, Scott Powell, and Janice M. Scott.
UMUC remembered these heroes with the moment of silence.
For more information on Patriot Day at UMUC see the Office of Diversity Web site.
Meet the Author: Blast Away Procrastination with Rita Emmett
Do you feel like there’s never enough time? If you are overwhelmed by your daily tasks, with not enough time to do it all, then RSVP to attend a UMUC Diversity Initiatives Bookends - Meet the Author event on Thursday, September 11, 2008, 12-1 p.m. at the UMUC Inn and Conference Center, room 2110.
Author Rita Emmett will discuss her best-selling book, The Procrastinator’s Handbook: Mastering the Art of Doing It Now.
Through her high-content/high-fun interactive presentation, Rita, a “recovering procrastinator,” will share her methods to help you transform from semi-productive to mega-productive; fatigued to energized; and scattered to focused.
July 2008
UMUC to Provide On-site Courses to Troops in CENTCOM Countries
UMUC will be one of the first American universities positioned to offer on-site courses to troops in Iraq, thanks to an education contract between UMUC and the U.S. Department of Defense. UMUC has been awarded the contract to provide undergraduate liberal arts courses and several graduate-level programs to troops stationed in within U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM). CENTCOM includes the area known as the Middle East, but also expands from Kenya to Kazakhstan.
“UMUC has a 60-year history of responding to the education needs of our men and women in uniform no matter where they serve, and our graduates have risen to the highest ranks of leadership in the military, as well as in the public and private sectors.” said UMUC President Susan C. Aldridge. “We are pleased and proud to be able to continue our tradition of delivering a quality education to servicemembers stationed in this critical portion of the world stage.”
UMUC will offer these courses, at the DOD’s discretion, as early as August 1, 2008. UMUC is already teaching military students on-site in other CENTCOM countries, including Djibouti, Afghanistan, and Qatar.
NLI Chief Assessor Receives Prestigious Award from APA
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Dr. Robert Ruskin, Recipient of APA Award |
The chief assessor for the Leadership Development Program at the National Leadership Program, Dr. Robert Ruskin, has received the Meritorious Research Service Commendation Award from the American Psychological Association (APA). The award, the highest one can receive from APA, honors those who have made great contributions to psychological science through their service with the federal government or other organizations.
In the last 24 years, as chief assessor, Ruskin has steered the leadership development of professionals in the private and public sector, in addition to coaching more than 200 senior corporate and government executives.
“I am greatly appreciative of the APA’s acknowledgement," said Ruskin. "This is a true honor for me.” Read More
Fifth Annual July Writing Conference for Faculty – July 25-26
The Fifth Annual July Writing Conference for Faculty was held in Adelphi, Maryland, July 25-26, 2008. During this even, UMUC faculty members discussed the design of writing assignments and the practice of assessing and responding to student writing.
Video: His Excellency Zhou Wengzhong Speaks at UMUC's Meet the Ambassador
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Zhou Wenzhong, Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to the United States |
On July 1, 2008 His Excellency Zhou Wenzhong*, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the People’s Republic of China to the United States, spoke at the UMUC Inn and Conference Center. As part of UMUC’s Meet the Ambassador series, Ambassador Wenzhong discussed China’s development and China-US relations. The lecture was held at 7 p.m., followed by an 8 p.m. reception.
Watch the video of Ambassador Zhou Wenzhong's speech
Learn more about Meet the Ambassador events
Announcing the Global Availability of MyUMUC and 360 Support
UMUC is proud to announce the global availability of the MyUMUC Student and Faculty Portals, as well as online, anytime MyUMUC help through UMUC 360 Support!
Now:
- Students anywhere in the world can apply for admission online and have 24-hour access to online student services, including financial aid information, real-time registration, and electronic financial transactions.
- Faculty across the globe will be able to enjoy a variety of course management functions, such as viewing class rosters and posting final grades.
Plus, help is available anytime through UMUC 360 Support (http://support.umuc.edu). This online help center provides users the ability to chat online with the helpdesk, open and submit a help ticket, request a call back, or tap into the self-help knowledge base. Stateside users may also reach a UMUC 360 Support by phone at 888-360-UMUC (8682) or 301-985-6710.
See the new look of MyUMUC today!
Stateside users: Log in to MyUMUC to access announcements and links that are personalized to your location.
We hope you enjoy this global initiative, which serves to unite the UMUC community worldwide.
June 2008
UMUC and Chesapeake College Create Alliance
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Chesapeake College President Stuart M. Bounds (left) and UMUC President Susan C. Aldridge (right), with Ted Peck of St. Michaels, a UMUC Board of Visitors member (standing, center). |
UMUC and Chesapeake College, located in Wye Mills, Maryland, have formed a new alliance, now making it even easier for Chesapeake College students to move forward with a UMUC degree. As with UMUC’s other community college alliances, this agreement will allow students who have earned their associate’s degree to transfer with ease when pursuing their bachelor’s degree with UMUC. Students can take courses, obtain financial aid information, and talk with advisors without leaving the Eastern Shore of Maryland.
To make the transition even smoother, UMUC is offering transfer scholarships to Chesapeake College graduates. UMUC will also hold several open house events at Chesapeake College’s Wye Mills center in summer 2008, where students can learn more about UMUC programs and admission requirements.
“We welcome Chesapeake College to our network of partners. We have wanted to work with Chesapeake for a long time,” said UMUC President Susan C. Aldridge. “As the second largest public institution of higher learning in the United States, we are committed to offering quality education that is accessible and affordable.”
For more information, see the June 16, 2008 press release.
UMUC and UMBC Offer New Joint Graduate Certificate
Now graduate students can enroll in a joint graduate certificate in E-Learning and Instructional Systems Design, offered through UMUC and University of Maryland Baltimore County (UMBC). This certificate provides students with knowledge and skills in the field of course design, development, and delivery at a distance, with a focus on e-learning. The certificate consists of 12 credits; 6 from UMUC and 6 from UMBC.*
UMUC is excited to bring to its students its expertise in distance education and technology, and combine it with UMBC's expertise in instructional design and course development.
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Learn more about the E-Learning and Instructional Systems Design Joint Certificate
* Students wishing to earn the certificate must apply to either UMBC or UMUC for admission to the certificate program. Once admitted, students may take courses at the other institution as a visiting student.
UMUC and California State University to Expand Educational Opportunities for Military Servicemembers
UMUC has signed an articulation agreement with The California State University (CSU) that promises to further expand educational opportunities for U.S. servicemembers.
Under the agreement, CSU campuses will accept transfer credits earned at UMUC in a number of specified programs and courses; in turn, UMUC will accept transfer credits earned at the CSU, allowing students to apply them toward a UMUC bachelor’s degree. The agreement will offer servicemembers curricular “roadmaps” that can guide them as they complete degrees in the institutions’ most popular disciplines, including business administration, psychology, computer science and information systems management. Learn more.
U.S.–China Forum on Distance Learning June 29-July 2
The Fourth Annual United States-China Forum on Distance Learning at the Inn and Conference Center in Adelphi, Maryland, was held on June 29-July 2, 2008 and hosted by UMUC and co-hosted by the China Youth Center for International Exchange and the China University Distance Education Committee of China Educational Technology Association.
Learn more about this event at http://www.umuc.edu/uschina
UMUC Coordinator to Jet Ski Around the World to Fight Cancer
Ken Davis, Community Relations coordinator at UMUC, is organizing a project to jet ski around the world in 40 days. His journey is more than just a jaunt on the ocean—Davis is raising money for cancer research and to benefit families who have children fighting cancer.
| Want to help or be an alternate team member? |
Contact Ken Davis at kdavis@quest40cure.org The first training will be held on June 28, 2008 in Chester, Maryland. |
Davis, and six participating teammates, will take turns riding one jet ski, which will travel alongside a boat carrying equipment, supplies, and security guards. During the trip, each of the jet skiers will be matched with a child who has cancer. Each day, the skiers will contact the children by e-mail or satellite phone so that the skier and the child may provide each other with support and inspiration.
The trip, which is planned for 2009, will begin in New York City, then proceed to exotic locations such as the Bahamas, Panama, Galapagos, the Marquesas, Tuamotus, Tahiti, Tonga, Fiji, Vanuatu, Northern Australia, Indonesia, Singapore, Thailand, Sri Lanka, Azores, and then return to New York.
To support this project, Ken started a 501c3 nonprofit organization with the goal of eradicating cancer. He was inspired to make a difference to those affected by cancer, as he himself has lost a beloved relative to the disease. For this quest, his group will partner with Children's Inn of the National Institutes of Health, an organization providing “a place like home” for children receiving treatment and their families.
UMUC Student Selected To Throw Out First Pitch at Blue Crabs Game
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UMUC student and criminal justice major Julie A. Studds was selected to throw out the first pitch at a Southern Maryland Blue Crabs game in Waldorf, Maryland on June 27, 2008.
After graduating with an associate’s degree in fire science and criminal justice from College of Southern Maryland (CSM), Studds transferred to UMUC as part of the UMUC-CSM Alliance Program. Studds currently takes courses online and at the Waldorf Center for Higher Education.
Studds, who is also a volunteer firefighter and works for her local sheriff’s office, said she chose to pursue her criminal justice major at UMUC because it provides a wonderful opportunity to get her degree, while being a full-time employee. She noted that she loves that UMUC professors have experience and personal knowledge in the fields they teach.
"I’m very excited. It’s a great opportunity to have,” said Studds about throwing out the first pitch at the game. She added, “I am looking forward to obtaining my degree and moving on in my career. I would like to be a police officer for Charles County. UMUC will give me the knowledge and experience to reach my goal.”
At the game, UMUC representatives were available at information tables to answer questions about enrollment in undergraduate and graduate programs, degrees, and certificates. For more information about UMUC's Open House Events see UMUC's Special Events for Prospective Students Web page.
Executive MBA Teams Present Group Projects
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Professor Mary Ann Spilman and Team Granite America, one of the four presenting groups. |
On June 14, 2008, four Executive MBA teams presented their corporate sponsors with international market entry strategy plans to assist them in expanding into new international markets. The corporate sponsors were present, as well as some of our supporters from the Business and Economic Development communities (WTCI, TEDCO, Prince Georges Economic Development Corporation), and many returning graduates who come back to view these business plans. View the Image Gallery.
Winners of UMUC's First Annual Social Science Essay Contest Announced
UMUC is proud to announce Deborah Jordan, Mike Bacu, and Nadine Duecker-Pratt as the first, second, and third place winners of the first annual UMUC Social Science Essay Contest. All three students used their personal and professional experiences to complement their essays, each of which addressed a social issue from a perspective or multiple perspectives in the social sciences.
The first place winner was Deborah Jordan, a UMUC sophomore majoring in homeland security with a minor in emergency management. Her essay, “Kalaye Noko: The Impact of AIDS Orphans in Zambia,” analyzes the impact of orphans left behind due to AIDS in Zambia. Jordan, who works at the U.S. Embassy in Zambia, said she chose this topic because she has witnessed some of these cultural challenges and their impacts.
Michael Bacu, a business administration major, wrote his essay,“Cultural Challenges to Democracy in Afghanistan" partially based on time he spent in Afghanistan. Nadine Dueker-Pratt, also a business administration major, said her essay, “A Sociological Examination of Debt,” was inspired by her interest in educating others about the negative effects of debt.
UMUC’s First Annual Social Science Essay Contest was held during the 2007-2008 academic school year and was open to all undergraduate students. The first place winner was awarded a student membership in the academic organization of her choice.
UMUC Faculty Member Wins Correction and Rehabilitation Awards
At last month’s 2008 Montgomery County Department of Correction and Rehabilitation Annual Awards, UMUC faculty member Benjamin Stevenson, of UMUC’s School of Undergraduate Studies, was honored with two awards for his contributions as a Correctional Specialist III. He was named the Pre-Trial Division Employee of the Year for his work handling domestic violence cases, and for serving as the representative of both the ALERT team and the Fatality Review Team.
The ALERT team that Stevenson represents is a county initiative to promote safety for victims of domestic violence once an offender has been released. The Fatality Review Team studies fatal domestic violence cases to extrapolate commonalities in the hope of avoiding similar outcomes in the future.
Stevenson was praised for being a “committed, compassionate, and effective caseworker” and for excelling as a certified department trainer and as a criminal justice professor at UMUC. His Pre-Trial Supervision Unit was also selected for the Group Outstanding Performance award.
China Earthquake Relief Fund
In light of the tragedy in southwestern China on May 12, 2008, UMUC President Susan C. Aldridge, faculty, and staff wish to express the university’s deepest condolences to the victims and their families. As host to the Chinese Ambassador to the U.S. this June at the U.S.-China Forum, UMUC wants to inform its community of staff, students, alumni, and friends about the China Earthquake Relief Fund.
This organization is accepting donations to provide much needed medical care and aid. If you choose to make a donation to this cause, the China Earthquake Relief Fund will send you a receipt.
To offer your donation, please make your check payable to the Chinese Embassy and write “China Earthquake Relief Fund” on the memo line. Then, send your donation to:
Mr. Chen Yue
First Secretary
Education Department, Chinese Embassy
2600 Tilden Street, NW
Washington, D.C. 20008
Again, our thoughts and prayers remain with the victims and their loved ones.
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Click on image to view larger version |
UMUC Virtual Dragons Bring Home the Gold!
Congratulations to the UMUC Virtual
Dragons, who won gold medals in both the 250-meter and 500-meter races and took third place overall at the 2008 Washington, D.C., Dragon Boat Festival!
Learn more about the Dragon Boat Festival.
May 2008
UMUC Alumna Selected as Missouri Representative for Education Conference
UMUC is proud to announce that Emily Dreiling, a 2005 Bachelor of Science in criminal justice graduate from UMUC Europe, has been named one of two Missouri state representatives for this September's Council for Opportunity in Education Conference in Washington, D.C. The Council for Opportunity in Education is a nonprofit organization that works with colleges, universities, and agencies that offer TRIO programs—a series of programs established by Congress that are designed to help low-income students enter college and graduate.
After graduating from UMUC Europe, Dreiling received a full academic scholarship to attend graduate school at the University of Central Missouri. She expects to graduate this May with a 4.0 GPA and a published master’s degree thesis, which focuses on the impact of education on the criminal justice system.
Visit the Council for Opportunity in Education Web site to find out more about this year's conference.
UMUC Adjunct Faculty Member Selected for Fulbright Scholar Program
Dr. Nagarajan Ramamoorthy, an adjunct faculty member for UMUC’s School of Undergraduate Studies, has been awarded a Fulbright Scholarship Award to lecture and conduct research in Bulgaria for five months. Dr. Ramamoorthy, who has taught undergraduate courses in business and management for UMUC for 12 years, will travel to Bulgaria in October 2008.
Dr. Ramamoorthy hopes to pursue research related to his area of interest, which is cross cultural management. “I plan on using the time in Bulgaria to understand management in Eastern Europe since the fall of the Soviet Bloc,” he said.
The Fulbright Scholarship is a highly prestigious award sponsored by the United States Department of State and the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, created to foster mutual understandings between U.S. citizens and people in other countries. Only 800 U.S. scholars and professionals are selected for the Fulbright Scholar Program each year.
Earn Your EMBA or CIO Certificate
Are you an executive leader who is ready to empower yourself and your colleagues to effect change and meet new challenges in the global business marketplace?
Enroll today in one of two exciting and convenient UMUC programs designed specifically for you!
The EMBA can be completed primarily online in just 21 months and the CIO certificate can be completed entirely online in just 12 months. Each program contains leadership development components developed with the National Leadership Institute, including leadership assessment, leadership workshops, and executive coaching.
Are you ready to take the lead? Visit Business and Executive Departmental Web site or contact Jane Goldberg, program coordinator, at 301-985-7958.
* Offered in partnership with the General Services Administration's CIO University
Late spring, summer, and fall 2008 sessions for executive and leadership programs are filling up fast. Enroll today.
2008 Institute for Copyright Leadership & Management, May 28-30
Are you a manager of digital content? If so, do you have the skills to lead and manage change related to technology, culture, and copyright issues? UMUC’s Center for Intellectual Property and the National Leadership Institute have collaborated to provide an exciting workshop to help you develop basic skills for effective leadership in copyright management by focusing on influencing skills and building strategic institutional partnerships and bridges. Attend the 2008 Institute for Copyright and Leadership Management, May 28-30, 2008, at the UMUC Inn and Conference Center to be part of this unique program.
For details and to register, visit the CIP Symposium Web site.
Biotechnology Symposium and Job Fair May 16, 2008 at Shady Grove
It's time for the annual Biotechnology Symposium and Job Fair, sponsored by UMUC's Graduate School of Management and Technology and the School of Undergraduate Studies.
This year's event, Biotechnology-Emerging Trends and Careers, will be held from 8-3 p.m., May 16, 2008 at the USM Shady Grove Center in Rockville, Maryland.
This event is free, but registration is required. Employers interested in the Job Fair, 1p.m.–3p.m., must also register.
Fort Detrick Ribbon Cutting Ceremony and Research Festival - May 2008
UMUC is pleased to announce a Ribbon Cutting Ceremony on May 14, 2008 at 10 a.m. to celebrate the opening of the Fort Detrick locations. Because this event is located at a U.S. military base, guests should arrive no later than 9:30 a.m. to allow time for necessary security checks.
UMUC will also participate in the NCI-Frederick and Fort Detrick Spring Research Festival on May 14 and 15, 2008 along Porter Street at Fort Detrick.
UMUC Alumna Selected as Missouri Representative for Education Conference
UMUC is proud to announce that Emily Dreiling, a 2005 Bachelor of Science in criminal justice graduate from UMUC Europe, has been named one of two Missouri state representatives for this September's Council for Opportunity in Education Conference in Washington, D.C. The Council for Opportunity in Education is a nonprofit organization that works with colleges, universities, and agencies that offer TRIO programs—a series of programs established by Congress that are designed to help low-income students enter college and graduate.
After graduating from UMUC Europe, Dreiling received a full academic scholarship to attend graduate school at the University of Central Missouri. She expects to graduate this May with a 4.0 GPA and a published master’s degree thesis, which focuses on the impact of education on the criminal justice system.
Visit the Council for Opportunity in Education Web site to find out more about this year's conference.
Board of Regents' Faculty Award Goes to Jim Q. Chen
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| Jim Q. Chen, Recipient of the 2008 Board of Regents Faculty Award |
UMUC is proud to announce Jim Q. Chen, collegiate professor and program director of Information Assurance at UMUC, as the 2008 The Board of Regents’ Faculty Award in the category of Teaching Excellence.
Chen, who has taught for UMUC’s Graduate School of Management & Technology since 1997, is renowned among students and faculty for his accessibility for students, in-depth knowledge, and ability to make challenging subjects easy to understand.
In response to workforce trends and post 9/11 demands, Chen developed the Information Assurance specialization at UMUC. Next he designed an innovative hands-on Network Systems and Security Laboratory for online and onsite students. This lab was so successful that he was asked to duplicate it for the UMUC—Europe Heidelberg, Germany and UMUC—Asia.
Also a dedicated lifetime learner, Chen actively participated in UMUC’s Leadership and Management Development Program in 2006. He serves as Chair of one doctoral committee and is a member of several others, in addition to actively pursuing his research and publication agenda.
March 2008
UMUC President Presents Keynote Address to Fulbright Group in Cairo
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UMUC's President, Dr. Susan C. Aldridge, and Egypt's Minister of Higher Education and State Minister for Scientific Research, Dr. Hany Mahfouz Helal |
UMUC President Susan C. Aldridge was invited to present the keynote address at the Near East North Africa Fulbright Regional Workshop March 17, 2008, in Cairo, Egypt—the first time the meeting has been held in Cairo since the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001. The workshop was hosted by the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs and the Binational Fulbright Commission in Egypt. President Aldridge attended at the invitation of Thomas A. Farrell, deputy assistant secretary for academic programs in the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs of the U.S. Department of State.
In her keynote address, President Aldridge presented an overview of trends in U.S. higher education, and used the trip as an opportunity to meet with Egyptian officials—including the U.S. ambassador to Egypt and the Egyptian Minister of Higher Education and State Minister for Scientific Research—to discuss opportunities presented by U.S. distance education.
"I was pleased and honored to be invited to visit Cairo and talk about a subject that means so much to me personally,” said Aldridge. “This was a wonderful opportunity to meet with colleagues and explore the opportunities that U.S. higher education has to offer worldwide.”
February 2008
UMUC Announces New Vice President of Human Resources
UMUC is pleased to announce that Nadine Marie Porter has accepted the position of vice president of Human Resources at UMUC, effective February 18, 2008.
Ms. Porter comes to UMUC with a wealth of experience, having served since 1996 in a variety of roles with the University of Pennsylvania Health System, including chief human resources officer for Corporate Services, interim chief human resources officer for Pennsylvania Hospital, and chief human resources officer for UPHS Homecare and Hospice Services. Prior to that, she served as interim associate executive director and equal employment opportunity director of Human Resources for Health & Hospitals Corp., Metropolitan Hospital Center, in New York, New York.
Ms. Porter holds a BS in industrial and labor relations from Cornell University and a JD from the University at Buffalo School of Law, State University of New York. For the past five years, she has served as an adjunct faculty member at St. Joseph’s University in Philadelphia, where she designed and taught a graduate course, entitled “Managing Employee Relations in the Healthcare Setting,” for the university’s department of health services.
When she was interviewed for the vice president’s position at UMUC, members of the review committee praised her “strong emphasis on teamwork and collaborative approach” and her command of HR issues, calling her “an organizer, a doer, a fixer” who “understands fast-paced environments, is comfortable in growth environments, [and] possesses vast HR leadership experience in complex organizations.”
UMUC welcomes Nadine to this important leadership position.
January 2008
HR Networking Event for Professionals - Image Gallery
On Friday, January 31, 2008 approximately 95 people attended the UMUC Alumni Association’s Human Resources networking event. Held at UMUC’s Inn and Conference Center, the event was sponsored by the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) and the National Association of African Americans in Human Resources (NAAAHR).
Lt. Col. William W. Sondervan, UMUC Professor and Director Receives MOWW Award
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Pictured from left to right are Col. Bert Rice, Mrs. Nancy Sondervan, Dr. William W. Sondervan, Col. James D. Elmer, National Commander in Chief of the Military Order of the World Wars, Col. Gorham Black, Commander of the Fort Meade Chapter of the MOWW. |
Lt. Col. William W. Sondervan, professor and director of Criminal Justice and Investigative Forensics at the University of Maryland University College (UMUC) is presented with the Military Order of the World Wars (MOWW) "Scales of Justice” award, which is emblematic of the National Law and Order Award. Sondervan is being honored for his years of leadership and contributions to public safety and the criminal justice profession. The Military Order of the World Wars is a patriotic, non-profit, nonpartisan, veterans organization that provides an opportunity for officers of all uniformed services to unite in a strong program to promote national security, patriotism, good citizenship, and service to country.
Read more about William W. Sondervan in UMUC's Faculty Focus.
Special Hours at Adelphi on Monday, January 21
In observance of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, UMUC administrative offices will be closed.
However, for your convenience, limited student services will be available at Adelphi between 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. in the following areas:
- Admissions
- Advising
- Bursar's Office
- Enrollment Management
- Financial Aid
- Records
- Registrations
- Transcripts
Please Note: Due to the limited services available, prospective and current students are encouraged to schedule their appointments in advance.
For questions or to make an appointment, please call 800-888-UMUC (8682).
MBA Team Makes a Virtual Visit to SIRIUS Satellite Radio
A team of online MBA students have made the leap from book to boardroom not once but twice. The students—Tyra Cook, Max Franklin, Cindy Furbush, Drew Miller, and Amy Pence—studied SIRIUS Satellite Radio the previous semester in AMBA 606 and were invited to New York City to present their findings to the company’s management team. After completing their strategy capstone course (AMBA 607) the following semester, the students were again invited to present their latest findings—this time virtually. The SIRIUS executives in New York were walked through a PowerPoint presentation while the team briefed them from the Washington, D.C., metropolitan area—saving time, effort, and money. Virtual presentations are just another way that UMUC students gain experience in "real world" business scenarios. "It's the growing nature of business these days," said UMUC student Max Franklin. “Virtual ad hoc teams are becoming essential in many ways. How we learn to do things is as important as what we learn to do.”