Joe BeimfohrDavid "Scoop" CopemanCharles GarnettBrianne GeorgeTheodore von GerichtenJeff HartungJamie HurleyJason MontgomeryDaniel MurphyDavid SimmonsDonald TodorowskiWelcome
UMUC students and alumni in the military prove that successful learning is possible on the most demanding of schedules, from any part of the world. These brave men and women balance military, family and community responsibilities while earning a quality education. Each story is unique and illustrates how dedicated our men and women in uniform are to creating a brighter future for their families and our country.
Select a name from the menu on the right to learn more.
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Joe Beimfohr
Army
After sustaining severe injuries in Iraq that left him a double amputee, Joe Beimfohr returned home. Determined to move forward, he enrolled at UMUC and also began teaching Ju-Jitsu to wounded soldiers at Walter Reed.
David "Scoop" Copeman
Navy
David "Scoop" Copeman, a highly decorated Navy Seal Senior Chief, began his UMUC master’s degree in Computer Technology with an ambitious goal—to graduate and retire within two years.
Charles Garnett
Coast Guard
Charles Garnett, an undergraduate Computer Science major, has truly loved his UMUC experience. In fact, he loves it so much that he wants to make sure fellow Coast Guards stationed in Baltimore, Maryland, enjoy the same opportunity.
Brianne George
Air Force
Through two pregnancies, three Air Force station changes and her husband's deployment, Air Force Sergeant and UMUC alumna Brianne George earned her degree through the convenient classes offered at UMUC.
Theodore von Gerichten
Army
At the age of 85, UMUC alumnus and WWII veteran Theodore von Gerichten did something he thought he'd never get to do—attend his own college graduation.
Jeff Hartung
Army
By looking at his many achievements, it may seem like Jeff Hartung has all the time in the world to pursue his education. On the contrary, Hartung has taken UMUC courses during his Army deployment to the Middle East and a medical evacuation to Germany.
Jamie Hurley
Air Force
Jamie Hurley first heard about UMUC while in Europe on active duty in the Air Force. Upon learning about the variety of educational programs and formats available at UMUC, she was immediately interested.
Jason Montgomery
Army
When Major Jason Montgomery enrolled at UMUC in 2002, he was certain that furthering his education would help his career in the military and beyond. When he was deployed to Iraq in 2003, and again in 2007, Major Montgomery’s commitment to his education was put to the test.
Daniel Murphy
Army
Daniel Murphy is deployed on Temporary Duty (TDY) assignments around the world, throughout the year. However, he believes that soldiers, Marines, sailors and air persons are willing to go beyond the ordinary to accomplish their educational goals and provide bright futures for their families.
David Simmons
Coast Guard
When David Simmons arrived on base in Baltimore, Maryland in 2007, he didn’t have immediate plans to pursue his bachelor’s degree. However, an encounter with an enthusiastic UMUC student would change his course.
Donald Todorowski
Coast Guard
In many ways, today’s U.S. military functions like a corporation. First Class Petty Officer Donald Todorowski anticipates that his business education from UMUC will help him to excel in his career.
