Association News

Conversing and Connecting at the Cosmos Club

On a warm, early summer evening in June, 166 UMUC alumni and friends gathered for the Alumni Association's eighth annual meeting and volunteer recognition reception. The stately charm of Washington's legendary Cosmos Club—home to a succession of U.S. presidents, dignitaries, and Nobel Prize winners—offered an elegant backdrop for the celebration.

"It was just gorgeous," said Susan Krause '87, a newly appointed member of the Alumni Association Board of Directors. "It was sort of like stepping back in time. There was one room that was reminiscent of Versailles—just mirrors and long hallways and a relief painted on the walls that went up into the ceiling."

The club provided an ornate haven for old friends to socialize and new friends to network. "That's one of the reasons," Krause said, "that we go to the Alumni Association activities—networking and opportunities." Besides offering a chance for networking with old friends and new, the evening served to recognize and honor some of the individuals who have made outstanding contributions to UMUC.

Janice Reilly '90, president-elect of the Alumni Association, presented Distinguished Service Awards to Maryland Governor Parris N. Glendening, Maryland State Senator Barbara A. Hoffman, Maryland Delegate Nancy K. Kopp, and posthumously to the late Maryland State Senator John A. Cade. Reilly expressed gratitude to the legislators for their commitment to higher education for the workforce and for their successful efforts to secure equitable funding for UMUC.

Reilly also remembered the late Senator Cade, calling him "UMUC's champion. He was one of the first to recognize that UMUC students deserved more from their state."

Maryland Delegate James Hubbard '89, Dennis Pepe '95, Joe Whelan, and Charlie Castle '70 were honored with Achiever Awards. "Let's put it this way," Hubbard said afterward. "If it weren't for UMUC, I wouldn't have a college degree, and I think that college degree was what led me down the path that has given me the opportunity to serve in the state legislature."

A final award, the Edward A. Parnell Outstanding Alumni Service Award—the Alumni Association's highest—was presented to Joseph Bowen Jr. '84 and '95, for setting "an exceptional standard of volunteer service to his alma mater."

Following the awards ceremony and the election of officers for 1998–99, the evening concluded with the Alumni Association presenting former UMUC President T. Benjamin Massey with a $3,000 check to support need-based scholarships and a pledge of another $6,000 for next year. Then, in recognition of his years of service to UMUC, the Alumni Association conferred on Massey—who had announced his retirement—the title of Honorary UMUC Alumnus "with all the rights, privileges, and responsibilities thereto appertaining."

"In other words," Reilly said, "you are now elevated to the position of volunteer." Massey graciously accepted the honor amid laughter and applause.

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