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News and Events Archives (2007)
Here you can read past postings about university events and activities, as well as important messages.
December 2007
UMUC Signs CyberWATCH Articulations Agreement
On Monday, December 3, 2007, UMUC President Susan Aldridge signed a CyberWATCH articulations agreement for new programs in information security between UMUC and three Maryland community colleges: Anne Arundel Community College, the Community College of Baltimore County, and Prince George’s Community College.
Funded by a four-year grant from the National Science Foundation, CyberWATCH is a consortium of 18 colleges and universities providing leadership, guidance, and curricula dissemination for programs in information security throughout the region. The articulations agreement signing will include an introduction by CyberWATCH director Vera Zdravkovich, as well as comments by consortium partners.
UMUC Named Top Ten Military-Friendly School
KMI Media and Military Advanced Education (MAE) have named UMUC one of the top ten colleges and universities serving military students for 2007. In its first-annual review, MAE contacted more than 100 institutions, and the entries were judged by an independent panel. The top ten colleges and universities were selected based on multiple factors, from number of military students served to availability of financial aid options and scholarships for servicemembers, as well as other military-friendly qualities.
View the full article on MAE's Web site.
UMUC Establishes Minority Business Enterprise Scholarship Fund
UMUC has established the Minority Business Enterprise (MBE) Scholarship Fund, the university’s first scholarship for minority students. The scholarship will provide financial support to UMUC undergraduate, graduate, and executive program students who work at MBE affiliated organizations. Preference will be given to students who are members of the Top 100 MBEs.
The Top 100 MBE Awards program, which was founded by UMUC faculty member and alumna Sharon Pinder while she served as the special secretary in the Governor’s Office of Minority Affairs, offers recognition to successful women- and minority-owned businesses. UMUC is dedicated to its goal of raising more than $100,000 over the next five years for the MBE Scholarship Fund, and will begin awarding scholarships to deserving students one year after the first $10,000 is raised.
- Learn more about the Top 100 MBE Awards.
- Read Sharon Pinder's MyUMUC Story.
November 2007
New Provost Announced by President Aldridge
Our interim provost and chief academic officer Dr. Lawrence Leak has submitted his official decision to retire at the end of this year. While we are grateful for his contributions and service to UMUC, I am now pleased to announce Dr. James E. Sherwood as our new UMUC provost.
Dr. Sherwood comes to UMUC from the University of California, Berkeley (UC Berkeley) where he held the position of special academic assistant to the executive vice chancellor and provost and senior fellow in the Center for Studies in Higher Education. Prior to this position Sherwood was dean of University Extension at UC Berkeley. Before his time with University of California, Sherwood held several positions with University of Nebraska-Lincoln, including associate dean to the Division of Continuing Studies and director of the Department of Distance Education.
Along with his vast professional experience, Dr. Sherwood has been active in several successful grant and leadership projects as well as being involved in many community service projects. He has also received several awards, most notably the John L. Christopher Outstanding Leadership Award in 2001 and the Nofflet Williams Educational Telecommunications Leadership Award in 1999.
Please join me in welcoming Dr. Sherwood to the UMUC community. We strongly believe that his experience and dedication will be valuable assets to our university.
October 2007
President Aldridge Meets with Center for Creative Leadership President
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UMUC President Susan C. Aldridge met with John Ryan, the newly appointed president and chief executive officer of the Center for Creative Leadership (CCL). Their meeting preceded the CCL Network Associate Meeting held at the UMUC Inn and Conference Center in Adelphi, Maryland. At the event, Ryan addressed the Network for the first time as head of CCL. UMUC’s National Leadership Institute is a proud network associate of CCL, the leading nonprofit institution dedicated exclusively to leadership.
Student Joe Beimfohr's Inspirational Will to Succeed
Student Joe Beimfohr teaches martial arts from his wheelchair to wounded soldiers at Walter Reed. |
While serving in Iraq in 2005, Joe Beimfohr lost the use of his legs after an IED, or "roadside bomb," exploded and left him a double amputee. Because of his injuries he was sent to Walter Reed Hospital to recover, which is where he met Bob Kunkel, an injured Vietnam Vet who teaches martial arts. Inspired by his new friend, Joe has been teaching Ju-Jitsu to wounded soldiers at Walter Reed for more than a year now. His achievements in school and in life have gained him recognition from UMUC faculty, as well as government officials, including President Bush.
UMUC's Virtual Dragons Win the Gold in Philadelphia
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The Virtual Dragons Display Their Gold Medals. |
UMUC's dragon boat team, the Virtual Dragons, display their gold medals after winning the Philadelphia Dragon Boat Festival in the 500 meter open division earlier this month. With this honor, the Virtual Dragons are now ranked in the top 15 of 143 competing teams. In addition to this triumph, the Virtual Dragons also won the 250 meter open in the Washington, D.C. Dragon Boat Festival in May, making it the fifth consecutive medal-winning year for the team.
New Hours for Enrollment Management and Advising!
The Offices of Enrollment Management and Advising will offer new, extended hours of operation to better serve current and future UMUC students. Starting July 9, the new hours of operation are Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.; Saturday, 8:30 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
September 2007
Graduate Faculty Meeting Recognizes Outstanding Achievements
The Graduate School of Management and Technology (GSMT) held its fall faculty meeting at the UMUC Inn and Conference Center on Saturday, September 29, 2007. President Susan C. Aldridge and Vice Provost and Dean Michael S. Frank opened the event with updates on the UMUC and the Graduate School. The 2007 GSMT Faculty Service and Teaching Awards, which include the Services Awards (recognizing 5, 10, 15, and 20 years of service), the 2007 Stanley J. Drazek Teaching Excellence Awards, and the 2007 Teaching Recognition Award, were presented to acknowledge the dedication and accomplishments of faculty members teaching at the graduate level. The day concluded with breakout sessions and an optional Information and Library Services hands-on workshop.
Chinese Ambassador Visits UMUC
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(L-R) Wang Xiaoyang, Second Secretary of Education Affairs; Susan C. Aldridge, UMUC President; Zhou Wenzhong, Chinese Ambassador to the U.S.; You Shaozhong, Minister Consular for Education Affairs; and Zhao Liping, wife of Mr. You Shaozhong. |
On September 26, 2007, Zhou Wenzhong, Chinese Ambassador to the United States, attended a reception at the U.S. Embassasy to commemorate the 58th anniversary of the People's Republic of China. His Excellency spoke of China’s great achievements and goals for the future to a room of more than 700 attendees, including UMUC President Susan C. Aldridge, several U.S. Congressmen, government officials, and many other influential leaders.
President Aldridge presented the ambassador with a congratulatory letter on behalf of UMUC students, faculty, and staff. The letter recognized China’s extensive accomplishments in the areas of technology, education, and culture. The university extends best wishes to the country in its efforts to make even more remarkable contributions in the years to come.
Executive Masters of Business Administration Students Travel to China
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UMUC EMBA Students Proudly Hold Their "Doing Business in China" Banner. |
From September 8-16, 2007 thirteen students from the graduate Executive Masters of Business Administration (EMBA) program traveled to China as part of the EMBA Hong-Kong Beijing Program, “Doing Business in China.” The students, accompanied by EMBA professor Christine Hannah, made sixteen stops in Hong Kong and Beijing, ready to take in new business expertise and cultural experiences.
The thirteen students had the opportunity to learn from business professors from several Chinese universities including Hong Kong PolyU, Lingnan University, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, and Renmin University. The professors spoke to the EMBA world travelers about trade agreements, which was the focus of the trip. Students also visited several Chinese companies, including KPMG, HK Trade Development, Li & Fung, and Beijing’s Economic Technology Development area, and met with business officials at these companies.
Along with learning about trade agreements and absorbing expertise from professors and officials, the EMBA students also were able to take in the sights and experience a bit of Chinese history. Student visited to Tiananmen Square, the Great Wall of China, the Forbidden City, and a traditional fishing village. Students also enjoyed an evening of entertainment by the famous Beijing Acrobats.
This is not the first time that UMUC has sent its EMBA students to explore culture and business in China. In September 2006, EMBA students completed a study tour to China, visiting both Hong Kong and Beijing.
Art Exhibit: A View of MarylandJuly 1–September 9 , 2007This exhibit celebrated the 25-year relationship between the state of Maryland, the Maryland Sister States Program and the Kanagawa Prefecture in Japan, and featured paintings, drawings, and photographs inspired by Maryland landscapes. These art works also included views of suburbia, the rural countryside, captivating cityscapes, and nautical scenes.
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August 2007
President Aldridge Helps Promote Higher Education in Latin America
UMUC President Susan C. Aldridge joined Secretary of Education Margaret Spellings and Deputy Assistant Secretary for Academic Programs at the Department of State Tom Farrell in Chile and Brazil as part of the U.S. Department of Education's Latin American delegation. The purpose of the historic trip was to promote the value of U.S. higher education and to also encourage American students to study in Latin America.
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The visit represents the third U.S.-led delegation of college and university presidents. Dr. Aldridge is the only college and university president in the state of Maryland to participate in this higher education initiative.
More information
- Watch Dr. Aldridge discuss the initiative and UMUC's growing role in higher education on WUSA TV News Channel 9 (aired August 2007)
- UMUC President Selected to Promote United States Higher Education Initiative (released August 9, 2007)
- View Secretary Spellings' Travel Log "Notes from the Road" - Santiago, Chile
UMUC Opens New Location in Djibouti
UMUC announced on August 14, 2007, that it is offering seven courses to service members deployed at Camp Lemonier, Djibouti, Africa. Currently, there are about 2,400 troops from all branches of the military service based at Camp Lemonier. Other than a very small presence in Egypt, UMUC has not had a substantial presence in Africa since the early 1970s when American forces left bases.
UMUC Signs Alliance Agreements with Allegany College of Maryland and Cecil College
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 UMUC President Susan C. Aldridge and Allegany College of Maryland President Donald L. Alexander. |
UMUC signed an alliance partnership agreement with Allegany College of Maryland (ACM) on June 27, 2007, and with Cecil College (formerly Cecil Community College) on August 1, 2007. These alliance agreements mark the twelfth and thirteenth academic institutions to become members of the UMUC Alliance program.
These agreements now permit Allegany College of Maryland and Cecil College students to have dual admission into a number of UMUC programs, including business administration, criminal justice, environmental management, fire science, and more. Graduates from both colleges can also apply for the Maryland Community College Transfer Scholarship, the largest scholarship program for community college transfer students in the state.
Are you a community college student? Find out how you can transfer with ease to UMUC.
"Top 100 MBE Awards" Hosted by UMUC
UMUC, in conjunction with the Maryland Chamber of Commerce and the Governor's Office of Minority Affairs, hosted the 2007 "Top 100 Minority Business Enterprise Awards" (MBEs). The ceremony showcased the achievements of minority and women entrepreneurs, and was held on November 8, 2007 at the UMUC Inn and Conference Center in Adelphi, MD.
Learn more at www.top100mbe.com
Online MBA Students Get Heard by SIRIUS Satellite Radio
After 13 weeks of studying international expansion opportunities for SIRIUS Satellite Radio, six students from Professor Sharon Bush's Globalization and Global Business" online MBA class headed to New York City on April 10 to present their findings to the company.
Microsoft to Rename Scripting Center After UMUC Student on August 17
UMUC student Paul Tarter knows numbers. However, one number holds particular significance: 39,614,081,257,132,168,796,771,975,168. This is the number of possibilities in a word puzzle that he successfully solved in Microsoft’s Scripting Guys TechEd Challenge contest.
To honor his achievement and as part of his prize, Microsoft will rename its Script Center after Tarter for one day on August 17, 2007. The solution that Tarter came up with will also be posted on the Script Center Web page on this date.
July 2007
Doctoral Paper Nominated for Award and Presentation
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Co-Authors Larry Phillips and Suzette Johnson, and Dr. John Aje, the UMUC Faculty Advisor for the Project. |
A paper produced by four members of UMUC's Fall 2005 Doctor of Management program, 'Is Layered Disaster Response Effective: An Analysis of Communications Problems during Natural Disaster,' has been nominated for the Dana Meadows Award and was selected for presentation at the annual International Systems Dynamics Conference, held in Boston, July 29 - August 2, 2007.
Authors Larry Phillips, Suzette Johnson, Jim Brinksma, and Ed Zelinski use a systems thinking and systems dynamic approach to compare the initial responses to Hurricane Andrew (August 1992) and Hurricane Katrina (August 2005). The paper aims to better understand communications and organizational decision-making in crisis situations.
The paper was selected once before for presentation at the Academy of Management National Conference in August 2006. “As a result of these submissions, this paper has been much more widely distributed than any of us that worked on ever thought would happen. Copies of it were provided on request to other students and researchers working on similar projects from Harvard and University of Illinois," said Phillips.
UMUC Hosts Fourth Annual July Writing Conference
The Fourth Annual July Writing Conference was held at the Inn and Conference Center in Adelphi, Maryland, July 27-28, 2007. The event included attendees and presenters from UMUC Adelphi, UMUC Europe, and UMUC Asia. A broad array of plenary and concurrent sessions explored faculty and student perspectives on the teaching of academic writing and professional writing. In addition, many presenters demonstrated various applications of technology in teaching writing.
Three New Undergraduate Degrees in Homeland Security
Secure your nation and your future! Gain practical knowledge and prepare yourself to fill a critical position in the fast-growing field of homeland security management by enrolling in one of these new undergraduate programs:
Starting in fall 2007, many courses for the new degrees will be available both online and in traditional classrooms at select UMUC sites in Maryland. Consult the schedule of classes and search by location to see if courses are being offered near you this coming semester.
Don’t miss your opportunity to advance your skills and be in-demand to employers in the federal, state, and local government. Apply online or register today!
*Also available as a minor
Executive MBA Program Presents Student Team Projects
The Executive MBA (EMBA) Program student project teams recently presented international market entry strategy plans to organizations pursuing international expansion interests. Three companies receiving the reports were: WorldCell, Geomet, and Tetracore. The Maryland Department of Business and Economic Development also participated in the meeting as a report recipient. The team recommendations advised the organizations of entry strategies to specific countries based upon the strategic plan of each firm and the state of Maryland.
The guest speaker at the luncheon was Mr. Bill Askinazi, an attorney and former Assistant Secretary to the Maryland Department of Business and Economic Development, speaking on risk management in the international economic environment.
CTL hosts 2007 Summer Faculty Leadership Institute
UMUC's Center for Teaching and Learning (CTL) hosted the Summer Faculty Leadership Institute July 30- August 2, 2007. This meeting brought together close to fifty faculty from Europe, Asia, and the United States to Adelphi, Maryland for an intensive workshop experience. The institute's purpose is to improve instruction at UMUC and those taking part in the Institute make a commitment to share what they have learned at the Institute with their peers. Each year the featured workshops highlight teaching and learning topics of strategic importance to UMUC. The institute is highly interactive, features hands-on activities, and is very much a collaborative effort between CTL and various units within UMUC.
June 2007
UMUC Alumni Association presents 2007 Annual Service Awards
On Friday, June 22, 2007, the UMUC Alumni Association honored and celebrated the achievements of six individuals at the Seventeenth Annual Alumni Association Annual Meeting and Awards Reception.
The event was held at UMUC's headquarters in Adelphi, Maryland and, thanks to the wonders of video web-conferencing, also in San Antonio, Texas. Participants gathered to celebrate the past, take stock of where the Alumni Association is today, and look ahead to its successful future. Our alumni honorees were recognized for their professional achievements, outstanding community service and steadfast devotion to UMUC making them worthy ambassadors for the university. Learn more about our 2007 awardees.
Master of Distance Education Program Receives EFMD-CEL Accreditation Certificate, 6/11
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The MDE program at UMUC recently received the prestigious certificate of accreditation at an award ceremony presented by the European Foundation for Management Development- Technology Enhanced Learning (EFMD-CEL) in Brussels, Belgium on June 11, 2007. UMUC’s MDE program earned this honor by successfully meeting the standards of an extensive program review, and officially received accreditation on October 1, 2006.
The MDE program is the only U.S. program, and one of only six distance education organizations in the world to receive this honor, having met the highest international standards of technology-enhanced learning programs in the field of management education.
War is No Match for Captain David Hintgen's UMUC Education
By enrolling at UMUC, military personnel stationed around the world can continue their education, any time, anywhere. Captain David Hintgen is currently an MBA program student at UMUC. He is also on active duty in Iraq.
[Full Story and Image Gallery]
UMUC Participates in the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure, 6/2
UMUC Alumni Association members committed to raising funds and awareness for the fight against breast cancer by participating in the 2007 Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure on Saturday, June 2, 2007.
Travis Air Force Base Testing Center Ribbon Cutting, 6/1
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UMUC is pleased to announce the opening of a new testing center to serve active-duty service members, spouses, and civilian employees of the military in the Travis Air Force Base area. UMUC President Susan C. Aldridge attended the ribbon cutting ceremony on Friday, June 1.
May 2007
Stanley J. Drazek Teaching Excellence Awards 2006-2007
Four UMUC faculty members received Stanley J. Drazek Teaching Excellence Awards, UMUC’s top teaching prize, during the 2007 Adelphi Commencement on May 12, 2007.
The 2006-2007 recipients are:
About the Stanley J. Drazek Teaching Excellence Awards
Each year, faculty are nominated by students and selected by peers based on their ability to help students meet and exceed course objectives, encourage students to see new professional possibilities for themselves, and inspire students to apply course skills, concepts, or models to their work or community.
UMUC Virtual Dragons Raced May 19-20, Washington, D.C.
On Saturday and Sunday, May 19 and 20, the UMUC Virtual Dragons took part in the 6th Annual Washington D.C. Dragon Boat Festival.
On Saturday, the Dragons won a gold medal for placing first in the 250 meter Division B Open Race.
On Sunday, they competed against several tough teams in the 500 meter race and made it to the finals. Although they didn't win the gold on Sunday, the team exhibited excellent
sportsmanship, leadership, and teamwork. In fact, one of the Taiwanese teams sought out the Virtual Dragons and wanted to exchange team shirts—an honor bestowed on
worthy opponents.
UMUC is extremely proud of the Virtual Dragons!
Starbucks Grand Opening and Ribbon Cutting
President Susan C. Aldridge joined in for the official ribbon-cutting ceremony and grand opening of the new Starbucks, located in the lobby of the Inn and Conference Center on Wednesday, May 9, 2007, at 9:30 a.m. Complimentary Starbucks Coffee was served as well as samples of select Starbucks Frappuccinos.
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4th Annual Biotechnology Spring Symposium
On May 1, 2007, the Biotechnology Studies program of UMUC’s Graduate School of Management & Technology (GSMT) held its 4th annual spring symposium at Shady Grove in Rockville, Md.
[Full Story and Image Gallery]
April 2007
President Susan Aldridge's Message to UMUC About the Tragedy at Virginia Tech
In light of the horrific events on the campus of Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (Virginia Tech) on April 16, 2007, our thoughts and prayers go out to the victims of the violence and especially to our colleagues in higher education and to the students, alumni, family members, and friends of Virginia Tech who have lost loved ones in this senseless tragedy.
- President’s Message About Virginia Tech Tragedy and Safety at UMUC
- UMUC Virginia Tech Ceremony & Moment of Silence- April 23
MBA Students' Study Trip to China
On April 15, 2007 twelve students from UMUC's Graduate School of Management & Technology completed a two-week study tour to China, visiting both Shanghai and Beijing.
While other universities send their students to foreign countries, the UMUC program is unique because it allows students to gain hands-on experience by having them work on specific consulting assignments for companies in China.
[Full Story and Image Gallery]
UMUC Wins Gold and Silver UCEA Awards!
We’re pleased to announce that UMUC was selected for four University Continuing Education Association (UCEA) 2007 Marketing and Publication Awards!
The UMUC Winners Are:
- GOLD AWARD: Print Publications (Annual/Special Report/Magazine) for Fall 2006 Achiever
- GOLD AWARD: Print Publications (Booklet, 1 or 2 Color) for Don Kneessi Art Catalog
- GOLD AWARD: Miscellaneous: Most Improved for UMUC Web Site
- SILVER AWARD: Electronic Marketing and Communication: June 2006 E-Card for Institutional Advancement
This year, 75 member institutions entered 428 entries. The awards will be presented in Vancouver, BC at the annual UCEA conference in April 2007.
Click here for a list of UMUC team involved with each project.
Learn more about UCEA.
UMUC Instant Scholarship Days
UMUC is coming to your community college to award Maryland Community College Transfer Scholarships on the spot!
The scholarships are available for the fall 2007 to spring 2008 academic year and will be given to outstanding graduates of participating Maryland community colleges.
- View the UMUC Instant Scholarship Days Calendar!
Register for the April 9 UMUC Job Fair
Held Monday, April 9, 3–7 p.m.
UMUC Inn and Conference Center, Adelphi, MD
Come to UMUC's Spring 2007 Job Fair and meet with employers from a wide range of industries—from public and private companies to government and the military—who are looking for YOU!
*This event is FREE, but open only to currently enrolled UMUC students and alumni. Advanced registration is required.
The number of organizations attending is growing every day. Come and explore the exciting career paths that are open to you. We look forward to seeing you there.
Questions? E-mail the Office of Career Services or call 301-985-6785.
March 2007
Introducing art@umuc - the UMUC Newsletter for Art Enthusiasts
The Art Advisory Board of UMUC is pleased to announce the inaugural issue of its newsletter, art@umuc. Geared toward anyone with an interest in the arts, the publication provides timely information about UMUC, its groundbreaking Arts Program, and related art events around town.
For information about UMUC's “Friends of the Arts Program,” see p. 7 of the newsletter. To make your tax deductible contribution and become a charter member of the “Friends of the Arts Program,” go to the secured UMUC Online Gift form.
Expand your awareness of UMUC and art in the Maryland/DC/Virginia area!
EMBA Students go to Belgium and Slovenia, 3/9
On March 9, 2007, 21 students from UMUC’s Executive MBA program embarked on an unforgettable, weeklong journey to get a first-hand look into the cross-cultural, organizational, and management issues driving business practices in the European Union. The students visited the Port of Antwerp and then headed to Ljubljana, Slovenia.
Academic
Speaker Series
Andrea Mitchell-Talking Back
March 8, 2007
As part of UMUC’s Academic Lecture Series, Chief Foreign Affairs Correspondent for NBC News Andrea Mitchell discussed her book, Talking Back in the auditorium of the Inn and Conference Center.
February 2007
Spring 2007 Virtual Job Fair!
February 19-March 2
Get the most out of your career search—participate in UMUC’s Spring 2007 Virtual Job Fair, February 19-March 2. This two-week event is hosted entirely online and is ideal for busy working adults and students. You’ll enjoy access to some of the most sought-after employers at times that are convenient for you.
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