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President: Tuajuanda C. Jordan, PhD
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(Continued from front) The commencement address was delivered by Wanda Queen Draper, executive director of the Reginald F. Lewis Museum of Maryland African American History and Culture since 2016. Prior to the museum, she worked at WBALTV of the Hearst Corporation, where she served in a number of capacities, including director of programming and public affairs. She began her career with Hearst Newspapers as a reporter for the Baltimore News American. She also worked at WJZ-TV and Maryland Public Television. Draper is dedicated to uplifting and empowering communities in need. Her view of community service as a social responsibility has led her to take on hunger, homelessness, and education, amongst many other worthy causes. Draper was presented with an honorary degree from St. Mary’s College by the Honorable Sven Holmes, chair of the College’s Board of Trustees.
June 2018
A newsletter for the community, faculty, staff and students.
Larger than life: the family of Marsalis “Sully” Hurley ’18 showed their love bigtime at Commencement.
College was enhanced and served to strengthen the student pipeline between the two institutions, thus facilitating transfer student transition into St. Mary’s College.
Also receiving honorary degrees from St. Mary’s College were St. Mary’s College Board of Trustee Emeritus John J. McAllister and Bradley Gottfried, former president of the College of Southern Maryland. McAllister served on the Board of Trustees from 2004-2016. He has been an active supporter of the College as a River Concert Series sponsor and as a supporter
Robin Bates (prof. of English), retiring after 32 years of teaching, offered advice in the form of the poem “Ithaka” by C.P. Cavafy.
of the Computer Science Co-op. He is also an active member of the community, having served on the Historic St. Mary’s City Commission, the Board of the Southern Maryland Higher Education Center, and Sotterley Plantation Board. McAllister was co-founder, president and CEO of Eagan, McAllister Associates, Inc. Gottfried served as College of Southern Maryland’s fourth president from 2006 – 2017. Under Gottfried’s leadership, CSM has taken an active role in the growth of Southern Maryland. These include the development and growth of several academic and workforce development programs, and the formation of a number of institutes. During his tenure, collaboration with the
Tyler Jones and Melissa Barall, co-valedictorians of the Class of 2018.
Tyler Jones and Melissa Barall delivered the valedictory address. Jones is a physics and computer science double major and a mathematics minor. He was inducted into Phi Beta Kappa as a junior, and this spring he won the Physics Department Award for academic excellence. He was a member of the dance club, president of the jiu jitsu club, and a tutor in the Writing and Speaking Center. Barall is a triple major in public policy, economics, and political science, with a minor in mathematics. She studied abroad at University College Dublin, served as a student ambassador for the Admissions Office, and twice interned with Wells Fargo as a summer analyst. She was co-captain of the women’s varsity tennis team, a member of Omicron Delta Kappa, and editor of the political science student journal, Open Water. This spring, she won the Scholar-Athlete Award and the Louise Victoria Lusby Award in Economics.
Nice velvet tams! David Kung (prof. of mathematics) and Beth Charlebois (assoc. prof. of English) have shared 17 Commencements together at SMCM.
Want More? News, Student and Faculty accomplishments: www.smcm.edu/news Campus Events Calendar: www.smcm.edu/events/calendar 240.895.2000 | www.smcm.edu
College Confers Undergraduate and Graduate Degrees St. Mary’s College of Maryland graduated 373 students with Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Science, and Master of Arts in Teaching degrees on Saturday, May 12, outdoors on Townhouse Green. President Tuajuanda C. Jordan made this charge to the Class of 2018: “You have done well here at St. Mary’s College of Maryland, where you have studied and learned in the finest liberal arts tradition. As you ‘sail through this to that’ in moving beyond the banks of this river into the world, my expectation is that you will take your passions, your skills, and the knowledge you have gained at this place to create a more just and humane society for all.” (See more photos and story inside) Pictured: Sidi Zeid Chleuh is greeted by faculty and Jordan as he processes out of the commencement ceremony.
Students, Faculty, Staff Shine at Awards Convocation More than 80 students were recognized on April 27 for their academic achievements at the annual Awards Convocation, held in the Michael P. O’Brien Athletics and Recreation Center Arena. Groups of students were also recognized as St. Mary’s Scholars and members of the Dean’s List, Phi Beta Kappa and Omicron Delta Kappa. Faculty and staff were also recognized for their contributions to the academic and campus life. Charles Adler (prof. of physics) was the Norton T. Dodge awardee for scholarly and creative achievement. Kelly Neiles (asst. prof. of chemistry) received the Homer L. Dodge Award for Excellence in Teaching by a junior faculty member. Janna Thompson (asst. prof. of educational studies)
Janna Thompson and Robert Thompson ’18 speak with Christine Wooley.
received the Jordan Teaching Exemplar award. Scott Mirabile (assoc. prof. of psychology) received the Andy Kozak Faculty Contribution to Student Life award. Thomas Ford (caretaker I) received the Joe Carroll Memorial staff award. The St. Mary’s award was given to Michael Cain (prof. of political science), Anthony Guzman (asst. registrar) and Lucy Myers (fiscal assoc. II).
Charles “Chip” Jackson Leaves a Campus Legacy
On Friday, May 4, the St. Mary’s College Foundation celebrated the philanthropic support of those who donated $1,000 or more to St. Mary’s College between July 1, 2017-June 30, 2018 with a Kentucky Derby themed donor appreciation reception.
During the St. Mary’s College Board of Trustees dinner on Friday, May 11, board members and St. Mary’s College President Tuajuanda C. Jordan recognized Charles “Chip” Jackson for his 32 years of service to the College, the last five in his current position as vice president of business and finance.
Several student groups and faculty showcased their work, representing some of the many benefits to students made possible through the generosity of donor support.
Jackson’s family, including his wife Emily, children and granddaughter, surprised him with their attendance at the dinner. Jackson was presented with a citation and two gifts from the board with naming components. Board Chair Sven Holmes announced that the footbridge along Route 5 has been named in Jackson’s honor. He was presented with a photo of how the nameplate will appear on the bridge. Trustee John Wobensmith ’93 made a gift to the sailing program in honor of Jackson along with naming the recreational equipment station at the waterfront in tribute to Jackson’s legacy. The citation he received was framed along with two aerial photos of
Trustee Larry Leak ’76 looks on as Jackson admires a framed citation with “then and now” aerial photos of campus.
architecture and sustainability initiatives. Jackson began his career at SMCM as the director of capital projects in 1986. He became the director of facilities in 1989 and associate vice president in 2000. In a recent news release from the College, President Jordan said, “Chip has been responsible for the look and feel of the College. We wish him all the best in his retirement knowing that he has made an indelible mark on this institution and within the community.” Jackson will retire from St. Mary’s College effective August 31, 2018. If things go according to plan, Jackson will soon be boating, fishing, traveling, and spending time with family.
the College. The citation read in part, “The St. Mary’s College of Maryland Board of Trustees extends its deepest appreciation for your unwavering devotion to this institution. Your passion is reflected in the planned environment of St. Mary’s College.”
Jackson with granddaughter Della.
What’s Happening in Sports The Seahawk women’s sailing team competed in the Sperry Women’s National Eastern Semifinals hosted at Old Dominion University in Norfolk, Va., finishing in 10th place. This year’s national champion in women’s sailing is Boston College, after winning a tie-breaker with College of Charleston. St. Mary’s College also competed in the Gill Coed Dinghy National Western Semifinals at Old Dominion University, finishing eighth and advancing to the finals. In the finals, which ran on May 31 and June 1, the Seahawks finished in 14th place. This year’s national champion in coed dinghy is MIT.
Linnea Lundh ’18 discusses her research with 1840 society guests.
Guests enjoyed learning about research projects, hearing from two students directly impacted by philanthropy and listening to a performance by PING, the College’s vocal ensemble directed by Larry Vote. Helen Daugherty (prof. of sociology) talks with students about their research.
Boyle ’10 Publishes Children’s Book on Healthy Living St. Mary’s College alumnus and Iron Man Brian Boyle ’10 has published a triathlon-inspired children’s book entitled “Swim, Bark, Run” (Sky Pony Press, June 2018). He co-wrote the book with his wife, Pamela Boyle. According to Boyle, “My goal is that this book will inspire young children to want to live a healthy and active lifestyle.” Boyle included several related themes from his previous book, “Iron Heart” (Skyhorse Publishing, November 2011) into the book –
the power of teamwork, dedication, determination, working hard for your goals, and overcoming adversity.
Kudos to...
President Jordan, Board Chair Sven Holmes and Trustee John Wobensmith ’93 honored Chip Jackson’s contributions to the SMCM campus.
Prior to his current position, Jackson served as the associate vice president for planning and facilities at St. Mary’s College. In this role, he led the College’s master planning, design and construction efforts. His work led to multiple awards for
Members of the 1840 Society Recognized at Special Event
Happy to get there; sad to leave: The women’s sailing team competed in the semifinals but did not advance to the finals.
Gerald Sellers (patrol officer) was among 12 law enforcement officers to receive an officer of the year award at the 18th annual law enforcement appreciation day ceremony held Tuesday, May 8 at the Southern Maryland Higher Education Center. Sellers has been a public safety officer for the College since October 2014. He currently serves as senior public safety officer, typically working the overnight shift.
Ian Miller ’18 (mathematics ) won first place for student presentations at the recent sectional conference of the Mathematical Association of America (MAA), which was hosted at Washington and Lee University and Virginia Military Institute in Lexington, Va. His talk, entitled “A Combinatorial Argument in a Packing Problem,” was based on work begun under the mentorship of Ivan Sterling (prof. of mathematics & computer science).
Betül Başaran, (assoc. prof. religious studies) received a fellowship at the Folger Shakespeare Library in Washington, D.C. for the academic year 2018-19, in support of her sabbatical project, “Cross-Cultural Intimacy and Marriage between Europeans and Ottoman Women in the Early Modern Era.” The fellowship provides support for up to a three-month residence at the Folger.
Asif Dowla (prof of economics and Landers Endowed Chair in the Liberal Arts) published an article “Climate Change and Microfinance” in the journal Business Strategy and Development. The article examines how microfinance institutions that provide collateral-free loans (mostly to women) can help their borrowers deal with consequences of climate change.
Charles Holden (prof. of history) published two articles over the 2017-18 academic year. “Prominent Men Badly Beaten: The Baltimore Pro-War Riot of 1917,” was published in the Fall/Winter 2018 issue of Maryland Historical Magazine. The article describes a riot that broke out in Baltimore in April 1917 as the U.S. entered World War I.
Jennifer Cognard-Black, (prof. of English) was a writing fellow at the Virginia Center for the Creative Arts from May 7-20, 2018. During this artist residency, Cognard-Black worked on her first novel, the fictionalization of a 10-year period in the life of Edith Wharton. Cognard-Black was awarded a MidAtlantic Arts Foundation Grant to support her time at the VCCA.