A newsletter for students, faculty, staff, alumni and friends
Photo courtesy of Eastern Shore Golf Magazine
These UMES alums are glad to have pebbles in their (golf) shoes
Norman Blanco, Jon Seward Bobby Donson
One of the PGA tour’s signature golf tournaments takes place at the Pebble Beach Resorts each February and this year two newly minted UMES alumni will be working on it from a front-row seat. Norman Blanco and Bobby Donson parlayed senior-year internships in UMES’ PGA golf management program into assistant club pro jobs at the renowned venue on the Pacific Ocean along the central California coast. “I’m trying to be humble about the whole experience,” said Blanco, who grew up in New Orleans. “But, yeah, I have to pinch myself when I think about it.” Blanco and Donson graduated Dec. 16 and immediately headed to the West Coast to start their careers. “This is a game-changer for our program,” said Billy Dillon, director of UMES PGA golf management instruction. “It sends a message to potential students that we can compete with the 17 other (golf management) programs.” According to Dillon, it is rare for Pebble Beach to offer full-time jobs right away to interns, but that’s the luxury Blanco and Donson returned to campus with as they finished up their studies this past fall. Enrolling at UMES proved a turning point in Donson’s life after an
UMES president testifies on Capitol Hill
UMES President Juliette B. Bell testified Dec. 7 before a Congressional committee where she urged it to fund scholarships specifically for minorities who want to pursue careers in agriculture. “The agriculture field has evolved greatly,” Bell told the U.S. House of Representatives’ agriculture committee, “and there are many opportunities for our students to explore the use of technology and to learn what modern agriculture is all about.” Bell was among three historically black institution presidents who addressed the U.S. House of Representatives’ agriculture committee in support of a proposal calling for Congress to provide $1 million annually to each of the 19 land-grant schools founded to offer blacks agriculture training following the Civil War. “We want to be able to increasingly provide that opportunity to more students of African-American descent and help them to be part of the American dream,” Bell said. Rep. David Scott, D-Ga., lead sponsor of the funding resolution, wants the federal aid to be committed for the so-called “1890 institutions” for at least five years. “This bill will provide the 1890 universities,” Bell said, “an opportunity to provide some financial support to those students who are academically well prepared, but not economically prepared to sustain their educational experience.” An aide to Scott said the Georgia Congressman wants future generations of farmers to be well-trained without burdensome college loan debt–and ready to replace America’s aging population of agri-businessmen and women. BELL / continued on page 2
INSIDE
PGA / continued on page 5
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PGA Golf Management Students Visit Benefactors UMES Flight Instructors Train Students
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Page 4 - 5
UMES Thanks Employees Winter For Years Of Service Commencement
January 27, 2017
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Athletics: Hawks Shine In First Big Apple Trip
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Alum Gives UMES Shout Out In O The Oprah Magazine Fun With Flags WESM Lineup
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Calendar of Events
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The Key / January 27, 2017
Circling the Oval
UMES PGA golf management students visit benefactors UMES’ Caves Valley Golf Club Foundation scholars, DeAndre Diggs, Josephina Oh and Demarkis Cooper (seated leftto-right), visited the Baltimorearea country club before the holidays for an event where New York Times columnist Thomas Freidman (wearing the dark sport coat) was a featured guest. Club members in their signature red sport coats are also pictured.
UMES flight instructors train students Edward Brink, UMES aviation program flight specialist and certified flight instructor, congratulates freshman Jelani Connelly after he completed his first solo flight in a Piper Warrior. Connelly is among the first class of Aviation Science Professional Pilot students to receive flight training solely through UMES. All flight training was previously taught by third-party flight training contractors. Email aviation@umes.edu if you are interested in flying. BELL / continued from cover
“We know that the workforce is underrepresented in terms of AfricanAmericans in agriculture,” Bell said. “We also know that the workforce is graying, especially in agriculture.” “It is important for students to know that agriculture is a career they can pursue and that there are jobs,” she said. Scott told his colleagues at the start of the hearing that it was an “historic moment for African-American colleges” and that his proposal would be a boost to “the most important industry in the world.” “There is no greater need in the African-American community … then education and job training,” Scott said. Bell and her colleagues, Cynthia Jackson-Hammond, president of Central State in Ohio, and Paul Jones, president of Fort Valley State in Georgia, fielded mostly friendly questions from committee members seeking details about how their respective schools’ current resources and the challenges they face recruiting, retaining and training students. At least two committee members, however, questioned whether allocating federal aid to historically black institutions meant scholarship money would
go exclusively to African-Americans. Bell explained that UMES is one of the nation’s most diverse historically black universites and that scholarship aid it doles out goes to the most deserving students, regardless of race. Her colleagues concurred. They also said keeping students in school is often complicated by their inability to afford more than a year or two of study. “This bill will provide our universities, which are often not able through endowments and private funding to be able to provide that level of support … to these very deserving students – not just to help them get a degree but to address the workforce needs and economic development of our region and our country,” Bell said. Bell’s testimony came near the end of the 114th Congress, so Scott’s resolution must be refiled so the new session of Congress sworn in this month can consider it. Nevertheless, committee chairman Michael Conaway, R-Texas, expressed optimism that the college presidents’ testimony would be helpful in guiding the agriculture committee in deciding whether to support Scott’s proposal.
UMES People
The Key / January 27, 2017
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UMES thanks employees for years of service 40 years: Donald Mahan, agriculture 35 years: Dr. Eric May, natural sciences Hazel Russell, agriculture 25 years: Mary Ames, human resources Catherine Bolek, sponsored programs Dr. Cheryl Bowers, education Laura Duck, agriculture 20 years: Dr. Arthur Allen, agriculture Dr. Joseph Arumala, technology education Donald Ballard Sr., physical plant Leroy Birckhead, physical plant Linda Boynton, student health Karen Cannon, library services Tina Cottman, student affairs Alexander Cropper, physical plant Cynthia Harmon, physical plant Jesse Harmon Sr., physical plant Earvine Hayward Jr., physical plant James Hitch III, physical plant Andrew Jackson, physical plant Michael Jones, physical plant Alvin Justis, library services John Kenney Sr., residence life Emanuel Maldonado, information technology Dr. Dinesh Sharma, business, management and accounting Ruth Sterling, physical plant Alvin Tirado, auxiliary services Timothy Windsor Sr., physical plant 15 years: Dr. David Alston, social sciences Lloyd Bingham Sr., physical plant George Bradley, athletics Tinya Cephas-Elliott, business, management and accounting Marcellus Connor, residence life Dr. Dean Cooledge, English and modern languages Dr. Ibibia Dabipi, engineering and aviation science Melissa Davis, Title III Samuel Douglas, physical plant Dr. Nagy Habib, business, management and accounting
Joan Harmon, library services Dr. Ali Ishaque, natural sciences Edward Johnson, physical plant Sandra Johnston, English and modern languages Edward Justice, information technology Ola Milligan, physical plant Angelia Price, hotel and tourism management Katherine Quinn, hotel and tourism management Shashanna Reed, human ecology Manal Salamabi, math and computer science Preston Scarborough III, physical plant Dr. Barbara Seabrook, English and modern languages Dr. Daniel Seaton, math and computer science Dr. Simeon Shoge, English and modern languages Alice Smith, physical plant Roberta Stokes, financial aid Dr. William Talley, rehabilitation Selena Thomas, physical plant Lauresa Wigfall, Alcohol, Tobacco and Drug Prevention 10 years: Donald Boston, physical plant Susan Callahan, hotel and tourism management Dr. Paulinus Chigbu, natural sciences Bradley Douglas, physical plant Aaron Fisher, physical plant Adil Hamza, library services Courtney Harned, English and modern languages Howard Harris, physical plant Dr. LaKeisha Harris, rehabilitation Christopher Hartman, engineering and aviation science Dr. Jennifer Hearne, natural sciences Robin Hoffman Jr., academic affairs Barbara Holden, physical plant Dr. Gurdeep Hura, math and computer science Rodney Jackson Sr., physical plant Crystal Linton, admissions Stacy Lunnermon, physical plant Wossen Makonnen, auxiliary services Michael Matos, student activities Cynthia McKamey, president’s office Sharon Neal-Horsey, School of Health Professions
Marvella Rounds, library services, was honored for 45 years of service to UMES by Del. Charles Otto, District 38A, and UMES President Juliette B. Bell. Shearn Barkley, social sciences, also was a 45-year honoree.
30 years Clarice Corbett, research and economic development Bonita Byrd, comptroller’s office
Annette Rogers, rehabilitation Anne Rucker-Carter, athletics Gerald Schoolfield, physical plant Joshua Shockley, sponsored programs Joseph Smith, information technology Chanelle White, agriculture Walter Woods, president’s office Dr. Virginie Zoumenou, human ecology 5 years: Robert Mills, physical plant Dr. Timothy Baughman, social sciences Russell Brittingham, physical plant Curtley Bynoe, athletics Shanique Campbell, physical plant Dr. Feng Chen, School of Health Professions Christina deHuarte, financial aid Mark Encarnacion, physical plant Cathy Ferraro, human ecology Jefferey Foreman Jr., physical plant Dr. Mark Freebery, School of Health Professions Omar Granados, physical plant Todd Hall, information technology Fred Harris, physical plant
Lawrence Himes III, information technology Dr. Larry Hogue, School of Health Professions Dennis Johnson, physical plant Dorethea Johnson, physical plant Evelyn Jones, education Dr. Russell Kohl, math and computer science Devin Milburn, physical plant John Moore, physical plant Dr. Andres Morales-Nunez, natural sciences Abuobida Osman, math and computer science Carter Pruitt, physical plant Demond Selby, physical plant Anna Sherman, human ecology Donald Shreeves, physical plant Dr. Leesa Thomas-Banks, business, management and accounting Sheena Trader, human ecology Shannon Warren, residence life Tiffany Watson, physical plant Erica Williams, admissions and recruitment Dr. Meng Xia, natural sciences Dr. Lisa Zheng, rehabilitation
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COMMEN
The Key / January 27, 2017
“All eyes are on you” A brutally cold day could not penetrate the warmth and good cheer of the University of Maryland Eastern Shore’s 20th winter graduation, where alumni rolls grew by 318. Graduates heard uplifting messages from commencement speaker Tinisha Agramonte, who told of her life’s experiences that turned her into a civil rights crusader, and from DaMisha Brown, who won an audition to deliver the student commentary. DaMisha Brown “We can change what we see, of this country, of ourselves,” Brown said. “Know that when you walk out of these doors today, all eyes are on you.” “Those eyes will be watching you through your ups and your downs,” the English major from Newark, Del. said. “Some eyes will only see your downs, but the change happens when you get up. We can change what is said about us.” Among Brown’s classmates was John Russell Lamkin IV, who had the unique experience of seeing his grandfather presented with the honorary title of faculty emeritus. The elder Lamkin taught music at UMES for 30 years before retiring in 2014. “It’s an honor and privilege to have the opportunity to be here, let alone be at the same university as my grandfather,” said Lamkin, who John R. Lamkin III and IV majored in accounting. “I’m as proud of him as I know he is of me,” he said. “It couldn’t make this day any better.” Also awarded faculty emeriti honors were social sciences professor Howard M. Rebach and education professor Karen A. Verbeke. Between Howard Rebach and Karen Verbeke the three retirees, they amassed some 98 years of service at UMES and more than 100 as educators. For the first time since being named in 2015 to lead the University
Dr. Bell and Robert Caret
System of Maryland, Chancellor Robert Caret attended a UMES commencement. “Life is an adventure,” Caret told the Class of 2016. “Use each day aggressively to pursue your dreams.” Justin Meade, of Gaithersburg, starts next week at his new job as deputy clerk at the Montgomery County courthouse. “UMES was a great experience,” said Meade, who received a criminal justice degree. “I learned a lot here. It opened my eyes. It helped me become a man. I enjoyed my four years here.” Connor Neville of Ocean City finished his undergraduate work in agriculture in 3½ years. He returns to campus in January, where he’s committed to working at least six months in the Global Information System lab as a technician while applying for graduate school, where he’d like to study landscape architecture. Dr. Jurgen Schwarz, one of his professors, said the Henson Honors Program student was among the brightest students he’s had the pleasure of teaching during his tenure at UMES. “He’ll go far,” Schwarz said. An agriculture graduate who did not have to go far to earn her degree was 50-year-old Annette L. Kenney of nearby Marion. Kenney is the second youngest of 16 children, and the first among her siblings to earn a college degree. She enrolled at UMES following a workrelated injury and called her time as an undergraduate “a true blessing.” Kenney exemplifies a message Agramonte repeated for emphasis several times as the commencement’s keynote speaker. “We have the power to change our story,” she said. “There will be many people who will doubt you. Don’t be one of them.” Agramonte also ad-libbed briefly, turning to acknowledge Brown seated to her left and the message behind Brown’s closing remarks in the student commentary, when she said, “We are the tangible evidence of our university’s three pillars of success: Distinction, Investment and Opportunity.”
NCEMENT
The Key / January 27, 2017
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UMES fêtes Class of 1966 Golden Hawks, from left, are: Frederick Moore, Barbara Green, Edward Smith, Dr. Brenda Gordon, Harry Redd and Dr. Russell Irvine.
PGA / continued from cover
Jon Seward
Norman Blanco and Bobby Donson
injury playing college baseball at another institution near his Gaithersburg, Md. home short-circuited his pursuit of that game as a potential career. “Being able to use what I’ve learned from hotel and tourism management classes and golf management classes and tying it all in together has worked out perfectly,” Donson said. Since its inception in 2008, the UMES golf management program has cultivated a network of golf-course internship opportunities at such highprofile locales as Caves Valley outside Baltimore, Congressional near Washington and on Martha’s Vineyard. The Pebble Beach relationship, now underscored by employing two UMES alumni, elevates the university’s profile across the multi-billion dollar golf industry. “We all jockey to get our students the best possible internships – internships that can change lives and careers,” Dillon said. “The Pebble Beach internship is at the top of that list.” The UMES-Pebble Beach internship opportunity has its roots in the annual PGA Merchandise Show in Orlando, where UMES golf management
students encounter and seek out potential employers who can help them fulfil degree requirements with hands-on work in the field. “Having the opportunity to intern at the number one public golf course in America was priceless,” Blanco wrote in an essay published in Eastern Shore Golf Magazine. “It was an educational feast; learning from the best of the best was invaluable.” Donson’s essay in the same publication described his Pebble Beach experience as “truly a blessing … (where he experienced) day-after-day learning various aspects of the industry, gaining more real-life experiences and knowledge. (I) never took a day for granted.” “I’m looking forward to this next chapter in life,” Donson said. Jon Seward of Fort Washington, Md., who anticipates graduating in the spring of 2018, also joined Blanco and Donson for the sixth-month intern stint at Pebble Beach. “I was exposed to the best-run golf operation in America,” Seward said, “and had the best seat in the house as a young, aspiring professional thirsty for knowledge.” Donson and Blanco were among five golf management graduates who received degrees during the university’s 2016 winter commencement. Classmate Patrick Harris of Providence Forge, Va., also is California-bound after accepting a job at the Turkey Creek Golf Club in Lincoln north of Sacramento. They made up UMES’ fifth group to earn a unique Bachelor of Science degree combining elements of instruction to hone high-level golf skills and hospitality and tourism management coursework. Dillon says the UMES program now has “37 graduates all over the country that have, so far, been successful in the golf industry.” It is one of 18 in the nation with PGA accreditation, and the lone historically black institution. The UMES-Pebble Beach connection underscores to other students that hard-work and perseverance will be rewarded, Dillon said. “When outside agencies get a taste of what UMES produces, they tend to be extremely happy with the results,” Dillon said. “This program directly affects lives in a positive manner and I can’t wait to see where our graduates end up.”
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The Key / January 27, 2017
Athletics
Several Hawks shine in first Big Apple trip Shellasia Leitch
A last-minute schedule change did not affect the Hawks’ performance at the Towson Tiger Invitational Jan. 14. Several athletes qualified for postseason meets while others set personal records as the men’s team placed sixth, while the women’s team came in seventh. The men’s team saw two runners punch tickets to the IC4A/ECAC Championships in Boston in March and three more earned a trip to the MEAC Championships in February. Senior Khalil Rmidi Kinini (Malaga, Spain) ran in the 3000 meter for the first time this season and did not disappoint with a winning time of 8:17.12, staking his claim to Boston. Senior Taj Showalter (Anchorage, Alaska) will join him after running the 60 meter hurdles in 8.21 seconds, placing third in the finals. Two more Hawks qualified for MEAC’s in the 3000, with junior Oussama Chouati (Manresa, Spain) finishing fifth with a time of 8:43.02 and sophomore Jordan Leon (Baltimore, Md.) coming in sixth at 8:47.21. Leon’s time also qualified as a personal record. Junior Donovan Mundy (Jacksonville, Fla.) will also be heading to Landover with earning a personal record in the mile at 4:19.00 to come in third at Towson. In addition to all the postseason qualifications, personal records were earned by senior Kevin Stanford (Salisbury, Md.) in the high jump, junior Michael Rollins (Waldorf, Md.) and freshman Isaiah Smith (Abington, Pa.) in the 400, and freshmen Chidera Egeonu (Newark, Del.) in the 60 meter dash and Noah Agwu (Wilimington, Del.) in the weight throw.
On the women’s side, a pair of athletes who are no stranger to postseason competition will once again travel to Boston. Senior Shellasia Leitch (Newark, N.J.) qualified with a time of 8.68 seconds to win the 60 meter hurdles, and classmate Shauntel Lucius Shauntel Lucius (Newark, N.J.) earned her ticket with a distance of 12.16 meters in the triple jump. Another senior—Donisha Porter (Aberdeen, Md.)—will head to Landover for her performance in the shot put, a distance of 12.98 meters. She will be joined by senior Jennaya Hield (Freeport, Bahamas) after her time of 5:20.58 in the mile. Personal records were achieved by junior Regyn Davis-Young (Lanham, Md.) in the weight throw, sophomore Lenneisha Gilbert (Miami, Fla.) in the 500 meter, and freshmen Sierra Adams (Silverdale, Wash.) and Tenae Pitts (Abington, Pa.). The Maryland Eastern Shore men and women split up for separate meets Sat., Jan. 2; the Navy Open in Annapolis for the men and the Terrapin Invitational in Landover for the women. For complete recaps, results and news of Hawk athletics, please visit www.easternhshorehawks.com.
School News
The Key / January 27, 2017
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Alum gives UMES shout out in O The Oprah Magazine UMES alum Gwendolyn Durbin’s answer to O’s question of the month “What adventure would you love to share with your best friend?” was selected for publication in The Oprah Magazine. Thanks for the “Hawk Pride.” We’re glad you cherish your memories at UMES!
“Fun With Flags:” A United Nations flag plaza on wheels
From left, international student Ahmari Carrigan and Dr. Lombuso Khoza are presented with a holiday gift from one department to another by technology student Jonathan Moore and Dr. Tyler Love.
UMES’ Center for International Education had a dilemma; could a better way be found to store and have ready access to nearly 100 flags of nations representing students and faculty, past and present, in its cozy headquarters just off McCain Drive? The university’s Department of Technology answered the call, delivering just before the holidays a custom-built mobile cart to hold the flags that would have made a perfect project for “Sheldon Cooper” of “The Big Bang Theory” fame. Administrative assistant Elissa Gordon had been wrestling with how to better organize the center’s colorful inventory so she could quickly put her hands on a particular national flag.
When Gordon started work at the center a year ago, dozens of polemounted flags were randomly stored upright in a closet of what originally was an on-campus faculty bungalow. National flags of current students at UMES are part of the university’s pageantry, including a parade of the banners during commencement exercises each December and May. At the suggestion of a colleague, Gordon contacted Dr. Tyler Love to inquire whether technology engineering education students could conjure a solution to the cluttered closet conundrum. Love saw Gordon’s dilemma as a way to create a problem-solving project for senior David Cain and juniors Jonathan Moore and Ahmari Carrigan. The UMES students took detailed measurements of the closet’s dimensions and the width of its door, the height of the ceiling and the uniform length of 96 flagpoles. Back at a workshop in the Thomas/Briggs Arts and Technology Center, the trio and Love ran the numbers through a computerized design program and came up with a three-dimensional model for a four-wheel cart. The key factor, Love said, was a design so flags on 6-foot poles could be stored and removed, (unimpeded by the 7-foot, 10-inch ceiling) from a plywood panel featuring a grid of 128 precision carved holes he jokingly said resembles Swiss cheese. “It gives (technology students) a context to identify and solve a real world, STEM (science technology engineering & math) problem,” Love said. Moore and Love estimate the project took about 30 hours to design, craft and assemble. Materials cost roughly $70. Gordon and Dr. Lombuso Khoza, the International Center’s acting director, were all smiles when Love and Moore rolled the cart through the front door. “Oh, my,” Gordon said. “This is a wonderful holiday season gesture.” Love and Moore gave a brief demonstration and described how the project came together. “It was all about the engineering design process,” Love said, “which is what (technology engineering majors) will be teaching (high school) students someday.”
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Calendar
The Key / January 27, 2017
arts & entertainment calendar
2 FEB 12
Art Exhibit Opening Reception
4-6 p.m., Mosely Gallery “Women of Color Working with Color” in observance of Black and Women’s History months. On display through March 16. For associated events, call or visit: 410-651-7770 www. moselygallery.com
Homecoming Worship Brunch*
11 a.m.-2 p.m. Brunch and performances by university and community gospel artists and choirs. 410-651-6434 or UMEStickets.com
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SGA-Sponsored Homecoming Concert*
9-midnight/Doors open at 7:30 p.m. William P. Hytche Athletic Center Hip-hop recording artists perform. 410-651-6434 or UMEStickets.com
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Athletics-Sponsored Homecoming Concert*
8-11 p.m./Doors open at 7 p.m. William P. Hytche Athletic Center Harold Melvin and the Blue Notes perform. 410-651-8471 or UMEStickets.com
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Hand Made by Maya Freelon Asante
Homecoming Basketball Game*
11 a.m.-3 p.m., Tailgate, Tawes Parking Lot Noon-2 p.m., Old School Pep Rally, Tawes Gym 2 p.m. Women’s/ 4 p.m. Men’s games Doors open at noon William P. Hytche Athletic Center Homecoming basketball games vs North Carolina Central. $25 includes both games/free for full-time UMES students with ID. 410-621-3311 or UMEStickets.com
Homecoming Step & Stroll Competition*
8-11 p.m. /Doors open at 7 p.m. Ella Fitzgerald Center Greek-lettered organizations display their skills in the art of strolling. 410-651-6434 or UMEStickets.com
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Contemporary Dance
*Unless noted, all events listed are free.
T H E U MES MISSION The University of Maryland Eastern Shore, the state’s historically black, 1890 land-grant institution, has its purpose and uniqueness grounded in distinctive learning, discovery and engagement opportunities in the arts and science, education, technology, engineering, agriculture, business and health professions. UMES is a student-centered, doctoral research degree-granting university known for its nationally accredited undergraduate and graduate programs, applied research and highly valued graduates. UMES provides individuals, including first-generation college students, access to a holistic learning environment that fosters multicultural diversity, academic success, and intellectual and social growth. UMES prepares graduates to address challenges in a global, knowledgebased economy while maintaining its commitment to meeting the workforce and economic development needs of the Eastern Shore, the state, the nation and the world.
6 p.m. Reception / 7 p.m. Performance Ella Fitzgerald Center The Dayton (Ohio) Dance Company performs. 410-651-UMES
The University of Maryland Eastern Shore prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, religion, national origin, disability, marital status, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression. Inquiries regarding the application of Federal laws and nondiscrimination policies to University programs and activities may be referred to the Office of Equity & Compliance/Title IX Coordinator by telephone (410) 651-7848 or e-mail (titleix@umes.edu).
The KEY is published by the Office of Public Relations in the Office of the President 410-651-7580 www.umes.edu
Editors Gail Stephens, Assistant Director of Public Relations and Publications Manager Bill Robinson, Director of Public Relations Design by Debi Rus, Rus Design Inc. Printed by The Hawk Copy Center Submissions to The KEY are preferred via email. All copy is subject to editing.The Key is written according to the Associated Press stylebook.