JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2025
Soaring to New Heights
New partnership with United Airlines opens job opportunities for UMES aviation students
The University of Maryland Eastern Shore is now participating in the United Airlines Aviate Program, which offers aspiring and established pilots a secure path to jobs and becoming a first officer with the airline UMES is the fifth historically Black university to partner with United Aviate
“This partnership is a milestone for our aviation sciences program and for the students,” UMES President Heidi M. Anderson said “This creates a clear path to go from UMES to United and allows them to explore the skies ”
“We are scouring the country to find the best talent regardless of color, creed, gender and location that best represent United and our values,” said Eric Prince, Director of Government Affairs for United “To have the opportunity to speak at an HBCU as an HBCU graduate is important because whenever you ’ re setting foot on an HBCU campus, it’s like being on hallowed ground ”
“We’re excited to welcome UMES to the United Aviate program, benefiting current and future students in their journeys to becoming professional pilots,” said Mike Bonner, Managing Director of Aviate and Pilot Hiring at United. “UMES has a reputation for providing a high-quality aviation education, which aligns with our pilot recruitment strategy ”
The partnership with United Airlines, which was announced in November, continues the growth of UMES’s aviation program over the past few years, which includes agreements with Republic Airlines and Alaska Airlines to provide scholarships for students, as well as the addition of an aviation maintenance training program
Added Anderson: "This is an historic partnership with United not just for UMES and its students, but for the entire Eastern Shore region Through this collaboration, we'll continue to provide quality aviators who are vital to our local and national economy "
Congratulations, Winter Graduates!
Winter commencement offers grads opportunity to celebrate successes and reflect on missed opportunities
The University of Maryland Eastern Shore conferred degrees to 203 new graduates during the 27th winter commencement on Dec 13, 2024
“It feels bittersweet leaving so soon, ” said Ayanna Zenzele-Rushing, of Baltimore The digital media studies major completed her bachelor’s in five semesters “I know that I’ve done the work, and I’ve learned a lot here at UMES, even though it was a shorter time than usual ”
For Ludan Osman, of Princess Anne, the road to her bachelor’s degree in biology began when her family emigrated from Sudan in 2019
“My experience at UMES proves that everything is possible as long as I put my mind to it,” she said “To go from struggling in a general lab to publishing research papers means that in my next journey if I struggle in the beginning, I can tell myself the same thing happened to me and that I have to put in the extra work to overcome it.”
Fall 2024 Commencement took place on Friday, Dec. 13, 2024 at 10 a.m. in the William P. Hytche Arena
Also among the Winter 2024 graduates were students affected by the COVID-19 outbreak As the world closed during the pandemic, important life moments were either delayed, postponed, or moved to a virtual setting
“It was a different time and atmosphere when I started in 2018,” said mechanical engineering major Jalen Hunter of Oxon Hill, Maryland “COVID changed a lot of things, especially when we went to online classes It was a learning experience for everyone, students, and teachers alike ”
(Photo by Megan Raymond)
Giving the student commentary, Tayveon Lee, a computer engineering major from Baltimore, discussed the “unexpected challenges” COVID brought for members of his graduating high school class
“We missed prom, graduation, and the traditional high school experiences,” Lee said “But UMES became the door that opened for us, the place where our journey truly began ”
For Imani Payne, of Cambridge by way of Baltimore, the opportunity to walk across the stage at the William P Hytche Athletic Center was one that was four years in the making
Payne – earning her master’s degree in Cybersecurity Engineering Technology – was unable to celebrate her first degree, a bachelor’s in Human Ecology with a concentration in fashion merchandising, due to the postponement of the Winter 2020 graduation Beset with the additional tragedy of losing her father in the spring of 2023, Payne’s chance to partake in the traditional turning of the tassels had to wait another year
But having moved forward, Payne said this moment more than makes up for what she was unable to do four years prior
“I’m making a very big deal out of this,” she said “I’m going to do everything that I wanted to do this fall 2024 ”
The emotions Lee, Payne, and many others encountered when missing their biggest moments was not lost on UMES President Heidi M. Anderson, who addressed the omitted milestones
“Four years ago, many of you were not able to attend a commencement for your high school diploma, or undergraduate degree,” she said “But today, you finally get the recognition you so richly deserve: to stand; to walk this stage; to hear your name called; and to receive your well-earned degree ”
Added Anderson: “We are not just celebrating the culmination of years of hard work and dedication, but also the beginning of a new chapter in your lives. It’s the start of an exciting journey filled with endless possibilities and opportunities.”
Tayveon Lee gives the senior student commentary during UMES’ 27th Winter Commencement
(Photo by Megan Raymond)
UMES admissions coordinator Aaron Cork poses before receiving his Master’s Degree at the Winter Commencement
Group Photo Featured Students (From Left): Ayanna Zenzele-Rushing, Ludan Osman, Jalen Hunter, Imani Payne
Students celebrate outside Hytche Arena
Fall 2024 Graduates with UMES President Heidi M. Anderson
‘I’ve been building myself up to accomplish this’
UMES senior Jalen Gourrier lands prestigious White House internship
The past six months have been event-filled for University of Maryland Eastern Shore senior Jalen Gourrier The business major participated in two major summer programs that not only polished his resume but also helped develop his leadership skills
Gourrier first participated in the 10-day Johns Hopkins Summer Business Academy, where he and other attendees tackled real-life industry challenges During the session, Gourrier and his team finished second in a team case analysis competition, earning a share of a $7,000 cash prize
While that would be a huge accomplishment on its own, Gourrier wasn’t done Later in the summer, he was also selected as UMES’s representative for the White House HBCU Internship Program
“Having this honor is something that I feel like I’ve worked towards with all of the internships, jobs and experiences I’ve had,” Gourrier said “I’ve been building myself up to put myself out there to accomplish this I’m more than excited, I’m proud ”
Gourrier was one of the 110 selected from 77 HBCUs chosen from a field of 350 applicants
As part of his White House HBCU Internship experience, Gourrier’s involvement in the program includes participation in several programs and events such as master classes focusing on professional development while increasing access to post-graduation opportunities with various agencies and organizations
One of his first activities as a White House HBCU intern was attending the 2024 HBCU Week National Annual Conference in Philadelphia in September Gourrier entered the week-long event with several goals
“I wanted to make connections and get into rooms I wouldn’t have thought I would get into,” he said “I wanted to be a sponge and absorb as much information as I could.”
Gourrier, who plans to attend law school upon graduation, said he looks to put all the things he’s learned from these experiences to good use
“With this opportunity under my belt, I want to develop those important soft skills like public speaking and analysis that are necessary in my career field,” he said “I also want to leverage this position I’m in to help further my career potential and bettering my campus ”
“I wanted to make connections and get into rooms I wouldn’t have
Comics, Collectables, Cosplay, & More
Inaugural Hawk Con event to showcase sequential artists, pop culture
Pop culture, comic books, and cosplay fans are invited to the University of Maryland Eastern Shore’s inaugural Hawk Con event The day-long convention, taking place in the Student Service Center on March 1, will feature art and comic book exhibits, costume contests, panel discussions and more
Tickets for Hawk Con are: $5 for UMES students and children under 12 $10 general admission
“When we started developing the concept, my main focus was that I wanted people to know about our students and the artwork they make,” said Bradley Hudson, interim chair of the Department of Fine Arts at UMES and event organizer “It’s developed into an event to recruit local art students and students in general for the university, something for the campus community and community in general, and a way to promote comics, cartoons, manga, anime and different versions of pop culture ”
As part of Hawk Con, there will be a variety of panels led by experts and UMES Fine Arts professors, comic book exhibitor and dealer booths, art displays, appearances by professional cosplayers, and a costume contest sponsored by the Ocean City Comic Con.
Having the event being used as a recruiting tool enables perspective students to see the programs offered at UMES
“If you were to look at studying sequential arts or comics or cartooning, and you go to a private school, it would cost at least twice or even three times as much, as what UMES costs,” Hudson added “Even then, the students wouldn't get the kind of treatment and experience we can provide them ”
As Hawk Con draws close, Hudson expects there to be a lot of interest and enthusiasm in the event’s offerings
“When people come in, they're going to be hit with a huge, positive reaction from everybody involved,” he said “They're going to see a lot of excitement and energy for what we're doing We love comics, we love art, and we love our students ”
VIP packets with early access admission are also available for $40.
Go to https://wwwcp.umes.edu/h awkcon/ or email hawkcon@umes.edu for more information.
Meet Mr. & Miss UMES
Oluwanifemi Mercy Faniyi is the 56th Miss UMES
Q: Why did you run for Miss UMES?
A: This is my first time being anything that isn't student leadership I was doing certain things in student organizations, but not in something related to student government or Campus Activities Board I looked around my campus and I saw what was needed Being born in Nigeria, I'm an advocate about culture and background. I'm very proud about where I came from, and I feel like as an HBCU we have a culture that's not really awakened yet. That's one of my passions and that's something that I plan to bring to this campus
Q: How would you describe your experience at UMES?
A: It’s been an amazing experience I’ve met so many people and made so many connections that will last a lifetime Never in a million years, when I first came to this campus, would I think I'll be sitting here as Miss UMES Now as senior graduating in May I can look back and see my time here as a life-changing experience
Q: Why do you feel the student population chose you?
A: I think it’s the way I relate to people I want to be that support system that the student body can come to It’s important to understand people, respect their decisions, and respect what people have to say
It’s important that you ’ re approachable and a downto-earth person You need to carry yourself with pride and remember the people who put you in that position in the first place
Q: What are some of the initiatives for this year?
A: I want people to know that the role of Mister and Miss UMES is not just about wearing a crown, dressing up looking pretty, and wearing a sash and heels all day We are the spokespersons for the students and the bridge between them and the administration That’s why we’d like to increase interest in more people who want to be in this position and see what changes they want for this university
Q: What have been some of the challenges along the way?
A: Having the students understand where the administration is coming from and having the administration understand where the students are coming from There's always going to be a clash between the students and the administration As one of the bridges between the two sides, that’s where we stand One of our roles is to not only be a messenger to both sides, but to also be a mediator
Caleb Clark is the 29th Mister UMES
Q: Why did you run for Mr. UMES?
A: I already had experience in student leadership being SGA Vice President Through that experience I realized I was more suited for being in the Imperial Court just because of the experiences I've had on campus and the things I wanted to do in the position
There were things I wanted to help change and it was still an opportunity to be a student leader When you sign up for a position like this and you were selected, you owe it to the student body to fulfill your responsibilities.
Q: Why do you feel the student population chose you?
A: I think I was a great fit for this position just because I've had so many different experiences as a student at UMES I started here in the spring enrollee, so I had a time where I was a student who didn't know anyone By my sophomore year, I was SGA Vice President, so I had times where I felt like I had a lot going on Through those experiences, you meet so many different types of students I feel this way, I'm able to reach out and touch people no matter what their background or major is or who they are I think just being able to do that is important for this role because you must be very personable and very accessible
Q: What are some of the initiatives for this year?
Q: What have been some of the challenges along the way?
A: I would say getting the students and administration to relate to each other In this role, you're closer to your administration so you might not be them as the way the student body does But on the other hand, you're also a student who is affected by the administration and you understand where the students are coming from and how sometimes they can be frustrated The important thing is making sure the student and administration know that they each have the same goals of making the campus a better place
Q: How would you describe your experience at UMES?
A: I would have never guessed that I would be doing this when I first came here I feel like I’ve taken several different steps after my first semester First, I studied abroad, which took me out of the country for the first time Then after that, I'm in SGA, and now I'm Mr UMES Each step of the way I've always been amazed at how much the school cares for the students and how much the school is willing to push you out of your comfort zone in order to be a better student and person
A: I ran unopposed for the role, so I want to make sure that when elections come around in the spring, there's at least three to five candidates running I want this to be a desired position I want my impact on other underclassmen to help stir their interest in being Mr UMES Another thing I want to have a part in is putting on more programs I think one thing that our students wish they had more student-run programs So, I'm going to be doing a lot of close work with just making sure we have more programs and have good events
Homecoming Highlights
The University of Maryland Eastern Shore celebrated 2024 Homecoming Nov 3-10 with a whole host of activities, including a church service, alumni events, fashion show, concert, town hall, parade, voter rally and more Check out a few photo highlights from the week below
1 Faculty/staff and student leaders kick off Homecoming Week attending church service together at Metropolitan United Methodist
2 President Heidi M. Anderson accepting donation from Groove Phi Groove members
3 Players take to the court for Homecoming Game
4 Students, alumni, family and friends attend the President’s Leadership Breakfast
5 Posing at the pep rally
6 Members of the Homecoming Court
7 Fancy footwear for National Alumni Life Member Class Reunion & Sneaker Ball
8 UMES Town Hall and Hawks Vote event
9 (l-r) Athletics & Rec VP Tara Owens, General Counsel Matthew Taylor, Strategic Comms & Marketing VP Robert Vickers, Enrollment Management & Student Engagement VP Latoya Jenkins & University Relations VP David Balcom
UMES gets $2 million grant f arboretum and walking trail
Initiative funded through the Inflation Reduction Act and USDA’s Forest Service
The University of Maryland Eastern Shore will become a Center for Urban Forestry and develop a public arboretum and walking trail using funds from the Inflation Reduction Act and the U S Department of Agriculture, Forest Service
“Our sprawling green campus provides the perfect location since it is home to over 1,000 trees, from approximately 80 taxa (scientifically classified group),” said Dr. Stephanie Stotts, an associate professor of forest ecology at UMES “To become an accredited arboretum, we must increase the number of labeled taxa to over 100, which will require additional tree plantings.”
The $2 million Urban Community Forestry grant is part $35 million earmarked for the nation’s 1890 land-grant universities to prioritize disadvantaged communities The federal program works with state and partner organizations to “improve the health and vibrancy of communities through planting and maintaining trees, forests and green spaces ” The goal of projects it supports is to apply nature-based solutions to economic, social and environmental challenges
As part of the grant, UMES’ center will manage funds and provide guidance for community urban forestry projects, which are available through a competitive application process Awards will be processed using a system developed by the Maryland Community Forest Catalyst Project, said Stotts, who leads the USDA Forest Service project Stotts also leads UMES’ Forest Ecology Research Lab and specializes in climate change forest dynamics
The center will also be a resource for forestry professionals to obtain continuing education credits that can be hard to come by on the Eastern Shore of Maryland, forcing them to travel
“Another way our Urban Forestry Center will support arborists and the community is by establishing a grow out station to meet the demand for trees,” Stotts said “Several state initiatives have created the welcome need to supply more trees for plantings ”
“Trees make a difference,” said Matthew Hurd, regional forester, Maryland Forest Service “Studies show that communities with access to trees and green spaces are associated with improved health outcomes, reduced crime, lower average temperatures, and an influx of other kinds of investments and new economic opportunities
“Through funding from the Inflation Reduction Act, the USDA Forest Service is making historic investments in boosting the nation’s tree cover in urban, suburban and rural communities nationwide,” Hurd said
Amari Dupree plant a tree during grant announcement (Photo by Todd Dudek, Agricultural Communications)
Updates from UMES’ Athletics
UMES
Volleyball Shines with
Three MEAC Awards, Six Academic Honors
The Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) announced its 2024 volleyball regular-season awards on Tuesday, Nov. 21, with the University of Maryland Eastern Shore earning three honors its most since 2018
Freshman middle blocker Lilliana Montes was named to the All-Rookie Team, while junior outside hitter Nkemjika Ikemefuna and sophomore setter Anisa Dorlouis earned spots on the All-MEAC Second Team
A native of Murrieta, California , Montes ranked second in the MEAC in blocks and led the Hawks with 84 total blocks this season The 6-foot-4 standout finished fifth in the conference in hitting percentage ( 283) and posted a season-high 14 kills against Norfolk State on Nov 1 She was also named MEAC Rookie of the Week on Oct 2
Richmond, Texas native Ikemefuna tallied 219 kills, averaging 2.52 kills per set, to earn her second postseason honor after being named to the All-Rookie Team in 2022 Her season highlight came on Sept 20 against Coppin State, where she delivered 21 kills
Dorlouis concluded her 2024 campaign ranked fifth in the MEAC in assists and sixth in digs The native of Gainesville, Florida , led the Hawks in assists (626) and digs (313) while adding 130 kills Her best performance came on Nov 1 against Norfolk State, when she notched 12 kills, 36 assists, 18 digs, and three blocks Dorlouis was named MEAC Player of the Week on Sept 16, marking her second postseason honor after making the All-Rookie Team in 2023
UMES honorees included Soleil Cotton, Anisa Dorlouis, Ranyla Griggs, Nkemjika Ikemefuna, Lyric Snowden, and Isil Yilmaz
UMES Vice President Tara Owens Graduates from Leadership Maryland's Executive Program
University of Maryland Eastern Shore Vice President of Athletics & Recreation Tara A. Owens recently completed Leadership Maryland’s Executive Program, a professional development program dedicated to building a better Maryland by harnessing the strength of its local business and community leaders
Leadership Maryland honored Owens and the Executive Program Class of 2024 at its 31st graduation ceremony on Dec 3 at the Hilton Baltimore BWI Airport
Owens is now a member of Leadership Maryland's powerful alumni network, consisting of more than 1,500 esteemed leaders from all over the state
Owens was one of 51 individuals chosen by a committee to complete the eight-month hands-on learning program
The class participated in an orientation and closing retreat that bookended five, two-day sessions focused on Maryland's five main geographic regions and the most vital issues impacting economic development, education, health and human services, criminal justice, the environment, and multi-culturalism/diversity across the state
More than 100 experts representing Maryland's business, government, education, and non-profit communities served as panelists and guest speakers
The Executive Program is open to senior-level executives with significant achievements in their careers and/or their communities Ideal Leadership Maryland members have a desire to learn more about Maryland's most critical issues and a personal commitment to be a force for positive change in their organizations, their communities, and their state
Trivia Anyone?
National Qualifying Tournament for renown competition returns to UMES after a decade away
The University of Maryland Eastern Shore will host the Honda Campus-All Star Challenge (HCASC) National Qualifying Tournament (NQT) on Saturday, February 22 from 8 a m to 6 p m in the Student Services Center
This will be the first time that UMES has hosted an NQT since 2015
The competition will feature Historically Black Colleges and Universities from across the nation facing off in a fast-paced battle of trivia with content comprised of African-American history, literature, pop culture, and more
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Institutions in the 10-team field include UMES, Howard University, Morgan State University, Lincoln University-Pennsylvania, Bowie State University, and more.
The Top 4 teams in the tournament will receive berths to Honda’s National Championship Tournament, held in Los Angeles, from April 12-16
The event, which will feature Round-robin competition, followed by a single-elimination semifinal and final, is open to the public for viewing
For more information about the Honda Campus AllStar Challenge, go to wwwcp.umes.edu/hcasc and Honda’s official website, hcasc.com
Make more graduations a reality Help our student Hawks continue to soar above and beyond by making your contributions to UMES today!
Make checks* payable to the UMES Foundation and mail to:
University Relations
University of Maryland Eastern Shore 30665 Student Services Center Lane Princess Anne, MD 21853-9902
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Online
Scan the QR code below to make your donation securely online
Questions?
Contact University Relations Vice President David Balcom at dabalcom@umes edu or 410 651 6199
University Relations
30665 Student Services Center Lane
Princess Anne, MD 21853
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