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July 15, 2008

Hood Highlights | Alumnae/i Events | Career Opportunities | Campus Events | Make a Gift

The Hood College Graduate School Continues to Grow Each Year
During the past academic year, more than 1,000 students were enrolled in Hood’s 14 master’s degree and five certificate programs. For the first time in Hood’s history, a separate commencement ceremony was held for the Graduate School in May, when 193 students earned their degrees.

Outstanding Student Award Recipients
Each year, the Graduate School recognizes an outstanding graduate student from each program who exemplifies the Hood principle of Hope, Opportunity, Obligation and Democracy. The following are the recipients of the 2008 master’s degree awards and the plans they have in store for the immediate future: Ruth Allwardt, master of science in reading specialization, will continue her position as a reading specialist; Richard Biser, master of arts in human sciences, teaches high school psychology and would like to pursue a doctoral degree; Bruce Weinberg, master of arts in thanatology, was accepted into the master’s in marriage and family therapy program at Pepperdine University; Nita Hines, master of arts in humanities who is pictured above with Rusty Monhollon, Ph.D., assistant professor of history and director of the graduate master of arts in humanities program, served as an adjunct instructor in art at Montgomery College and would like to expand her teaching opportunities and continue her writing; Nicole Hoffman, master of science in biomedical sciences with a regulatory affairs concentration, recently accepted a position with Science Applications International Corporation as a regulatory affairs specialist for the National Cancer Institute at Frederick; Claire Hudson, master of science in environmental biology, is a lab manager and scientific diver for the University of Maryland’s oyster project and founded a nonprofit organization to advance marine conservation, education and research; David Perlowski, master of science in computer and information sciences with an information technology concentration, will continue his work as a computer scientist with the departments of defense and homeland security on issues of critical infrastructure protection, cyber incident response and system threat, and vulnerability analysis; William Watson, master of science in computer science, will continue in his position as a product support analyst for MICROS Systems, Inc., in Columbia, Md., and would like to continue to advance his career in networking and security; Nikki Rudy, master of science in curriculum and instruction, is a former English teacher who now works as an interpreter for individuals who are deaf; Michael Watson, master of science in educational leadership, will continue his work with middle school science projects such as Middle School Yard Habitat, where students learn about native habitats; and Xiaojing Zhang, master of business administration, served as a department research assistant while completing her degree and hopes to pursue a career in financial management.

Teaching Excellence Awards
The recipient of this year’s Graduate School Teaching Excellence Award was Rev. Ann Boyd, Ph.D., professor of biology, who has taught graduate and undergraduate courses at Hood since 1976, and who was a former dean of Hood’s Graduate School for nine years.

Thanks to the generosity of Hood’s board of associates, the Graduate School awarded its first-ever prize in recognition of outstanding teaching by a graduate school adjunct faculty member. The recipient of this year’s Graduate School Teaching Excellence Award for Adjunct Faculty was John Schultz, Ph.D., who has taught in the economics and management department at Hood for 20 years.

Upcoming Graduate School Programs
Is graduate school in your future? Attend a panel discussion on what to consider in selecting and applying to graduate school Thursday, Sept. 18 from 6:45 to 8 p.m. in Hood’s Whitaker Campus Center Commons. Register for the event to find out what graduate and law schools are looking for and the ins and outs of the application process. The event is sponsored by Hood’s Career Center and the Graduate School.

Want to learn more about Hood’s 14 master’s degree and five certificate programs? Attend the next Graduate School Open House Tuesday, Oct. 28 from 5 to 7 p.m. in Hood’s Whitaker Campus Center Commons. Contact the Graduate School Office or call (301) 696-3600 to set up an individual appointment to learn more about how a graduate degree may meet your personal and professional goals. If you have already decided that Hood’s Graduate School is for you, complete Hood's online application! It only takes minutes to make the first step toward completing your graduate degree or certification program!

Hood Highlights

Join us for Opening Convocation
Alumnae and alumni, faculty and staff, special guests and local dignitaries will be on hand Monday, Aug. 25 to celebrate opening convocation with returning undergraduates, as well as new first-year and transfer students. Friends of the College George and Bettie Delaplaine will receive honorary degrees at the ceremony, which will be held from 10 to 11 a.m. in Hood’s Hodson Outdoor Theater.

2008 Reunion Award Recipient Featured in Newspaper
Harriet Fox Riehl ’66, who was presented with this year’s Distinguished Alumna Award for Community Service during Reunion Weekend, was recently featured in The Press of Atlantic City newspaper. Harriet, who was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease in 2006, received a standing ovation following the presentation of her award and her remarks at the Alumnae and Alumni Luncheon during Reunion. She credited the support from Hood classmates and friends as inspiration for her and her husband, Jack, to begin helping others who are suffering from Alzheimer’s. Jack called the compassion shown by Harriet’s classmates “a defining moment” for both himself and his wife. Read the full news story for more remarks and information about Harriet.

New Appointments at Hood
New members were recently welcomed to the Hood College family. Those joining Hood’s staff are: The Rev. Beth Anne O’Malley, dean of the chapel; Ted Chase, Ph.D., associate dean of student life; and Zachary Luhman, director of residence life.

Alumna Earns Law Degree
Congratulations to Aisha Blanchard Collins ’98, who recently earned a juris doctor degree from the Northeastern University School of Law, and who was selected by her classmates to speak at Northeastern’s commencement ceremonies.

Professor's Speech Published in The Washington Times
David Hein, Ph.D., professor of religion and philosophy at Hood, who addressed graduates at this year’s baccalaureate service May 16, recently had his baccalaureate address published in The Washington Times. Read Professor Hein's address, in which he spoke to Hood graduates about learning responsibility and honor from their alma mater.

Change for "Messiah" Performances
The Hood Choir will present the 61st annual performance of Handel’s “Messiah” Saturday and Sunday, Nov. 22 and 23. This year, due to scheduling and logistical difficulties with the U.S. Naval Academy, Hood will join the choirs from Mount St. Mary’s University, as well as members of the larger Hood and local communities, soloists and a professional orchestra to perform Handel’s majestic oratorio. If you would like to participate in the singing of “Messiah” or have further questions, please contact Brenda Weiser, director of choral activities, or call (301) 696-3875.

Athletics Hall of Fame Established
The College is proud to announce the establishment of the Hood College Athletic Hall of Fame! Do you remember an outstanding athlete, coach or administrator who made a positive impact on Hood athletics? Nomination forms and criteria are available on Hood’s Web site; by contacting Tammy Butler, director of major gifts and planned giving; or by calling (301) 696-3828. Be a part of a new tradition at Hood College!

Alumnae and Alumni Events

R.S.V.P. for Events
To R.S.V.P. or get information on upcoming events, e-mail us at alumoffice@hood.edu, or call (800) 707-5280, option 2, or (301) 696-3900. Please continue to check the alumnae and alumni relations Web page for updates on future events.

Gallery Tour and Reception
Thursday, July 17, 5-7 p.m., Laura Hickman Fine Arts Studio & Gallery, 10 Central Ave., Ocean View, DE 19970. Area alumnae and alumni will reconnect at a cocktail reception hosted by Laura Lee Hickman ’75, working artist and owner of her own studio and art gallery.

Career Opportunities

Hood College Career Services
Take advantage of free lifetime services. We can help you with your résumé, give you advice on your job search and talk to you about career options and much more. Contact us by phone at (301) 696-3583 or by e-mail at careers@hood.edu to schedule an appointment.

CVC Virtual Job Fair
Are you considering a career change or looking for employment? Check out the Cumberland Valley Consortium Virtual Job Fair, that runs until Friday, Aug. 15. Visit the CVC Web site to view a list of employers and to submit your résumé. The job fair is open to all Hood alumnae and alumni.

Campus Events

Alumnae and Alumni Art Exhibition
The biennial Alumnae and Alumni Art Show will be on display in Hood’s Hodson Gallery in the Tatem Arts Center until Sunday, July 21. The show gives artists the opportunity to exhibit and sell their sculptures, paintings, drawings, photographs and multimedia works. A forum for discussion about the artists’ work and a reception will be held in the Gallery Friday, June 27 from 6 to 8 p.m. For more information about the exhibits, please contact Youngmi Organ, curator of the Hodson Gallery, at (301) 696-3471.

Summer Chamber Music Festival
The 24th Annual Summer Chamber Music Festival continues each Thursday night at 8 p.m. for the entire month of July in Hood’s Hodson Auditorium in Rosenstock Hall. This Thursday, July 17, artists will feature an all-French program that will include works by Ibert, Debussy and Ravel performed by William Stapp, viola; Astid Walschott-Stapp, harp; Karen Johnson, flute; Alison Bazala Kim, cello; and Noel Lester, piano. Rosenstock Hall is handicapped accessible. For more information about the festival, read the full news story; or contact Noel Lester, professor of music, or call (301) 696-3429.

Graduate School Art Exhibitions
Hood’s Summer 2008 Graduate Student Art Exhibitions will be on display in the Hodson Gallery in Hood’s Tatem Arts Center beginning Friday, July 25. Callie Badorrek and Victoria Coulter will showcase their work from Friday, July 25 to Tuesday, Aug. 5, with an opening reception scheduled for Saturday, July 26 from 6 to 8 p.m. Artwork by Victoria Clayton and Leslee Cramer Forster ’92 will be on display from Friday, Aug. 8 to Sunday, Aug. 24. Their opening reception will be held Saturday, Aug. 9 from 6 to 8 p.m. For more information about the exhibits, please contact Youngmi Organ, curator of the Hodson Gallery, at (301) 696-3471. The Gallery is open daily from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Why I Give

“There is no time like the present to influence the potential of future generations.”

Janet Spaulding Nunn '61, member of the board of trustees and National Chair of Annual Giving


Make your gift to Hood

Office of Alumnae and Alumni Relations | Hood College
401 Rosemont Avenue, Frederick, Maryland 21701
(301) 696-3900 | (800) 707-5280 | alumoffice@hood.edu

Tammy McElroy '05, Associate Director of Alumni Relations
Linda Hoffman, Director of Alumni Relations
Adrienne Gonzales, Sports Information Director