FALL 2009

Scholarly Pursuits VOLUME 10 ISSUE 11

Montgomery Scholars Program Newsletter

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10 th

anniversary special issue

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Inside This Issue

From the Director’s Desk

Behind the Scenes……………………………Page 3

Dear Scholars, Parents, and Friends of Scholars:

Those Who Made It Happen…………………Page 5

In the fall of 1999 the inaugural class of scholars arrived on the Rockville Campus. The program was new and untested; indeed, as we often joked with them, they were the “guinea pigs.” I think we, the professors, were even more nervous, fearing we may have been too ambitious in our dreams and promises. Ten years and 275 students later, it is hard to realize how concerned we were. The program has received local and national awards, has been the center of written accolades in major newspapers, and honors faculty from other colleges often seek us out as they begin similar programs on their campuses. Our students have flourished academically at Montgomery College and have contributed to the College community and campus life through the student newspaper, on the athletic field, in numerous clubs, in student government, on the Board of Trustees, and as tutors and volunteers. They have also succeeded at their transfer institutions, from the University of Maryland to Georgetown to the University of Geneva. Nearly 30 percent are in graduate programs, and their social consciousness is reflected in a range of service—from volunteering as EMTs in Montgomery County to working for the Peace Corps, Teach for America, and Doctors without Borders.

There from the Start…………………………Page 6 First Doctorates………………………………Page 7 Welcome, Class of 2011………………………Page 8 Congratulations, Class of 2009………………Page 9 Beacon Winners………………………………Page 10 Alumni Chapter Jamboree… … … … … … …Page 11 Where Are You Now?……… … … … … … …Page 12 Service Learning… … … …………… … … … Page 16 Scholar Wins Outstanding Alumni Award… . Page 18 Births, Weddings, In Memoriam… … ………Page 19

Excellent teaching is everywhere at Montgomery College. The Montgomery Scholars Program has pioneered an honors cohort model to enhance the benefits of that excellent teaching. In the years since the program’s inception, other learning cohorts such as the Biomedical, Macklin, and Renaissance Scholars have taken root. This fall, and partly as a result of my sabbatical, we hope to launch a similar model for other groups of students at Montgomery College. We owe many thanks to the administrators, faculty, counselors, and staff who made it all happen and continue to support the Montgomery Scholars Program; our “Behind the Scenes” section gives you a glimpse of them at work. We also owe a huge thank you to that very first class of students and administrators who had faith in us before we had “proved” ourselves as a program. Thank you!

10 Queridos Becados, Padres y Amigos de Becados:

En el otoño de 1999 la clase inaugural de Becados llego la ciudad universitaria de Rockville. El programa era nuevo y piloto; es mas, siempre bromeábamos con ellos en que ellos representaban los “conejillos de india.” Pienso que nosotros, los profesores, nos encontrábamos más nerviosos, temiendo que pudimos haber sido muy ambiciosos en nuestros sueños y promesas. Diez años y con 275 estudiantes mas tarde, es posible darse cuenta que estábamos demasiado preocupados. El programa ha recibido premios locales y nacionales, ha sido el centro de elogios en aclamados periódicos, y profesores de honor de otras universidades frecuentemente nos buscan para empezar programas similares en sus ciudades universitarias. Nuestros estudiantes han sobresalido académicamente en Montgomery College y han contribuido a la comunidad y la vida social de la universidad a través del periódico escolar, en el campo atlético, en numerosos grupos estudiantiles, en el gobierno estudiantil, en el cuerpo de miembros del Consejo de la Administración, como tutores y voluntarios. Ellos también han sobresalido en las instituciones a las cuales se transfirieron desde la Universidad de Maryland hasta Georgetown hasta la Universidad de Geneva. Casi 30 por ciento de ellos están obteniendo su doctorado y su responsabilidad social ha sido reflejada en una variedad de servicios desde siendo voluntarios como paramédicos en el condado de Montgomery a ser voluntarios para Peace Corps, para Teach for America y para Doctores sin Fronteras. Excelente educación esta en todas partes de Montgomery College. El Programa de Becados ha emprendido un modelo de clases de honores para mejorar los beneficios de esa excelente educación. Desde los años de inicio del programa, otros modelos de programas con clases de honores para becados como los programas de Biomédicos, Macklin, y Renaissance han tomado inicio. Este otoño y parcialmente como resultado de mi periodo sabático, esperamos lanzar un modelo similar para otros grupos de estudiantes que no están en clases honores en Montgomery College. Les debemos muchas gracias a los administradores, profesores, consejeros y personal quienes han hecho posible esto y continúan apoyando el Programa de Becados de Montgomery; nuestra sección “Detrás de Escenas” les dejara verlos en acción. También debemos un gran agradecimiento a la primera clase de estudiantes y administradores quienes tuvieron fe en nosotros antes de que nos probáramos como un Programa. Gracias!

Scholarly Pursuits

Mary T. Furgol Director, Montgomery Scholars [email protected]

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By Anna Pomerantseva ’10

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As a scholar, I thought I knew the Montgomery Scholars Program inside and out. However, recently I learned that, as with any successful production, there are numerous crew members who work behind the scenes. This summer, I had the opportunity to meet some of the individuals who are crucial in ensuring the program runs smoothly. As I listened to what each person

Don Rejonis, who retired in July after 40 years of service to the College, was the photographer for scholars’ events. He covered the students’ journey throughout the program and provided photos for College publications.

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array of already available programs. We are a community college and have to provide for the different needs of the community. The program is a great way to provide for excellent students.”

Enas Elhanafi formerly organized and coordinated scholars’ events and helped manage the budget. Today, she helps register scholars for their required courses, tracks their academic performance, communicates with the faculty regarding scholars’ academic or documentation issues, and prepares a transfer profile for each student. She was also the main initiator of the newsletter in the fall of 2004. “The Montgomery Scholars Program is an exciting learning community that promotes intellectual and cultural engagement, not only during the two-year study, but beyond that as well, with the continuous interaction and communication (through the newsletter, alumni gatherings, and picnics). I am so happy to be able to assist students in making their dreams happen.”

Patricia (Paty) Lopez makes sure that the Montgomery Scholars scholarship funds are posted to students’ accounts. She explains to students what the scholarship covers and offers assistance finding other financial assistance.

Lashon Banks handles the

budget and financial funding for the scholarships. She calculates and makes sure there are enough funds to cover tuition. “The Montgomery Scholars Program helps to provide a level of academic diversity at MC. It goes hand in hand with the broad

Lashon Banks

Melissa Gregory

Melissa Gregory handles the

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had to say about his or her role, I realized just how little I knew about the effort required to operate the program. Each meeting gave me a little more insight and a lot more to be thankful for. I am excited to share my findings and offer a round of applause, recognition and gratitude to all these wonderful people “behind the scenes.”

Jann Logan handles the logistics of pro“I got to look at the program in a different gram events, such as the information session, way, from an outsider’s perspective. What brunch, Skoal, and Capstone Colloquium. amazed me was how much students grow throughout their participation in Don Rejonis Enas Elhanafi the program. They come in looking very young, but ready for a challenge and willing to step up. As time goes by, they become more confident.”

“I find it fascinating to be able to work with such a bright group of go-getters. They have amazing dreams and ideas for their future, and I am thankful to be able to assist them in achieving their goals.”

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“The Scholars Program is a very exciting opportunity for young and bright kids to blossom. They are neat, energetic, and enthusiastic students and flourish throughout the two years as they learn and explore life. I am very happy to be part of it.”

Montgomery College

administrative work for the program. She prepares the folders for Cornerstone, Keystone, and Cambridge meetings. She also orders catering supplies and helps with other aspects of setting up for events, especially the Colloquium.

“The Scholars Program is more than an honors program. It is a launching pad for bright students. I see them entering as naïve and fearful, and graduate as confident and strong, ready to take on other challenges of life. The students are very close to my heart, and I love seeing them evolve.”

M o nt g o me r y S c ho lar s Pr o g r a m N e w s l e tte r

FALL 2009

Behind the Scenes

10 th anniversary

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FALL 2009

4 Jennifer Baugh oversees the production and design of the newsletter and makes sure that it is produced on schedule and within budget. “The program allows for students to explore their individuality and find a path of excellence. I love to see how students evolve and what great things they do after the program. I especially notice how many of them give back to the community. They use their knowledge to improve the lives of others, and I think that’s incredible.”

Monika Zakrzewska is the graphic designer for the newsletter. She places photos in the right places, selects colors and fonts, and makes sure the newsletter looks visually appealing. (Thank you, Monika, for the wonderful new design of our newsletter—a fresh new look for a new decade.) “From what I see in the newsletter, the Montgomery Scholars Program is a close knit community of eager and passionate students. The newsletter shows what students do after graduation, and I am always

impressed by the content. Students go on to volunteer, study abroad, and get master’s and doctoral degrees. I think it’s great that the newsletter also allows them to keep in touch and updated about each other’s experiences.”

bright and engaged in Montgomery College life. They are excited about college and their future in general. It’s energizing to be around them; they make me appreciate my job and my role at the College.”

Patti Chalkley Because of the unusual

Phil D’Souza has provided media

nature of some of the program’s interdisciplinary courses, Patti Chalkley is in charge of inputting grades for the Montgomery Scholars and ensuring that the grades are recognized correctly by the Banner system. “The program is a wonderful opportunity for gifted students to have an excellent education at a two-year college.”

Beth Homan is in charge of media relations for Montgomery College. She pitches stories to print and broadcast media, and connects reporters to scholars with interesting stories. She also writes press releases about the program and helps with many other aspects of publicity. “I am always impressed by students from the Montgomery Scholars Program. They are

Patti Chalkley

Jennifer Baugh

technology support for the Montgomery Scholars program for about 10 years. When the program first started, he used 16mm slides for the Cambridge slide show. He also scanned paper photographs into digital format. With digital cameras, the slide shows have become so much better and easier to present. “I have always felt like a ‘father figure’ to the students regarding their technology needs. To some extent I feel I am part of the program myself. In fact, I wanted to relate so much to the Cambridge experience that I went there on my own and took pictures of the various places I had seen in the student slide show! It is gratifying for me to see so many Montgomery Scholars become so successful.”

Beth Homan

Patricia (Paty) Lopez

Monika Zakrzewska

Phil D’Souza

Scholars’ Top 10 Majors Over the past decade, scholars have pursued a wide range of majors; here are the top 10:

• Art • Biology*

• Business • Computer Science

*largest single major

Scholarly Pursuits

• Education • Engineering

• English • International Studies

• Nursing • Psychology

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FALL 2009

Reflections from Those Who Made It Happen Presidential support and the backing of the Board of Trustees were invaluable to the formation of the Montgomery Scholars Program. Dr. Charlene R. Nunley (1998–2007)

Many faculty, staff, and administrators were involved in the development of the Montgomery Scholars Program. The Rockville Honors Committee and the college wide Honors Committee were instrumental in planning program details. Three individuals stand out: Dr. Dianne Ganz-Sheper Collegewide and Rockville honors coordinator, faculty lead, and first director of the Montgomery Scholars Program “The Montgomery Scholar years stay with me as a happy, hectic blur of activity: planning the program, meeting new students, teaching and forming friendships with students and colleagues. Several Dr. Dianne Ganz-Sheper with Carolina Lasso ‘02 snapshots stand out: • The twice-weekly meeting with the CORE faculty—mapping five centuries of world history from four different perspectives, swapping insights and ideas. As good as any graduate education! • The sleeping bag retreats at Harper’s Ferry: 25 new students starting the weekend as strangers and ending it as friends • The Capstone annual colloquium: the students’ presentations always wowed me. I was so proud of them! Working with colleagues to create the Scholars Program was the highlight of my years at MC. We knew we were creating a program that would bring honor to the College and give outstanding students the experience of a lifetime. What could be more thrilling?”

Mary Kay Shartle-Galotto Executive vice president of academic and student affairs, recently retired “In 1997–98, I was the dean of humanities at MC Rockville. I was also responsible for the Honors Program. Dianne GanzScheper and Sherman Helberg came up with the idea for the program. We wanted Mary Kay Shartle-Galotto students to go through the program together and have team-taught classes as well. Although we knew it would be expensive, we thought it would benefit the College, and it did. We presented our idea at the president’s cabinet and were successful in getting funding. One of missing pieces, however, that could be found

Dr. Robert E. Parilla (1979–1998)

at most four-year schools, was the study abroad experience. At the time, one of my colleagues (Dr. Parilla) was on sabbatical in Cambridge. He thought it would be a great idea for the honors students to have the experience as well. I thought the Montgomery Scholars Program was a wonderful idea from the very beginning, and I have helped support it in any way I could. I think that both the College and the participating students benefit from it, and the program was one of the things I was most proud of achieving while I was in the administration. Now that I’ve retired, I know that every student in Montgomery County will have this opportunity to help them succeed later on in life. I hope the program will continue for a long time.”

Sherman Helberg Director of enrollment management “Twelve years ago, I was in a strategic planning meeting where we discussed the fact that Montgomery College is a great school with good teachers and rigorous courses. This got me thinking, why don’t we develop a special honors program? In order to do so, I met with Dianne GanzSherman Helberg Scheper and the director of the honors program at Howard University. We wanted to create a similar program, but even better. In order to do so, we entered a fellowship with Cambridge, so that students could get an opportunity to study abroad. The program is my baby and I am a proud father. I didn’t create it, Dianne Ganz-Scheper did, but I got it together. I went a step further and fought for the budget as well. I’m very proud that the College was able to turn an idea into reality. The students themselves are also great, seeing how many selfless things they do after graduating.” Throughout the years, other administrators have been instrumental in supporting the program: Provost Judy Ackerman, Dean Carolyn Terry, Associate Dean Rodney Redmond. Moreover, in its first year the program received an NEH grant as well as a generous endowment from Ms. Suzanne Peck to begin an endowed scholarship fund for Montgomery Scholars traveling to Cambridge. Thank you, one and all.

Montgomery College

Suzanne Peck and Mary Kay Shartle-Galotto

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Bob White

FALL 2009

There from the Start Throughout its entire 10 years, three individuals have played key roles in the Montgomery Scholars Program: Maria Adams Davidson as recruiter, Professor Michael Petty as lead organizer of the Harper’s Ferry Retreat, and Professor Bob White as the host of Philo Café. Here are their stories: Bob White

Michael Petty

“Originally, Dianne Ganz-Scheper wanted to imitate European philosophical discussions that took place in coffee houses. I suggested that we use my house instead, and that has worked out well. One of the main features of the cafes is that what you say does not have to please any of the professors and cannot be used against you. Students are allowed to bring friends to the cafes, and sometimes I bring some of my own students as well. The cafes provide an opportunity to get off campus and develop a closer relationship with the students. Real life is full of moral dilemmas and down-to-earth ethics. We want students to be able to explore these aspects during the café, as well as clarify and discuss class lectures. My role during the café is to keep students on track without making it seem like we are in a classroom. Instead, I hope the cafes offer students a chance to connect ideas as well as explore new ones. The Scholars Program is a great opportunity to not only teach bright students, but also to learn from them and my fellow professors. Because of the relaxed atmosphere, students become less concerned about what the authorities have to say and express their own thoughts more. Without realizing it, they step out of the box.”

Maria Adams Davidson

Michael Petty

10 “I help reserve the house at Harper’s Ferry for the scholars’ retreat. I also lead the group on the hike and help them get through it by demonstrating certain hiking techniques and sharing information about the trail. Although we used to have a full program of activities, over the years we have learned that there is no need for a strict agenda as students develop chemistry and get to know each other by organizing activities themselves. The hike is a great way for the students to get out of their comfort zone and be challenged in a nonacademic way. I enjoy being part of the program’s launching process for the students. I am a huge fan of outdoor activities and being able to share that with others is one of my favorite things to do. Seeing students benefit from the hike and forming long-lasting relationships only makes my job even more exciting.”

Maria Adams Davidson

“Being a recruiter for the program as well as MC in general has allowed me to see how the program has changed the perception of MC. Good students who do not get into the program end up considering and, in some cases, enrolling at MC. I enjoy being a recruiter and telling students about all the wonderful opportunities the program, as well as MC, have to offer.

I didn’t realize how important the program would become to me. Each class is unique, as are all the students. I think that is what the program is to me—a tradition. The hardest time of the year is graduation. While it is always sad to have to say goodbye, it is also very exciting to see them go on to other schools. It is also evident that the program is a community, as a lot of graduates keep in touch.”

A special thanks to Anna Pomerantseva ’10, who interviewed most of the individuals in this trip down memory lane.

Scholarly Pursuits

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FALL 2009

First Doctorates Minh Bui ’01 A graduate of Gaithersburg H.S., Minh completed his B.S. in biological sciences in 2003 at the University of Maryland, College Park. In May of this year, Minh received his Ph.D. from UMCP in molecular and cell biology, plant genetics. The title of his thesis was “Investigating Three Arabidopsis: Transcriptional Co-Repressors and Their Roles in Flower Development, Seed Mucilage Secretion, and Plant Defense.” He is currently in a postdoctoral position at NIH in the National Cancer Institute. Minh is pictured here with his sister Kathy Bui ’07 who also graduated from UMCP this year.

Yiying (Coco) Tsai ’02 A graduate of Richard Montgomery H.S., Coco completed her B.S. in biological sciences in 2004 at the University of Maryland, College Park. In May of this year, Coco received her Pharm.D. from the University of Maryland, Baltimore, and has also completed a master’s degree in public health. Coco’s capstone project for her M.P.H. is

Minh Bui

Yiying (Coco) Tsai

Ekta Laheri ’03

with the Indian Health Service, working with the National HIV/AIDS principal consultant on developing an updated HIV/AIDS policy for the Navajo Nation. In July she travelled to New Mexico for the project. Coco wrote: “What I learned in the Scholars Program certainly better equipped me and made me a more qualified professional to work with this population and their unique culture and tradition … A deep, deep THANK YOU to the special professors of the Scholars Program who make it so inspiring.” Coco plans to specialize in infectious diseases as a clinical pharmacist and to work with underserved populations.

Ekta Lahri

A graduate of Winston Churchill H.S., Ekta completed her B.S. in biology from the University of Maryland Baltimore County. In May of this year, she received her D.D.S. from the University of Maryland, Baltimore. Currently Ekta is attending Temple University in Philadelphia for advanced training in general dentistry. Note: Four more Montgomery Scholars are in Ph.D. programs: two in biological sciences, one in chemistry, and one in electrical engineering. Two scholars are in medical school: one will graduate in 2010 and the other in 2011. Nearly 30 percent of all who entered the Montgomery Scholars Program from 2001–06 have completed or attend graduate school.

Countries of Origin As with the whole of the Montgomery College student body, Montgomery Scholars come from near and far:

Argentina Bangladesh Belgium Bolivia Bosnia Brazil Bulgaria Canada China

Columbia Cuba Ecuador El Salvador England/United Kingdom Ethiopia France Ghana Greece

India Israel Kazakstán México Nigeria Perú Philippines Senegal Russia

South Africa Ukraine Taiwan Venezuela Vietnam United States of America

Faculty and Counselors A warm thank you to the following faculty and counselors who have taught or advised in the Montgomery Scholars Program: Sue Adler, Rashidul Alam, Tom Anderson, Dawn Avery, Dedee Aleccia, Esat Atikkan, Eric Benjamin, Jill Cairns-Gallimore, Francesca Caretto, Rebecca Cartwright, Michael Chase, Clif Collins, Roxanne Davidson, Maureen Edwards, Mary Furgol, Mary Gallagher, Dianne Ganz-Scheper, Denise Graves, Aram Hessami, Hal Hultman, Phyllis Jeffers, Bob Kauppi, Sue Liggett, Bill Patterson, Judy Pearce, Cindy Pfanstiehl, Rose Piskapas, Genie Robinson, Linda Robinson, Shweta Sen, Cheryl Tobler, Monica Trent, Sharon Ward, Bob White, Laurie White, Rudy White, Rachel Wilson, Kathryn Woodhouse

Montgomery College

M o nt g o me r y S c ho lar s Pr o g r a m N e w s l e tte r

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FALL NOTES & NEWS Winter Solstice Philo Café New recruits with Dr. Johnson

Current and former scholars, please join us from 4–7 p.m. for our Winter Solstice Philo Café on Friday, December 18, 2009. Bring your favorite dish to share and good tales to tell as we gather once again around the hearth in Professor White’s home. Directions from Montgomery College, Rockville: turn right on Mannakee Street; at the first traffic light, turn right on Nelson Street; at first lights, turn right on West Montgomery and move over to left lane; at first light after Shell station turn left on Hurley Avenue; take Hurley until it meets Wootton Parkway, then turn right on Wootton; turn left at Glenn Mill Road; take Glenn Mill to stop sign; proceed on Glen Mill and take second street on left, Valley Drive. Professor White’s house is the first house on the left, #13421. Park on the grass.

Retreat at Harper’s Ferry

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Welcome, Class of 2011 The Montgomery Scholars Program welcomes scholars from the Class of 2011—some of whom are pictured here at the afternoon tea hosted by Montgomery College President Dr. Johnson and Mrs. Johnson at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Shulman (Mrs. Shulman is on the Montgomery College Board of Trustees); at the overnight retreat at Harper’s Ferry; and again at our annual picnic in May where past, present, and new scholars met one another and faculty at Bohrer Park in Gaithersburg.

Annual picnic at Bohrer Park

WELCOME Scholarly Pursuits

Our congratulations also go to Gracie Jones, who was awarded a full theatre (Capa) scholarship to UMCP; also to Todd Culliton, Bryce Hoover, and Sheena Austria, each of whom was awarded a Maryland Transfer Academic Excellence Scholarship (a full-tuition, two-year scholarship); and Paula Hand, who was

a finalist. Todd will attend UMCP as an economics major; Bryce will major in mechanical engineering at UMCP; Paula will major in Spanish language and literature at UMCP; and Sheena will attend Georgetown to major in English and minor in psychology. Sheena also received the Montgomery College Presidential Scholarship for the Rockville Campus and, along with two other Montgomery College students, was named a member of the 2009 Coca-Cola All-State Community College Academic Team as well as a Regent’s Scholar.

FALL NOTES & NEWS

Congratulations, Class of 2009 Congratulations, Montgomery Scholars Class of 2009, on your graduation from Scholars and Montgomery College, and your acceptances to an impressive array of colleges, which include Agnes Scott College, American University, Ave Maria University, Dickinson College, Georgia Tech, Hood, Georgetown, George Washington, Johns Hopkins, McDaniel, New York University, Penn State, Rochester Institute of Technology, St. Mary’s College of Maryland, Salisbury, Towson, UMCP, UMBC, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Villanova, Washington College, and the University of Luxembourg. Thank you for continuing the tradition of a class gift to Montgomery College. Previous classes have donated trees, but due to the current construction on campus that was not an option. Therefore, the Class of 2009 made a donation to Heifer International on behalf of Montgomery College in appreciation for all the College has done for them.

FALL 2009

Grads with Dr. Shartle-Galotto (right)

CONGRATULATIONS

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We also congratulate Crystel Britto, who received the Dr. Mary Kay Shartle-Galotto Women’s Studies Scholarship; Estefany Carillo and Bryce Hoover, who won the Rockville Campus Physics, Engineering, and Geosciences Department Frank L. Verwiebe Award; Sheena Austria, who won the Rockville Outstanding History Award; William Plum, who won the Germantown Campus Edward T. Butler Award for Excellence in the Natural Sciences; and Sam Westbrooks (a first-year scholar), who won the Rockville Campus English Department Charles J. Husfelt Award in English Composition.

Montgomery College

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Samantha Moorman

Claire Kalala

William Plum

Emily Thron

FALL 2009

Kudos to Our Beacon Winners

Scholarly Pursuits

The Beacon Conference attracts students from two-year colleges in New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, and Maryland. Students from the participating colleges work with faculty mentors all year to develop a research paper on one of 15 fields, such as allied health, arts, business, history, technology, natural sciences, education, and literature. Papers that demonstrate quality scholarship and originality are submitted to the conference. Independent readers select the best three papers in each of the 15 categories to present their work at the Beacon Conference. This year, 10 of the sophomore scholars’ capstone papers were selected as finalists at Beacon: Crystel Britto’s “Water Wars: Forecasting International Thirst”; Teri Brush’s “The Prey of Pharmaceutical Experimentation: Clinical Drug Testing on the World’s Poor”; Estefany Carillo’s “From Marginalization to Empowerment: Microfinancing—The Missing Link for Women”; Joy Liang’s “Green Revolution Technology: A Cornucopia or Pandora’s Box?”; Samantha Moorman’s “Patent Pandemonium: Intellectual Property Rights, the Pharmaceutical Industry, and the Health of Developing Nations”; Javier Pena’s “Rising Crescent: The Ascent of a Radical Muslim Identity in Western Europe”; William Plum’s “How Johnny Got His Gun: The Growth of the Global Weapons Market and Its Effects”; Emily Thron’s “Stripped to the Bone: The Science and Ethics of the Bodies Exhibit”; and Michael Tondo’s “Bioenergetic Medicine: East and West—Thinking Outside the Box in Terms of Healthcare and Globalization”; Gracie Jones’ “Is Humanity Strictly Human? Dolphins Jump the Defined Boundaries between Animal and Human Consciousness.”

Additionally, three scholars’ capstone papers were selected as poster presenters: Sheena Austria’s “Tangled and Trapped: The Numerous Multifaceted Obstacles Facing Filipina Migrant Workers”; Athena Balanou’s “Neural Tube Defects (NTDs) in Developing Countries”; and Bryce Hoover’s “Water, Water Everywhere but Not a Drop to Drink: Can Global Efforts Solve the Global Water Crisis?” Claire Kalala, a first-year scholar, was selected as a finalist for her expanded music fieldwork paper: “One, Two, Hip-Hop, and You Don’t Stop: C-Block, Strongy, and a Black Atlantic Hip-Hop.” Professor Sen mentored Bryce, Emily, Estefany, Joy, Samantha, Sheena, and Teri; Dr. Hessami mentored Crystel, Michael, and William; Dr. Hessami and Professor Sen jointly mentored Javier; Dr. Michael Chase mentored Athena; Professor Avery mentored Claire; and Dr. Esat Atikkan mentored Grace. Four of the scholars won in their categories: Claire Kalala in the arts; Samantha Moorman in allied health and nursing; William Plum in international studies and globalization; and Emily Thron in social justice. Congratulations, students and mentors! Since the Montgomery Scholars Program began sending students’ papers to Beacon in 2001, 56 scholars’ papers (more than 30 percent of the sophomore scholars’ capstone papers) have been selected as finalists and 10 as poster presenters; 20 scholars have won.

BEACON

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s Alumni Chapter Jamboree On Saturday, August 22, the third meeting of the Montgomery Scholars Alumni Chapter took place. Former students, faculty, administrators, and staff met in the amphitheatre to enjoy one another’s company and Carmen’s Ices kindly supplied by the Alumni Office.

New: Parents Chapter We are excited to announce the launch of the Montgomery Scholars Parents Alumni Chapter, the first of its kind at Montgomery College. Grateful thanks to the mothers of Sheena Austria, Alyssa Hammerley, and Javier and Carolina Pena, who are working with our Alumni Office on this venture. Parents, please look for a letter from Marta Bohorquez asking you to join the chapter. You can reach Marta at [email protected].

Scholar Announces President Obama at Cinco de Mayo Event Danny Hurtado ’01, a graduate of Seneca Valley H.S., Montgomery College, and American University, recently began a new position as multimedia technician for TWD, a contractor for the White House communications agency. Since they are involved with White House event productions, one of Danny’s responsibilities is setting up audio at events and feeding it to the networks. TWD also does teleprompting for the president. In addition, they announce the president when he comes out to speak. At the Cinco de Mayo event this year, the presidential staff wanted the announcement of the president to be in Spanish and English. So, on Danny’s third day working at the White House, he was called on to do that task since he speaks Spanish. Danny wrote: “You can probably imagine how hard my heart was beating as President Obama stood there with his wife and a Mexican Ambassador and his wife waiting for me to announce them. It was a thrilling experience.” Congratulations, Danny, our scholar in the White House! Danny Hurtado ‘01

Montgomery College

M o nt g o me r y S c ho lar s Pr o g r a m N e w s l e tte r

Below is a list of some of the scholars from the first eight classes and their whereabouts. If anyone from the classes of 2001–2009 has an update for the newsletter, just drop us a line and we will include the information in the next newsletter.

Class of 2001 Christy Brumfield (Springbrook H.S.) became an LCPC (Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor) this year.

tour of duty in Afghanistan and Iraq. Emil is currently working as a military analyst for MPRI in Virginia.

Minh Bui (Gaithersburg H.S.) graduated May 2009 from the University of Maryland College Park, with a Ph.D. in molecular and cellular biology, plant genetics; Minh is currently in a postdoctoral position at NIH in the National Cancer Institute (NCI). Daniel Hurtado (Seneca Valley H.S.) started a new position as multimedia technician for TWD, contractors to the White House communications agency. Grace Igot (Einstein H.S.) received a B.A. in art history from UMCP. She recently graduated from Montgomery College for the second time with an A.S. in nursing. She gained her NR qualification and is working at Holy Cross Hospital. Heidi (York) Payne (Wootton H.S.) gave birth to Elias Daniel Payne on August 12, 2009. Emil (Parker) Reynolds (St. John’s College) served in the U.S. Army, including a

Class of 2002 Alon Shalev (Northwest H.S.) is currently enrolled in an electrical engineering Ph.D. program at the University of Toronto. Alon completed his B.S. in engineering at UMCP in 2004 and his master’s in electrical engineering at Ryerson University in 2006. Janice Strasser-King (Seneca Valley H.S.) moved back to Maryland to enroll in UMCP’s master of library science program.

Janice Strasser-King

Where Are You Now?

Class of 2001, London, July 2000

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Dvija (Stempel) Matthews (Home School) is currently managing the Health and Safety Department of the Arlington Red Cross and is enrolled in the conflict resolution master’s program at George Mason University. Yiying (Coco) Tsai (Richard Montgomery H.S.) graduated from the University of Maryland Baltimore School of Pharmacy, May 2009, with a doctorate in pharmacy, Pharm.D.; Coco also completed a master of public health degree in Native American health through the School of Medicine. Adam Weidenhammer (Home School) has just completed his clinical rotations at New York Medical College; he will graduate next year and is specializing in anesthesiology. Skoal Group 2007

Scholarly Pursuits

Garrett Wozniak (Watkins Mill H.S.) has founded his own company, Strategic Research and Communications, LLC.

Class of 2003 Stephan Faherty (Home School) graduated from American University, May 2009, with an M.A. in public policy, concentrating on international development and public sector finance. Stephan is currently working as a budget analyst for the Department of Justice.

guage Institute Foreign Language Center in Monterey, California. Maria Tondo (Home School) completed her B.S. in hotel and restaurant management in 2006 from the University of Maryland Eastern Shore. Maria is now in the baking and pastry arts program at Johnson and Wales University in Denver, Colorado.

Class of 2006 David Casler (Magruder H.S.) is currently enrolled at Columbia University Law School in New York City. David graduated May 2008 from the University of Maryland College Park with a B.A. in history and then taught English as a Second Language for a year in South Korea.

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Class 2003, Picnic 2009

Amy Gueye

Amy Gueye (Churchill H.S.) is currently enrolled in an M.P.H. program in women’s health and global health at Johns Hopkins University while completing her medical degree at the University of Virginia.

Katie Linton (Rockville H.S.) has begun nursing school at Los Angeles Valley College and plans to become a nurse practitioner. Elizabeth (Beth) Ringling (Poolesville H.S.) graduated May 2005 from Salisbury University with a B.S. in finance. Elizabeth is currently an accounting assistant for the Frederick Housing Authority. She plans to complete her CPA and will marry in October 2009.

Class of 2004 Michelle Kung (Gaithersburg H.S.) passed the CPA exams. Kristie Lynn (Speelman) Shain (Covenant Life H.S.) is a private first class in the Army. She has completed basic training and is studying Arabic in the Defense Lan-

FALL NOTES & NEWS

Ekta Laheri (Churchill H.S.) graduated May 2009 from the University of Maryland, Baltimore, with a doctorate in dentistry. She is currently attending Temple University in Philadelphia for one-year advanced training in general dentistry.

Quesia Sousa (Northwest H.S.) started a master’s degree program in chemistry at the University of Vermont.

Mary Close (Seneca Valley H.S.) is now working as a food scientist with Unilever in New Jersey.

Class of 2005

Richard Conlon (Damascus H.S.) completed an internship at the Naval History and Heritage Command in Washington, D.C.

James Coursey (Watkins Mill H.S.) graduated in 2008 from UMBC with a B.S. in physics and a minor in philosophy. Peter Dunne (Cedar Brook Academy) graduated from Philadelphia University, May 2009, with a B.S. in architecture. Recently married, Peter is currently in a master’s program in construction management at Philadelphia University, where he also works as a residence coordinator. Hannah Freeman (Montgomery Blair H.S.) graduated from the University of Maryland, College Park, May 2009 with an M.A. in art education. Hannah is currently teaching at Potomac Elementary School.

Kim Le (Gaithersburg H.S.) is currently in the M.B.A. program at the Robert H. Smith School of Business at the University of Maryland, College Park. Rebecca Reich (Walter Johnson H.S.) is pursuing a master’s in social work at the University of Maryland, Baltimore.

Azita Saleh (Magruder H.S.) is currently attending American University Law School. Justin Wojkowski (Seneca Valley H.S.) graduated May 2009 from American University with a B.A. in English and a minor in Japanese.

Chris Pacious (Good Counsel H.S.) graduated May 2009 with a B.S.N. from the University of Maryland, Baltimore School of Nursing. Chris is working at Children’s Hospital.

Class of 2007

Laura Vasquez (Kennedy H.S.) completed her B.S. in public health at Johns Hopkins last year. Laura is now in a premedical health sciences program at Virginia Commonwealth University.

Kathy Bui (Gaithersburg H.S.) graduated May 2009 from the University of Maryland, College Park with a B.S. in psychology, minor in statistics. Kathy is currently in the master’s program in minority and urban education at UMCP.

Montgomery College

Alex Artcher (Seneca Valley H.S.) is currently a senior in the Nursing School of Towson University.

M o nt g o me r y S c ho lar s Pr o g r a m N e w s l e tte r

Francis Igot (Einstein H.S.) is studying graphic design at MICA with a minor in illustration.

Nicole Crone (Gaithersburg H.S.) graduated magna cum laude, May 2009, from Hood College with a B.A. in English and a minor in religion. Nicole worked this summer with Maryland Life magazine as a freelance writer and also works for Kumon, a tutoring program. She plans to marry next year. Alison Drury (Watkins Mill H.S.) graduated May 2009 from the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill with a B.A. in international studies. She is currently in the international peace and conflict resolution master’s program in the School of International Service at American University.

Carli McGoff (Good Counsel H.S.) will graduate next year from the University of Franklin and Marshall with a B.S. in animal behaviors and biology. She plans to pursue a nursing degree. Phuoc Nguyen (Einstein H.S.) nearly completed a degree in psychology, then switched majors to engineering. Phuoc is still attending UMCP. Florence Nwanety (Paint Branch H.S.) graduated May 2009 with a B.S.N. from the University of Maryland Baltimore School of Nursing.

Lindsay Schattenstein (Quince Orchard H.S.) will graduate in December from Cornell University with a B.S. in hospitality management. Neelam Sharma (Richard Montgomery H.S.) is currently a senior at UMCP and an education major. In January Neelam traveled to Punjab, India, on a study abroad program, where she visited elementary schools and taught English to a secondgrade class. She will graduate May 2010. Josephine Ta (Northwest H.S.) will graduate in December with a B.S. in health and exercise science from the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill. Alicia Tito (Magruder H.S.) graduated summa cum laude May 2009 from the University of Maryland College Park with a B.A. in history and a minor in international development and conflict management.

Rachel Patrick (Cedar Brook H.S.) graduated summa cum laude May 2009 from St. Mary’s College with a B.S. in biology. Rachel’s St. Mary’s Project and the work she did at NIH gained her the position of fourth author on an article in Science. Rachel continues to work at NIH. In October she leaves for Peru’s Tambopata Research Center to study parrots in the rain forest. Carolina Pena (Covenant Life H.S.) interned this summer at MC, working in media relations with Associate Director of Communications Beth Homan.

Scholarly Pursuits

Regie Samuel (Springbrook H.S.) graduated summa cum la6ude in May 2009 from the University of Maryland, College Park with a B.S. in finance.

Kathy Bui and Alicia Tito

Holly Kent-Payne (Blake H.S.) graduated May 2009 from Washington College with a B.A. in English and a minor in creative writing. She is in the M.F.A. program in fiction writing at New York University. Pictured is Holly’s mom, who graduated with an A.A. from Montgomery College.

Tim Chan (Cedar Brook) graduated May 2009 from St. Mary’s College with a B.A. in English, minor in philosophy. Rafael Constante (Watkins Mill H.S.) spent 20 months as a missionary in Utah. Rafael has returned to Maryland to study biology at the University of Maryland.

Carolina Pena

Lauren Hoxie (Churchill H.S.) is a senior at Ringling University, studying computer animation.

Holly Kent-Payne’s mom

Alicia Carroll (on the right)

Alicia Carroll (Poolesville H.S.) will graduate in December with a B.S.N. from Towson University. She continues to volunteer with the Wheaton Volunteer Rescue Squad as an emergency medical technician. This summer she had a paid internship as a student nurse resident at the University of Maryland Shock Trauma Center. Alicia plans to become an ER/trauma nurse after graduating.

Alison Drury

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Class of 2008 Tim Costales (Whitman H.S.) is currently a premed major at Georgetown. Tim earned a spot in the school’s translational health science internship in Buenos Aires, Argentina,

FALL NOTES & NEWS Sarah Paquette (Damascus H.S.) received an undergraduate research award from UMBC for her research on Baroque music. The title of her proposal was “A New Perspective on a Bach Partita.”

Joy Liang (Quince Orchard H.S.) completed the USDOT Summer Internship Program for Diverse Groups in the Marine Administration on a maritime policy support assignment.

Juan Cruz has completed an internship with the Montgomery County Department of Environmental Protection and is attending UMBC this fall to major in environmental science.

Liz Plum (Seneca Valley H.S.) is working in the research laboratory of her biochemistry professor at UMBC in partnership with a laboratory in Brazil, researching a protein called crotamine from a rattlesnake in South America. Liz also received an undergraduate research award from UMBC to continue the study.

Javier Pena (Magruder H.S.): completed an internship with U.S. Congresswoman Ileana Ros-Lehtinen, a Republican Congresswoman from Miami and a ranking member of the U.S. Foreign Affairs Committee.

Liz Plum

Arne Eliasson

Arne Eliasson (Springbrook H.S.) is currently a senior at Johns Hopkins University studying anthropology. In March Arne completed the Miami International Triathlon, finishing 129 out of 800 athletes. He also traveled to Berlin, Germany, to a medical conference to give a presentation on a topic he began in his scholars capstone project, “Sleep in Community College Students.”

Javier Pena and Sheena Austria

this summer. Tim shadowed doctors in several children’s hospitals each morning and then in the afternoon traveled to the Infant Foundation’s research laboratories. He has also completed his EMT qualification.

Class of 2009 Sheena Austria (Churchill H.S.) completed an internship at the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum.

Class of 2008

Montgomery College

M o nt g o me r y S c ho lar s Pr o g r a m N e w s l e tte r

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Montgomery Scholars and Service Learning In the course of constructing the first year scholars’ “The Best of All Possible Worlds Project,” the Class of 2010 was divided into five groups, each of which also completed a service learning project. The latter covered a variety of activities: a Diversity Workshop at Blair H.S. that also included Damascus H.S. students; volunteering to clean the equipment for the Wheaton Fire Service; providing activities for residents of a residential home; painting a mural for a class for autistic children in Washington, D.C.; and providing support for the Water Music for Life concert at Montgomery College. Proceeds from their t-shirts sale (designed by first-year scholar Claire Kalala) went to the UNICEF Water Project and the MC World Ensemble Scholarship Fund; two second-year scholars, Crystel Britto and Bryce Hoover, spoke on their capstone projects concerning global water issues at the event. In addition, Anna Pomerantseva spent a weekend in Philadelphia this past March with 11 other MC students, painting a playground in Fishtown, a disadvantaged part of the city. A number of first-year and sophomore scholars also took part in Montgomery College’s Holocaust Commemoration on April 21: Sheena Austria, Crystel Britto, Paula Hand, Sarah Lasko, Rocio Rossi, and Kristen Santos. Also, Javier Pena and Estefany Carillo participated as leaders in the Maryland Hispanic Youth Symposium in June at Towson University. They were each in charge of a group (“familias”) of high school students selected by their counselors or teachers to participate in workshops on college applications, financial aid, careers, scholarships, and internships.

Scholarly Pursuits

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17 Amy, Ekta, Maria all of ‘03 class, Selwyn College, Cambridge, August 2002

Graduates, class of ‘02

Giving Back to Montgomery College and to the Scholars Program A number of alumni scholars and their parents have asked about giving back to the Scholars Program and Montgomery College. The easiest way to make a cash donation is to go to the Web site:

http://appserv.montgomerycollege.edu/onlinegiving Under “Select an area of support”, click on “Other” and type Montgomery Scholars Scholarship in the box. During these difficult economic times, this is more important than ever. Thank you so much!

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Class of ‘01, London, July 2000

10 th anniversary

Montgomery Scholars

Class of ‘04 in Cambridge University Botanic Gardens for the Summer School Garden Party, July 2003

Montgomery College

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FALL 2009

Montgomery Scholar Receives Outstanding Alumni Award

Michelle Mays ’02

This past April Michelle Mays ’02 B.S.N., M.A. received the Milton F. (Sonny) Clogg Outstanding Alumni Achievement Award. This is Montgomery College’s most prestigious award for former students and is presented to “those alumni who have demonstrated exemplary contributions to their professions, their communities, and/or the College.” The youngest person ever to be so honored, Michelle was chosen because of her exceptional service in the areas of “children, peace building through health initiatives, and humanitarian negotiation”— activities that have taken her to the West

Bank, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and India. Currently Michelle is working as a nurse with Doctors without Borders, working on an integrated health care project in Manipur, India. Unable to attend the ceremony in person, Michelle sent a video from Manipur in which she accepted the award and referenced the inspiration she had found through the Montgomery Scholars Program. Michelle’s brother, Danny Mays ’08, accepted the award on her behalf and her father was also present. Congratulations, Michelle—we are extremely proud of you!

Scholar Gives Keynote Address at Third Annual Latina Power Conference On May 16, 2009, Carolina Pena ’07 was the keynote speaker at the Creando Nuestros Sueños for Latinas Leading Tomorrow conference, which celebrates the growth and achievements of young women reaching academic and civic success. Carolina wrote: “As keynote speaker, I addressed approximately 70 girls ages 12–18. I told them my personal story as an immigrant coming to the U.S., supporting my mom by working and going to college, and my involvement in the community, the risks I took, and mentorship I sought throughout this continuing journey to pursue my dreams. After the conference several girls approached me and took me up on the offer to be my guests for one of my “Generacion Latina” shows on Channel 16. Two of the middle school girls will join me in a show scheduled for July.”

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10 th anniversary

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Carolina Pena (center, left)

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Elias Daniel Payne Erin Lashof and Andrew Dodge ‘01

Patti Wetzel and Peter Dunne ‘05

Mary Megorden ‘08 and James Wilson

Congratulations to Heidi (York) Payne ’01 and her husband Joshua Payne on the birth of their son Elias Daniel Payne on August 12; and to Katherine Rainey Taylor ’02 and her husband Benjamin Taylor on the birth of their twin girls, Erin and Kaitlin, on December 16, 2008.

Erin and Kaitlin Taylor

Births

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Weddings Congratulations to Andrew Dodge ’01 on his marriage to Erin Lashof on July 12, 2009; Adam Lotinsky ’04 on his marriage to Pamela Ramos on October 24, 2008; Peter Dunne ’05 on his marriage to Patti Wetzel in July 2009; and Mary Megorden ’08 on her marriage to James Wilson on June 27, 2009.

In Memoriam It is with heavy hearts that for the first time we include an “In Memoriam” section in our newsletter.

Krystal Birdsong ’02 (1982–2008) A member of the second class of Montgomery Scholars, Krystal left the program after one year for personal reasons. She transferred to Barry University where she graduated with a B.A. and received the Student Affairs’ President’s Award as well as the School of Arts and Sciences Dean’s Award. At the time of her death, Krystal was in the School of Social Work graduate studies program at Barry and was well known on campus for her community service and interest in issues of social justice. We extend our deepest condolences to her family.

Sara de Sousa (1985–2008) Beloved sister of Quesia Sousa ’04 and a Montgomery College and Macklin Scholar graduate of 2005 as well as a graduate in May 2008 of Union College, Sara died on December 19, 2008. Quesia wrote:

Krystal Birdsong (right)

“Sara was and will always be remembered for her bubbling, cheering, and sincere smile. Naturally creative, self motivated and courageous, she was not afraid to speak out for her beliefs. So it wasn’t a surprise to see how she bravely battled cancer and was never driven to despair. Ultimately, it was because Sara really loved Jesus that she was able to do so. Thus, she leaves a testimony of unbreakable faith and love and belief in resurrection.”

Linda Fortney Linda was a librarian at the Rockville Campus library for 19 years. In that capacity she helped countless students. She was also the librarian/research contact for the Montgomery Scholars of 2006. She died on March 12, 2009. She will be sorely missed.

Montgomery College

Sara de Sousa (right) with her sister Quesia

M o nt g o me r y S c ho lar s Pr o g r a m N e w s l e tte r

Presorted First Class Mail U.S. Postage PAID Rockville, MD Permit No. 97

Montgomery Scholars Program 51 Mannakee Street, SV 107B Rockville, MD 20850

Montgomery Scholars Program Newsletter

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Scholarly Pursuits Information Montgomery College www.montgomerycollege.edu Montgomery Scholars Program www.montgomerycollege.edu/ admissions/MCScholars

Comments, feedback, or input, please e-mail:

10 th

anniversary special issue

Director: Dr. Mary Furgol at [email protected]

Produced by the Office of Communications, 09/2009 Montgomery College is an academic institution committed to promoting equal opportunity and fostering diversity among its students, faculty, and staff.

Scholarly Pursuits

FALL 2009