Falling For The University Of Baltimore All Over Again!

Posted on by Don Willett in Snapshot
Partygoers looking upward
Photo by Nicole Munchel

We closed our centennial year in spectacular style—and with a lot of balloons! We celebrated where we’ve been and imagined where we’re going. And we were reminded over and over again of why we love The University of Baltimore so much. We see the transformative power of education and its ability to change lives. We are committed to academic excellence and delivering a realworld education to our students. And we understand our responsibility to be active and engaged citizens. Our celebrations may have ended, but our optimism has been renewed and our determination strengthened. We are ready for UBalt’s second century!

President’s Letter

Posted on by Don Willett in President's Letter

Kurt Schmoke
Last year was one for the history books. 2025 was a year spent celebrating, remembering, reflecting and preparing for the future of The University of Baltimore.

The more people we spoke with about the University’s first 100 years, the clearer it became—our alumni are our greatest legacy. They are what we’re most proud of and always will be. They are our greatest achievement, our greatest resource, our greatest source of strength and our biggest inspiration. Each of our alumni is unique. Each of their stories is unique, with different casts, plots, chapters, themes and endings. But regardless of where they came from or where they went after their time at UBalt, and regardless of the jobs or titles they held, there is one common trait that every University of Baltimore graduate shares—each left an undeniable, indelible mark on this institution. Their  contributions add to the impact of the ones that came before and will, in turn, shape the ones that come after.

Just a couple of weeks ago, as the Class of 2026 was being handed their diplomas, I realized I wasn’t just proud of everyone who crossed the stage, I was grateful.
  Grateful that it was our students who showed up and did the work.
  Grateful that it is our alumni out there doing good and giving back.
  Grateful that it is our community whose contributions will forge the next generation of learners, leaders, educators, innovators, entrepreneurs, mentors, helpers, protectors, creators, builders, givers, servers, doers and, pardon the pun, bee-ers.

Would that we had the time and space to tell each of their stories! Still, we can share some here and rest easy knowing that our graduates are equipped to tell their own through their words and deeds.

In another hundred years, I’m sure members of the University’s Bicentennial committee will take delight in unearthing this issue of our magazine along with others from decades past. But, having just been in their shoes, I’m also confident it won’t take a written record for our
posterity to appreciate the impact of our legacy. We certainly didn’t.
We feel it every day.

Sincerely,

Kurt L. Schmoke
President, The University of Baltimore

A Century in the Making

Posted on by Don Willett in Extras

Centennial Grand Celebration • Thursday, Nov. 13, 2025
Opening Remarks by University System of Maryland Chancellor Jay A. Perman, MD

University System of Maryland Chancellor Jay A. Perman, MD
Photo by Nicole Munchel

Good evening, everyone. It’s an honor to be a part of your Centennial Celebration. Thank you, President Schmoke. It’s not surprising to see so many of our elected officials here tonight, given UBalt’s abiding role in shaping the leadership of Maryland. Your support means the world.

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Knowledge That Works Here

Posted on by Don Willett in Features

Many return to UBalt to provide the support that once changed their lives

BY SALLY FREEDMAN

Dr. Jan Williams, M.S. ’95
Photo of Dr. Jan Williams, M.S. ’95, by Chris Myers Photography.

Many University of Baltimore graduates have made the transition from learner to leader right on campus. When this group of alumni returned to UBalt to work, they brought more than expertise—they brought their lived experience. These former students understand the challenges their successors face because they’ve navigated them personally. And their commitment to the values and lessons that shaped them ensures future generations will benefit from the same hard-earned wisdom.

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Dr. R. Alan Streett, B.A. ’70

Posted on by Don Willett in Reflections

Al Street

BIO

  • B.A. ’70, Yale Gordon College of Liberal Arts
  • Senior distinguished professor emeritus of biblical theology, Criswell College
  • Author
  • Elected member of the Studiorum Novi Testamenti Societas
    (The Society for New Testament Studies)

It seems like yesterday that I first stepped inside The University of Baltimore, but it has been over six decades. The main campus consisted of a single five-story building on the corner of Charles and Oliver streets that housed classrooms, library, administrative and professor offices, a cramped bookstore, and a large first-floor lounge with towering white columns where students socialized and crammed for exams. We had no cafeteria, dorms or parking lots. All students commuted and competed for a limited number of metered spaces.

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Finding Their Niche

Posted on by Don Willett in Features

Providing specialized service led to success for these alums

STORY BY ADAM STONE

Stephen Friedman, B.S. ’08, left, and Jason Friedman, B.S. ’09
Photo of Stephen Friedman, B.S. ’08, left, and Jason Friedman, B.S. ’09  by Kevin Parisi

In elementary school, someone probably asked what you wanted to be when you grew up. Depending on your generation, you might have said doctor, teacher, firefighter or, more recently, something like Instagram influencer.

In real life, people find themselves working in jobs they never imagined, or even knew existed. Caregiver consultant, accountant for tattoo artists, equine lawyer—who knew?

For some, a University of Baltimore education has opened doors to unexpected opportunities. They’re finding personal and professional satisfaction in little-known niches, where their expertise and passion have a chance to shine.

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Guardians of the Legacy

Posted on by Don Willett in Features

Alumni arts leaders are protecting culture from the vultures

STORY BY ANNA RUSSELL

Jeremy Goldman, J.D. ’09
Photo of Jeremy Goldman, J.D. ’09, by Shealyn Jae

The arts are a central expression of society and our values. Today’s changing cultural landscape depends on strong leaders who are sensitive to those shifting needs and able to develop strategies that maintain stability and sustain growth. The arts require exploration not only in the act of creation but by those who enable that creative journey.

The University of Baltimore has spent a century developing leaders across a variety of fields who can quickly adapt and weather changes to our environment and economy. By helping students master finance, law, management and critical thinking, UBalt empowers its graduates to expand the reach and impact of the arts. These leaders don’t just support the arts; they develop flexible frameworks that preserve artistic legacies and ensure their future.

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To Serve, and Serve Again

Posted on by Don Willett in Features

After their service ended, their commitment to service flourished

STORY BY ADAM STONE

EarlThomas, B.A. ’24
Photo of Earl Thomas, B.A. ’24 by Kevin Parisi

For many who have worn a United States military uniform, service becomes a way of life. When they transition to civilian roles, some feel called to continue their service in support of their fellow veterans. A number of University of Baltimore graduates have found ways to leverage their academic and professional achievements to help serve the needs of the military veteran community.

From proactive hiring to community service to direct support for UBalt’s own veteran students, they’re using their skills to help other veterans succeed in civilian life.

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Ty Hobson-Powell, B.A. ’11

Posted on by Don Willett in Reflections
Ty Hobson and University of Baltimore President Kurt Schmoke
Photo of Ty Hobson and University of Baltimore President Kurt Schmoke by Kevin Parisi

BIO

  • B.A. ’11, Yale Gordon College of Arts and Sciences
  • Youngest person to graduate from The University of Baltimore
  • Community leader and advocate
  • Thrives at the intersection of people, policy and trust

I received my bachelor’s degree at 15 from The University of Baltimore. When people ask what shaped my voice, my discipline, and my sense of public purpose, I do not give an abstract answer. I point to UBalt, and to a campus that treated a young student not as a curiosity but as someone expected to rise to the moment.

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In Innovation We Trust

Posted on by Don Willett in Features

By embracing their entrepreneurial spirits,
these grads built businesses that redefined their markets

STORY BY ADAM STONE

Kathy Vegh, MBA ’01
Photo of Kathy Vegh, MBA ’01

A strong entrepreneurial spirit is common among University of Baltimore students. Nurturing that spirit has long been a hallmark of a UBalt education. And for some, that was what laid the groundwork for their success in business.

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