Retriever Tales

Tirzah Khan ‘21, former ConnectionCorps Intern with the Center for Democracy and Civic Life (and founding host of Retriever Tales), describes the lessons she has learned by embracing her role and impact in shaping the UMBC community.

Tess McRae ‘22, Senior Intern for Civic Design and Engagement with the Center for Democracy and Civic Life (and new host of Retriever Tales), tells the story of experiences that have instilled her with a sense of agency.

Jodi Kelber-Kaye, Associate Director of the Honors College, shares how UMBC’s collaborative culture has empowered her over the last two decades.

Tyler Fultz, Coordinator of Quarantine and Isolation Housing with Residential Life, explains how their supportive UMBC colleagues have helped them develop a restorative mindset to build community and address conflict.

Merhshad Devin '22, President of the Student Government Association, tells the story of how being involved in planning UMBC’s response to COVID-19 deepened his appreciation for collective decision-making.

Dinah Winnick, Director of Communications and Content Strategy with the Office of Institutional Advancement, shares her reflections on the evolution of UMBC’s unique culture.

Lia Purpura, UMBC's Writer in Residence, shares her thoughts on artmaking as a way of connecting with community on campus and beyond.

Poulomi Banerjee '16, M.P.P. '21, Acting Assistant Director of Annual Giving, recounts her transformation from disconnected first year UMBC student to enthusiastic alumna.

Charis Lawson '20, former Civic Literacy Intern with the Center for Democracy and Civic Life, reflects on her journey of finding community at UMBC after being homeschooled.

Rees Draminski '22, Senator with the Student Government Association, explains what he has learned about engagement and impact during his time at UMBC.

Rehman Liaqat '23, Finance Board Representative with the Student Government Association, discusses an experience from his first week of classes that shaped his understanding of what it means to be a Retriever.

Kate Drabinski, Ph.D., a faculty member in Gender, Women’s + Sexuality Studies, recounts how people in the UMBC community supported her after her cancer diagnosis.

Candace Dodson-Reed '96, UMBC’s Chief of Staff, reflects on her journey from introverted undergrad to one of the university's senior leaders.

Meghan Lynch '18, M.P.P. '21, Vice President of the Graduate Student Association, shares what she has learned as a UMBC student about building collective power.