Alumni
Interview with David Hugel
The interview was conducted as part of the University of Baltimore Stories: 100th Anniversary Oral History Project, directed by the Special Collections and Archives department at the University of Baltimore Library. The interview was conducted via Zoom application by Laura Bell on April 26, 2021. The interviewee is David Hugel, an alumnus of University of Baltimore's Law School. He received his J.D. in 1973 and his Master's in Criminal Justice in 1977.
During the interview Mr. Hugel describes some of his early life growing up first in Baltimore City and then in Baltimore County, his military service in Vietnam, his public relations career and education at University of Baltimore including his time as a night student and the opportunities school provided, his Law Career and work regarding public and highway safety, and his continuing interest in photography and writing.
Interview with Larry Shane
The interview was conducted as part of the University of Baltimore Stories: 100th Anniversary Oral History Project, directed by the Special Collections and Archives department at the University of Baltimore Library. It was conducted via Zoom application by Bedell Terry on July 13, 2021. The interviewee is Larry Shane, an alumnus of the University of Baltimore's Business School. He was the sports editor of the University's student newspaper, The Baloo and graduated in 1961 with a degree in marketing.
During the interview, Mr. Shane talked about the many successful sports teams at the University of Baltimore. Over the years, the University's physical plant has undergone many changes. During his time at the school, outdoor sports were played on the school's ball fields. After graduating, he worked for a number of advertising firms in Baltimore and later became a sports reporter and columnist for the Baltimore Evening Sun. He later established his own advertising and consulting firm, which he runs from his Florida home.
Interview with Idalee DiGregorio
The interview was conducted as part of the University of Baltimore Stories: 100th Anniversary Oral History Project, directed by the Special Collections and Archives department at the University of Baltimore's RLB Library. It was conducted via Zoom application by Laura Sicari on March 31, 2023. The interviewee is Idalee DiGregorio, an acupuncture therapist who lives in Baltimore and has a long history with the University of Baltimore.
DiGregorio speaks on her time spent at the university while her father taught classes, meeting the students, and family friend H. Mebane Turner. She would later attend UB as a student, and then, following in the academic footsteps of both parents, would eventually teach classes there as well. The interview also covers DiGregorio’s other academic exploits, pursuits in culinary arts and theater, and influential figures from UB such as Neil Kleinmann, Catherine Gira, and Jeff Sawyer. The interview concludes with commentary on the university’s impact on the Baltimore itself and the importance of having an academic institution in the city center.
Interview with Courtney Trang
The interview was conducted as part of the University of Baltimore Stories: 100th Anniversary Oral History Project, directed by the Special Collections and Archives department at the University of Baltimore's RLB Library. It was conducted via Zoom application by Elizabeth Epps on January 9, 2024. The interviewee is Courtney Trang, a notable alumni and staff member deeply connected with the University of Baltimore's community.
The journey of Trang to the University of Baltimore is marked by her roles as a first-generation student from a blue-collar background, her pursuit of criminal justice, and her transition from a student employee to an assistant director specializing in alumni relations. In the interview, Trang discusses her professional and personal growth, her engagement with the university's vast opportunities, and mentorship and community's impact. She emphasizes the importance of adaptability, networking, and seizing every available resource, ultimately demonstrating her dedication to the university's ethos of knowledge that works and her commitment to cultivating a supportive community for current and future students and alumni.
Interview with Johnny Rice II
The interview was conducted as part of the University of Baltimore Stories: 100th Anniversary Oral History Project, directed by the Special Collections and Archives department at the University of Baltimore's RLB Library. It was conducted via Zoom application by Bedell Terry on February 26, 2024. The interviewee is Johnny Rice II who is a distinguished alumnus and current Chair of the Department of Criminal Justice at Coppin State University. His journey from a native Baltimorean and first-generation college student to an academic and practitioner in criminal justice and public health epitomizes the transformative power of education and community engagement.
Raised in West Baltimore, Dr. Rice's academic path led him from Baltimore City College Senior High School to the University of Baltimore, where he pursued his Bachelor's and Master's degrees in Criminal Justice, and later, a Doctor of Public Health at Morgan State University. Throughout the interview, Dr. Rice reflects on the significant impact of his experiences and mentors at the University of Baltimore, his professional evolution, and his dedication to violence prevention and intervention. His story highlights the challenges and triumphs of navigating educational and professional landscapes as a first-generation student, the importance of mentorship, and a deep commitment to serving and uplifting the community.
Interview with Brian Wyant
The interview was conducted as part of the University of Baltimore Stories: 100th Anniversary Oral History Project, directed by the Special Collections and Archives department at the University of Baltimore's RLB Library. It was conducted via Zoom application by Elizabeth Epps on March 12, 2024. The interviewee is Brian Wyant a distinguished alumnus of the University of Baltimore and ccurrent Chair of the Department of Sociology and Criminal Justice at La Salle University in Philadelphia, PA. During the conversation, Dr. Wyant discussed his experiences growing up in Maryland and Washington, DC, his studies at Western Maryland College (now McDaniel College), and finally his transition to the University of Baltimore for his master's in criminal justice and Ph.D. at Temple University.
He shared his experience at the University of Baltimore, emphasizing the supportive faculty and the practical approach to education. He highlighted the small class sizes and the welcoming environment that made him feel at home. Wyant also described his transition from Baltimore to his current role at La Salle University, reflecting on his teaching philosophy and how it was shaped by his time at UBalt.
Interview with Shaun L. Gabbidon
The interview was conducted as part of the University of Baltimore Stories: 100th Anniversary Oral History Project, directed by the Special Collections and Archives department at the University of Baltimore's RLB Library. It was conducted via Zoom application by Fatemeh Rezaei on April 26, 2024. The interviewee is Shaun L. Gabbidon, a distinguished alumnus and current Distinguished Professor of Criminal Justice at Penn State Harrisburg. His journey from Wolverhampton, England, to a prominent academic and researcher in race and criminal justice illustrates the significant impact of education and community support.
Gabbidon's early years were spent in Crown Heights, Brooklyn, and later Long Island, experiencing both urban and suburban life. He began his higher education at Iona College, transferred to Christopher Newport University, and eventually earned a Master's degree at the University of Baltimore, where he was profoundly influenced by dedicated professors. Gabbidon speaks to the critical role of UBalt in shaping his academic career, leading him to pursue a PhD and focus his research on race and justice issues. His work has expanded the field of racial profiling to include consumer settings and emphasized the historical and contextual analysis of race and crime. Gabbidon's story underscores the challenges and achievements of navigating academia as a minority scholar, highlighting the importance of mentorship, resilience, and commitment to social justice.
Interview with LaToya A. Getz
The interview was conducted as part of the University of Baltimore Stories: 100th Anniversary Oral History Project, directed by the Special Collections and Archives department at the University of Baltimore's RLB Library. It was conducted via Zoom application by Bedell Terry on April 15, 2024. The interviewee is LaToya Getz, an alumna of the University of Baltimore's School of Criminal Justice.
LaToya Getz shared her life journey from being born and raised in Baltimore City to her academic and professional experiences. She discussed her upbringing in Baltimore, her education at Govan's Elementary School, Chinquapin Middle School, and Mercy High School. LaToya highlighted her time at Catonsville Community College and her transfer to UMBC, where she majored in sociology and anthropology.
During the interview, LaToya reflected on her graduate studies at the University of Baltimore, where she earned her master's degree in criminal justice. LaToya described her involvement in the university community, the support she received from professors, and her focus on topics such as post-traumatic stress disorder in police officers.
LaToya also discussed her career as a mediator for the State of Maryland and her current role as a schoolteacher. She expressed her passion for mediation and her desire to work full-time at the Alternative Dispute Resolution Center. Throughout the interview, LaToya emphasized the importance of education, community, and resilience in her personal and professional life.
Interview with Lisa Phillips-Pierce
The interview was conducted as part of the University of Baltimore Stories: 100th Anniversary Oral History Project, directed by the Special Collections and Archives department at the University of Baltimore's RLB Library. It was conducted via Zoom application by Fatemeh Rezaei on April 5, 2024. The interviewee is Lisa Phillips-Pierce, an alumna of the University of Baltimore's dual MBA program with Towson University.
Lisa Phillips-Pierce shared her life journey from being born and raised in Baltimore City to her academic and professional experiences. She discussed her childhood in public housing, her placement in foster care, and how these early life experiences shaped her resilience and determination. Lisa highlighted her undergraduate studies at Coppin State University, where she majored in business, and how she overcame personal challenges to succeed academically.
During the interview, Lisa reflected on her graduate studies at the University of Baltimore, where she earned her MBA in entrepreneurship. She described the support she received from the university's faculty and staff, which helped her develop and grow her workforce training business, Celeebrate Us Workforce Training. Lisa emphasized how the resources and mentorship provided by the university played a crucial role in her success.
Lisa also discussed her career trajectory, including her work as a medical billing and coding specialist at Johns Hopkins, her entrepreneurial ventures, and her recent opportunities, such as collaborating with Walgreens and The Reform Alliance. She expressed her gratitude for the education and support she received at the University of Baltimore, which enabled her to scale her business and impact her community positively.
Interview with Larry Greenberg
The interview was conducted as part of the University of Baltimore Stories: 100th Anniversary Oral History Project, directed by the Special Collections and Archives department at the University of Baltimore's RLB Library. It was conducted via Zoom application by Fatemeh Rezaei on May 2, 2024. The interviewee is Larry Greenberg, an alumnus of the University of Baltimore's School of Law and an adjunct faculty member.
Larry Greenberg shared his life journey from being born and raised in Baltimore to his academic and professional experiences. He discussed his education at McDonogh School in Baltimore County, his undergraduate studies at Boston University, and his decision to attend law school at the University of Baltimore. Larry emphasized the importance of building local relationships during his time at UBalt, which he found crucial for his career in Maryland.
During the interview, Larry reflected on his career as a trial lawyer, following in his father's footsteps. He shared insights about his work, his involvement with the Maryland Association for Justice, and his dedication to fighting for legislative changes to improve access to the legal system. Larry also discussed his role in running his family law firm and the challenges of managing a legal practice. Larry described his experience teaching trial advocacy at the University of Baltimore for the past nine years. He expressed his passion for imparting practical knowledge and real-world skills to his students.
Interview with Krystal Roach
The interview was conducted as part of the University of Baltimore Stories: 100th Anniversary Oral History Project, directed by the Special Collections and Archives department at the University of Baltimore's RLB Library. It was conducted via Zoom application by Fatemeh Rezaei on May 3, 2024. The interviewee is Krystal Roach, an alumna of the University of Baltimore's graduate program in Applied Psychology.
Krystal Roach shared her life journey from being born and raised in Baltimore to her academic and professional experiences. She discussed her education at Pikesville High School and Coppin State University, where she initially pursued a nursing major before switching to Applied Psychology. Her passion for psychology was ignited by her study abroad experience in South Korea and her interactions with a psychologist there.
During the interview, Krystal reflected on her time at the University of Baltimore, where she earned her master's degree in Applied Psychology in 2018. She highlighted the supportive and collaborative atmosphere of the campus, the mentorship she received, and her involvement in research projects related to mental health and well-being. She also mentioned her memorable study abroad experience in Barcelona as part of the Industrial-Organizational Psychology program. Krystal further discussed her decision to pursue a PhD at Central Michigan University, inspired by her desire to work with renowned researchers in her field. Krystal is now an adjunct faculty member at the University of Baltimore, where she enjoys teaching and guiding students. She shared her unique experience of transitioning from being a student to a professor at the same institution.
Interview with Bedell Terry
The interview was conducted as part of the University of Baltimore Stories: 100th Anniversary Oral History Project, directed by the Special Collections and Archives department at the University of Baltimore's RLB Library. It was conducted via Zoom application by Fatemeh Rezaei on May 13, 2024. The interviewee is Bedell Terry, an alumnus of the University of Baltimore's History Program, retired IRS manager, and current history graduate student.
Bedell Terry shared his life journey, beginning with his early years in Red Bank, New Jersey.. He talked about growing up in a small town near the ocean, being the oldest of six children, and his experiences in a typical middle-class family in the 1950s and 1960s. During the interview, Bedell reflected on his long career with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), where he started as a Revenue Officer in 1974 and eventually became a program manager overseeing call centers nationwide. He retired from the IRS in 2005 but continued to work as the Director of Compliance for the District of Columbia's tax office for another 15 years. Bedell described his return to education at the University of Baltimore in 2017, motivated by a desire to finish what he started decades earlier. He praised the supportive environment and the personalized attention from professors at UBalt, which he found crucial for his success. Bedell graduated from UBalt in 2021 with a degree in History and is currently pursuing graduate studies at UMBC, focusing on Black businessmen in Baltimore during the postwar years.
Interview with Bruce James
The interview was conducted as part of the University of Baltimore Stories: 100th Anniversary Oral History Project, directed by the Special Collections and Archives department at the University of Baltimore's RLB Library. It was conducted via Zoom application by Laura Sicari on March 19, 2024. The interviewee is Bruce James, an alumnus of the University of Baltimore.
During the interview, Bruce reflected on his career as a federal law enforcement officer. Bruce explains his decision to return to education and pursue a master's degree in criminal justice at the University of Baltimore, motivated by his desire to challenge himself and set an example for his children. He praised the supportive environment and the mentorship of professors like Dr. Heather Pfeiffer and Dr. Benjamin Wright. Bruce graduated with his master's degree in 2020, during the COVID-19 pandemic, and shared his experiences of adapting to remote learning. Throughout the interview, Bruce emphasized the importance of empathy and support in his role as a law enforcement officer. He discussed how his approach to supervision has evolved to focus more on rehabilitation and support, influenced by his experiences and the education he received at UBalt. He expressed gratitude for the opportunities and support provided by the university, which have had a lasting impact on his career and personal growth.