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Real People Profiles: John Malloy

We're asking some of the people you might encounter on the UMBC campus, including students, faculty, staff and alumni, to answer a few questions about themselves and their experiences. These are their responses.


Name: John Malloy

Hometown: Crofton, Maryland

Q: How long have you been at UMBC?

A: This is my 4th semester here (I'm almost halfway done...its gone by so quick)

Q: What is your current title (job or student organization position)?

A: I am currently doing research with Dr. Kevin Omland and Dr. Matthias Gobbbert in the UMBC Undergraduate Biology and Mathematical Research Program (UBM).  I am also part of the Honors College, an affiliate of of the Meyerhoff Scholar Program, a STRiVER, a member of the UMBC Symphony Orchestra, and last but certainly not least, a Woolie!

Q: In 12 words or less, what role(s) do you play on campus? 

A: Being legen...wait for it...DARY!  But mostly being an encouraging student and friend.

Q: What aspect of your UMBC role(s) do you enjoy most?

A: I love walking around and seeing people from all different disciplines and backgrounds.  UMBC really is such a diverse place and since I am in a wide range of activities, I am in an extremely good place to experience all the diversity we enjoy here.  There are so many good people here from so many different places, and there is always something to learn from them!  Since I've been at UMBC, I've expanded my horizons so much and I'm a better person for it.

Q: What is the most important or memorable thing you learned in college/have learned at UMBC?

A: The most memorable thing at UMBC has easily been STRiVE.  STRiVE is a leadership retreat over winter break that I just participated in, but it was much more than a leadership retreat.  It was a life-changing week that I will never forget.  I walked into to it knowing 4 people, and I left having over 60 amazing friends.  Because of STRiVE, I couldn't wait to get back to school this semester so I can work on changing the campus and being a leader.  I now have the knowledge and confidence to be a better person and, as one of my friends put it, "to be the change I want to see in the world."

Q: Complete this sentence: "I am a big fan of __________"

A: Ledo's pizza and the Washington Capitals. Preferably at the same time.

Q: Do you have any UMBC stories, little-known facts about UMBC, favorite spots on campus, or anything else you’d like to share?

A: I have a confession to make - one day, I threw water balloons off of Commons Garage.  I didn't hit anyone (nearly hit a parked car though!), so don't worry.  But the top of the garage is one of the random relaxing spots on campus, especially in late afternoon or night when you need somewhere to go and get away from everything.  People look at you weird when they walk to their cars, but the view toward the stadium is calming and worth the weird looks.  
UMBC has a lot of these random spots that are nice just fun to go to - its nice to know that our campus has spots like that to go to.

BONUS VIDEO QUESTION: What else would you like to share? Ask yourself a question and answer it.


Co-Create UMBC is a blog for and about UMBC, written by David Hoffman and Craig Berger from the Office of Student Life. Join the Co-Create UMBC group on MyUMBC. Like Co-Create UMBC on Facebook. And follow David and Craig on Twitter. 

Posted: February 3, 2013, 5:22 PM