Great News Abounds in LLC!

In May, our esteemed program manager, Liz Steenrod, received the UMBC Presidential Distinguished Staff Award. Her nomination letter written by Drs. Bickel and Moffitt acknowledged, “Ms. Steenrod has been an engine of innovation and process improvements, the communications and team building hub for students and faculty, and the stabilizing force through sometimes difficult transitions for the program as it has grown to 75 doctoral students and expanded its affiliate faculty and interdisciplinary reach.” I do not think there is a single individual that would counter these observations of Liz and her role in the program. 

And in October, we will have two additional members of our community honored by the UMBC Alumni Association. Dr. Bev Bickel, who was nominated by LLC alum, will be recognized for the Outstanding Faculty Award. In their letters of support, Drs. David Hoffman and Romy Hubler stated that, “[Dr. Bickel] was unfailingly patient and creative, and above all responsive to me: truly hearing my hopes, amplifying my curiosity, and helping me to believe in myself as a researcher.” Also, [her] “attention to fostering students’ scholarly and personal growth not only results in individual benefits but models how supportive relationships and strong communities should look and feel.” That sounds about right! 

Dr. La Jerne Cornish, a member of the first cohort of the LLC program, will receive the Outstanding Alumni of the Year Award in the Humanities. Dr. Cornish who currently serves as provost at Ithaca College “exemplifies what an Outstanding Alumnae at UMBC looks like. She exhibits commitment and determination; and we…. recognize her grit and greatness in the academic world that she has traversed so gracefully,” according to Dr. Moffitt who enthusiastically nominated her for this award. 

We have much to celebrate and there is certainly more to come as each member of our community shines their excellence and brilliance. Please join me in congratulating our honorees and their well-deserved achievements!...Kimberly Moffitt

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