Meet Jennifer Herson ’99, interdisciplinary studies. Jen is an executive at Data Canopy, a data center and cloud company, and the current Vice President of Operations of the UMBC Alumni Association Board of Directors. As a board member, Jen believes deeply in the mission of UMBC and the sense of community and belonging this institution fosters. She helps perpetuate these values through her work on the board and as a donor. Take it away, Jen!
Q: What’s the one thing you’d want someone who hasn’t joined the UMBC community to know about the support you find here?
A: Everyone can find their people here. I wasn’t a traditional student and I didn’t choose a science-focused major, but UMBC was the absolute best choice for me as it allowed me to customize my experience and find what worked for me so that I had the confidence to follow the path that worked for me.
“We’re a community of people with a similar dedication to excellence–and it’s evident everywhere you see us.
Jennifer Herson ’99
Herson ready to graduate with her degree in interdisciplinary studies from UMBC in 1999.
Q: What’s one essential thing you’d want another Retriever to know about you?
A: My area of study was interdisciplinary studies with a focus on visual arts, English, and modern language and linguistics. In my role as an executive at Data Canopy, a data center and cloud company, I have touched everything from operations and finance to marketing. I actually use (and have always used) my degree daily. I’m a mom to a ten-year-old, an avid concert-goer/music enthusiast, and, when I’m not cheering on my son at hockey, I like to root for the Baltimore Orioles or Washington Capitals.
Herson and her husband at the 2021 UMBC Alumni Awards ceremony.
Q: What’s your favorite part of being a part of Retriever Nation?
A: Being a part of Retriever Nation is a point of pride. We’re not just a little school from Baltimore County, we’re a community of people with a similar dedication to excellence–and it’s evident everywhere you see us.
“Everyone can find their people here.
Jennifer Herson ’99
Q: What drives you to support the Alumni Endowed Scholarship Fund?
A: I love to support the Alumni Endowed Scholarship Fund. As someone who worked their way through college, the mission of that fund is near and dear to my heart. I know that the donations I make will be put to good use by a student in need.
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UMBC’s greatest strength is its people. When people meet Retrievers and hear about the passion they bring, the relationships they create, the ways they support each other, and the commitment they have to inclusive excellence, they truly get a sense of our community. That’s what “Meet a Retriever” is all about.
