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: Steven McAlpine
Hometown: Baltimore MD
Hometown: Baltimore MD
Q: How long have you been at UMBC?
A: Seven years
Q: What is your current title (job or student organization position)?
A: Assistant Director of Interdisciplinary Studies (INDS).
Q: In 12 words or less, what role(s) do you play on campus?
A: Teacher, mentor to students designing individualized majors, advisor to student organizations, drummer.
Q: What aspect of your UMBC role(s) do you enjoy most?
A: I love teaching in the classroom. In our writing intensive INDS 330 Ways of Knowing seminar, we examine the interdisciplinary work of artists, social scientists and scientists, and I am often amazed at the fresh insights that students bring to discussions. Last semester's honors section did a brilliant analysis of the connections between art and science in the documentary film "Between the Folds."
Q: What is the most important or memorable thing you learned in college/have learned at UMBC?
A: How important it is for students to "own" their choice of major and career. I meet with quite a few students who say, "I cannot continue with my 'parental expectation major'! Now I want to follow my interests and passion for___." When we let others choose for us, we can miss our calling or run into dead ends in our lives. I am grateful that UMBC has programs like INDS that allow students to align their intellectual interests, research and creative ideas, with a variety of courses that result in a meaningful (and valuable) learning experience.
Q: Complete this sentence: "I am a big fan of __________"
A: URCAD (Undergraduate Research and Creative Achievement Day). One of the most inspiring days of the year at UMBC.
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: Since my first summer at UMBC in 2006, I have enjoyed hanging out on the terrace by the University Center (outside of Starbucks). In 2008 I started a drum circle with a few UMBC students that still performs and records together. We call ourselves "Straight Up Tribal" and we have recorded an EP available in the bookstore. We also host a monthly show in downtown Baltimore at Teavolve Cafe on second Saturdays.
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.
