Curious about running for GSA? Want to understand the election process or just have questions? This is your chance to learn more, get clarity, and make your voice heard.

Join us for an open town hall to talk all things GSA elections — and yes, there will be pizza.

Monday, February 23
2:00 PM
The Commons – Flat Tuesdays Space

Whether you're considering candidacy or simply want to stay informed, your participation matters. Come grab a slice and be part of the conversation.

Follow @umbc_gsa for updates and visit gsa.umbc.edu for more information.

Apply to present your research or creative work at URCAD by Monday!

Come celebrate URCAD's 30th anniversary on April 22, 2026! 

The event will be moving to a bigger space in the RAC… how do you see your work being presented there? 

Posters, oral talks, films, exhibits, and performances are welcome. URCAD is open to all majors and group projects are accepted. You can present your capstone, Honors thesis, REU research, or you can be unaffiliated with a scholars program. 

Applications to present mentored research or creative work are due by February 23rd and require a 200-word abstract and mentor approval. See you at the RAC as we showcase UMBC student research and art and throwback to where it all began in the 90s!

Questions? Email: aprilh@umbc.edu

If you've ever looked at your meal balance and thought, "I probably won't use all of these…" — this is your moment.

Through February 25, you can turn those extra swipes into meals for fellow Retrievers experiencing food insecurity. It's a simple choice that can quietly make someone's week a little easier.

No pressure. Just an opportunity to look out for your own community.

Every swipe shared is one less worry for someone else.

Learn more through the link below.

https://retrieveressentials.umbc.edu/services/save-a-swipe/

Mary Beatrice Davidson Kenner was a groundbreaking Black American inventor who dedicated her life to creating tools that made everyday tasks easier and more dignified. She was born in 1912 in Monroe, North Carolina, into a family of inventors, and began designing solutions to problems at a very young age.

After moving to Washington, D.C. at age 12, Mary regularly visited the U.S. Patent Office to check whether her ideas already existed. Most of them did not. Her creativity and determination led her to file five patents, more than any other African American woman in U.S. history.

In 1956, Mary patented an elastic sanitary belt that securely held menstrual pads in place. At a time when most products were uncomfortable and unreliable, her design improved comfort, mobility, and protection. She later improved the design with a moisture proof pocket to prevent leaks.

Although companies showed interest in her invention, they withdrew support after learning she was Black. Because of racism, her patent expired, and manufacturers profited from her idea while she received no financial benefit.

Mary continued inventing despite these barriers. Inspired by her sister who had multiple sclerosis, she designed a walker attachment with a tray and storage. She also created accessible bathroom tools, including a wall-mounted back scrubber and a toilet paper holder designed to help people with arthritis and vision loss.

Throughout her life, Mary focused on solving real problems for real people. She never became wealthy from her work, but her inventions helped shape modern menstrual products and accessibility tools used today.