Recently, we were saddened to learn that Dr. Zane Berge, a long-time professor of Education at UMBC, passed away on Tuesday, February 25, 2025. He was 71.

Both nationally and here at UMBC, Dr. Berge was a pioneer in the use of educational technology, especially distance education. A few of DoIT’s staff remember working with him on the old Technology Enhanced Learning (TEL) committee, which eventually became the Faculty Senate’s Computer Policy Committee (CPC); starting a distance education program in Emergency Health Services; and even completing a dissertation under his wise counsel.

Jack Suess, Vice President of IT and Chief Information Officer: Dr. Berge was very well respected in the online learning community when he arrived at UMBC. In that early period, just after the world-wide web (WWW) was launched, there was tremendous uncertainty as to the impact that the Internet would have on teaching and learning. Dr. Berge chaired our Technology Enhanced Learning committee and was both a practical and empathetic champion for experimentation and student-centered learning. 

Jason Paluck, Enterprise Architect: “Dr. Berge was a delightful person, and absolutely instrumental in our initial Technology Enhanced Learning Committee proceedings as we worked with Tony Moreira, President Hrabowski, Graduate Dean Scott Bass and others in carving the path for online learning initiatives at UMBC. During the development of the Emergency Health Services online graduate program in the mid-1990s, the first accredited online program at UMBC, Dr. Berge played a pivotal role in guiding the departmental transition from traditional classroom-based education to the then-new frontier of online learning. His enthusiasm for innovation, mastery of his craft and enduring spirit will be sorely missed.”

Upcoming Program/Scholarship Deadlines:

March 10th: Non-Faculty-Led Summer 2025, Fall 2025, and Academic Year 2025-2026 Program Application: View program options and begin an application through our website!

March 15th: Bridging Scholarship
Are you studying in Japan during the Fall 2025 semester, 2025-26 academic year or Spring 2026 and receiving federal financial aid? If so, consider the Bridging Scholarship for study in Japan. UMBC students of any major can apply for this award to assist with additional costs associated with study in Japan. 

April 3rd: Freeman Awards for Study in Asia
Are you planning to study in South Korea, Japan, China, or elsewhere in East or Southeast Asia? If so, apply for the Freeman Awards for Study in Asia!! Freeman-ASIA provides scholarships for U.S. undergraduate students with demonstrated financial need to study abroad in East or Southeast Asia. The program’s goal is to increase the number of U.S. citizens and permanent residents with first-hand exposure to and understanding of Asia and its peoples and cultures. 

Upcoming Events: 

Name: Dennis Walker Jr.

Pronouns: He/him

Title: Assistant Director of Adult Learner & Veteran Student Success

Years in Student Affairs/UMBC: 1 year and 6 months 

What is something you do as part of your position that people may not be aware of?

Our veterans and Adult Learners have a space! We were fortunate enough to be provided a space for our veterans and adult learners that promotes inclusivity and connectivity amongst the two populations. We understand that our veterans and adult learners have a different experience than what is considered “traditional" so this is a space created for these students to unwind, study, connect, and ask for assistance regarding their specific needs at UMBC. We are located in the University Center, room 201-D.   

What is one of the most important things you’ve learned during your time here?

One of the most important things I have learned in my year and a half of employment at UMBC is that going with the flow may take you to places you didn’t expect to be, but will teach you things about yourself you didn’t know along the way. This past year has had a lot of transition and change, but it has helped me learn that sometimes things have to be fluid in order to truly serve an intentional purpose. I have learned valuable lessons about myself as an employee, a leader of my responsibilities, and most importantly as a person. 

What do you like to do for fun and/or is something you are passionate about outside of work? 

Outside of work, I love to watch anime and sports. I am a big time Philadelphia Eagles fan (GO BIRDS), so this has been a season of joy for me. I also enjoy watching crime documentaries, participating in community service with my local NAACP, playing video games, and spending time with my loved ones!