Stories | What's Your Number | Towson University

2008 » Aspire, Believe, Achieve

I couldn’t believe that I had successfully completed all of my courses and was now ready to graduate from Towson University. All of my countless efforts, diligent work, strong drive, and determination had paid off. My parents and relatives couldn’t have been more proud of me, but I was the one who was the proudest of all. All of my hard work had resulted in me being the first in my immed ...

2008 » Aspire, Believe, Achieve

2008

Erica Gresham | Graduated 2008

Alumnus/Alumna, Posted 5-16-13

5589 » My Outstanding Experience

I graduated from Annapolis High School in 1951, but could not get into Towson State because I was not in the top 1/3 of my class. My dad was the Director of Admission at Johns Hopkins, so he found me a girl’s junior college in NJ, Centenary. After my freshman year there, I was able to transfer to Towson. I really wanted to be a teacher. My graduation class was 1955, but I got married in 1954 and moved away. In 1988, I returned to Towson part-time to finish my degree. I spent the spring of 1989 student teaching in England. My two assignments were in New Malden, Surrey and Cumner Oxford. I loved every minute of it and I also made the Dean’s List before my Dad died that fall!! What an outstanding experience Towson afforded me!!

Anne Wilson | Graduated 1955

Alumnus/Alumna, Posted 5-16-13

28» Professor of Political Science

I have taught political science at Elizabethtown College, Elizabethtown, PA since 1990. I am the author o...

28» Professor of Political Science

I have taught political science at Elizabethtown College, Elizabethtown, PA since 1990. I am the author of "Russell Kirk and the Age of Ideology," (University of Missouri Press, 2004). Dr. Eric Belgrad, Political Science Department, was my mentor.

W. Wesley McDonald

Student, Posted 5-15-13

6 » Richmond, 6th Floor

1959 |
20 |
6

There were 10 of us as new residents in September, 1955. We were given rooms on the 6th floor of Richmond. We must have been up and down the stairs 20 times a day. We became good friends and shared college life and new experiences. Bowling, shopping, mixers with other college groups and study groups were all part of a new life at Towson. The first time being independent and on our own was a challenge and was liberating. We became such good friends. There was always someone to share a meal, go to a game or just hang out with from our floor. Sharing this brings back good memories.

Bertha Hoppert | Graduated 1959

Alumnus/Alumna, Posted 5-10-13

2 » The Unexpected Second

2 |
4 |
1996 |
1998

1996 – It was time to transfer from my 2 year school to a 4 year university. I had only 2 choices due to my major, “Physical Education, a.k.a. Kinesiology,” and due to proximity to home. My second choice was Towson, not because I seriously considered attending, but because it was my back-up plan. I thought my grades were not good enough and I knew I wouldn’t get in. I didn’t expect to hear from TU. To my surprise, TU responded first stating they had my information. A month later, I was accepted… under a provisional basis. Ironically, I never heard from my first choice… at all. The 2nd choice gave me a second chance to prove I was a good student worthy of attending a good school no matter my past setbacks. Thank you, #2!

Regina Boyce | Graduated 1998

Alumnus/Alumna, Posted 5-9-13

210 » The phone never stops ringing

1965

When I was a freshman many, many years ago, my first dorm was Newell Hall. Ward and West Halls were for the guys. When you entered the main door of Newell Hall you saw a beautiful staircase leading to the second floor. If you turned right you came to the first dorm room on your right and the telephone booth on your left. That dorm room #210 was mine. As freshman we took turns being on "phone duty", but every time the phone rang, I heard it. When no one was on duty I usually answered it. At the time it was a pain, but now I think about it fondly. We had curfews, also, and if you weren't at least in the lobby (the one that led into the cafeteria) when midnight came you were in big trouble. Things change but memories only get better.

Virginia (Gini) Lazidis | Graduated 1965

Alumnus/Alumna, Posted 4-24-13

0517 » The Beautiful Struggle

Coming into Towson in 2006 was quite the journey. I had no idea of the struggles, hardships and successes that would come of my years in college. I entered school not knowing what I wanted to do, who I was going to be or where my path would lead me. I was young, in 'love' and just going through the motions. The search for my path was not an easy one, as I was undecided in a major for a year, moved to psychology for another year, to finally find my true passion of Graphic Design. I didn't do well in the beginning years, as I tried to cope with an abusive relationship and maintain grades, friendships and sanity. Once I found Design, I began to see myself coming into shape. Despite the struggles of it all, I still managed to shine in my chosen field. Just when things got a bit too rough on the personal perspective of my life, I found myself having to drop out of school in the middle of the semester for my safety; with a mere 4 classes left until graduation. Feeling discouraged and down, I was out of school for almost 2 years trying to build myself back up. I finally decided that I wouldn't let someone else dictate my future and re-enrolled to TU. After getting back into the program, I successfully finished my undergraduate degree with Graphic design in one semester! With my degree, in a mere 6 months, I managed to get accepted into the Master’s program for Information Technology program at TU and am currently utilizing my degree as a Graphic designer at Microstrategy headquarters. I have built up my own business (with well-known clients) as well as juggled school and my career. I have done pro-bono design work for the fight against Domestic Violence and non-profits. I am happy to say that despite everything that fought against my success, I never gave up on myself. I never let anyone else dictate what will happen to my future. Thanks to Towson U, also for understanding that 'life' does happen. And steps will have to be taken if you’re ever to be in a tough situation. I have such a great appreciation for life and hard work! Thank you for my experience; I would never change anything that happened to me in the past.

Rahmie Santoso | Graduated 2010

Student, Alumnus/Alumna, Posted 4-22-13

1970 » Two Stories

2 |
1966 |
1970 |
1969

1. I was a freshman during Towson University’s centennial year (1966). As part of the celebration, there were many notable speakers that year, including B.F. Skinner (psychologist), James Dickey (poet), Gerald Moore (pianist) and Sam Levinson (humorist). 2. Albert S. Cook Library opened its present building in 1969, having moved from a far smaller building. The cavernous size of the building was designed to accommodate the growth of student numbers and books in future years. When the building opened those many years ago, there seemed to be more shelf space than books/periodicals.

Peter McGinnes | Graduated 1970

Alumnus/Alumna, Posted 4-22-13

313 » Newell 313

I loved living on the hall in Newell in my sophomore year with 2 great roommates – Carolyn Hendrix and Cindy Teater. We had great times and many adventures together. That year, I started working in the cafeteria taking numbers for breakfast. My roommates would stay up late and I had to roll out of bed each morning to get to work by 6:30 AM. Oh, Boy!! What a challenge!! I loved the colleg ...

313 » Newell 313

1965 |
2 |
6:30 |
313

Shirley Schumacher | Graduated 1965

Alumnus/Alumna, Posted 4-18-13

1965 » my kids are the best

3 |
1965 |
2 |
1978

I graduated Towson in 1978 and immediately opened Clearlight Surf and Sport in Fenwick Island, Delaware. I expanded into Ocean City, Maryland, next to the Green Turtle. Later, I opened 3 additional locations in Reisterstown, Parkville and Fells Point. Eventually, I sold the business to actually use my teaching degree and taught for Baltimore City Schools at Lemmel Middle School. In the past few years, I have substituted at Mervo High School and Booker T. Washington Middle School. As you can see, I love kids. I have 3 great children of my own, including 2 grandchildren. I am a classic car nut and still race cars and motorcycles.

Richard Nast | Graduated 1978

Alumnus/Alumna, Posted 4-18-13

3» Finding my Passion

Shifting from major to major isn't the most cost or time efficient, but when it comes to future happiness ...

3» Finding my Passion

3 |
2008

Shifting from major to major isn't the most cost or time efficient, but when it comes to future happiness and fulfillment of your passion, it does matter. I was very indecisive on which major to pursue. Throughout my career at TU, I always studied under the Kinesiology Department. During my stay with the Athletic Training (1st major) and Physical Education (2nd major) programs, I always found myself taking some extra time roaming around the University Store in the Exercise Science book aisle. Then one day it became clear to me that I was meant to be an Exercise Science Major! Count it… Major # 3!!

Walter Dearborn | Graduated 2008

Alumnus/Alumna, Posted 4-11-13

24 » The Bone Garden

I wrote, produced and directed a feature film called: The Bone Garden. I used several Towson students, alumni and faculty. The film took 24 days to shoot in the summer of 2012. It is currently in post production. ...

24 » The Bone Garden

1996 |
24

Mike Gutridge | Graduated 1996

Alumnus/Alumna, Posted 4-9-13

25 » My, Have Times Changed!

25 |
1984

As a commuter freshman (we were not allowed to live on campus if we lived within 25 miles of TSU), it cost me 25 cents for each gallon of gas for my car. Unfortunately, I was not ready for college, so I left after my freshman year. I soon realized my error, but I was also soon married with children, so my degree took me 20 years. During that time, I met and married my husband, also a TU student. I got a job on campus and worked with many freshmen as an advisor and in the refresher math area. Meanwhile, I raised three children, all of whom have attended, graduated, or are soon to graduate from TU. I retired from TU recently, but am still teaching part time – my family and I truly bleed black and gold.

Stefanie Hunt | Graduated 1984

Student, Faculty, Parent, Alumnus/Alumna, Staff, Friend, Posted 4-8-13

8 » Studio 8

My Towson number is 8, as in Studio 8, the epicenter of the theatre student's world when I attended Towson. It was a big room under the Stephens Hall Auditorium, which served as scene shop and general hang-up. Most of us pretty much lived there. It was a great time to be in theatre at Towson. Theatre was a new program and much smaller than it is now and we were all super-excited about what we were doing. Many of us went on to long careers in theatre and film. And one, an acting student named Maravene has distinguished herself in university administration.

Leonard Harman | Graduated 1969

Student, Alumnus/Alumna, Posted 4-6-13

311 » The First Dorm Room

As an incoming out-of-state freshman (and knowing not a soul when I arrived to Tower D on move-in day in August of 1999), room #311 became my new home. I met some amazing women that I still keep in touch with to this day, ten years later. When I think of Towson, I always think of #311- that first room, just off of the elevators, where I met friends, learned new life lessons, and gained ...

311 » The First Dorm Room

Anne Mathay | Graduated 2003

Alumnus/Alumna, Posted 4-1-13

1977 » 1977

I earned a Masters in Secondary Education in December of 1977 and retired July 1, 2012 after 44 years in education (23 years in the classroom and 21 in administration). I have great memories of helping students and teachers gain the best instruction and education possible and am currently mentoring “new” teachers in Queen Anne’s County. ...

1977 » 1977

21 |
23 |
2012 |
1977 |
44

Richard McNeal | Graduated 1977

Alumnus/Alumna, Posted 3-29-13

1 » Men's Lax

1 |
1960

An excerpt from an article by Mr. Don Vetter, Goalie for Team 1 in Men’s Lacrosse: “The story of the 1958 Towson State Lacrosse Club team began in 1956 when a few students convinced Doc Minnegan, the athletic director, to permit them to play lacrosse once a week in the gym… A huge problem was obtaining goal cages and equipment. Doc said the college didn’t have the money to buy goals, helmets, or pads. As luck would have it, Don Sudbrink was able to locate some surplus pipe. He and Dieti von Schwerdtner (son of Dietrich von Schwerdtner who was chair of the Department of Foreign Languages and the wresting team coach) knew an accomplished plumber who volunteered his time, skill and the necessary parts to turn the pipe into two regulation goals. Once we had the frames, Doc found the money to buy nets. Bob Scott, lacrosse coach at Johns Hopkins University, made a major contribution to the equipment problem. Hopkins graciously donated a large selection of used helmets, arm and shoulder pads, and practice balls. Jerseys were still a problem. The school purchased some yellow T-shirts to use for scrimmages and games. However, they had no numbers. Someone broke out a black marker and, voila, the problem was solved. The ’58 lax program was ready to roll.”

Donald Vetter | Graduated 1960

Alumnus/Alumna, Posted 3-4-13

401» Change of Trajectory

There was an episode on the show Community that dealt with parallel universes – the remedial chaos theory....

401» Change of Trajectory

401 |
2007

There was an episode on the show Community that dealt with parallel universes – the remedial chaos theory. That hilarious (and nerdy) episode made me realize I probably like sci-fi more than I let myself indulge; it comes to mind when I think about what my life would be without 401. Tower D, room 401. I entered college after a high school career of over-committed extracurricular involvement. I was going to reward myself with a year off ... slowly getting involved in student organizations. My RA, Jerry Jones III, would not hear any of it and told me I had to run for building council president. He convinced me, and I got more and more involved in school ... building my confidence levels and guiding me down a path that would cap as SGA president. I love Towson University because I was given an ownership stake; the support system came right alongside to guide me to a sizeable return on my investment. Because of my involvement there, I have stayed connected with the university and now sit on the Alumni Association. I credit a great deal of my post-collegiate success to my school and the experiences and people there. 401 changed my trajectory.

Patrick Dieguez | Graduated 2007

Alumnus/Alumna, Posted 2-20-13

2015 » 2015

I was a student and an alum of Baltimore Hebrew University, now Baltimore Hebrew Institute and part of Towson University. In the last two years, I have attended lectures sponsored by BHI. Towson University is a wonderful academic institution. I wish you continued success. ...

2015 » 2015

2015 |
1985

Beverly Max | Graduated 1985

Student, Alumnus/Alumna, Posted 2-8-13

19 » Number of Credits For My First 4.0

My parents believed I had been an undergraduate long enough. They asked me if I minded getting around to graduation. My response - "No problem." And I took 19 credits the next semester. This was the same semester when I achieved my first 4.0! ...

19 » Number of Credits For My First 4.0

1999 |
4.0 |
19

Tracey Nicholson | Graduated 1999

Alumnus/Alumna, Posted 2-7-13

4 » Towson and the City

2012

3 is my magic number. I spent my time at Towson University with 3 of my best friends. These fabulous ladies helped me cope with life on Towson Campus. We spent many weekends cooking, talking, and watching Sex in the City. We compared every episode to our life at school. If it wasn't for these ladies, I think my time at Towson would have been boring. Instead, it was an amazing adventure. These 3 ladies are still my rock and my girls. We have grown into women pursuing our dreams and goals. Yet, we still remember our episodes at Towson University. We didn't have Sex and the City. We had Towson and the City.

Kyra Crafton

Student, Posted 1-31-13

1963» Three Towson generations

Towson has been good for the Sunderlands. I'm the middle of three consecutive Towson alums, my mother, Gra...

1963» Three Towson generations

1963

Towson has been good for the Sunderlands. I'm the middle of three consecutive Towson alums, my mother, Grace Lyons, who finished in 1926 and my older son, Steven M. Sunderland, who graduated in 1995. Towson helped me find a rewarding career, which turned out to be 36 years in newspapering as a writer, editor and newsroom manager. I spent 29 years at The Baltimore Sun, retiring in 2007. Charles Somers and the late Vic Wanty were professors who helped get me started in newspapering. But, the Towerlight was my laboratory; I was the editor who took the paper from a monthly to a weekly publication in a time when the university had less than 2,000 students. Another memory: I was on Towson's first men's lacrosse team, having never touched a stick until my freshman year. My best memory was waxing (yes) Ohio State in a scrimmage. It was a huge win for us, even if it didn't count officially.

Lowell Sunderland | Graduated 1963

Alumnus/Alumna, Posted 1-28-13

5102» The Best Apartment Ever

I never had better roommates or friends than I had in 5102 University Village. We made memories every day ...

5102» The Best Apartment Ever

5102 |
2012

I never had better roommates or friends than I had in 5102 University Village. We made memories every day and we even have a book with notes from us and other people from our time spent there that we have passed down to the next residents of 5102. This apartment was a crucial part of making Towson the best experience of my life. If the residents of 5102 now are reading this, I hope you guys are having as much fun as we did!

Randi Cropper

Student, Posted 1-24-13

2012» I Just Graduated

2012 is significant because this is the year when I graduated from Towson with a B.S. in Molecular Biology...

2012» I Just Graduated

2012

2012 is significant because this is the year when I graduated from Towson with a B.S. in Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, and Bioinformatics, with a minor in Chemistry. :) I will miss Towson a lot. I has been an amazing journey for me.

Jean Karen Conchina | Graduated 2012

Alumnus/Alumna, Posted 1-17-13

65 » Lifelong Friendships

‘65 – My first year at TSU (then called Maryland State Teachers College at Towson). I have maintained friendships from TSU – I quit teaching and entered a rock band with one; continued a friendship with a fellow jr. high, high school, and TSU student with another; was befriended by a TSU Christian when I was an agnostic and now am her sister in Christ. My degree in Instrumental Music lead me from teaching to rock bands to the US Army Field Band (MSG retired) to volunteering as a singing exercise leader at an adult daycare. I can’t wait to see what the future holds.

Eileen Lyle | Graduated 1968

Alumnus/Alumna, Posted 1-14-13