Alumni Engagement Fall Updates!
Greetings to our Alumni Community,
The Alumni Engagement Team at Notre Dame has some exciting news and updates as we transition into this holiday season!
First, we have two returning members of our team, and one new member! We welcome back Erin DaSilva, as our new Senior Director of Alumni and Constituent Engagement, and Kelley Kilduff, as our Senior Campaign and Major Gifts Officer. We are very excited to have them back in Institutional Advancement and working diligently to help create amazing experiences for our alumni! Our brand new member of our team, representing our new School of Integrative Health, is Rob Brooks! Rob will be taking on the role of NDMU School of Integrative Health (NDMU SOIH) Alumni Engagement and Career Services Coordinator. We are very excited to have Rob join our team and help transition the wonderful NDMU SOIH alumni to our alumni community!
As we look ahead at this holiday season and the coming new year, we are beyond thrilled to carry on beloved traditions and plan new events for our alumni community! We look forward to seeing and hearing from each one of you. If you have anything on your mind regarding alumni engagement and programming, please feel free to contact us. As our team grows and expands, we want to ensure that we provide resources and opportunities that match what you are looking for! Cheers to you and a wonderful holiday season!
Sincerely,
The Alumni Engagement Team
Thanks For Coming to Alumni Weekend 2025!
Thank you to everyone who joined us on campus in October for Alumni Weekend! We had a blast seeing old and new faces, reminiscing with classmates, and enjoying the wonderful events of the weekend. From Crab Feast to Memories and Mimosas, the weekend was filled with joy and cheer as our alumni filled the NDMU campus once more. We cannot thank you all enough for allowing us to honor our alumni every year.
A special thank you to those who joined us for the 130th Anniversary Celebration! It was a wonderful evening honoring our alumni award winners and celebrating Notre Dame of Maryland University’s 130-year-long history.
Photos of the weekend are now on the NDMU Flickr page!
Alumni Weekend Class Competition Winners
Thank you to everyone who participated in the Alumni Weekend Class Giving Competition! We are sincerely grateful to our Notre Dame alumni community for coming together every year in support of our shared mission. Your generosity plays a vital role in helping NDMU flourish and continue its legacy of excellence. Thanks to your contributions, our campus can grow, innovate, and remain a place where students and alumni alike can take pride in being part of the Notre Dame family. This year’s participation goal for reunion giving for each class ending in a 0 or 5 was set to 10%. Any gift that was made between August and October 3, 2025, was counted towards this competition. The winners for each category are listed below!
- Highest Class Attendance: Class of 1975
- Highest Class Participation: Class of 1970
- Highest Class Gift Total: Class of 1970
You can still donate! Follow the link below and find the ways you can give back to Notre Dame!
Congratulations to our Alumni Award Winners and Athletic Hall of Fame Inductee!
Alla Stepanov ‘18: Athletic Hall of Fame for Soccer and Tennis
Alla Stepanov, a Baltimore native and proud member of the Notre Dame of Maryland University’s Class of 2018, graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Biology and a minor in Chemistry. Stepanov appeared in 58 of 64 soccer games, starting in 52, served as captain in her junior and senior years, and in 2018 also competed as a member of the tennis team. Stepanov was recognized with the Colonial States Athletic Conference (CSAC) Sportsmanship Award and named to the CSAC All-Academic Team in 2016 and 2017, earned the United Soccer Coaches Team Academic Award, and received the Coach’s Award in 2017.
Currently, Stepanov is a head coach of The Catholic High School of Baltimore’s varsity soccer team, leading the program to multiple championship appearances and two titles, and was named the 2024 Interscholastic Athletic Association of Maryland (IAAM) Soccer Coach of the Year. In addition to coaching, she teaches Chemistry, Public Health and Epidemiology, and Sports Medicine at Catholic High, continuing her passion for education and mentorship on and off the field.
Regina Russo Hammel ’41 Outstanding Recent Graduate Award: Victoria Meadows ‘15
Victoria Meadows currently serves as Assistant Director of the Enterprise Risk Management (ERM) Program at University of Maryland, Baltimore (UMB). As Assistant Director, Victoria leads the way in the development of the ERM program to bring it to new heights through program development, data analytics, project management, strategic plan connection, relationship building across UMB schools and units, and related tasks. Last year, Victoria was recognized as one of the 2024 Daily Record Leading Women Under 40 for her tremendous accomplishments she has made so far in her career, for her community involvement, and for her commitment to inspiring change.
Once Victoria graduated from NDMU in 2015 she became immediately involved with Alumni activities serving on the Alumnae and Alumni Association Executive Board. She served as Vice President and President of the NDMU Alumnae and Alumni Council. In her current role as former President of the Alumnae and Alumni Council, Victoria remains deeply rooted in alumni activities and always supports the current students in all capacities.
Alumnae and Alumni Engagement Award: Nicholé C. Gatewood, Esq. ’01
Nicholé "Nikki" Gatewood, Esq. is an accomplished attorney, civic leader, and strategist. She is the Founder and Managing Attorney of Gatewood & Associates, LLC, where planning and protection are the cornerstones of her practice in estate and trust planning, guardianship, probate, and civil litigation. Before founding her firm, she served as an Assistant Attorney General for the State of Maryland, handling matters that spanned federal law enforcement litigation, civil rights, and election law.
After graduating from NDMU, Gatewood has continued to be a proud ambassador of her alma mater. Gatewood made history as the first woman of color elected President of NDMU's Alumni Council in its 130 year history, successfully serving two terms as President. She recently served as a panelist for the 2025 Women of the World "WOW Baltimore" Festival and continues to mobilize alumni and inspire students through her mentorship and vision.
Service to Society Award: Sister Charmaine Krohe, SSND ’75
Sister Charmaine Krohe, SSND has been a School Sister of Notre Dame for the past 58 years. Her deep love and compassion for the marginalized have been the focus of her religious life. After teaching in Pittsburgh and Southeast Washington, DC, she began her ministry at St. Ambrose Parish in Northwest Baltimore. For 34 years she lived and served the African American community there as teacher, pastoral associate, hospital chaplain and founder of St. Ambrose Outreach Center. The Center served more than 40,000 families and guests each year through its daily meal program, food pantry, adult literacy program, job training and placement outreach, and after-school, summer camp and Head Start programs.
Sister Charmaine has been in provincial leadership since 2012. She currently serves as the Provincial Leader for the School Sisters of Notre Dame of the Atlantic-Midwest Province, a position she has held since 2016. It is clear that Sister Charmaine Krohe is a Maryland woman who has made a unique and lasting contribution to improving the lives of children and families and she has also provided a role model of achievement for tomorrow's female leaders
Elizabeth P Hoisington ’40 Distinguished Alumna Award: Dr. Janine Good ’81
Dr. Janine Good is a nationally recognized headache specialist, former Vice President and Chief Medical Officer of University of Maryland Medical Center (UMMC) Midtown Campus, as well as an Associate Professor of Neurology at the University of Maryland School of Medicine. Known for her transformational leadership, she has driven advances in patient-centered care, education, and community health – directing neurology residency training, overseeing all University of Maryland Medical Center outpatient centers, and serving as the lead physician executive of an entire hospital campus.
A dedicated mentor, Dr. Good has shaped the careers of over 50 neurology residents and numerous colleagues, many of whom have risen to leadership roles and continue to benefit from her ongoing guidance. She has received numerous honors, including teaching awards, Physician Colleague of the Year, multiple Baltimore’s “Top Doc” awards, the Maryland Daily Record’s “Top 100 Women,” and the creation of the Janine Good MD Distinguished Service Award, which is bestowed annually in her name.
Alycia Hancock ’23 HBS Comma Award
Congratulations to Alycia Hancock for winning the HBS Comma Award, presented by the Johns Hopkins Department of Health, Behavior and Society at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. The award celebrates individuals who exemplify outstanding good citizenship. Those who consistently demonstrate a spirit of collaboration, collegiality, and community engagement within the department and beyond.
During their time at Notre Dame of Maryland University, Hancock received a Bachelor of Arts in Biology and later went on to receive a Masters of Bioethics from Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. They were a part of the Honors Board, Morrissy Honors Program as Co-President, Spectrum (QSU) as President, Class Council, Board of Trustees, a Senior Alma Scholar, Resident Advisor, and Safe Space Training Pilot Development.
They currently work as a Senior Research Program Coordinator, responsible for the management of multi-national research projects on Civil Registration and Vital Statistics with the Gender Equality Unit. They also coordinate domestic clinical trials for web-based mental health intervention. Hancock assists with research projects and other activities, including systematic and literature reviews, conducting qualitative interviews, contributing to stakeholder outreach, recruitment and engagement, and contributing to technical assistance.
Congrats Alycia!
Busta Business Forum
Thursday, November 6, Notre Dame of Maryland University hosted the Charles J. Busta III Business Forum in Doyle Formal. The Busta Business Forum is designed to showcase the thoughts and experiences of business leaders to encourage creativity and personal growth. Many of our wonderful alumni joined us in person and virtually to watch our distinguished panel of women leaders discuss their professional journeys in careers in philanthropy and community engagement.
The panel consisted of Valencia Hike, Community Engagement Director for the Baltimore Orioles, Diana Liz-Cabrera ’18 M’20, Development Manager at the Ronald McDonald House Maryland, and Natalia Mistichelli ’94, Director of Strategic Partnerships for the Catholic Charities of Baltimore. They were joined by student moderator Nisttha “Khushi” Ray ’26, a biology major with a pre-medicine track.
If you missed the livestream, follow the link below to watch or to read more about our panelists!
Meet the Staff
This fall has brought so many new faces to the Institutional Advancement team that we figured it was time to get to know us again! Our team members were asked what their favorite part of Alumni Weekend 2025 was and to share a fun fact about themselves. Read below to meet the whole team!
Angel Amor, MA ’25
Research and Operations Manager for Institutional Advancement
Angels favorite part of Alumni Weekend was seeing the campus look so alive. With our alumni back, they brought more life to campus.
Fun Fact: Angel is a filmmaker and journalist. He enjoys exploring artistic and creative outlets outside of his work in research and operations.
Rob Brooks
SOIH Alumni Engagement and Career Services Coordinator
Rob’s favorite part of Alumni Weekend was meeting his Institutional Advancement colleagues and alumni.
Fun Fact: Rob is from Long Island, NY and also lived in the Halloween capital of the world, Salem, MA for 20 years before moving to Maryland.
Emily Brungo
Director of Annual Giving and Stewardship
Emily’s favorite part of Alumni Weekend was selling Notre Dame memorabilia at the Gator Spirit Shop and raising money for Noyes Alumni House improvements.
Fun Fact: In her spare time, Emily cooks from and writes about her collection of vintage cookbooks—and She competed on an episode of Chopped featuring the Brady Bunch kids as judges.
Erin DaSilva ’02
Senior Director of Alumni and Constituent Engagement
Erin’s favorite part of Alumni Weekend was returning to campus for the 130th Anniversary Celebration on Saturday night.
Fun Fact: Erin loves to draw and paint—most memorably, she created some of the artwork for her kid’s nurseries when they were babies.
Joan Drebing ’92
Director of Corporate, Foundation, and Government Grants
Joan's favorite part of Alumni Weekend was seeing everyone enjoy themselves and catching up with their former classmates!
Fun Fact: Joan has an interest in art history and am currently pursuing a certificate in art history through the Smithsonian Associates program.
Carroll Galvin, Ph.D. ’23
Vice President of Institutional Advancement and University Communications
Carroll's favorite part of Alumni Weekend was chatting with and meeting our wonderful alumni at the Crab Feast.
Fun Fact: Carroll loves to dance!
Meagan Jenkins
Constituent Engagement and Events Coordinator
Meagan's favorite part of Alumni Weekend was meeting all our alumni and seeing several months of work come together to create a wonderful weekend!
Fun Fact: Meagan performs in musicals during her free time! She finished up a production of Meet Me in St. Louis back in October.
Kelley Kilduff
Senior Campaign and Major Gifts Officer
Kelley's favorite part of Alumni Weekend was spending time with the class of 1960 during their luncheon!
Fun Fact: Kelley grew up in Green Bay, WI and is a huge Packers fan. She has a Super Bowl ring from Super Bowl XXXI in 1997 when the Packers won.
Damita McDonald
Senior Director, University Communications & Public Relations Coordinator, Women’s Leadership Institute of Baltimore (WLIB)
Damita thoroughly enjoyed all of Alumni Weekend, especially the 130th Anniversary Celebration where Sheri Booker '04 presented an original poem honoring NDMU's legacy in higher education.
Fun Fact: Damita loves running in 5k races.
Sabrina Miller
Content Strategy Director, University Communications and Public Relations
Sabrina's favorite part of Alumni Weekend was seeing friends become reacquainted after years apart. The happy hugs and great conversations made my night!
Fun Fact: Sabrina is a Scorpio.
Marisa Morris ’09
Director of Advancement Services
Marisa’s favorite part of Alumni Weekend was witnessing a successful 130th Celebration event in addition to Alumni Weekend’s many events the same weekend.
Fun Fact: Marisa is an intense sea-glass collector.
Alden Reith
Assistant Vice President for Institutional Advancement
Alden’s favorite part of Alumni Weekend was having everyone on campus to celebrate our alumni and the 130th Anniversary of NDMU.
Fun Fact: Alden is a certified chef and loves to cook for friends and family!
Want more NDMU Stories? Read the Bulletin, a bi-weekly newsletter with more student, staff, and faculty updates!
AI and the Expansion of Human Potential
Thursday, December 4 I 12 PM I Virtual
Register Here!
Are you curious about how artificial intelligence (AI) will shape your life? In this illuminating webinar, globally recognized AI advisor Zack Kass, author of The Next RenAIssance: AI and the Expansion of Human Potential, presents a compelling vision of how artificial intelligence will solve previously unimaginable challenges, present entirely new possibilities, and expand what is possible in a single human life. Drawing on historical context, cutting-edge advancements, and firsthand experience, Kass will discuss how AI will become a collaborative partner in building a better, more creative, and more compassionate world.
SOIH Happy Hour
Thursday, December 11 I 4 - 7 PM I Civera Gallery
Register Here!
Come join your fellow SOIH alumni, faculty, and staff for a night of fun, food, and drinks at no charge! Come reconnect with your old professors and see old friends. The happy hour will take place in Civera Gallery, on the second floor of the University Academic Building.
How to Take Bold Action in the Face of Fear and Uncertainty
Tuesday, December 16 I 12 PM I Virtual
Register Here!
If there ever was a time for more courage, this is it. Our instinct tells us to freeze in place, but deep inside, we know we were intended for something more. In this uplifting webinar, distinguished Harvard Business School professor and social scientist Ranjay Gulati, best-selling author of How to Be Bold: The Surprising Science of Everyday Courage, will deliver a powerful, science-based playbook that even the most fearful among us can use to become bolder individuals and inspire collective courage in our teams and organizations.
Christmas Eve Mass
Wednesday, December 24 I 4 - 5 PM I Marikle Chapel
Register Here!
Join us for this special mass with President Marylou Yam, trustees, graduates, and friends of Notre Dame of Maryland University.
How to Enhance Workplace Culture, Relationships, and Retention
Thursday, January 8 | 12 PM | Virtual
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There's a foundational ability for strengthening workplace culture, reducing turnover, and boosting productivity: empathy. While everyone is hard-wired with this ability, many leaders admit they struggle to be empathetic, even as the next generation of employees shows a strong preference for empathetic employers. This crucial paradox impacts all our interactions, from colleagues and staff to those in our personal lives. In this insightful webinar, Rob Volpe, award-winning author of Tell Me More About That: Solving the Empathy Crisis One Conversation at a Time, will demystify empathy using real-world examples and clear up common misconceptions. You'll learn his powerful "5 Steps to Empathy"—a proven framework to help managers become more effective and engender loyalty.
How Food, Mood, and Mindfulness Transform Wellbeing
Thursday, January 15 I 12 PM I Virtual
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Imagine unlocking a better mood, stronger immunity, and lasting energy right from your kitchen. In this groundbreaking webinar, Elizabeth Borelli, founder of The Mindful Mediterranean and a nationally recognized author, reveals the simple framework for internal change. Based on cutting-edge science, she explores the fascinating two-way street of the gut-brain connection and shows you how Mediterranean principles deliver holistic wellness. You don't need hours of prep! Elizabeth equips you with 10-minute daily habits, delicious recipes, and stress-calming tools to easily implement pleasure and balance, transforming your relationship with food and feeling renewed from the inside out.
Why Great Leadership Begins with Self-Understanding
Thursday, January 29 | 12 PM | Virtual
Register Here!
Are you relying on outdated ideas about what it takes to be a leader? When it comes to powerful, effective leadership, there is no single right style. The secret to leading others isn't found in a checklist—it's an inside-out proposition that starts with deep self-understanding. This concept is simple but deceptively difficult to master, yet it yields massive payoffs, both personally and professionally. In this powerful webinar, one of Harvard's most sought-after executive instructors, Margaret Andrews, delivers insights refined from decades of work with leaders across industries and geographies. Margaret will guide you through what great leadership truly looks like, equipping you with the tools to become the leader only you can be.
How to Brand Yourself for Success
Wednesday, February 4 | 12 PM | Virtual
Register Here!
Your personal brand is how others experience you, whether you're in the room or not. In today's competitive landscape, clarity and consistency are essential for advancing your career and ensuring you're recognized for your true impact. In this practical and inspiring session, acclaimed career coach and author Octavia Goredema will guide you through the essential steps to define, communicate, and elevate your professional brand with confidence. Drawing from her Audible Original, Brand Yourself for Success, Octavia will help you identify what makes you stand out and show you exactly how to position your strengths for the opportunities you want most.
How to Supercharge Your Executive Presence
Wednesday, February 11 | 12 PM | Virtual
Register Here!
Executive presence is essential for professional advancement, yet its definition has evolved. It’s no longer just about suits and formal lunches; today, it centers on authentic leadership, a compelling career brand, and nurturing trust. In this enlightening webinar, Lorraine K. Lee, bestselling author of Unforgettable Presence: Get Seen, Gain Influence, and Catapult Your Career, will explore the 3Cs of executive presence for today’s leaders. We’ll examine how shifting cultural and technological landscapes have redefined what it means to be influential. You’ll leave understanding how to command attention and respect naturally, whether in the boardroom or a virtual meeting. Lee will empower you with the confidence and skills to enhance your leadership impact in any organization, whether you’re early in your career or a seasoned professional.
View all upcoming events here!
View all upcoming virtual events here!
