Mark P. Becker '80 President, Georgia State University Mark P. Becker's time spent at Towson University was the beginning of a very successful trek through the world of higher education. He earned a bachelor's degree in Mathematics from TU in 1980 and then went on to earn a doctorate of statistics from The Pennsylvania State University. His career at the university level has included academic positions at the University of Washington, the University of Florida, Cornell, the University of Michigan and the University of Minnesota before becoming executive vice president for academic affairs and provost at the University of South Carolina. He is internationally recognized as a researcher in biostatistics and public health science, and has published more than 40 articles. In January 2009, Becker became the seventh president of Georgia State University. This month, hundreds of dignitaries, university delegates, community members, and Georgia State faculty, staff, and students joined in Becker's investiture ceremony. In his investiture address, Becker said GSU would focus on "recognized excellence in education and research, community partnerships and the local-global balance."Becker's days at Towson University didn't just lay his professional groundwork for success, but his personal as well. He met his wife of 26 years, Laura Voisinet, while at Towson. When asked what aspect of his Towson experience most influenced his success, Becker cited meeting his wife here as well as "outstanding professors, especially Ohoe Kim and Martha Siegel in the Mathematics department. They encouraged me to always pursue my dreams." If Becker's hard work is any indication, dreams certainly can come true. He has these words of wisdom to offer current Towson students looking to make the most of their college experience: "Work hard and take chances. Go beyond your comfort zone and great things can happen." For more information on Mark P. Becker, please click here.
Hackerman Academy's Saturday Science SeriesOn Saturday, October 24, the Office of Alumni Relations hosted "Wildlife on the Edge" as part of the Hackerman Academy's Saturday Science Series. The event attracted a record crowd as alumni and families from the community enjoyed a presentation by wildlife naturalist Valerie Garcia '88 and guest appearances from some creatures! The Saturday Science Series, an initiative of the Willard Hackerman Academy of Mathematics and Science, was established to promote student interest in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics). The program is administered by Dr. Don Thomas, former NASA astronaut, who presents programs across a wide variety of fields. Your support is vital in helping the Hackerman Academy to continue to offer these wonderful programs. Make your gift in support of the Hackerman Academy today!
CLA Open HouseOn Friday, September 25, 2009, Towson University's newest and largest academic building, the College of Liberal Arts, opened its doors to the campus community. College of Liberal Arts Dean Terry Cooney hosted the open house to showcase Phase I of the state-of-the-art facility, the campus' first new academic building in more than 30 years. The first 100,000 square feet of the Leadership in Energy and Environment Design (LEED) certified green building boasts classrooms, offices, labs, and study lounges with panoramic views of campus. The next step, Phase II of the College of Liberal Arts building encompasses the construction of a 193,000 gross square foot building which will connect to the Phase I structure to complete the building which will house the College of Liberal Arts. Anchored by two large open atriums, the Phase II building will house general purpose classrooms and computer labs for classes containing between 25 and 90 students. The building will also contain faculty and departmental offices, meeting rooms, study lounges and a small café. There will also be much-needed specialization space to support the Psychology Department, including an animal vivarium, research space, observation rooms, and a children's clinic. Phase II of the College of Liberal Arts building is set to open with LEED silver certification in August 2011. To view more pictures Phase I of the CLA, click here.
View photos from these recent alumni events:
To view all group photo albums, click here.
Stay informed about the TU Alumni Association and all the benefits and resources available to you as an alumna/us!