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Student

Full Circle Moment as Terp Nick Cross Takes the Field for the Washington Commanders

Washington Commanders safety Nick Cross returns home to the DMV, where the Bowie native, DeMatha graduate and former Maryland football player is continuing his NFL career while giving back to his community and planning to complete his Smith finance degree.

Alumni

Meet the Marketing Graduate Who Kept UMD’s Biggest Secret for Four Years

Luke Hanson ’26 secretly portrayed the University of Maryland mascot Testudo for four years while studying management and marketing. He applied classroom lessons to Testudo’s social media strategy and, after graduation, became Talon, Major League Soccer club D.C. United’s mascot.

Alumni

A Missed Bus Led To A Meet Cute

It was a Maryland connection meant to be. Despite Lauren Niffenegger Lumpp ‘09 and Nick Lumpp ‘09 both studying at the Robert H. Smith School of Business, Lauren in accounting and Nick in finance, it was a bus that never showed up during their first few weeks in College Park that brought them together. 

News

Watch the Receipt: The Charitable Deduction Returns in 2026 — and So Does a Forgotten Responsibility

Samuel Handwerger explains that a restored 2026 charitable deduction will let non-itemizers claim cash gifts, but strict documentation rules remain. Donors must retain records and verify acknowledgment letters, especially for gifts of $250 or more, or risk losing legitimate deductions.

Smith Grad Seldon Warner Among Poets & Quants’ 2026 MBAs to Watch

Army combat veteran and deep-tech strategist Seldon Warner was named one of Poets&Quants’ 2026 MBAs to Watch. The Smith graduate now leads strategy and development at Quantum Catalyzer, applying military discipline and business training to turn scientific breakthroughs into startups.

Entrepreneurial Spirit

Supporting EnTERPreneurs Across Generations: Evan Shubin MFA ’97

Entrepreneur Evan Shubin, MFA ’97 and his family have given $50,000 to expand the Dingman-Lamone Center’s advising program. A mentor to more than 300 Terps, Shubin hopes the gift will increase its visibility and help more students pursue entrepreneurship at Maryland.

Smith Brain Trust

Faculty Insights On Latest News

Summer Reading List 2025

Get ready for summer with the 22nd Annual Summer Reading List for Business Leaders—featuring Smith School faculty picks on investing, neuroscience, human connection, and more, including a novel inspired by a radio show turned TV series.

Management and Organization

“The Future is Not What it Used to Be”

Ambiguity arises when choices must be made despite unclear outcomes, says Professor J. Gerald Suarez. In today’s fast-paced world, discernment, flexibility, and embracing uncertainty—not rigid control—are key to navigating change, complexity, and an unpredictable future.

Marketing

Small Businesses Take Big Hit from Apple’s Privacy Regulation

Smith marketing professor Daniel McCarthy's research found that Apple's 2021 App Tracking Transparency (ATT) significantly impacted small direct-to-consumer businesses. ATT caused a 37% drop in ad click-through rates and up to a 60% revenue decline for smaller firms reliant on Facebook ads.

Research

Management and Organization

Why Uber’s Business Model Gives it an Edge Against Robotaxis in the Ride Hailing Race

UMD Smith researchers found ride-hailing platforms like Uber and Lyft remain more profitable and adaptable than robotaxi operators such as Waymo. The study warns autonomous vehicle expansion could increase congestion and wait times, while platform-based services retain strategic and cost advantages for now.

Marketing

From Classroom to Publication: Smith Tech Management Capstone Project Becomes Published Research

A collaboration between a unique nonprofit and a tireless group of Smith Technology Management students has resulted in the program’s first published research.

Management and Organization

Referred for the Job, Less Welcome by the Team

Employee referrals can aid hiring but carry hidden downsides. Research by Smith’s Rellie Derfler-Rozin finds staff often see referred hires as less meritorious and offer less support, despite strong performance. Clear communication about hiring rigor and involving employees can reduce bias.

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