With the economy in a tailspin earlier this year, longtime WTTG–TV reporter Karen Gray Houston was distressed to learn that a scholarship honoring her late husband, Maryland journalism alumnus K. Christopher Houston ’85, would not generate enough spendable income to distribute an award for 2009.

The science behind the wondrous transformation of a liquid into a jiggly gel underlies the work that Srinivasa Raghavan, associate professor of chemical and biomolecular engineering, is doing with new materials that can treat wounds and deliver medications.

Veterans enrolling or returning to classes at Maryland face unique challenges with financial aid, transferring credits and housing. The Ernest M. Willcher Veterans Scholarship, established as part of the university’s new slate of veterans’ initiatives, is easing the transition to civilian life for some of them.

For Richard Novak ’62, the sweet taste of victory comes in many varieties—from throwing three touchdown passes against West Virginia at Byrd Stadium nearly 50 years ago to exponentially expanding a $4 billion corporation.

With the goal of teaching students to “pay it forward,” Victoria Yorke ’82 has established a $200,000 endowment to fund scholarships for undergraduate students who plan to attend medical, dental or veterinary school, as well as provide administrative support for the newly named Drs. John William Reed and Victoria L. Yorke Health Professions Advising Office.

Bruce L. Berlage ’56, managing partner of Beck & Berlage Real Estate, considers himself a fortunate man. The two institutions that brought him the greatest joy over 50 years ago are again prominent in his life: the University of Maryland and Maryland 4-H.