Jordan A. Goodman Professor and Chair Department of Physics

From the Physics Chair

By Jordan A. Goodman
Professor and Chair

Dear Colleagues,

This month, as we approach spring commencement, I would like to address the 2005 graduates – our newest alumni. Here in the Department, we're all excited to see you moving on to new challenges like going off to graduate school, teaching high school science or doing research in academic, government or industrial organizations. As you embark on this next step in your career, I hope you remember to keep connected with the Department and the University. We are proud of what you have accomplished here and we want you to keep in touch so that we can be proud of what you do in the future.

Whether you're earning a B.S., M.S. or Ph.D., your alma mater is a great resource to you long after the commencement ceremony. Our faculty are more than just researchers and teachers, they are mentors too and they are available to give you professional guidance, which is especially valuable during those first few years. We can also help you when you are looking for jobs. The field of physics is small and our faculty have many connections across the country and around the world. If we know what you've been up to and we hear of a job opportunity for someone with your expertise, we can recommend you.

You can also look to us for valuable educational and professional development opportunities. You will always be a member of our community and that means you can always take advantage of the colloquia, seminars and special lectures we offer to learn about new advancements and discoveries in your field.

There are many ways that you can stay in touch. First, let the Department know what you are up to. Send an email back to your advisor or favorite professor every few months. Make sure you keep getting The Photon by filling out our physics alumni registration form at www.physics.umd.edu/people/alumni/ or simply send us an email. When you win an award, publish something new, etc., let us know and we'll share it with your friends and colleagues by including it in The Photon .

Also, join the alumni association. The first six months are free, so you might as well take advantage of the many opportunities membership has to offer, like networking, special programs and campus discounts. Also, signing up for a TerpAlum email account is a great way to keep connected. Since you can forward its mail to whatever account you're using at the time, it's an account that you can keep for life and that keeps you in touch, no matter if you change jobs and/or email addresses. (Please visit www.alumni.umd.edu for more info.)

Congratulations on all of your accomplishments here and good luck on a future filled with many more. If you ever have any questions or comments about anything around the Department, you can always contact me at goodman@icecube.umd.edu.

Sincerely,

Jordan A. Goodman
Professor and Chair