Each fall, the UMGC Alumni Association honors the outstanding members of our community through the UMGC Alumni Awards. The program celebrates alumni whose achievements, leadership and service inspire others and reflect the strength of the UMGC community.
“The Alumni Awards are a cherished UMGC tradition,” says UMGC Associate Vice President of Alumni Relations Nikki Sandoval. “Each year, they provide an opportunity to recognize alumni whose accomplishments and contributions make a meaningful difference in their professions, communities, and beyond. We are proud to honor these individuals for the leadership, service, and commitment they demonstrate every day.”
The UMGC Alumni Awards recognize alumni who have distinguished themselves through achievements, service and engagement in their careers and communities. This year’s award recipients will be honored on October 29, 2026 in a special ceremony at the College Park Marriott Hotel and Conference Center.
About the Alumni Award Honors
Alumni Award recipients are honored for the commitment they make to enriching the UMGC community through their intellectual, social, cultural and service contributions. The four award categories include:
- The Distinguished Alumnus Award, which is the highest alumni award granted at UMGC. It was created in 1976 to recognize an alumnus who has realized outstanding personal and professional achievements while demonstrating exemplary service.
- The Executive Business Leader Award, which honors those who have served in a leadership role in their community and promote involvement in the university.
- The Edward A. Parnell Outstanding Alumnus Service Award, which recognizes a UMGC alumnus who has shown exemplary volunteer service over the course of the current year.
- The Achiever Award, which pays tribute to UMGC alumni and community members who have made a significant contribution to supporting the alumni community and university's mission.
Introducing the 2026 Award Recipients
Learn more about this year’s inspiring honorees and how they are making a significant and positive impact to their industries and communities through services, excellence and innovation.
2026 Distinguished Alumnus Award Recipient
SEAC (Ret.) Ramón Colón-López
Associate of Arts in Management Studies ‘17
Bachelor of Science in Management Studies ‘17
Business Management Certificate ‘17
North Carolina: LinkedIn
SEAC (Ret.) Ramón Colón-López is being recognized as a distinguished alumnus for his extraordinary military service, exceptional leadership, and enduring commitment to serving others. As the former Senior Enlisted Advisor to the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, he rose to the highest enlisted position in the United States Armed Forces and became a respected voice on matters affecting military readiness, leadership, and the well-being of service members worldwide. His remarkable accomplishments exemplify the values of excellence, resilience, service, and lifelong learning that define the UMGC community.
A native of Puerto Rico, Colón-López enlisted in the U.S. Air Force in 1990 and went on to serve for 33 years. Throughout his distinguished career, he held leadership positions across the globe, including assignments with U.S. Air Forces Europe, Air Force Special Operations Command, Pacific Air Forces, Joint Special Operations Command, and United States Africa Command. He deployed in support of numerous military operations and became widely recognized for his expertise in special operations and strategic leadership.
During his career, Colón-López earned two Bronze Star Medals, one for valor and the other for combat service. He also was awarded the Defense Distinguished Service Medal, becoming the first enlisted member of the U.S. Armed Forces to receive the nation's highest non-combat military award for service in a position of great responsibility. He also was among the first six Air Force members to receive the Combat Action Medal.
Beyond military service, Colón-López continues to make an impact through board leadership, strategic consulting, and volunteer service supporting veterans and nonprofit organizations. He currently serves on the Military Board of Advisors for First Command Financial Services and contributes his expertise to several organizations.
2026 Executive Business Leader Award Recipient
Venice Goodwine
Associate of Arts in Humanities ’90
Bachelor of Science in Computer & Information Sciences ’94
Executive Certificate for Chief Information Officers ‘14
CIO and AI Product Officer, Arlo Solutions
Virginia: LinkedIn
Venice M. Goodwine has distinguished herself as one of the nation's foremost leaders in cybersecurity, information technology, and digital transformation. Across more than three decades of military and civilian service, she led some of the federal government's most complex technology initiatives, culminating in her role as Chief Information Officer of the U.S. Air Force and Space Force.
There, she oversaw a $17 billion portfolio, guided enterprise technology strategy for more than 65,000 cyberspace professionals, championed cloud modernization efforts, established the Air Force's first AI Center of Excellence, and helped introduce groundbreaking artificial intelligence capabilities across the organization. A respected executive, board leader, and nationally recognized innovator, Goodwine has earned numerous honors for her contributions to technology, public service, and leadership, leaving a lasting impact on national security, organizational transformation, and the future of the digital workforce.
2026 Edward A. Parnell Outstanding Alumnus Service
Andrew Bagby
Bachelor of Arts in East Asian Studies ‘23
Assistant Vice President, Banking Services, M&T Bank
Maryland: LinkedIn
Andrew Bagby has demonstrated exceptional impact through a lifetime of service to veterans, communities, and causes that expand opportunity for others. Following 22 years of military service in the U.S. Air Force, he has continued to champion veterans' success through leadership roles with The Baltimore Station. Through his service on the Board of Directors and Executive Committee, he helps veterans regain stability and self-sufficiency. In addition, he supports veterans transitioning to civilian careers through his work as Co-Chair of M&T Bank's Mid-Atlantic Veterans Resource Group
His commitment to service extends to advocacy and education through volunteer work with The Planetary Society and efforts that connect individuals with resources, mentorship, and pathways for growth. Bagby exemplifies the spirit of service and lifelong learning that inspires meaningful and lasting impact.
2026 Achiever Award Recipients
Robert Blackwell Jr.
Bachelor of Science in Information Systems Management ’16
Master of Science in Cybersecurity Management & Policy ‘18
CEO & President, CyTech Services LLC
Maryland: LinkedIn
Robert Blackwell's commitment to service is reflected in his dedication to education, mentorship, and community impact. Through the Robert Blackwell Cyber Apprentice Scholarship, he helps aspiring technology professionals pursue higher education and career opportunities. As Immediate Past President of the Xi Alpha Lambda Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., he expanded scholarship, mentorship, and community partnership initiatives that benefited students and families throughout the region.
His volunteer leadership also includes service on the boards of the Ira Dorsey Scholarship Endowment Fund and the Innovative Community Engagement Foundation, where he supports youth development, educational outreach, and community service programs. A proud UMGC alumnus, Blackwell remains actively engaged through alumni panels, podcasts, marketing, and student outreach. Through these efforts, he exemplifies servant leadership by creating opportunities for others and inspiring future generations.
Teresa Floyd
Bachelor of Science in Health Services Management ’96
Master of Science in Health Care Management & Administration ‘02
Retired, Supervisory HR Specialist, U.S. Department of Defense
Maryland
For nearly 30 years, Teresa Floyd has generously shared her time, knowledge, and resources in advancing education and creating opportunities for others. As a dedicated UMGC volunteer and donor, she has participated in more than eight university events in the past four years alone, helping to encourage and support students on their educational journeys.
Her dedication extends beyond the university through volunteer service with organizations such as All Shades of Pink and other causes close to her heart. Floyd's longstanding involvement reflects a deep belief in the power of education, community, and service to transform lives.
Justin Lonon, DM
Doctor of Management in Community College Policy and Administration ’14
Chancellor, Dallas College
Texas: LinkedIn
Dr. Justin H. Lonon has distinguished himself as a transformative higher education leader whose vision and service have expanded opportunities for students and communities. As Chancellor of Dallas College, one of the nation's largest community colleges, he has championed innovative approaches to workforce development, student success, and institutional transformation, helping reimagine higher education for the needs of today's learners.
Beyond his professional leadership, Dr. Lonon has generously shared his expertise through service on numerous national and regional boards, including the UMGC Doctor of Management in Community College Policy and Administration Advisory Board, where he helps shape the development of future community college leaders. His commitment to advancing higher education, fostering student achievement, and strengthening educational institutions reflects the profound impact that visionary leadership can have on individuals, communities, and the future of learning.
Tomoyo Seo
MBA ‘24
Japanese Instructor, FindaJapan
Japan: LinkedIn
As a dedicated educator, entrepreneur, and mentor, Tomoyo Seo has made a meaningful impact by helping others expand their knowledge, confidence, and global perspectives. Through UMGC's Community Connect mentoring program, she has shared her insights with more than 70 students, helping them navigate their academic and career journeys. She also shared tips to her fellow alumni community in an Alumni Association article recognizing National Mentoring Month.
As the founder of FindaJapan, Seo promotes cross-cultural understanding through language education, while her volunteer service with the Baltimore Kawasaki Sister City Committee strengthens international relationships and community connections. Through her dedication to teaching, mentorship, and service, Seo exemplifies how education can empower individuals and create opportunities for lifelong growth.
Darren Thedieck
Bachelor of Science in Finance and Economics ‘25
First Sergeant, US. Air Force
Italy: Financial Dream to Reality
Darren Thedieck has made a meaningful impact by helping others achieve greater financial stability and long-term success. As a First Sergeant in the U.S. Air Force, he is responsible for the well-being and readiness of more than 600 personnel, leading with a deep commitment to service and mentorship.
Drawing from his own journey overcoming financial challenges, Thedieck has dedicated himself to improving financial literacy within the military community. Since 2017, he has taught free personal finance classes online and in person. He later founded Financial Dream to Reality, an online community focused on saving, investing, and building long-term financial security. Through these efforts, he has also helped develop other financial literacy mentors and educators who continue sharing that knowledge with others. Through his leadership, Thedieck empowers others to make informed decisions that strengthen their futures, exemplifying the transformative power of education in changing lives.
Congratulations to all of the 2026 UMGC Alumni Award Recipients! To view last year's recipients, click here.
*The appearance of US Department of Defense visual information does not imply or constitute DOD endorsement.