Article by Reeta Francis (Q17)

It is not unusual to think about love during the month of February. After all, Valentine's Day is this month. This article isn't about a significant other, though; it's about significant others. I'm not talking plural marriage here; I'm talking about QUEST love. I'm referring to the 185 people who are in the best honors program at the University of Maryland. The community of students from 3 different schools who have gone from being the random people I'm holding in a peanut butter pit at QUEST camp to some of my closest friends. But I'm not the only one feeling all the love. I'm certainly not the first to get QUEST fever. The strong sense of community has set QUEST apart from its counterparts...Read More

Article by Kathryn Weiland (QUEST GA)

In light of Valentine's Day this month, the editors of QUESTPress wanted to highlight the unique story of William and Jennifer Layton, who met while they were students in Cohort 1 of QUEST (formerly referred to as the IBM-TQ program). They were gracious enough to share their unique story and their experiences in the program in order to reconnect with alumni, staff, and current students.

1)  Please tell us a little about yourselves!

Jen and I run both a 1300 acre grain farm (corn, soybeans and wheat) and a vineyard and winery (Layton's Chance Vineyard & Winery).  We have two children, 8 & 10.  Since we just opened the winery less than two years ago, it consumes most of our lives...Read More

Article by Meenu Singh (Q19)

As I sit here pondering the necessity of Differential Equations in the grander scheme of my existence, it is all too easy for my mind to drift to thoughts of sunny skies, shimmery sand, sultry samba, and savory steak (ironically, we learned that in the land of Brazilian barbeque, the Outback Steakhouse franchise is becoming quite popular....go figure).  It is almost unfathomable that a mere month ago, I was approximately 5,000 miles away in Brazil, immersed in a world of such distinct culture and awesomeness...Read More

Article by Varisha Parikh (Q18)

On February 3rd, 2012, a group of QUEST students accompanied by Dr. Bailey and Nicole set out in two mini-vans for Mercy Hospital in Baltimore. The purpose of this visit was to gain a better understanding of the infrastructure and management of a large hospital facility. The aim for the attending QUEST students was to be attentive to the presentation and facility tour in order to scope out potential for a 490 project....Read More

Editor's Note:  Over the next few issues, QUESTPress will be having a special Student Profile column. Each month, we will be highlighting 1-2 new members of the QSO board. Enjoy! 

Alumni Chair

DULANY WAGNER - Cohort 18

Dulany is a Finance and Accounting major, minoring in Environmental Economics and Policy whose ambition and motivation have driven her to be very successful inside and outside of the classroom. She was a great help in organizing and assisting with the QUEST alumni dinner last year...Read More

Cohort 18 Champion

President of the American Marketing Association, Pledge Educator for Beta Theta Pi Fraternity, and member of Omicron Delta Kappa, Manas offers a significant amount of knowledge and familiarity about the campus community. He is the only returning member from QSO 2011...Read More

Article by Alex Bansleben (Q18)

The Krispy Kreme challenge. Not too many people have heard about it, but it is a competition growing in popularity. The first time I was told about what the challenge entails, I almost started getting stomach cramps. The Krispy Kreme challenge is an annual charity event held in several locations around the country. Two of our very own QUEST alumni-Brian Daisey (Q16) and Jeffrey Lue (Q16)-participated in the challenge at the beginning of February in Raleigh, North Carolina...Read More