Intellectual sports featured in Sun Education supplement

UMBC intellectual sports programs were featured in the fall Baltimore Sun Education supplement, published on Oct. 15. The article, "More than just having fun: Being active in student organizations has long-reaching benefits," includes an interview with Lesa Goodhue.

"'UMBC's use of 'intellectual sports' as a category is unique,' says Lesa Goodhue, special assistant to the AVP, intellectual sports and applied learning. 'While other universities have similar groups, outside of UMBC those groups are often separated and 'owned' by their respective academic departments or colleges. At UMBC, on the other hand, intellectual sports are student organizations recognized by the Student Government Association (SGA). Being an SGA entity ensures that all of our undergraduate students have the opportunity to be a member.'"

"According to Goodhue, student organizations are viewed by the university as ideal spaces for students to develop as leaders, build communities of peers, collaborate across interests and acquire power skills. She notes that UMBC student organizations write constitutions, attend regular roundtables, have access to scheduled professional development workshops, follow budgeting timelines, and adhere to processes designed to maximize equity and ensure their safety."

The article, which begins on page 1, also includes the full interview with Goodhue and quotes from Mock Trial member Samisha Connor '25, financial economics, and American Institute for Chemical Engineers member Benjamin Welling '25, chemical engineering.