Memorial Scholarship Created To Honor Derek Hans Blume ’03

A new scholarship has been created in memory of Derek Hans Blume, a 2003 computer engineering alumnus who passed away in his sleep on July 29, 2006, at the early age of 25.

Derek was a talented student who displayed his engineering prowess early in life. By the age of three, he was already dismantling his children's cassette player and putting it back together. By the age of 17, he had rebuilt a car engine. He had an enthusiasm for all things electrical and mechanical.

While a student at the University of Maryland, Derek worked at the University's Tawes Theatre, where he was able to combine his affection for technical theater and engineering. Derek served as the lighting designer for major cultural, dance, and theatrical events.

He was a member of Eta Kappa Nu (HKN), Gamma Xi Chapter, for which he was a chairperson. Derek had an affinity for lab courses, and was particularly skilled with the digital logic and microprocessor design projects. Upon graduating, he was hired by Space Ground Systems Solutions. Derek was doing exactly what he wanted to—working in the field of embedded systems and firmware.

To honor Derek's memory and assist students at his alma mater, his family and friends established an endowed fund to support undergraduate students enrolled in Maryland’s Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering.

According to his family, Derek was an avid skier and ultimate frisbee player, an incessant tinkerer, an adventurous cook, a budding wine geek, a brew-master, a retro audiophile, and a lover of both cutting edge technologies and antiquated machines, especially his beloved MG; with all, keeping friends ever close at hand. It is their hope that the Derek Blume Memorial Scholarship will allow the spirit of Derek to live on in those who share his interests.

To make a gift the scholarship fund, please visit www.greatexpectations.umd.edu.

Published August 3, 2007