MAC to Millennium

Japan Prize — Alumnus James A. Yorke (Ph.D. 1966) shared the 2003 Japan Prize in recognition of his ground-breaking research that led to the development of the mathematical concept of "chaos."  The prize is awarded by the Science and Technology Foundation of Japan to recognize individuals from around the world whose achievements in science and technology have "advanced the frontiers of knowledge and served the cause of peace and prosperity for mankind."

Jeopardy — Six Terps are known to have been contestants on the popular Jeopardy game show.  Erik Agard, Class of 2015, won $66,802 in four appearances on the show in October 2018.  Alumnus Jeffery Amoros captured $32,801 in his appearances on June 29 and 30, 2011.  Jordan Boyd-Graber, an associate professor of computer science, also appeared on the show, on September 26, 2018, and Sala Levin, Class of 2001, on September 1, 2016.  Graduate student Steven Reich came in second on the October 9, 2019, show. Scott Shewfelt (M. Journalism 2007) took on this challenge in 2021, winning twice in April and taking home $48,800 on episodes hosted by Dr. Mehmet Oz and NFL quarterback Aaron Rodgers. Two Terps took to the famous game show stage in 2022--Ciara Donegan, Class of 2022, appeared on March 24 and March 25, earnined $29,601, and Joe Feldman, Class of 2004, accumulated $45,000 during his three-night run from June 27 to June 29.

Jewish Studies, Meyerhoff Center for — Established in 1980 through a gift from Harvey Meyerhoff; named for Joseph and Rebecca Meyerhoff.

Jimenez Hall — Constructed in 1962; named for Spanish poet Juan Ramόn Jiménez a member of the faculty from 1948 to 1951.  Friends and colleagues in College Park nominated him for the Nobel Prize for Literature, which he won in 1956. While at the university, Jiménez conducted seminars in Spanish literature and taught advanced Spanish composition.

Johnson-Whittle Hall—dormitory slated to open in 2022. Named for Elaine Johnson Coates, Class of 1959, the first African American female undergraduate to receive a degree from the University of Maryland, and Hiram Whittle, the first African American undergraduate at UMD, who enrolled in January 1951.

Jones-Hill House — UMD President Darryll J. Pines announced that the name of the William P. Cole Student Activities Building, more commonly known as Cole Field House, would be changed to Jones-Hill House during his inaugural address on April 22, 2021. The new name honors Billy Jones, the first African American to play men’s basketball in the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC), and Darryl Hill, the first African American to play football in the ACC. See also Athletes, African American.

Journalism, Phillip Merrill College of — Founded in 1947. In 2001, Philip Merrill, publisher and owner of The Capital (Annapolis) and the Washingtonian magazine, made a $10 million gift to the College of Journalism. In recognition of his generosity, the school was renamed the Philip Merrill College of Journalism.  For more information, visit the Merrill College of Journalism website.

Journalism Building — Constructed in 1957; home of the College of Journalism until 2010, when it relocated to Knight Hall. After a 2010-2011 renovation it was renamed Chincoteague Hall.  The building now houses offices for various units in the College of Behavioral and Social Sciences.

Jull Hall — Constructed in 1953; named for Morley A. Jull, chair of the Poultry Department.