Community / April 2, 2012

Smith Alumni Receive Top University Honors

Every five years, the University of Maryland Alumni Association honors and celebrates notable achievements of 21 outstanding individuals who have made their mark on the university and/or within their respective industry.

The 12th Annual Awards Gala, a prestigious, black-tie event held at the Samuel Riggs IV Alumni Center on April 14, 2012, recognized five Smith alumni for their professional achievements, personal accomplishments and exceptional service to the university.

Robert G. Isaman ’85, former CEO of Stolle Machinery Company, LLC, and vice chair of the Smith School Advisory Board, was honored with the Smith School’s Distinguished Alumnus Award for his outstanding contributions in the field of business. A board member of CAMT and a lifetime member of the Special Forces Association, Isaman helped coordinate Smith School initiatives in China.

Cliff ’54 and Camille Kendall, prominent University of Maryland philanthropists & volunteers, received the Spirit of Maryland Award for embodying the best of Maryland spirit through their philanthropy, generosity and volunteerism. Cliff is the former chairman of the University of Maryland System Board of Regents and is a member of the boards of the University of Maryland College Park Foundation and the University System of Maryland Foundation. He was also one of the founders of Computer Data Systems, Inc., on of Forbes’ 200 best small companies in the nation. The Kendalls have given generously to many academic and athletic scholarships at the university.

Ed Snider ’55, chairman of Comcast Spectacor, a Philadelphia-based sports and entertainment company that owns the Philadelphia Flyers, received the President’s Distinguished Alumnus Award for his national achievement in the fields of sports, business and entertainment as well as his philanthropic contributions to the Philadelphia community. Snider is a member of the Hockey Hall of Fame and serves on the NHL’s Executive Committee. He is founder of the Ed Snider Youth Foundations, which provides underserved children from inner-city communities with the opportunity to learn to play ice hockey at area rinks.

Leo Van Munching, Jr. ’50, retired president of Van Munching & Company, was honored with the Tyser Gottwals Award (named for Abram Z. Gottwals and Ralph J. Tyser) for his significant philanthropy and service as one of the university’s premiere benefactors. Van Munching made Heineken Beer a household name in the United States and helped make the Smith School a nationally ranked program by funding its home, Van Munching Hall. He is one of the top five individual donors in the university’s history, was a member of the Dean’s Council of Advisors and an honorary trustee for the University of Maryland College Park Foundation Board.

Gary Williams ’68, former men's basketball coach and current scholarship campaign co-chair, received the Athletics Distinguished Alumnus Award for his outstanding contributions to Maryland athletics. He helped bring the university into the national spotlight as a university with talent, depth and unquenchable spirit. During his 22 years as head basketball coach he brought home three ACC titles, seven Sweet Sixteens and the National Championship in 2002. He was named National Coach of the Year in 2002.

Media Contact

Greg Muraski
Media Relations Manager
301-405-5283  
301-892-0973 Mobile
gmuraski@umd.edu 

About the University of Maryland's Robert H. Smith School of Business

The Robert H. Smith School of Business is an internationally recognized leader in management education and research. One of 12 colleges and schools at the University of Maryland, College Park, the Smith School offers undergraduate, full-time and flex MBA, executive MBA, online MBA, business master’s, PhD and executive education programs, as well as outreach services to the corporate community. The school offers its degree, custom and certification programs in learning locations in North America and Asia.

Back to Top