Smith School Announces $90M Capital Campaign Alumni & Friends Gather to Celebrate

Chinese lion dancers raised the enthusiasm of onlookers at an energized celebration on Friday, October 19, when the Smith School announced that more than $47,600,000 of the schools $90 million Great Expectations capital campaign goal had been given. The school welcomed 150 influential donors and friends to mark the event, part of the university's Great Expectations: The Campaign for Maryland.

Campaign co-chair Milt Matthews 68 was both host for the pre-program reception and master of ceremonies for the evening program. Dr. C.D. Mote, Jr., president of the University of Maryland, shared an overall vision of the university's Great Expectations campaign. The future of the university relies on our relentless, unwavering commitment to build stature in every area of the university, said Mote. To keep the momentum going requires commitment from alumni, for many of you a first-time commitment. Mote welcomed those first-time donors with a warning that giving is habit-forming!

Smith School Dean Howard Frank described some of the schools bragging points: it has one of the best undergraduate business programs in the world; dominates MBA education in the region; receives more than 30 applications for every open doctoral slot; and is ranked number five for research in the world by the Financial Times. He also summed up the top issues faced by the school in a few brief words: money, money and more money.

Robert H. Smith 50 inspired his listeners with his commitment to the school and his conviction that education has the potential to make a significant difference not just to students, but also to the world. Each year the Smith School welcomes a diverse group of young men and young women and equips them to become principled leaders, creative risk-takers, and entrepreneurial innovators. Each year it gives talented faculty the resources and intellectual freedom they need to examine and solve the most pressing problems affecting our global economy. Each year it gives businesses and the executives who run those businesses new and better tools to thrive and prosper, said Smith.

Smith urged his fellow alumni to join him in support of the Great Expectations campaign. The University of Maryland has had the benefit of generations of generosity, said Smith. I stand in a proud circle of men and women who had the foresight and vision to support this great institution. It is now time to enlarge that circle. I hope you will join me. The audience rose to its feet in a rousing standing ovation at the conclusion of his speech.

Gary Williams 68, coach of the men's Terrapins basketball team, spoke about the difference a scholarship made in his own life. I could never have come to Maryland without a scholarship. Scholarship funds make it possible for talented people without financial resources to have the opportunity for a great education. I don't give as the basketball coach. I give as someone who benefited from the Maryland experience, and I've never forgotten the difference a scholarship made.

The Great Expectations campaign will continue through 2012. For more information about how you can be a part of the campaign, or to check on the current status of the school's $90 million campaign goal, visit the Web site at www.rhsmith.umd.edu/give.

Rebecca Winner, Office of Marketing Communications