Spotlight on the Smith Alumni Board Philanthropy & Alumni Membership Committee

The Smith Alumni Board (SAB) has many committees that support all aspects of the Smith School community. One of them is the Philanthropy and Alumni Membership Committee, which works to:

• leverage the alumni collective talent, reach, network and resources to formulate fundraising campaigns;
• execute outreach programs, increase alumni membership, increase awareness and giving opportunities;
• raise the importance and affinity to giving; and
• work with the alumni and development office.

John Lewington, PTMBA ’06, Partner, Customer Transformation - Adobe Practice in IBM Consulting and chair of the committee, says the group is focused on building support for the Dean’s Strategic Initiative Fund. “The strategic fund provides flexibility on how funds can be applied across all areas of need within the school,” says Lewington.

The committee chair says that giving to the Dean’s Strategic Initiative Fund can have an immediate impact on Smith such as bringing new technology into the classroom or support for new student-serving programs. All of which help future generations of Smith business leaders.

Lewington adds that there are many ways to give to Smith, including through employer match programs. The committee also encourages Smith alumni to become a member of the UMD Alumni Association. Through a membership, alumni will receive various member benefits such as discounted UMD event registration as well as savings and discounts at various businesses and museums throughout College Park and the surrounding region, including the university bookstore.

If you are interested in getting involved with the SAB, nominations are open until Feb. 23. If you would like to make a contribution to the Dean’s Strategic Initiative Fund, you can make a gift online or wait until the annual #GivingDay on March 6, which has matching funds for donations! If you would like to join the Alumni Association, become a member today as an annual, three-year, or lifetime member.