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 school’s $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.
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(l to r) Gary Williams, Howard Frank,
C.D. Mote, Robert H. Smith all addressed
attendees during the launch event.
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Howard Frank (l) and Robert H. Smith
talk during the festivities.
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Robert H. Smith urged fellow alumni to join
him in support of the campaign and earned
a rousing standing ovation at the conclusion
of his heartfelt speech.
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Gary Williams
was the final speaker of the evening and
talked about the importance of scholarships.
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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!”
View video highlights.
Dean Howard Frank described some of the school’s
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.”
View video highlights.
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.
View video highlights.
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.”
View video highlights.
The success of the Great Expectations campaign
depends on the support of all Smith alumni. Your participation
is crucial! 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.
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