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View the video of the Great Expectations Campaign launch
online
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.
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 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.”
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. |
