Maryland Smith Seniors Among Merrill Scholar Honorees

A Maryland Smith trio is among 19 University of Maryland graduating seniors being recognized this week for their accomplishments, prestigious internships and GPAs as Philip Merrill Presidential Scholars.

The recognition includes the scholars’ faculty and K-12-teacher mentors and culminates in a reception on Dec. 3, 2021, at University House.

The Maryland Smith honorees are:

Steven Ioannidis, Supply Chain Management
Teacher Mentor: Sean Moran, South Carroll High School, Sykesville, Maryland
Faculty Mentor: David Kirsch, Management and Organization

Genna Knoll, Supply Chain Management, Information Systems
Teacher Mentor: Catherine Tortoso, Plainview-Old Bethpage John F. Kennedy High School, Plainview, New York.
Faculty Mentor: Leland Gardner, Logistics, Business and Public Policy

Ally Merwitz, Operations Management and Business Analytics, Mathematics
Teacher Mentor: Lynette Burns, Atholton High School, Columbia, Maryland
Faculty Mentor: Joseph Bailey, Decision, Operations and Information Technology

The Merrill Scholars program namesake Philip Merrill, a UMD supporter and long-time Washington area publisher, created the program in 2004 to build a community of scholars, faculty members and K-12 teachers who recognize the importance of teaching and mentoring the next generation. In accordance, the program’s 2021 week of recognition includes the K-12 teachers participating in a workshop with Maryland faculty to strengthen collaboration between the university and K-12 schools.

“Programs like these are critical to our students’ success,” said UMD President Darryll J. Pines. “They provide invaluable mentorship that will have a long-lasting impact on the lives of our students, while on campus and beyond. We are incredibly grateful for the individuals who have been instrumental to our students’ progress during their academic journeys.”

Read more: Philip Merrill Presidential Scholars Program Honors 19 Students, Mentors.