Office of Alumni Relations
Message from Dean Prabhudev Konana
Dear Smith Alums,
It was an extraordinary fall semester at the Smith School! We were thrilled to welcome our largest freshman class ever—nearly 600 students. This is an exciting chapter of growth for our school. Our momentum continues with the prestigious Dingman Center being renamed the Dingman-Lamone Center for Entrepreneurship, honoring the visionary contributions of the late Dean Rudy Lamone, known to most as “Rudy.” Thanks to a generous gift from his wife, Linda Lamone, Dean Lamone’s incredible legacy of entrepreneurial education will continue to inspire generations of Smith students. You’ll read more about the center's enduring impact in this issue's cover story.
Another highlight is the extraordinary $8 million gift from former Chicago Bulls executive Stephen M. Schanwald ’77 to endow our interdisciplinary sports management program. The newly named Stephen M. Schanwald Sports Management Program provides exceptional learning opportunities for our students. Other unique programs, including the Smith Business Leadership Fellows, the Interdisciplinary Business Honors program, the computational finance minor and student-run investment funds continue to deliver outstanding experiences. Last year alone, over 155 companies and 143 alumni participated in experiential learning with us—and this year we’re aiming even higher!
I am excited to share the launch of the Fact-Based Discourse Initiative. Through this series of debates and panel discussions, we are bringing students varied and informed viewpoints on a wide range of pressing business issues. At Smith, we’re focused on teaching students how to think, not what to think.
In Van Munching Hall, we’re embracing the future of education with the addition of the new Bill Boyle Virtual Teaching Studio. Alongside our hybrid classrooms, including the newest gifted from Ab and Kristen Krall, these cutting-edge resources expand our ability to engage students effectively in remote and hybrid formats.
Finally, I am incredibly thankful for your philanthropic investment, without which none of the above would be possible. Your investment empowers us to stay at the forefront of business education—piloting innovative programs, responding to market trends, and seizing new growth opportunities.
Our pursuit of excellence and ambitious goals are only possible with your friendship and support. Thanks for all you do for the Smith School to build an even brighter future!
Best,
Prabhudev Konana
Terp Alumni Gather in Atlanta for Smith School and University of Maryland Networking Event
The Robert H. Smith School of Business collaborated with the University of Maryland Atlanta Alumni Chapter to host a Terp Alumni networking event in Atlanta on March 7, 2024. Alumni from different graduation years and majors were in attendance at a midtown Atlanta venue, and the event featured a networking cocktail hour followed by messages from Smith School leadership in Career Services and Development. While in Atlanta, the Smith School team also visited several alumni and companies in the area to explore new opportunities for partnerships in hiring and future investments in our students and faculty. Thanks to all the Terps who made this event such a success. We look forward to returning to Atlanta soon to meet more of our nearly 700 Smith Alumni who live in the area!
Smith School Leaders Meet with Alumni and Prospective Students in Seoul
Dean Prabhudev Konana recently hosted alumni and prospective students in Seoul, South Korea at the Robert H. Smith School of Business Seoul Community Reception. While there, he also visited the KAIST College of Business as a part of a delegation from the American Association to Advance Collegiate Business Schools (AACSB). Konana connected with alumni in South Korea and shared the latest updates from the Smith School. The visit also allowed prospective students to learn more about Smith’s programs and the university’s commitment to excellence. The trip allowed school representatives to engage with the global alumni network and showcase the world-class education offered at the Smith School.
Upcoming Events
Join Us for Terp Madness!
Think you know college basketball? Prove it in the Smith School’s NCAA Terp Madness Bracket Challenge! Compete in one or both Men’s and Women’s brackets against fellow Terps for ultimate bragging rights.
Join, win, and show off your basketball expertise. Brackets lock soon—don’t miss your shot!
How to Play:
- Sign in or create a CBS Sports Account.
- Join the pool and follow the on-screen prompts.
- Fill out your bracket before the deadline and get ready to compete!
Tri-State Golf Networking
Join us for our inaugural Robert H. Smith School of Business Tri-State Golf networking event.
If you're in the Tri-State area, we would love for you to join us at the beautiful Crestmont Country Club in West Orange, New Jersey. This event is the perfect opportunity to connect and network with fellow Smith alumni while enjoying a round of golf. Don't miss out on this exciting event that combines business and leisure in one unforgettable day.
Thursday, April 24 from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Crestmont Country Club
750 Eagle Rock Avenue
West Orange, NJ 07052
Supporting Experiential Learning
Thank you for making an impact on Smith students. Experiential learning opportunities give students access to industry leaders and allow them to uncover current challenges in business, build their practical skills, and help their community. Read more.
Alumni Hall of Fame
The Smith School celebrated the 25th year of our naming by launching a Hall of Fame to honor alumni and dedicated champions who embody excellence achieved through inspired business education. The Hall of Fame Committee, composed of faculty, alumni and Smith leadership, wants your nominations for our inaugural cohort.
Smith Business Magazine
The latest Smith Business Magazine highlights A Founder’s Legacy, exploring how the renowned Dingman Center became the Dingman-Lamone Center for Entrepreneurship, honoring its visionary founder. This issue also covers the new name for the interdisciplinary sports management program, Smith’s cutting-edge virtual teaching studio—the first of its kind at UMD—and innovative initiatives shaping business education from day one.
Monthly Alumni Newsletter
Are you receiving the monthly Smith Alumni newsletter? Our newsletter is delivered to your inbox on the first Sunday of every month and features upcoming events, news and announcements, and alumni spotlights. If you need to re-subscribe, email SmithAlumni@umd.edu!
Terrapins Connect
The University of Maryland's community for mentorship and purposeful connections for students and alumni. Sign up to build connections, mentor a fellow Terp and join an industry group. Find groups focused on business, technology, entrepreneurship and more!
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Have a question? Send us an email at smithalumni@umd.edu!