University of Maryland Giving Newsletter: June 2020-Boldness

BOLDNESS A N E W S L E T T E R F OR S U PP ORT E R S OF T H E U N I V E R S I T Y OF M A RY L A N D / J U N E 2 02 0

TO TURN IMAGINATION INTO INNOVATION / CURIOSITY TO DISCOVER NEW KNOWLEDGE PASSION TO INSPIRE MARYLAND PRIDE / INSPIRATION TO TRANSFORM THE STUDENT EXPERIENCE

BOLD LEADERSHIP: 2010-2020 President Wallace D. Loh’s Fearless Legacy at Maryland

PUBLISHER Jackie Lewis Vice President, University Relations ADVISERS Bernadette Maldonado, Assistant Vice President, University Relations

I hope you and your loved ones are safe and well at this time of immense challenge for our Maryland community, our nation and our world. This spring, the University of Maryland was in the midst of saying farewell to President Loh and Mrs. Loh when COVID-19 quickly became a pandemic. All efforts turned to keeping Maryland students, faculty and staff safe.

Through this time of uncertainty, the University of Maryland has remained committed to providing the safest educational experience for our students, researchers and faculty. Terps are resilient, and we will continue to pursue our Fearless Ideas—no matter the situation.

Despite this challenging situation, we still want to celebrate all the University of Maryland has accomplished under Dr. Loh’s leadership. The pages ahead include a highlight of the unprecedented fundraising heights the university has reached over the last 10 years. Since 2010, our supporters have increased the scope of their philanthropy to reach every area of campus.

A few examples of such investments are included in this issue. Brian Lazarus ’78 and Carin Carter Lazarus ’83 recently committed more than $2 million for a scholarship in the Merrill College of Journalism, helping to fulfill an immediate and future need for significant scholarship support. Rounding out this issue are stories featuring a student, an alum and a faculty member with one common denominator—their experience at the University of Maryland was made possible by the generous support of our donors.

Thank you for being a part of the Maryland family during the past 10 years. I look forward to seeing what the future holds for our students, faculty, and staff as we boldly pursue our Fearless Ideas.

Sincerely,

Jackie Lewis Vice President for University Relations President, University of Maryland College Park Foundation

CONTRIBUTORS Maria Clark Director of Marketing, Fundraising Campaigns Amanda Townsend Assistant Director of Marketing, Fundraising Campaigns Josh Arinze Development Writer Mary Harvey Director of Campaign Planning Jason Keisling Senior Graphic Designer John T. Consoli Stephanie S. Cordle Photographers Gail Rupert M.L.S. ‘10 Photography Archivist Jagu Cornish Production Coordinator

COVER PHOTO BY JOHN T. CONSOLI

DEAR MARYLAND SUPPORTERS,

Margaret Hall Chief Creative Officer, Strategic Communications

BOLDNESS / 3

A BOLD INVESTMENT IN “OLD-SCHOOL” JOURNALISM

ILLUSTRATION BY JASON KEISLING | PHOTO COURTESY OF FRAZEE FAMILY

Brian Lazarus ’78 and Carin Carter Lazarus ’83 Bolster Merrill College with Scholarship Gifts we live in a world awash in social media punditry and buffeted by endless torrents of tweets. But Brian Lazarus ’78 and Carin Carter Lazarus ’83 remain strong believers in “old-school” journalism based on factual, trustworthy reporting. Equally strong is their belief in the lifelong benefits of a well-rounded education. “Old-school journalism requires the ability to listen to divergent opinions with an open mind and informed intellect,” notes Brian Lazarus.

These values shaped the education the Lazaruses received at the University of Maryland, and they appreciate the many ways this education has enriched their lives. Now they are sharing the gift of a sound education with future students, establishing an endowed scholarship at the Philip Merrill

College of Journalism. The $260,000 Brian and Carin Lazarus Endowed Journalism Scholarship will provide merit-based support to undergraduate journalism students at the college who are Maryland residents. Coupled with a $2 million gift through a bequest, Brian and Carin Lazarus are helping to fulfill an immediate and future need for significant scholarship support at the Merrill College of Journalism.

Carin Lazarus majored in journalism at Maryland, and Brian Lazarus was part of the radio, television and film program that was later absorbed into the journalism school. “Maryland was a natural fit [for our philanthropy] because we both liked it here,” said

Carin. It was also at UMD that the couple met, getting married in Carin’s junior year. It is no surprise they still have many fond memories of their time on campus.

After their graduation, Brian worked for a time in the music entertainment industry and Carin in mortgage banking. In 1987, they founded Media Star Promotions, a brand strategy and marketing agency based in Hunt Valley, Md. They still run that enterprise together.

Brian and Carin share the belief that current journalism students—not just those who benefit from their scholarship—can establish a solid foundation for their career by making the most out of every professional experience they get. “You never know where it may take you,” said Brian. “Pay attention, learn what you can and put it to good use.”

As for those who do benefit from the Lazarus Scholarship, both Brian and Carin expressed hope that, if such beneficiaries find financial success like they themselves have, they would choose to carry forward the legacy of generosity at Maryland.

4 / BOLDNESS

hen Wallace D. Loh took the helm as president of the University of Maryland in 2010, the university was about two years from the end of a major fundraising campaign. The Great Expectations campaign concluded in 2012 with more than $1 billion raised. As Dr. Loh’s 10-year tenure winds down, Maryland is moving towards the conclusion of the Fearless Ideas campaign, which has already raised $1.25 billion of its $1.5 billion goal.

Even as Maryland has attained greater heights in fundraising during President Loh’s tenure, his impact on the university transcends fundraising and the many—and ongoing—changes in the physical face of the campus. Under his leadership, Maryland has seen significant growth and transformation in other respects. A few examples: President Loh launched the Greater College Park initiative, a bold partnership between the university, the city of College Park, Prince George’s County, the state of Maryland, and private developers. This partnership has changed the face of College Park and its impact is already being felt beyond the city.

Dr. Loh also championed the MPowering the State partnership with the University of Maryland Baltimore—a collaboration between the state of Maryland's two most powerful public research engines. This partnership has led to an exponential growth in research funding for both institutions.

And in a demonstration of decisive boldness, Dr, Loh moved the University of Maryland into the Big Ten Conference.

What follows are reflections on Dr. Loh’s tenure and impact as president, as offered by some of the people who have worked closely with him.

“

Dr. Wallace Loh inspired us with his fearless vision. He motivated us to achieve and move forward. He defined his tenure with his keen intellect, integrity and fearless leadership! alma gildenhorn ’53 Fearless Ideas Campaign

“

The growth of our university under Wallace’s leadership is unparalleled. He’s been very effective in building on the work of his predecessors and positioning the university for the future. I consider his bold action to move Maryland into the Big Ten Conference as one of his greatest accomplishments.

I’ve really enjoyed getting to know Wallace—his background as an immigrant closely parallels my own. I remember fondly when he and Barbara invited us and 10 close friends to dinner at their home after I became involved in the IDEA Factory. It was a lovely evening.

co-chair, joseph gildenhorn ’51 former board chair and trustee of the University of Maryland College Park Foundation

“

Dr. Loh has been an incredibly engaging, charismatic and persuasive advocate for furthering the university's goals. His ambition to transform the city of College Park into an enjoyable place to live and learn was sorely needed, and he pulled it off spectacularly. I saw his leadership in action during a discussion on campus some years back about changing the name of the football stadium.

Dr. Loh demonstrated real empathy and understanding in dealing with opposing views on that issue, and fought for what he believed was right for the university and its students.

emilio a. fernandez jr. ’69 lead donor for the E.A. Fernandez IDEA Factory and trustee of the University of Maryland College Park Foundation

patrick ronk former president, University of Maryland Student Government Association, 2014-2016

A Decade of Fundraising Accomplishments 2012

2013

2016

2017

Great Expectations Campaign ends, raising more than $1 billion.

The first annual Giving Day is held.

The Smith Family Foundation supports scholarships and faculty efforts in the Robert H. Smith School of Business with a $10 million gift. ...

The University of Maryland launched the Do Good Institute, becoming the nation’s first Do Good campus.

Edward St. John Learning & Teaching Center opens, made possible by a leading gift from Edward St. John ’61. ...

Opening of Phase One of the new Cole Field House. ...

UMD receives $219.5 million, the largest gift in university history. Building Together: An Investment for Maryland, made possible by the A. James & Alice B. Clark Foundation, provides $219.5 million in support of scholarships, faculty and capital projects.

PHOTOS BY JOHN T. CONSOLI

“

“

I first met Dr. Loh before he was even sworn in as president.

He shared his vision for a new way for students to learn and teachers to teach, with students accessing their course lectures on their iPhones and iPads outside of the classroom, then going to class where the faculty member facilitates collaborative learning and problem solving.

I was swept up in that vision and agreed to help fund what is now the Edward St. John Learning and Teaching Center.

Dr. Loh established a gold standard for education today and for generations to come—a tremendous legacy.”

Edward St. John ’61 lead donor for the Edward St. John Learning and Teaching Center

Dr. Loh has been willing to take well calculated risks to help raise the university’s profile and reputation. His Greater College Park initiative will have a positive economic impact on the university for several decades.

The quality of the students has improved every year of his tenure, he elevated academic standards and made research a top priority. The entrepreneurship program was a great addition that has led to the creation of many start-ups on campus. He brought all our schools and colleges together to work toward our goal of raising $1.5 billion in the Fearless Ideas campaign. I also deeply appreciate his leadership in creating our university’s partnership with The Phillips Collection. nancy clarvit ’78 trustee of the University of Maryland College Park Foundation, and The Phillips Collection

“

Dr. Loh changed the face of the university, helped make College Park a more thriving city, and brought the city and the university closer together. The move to the Big Ten, though not initially supported by everyone, has turned out to be great for the university. Dr. Loh has always demonstrated that his heart is in the right place for our students and our Maryland community. I admire the close partnership he built with Governor Hogan and legislators in Annapolis—the university has significantly benefited from that. And the MPower partnership he championed with the University of Maryland, Baltimore was a hallmark of true leadership and is already yielding positive results for our entire state. barry p. gossett ’62 vice-chair, University System of Maryland Board of Regents and Fearless Ideas Campaign co-chair

2018

2019

2020

Fearless Ideas: The Campaign for Maryland launches. ...

The Gossett Center for Academic and Personal Excellence is established, made possible by a $21.25 million gift from Barry ’62 and Mary Gossett. ...

Groundbreaking for the E.A. Fernandez IDEA Factory, made possible by a $10 million gift from Emilio Fernandez ’69, and other philanthropic support. ...

Fearless Ideas: The Campaign for Maryland campaign crosses $1 billion threshold in fundraising.

The Brendan Iribe Center for Computer Science and Engineering opens, made possible by a $31 million gift from Brendan Iribe and additional public and private philanthropic support. ...

The university breaks ground on the new School of Public Policy building, made possible through public and private support.

The University of Maryland College Park Foundation celebrates its 20th anniversary.

A DECADE OF FEARLESS LEADERSHIP

PHOTO BY STEPHANIE S. CORDLE

“I CONSIDER MYSELF FORTUNATE” For Gyan Kadariya ’20, the Path to Maryland Began in a Refugee Camp in Nepal IT WOULD BE an understatement to say that Gyan Kadariya has come a long way. In many respects, his life today is a world removed from the experiences of his first 13 years. Gyan was born in 1997 in a refugee camp in Nepal, to ethnic Nepali parents

who were born and raised in nearby Bhutan. His parents were forced to flee Bhutan when many ethnic Nepali were stripped of Bhutanese nationality in the late 1980s and early 1990s. Eventually, the family received the opportunity to move to the United

DETERMINED TO SUCCEED The Southern Management Leadership Program Was a Crucial Lifeline for Sandra Raymundo ’18 i applied to the Southern

Management Leadership Program (SMLP) during my senior year at Prince George’s Community College.

SMLP is a scholarship initiative targeted at students interested in entrepreneurship, starting a business or leading a company. I was 19 and had recently arrived from Honduras, where I’d finished high school.

At first, it was hard to adapt to living in a new country, but I had one goal in mind: to obtain a college degree. I was the first in my family to

attend college. I had a full course load, but I also worked full time so I could help family members in Honduras.

After sharing my story and my goals with the SMLP program managers, I was selected for the scholarship.

The most significant benefit I received from the scholarship was the support and guidance from the managers and the other students in my SMLP cohort. Of course the financial factor is very important, but having people offering me support and advice was the best thing I got

States, arriving in Baltimore, Md. in 2010.

Gyan dove into his studies in middle school, but it was not an easy adjustment. “There was a language barrier to overcome, and it took me a couple of years to get comfortable conversing in English,” he says.

“But it wasn’t just the language.

I had to get used to things like learning to use a computer and an elevator for the first time.”

Gyan first heard of UMD’s Incentive Awards Program (IAP) from his guidance counselor at Digital Harbor High School in Baltimore. He set his sights on Maryland and, once accepted, applied for and received an IAP award. The IAP is more than just a scholarship—it provides academic guidance, mentoring and a nurturing community to exceptional students who have overcome difficult circumstances.

“My IAP cohort and colleagues are like family to me,” Gyan

states. “We’re a close-knit group and we go out of our way to help one another. Without my colleagues and the IAP staff, I would have felt a little lost when I arrived on campus.”

Gyan will graduate this June with a B.S. in information science. His immediate goal is to find a position in his field to help provide as much support as he can to his parents and two sisters.

Asked what he’d like to share with donors who support IAP and other UMD scholarship programs, Gyan readily responded: “I’d like to say “thank you.”

Without them, someone like me would be almost like a tree without roots.”

Gyan says he will always be a proud Terp. “I consider myself fortunate to have the education I’ve received here and I’ll strive to be a good ambassador for Maryland. No question about that—Maryland is now a part of me.”

from the program. My transition to UMD was not easy, but this support network made things much better.

Being in the SMLP program was like being part of a family.

The donors who support SMLP and other scholarship programs are giving young people a great opportunity to accomplish their dreams. Their generosity is life changing—not just for the students they help, but for their families too. I hope to make a positive impact in the lives of others like they did in mine.

After graduation, I was accepted into the master’s in accounting with data analytics program at Villanova University, sponsored by the accounting firm KPMG. UMD

prepared me well for this program.

Since completing the program last summer, I’ve been working as an audit associate at KPMG. I’m very proud to be a Terp. I’m part of the UMD Latinx Alumni Network. UMD shaped me into a professional, gave me more self-confidence and a valuable educational experience. And I made great friends along the way.

PHOTO COURTESY OF SANDRA RAYMUNDO '18

BOLDNESS / 9

PHOTO BY JOHN T. CONSOLI

ENGINEERING DESIGN WITH A HUMAN SOUL Professor Deb Niemeier Encourages Her Students to Build Sustainability and Social Justice into Their Work TO LISTEN TO DEB NIEMEIER is to see several important issues in a new light: the unequal human impact of infrastructure projects; the uneven effects of vehicle emissions on various communities; the generational divide in attitudes toward the use of motorized scooters; and how a combination of substandard design, lax oversight and climate change magnified the toll of the 2018 Camp Fire disaster in Paradise, Ca. Niemeier joined Maryland's A. James Clark School of Engineering in Fall 2019 from the University of California, Davis. She is a faculty member in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, with an affiliate appointment at the Maryland Transportation Institute (MTI), established in 2018 to harness expertise and research across 11 UMD colleges in solving transportation problems. Niemeier was the first faculty member appointed to a distinguished chair established as part of Building Together: An Investment for Maryland, the A. James & Alice B. Clark Foundation’s nearly $220 million commitment to transform the university and the Clark School through investments in students, faculty, programs and infrastructure.

Niemeier's groundbreaking research at UC Davis revealed that tailpipe emissions have a disproportionate impact on low-income communities. Her findings helped spur policy and regulatory changes involving vehicle emissions, air quality, affordable housing and infrastructure funding. Until last year, she expected to stay in California for the foreseeable future.

“I had no plans to move to the east coast,” she says. But Darryll Pines, dean of the Clark School, and Lei Zhang, director of MTI, convinced her otherwise. “I was impressed by their extraordinary commitment to the essential role of the public research university, and their dedication to doing good for society.”

Growing up in the border city of El Paso, Texas in the 1970s, Niemeier saw thick plumes of smoke rise daily from the nearby Asarco copper smelter, fouling the air on the U.S. and Mexican sides of the border. It later became known that the smelter had been illegally burning hazardous materials for years. “Many people got sick because of that,” she recalls. “I wanted a career where I can help prevent such things.”

Niemeier earned her Ph.D. from the University of Washington, Seattle in 1994. She became a fellow of the

American Association for the Advancement of Science in 2014 and was elected to the National Academy of Engineering in 2017.

Niemeier cites the November 2018 Camp Fire in Paradise, Ca. to illustrate what can happen when design choices are made without adequate attention to potential human costs.

The population of Paradise tripled during the 1970s as low and middle-income people sought affordable homes there for retirement. But the infrastructure was subpar, and much of Paradise was laid out in non-gridded streets, with cul-de-sacs and limited entry/exit ways.

“The town's population had above-average percentages of elderly and disabled people,” Niemeier noted. “Many homes were close together. You combine these with an aging power infrastructure, years of drought, and design features that hindered evacuation, and it’s no wonder the disaster was so bad.”

Niemeier is dedicated to encouraging her colleagues to make sustainable design and moral inquiry skills central pillars of engineering education. She remains optimistic about the role of engineering design in improving lives and reducing inequality. “Younger engineers, and certainly the young faculty in civil engineering, tend to be more attuned to new ideas and interdisciplinary collaboration,” she said. “That bodes well for the future.”

Division of University Relations Office of Strategic Communications 2101 Turner Hall, 7736 Baltimore Ave. College Park, MD 20742

“I’ve lost all my income.

This is the only money that I know is coming in to meet my basic expenses.”

–UMD STUDENT

TERPS ARE IN CRISIS. YOU CAN HELP. The COVID-19 pandemic has created extreme financial hardships for many of our students: Lost jobs. Food insecurity. Lack of housing.

The UMD Student Crisis Fund has been answering these students’ requests for help. Now it’s struggling to accommodate all the urgent needs.

You can make an immediate impact on students’ lives by giving today at go.umd.edu/crisisfund.

fearlessideas.umd.edu

“To the people who supported this: Thank you so much. I hope this will continue to be available for other students, because it has been such a help to me.”

- UMD STUDENT