State officials and UB representatives talked about funding for the campus during UB's annual showcase in Annapolis on Feb. 17. l. to r.: Sen. Ralph Hughes (District 40); Yale Gordon College of Liberal Arts Dean Larry Thomas; Del. Michael Weir Jr. (District 6 and a UB alumnus); and Robert G. Merrick School of Business Dean Anne McCarthy.

UB Travels to Annapolis to Showcase University's Leading Role in Higher Education

Any salesman will tell you: There’s nothing like a personal touch to seal a deal. Students, staff, faculty and alumni from the University demonstrated that truism on Feb. 17, when a group of more than 100 of them journeyed to Annapolis to express their gratitude toward legislators and to educate elected officials about the University and show them its value to the state of Maryland.

This was the first time in recent years that the University hosted its own event in the state capital. In previous years, it joined with other institutions to demonstrate the capabilities of partnerships in serving the needs of UB students, to reveal the diversity of institutional offerings made available by District 40’s public higher education institutions, and to emphasize the importance of reconnecting the University with the community.

But this time, according to Anita Thomas, associate vice president for Government Relations, the goal was to showcase the power of UB as a singular engine for economic development for the city and beyond. In addition to the crowd of enthusiastic students, teachers and University leaders gathered at the Governor Calvert House, prominent alumni from the worlds of commerce and Maryland politics were also on hand to convey the message that the campus is actively engaged—in both preparing tomorrow’s leaders and supporting those who are leading today.

“Our theme, ‘UB—Producing Maryland’s Business Leaders,’ was powerful,” Thomas said. “Not only because we had a lot of bright and inspiring students there, but because we also had alumni in attendance who are extremely successful at what they do, and who believe that UB led them to their success.”

For example, Donald C. Fry, J.D. ’79, president of the Greater Baltimore Committee (GBC), talked about the way his legal education enhanced his analytical and problem solving skills—“something that has been a tremendous asset to me in the practice of law, serving as a member of the state legislature and in my current role….” He added that the University has a “tremendous” reputation for providing classroom knowledge rooted in a strong foundation of practical application of that knowledge in the workplace.

“As our legislators are deliberating over a $26 billion state budget, it is important to stress that, although K-12 education is critical as a foundation for our future, it is important for those of us connected to the University of Baltimore to emphasize that so, too, is the need for funding for higher education,” Fry said. “In this day of a global economy and high technology, it is critical that our higher education institutions, such as the University of Baltimore, are treated as one of government’s top spending priorities. … In a balancing of competing state dollars, higher education clearly tips the scales as an exceptional return on state government’s investment.”

Nolan Rollins, M.A. ’95, director of Housing and Community Development for the Greater Baltimore Urban League (GBUL) Young Professionals, credited the institution with inspiring him to continue his education. Rollins holds a J.D. from Florida Coastal School of Law, a M.A. in legal, ethical and historical studies from the University of Baltimore and a B.S. in public administration and economics from Virginia State University.

l. to r.: Del. Steve DeBoy (District 12A and a UB alumnus) and School of Law Dean Gil Holmes meet during the University of Baltimore's annual showcase in Annapolis on Feb. 17, "UB - Producing Maryland's Business Leaders."

President Robert L. Bogomolny, attending his second Annapolis open house, praised the gathering as a chance to showcase the institution’s partnerships with various organizations, including many that are led by UB graduates. 

“These individuals are UB alumni, Maryland leaders and UB supporters,” Bogomolny said. “They lead law firms, regional organizations and nonprofits. They each represent the prominence of UB. Don and Nolan are just two examples of outstanding UB business leaders. Our graduates and students are making a difference in Baltimore and all over the state.”

Several of Maryland’s leading business organizations that are led by UB graduates or engaged in strong partnerships with the University participated in the event by lending their name to UB’s roster of supporters and attending the event itself. The University celebrated the successes of students and alumni with C-Mart; DLA Piper Rudnick Gray Cary US LLP; Dunbar Armored; the Greater Baltimore Committee; the Greater Baltimore Urban League; MBNA Corporation; The Maryland Food Bank; The Mather Companies; Miles & Stockbridge PC; Northrop Grumman Corporation; Venable LLP; and Whiteford, Taylor & Preston LLP.

Bogomolny and others reminded the lawmakers of UB’s unique mission of accessible and affordable education in an urban setting. Some said they were not aware that the institution had topped the 5,000 student mark for the first time in many years last fall, or that nearly 90 percent of all UB students are Maryland residents. They also learned that there are nearly 32,000 UB alumni living in the state, and that UB alumni represent one in every three sitting judges and one-third of all elected state’s attorneys in Maryland.

Throughout the day, around 60 UB students, led by Tom Southard, graduate assistant in the Office of Government Relations, met with lawmakers and staff in their State House offices, in corridors and between buildings.

“It was exciting to see so many students at this event,” Southard said. “With so many Maryland residents attending UB and talking to legislators, the members of the General Assembly have to realize that UB is a major constituency for them. The enthusiasm from the students as they took the tour, visited offices and mingled with their representatives was amazing. They had a mission and a goal, and most left feeling like they had accomplished something, for both themselves and the UB community.” 

In addition to linking up lawmakers and UB representatives eager to talk about the University’s budget, the event provided an opportunity for friends of the campus to share their experiences at the midtown campus. Several conversations centered on its physical facilities, which many agree are in need of upgrades. The balky elevator in the Academic Center, for instance, was lamented with great humor, while others talked about how much has changed for the better since they were students. Still others complimented UB on the progress it has made on building a Student Center—a project not supported by state dollars.

“Our capital projects list was on a lot of people’s minds that day,” Thomas said. “I think everyone in that room is more aware than ever that we’re a deserving campus that has some specific needs, and thanks to Delegate Marshall Goodwin and all of our District 40 representatives, I am confident that those needs will be met soon.”

Thomas said a new elevator is on UB’s priority list this year, as is funding for the renovation of 1300 N. Charles St. (the Crestar building) for use as classrooms and offices.

The governor has proposed a budget of $800.7 million for the University System of Maryland (USM). That figure represents an increase of 5.7 percent in total funding for the USM. After accounting for targeted and transfer funds, it amounts to a 4.8 percent increase in discretionary funds for the USM.

“We went to Annapolis to also express our appreciation to the governor for increasing higher education’s budget this year,” Thomas said. “This year’s increase is an important move in the right direction toward restoring funding support for higher education. With more funding, we can continue to improve services and meet student needs. After all, we are producing leaders like the top-notch graduates that attended this year’s event.”

The Office of Government Relations reported that, in addition to the 60 students and approximately 25 faculty and staff members, more than 70 legislators, executive staff members and business representatives attended the event.