The University System of Maryland Foundation is charged by the University System of Maryland (USM) with “strengthening the USM’s capacity to broaden access to high-quality higher education, meet the workforce needs of the state and the nation, and conduct research that expands the boundaries of knowledge.”

The Foundation is committed to carrying out its mission by:

• Ensuring sound investment management and stewardship of charitable dollars;

• Providing assistance to USM institutions in carrying out fundraising, meeting campaign targets, cultivating prospective donors, and offering professional development opportunities;

• Facilitating alumni involvement with an eye to the future of our institutions; and

• Interacting with businesses and organizations for mutually beneficial economic and community goals.

Maryland’s higher education system is holding its own in a tough budget environment, thanks to great leadership of Cliff Kendall and Chancellor Kirwan and the foresight of our governor and legislature. Accolades like the Theodore M. Hesburgh Award and Carnegie Corporation of New York’s Academic Leadership Award speak to the caliber of leadership that is present within the USM, both at the System and institution level.

We are currently preparing to update the USM Foundation’s strategic plan, which was completed in 2007.

I am happy to say that we have made significant progress toward the goals that we set out to achieve in that plan: We have increased board and committee involvement, increased advocacy, and made adjustments to the Foundation's governance. The Foundation has added Foundation clients since the last strategic plan was approved. We have instituted more frequent communications with Board members, and we have set up an improved website to provide up-to-date information to our Board, clients and our university administrative partners. We have also increased campus fundraising support activities, including customized development workshops for deans at a number of institutions. Last, but not least, our financial investment team has achieved solid investment returns, despite a economic challenging environment, which enables our client institutions fulfill their education and outreach missions -- the bottom line for any university foundation.

Under the leadership of our new Board Chair, Barry Gossett, the new plan will build on these accomplishments in order to guide us as we move into the next decade.

As always, please free to contact me or the USM Foundation staff with your questions and comments.

Leonard R. Raley
President and CEO