This year marks the 30th anniversary of the USM Foundation.  At the Foundation's annual board meeting on November 13, we acknowledged the Foundation's origins, leadership, and growth over the past three decades.  The foundation was established  in 1979 with a gift of 471 Black Angus cattle valued at $700,000.  Today, the Foundation has evolved into a full-service organization serving 15 client organizations and managing $750 million in assets.  We are indebted to the many visionary leaders and volunteers whose commitment and dedication have made the foundation a vibrant and forward-looking organization, serving as a trusted partner for our USM clients, as well as several area community colleges

At the November board meeting, Michael Gaines, Jesse Williams, Art Mehlman, and Jaye Gamble completed their terms of service and were appointed Honorary Directors for life.  Four new Directors were elected to initial one year terms: Alfonso Cornish, Larry Letow, Bonnie Stein, and William T. Wood (more below).  Of special note, Walter Fatzinger graciously agreed to serve one more year as chairman and was elected by acclamation.  Walter has made it clear that he will step down next November.  We are grateful for his willingness to continue his service into 2010.  

A special word of thanks is in order for Art Mehlman, who ably served as the Foundation's Treasurer since 2002 and has been a member of the Board of Directors since 1993.  Our thanks go out to Art for his long and dutiful service.  We are delighted that Dennis Wraase has agreed to step into this role.

As always, please contact me at raley@usmd.edu or 301-445-1941 with any questions.  Wishing you and yours a warm and happy holiday season. 

Sincerely,

Leonard R. Raley

Tags: December 2009

This entry was posted on Tuesday, December 8th, 2009 at 9:18 am