Leadernotes Winter 2025

The latest edition of LeaderNotes is available. This edition includes a Letter from the President, a Board Meeting Recap, and more.

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Dear Friends and Colleagues,

In late January, the USM officially launched its first branding campaign, For the Good of Maryland. This three-year initiative aims to highlight the value of the System and reinforce the importance of a strong, innovative, and accessible public university system. The campaign comes at a critical time, as a 2023 Gallup poll found that only 36 percent of Americans have a high level of confidence in higher education. Through a mix of streaming video, radio, social media, and digital advertising, we hope to reach millions across Maryland and the Washington, D.C. metro area. Please visit https://formaryland.usmd.edu to view the campaign.

From January 29-31, Carrie Browne, Marianne Horrigan, Tom Gilbert, Becca Salsbury, and I attended the 2025 Foundation Leadership Forum hosted by AGB in Washington, D.C. I had the opportunity to present on the panel, Taking a High-Performing Board to the Next Level, alongside colleagues from the University of Illinois Foundation. We engaged in thought-provoking sessions, including discussions on the intersection of education and democracy, innovative uses of AI in philanthropy, and an insightful session featuring our colleagues from College Park on foundation-led advocacy efforts.

On February 19, USM Foundation Directors and staff and several Regents traveled to Annapolis for Advocacy Day. We met with Speaker of the House Adrienne Jones and Senate President Bill Ferguson to discuss budgetary priorities and workforce concerns. Later, at a reception, we had the opportunity to speak with Guy Guzzone and Kevin Atticks about pressing issues impacting higher education and economic development in our state.

Finally, I want to take a moment to acknowledge the passing of Ronald Nowaczyk, who lost his battle with cancer on January 31. As president of Frostburg State University, he made a profound impact on the institution and its students. Under Ron’s leadership, FSU expanded its academic offerings, strengthened its partnerships, and invested in critical infrastructure improvements, including sustainability initiatives and a transition to NCAA Division II athletics. His vision and dedication to student success will leave a lasting legacy, and we honor his contributions to the USM community.

Thank you for your continued support of the USM and the Foundation. Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions.

As always, please reach out to me with any questions you may have.

Sincerely,

Leonard R. Raley