The former chair of the Golisano Children’s Hospital Board of Visitors is a longtime supporter of the UMMC Shock Trauma Center, Stop the Bleed campaign, and University System of Maryland Foundation.
Stephen A. Lazinsky will receive an Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree from the University of Maryland, Baltimore (UMB). UMB's honorary degree recipients are being featured in “The Elm” leading up to this year's graduation ceremonies.
About Stephen A. Lazinsky
Stephen Lazinsky served as chair of the University of Maryland Golisano Children’s Hospital Board of Visitors for three years until early 2026, when his term ended, and is now chairman of the board’s new Membership Committee. Before becoming chair in 2023, he served six years as a board member, and many years before that in a volunteer role.
A 1971 graduate of the University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC), Mr. Lazinsky has maintained a long-term connection to the University System of Maryland (USM). He has served the USM Foundation in numerous leadership capacities for over 25 years, including chair of the Budget and Finance Committee, vice chair of the Board of Directors, and honorary director. At UMBC, he is on the Paramedic Advisory Committee.
Before joining the Children’s Hospital Board of Visitors in 2017, Mr. Lazinsky demonstrated a longstanding commitment to the hospital community, volunteering his time and resources to enhance the experience of patients, families, and staff. His initiatives — ranging from organizing visits by the Baltimore Orioles mascot to providing holiday gifts and meals for patients and caregivers — reflect his deep compassion and enduring support for Children’s Hospital’s mission.
Beyond his contributions to pediatric care, Mr. Lazinsky has been an active volunteer with the R Adams Cowley Shock Trauma Center at the University of Maryland Medical Center (UMMC) and a dedicated advocate for the international Stop the Bleed initiative, working with the program at Shock Trauma and as a member of the Florida Committee on Trauma. He traces his interest in health care back to his teen years, when he was a volunteer at UMMC, and later, when he was considering going to medical school.
He also coordinated an educational outreach event for 90-plus high school students about personal health care awareness, which focused on concussion awareness, adolescent health, and hands-on emergency response training with faculty from the departments of Pediatrics and Shock Trauma at UMMC. This concept also was brought to communities in Florida, focusing more on fall prevention.
In the business sector, Mr. Lazinsky is chair and past president of Comeq, Inc., a leading importer of metal fabrication machinery that powers a broad range of industries, from medical to government to theme parks. Founded in 1971 by Lazinsky and his father, Irv Lazinsky, Comeq is based in White Marsh, Md.
Kudos from UMB
“Steve Lazinsky has been a committed member of the University of Maryland family for many years, and we value the time and energy he gives to serve our cause. Between his work with Shock Trauma’s Stop the Bleed Campaign, wellness events he has organized, and his time on the University of Maryland Golisano Children’s Hospital Board, as both a member and past chair, Steve is a true pillar of the School of Medicine community.”
— Mark T. Gladwin, MD, Dean and John Z. and Akiko Bowers Distinguished Professor, University of Maryland School of Medicine (UMSOM), and Vice President for Medical Affairs, UMB
“Mr. Lazinsky’s professional achievements and decades of philanthropic endeavors reflect an unwavering commitment to excellence, service, and community advancement. His leadership has strengthened the partnership between the University of Maryland and the broader community, and his dedication to improving the health and well-being of others exemplifies the highest ideals of the medical profession and the mission of UMB. Mr. Lazinsky’s sustained contributions continue to inspire a culture of compassion, excellence, and public service.”
— Steven J. Czinn, MD, FAAP, FACG, AGAF, Drs. Rouben and Violet Jiji Endowed Professor of Pediatrics and Chair, Department of Pediatrics, UMSOM
“Steve has been a steadfast champion of the R Adams Cowley Shock Trauma Center for many years — generously lending his time, his network, and his influence to help advance our mission. He is a passionate advocate for our injury prevention and community outreach efforts, including the Stop the Bleed initiative, which continues to reach more Marylanders each year. We are grateful for Steve’s support and fortunate to have him in our corner.”
— Kristie Snedeker, DPT, Vice President, R Adams Cowley Shock Trauma Center
Mr. Lazinsky Says …
What was your reaction to learning that you’d receive an honorary degree from UMB?
“I was really amazed. My work comes from the gut. I don’t do this type of volunteerism to win awards, but it’s a real honor to get this recognition from UMB.”
What has motivated you to support UMMC for all of these years?
“I have always been amazed by the concept of trauma medicine. I met Dr. R Adams Cowley when I was a volunteer and was taking patients to the newly opened Shock Trauma Center from the operating room. And what they were doing, with helicopters flying in and landing on top of the parking lot, meeting the ambulances when they came in, it just had something to do with everything at the hospital. Now it’s state-of-the-art landing on a helipad on the Shock Trauma building.
“The introduction to the great work of the pediatric department — from the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit to heart transplants — was something few people get to see. I also appreciate the relationships I have at UMMC that allow me to openly discuss ideas. That’s really amazing to me. The people at Golisano Children’s Hospital and Shock Trauma are just so dedicated and wonderful. So if one can help them in any way, it’s really satisfying. There is a lot of time invested, but you get to see the results of that investment.”
What is the greatest accomplishment of your career?
“I’ve been fortunate in two sectors: business and philanthropy. It has been a blessing to help people produce products on the business side and then help educate people on how to prevent injuries or allow them to better understand what to do in case of a medical issue or emergency.”
What advice would you give to the graduates of UMB’s Class of 2026?
“UMB’s graduates should prioritize work-life balance, learn how to become financially responsible, and work in a field that’s most important to them.”