Hybrid event celebrates University’s successes, touts student scholarships, and recognizes response to COVID-19 pandemic.
The University of Maryland, Baltimore (UMB) had a lot to celebrate Oct. 23 during its 2021 Founders Week Gala, which honored individual and team achievements in academics, public service, entrepreneurism, research, and philanthropy while recognizing the University’s resilience and response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The 26th annual Gala was a hybrid event with the theme “Dreams in the Making” in support of student scholarships at UMB’s six professional schools and interdisciplinary Graduate School. President Bruce E. Jarrell, MD, FACS, and Denise Koch of WJZ-TV co-hosted the one-hour event at the Hippodrome, recognizing Founders Week award winners who were in attendance at the historic theatre on Eutaw Street while virtual attendees watched the livestreamed festivities from the comfort of their homes.
“Perhaps you joined us tonight because you love virtual galas and not getting dressed up, or you’re actually home enjoying the event and dressed in your finest — whichever way you’re participating, I know it’s because you understand the importance of UMB,” Jarrell said in his opening remarks. “While this past year has necessitated shifts in how UMB operates to fulfill its mission, it hasn’t changed the why — it’s only strengthened it.
“Across our seven schools, many people work our mission. I can’t begin to thank you for the work you put in every day to solve our grandest challenges; to care for our neediest people; to teach, train, and mentor our incredible students; and to support all of our efforts to improve the human condition with a generosity of heart and spirit.”
The Gala featured three stirring performances from Maryland native Toneisha Harris, the runner-up on Season 18 of NBC’s “The Voice,” who is currently playing Motormouth Maybelle in the touring production of “Hairspray.” Harris sang “You’ve Got a Friend,” “I Know Where I’ve Been,” and an original, “My Superhero,” which was written for her youngest son during his successful battle against leukemia.
Also showing their appreciation were three UMB alumni who touted the power of student scholarships and how such support was crucial to their academic success: Dylan Elliott, JD ’21, Francis King Carey School of Law; Nicole Hays, MD ’21, School of Medicine (UMSOM); and Lori James-Townes, MSW ’91, School of Social Work (UMSSW). James-Townes, president of the UMSSW Alumni Association Board of Directors and executive director of the National Association for Public Defense, recounted how a scholarship changed her life.
You can read more about the Gala at UMB News and watch the video below (Gala starts at the 29:15 mark).