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2013 Gala

Annual Gala Brings Out More Than 1,000 Supporters of the University of Maryland School of Medicine

Tuesday, May 14, 2013


Drs. Calia, Knipp and Fischell were honorary co-chairs of the gala.

Transforming Medicine Beyond Imagination was the theme of the 2013 University of Maryland School of Medicine Gala, held May 11 at the Baltimore Convention Center. It is also the name of the largest capital campaign in School of Medicine's history, which was publically launched at the gala. The campaign has an ambitious goal of raising a minimum of half a billion dollars in private philanthropy over the next two years.

"Today, we mark a significant step," said E. Albert Reece, MD, PhD, MBA, Vice President for Medical Affairs, University of Maryland, and the John Z. and Akiko K. Bowers Distinguished Professor and Dean of the School of Medicine, in the program for the event. "As America's oldest public medical school, now in its third century, and as one of the nation's most-prolific research-intensive institutions, we have a storied history and a well-established reputation. Now we must look forward and position our institution to achieve even greater success, transforming medicine today and tomorrow." More than 1,000 donors, alumni, faculty, staff, students and friends of the School of Medicine attended this special event, which inluded dinner, dancing, and the premiere of the 2013 gala video,  Why Do I Give?

The money raised will help grow the School of Medicine's biomedical research enterprise, enhance its facilities, create endowed chairs and professorships, and provide resources to expand existing programs in new directions. "Each year we are all privileged to celebrate the extraordinary work of those who teach, those who provide care, and those whose discoveries unlock the doors to the miracles of tomorrow," said Michael Cryor, Chairman of the Board of Visitors.

"The School of Medicine is indeed a special place, tasked with a special mission, staffed by some of the brightest and most gifted minds in the world, yet humbled by the knowledge that there is so much more to know, so much more to do. Big visions require big campaigns. We have both. In this campaign, big science and audacious notions about the human possibilities are shaking hands with legions of very generous supporters who understand and appreciate just how important the School of Medicine is to our city, to our nation and to the world."

A change in the scheduling of the gala from March until May, where it coincided with Alumni Weekend at the School of Medicine, brought a much-larger crowd to this year's celebration. A special reception area for alumni enabled them to reconnect with each other before dinner. The three honorary co-chairs of the evening included alumnus Harry Knipp, MD, FACR, Class of 1976, a radiologist and a founding member of Advanced Radiology, PA. Joining him were Robert Fischell, ScD, President of Fischell BioMedical, LLC, and a member of the School of Medicine Board of Visitors; and Frank Calia, MD, MACP, Professor Emeritus in the Department of Medicine and Former Vice Dean of Clinical Affairs.

Video: 2013 School of Medicine Gala: Patrick McCuan, Board of Visitors

"We are so thrilled to have the School of Medicine Gala as part of the 138th Medical Alumni Association Reunion," said Dr. Knipp. "This is especially exciting for me as a fourth-generation alumnus. I am proud of the fact that when my son David graduates in 2014, he will be the only fifth-generation alumnus in the history of the University of Maryland School of Medicine."

After dinner, guests enthusiastically hit the dance floor, enjoying a great performance by the 23-piece performing ensemble Mood Swings, led by Jack Vaeth, Class of 1992. Gordon Feinblatt, LLC, kindly sponsored the entertainment.

The gala raised almost $400,000, money that will be put toward the capital campaign. "The infusion of significant private funding will help to maintain our resilience in the face of tightening times," said Dean Reece, "so we will not miss a step, but will continue to grow our biomedical research enterprise, expand and enhance our physical facilities, support the creation of endowed chairs and professorships, and provide resources for us to expand existing programs and explore new directions."

The School of Medicine appreciates the many wonderful sponsors who helped make this year's gala possible. The Whiting-Turner Contracting Company was once again the presenting sponsor of this event. Platinum Sponsors were PNC Bank, the University of Maryland Medical System and the Law Offices of Peter Angelos. Silver sponsors were Baker Hostetler, LLP; Mr. and Mrs. Frank Carlucci; Kelly Benefit Strategies; Mercy Medical Health Services; M&T Bank; and University of Maryland Faculty Physicians, Inc. Bronze sponsors were the Banks Contracting Company, Inc. ; BD Diagnostics; Bevel Design; Mahogany, Inc.; MedStar Health; the University of Maryland Baltimore Foundation, Inc.; and the University System of Maryland Foundation, Inc. For a list of all sponsors click here.

The 2013 School of Medicine Gala Video: Why Do I Give?


2013 Photo Gallery

Michael Cryor and Dean Reece
Michael Cryor and Dean Reece


 Board of Visitors member Ken Banks and his wife with Delegate Dan Morhaim and UMB President Jay Perman, MD.
Board of Visitors member Ken Banks and his wife with Delegate Dan Morhaim and UMB President Jay Perman, MD.

Alumni Alley let alums catch up before the gala started.
Alumni Alley let alums catch up before the gala started.

Kevin Cullen, MD, the Marlene and Stewart Greenebaum Distinguished Professor in Oncology, with Marlene Greenebaum.
Kevin Cullen, MD, the Marlene and Stewart Greenebaum Distinguished Professor in Oncology, with Marlene Greenebaum.

Med school isn't all studying -- many of our students managed a night off to attend the gala.
Med school isn't all studying -- many of our students managed a night off to attend the gala.