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2014 Gala

2014 Gala Brings Nearly 1,000 Supporters of the University of Maryland School of Medicine

Wednesday, May 07, 2014

Carolyn Frenkil and Laura Gamble were Co-Chairs of the Gala
Carolyn Frenkil and Laura Gamble were Co-Chairs of the Gala

"Designers of Innovation and Discovery" was the theme of the 2014 University of Maryland School of Medicine Gala, held May 3 at the Baltimore Convention Center. This year’s gala recognized the collaborative achievements of the School of Medicine academic community – efforts that have propelled innovations and discoveries that have saved lives and improved the quality of life for people throughout the state, the region and the world.

"These extraordinary accomplishments have launched the School of Medicine into the forefront of incredible medical discovery, resulting in exceptional educational opportunities for our outstanding medical students, and providing unimaginable cures for patients," 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.

Nearly 1,000 donors, alumni, faculty, staff, students and friends of the School of Medicine attended this special event, which included dinner, dancing, and the premiere of the 2014 gala video, "Profiles of Innovation and Discovery"

"The School of Medicine engages some of the most brilliant minds in academic medicine,” said Michael Cryor, Chairman of the School of Medicine Board of Visitors. “These illustrious faculty members inspire students and trainees, provide expert patient care, and vigorously pursue landmark breakthroughs in research. I have witnessed the incredible impact of those at the School of Medicine who continue to discover, to teach, and to heal. It is indeed exciting to be a part of what transpires in this institution."

This year’s event was co-chaired by Board of Visitors members Carolyn Frenkil and Laura Gamble. The event raised $400,000 dollars for the School of Medicine’s capital campaign “Transforming Medicine Beyond Imagination.” The funds from the School of Medicine Gala will be used to advance our most promising research endeavors, fuel growth in our academic and clinical enterprise and to support the Dean’s Academic Development Fund to provide funds for our most critical needs.

The gala coincided with Alumni Weekend at the School of Medicine, giving graduates an opportunity to attend the gala as part of their reunion activities. 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.

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 The Law Offices of Peter G. Angelos, P.C.; PNC Bank; and the University of Maryland Medical System. Silver sponsors were Mr. and Mrs. Frank Carlucci; Kelly Benefit Strategies; Mercy Health Services; M&T Bank; and University of Maryland Faculty Physicians, Inc. Bronze sponsors were Banks Contracting Company, Inc.; BD Diagnostic Systems; Bevel Design; Ms. Cynthia Egan; Mahogany, Inc.; and the University System of Maryland Foundation, Inc.