President Mote welcomed Raymond LaPlaca, right, as board chair. Readers
will be introduced to all the board members in the fall issue.
|
On June 23, the university achieved a milestone: the University of
Maryland College Park Foundation was officially established. Earlier in
the year, the new foundation had been incorporated and received its
non-profit (501-C-3) classification from the IRS. On June 23, the
members of the Executive Committee were appointed and members of the
Board of Trustees were elected. Raymond G. LaPlaca '81, will serve as
chair of the board.
The University of Maryland College Park Foundation will govern the
investment and distribution of private funds on behalf of the university
and will advise and assist the institution on a wide range of issues.
"The importance of an institutionally related foundation cannot be
over-emphasized," says President Dan Mote. "For the first time, we have
an organization exclusively dedicated to accomplishing the objectives of
the university's strategic plan and a group of individuals personally
committed to the success of this campus." Previously, private gifts were
managed through the University System of Maryland's foundation, along
with the funds of other higher education institutions and research
centers in the system.
The new foundation's purpose is to increase private contributions to the
university, promote wider visibility for its academic and research
programs, strengthen the university's economic development role in the
region and build a portfolio of investments that will support and
enhance the university's initiatives and growth.
The Foundation Board of Trustees has evolved in large part from the
Board of Visitors membership and alumni and friends who have been
committed to the university in the past. Members will meet three times a
year and will serve from one to three years. The group will have its
first official meeting in October 2000. Committees have been formed in
the areas of development, legislative advocacy, public relations and
marketing, and economic development.
"It is a reflection of the increasing prestige and influence of the
flagship that we are able to bring together this distinguished group of
advocates on behalf of the university," says LaPlaca. "We will consult
with and advise the president on a wide range of issues that affect the
university and its governance." --JP
And the Check Goes to...
As of July 1, 2000, all contributions in support of the university will
be accepted and receipted by the new University of Maryland College Park
Foundation Inc. Gifts may still be specified for a college, school,
program or scholarship of your choice and continue to be tax deductible
to the extent allowed by law. Please make checks payable to the
University of Maryland College Park Foundation Inc. The new foundation
will also accept gifts made by credit card, wire and stock transfer. For
more information, contact Doug Nelson at 301.405.1911 or
dnelson2@accmail.umd.edu.
