The Colonnade Society E-Newsletter

The Colonnade Society welcomes John Axley III to the Colonnade Council. A third generation Terp, John graduated from the Robert H. Smith School of Business in ’89. His father John Axley Jr. graduated from the College of Chemical and Life Sciences in ’61, and his grandfather Professor Emeritus John H. Axley (pictured right with his wife Nita), graduated from Maryland in ’42 and taught soil chemistry for 39 years in the Department of Natural Resource Sciences and Landscape Architecture.

John’s grandfather, Professor Axley was a popular teacher, advisor and mentor known for his work on slow-release fertilizers and several patents based upon his research. He has another claim to fame; rumor has it that Maryland Alumni Hall of Famer and Muppet creator Jim Henson ’60, ’78 D.F.A. was so impressed by two professors, Ed Strickling and John Axley, that he created the Muppet characters “Statler” (Strickling) and “Waldorf” (Axley) in their honor. You may remember them as the grumpy old men who heckled the Muppet cast from their balcony.

Proud of the meaningful differences his grandfather made to Maryland, John volunteers on the Colonnade Council and raises support for the Professor John Axley Memorial Scholarship supporting Agriculture students. “My grandfather gave all he had to his family, faculty and students,” says John. “He valued higher education and believed students who have the grades and drive should also have the Maryland opportunity.” To honor him, the Axley family is establishing a memorial scholarship to ensure that promising students fitting that bill can attend Maryland. John, a wealth management advisor and vice president for Merrill Lynch, knows the best investment we can make is in today’s students as they are the future.

To share a story about Professor Axley, support the Professor Axley Scholarship or endow a scholarship of your own, contact Melissa Belsinger, director of the Colonnade Society at 301.405.4630 or at melissa@umd.edu.

Colonnade Council volunteers Brad ’95, ’99, ’00 and Margo ’00 Cohen (pictured left) know intimately how heart disease, diabetes and cancer impact the lives of family and friends. They took action by establishing The Cohen Foundation of Maryland. “We have made contributions to various organizations over the years, but recently felt an urge to accelerate our giving—and with better focus,” says Brad. Committed to supporting scientific research related to heart disease, diabetes and cancer, the couple’s first-year goal is to raise $10,000 for the Center for Biomolecular Structure and Organization at Maryland’s College of Chemical and Life Sciences. The Cohens have already raised more than $7,000 and will host two fundraising events, including a summer cooking class and fall golf tournament.

Join the Cohens in supporting research at Maryland’s Center for Biomolecular Structure and Organization directed by Distinguished University Professor George Lorimer. For more information, contact Melissa Belsinger, director of the Colonnade Society at 301.405.4630 or at melissa@umd.edu.

Portrait of Alumni Center Namesake Unveiled
More than 300 people celebrated the late Samuel Riggs IV ’50 when his portrait was unveiled at the Samuel Riggs IV Alumni Center on June 7. Renowned artist Simmie Knox, who has painted the portraits of Bill and Hillary Clinton and Oprah Winfrey, was a special guest at the event. Knox was selected to paint Sam’s portrait by a special committee of alumni volunteers. The event also honored those whose generous gifts named many of the Riggs Alumni Center’s meeting and event spaces.

These guests were personally escorted to the spaces they supported to view newly installed recognition plaques.

Pictured right:

Russ ’67 and Margaret Anne Strand (top) stood by their circular bench in the beautifully landscaped Moxley Gardens.

Dennis ’68, ’72 and Carolyn ’70 Gurtz (middle) were thrilled to see alumni socializing and mingling at the entrance to the Maryland Club where their plaque now resides.

Sameer Popat ’02 (bottom) was beaming with Terrapin Pride when he saw the location of where his name will be engraved on the Wall of Honor. Popat said, “Generations of Terps will celebrate here at the Riggs Alumni Center and I’m proud to be a part of the house the Maryland family built.”

To learn more about naming opportunities at the Riggs Alumni Center, contact Melissa Belsinger, director of the Colonnade Society, at 301.405.4630 or at melissa@umd.edu.

Connie Chung ’69 Hosts 10th Annual
Celebration of Scholarships
Providing opportunities for bright and talented students to earn a University of Maryland education strengthens our alma mater and advances greater society. Many graduates from Maryland go on to make life-changing discoveries and long-lasting contributions benefiting the world. In appreciation of alumni and friends who support scholarships and in recognition of student recipients and their achievements, Maryland hosted its 10th Annual Celebration of Scholarships at the Riggs Alumni Center in April.

Connie Chung ’69 (pictured above with Maryland scholars), journalist and co-chair of the Great Expectations scholarship campaign, hosted the event. Chung gives back and supports students through the general scholarship fund. Read more about the Celebration of Scholarships at: http://www.celebratescholarships.umd.edu/.

Strike Up the Band! Pre-concert Reception and
UM Bands “Pops” Concert
On May 5, Colonnade Society members and their families enjoyed the UM Band “Pops” concert. This annual crowd-pleaser celebrated its 32nd year and featured the UM Concert and Community bands and performances by top student soloists. Prior to the concert, Colonnade Society members, alumni and friends mingled at a private reception. Attendees heard from Susie Farr, executive director of the Clarice Smith Performing Arts Center; Rich Sparks, associate professor at the School of Music, conductor for the UM Concert Bands and director of the Marching Band and Pep Band; and John Layman, professor emeritus of Curriculum, Instruction and Physics, Colonnade Council volunteer and loyal supporter of the Clarice Smith Center. They acknowledged Colonnade Society members for their support and shared examples of how their gifts positively and powerfully impact the university. Pictured right are Colonnade Council leaders Paul Weller ’60, John Layman and Russ Strand ’67, with Colonnade Society director Melissa Belsinger.

An Evening of Mystery with Martha Grimes
On February 27, Colonnade Society members enjoyed An Evening of Mystery with best-selling mystery-writer and Maryland alumna Martha Grimes ’54, MA ’55 at the Samuel Riggs IV Alumni Center. The university’s own Michael Olmert ’62, Ph.D ’80, Emmy Award-winning writer and lecturer, led the discussion about Grimes' latest release, DUST: A Richard Jury Mystery. After the interview, guests were treated to a book signing with the author. Click here to view photos from the event.

THANK YOU
On behalf of President Mote, all the deans and university leaders, THANK YOU for supporting Maryland. It’s because of generous alumni and friends like you, who lead the Maryland family with your charitable giving, that Maryland continues to stand head and shells above the rest!

Co-Chairs:
Margaret M. Swallow ’75 Daniel F. Rice ’91

Members:
Gloria Aparicio
John H. Axley III ’89
Beverly Brown
Brad Cohen ’95, ’99, ’00
Margo S. Cohen ’00
John P. Corderman ’65
Arnold D. Dashoff ’67
Denis Franks ’73
Will Godwin ’63
Dennis M. Gurtz ’68, ’72
Peter Knapstein ’78
John W. Layman
Sameer Popat ’02
Barry N. Shufeld ’69
Russell E. Strand ’67
Anne Turkos
Paul S. Weller, Jr. ’60
Tom Wilkinson ’85

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Now-Through 07.21.07 William Kapell International Piano Competition & Festival
The Clarice Smith Center’s 26th William Kapell International Piano Competition & Festival celebrates the piano, pianists and piano music in honor of William Kapell (1922-1953), an extraordinary American pianist with an enduring legacy. Twenty-seven pianists from around the world, will convene at the Clarice Smith Center and compete to perform with the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra on Saturday,
July 21.

Did you know that all who contribute $1,000 or more annually to any area of the University of Maryland are automatically granted membership to the Colonnade Society?

Did you know that members of other University of Maryland recognition societies, like the Terrapin Club, also enjoy courtesy membership to Colonnade Society?

Membership to the Colonnade Society is the University of Maryland’s way of thanking alumni and friends for their generosity. So get ready to enjoy another year of invitations to exclusive campus events, member-only gifts, personal attention and more!