Featured Alumnae
Allyson Solomon ’79 appointed as first woman and first African-American to lead MD Air National Guard
Brigadier General Allyson Solomon ’79 (Photo courtesy of Allyson Solomon)
Alumna of the Year: Pam Wallace McComas-Ecker ’69 On
November
9,
the
Governor Martin O'Malley
Distinguished Alumna Award
appointed Allyson Solomon
was given to Pam Wallace
’79
Adjutant
McComas-Ecker ’69 for her
General for the Maryland Air
adherence to the IND ideal and
National Guard on June 1,
for her devotion to her career,
2008, making her the first
community, and family. The
woman and the first African-
IND community congratulates
American to hold this position.
Pam and expresses its gratitude
After 29 years of service,
for her diligence and hard work
Brigadier General Solomon
in providing an example of Alumnae Association President integrity, self-confidence, and Barbara Jankowski Hannon ’70
as
Assistant
commands
the
MD
Air
the strategic direction of the organization as the principal
presents Pam McComas Ecker ’69 with the Alumna of the Year The Distinguished Alumna Award at Reunion Sunday, Award is given each year to a held November 9, 2008.
advisor to the Governor and the Adjutant General on all MD
woman who exemplifies a zest and dedication to her
Air National Guard matters.
community, reaching beyond what is asked of her, emerging
National
Guard,
including
more than 1,500 officers and airmen; her primary focus is
While a student at IND, Solomon admits to being shy and
enthusiasm for the IND mission.
from the group as a strong, tireless, and dependable leader.
soft-spoken but was surrounded by talented, intelligent and
Pam is an outstanding alumna because she has demonstrated
outgoing women leaders. “What IND provided me with
through her chosen profession and her volunteer pursuits a
were plenty of examples to prepare my foundation,” she
commitment to the IND mission. Pam was instrumental in
explains. “However, it didn’t take me long after high school
developing the largest temporary staffing company in
to find and start using my voice, even if it was quietly.”
Baltimore, according to the Baltimore Business Journal ranking.
Solomon earned a bachelor’s degree in Business
A proud member of a legacy family, she served on the IND
Administration and Management from Loyola College in
Board of Directors and co-chaired the IND Capital
1986 and her master’s degree in Public Administration from
Campaign. Pam has served as Vice-President and President
Auburn University in 1997. She is a graduate of Squadron
for the Jarrettsville Recreation Council, and she works on an
Officer School, Air Command and Staff College, and Air
Annual Family Golf Tournament, raising money for
War College and has received multiple military awards and
Alzheimer’s and Breast Cancer research.
commendations during her career.
Pam is a wife, a mother of two, and a grandmother of
“There are many obstacles in life, but you need to put
three. She has been involved with many activities at IND
forth the effort to get results,” advises Solomon. “Not all
throughout the years. Pam is now semi-retired and does
things come easy, they require work.” Solomon credits her
some small business consulting. An active leader and lifelong
mother with instilling a passion to serve others, and with this
learner, Pam is the model of a true IND girl.
in mind she proudly serves in her new position. institute of notre dame
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