UM Medicine Philanthropy, a unique and nascent joint fundraising effort between the University of Maryland Medical Center (UMMC) and the University of Maryland School of Medicine (UMSOM), is a team dedicated to transforming healthcare through philanthropy. Our distinct approach embodies a donor-centric and collaborative model to make a positive difference in the communities we serve across Maryland and beyond.
We believe in the power of donors and a culture of gratitude to transform patient care, advance medical research, and educate future healthcare professionals. With the help of philanthropists, our goal is to ensure healthcare is not just a service but a personalized, comprehensive, coordinated, and compassionate experience for our patients.
Our funding priorities align with the first-ever joint strategic plan by UMMC, UMSOM, and University of Maryland Faculty Physicians, Inc. to build on our integrated mission. These priorities will drive scientific breakthroughs, innovate evidence-based patientcentered care, and serve our community.
We are excited to introduce two dynamic leaders who will be pivotal in driving our philanthropic initiatives. Lindsay Farrington, MBA, has joined us as Vice President of Development, leading our fundraising operations and core services. Kim Morton, JD, MA, is our Associate Dean for Development, spearheading our fundraising initiatives. Their expertise and dedication will ensure the success of our mission.
We are committed to making a difference and invite you to join us in this unique opportunity to create impact. Collectively, we can bring hope to our patients and communities and shape the future of healthcare.
Heather S. Culp, JD Senior Vice President Chief Philanthropy Officer Senior Associate Dean University of Maryland Medicine
Board Service Comes Naturally to Shock Trauma Chair
Continuous improvement fuels the Honorable D. Bruce Poole’s leadership style.
Complex
challenges intrigue the Honorable D. Bruce Poole—whether in business or everyday life. When faced with a challenge, Bruce examines its components to develop a plan to overcome it.
This degree of due diligence has served him well as the principal of the Poole Law Group and as a member of the Maryland House of Delegates from 1987 to 1999, where he became the youngest member to serve as House Majority Leader. “I gain great satisfaction from drilling into problems and solving them to the best of my abilities,” Bruce shared.
He approaches philanthropy similarly. “Too often, philanthropic projects lack the focus and structure to achieve their desired outcomes,” Bruce emphasized. “You have to make sure there’s an underlying structure in place and people who are actively engaged.”
He said the University of Maryland Medical Center (UMMC) and the R Adams Cowley Shock Trauma Center (STC) epitomize a structurally sound organization. “We have leadership at the top in Drs. Mohan Suntha and Bert O’Malley, and on the ground in Drs. Tom Scalea and Kristie Snedeker, to make things work.”
Bruce has served on the Shock Trauma Board of Visitors for over a decade, including two years as chair.
He has a deep appreciation for the dedicated teams and world-class services provided by the organization. Bruce credits UMMC surgeons for his recovery from a series of traumatic events and surgeries resulting from football injuries and a motorcycle accident over 40 years ago.
Shock Trauma’s quest for continuous improvement and growth enticed Bruce to serve on its board. “I firmly believe in the saying: If you chase perfection, you’ll never catch it, but if you chase it long enough, you will catch excellence. That is what they’re dedicated to doing.”
That same philosophy has shaped his board leadership and fueled his philanthropy. One of the board’s top priorities is to secure philanthropic support so that STC has the financial resources to meet today’s critical care needs. Another key focus is violence prevention education and training. “Fallout from violence doesn’t
just stop because we’ve patched someone up and sent them home,” Bruce said. “We must take better care of our citizens and understand that they haven’t just gone through a physical injury; they’ve gone through a profound psychological injury.”
Shock Trauma is a statewide system built on cooperation with state and local governments and a network of emergency medical services. “It doesn’t matter if you’re on the ski slopes in Garrett County or crabbing in Somerset County, we’ve got your back— One Maryland, One Shock Trauma,” he explained.
Bruce has taken a strategic approach to board recruitment to support STC’s goals and objectives. “I want to make sure that we have the best advocates and supporters on the Shock Trauma board,” he said. “To back the best, you must have the best. I’m extremely proud of the people who serve on the Shock Trauma Board.”
“I gain great satisfaction from drilling into problems and solving them to the best of my abilities.”
Honorable D. Bruce Poole
Dr. Kristie Snedeker, Honorable D. Bruce Poole, Senator Sarah Elfreth, Dr. Bert O’Malley, and Anne O’Malley at the 2023 R Adams Cowley Shock Trauma Center Celebration.
Finding Peace Through Philanthropy
Nina and Shali Mohleji celebrate their mother’s legacy by supporting head and neck cancer research.
Sisters
Nina and Shali Mohleji use philanthropy as a productive space to transform their pain and honor their mother, Manjula, who passed away five years ago from head and neck cancer. On the anniversary of her death, they each make a gift to the University of Maryland Medicine to support the research of Dr. Ranee Mehra, director of head and neck medical oncology and professor of medicine at the UM Marlene and Stewart Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer Center.
“We’re never going to forget our mother,” Shali said. “We’re always going to share memories of her, but this is a way—outside of our family—to keep her memory and legacy alive. In essence, we are channeling her spirit.”
Nina fondly recalls how her mother always ensured that family and friends were well cared for. “Her way of showing love was through feeding people. Even when she was unwell, she would always ask, ‘Have you eaten?’”
They shared that their gifts are mutually beneficial. “Her death was so horrific and painful; you just want to do something so other people won’t have to go through it,”
Nina said. “I am happy to support Dr. Mehra’s research so she has the freedom and flexibility to scale or explore something and, at the same time, honor my mom.” She explained that head and neck cancer is a broad category. “There’s just so much left to understand.”
Dr. Mehra is incredibly grateful that the Mohlejis have chosen to support research efforts at the cancer center as they honor their mother. “We have much to learn about how to improve the treatment of head and neck cancer, and their generosity has given us the freedom to ask novel questions, which will hopefully help us improve the lives of future patients with this challenging disease,” Dr. Mehra shared.
What started as a seemingly minor and localized tumor on her tongue ultimately destroyed her whole body, Nina shared. “The first time it happened was terrifying because it’s that word: Cancer.” Over 20 years, discreet growths reappeared and were removed. Their mother never spoke about it, but she kept losing bits of her mouth and tongue. In 2017, the cancer returned aggressively and in more parts of her mouth and jaw.
As she approached the end of her battle, Manjula met Dr. Mehra. By then, she had consulted with many doctors and specialists outside the University of Maryland Medical System. However, it was with Dr. Mehra that Manjula and her entire family formed a strong bond that endures.
Shali and Nina credit Dr. Mehra’s expertise and compassion for that bond. Dr. Mehra gave their mother the space to acknowledge and embrace the difficulty associated with her diagnosis. “To have a doctor who was so empathetic and compassionate, who understood and got to know my mom as a person, and who understood her experience— not just as an illness—was incredible,” Nina said. “Dr. Mehra can provide comfort during the most uncomfortable experience of life. Our mom was so grateful that she was there to help take care of our family, too.”
Dr. Mehra connected Manjula to any remaining options, ultimately proving powerless against
eradicating the cancer. “We knew our mom was getting excellent care,” Shali said. “But at a certain point, you recognize the gravity of what’s coming, and it becomes a journey of accepting the reality of what’s happening. There’s nothing you can do to make it better. That’s a hard pill to swallow.”
Cancer management is not easy, Nina shared. “It is painful. It is difficult. It is disruptive. It takes over your entire life. You can’t remove yourself from it by saying, ‘Okay, that’s my personal life.’
It’s in your brain when you’re at work. It affects everyone you know that’s in your life. It’s a complicated reality to deal with day after day.”
Despite their ongoing generosity, Nina and Shali find it hard to think of themselves as philanthropists because they are not donating millions of dollars. “We’re providing what’s in our means.” They are deeply moved by the gratitude Dr. Mehra and her staff have expressed for their contributions and find comfort in knowing that their gifts are having a positive impact while honoring their mother’s memory.
“We’re always going to share memories of her, but this is a way— outside of our family—to keep her memory and legacy alive.”
Shali Mohleji
Nina and Shali’s mother, Manjula Mohleji.
Caring for a Community
AlisonGates Brown, MPH, BSN, knew early on that she wanted to serve in healthcare. Alison began her career path nearly 45 years ago, caring for other people as a nurse, laying the foundation for her life’s work. If so inclined, she could recite a laundry list of reasons she’s proud of her accomplished career. However, she acknowledged she is most proud of partnering with the people—staff, physician colleagues, leaders, students, and philanthropists—who support the University of Maryland Medical System (UMMS) to make a difference in the lives of the people and communities they serve.
The former president of UMMC Midtown Campus, Alison, spent over 30 years of her life caring for others. She blended her clinical expertise, business acumen, and empathy to ensure equitable access to high-quality patient care. During her six-year tenure as president, she fostered an inclusive and diverse culture throughout the campus. Alison believed that community connection, through outreach, engagement, and workforce development, was essential to the success of UMMC Midtown Campus.
UMMC Midtown Campus provides specialty outpatient care for adults and children in West Baltimore and surrounding regions. It offers primary care, behavioral health, diabetes, and post-acute rehab services, while UMMC Downtown specializes in trauma, cancer care, and transplants.
“Midtown is also a safety net for people affected by longstanding health disparities,” she added. “At every juncture, the people who work at Midtown, from housekeeping
The retired president of the University of Maryland Medical Center Midtown Campus, Alison Gates Brown, MPH, BSN, built her legacy on compassion, commitment, and connection.
and facilities to social work and nursing, collaborate to deliver safe, compassionate, and respectful care. These are dedicated people, supporting their neighbors and each other.”
Alison emphasized the need for partnerships between public and private organizations and philanthropists to address Baltimore’s issues. Philanthropy can help break down barriers and provide essential programs and services that treat the whole person. Donors’ gifts can address health inequities such as access to food, immunizations, safe housing, and transportation to medical appointments.
“Philanthropy fills gaps in meaningful ways and makes a measurable difference in how we partner with people to achieve their best health, physically and emotionally,” Alison continued. She added that something as simple as providing home blood pressure monitoring kits can make a big difference. These items significantly enhance the ability to support optimal health. “These are not nice things to have; they are essential. If you want to improve the health of individuals, a community, or an underserved neighborhood, you must have resources,” she emphasized.
Midtown’s Community Health Education Center (CHEC) recently opened a food pantry exclusively for pediatric patients and their families to address emergent food insecurity, one of the many social and economic realities impacting children’s health and well-being in West Baltimore. “Without healthy food, children are less likely to thrive physically, emotionally, and academically,” Alison
explained. Mariellen Synan, manager for Community Health Improvement, credits Alison’s support for making it a reality and hopes to expand the pantry’s use through philanthropic investment.
“People must have basic needs met to achieve a healthy life, complemented by visits to a doctor, nurse practitioner, or, if necessary, the emergency room,” Alison said. “For some people, choosing between food on the table or filling prescription medications is a difficult and very real choice.”
During her remarkable career, Alison has seen firsthand, as a staff member and a donor, the difference philanthropic support makes in healthcare.
“It’s been a real privilege to connect patients to the care they need. What we’ve done and what we continue to do—it’s making a difference; it’s having an impact; it’s changing lives.”
Wanda Walker Hodges, DNP, MS, RN, CRNA, and Alison Gates Brown, MPH, BSN, with a member of the surgical team at the UMMC Midtown Campus.
The late Bruce Cleland and his family have made an indelible mark on healthcare and countless patients who benefit from their philanthropic investment in UMMS hospital programs and infrastructure.
The Cleland Legacy of Giving Runs Deep
The Clelands’ philanthropic endeavors have had a profound and enduring impact on the University of Maryland Medical System (UMMS) and beyond. In 1993, when the late Bruce Cleland assumed the CEO role at Campbell & Co., a hedge fund based in Towson, he relocated his family of six—wife Isobel, daughters Samantha and Georgia, and sons James and Mark—to Baltimore. Since then, their unwavering dedication to community has established them and their charitable organization, The Orokawa Foundation, as a vital contributor to the philanthropic landscape of the Baltimore region for almost twenty years.
Bruce’s impact and his family’s dedication to UMMS originated as that of a grateful patient. In 2006, Bruce embarked on a challenging 16-year battle with head-and-neck cancer, which deepened his family’s bond with the University of Maryland Medical Center (UMMC) and their community hospital, the University of Maryland St. Joseph Medical Center (UM SJMC) in Towson, where he received care. Regrettably, after enduring multiple relapses, Bruce passed away on August 20, 2021.
Over the years, the Clelands have cultivated unique relationships and commitments that have become essential components of UMMS and have fostered equitable, systemic transformation. Their understanding and admiration for the medical system have become integral pillars of change.
A Team-Based Philosophy to Giving
Bruce understood the power of philanthropy and its potential to influence the health and well-being of communities through strategic investments in medical research, programs, and infrastructure. His visionary mindset and commitment to positively impact people’s lives enabled him to see possibilities, not obstacles and extended far beyond mere financial achievements.
His aptitude for giving back took shape in a pivotal way in 1988 when he assembled a team of non-runners to take on the NYC Marathon as they raised money for blood cancer research in honor of Georgia, a leukemia survivor. Despite his challenges in making it a reality, his group of armchair warriors was so successful that the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society asked him to replicate the program nationwide. Now, 36 years later, Team in Training has become one of the most successful endurance sports training programs for charities worldwide.
“His determination and commitment to improve the lives of others never wavered—even under Bruce’s most challenging personal circumstances.”
Mohan Suntha, MD
The underlying concepts that guided and shaped his philanthropy were rooted in the belief that collective efforts could achieve much more than individual endeavors. “Part of Bruce’s magic was the way he could persuade others around him into committing similar
Pictured left: Isobel Cleland and Samantha Cleland Manekin
feats,” said Dr. Mohan Suntha, UMMS president and CEO. “His determination and commitment to improve the lives of others never wavered—even under Bruce’s most challenging personal circumstances.”
The family still embraces philanthropy as a mindset that reflects their sense of duty, empathy, and benevolence toward others. “The University of Maryland Medical System’s values are completely in concert with our values as a foundation,” said Samantha Cleland Manekin, who continues her father’s legacy as Orokawa’s executive director.
Driven by their comprehensive philanthropic approach, the family collaborates with hospital leadership to pinpoint where their contributions will make the most significant difference in patient care. Their giving has profoundly impacted UMMC, UM SJMC, the University of Maryland School of Medicine, and most recently, the University of Maryland Shore Regional Health.
The Power of Relationships
The incredible partnership between the Cleland family and UMMS showcases the strength of trust and genuine connections. Their bond began when Bruce entrusted Dr. Suntha with his cancer treatment, leading to a mutual mentorship and a deep friendship. Dr. Suntha attributes part of his own personal and professional journey to Bruce. “I wouldn’t be where I am today without Bruce’s invaluable advice and support,” he said.
People closest to Bruce often speak of his insatiable curiosity, sharp intellect, and unwavering determination to find answers through thought-provoking questions. The Orokawa Foundation’s generous gifts to UMMS evolved from multifaceted, candid conversations between Bruce and Dr. Suntha and are a testament to the family’s desire to make intentional and educated philanthropic decisions. The Clelands’ unwavering commitment has made an enduring impact on every community within UMMS, of which they are a part, demonstrating how meaningful relationships can drive transformative change. By actively supporting areas that hold personal significance for them, they address needs in patient care across the system.
Their foundation’s initial gifts supported head-and-neck cancer research, radiation oncology programs, and a fund for cancer patients. In addition, they established the Bruce and Isobel Cleland Chair of the Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery Endowed Professorship at the University of Maryland School of Medicine to honor its inaugural chair, Dr. Rodney Taylor, for his outstanding clinical care in treating Bruce.
“The naming of the professorship speaks volumes about how we feel about the care my dad received,” Samantha said. “Dr. Taylor became a coach, a mentor, and a cheerleader—both for my dad and our entire family. He exceeded the call of clinical duty to help us navigate a challenging diagnosis and protocol of care.”
Through their foundation, the Clelands also have supported UM St. Joseph in various ways for more than a decade. Their contributions covered various programs and clinical areas, including a symposium to empower young athletes, an emergency room area for behavioral health patients, and the renovation of its pediatric unit. In 2016, the Clelands’ lead gift set the stage for the hospital’s
Bruce and Isobel Cleland dancing at UM SJMC’s 150th Anniversary Gala in 2014.
nearly $25 million campaign—its largest to date—to renovate its perioperative spaces and surgical suites.
“Their gifts established how philanthropy supports the community in an expanded way,” said Amanda “Mimi” Tinkler, UM St. Joseph Foundation’s vice president and executive director.
In memory of Bruce’s courageous battle against cancer, the Orokawa Foundation made another transformative gift for a new state-of-the-art infusion center at the Roslyn and Leonard Stoler Center for Advanced Medicine, which is currently under construction. “The infusion center was where we had spent much time supporting my dad,” Samantha said. “It illustrates our appreciation in a straightforward way for his care and honors the handful of physicians who were impeccable in their clinical care of Dad through some tough times.”
The Clelands’ most recent gift embraces the Eastern Shore community, where they spent time as a family
supporting Bruce during his battle with cancer and furthering their commitment to equitable care. Once completed, the UM Shore Regional Medical Center in Easton will bring a new standard of patient-centered care to the region.
His Legacy Continues
Bruce’s vision of positively impacting the world remains at the core of the Orokawa Foundation’s mission as it continues to touch countless lives.
The connection between UMMS leadership and the Clelands is a poignant illustration of the power of philanthropy.
Samantha shared that Bruce’s compassion and support never wavered. “Even during the most challenging times, he still considered himself a lucky man…largely due to the team of emotional and clinical support he had throughout his journey. His gratitude and perspective were truly remarkable.”
Bruce Cleland (center) with Dr. Rodney Taylor (left) and Dr. Mohan Suntha (right). ·
Changing Lives Through Technology
Financial services executive Neil Kishter is energized by a world of possibilities— the possibility of improving care, saving lives, and one day eradicating cancer.
For nearly 40 years, Neil Kishter has assisted others in achieving their financial objectives. As a private wealth manager at Morgan Stanley, Neil has developed strategies that meet the immediate needs and longterm goals of business owners, entrepreneurs, senior executives, and multi-generational families—a thoughtful approach he applies to his philanthropic endeavors.
Neil’s ardent desire for better outcomes for patients and their families motivates him to keep working so he can continue his philanthropy. “Honestly, I am still working because I want to give back,” Neil shared. His gifts primarily target technology designed for the treatment of blood cancers after his first wife, Dana, passed away following three bouts of leukemia.
“The care Dana received was excellent, but unfortunately, sometimes—with cancer—it doesn’t matter how good the care is,” he said. “The disease is worse.”
That life-changing experience made him keenly aware of hospital budget limitations. His deep belief—which his wife, Emily, shares—is that philanthropy will improve the course of treatment and patients’ lives. As Neil considers the many proposals that cross his desk, he is drawn to those he believes will significantly impact patient care. He explained that discoveries exist that can make treatment less painful and provide more time in remission.
His sense of urgency is transparent. “The medical center knows what to do with the money it gets; it just has to get the funds because certain advancements might take five years or longer to get into the budget. If you invest in them—or part of them—you can transform care right away,” he added. “What you do as a philanthropist will hopefully give results in your lifetime.” Neil typically makes a multi-year gift commitment so that his investment has a more significant impact, allowing the
Kim Hankey, PhD, technical and operations director of the UMGCCC Cell Therapy & F.A.C.T. Labs, begins the process of collecting T-cells.
A lab technician extracts T-cells from patient blood before modifying their DNA using the Prodigy platform.
University of Maryland Marlene and Stewart Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer Center (UMGCCC) to get projects done years ahead of when it otherwise might.
Neil’s relationship with UMGCCC has evolved. Initially, it began while Dana was still in treatment, with their desire to improve the cancer treatment experience by donating new TVs and DVD players for every room in the bone marrow transplant (BMT) unit where she received a transplant. In recognition of the amazing care his late wife received, he began sponsoring the annual employee holiday party, a tradition he continues.
“A BMT patient is in the unit for a couple of months on average, so I developed a close relationship with the faculty and staff,” Neil said. When Dana’s doctor, Director Emeritus Saul Yanovich, MD, later related the details of more significant needs, Neil was motivated to help. Since then—in collaboration with the former UMGCCC director, Kevin Cullen, MD, and hematologic oncologist, Aaron Rapoport, MD—he has supported the purchase of cutting-edge treatment equipment and the construction
of an expanded family relaxation area. In Dana’s memory, this dedicated area accommodates more loved ones inside the air-filtered unit, which patients cannot leave.
Before Neil commits to a gift, he educates himself about the technology. “When I hear about a cutting-edge device or treatment, I love to be a part of it from the ground floor because I know it’s going to change lives.”
Neil purchased UMGCCC’s first Prodigy machine about 11 years ago.
The equipment alters a patient’s cells for chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy to destroy cancer cells. UMGCCC was the first cancer center in the Maryland-Delaware-Virginia region to offer Car T-cell therapy, but it relied on other facilities to modify patient’s cells. The first machine significantly improved patient care, which led Neil to gift a second one, furthering UMGCCC’s position as the region’s most advanced cell therapy research and production laboratory.
“When I hear about a cuttingedge device or treatment, I love to be a part of it from the ground floor because I know it’s going to change lives.”
“Having our own cell-processing laboratory and the Prodigy machines has transformed our ability to offer our patients novel and promising next-generation cell-based therapies,” Dr. Rapoport said. “It also has helped our investigators move their basic and preclinical research into the clinic more quickly so patients may benefit from our discoveries.”
Neil believes that making a transformative difference takes community support. “Although challenging at times, I channeled my pain into positivity for others,” he said. “People inspired to give can take the first step by deciding what’s most important to them.”
Neil Kishter ·
Dr. Kevin J. Cullen reflects on his tenure as UMGCCC director and how philanthropy fueled its transformation.
The Strength Philanthropy
The University of Maryland Marlene and Stewart Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer Center (UMGCCC) has made tremendous strides over the past two decades in the battle against cancer, largely thanks to the exceptional leadership of Kevin J. Cullen, MD. Today, it stands as a beacon of hope and a model for cancer centers worldwide.
Dr. Cullen’s unwavering commitment and focused vision as director were instrumental in creating a top-tiered cancer center recognized for innovative research and
groundbreaking treatments. Dr. Cullen attributes the center’s success to the hard work of a passionate team and the invaluable support of philanthropy. His conviction is evident in his personal giving to the cancer center.
As a vital thread in the center’s evolutionary fabric, philanthropy has directly impacted the lives of countless patients and transformed the future of cancer research and treatment.
The center’s founding gift in 1996 from Marlene and Stewart Greenebaum and the subsequent gift from
of in Medicine
Roslyn and Leonard Stoler for the Stoler Pavilion were the driving force behind UMGCCC’s evolution. Since then, philanthropic gifts have been critical in funding professorships, new projects, and innovative research, laying the foundation for NCI designation. “Our donors have supported us every step of the way,” Dr. Cullen said.
“Without our many incredible supporters through the years, we wouldn’t have a cancer center program; we wouldn’t have an NCI designation; we wouldn’t attract and retain the best faculty physicians.”
UMGCCC’s NCI comprehensive designation symbolizes its rigorous standards for state-of-the-art research across medical disciplines focused on new and better approaches to prevent, diagnose, and treat cancer. This prestigious designation not only acknowledges its scientific leadership and resources but also the added depth and breadth to its research in primary, clinical, and prevention, cancer control, and population science. UMGCCC is one of only 56 cancer centers nationwide to hold this elite designation, a testament to its significant contribution to cancer research and treatment. “It is an affirmation by our peers of our collective excellence and impact on cancer,” Dr. Cullen said. “The research we’ve done here has had a tremendous impact on breast cancer, leukemia, esophageal cancer, you name it.”
Michael Greenebaum, president of Greenebaum Enterprises, chair of the UMSOM Board of Visitors, member of the UMGCCC Board of Advisors, and son
of Marlene and Stewart, shared, “Seeing the cancer center reach the highest echelon under the leadership of Dr. Cullen was truly a dream come true for my Mom and Dad. Our family is deeply grateful to him, both professionally and personally.”
Philanthropist Barry Stoler, president of Len Stoler Automotive, chair of the UMGCCC Board of Advisors, and son of Roslyn and Leonard, shared a similar perspective. “Dr. Cullen’s unwavering vision and dedication have played an instrumental role in developing a world-class cancer center primed for even greater milestones that will significantly impact people’s lives across the state, the country, and the world.”
Dr. Cullen looks forward to the center’s next growth phase under Executive Director Dr. Taofeek K. Owonikoko, an internationally recognized thoracic oncologist who previously served at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine. “Dr. Owonikoko is a superb clinician-scientist with extensive leadership experience,” Dr. Cullen said. “I know the cancer center will thrive under his direction.”
In 2026, UMGCCC will move into a new state-of-theart facility, the Roslyn and Leonard Stoler Center for Advanced Medicine. This facility will double its footprint and help advance cancer treatment. The Building for Life campaign, initiated by the Stolers’ naming gift, has become the most successful fundraising campaign in the history of the University of Maryland Medical Center. Each contribution to this campaign will make a difference in the fight against cancer.
Dr. Cullen acknowledges he will miss the day-to-day personal interactions with team members that being the director afforded him. Still, he will continue to make a difference as a UMGCCC professor and physician. He will also have more time to travel and explore his passion for board service, allowing him to influence policy and guide institutions. “I’ve had a wonderful 20 years, but I’m looking forward to this next chapter,” Dr. Cullen shared. ·
Here is a selection of photos from our various events held over the past year:
On June 1 at Maple Lawn in Fulton, MD, the Maryland Half Marathon & 5K raised funds to support cancer research and patient treatment for the University of Maryland Marlene & Stewart Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer Center.
The R Adams Cowley Shock Trauma Center Celebration honored our extraordinary trauma care teams and remarkable partners within Maryland’s EMS system, who give patients a second chance at life. The event occurred on November 18 at the Joseph Meyerhoff Symphony Hall in Baltimore and benefited Shock Trauma’s Violence Prevention Program.
The Diversity Dinner & Celebration celebrated and recognized the University of Maryland School of Medicine’s commitment to diversity in all its forms. The celebration was held on February 24 at the M&T Bank Exchange at the France-Merrick Performing Arts Center in Baltimore and benefited the Dean Emeritus Donald E. Wilson Endowed Scholarship Fund and the University of Maryland Medicine Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Fund.
Heather Culp, JD
Senior
Chief
Senior Associate
University of Maryland
Copy: Diana Mota
Design: Elizabeth Shea
Photography: Larry Canner, Glenwood Jackson To make a gift online, visit www.ummsfoundation.org/impact
