IMPACT Fall 2024

FAL L 2024 ISSU E 1 5

IMPACT UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND MEDICINE A STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIP IN FUNDRAISING BETWEEN THE UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND MEDICAL CENTER AND THE UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND SCHOOL OF MEDICINE

Embracing Systemic Philanthropy The Clelands’ all-encompassing and supportive philanthropic approach has the power to change lives.

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N E WS F O R DONORS AND FRIENDS

B E T T E R TO G E T H E R

Maryland and beyond.

Board Service Comes Naturally to Shock Trauma Chair

We believe in the power of donors and a culture of

Continuous improvement fuels

gratitude to transform patient care, advance medical

the Honorable D. Bruce Poole’s

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

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.

leadership style.

C

omplex 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

We are excited to introduce two dynamic leaders who

drilling into problems and solving them to the best of

will be pivotal in driving our philanthropic initiatives.

my abilities,” Bruce shared.

Lindsay Farrington, MBA, has joined us as Vice President of Development, leading our fundraising

He approaches philanthropy similarly. “Too often,

operations and core services. Kim Morton, JD, MA, is

philanthropic projects lack the focus and structure to

our Associate Dean for Development, spearheading

achieve their desired outcomes,” Bruce emphasized.

our fundraising initiatives. Their expertise and

“You have to make sure there’s an underlying structure

dedication will ensure the success of our mission.

in place and people who are actively engaged.”

We are committed to making a difference and invite

He said the University of Maryland Medical Center

you to join us in this unique opportunity to create

(UMMC) and the R Adams Cowley Shock Trauma Center

impact. Collectively, we can bring hope to our patients and communities and shape the future of healthcare.

(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

Heather S. Culp, JD Senior Vice President Chief Philanthropy Officer Senior Associate Dean University of Maryland Medicine

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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.

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.

He has a deep appreciation for the dedicated teams

just stop because we’ve patched someone up and

and world-class services provided by the organization.

sent them home,” Bruce said. “We must take better

Bruce credits UMMC surgeons for his recovery from a

care of our citizens and understand that they haven’t

series of traumatic events and surgeries resulting from

just gone through a physical injury; they’ve gone

“I gain great

football injuries and a motorcycle accident over 40

through a profound psychological injury.”

satisfaction from

Shock Trauma is a statewide system built on

drilling into

Shock Trauma’s quest for continuous improvement and

cooperation with state and local governments and a

problems and

growth enticed Bruce to serve on its board. “I firmly

network of emergency medical services. “It doesn’t

believe in the saying: If you chase perfection, you’ll

matter if you’re on the ski slopes in Garrett County or

solving them to

never catch it, but if you chase it long enough, you

crabbing in Somerset County, we’ve got your back—

will catch excellence. That is what they’re dedicated to

One Maryland, One Shock Trauma,” he explained.

years ago.

doing.”

Bruce has taken a strategic approach to board

That same philosophy has shaped his board leadership

recruitment to support STC’s goals and objectives. “I

and fueled his philanthropy. One of the board’s top

want to make sure that we have the best advocates

priorities is to secure philanthropic support so that

and supporters on the Shock Trauma board,” he

STC has the financial resources to meet today’s critical

said. “To back the best, you must have the best. I’m

care needs. Another key focus is violence prevention

extremely proud of the people who serve on the

education and training. “Fallout from violence doesn’t

Shock Trauma Board.”

the best of my abilities.”

Honorable D. Bruce Poole

·

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Finding Peace Through Philanthropy Nina and Shali Mohleji celebrate their mother’s legacy by supporting head and neck cancer research.

S

isters Nina and Shali Mohleji use philanthropy as a

Nina fondly recalls how her mother always ensured

productive space to transform their pain and honor

that family and friends were well cared for. “Her way of

their mother, Manjula, who passed away five years ago from head and neck cancer. On the anniversary of her

showing love was through feeding people. Even when she was unwell, she would always ask, ‘Have you eaten?’”

death, they each make a gift to the University of Maryland Medicine to support the research of Dr. Ranee Mehra,

They shared that their gifts are mutually beneficial. “Her

director of head and neck medical oncology and professor

death was so horrific and painful; you just want to do

of medicine at the UM Marlene and Stewart Greenebaum

something so other people won’t have to go through it,”

Comprehensive Cancer Center.

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Nina said. “I am happy to support Dr. Mehra’s research

“We’re never going to forget our mother,” Shali said.

so she has the freedom and flexibility to scale or explore

“We’re always going to share memories of her, but this is

something and, at the same time, honor my mom.” She

a way—outside of our family—to keep her memory and

explained that head and neck cancer is a broad category.

legacy alive. In essence, we are channeling her spirit.”

“There’s just so much left to understand.”

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Dr. Mehra is incredibly grateful that the Mohlejis

eradicating the cancer. “We knew our mom

have chosen to support research efforts at the

was getting excellent care,” Shali said. “But at a

cancer center as they honor their mother. “We have

certain point, you recognize the gravity of what’s

much to learn about how to improve the treatment

coming, and it becomes a journey of accepting

of head and neck cancer, and their generosity has

the reality of what’s happening. There’s nothing

given us the freedom to ask novel questions, which

you can do to make it better. That’s a hard pill to

will hopefully help us improve the lives of future

swallow.”

patients with this challenging disease,” Dr. Mehra shared.

Cancer management is not easy, Nina shared. “It is painful. It is difficult. It is disruptive. It takes

“We’re always

What started as a seemingly minor and localized

over your entire life. You can’t remove yourself from it by saying, ‘Okay, that’s my personal life.’

going to share

tumor on her tongue ultimately destroyed her whole body, Nina shared. “The first time it happened was

It’s in your brain when you’re at work. It affects

terrifying because it’s that word: Cancer.” Over

everyone you know that’s in your life. It’s a

but this is a way—

complicated reality to deal with day after day.”

outside of our

removed. Their mother never spoke about it, but she

Despite their ongoing generosity, Nina and

family—to keep

kept losing bits of her mouth and tongue. In 2017,

Shali find it hard to think of themselves as

the cancer returned aggressively and in more parts

her memory and

philanthropists because they are not donating

of her mouth and jaw.

millions of dollars. “We’re providing what’s in our

legacy alive.”

20 years, discreet growths reappeared and were

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.

means.” They are deeply moved by the gratitude

memories of her,

Shali Mohleji

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.

·

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 Nina and Shali’s mother, Manjula Mohleji.

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The retired president of the University of Maryland Medical Center Midtown Campus, Alison Gates

Caring for a Community

A

her legacy on compassion, commitment, and connection.

lison Gates Brown, MPH, BSN, knew early on that

and facilities to social work and nursing, collaborate to

she wanted to serve in healthcare. Alison began her

deliver safe, compassionate, and respectful care. These

career path nearly 45 years ago, caring for other people

are dedicated people, supporting their neighbors and

as a nurse, laying the foundation for her life’s work. If

each other.”

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.

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

UMMC Midtown Campus provides specialty outpatient

underserved neighborhood, you must have resources,”

care for adults and children in West Baltimore and

she emphasized.

surrounding regions. It offers primary care, behavioral health, diabetes, and post-acute rehab services, while UMMC Downtown specializes in trauma, cancer care, and transplants.

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Brown, MPH, BSN, built

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

“Midtown is also a safety net for people affected by long-

impacting children’s health and well-being in West

standing health disparities,” she added. “At every juncture,

Baltimore. “Without healthy food, children are less likely

the people who work at Midtown, from housekeeping

to thrive physically, emotionally, and academically,” Alison

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explained. Mariellen Synan, manager for Community

During her remarkable career, Alison has seen

Health Improvement, credits Alison’s support for

firsthand, as a staff member and a donor, the

making it a reality and hopes to expand the pantry’s

difference philanthropic support makes in healthcare.

use through philanthropic investment.

“People must have basic needs met to achieve a healthy life, complemented by visits to a doctor, nurse

“It’s been a real privilege to connect patients to the care they need. What

practitioner, or, if necessary, the emergency room,”

we’ve done and what we continue

Alison said. “For some people, choosing between food

to do—it’s making a difference; it’s

on the table or filling prescription medications is a difficult and very real choice.”

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.

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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.

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The Cleland Legacy of Giving Runs Deep T

he 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

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.

community has established them and their charitable organization, The Orokawa Foundation, as a vital

His aptitude for giving back took

contributor to the philanthropic landscape of the

shape in a pivotal way in 1988 when

Baltimore region for almost twenty years.

he assembled a team of non-runners

“His determination

to take on the NYC Marathon as they

and commitment to

Bruce’s impact and his family’s dedication to UMMS

raised money for blood cancer research

originated as that of a grateful patient. In 2006,

improve the lives

in honor of Georgia, a leukemia survivor.

Bruce embarked on a challenging 16-year battle with

Despite his challenges in making it a

of others never

head-and-neck cancer, which deepened his family’s

reality, his group of armchair warriors

bond with the University of Maryland Medical Center

was so successful that the Leukemia

under Bruce’s most

(UMMC) and their community hospital, the University

& Lymphoma Society asked him to

challenging personal

of Maryland St. Joseph Medical Center (UM SJMC) in

replicate the program nationwide. Now,

Towson, where he received care. Regrettably, after

36 years later, Team in Training has

circumstances.”

enduring multiple relapses, Bruce passed away on

become one of the most successful

August 20, 2021.

endurance sports training programs for

Over the years, the Clelands have cultivated unique

wavered—even

Mohan Suntha, MD

charities worldwide.

relationships and commitments that have become

The underlying concepts that guided and shaped his

essential components of UMMS and have fostered

philanthropy were rooted in the belief that collective

equitable, systemic transformation. Their understanding

efforts could achieve much more than individual

and admiration for the medical system have become

endeavors. “Part of Bruce’s magic was the way he could

integral pillars of change.

persuade others around him into committing similar

Pictured left: Isobel Cleland and Samantha Cleland Manekin

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feats,” said Dr. Mohan Suntha, UMMS president and CEO.

Their foundation’s initial gifts supported head-and-neck

“His determination and commitment to improve the

cancer research, radiation oncology programs, and a

lives of others never wavered—even under Bruce’s most

fund for cancer patients. In addition, they established

challenging personal circumstances.”

the Bruce and Isobel Cleland Chair of the Department of

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

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.

as a foundation,” said Samantha Cleland Manekin, who

“The naming of the professorship speaks volumes about

continues her father’s legacy as Orokawa’s executive

how we feel about the care my dad received,” Samantha

director.

said. “Dr. Taylor became a coach, a mentor, and a

Driven by their comprehensive philanthropic approach, the family collaborates with hospital leadership to pinpoint where their contributions will make the most

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.”

significant difference in patient care. Their giving has

Through their foundation, the Clelands also have

profoundly impacted UMMC, UM SJMC, the University

supported UM St. Joseph in various ways for more than a

of Maryland School of Medicine, and most recently, the

decade. Their contributions covered various programs and

University of Maryland Shore Regional Health.

clinical areas, including a symposium to empower young

The Power of Relationships The incredible partnership between the Cleland family

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

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.

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Bruce and Isobel Cleland dancing at UM SJMC’s 150th Anniversary Gala in 2014.

Bruce Cleland (center) with Dr. Rodney Taylor (left) and Dr. Mohan Suntha (right). nearly $25 million campaign—its largest to date—to

supporting Bruce during his battle with cancer and

renovate its perioperative spaces and surgical suites.

furthering their commitment to equitable care. Once

“Their gifts established how philanthropy supports the community in an expanded way,” said Amanda “Mimi” Tinkler, UM St. Joseph Foundation’s vice president and

completed, the UM Shore Regional Medical Center in Easton will bring a new standard of patient-centered care to the region.

executive director.

His Legacy Continues

In memory of Bruce’s courageous battle against cancer,

Bruce’s vision of positively impacting the world

the Orokawa Foundation made another transformative

remains at the core of the Orokawa Foundation’s

gift for a new state-of-the-art infusion center at the

mission as it continues to touch countless lives.

Roslyn and Leonard Stoler Center for Advanced

The connection between UMMS leadership and the

Medicine, which is currently under construction. “The

Clelands is a poignant illustration of the power of

infusion center was where we had spent much time

philanthropy.

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.”

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

The Clelands’ most recent gift embraces the Eastern

support he had throughout his journey. His gratitude

Shore community, where they spent time as a family

and perspective were truly remarkable.”

·

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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.

F

or nearly 40 years, Neil Kishter has assisted others

That life-changing experience made him keenly aware of

in achieving their financial objectives. As a private

hospital budget limitations. His deep belief—which his

wealth manager at Morgan Stanley, Neil has developed

wife, Emily, shares—is that philanthropy will improve the

strategies that meet the immediate needs and long-

course of treatment and patients’ lives. As Neil considers

term goals of business owners, entrepreneurs, senior

the many proposals that cross his desk, he is drawn to

executives, and multi-generational families—a thoughtful

those he believes will significantly impact patient care. He

approach he applies to his philanthropic endeavors.

explained that discoveries exist that can make treatment

Neil’s ardent desire for better outcomes for patients and their families motivates him to keep working so he can

His sense of urgency is transparent. “The medical center

continue his philanthropy. “Honestly, I am still working

knows what to do with the money it gets; it just has to

because I want to give back,” Neil shared. His gifts

get the funds because certain advancements might take

primarily target technology designed for the treatment

five years or longer to get into the budget. If you invest

of blood cancers after his first wife, Dana, passed away

in them—or part of them—you can transform care right

following three bouts of leukemia.

away,” he added. “What you do as a philanthropist will

“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.”

Kim Hankey, PhD, technical and operations director of the UMGCCC Cell Therapy & F.A.C.T. Labs, begins the process of collecting T-cells.

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less painful and provide more time in remission.

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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

A lab technician extracts T-cells from patient blood before modifying their DNA using the Prodigy platform.

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

“When I hear

for chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)

about a cutting-

T-cell therapy to destroy cancer cells.

edge device or

UMGCCC was the first cancer center in

treatment, I love

the Maryland-Delaware-Virginia region to offer Car T-cell therapy, but it relied

to be a part of it

on other facilities to modify patient’s

from the ground

University of Maryland Marlene and Stewart Greenebaum

cells. The first machine significantly

floor because I

Comprehensive Cancer Center (UMGCCC) to get projects

improved patient care, which led

know it’s going to

done years ahead of when it otherwise might.

Neil to gift a second one, furthering

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

UMGCCC’s position as the region’s

change lives.”

most advanced cell therapy research and production laboratory.

donating new TVs and DVD players for every room in the

“Having our own cell-processing

bone marrow transplant (BMT) unit where she received

laboratory and the Prodigy machines has

a transplant. In recognition of the amazing care his late

transformed our ability to offer our patients

wife received, he began sponsoring the annual employee

novel and promising next-generation cell-based

holiday party, a tradition he continues.

therapies,” Dr. Rapoport said. “It also has helped

“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

Neil Kishter

our investigators move their basic and preclinical research into the clinic more quickly so patients may benefit from our discoveries.”

Emeritus Saul Yanovich, MD, later related the details

Neil believes that making a transformative

of more significant needs, Neil was motivated to help.

difference takes community support. “Although

Since then—in collaboration with the former UMGCCC

challenging at times, I channeled my pain into

director, Kevin Cullen, MD, and hematologic oncologist,

positivity for others,” he said. “People inspired

Aaron Rapoport, MD—he has supported the purchase of

to give can take the first step by deciding what’s

cutting-edge treatment equipment and the construction

most important to them.”

·

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Dr. Kevin J. Cullen reflects on his tenure as UMGCCC director and how philanthropy fueled its transformation.

T

The Strength Philanthropy

he University of Maryland Marlene and Stewart

groundbreaking treatments. Dr. Cullen attributes the

Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer Center

center’s success to the hard work of a passionate team

(UMGCCC) has made tremendous strides over the past

and the invaluable support of philanthropy. His conviction

two decades in the battle against cancer, largely thanks to

is evident in his personal giving to the cancer center.

the exceptional leadership of Kevin J. Cullen, MD. Today,

As a vital thread in the center’s evolutionary fabric,

it stands as a beacon of hope and a model for cancer

philanthropy has directly impacted the lives of countless

centers worldwide.

patients and transformed the future of cancer research and treatment.

Dr. Cullen’s unwavering commitment and focused vision

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as director were instrumental in creating a top-tiered

The center’s founding gift in 1996 from Marlene and

cancer center recognized for innovative research and

Stewart Greenebaum and the subsequent gift from

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of Marlene and Stewart, shared, “Seeing the cancer center reach the highest echelon under the

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,

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.”

laying the foundation for NCI designation. “Our donors have supported us every step of the way,” Dr. Cullen said.

Dr. Cullen looks forward to the center’s next growth phase under Executive Director Dr. Taofeek K.

“Without our many incredible supporters

Owonikoko, an internationally recognized thoracic

through the years, we wouldn’t have a

oncologist who previously served at the University

cancer center program; we wouldn’t have an NCI designation; we wouldn’t attract and retain the best faculty physicians.”

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-the-

UMGCCC’s NCI comprehensive designation symbolizes

art facility, the Roslyn and Leonard Stoler Center

its rigorous standards for state-of-the-art research

for Advanced Medicine. This facility will double its

across medical disciplines focused on new and better

footprint and help advance cancer treatment. The

approaches to prevent, diagnose, and treat cancer.

Building for Life campaign, initiated by the Stolers’

This prestigious designation not only acknowledges its

naming gift, has become the most successful

scientific leadership and resources but also the added

fundraising campaign in the history of the University

depth and breadth to its research in primary, clinical,

of Maryland Medical Center. Each contribution to

and prevention, cancer control, and population science.

this campaign will make a difference in the fight

UMGCCC is one of only 56 cancer centers nationwide to

against cancer.

hold this elite designation, a testament to its significant contribution to cancer research and treatment. “It is an

Dr. Cullen acknowledges he will miss the day-to-day

affirmation by our peers of our collective excellence and

personal interactions with team members that being

impact on cancer,” Dr. Cullen said. “The research we’ve

the director afforded him. Still, he will continue

done here has had a tremendous impact on breast cancer,

to make a difference as a UMGCCC professor and

leukemia, esophageal cancer, you name it.”

physician. He will also have more time to travel and explore his passion for board service, allowing him

Michael Greenebaum, president of Greenebaum

to influence policy and guide institutions. “I’ve had a

Enterprises, chair of the UMSOM Board of Visitors,

wonderful 20 years, but I’m looking forward to this

member of the UMGCCC Board of Advisors, and son

next chapter,” Dr. Cullen shared.

·

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A strategic partnership in fundraising between the University of Maryland Medical Center and the University of Maryland School of Medicine

110 S. Paca Street, 9th Floor Baltimore, MD 21201 www.ummsfoundation.org | 410-328-5770

Please share your feedback on IMPACT •

Here is a selection of photos from our various events held over the past year: 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.

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 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.

IMPACT is published by the University of Maryland Medicine, a strategic partnership in fundraising between the University of Maryland Medical Center and the University of Maryland School of Medicine.

Heather Culp, JD Senior Vice President Chief Philanthropy Officer Senior Associate Dean University of Maryland Medicine Copy: Diana Mota Design: Elizabeth Shea Photography: Larry Canner, Glenwood Jackson

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