Record-Breaking 48-Hour Giving Event Unites UMSOP Community
Heroes stepped up and sidekicks delivered, raising record funds to power the future of the School of Pharmacy.
By Pam Carder
June 4, 2025
Photo: Kristine Parbuoni, PharmD, BCPPS, assistant dean for PharmD student life and student success; and Leah Sera, PharmD, MA, BCPS, associate dean for recruitment and admissions
The University of Maryland School of Pharmacy (UMSOP) celebrated a landmark achievement during its recent 48-Hour Giving Event, held April 28 and 29. With an overwhelming response from alumni, faculty, staff, and friends, the event raised an impressive $138,301 from 207 donors, setting new records for both total donations and donor participation.
This year’s event focused on growing the number of supporters who contribute to the future of pharmacy education, research, and practice at the School. The call to action, framed around the superhero theme of “every superhero needs a sidekick,” resonated across the community, and donors rallied to become the “sidekicks” fueling scholarships, groundbreaking research, and leadership development for the next generation of health care innovators and researchers.
“This event was all about coming together as a community to build a better future for our students and our beloved School,” said Sarah L.J. Michel, PhD, dean of the School and professor of pharmaceutical sciences. “We believe that our students will change the future of health care and health sciences. And just like any superhero, they need a strong team of supporters to help them realize their potential.”
Donor Breakdown Reflects Strong Community
Nearly half of the donors (47 percent) were alumni, highlighting the enduring connection graduates maintain with the School. Faculty and staff accounted for 42 percent of the gifts, demonstrating their ongoing commitment to the School’s mission. Friends of the School rounded out the support at 8 percent, representing an engaged network of advocates.
UMSOP’s Unrestricted Fund received $28,263 — the highest amount for any single fund during the event. This flexible support is critical to addressing the School’s most immediate needs and emerging priorities.
“We are incredibly proud of and thankful for the overwhelming support from our School community during this record-breaking 48-hour giving event,” said Michel. “The generosity of our alumni, faculty, staff, and friends reflects a shared belief in the transformative power of education and research. Together, we are equipping the next generation of health care leaders with the tools they need to make a meaningful impact on patient care and public health worldwide.”
Greer Griffith, MS, the School of Pharmacy’s executive director of development, added, “This year’s campaign was truly inspiring – not only because of the remarkable amount raised, but because so many people stepped forward to join our community of supporters. Every gift, large or small, represents a vote of confidence in the School’s mission and our students’ potential. We’re excited to build on this momentum and continue to grow a strong foundation of philanthropy that will fuel innovation and opportunity for years to come.”
For those who missed the event but still wish to support the School’s mission, contributions can be made year-round at pharmacy.umaryland.edu/go/give.
See more photos on Flickr.
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