David Stewart Associates Society Celebrates Philanthropy and Innovation at Spring Reception

UMSOP supporters gather around leadership giving, student success, and the future of pharmacy education.

By Pam Carder
June 1, 2026

Supporters, alumni, faculty, staff, and friends of the University of Maryland School of Pharmacy (UMSOP) gathered in Baltimore on May 7 for the David Stewart Associates (DSA) Society Spring Reception, an evening dedicated to celebrating the impact of philanthropy and the future of the School.

Named for David Stewart, America’s first professor of pharmacy and a founder of UMSOP, the DSA Society recognizes individuals who make annual leadership gifts of $1,000 or more to support the School’s mission. Established in the mid-1980s, the society remains the School’s benchmark for philanthropy and plays a critical role in advancing education, research, patient care, and innovation.

During the reception, Sarah L.J. Michel, PhD, dean and professor of pharmaceutical sciences, thanked attendees for their continued generosity and partnership while highlighting a bold vision for the future. Michel shared several examples of the School’s ongoing work to evolve and reimagine health care and pharmacy education, including the launch of the competency-based M-Pact PharmD curriculum this fall; the growing emphasis on pharmapreneurship and innovation; and expanded collaborations focused on artificial intelligence and patient-centered care.

“At the School of Pharmacy, reimagining is not just a theme or a catchphrase – it is a call to action,” said Michel. “Because of the generosity and leadership of our DSA members, we are able to prepare students to lead in an evolving health care landscape, advance transformative research, and pursue innovative partnerships that are redefining what is possible for pharmacy and patient care.”

She also noted the direct impact donor support has on students across UMSOP.

“This year alone, more than 450 students received financial support because of DSA members,” Michel said. “That impact is real, immediate, and deeply felt by our students, faculty, and communities.”

The evening provided an opportunity for DSA members to connect with fellow supporters and celebrate the collective impact of their philanthropy on the School’s continued growth and success.

“Events like this are a powerful reminder that our community is deeply invested in the mission and success of the University of Maryland School of Pharmacy,” said Greer Griffith, MS, executive director of development at UMSOP. “The support of our David Stewart Associates members is vital to the School’s long-term financial health and stability and allows School leadership to implement a vision that best leads education, research, and practice while also providing meaningful opportunities for our students, faculty, and programs.”

The celebration reflected the partnership and purpose that continue to shape the School.

“As a 20-year UMSOP staff member, I am honored to support the School through membership in the DSA Society,” said Becky Ceraul, assistant dean for communications and marketing at UMSOP. “I know that my gifts help create opportunities that empower students, strengthen research, position the School to lead in an evolving health care landscape, and demonstrate commitment to our mission.”

“Tonight, let us honor the future of health care, research, education, and pharmacy,” Michel said in a toast. “To our students, to discovery, to community, and to the extraordinary impact we create together.”

Those interested in learning more about the David Stewart Associates Society and philanthropic opportunities at UMSOP may contact Greer Griffith at ggriffith@rx.umaryland.edu.

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