Development News

Development News

SBC Telecom Funds UMUC Web Site for K–12 Teachers

J. Tyson Tildon

Recently, UMUC received funding from SBC Telecom to develop the Teacher Technology Online Conference Center, a Web site designed to help Maryland's K–12 teachers put technology to effective use. The new site, scheduled to debut in the fall, will be accessible, free of charge, to any K–12 teacher or school. Because the conference center is available via the Internet, teachers in the state's most rural areas and challenged inner-city sections—both typically underserved—can benefit.

"Networking is a critical component among professionals in any field today," said J. Tyson Tildon, chair of the New Board of School Commissioners, Baltimore City, and a member of UMUC's Board of Visitors. "[This] resource
. . . will be invaluable for teachers; it is an excellent demonstration of citizenship and dedication to Maryland's future leaders."

The Art of China

The I-Ling Chow and Thomas M. Li families of Maryland have created a unique vision for preserving valuable Chinese art through donations to the University of Maryland University College Arts Program. The art has been passed down from the donors' ancestors over the years. Because both families are interested in ensuring that their treasured collections are kept intact, both to honor their heritage and for future generations to appreciate, they realized that UMUC would be the perfect recipient for their gifts.

UMUC is strongly committed to establishing an environment in which artistic creativity is valued and the arts play a major role in providing students with a rich and balanced education. The university also has a strong historical connection to Asia, having spent the past 50 years providing educational opportunities for servicemembers and their families stationed there.

UMUC's alumni, students, faculty, and staff are profoundly grateful to the Chow and Li families for this, the largest donation ever received by the Arts Program. The collection is sure to be cherished by all who see it, now and for generations to come.

Plans are under way to build a $1 million endowment to help conserve, protect, and exhibit the art. For more information, contact Sandra N. Harriman, director of Corporate Foundation Relations, at 240-684-5116.

Alumni Open Doors and Increase Contributions

This year, more alumni than ever provided vital support for UMUC's mission. Since the beginning of the fiscal year, donors have given UMUC more than $1.6 million in gifts.

Those gifts make a real difference at UMUC. Hundreds of undergraduate and graduate students are receiving scholarships this year to pursue a college education that might otherwise have been out of reach. Other gifts help fund cutting-edge academic programs.

In addition, alumni and members of the Board of Visitors have helped open doors to significant corporate and foundation support from AEGON USA, the Comcast Foundation, the France Merrick Foundation, SBC Telecom, and others.

Although UMUC receives tuition revenue and limited state funding, its margin of excellence depends on you. As the 2000–2001 fundraising drive approaches its conclusion on June 30, alumni can still contribute through The University of Maryland Foundation, Inc. Private contributions provide UMUC with the ability to respond quickly when unique opportunities arise. You are UMUC's margin of excellence.

For information about giving opportunities at UMUC, visit www.umuc.edu and click on "alumni/development," or call the Office of Institutional Advancement at
240-684-5100. To contribute online, visit www.umuc.edu/donate.