CSM Awards Students for Leadership, Involvement
The College of Southern Maryland recognized students for their leadership, their involvement in the college community and their impact within Southern Maryland at the annual Student Government Association (SGA) Banquet May 7 at Middleton Hall in Waldorf.
The President’s Cup was presented to Prince Frederick Campus Student Association (SA) President and CSM SGA President Heather Murphy, of Prince Frederick, for her ability to motivate and lead others as well as for the time and talent she has given to better the college community. Murphy represented CSM during the Student Advocacy Day with the state legislature as well as with the Calvert County Commissioners.
“Heather understands that she serves and represents all CSM students. She is aware of the issues that students face and has a grasp of what types of solutions are possible. Heather serves as an advocate for other students and will go above and beyond expectations for any student who seeks assistance from her,” said CSM Prince Frederick Campus Student Services Executive Director Lydia Williams.
The Vice President’s Cup was presented to Leonardtown Campus SA Representative Nicholas Combs, of Leonardtown, as the student who has most significantly contributed to improving the college community. This award recognizes the important work completed by students “behind the scenes.” Combs successfully increased attendance at SA events through collaboration with faculty, assisted in preparing personal care packages for victims of domestic violence, coordinated the Leonardtown Campus’ Harvest Food Drive for the local food pantry and volunteered for “Try College for a Day” events for students with disabilities. As an SA representative, Combs advocated for CSM and his fellow students at Student Advocacy Day in Annapolis and at the St. Mary’s County Commissioners’ budget hearing.
“One of the most admirable qualities of Nick is his humility. He is not driven by self-service but from a genuine desire to make CSM a better place for all students and the community. His extensive involvement in student activities and dedication to programming and the SA couldn’t be more impeccable,” said Leonardtown Campus Student Life Coordinator Jennifer VanCory.
The Student Employee of the Year Award was presented to James Day, of Leonardtown, for going “above and beyond” his duties as a student employee. Day has been employed with the Leonardtown Campus Student Success Center since fall 2013.
“James is every employer’s dream. He arrives early, stays late, and has adjusted his schedule to fill in when other student assistants have needed time off or I have needed to be out of the office,” said CSM Leonardtown Campus Lead Student Success Coordinator Beverly Russell. “It is common for a student to come in out-of-sorts seeking services such as test taking, note taking, organization help, among other soft skill strategies in addition to our tutoring services. James reassures students that help is available, that they are not alone in their student struggles and that we will find a way to aid in their situation. He introduces students directly to the tutors, developing rapport with the student and staff. The person in front of him gets undivided attention.”
For the first time, the SGA chose to recognize and honor one club from its CSM campus as the “CSM Student Club of the Year.” The Club of the Year was presented to the A.R.T. Club for the added value to the college community through its involvement on campus and in the community as well as its impact on enhancing the overall student experience.
Through creativity, open meetings, support of other clubs on campus, the A.R.T. Club showed that art can touch all lives. Advisors are CSM Assistant Professor Katherine Sifers and Instructor Lindsay Pichaske.
To view photos from the SGA Banquet, visit http://csmphoto.zenfolio.com/15sgabanquet.
For information on student life at CSM, visit http://www.csmd.edu/StudentLife/.
CSM Brick Recognition Ceremony Remembers, Honors Impact of 8 Individuals on Families, Friends
The College of Southern Maryland hosted a Brick Recognition Ceremony May 3 at the Prince Frederick Campus in tribute to eight individuals and their impact on families and friends.
“Today is about recognizing our partners and our supporters by honoring and remembering those who believe in the mission of the College of Southern Maryland and share in the vision to transform lives, one at a time,” said CSM Foundation Chair Christine Rush. “It starts with a brick, or a scholarship, a room naming or an event sponsorship. That generosity and investment today, enriches and immeasurably impacts our community’s tomorrows.”
Those recognized with either a memorial or honorary brick, which are placed in the brick walkway entrance to Building A on the Prince Frederick Campus, include: Charles R. “Dick” Bailey Sr., Joe and Aline Cafiero, Drs. Richard and Jean Fleming, John and Mary Anne Harms, and Bette A. Whyte.
Bailey was remembered as a dedicated and strong family man who served as a role model in the community and for his family. Born in Washington, D.C. in 1929, Bailey was married for 64 years to Kathleen “Kay” Scheibel and together they ran J.A. Scheibel Construction until his retirement. An avid sportsman, Bailey shared his hobbies with his sons Rick and John, and grandchildren.
Joe and Aline Cafiero were honored by their daughter CSM Associate Professor Joy Syring. Aline Cafiero attended Armstrong Junior College in Savannah, Georgia, with her daughter following in her footsteps and attending the same school when it became Armstrong State College. Syring credits her parents for instilling in her a passion for education and dream of being a professor.
Drs. Richard and Jean Fleming supported the program with an honorary brick to each other in tribute to their commitment to the college and to Calvert County. Collectively, they have worked in education for nearly 70 years in a wide variety of positions in six states. They moved to Calvert County when Richard Fleming became vice president and dean of the Prince Frederick Campus in 2009. Jean Fleming graduated from CSM’s nursing program in 2013.
John Harms was remembered by his wife, Mary Anne Harms. Born in Hagerstown, John Harms was an engineer and founded the John E. Harms Jr. and Associates Engineering consulting firm in 1955. He served as president and CEO for many years. John Harms believed that the value of a man should be seen in what he gives and not in what he is able to receive, therefore both he and his wife are well known for their generosity. Through the Harms’ philanthropy, the Healing Garden at Calvert Memorial Hospital, Harms Gallery at the Calvert Marine Museum and the Marianne Harms Multidisciplinary Suite at the Sheldon E. Goldberg Center for Breast Care at Calvert Health System.
A brick was also placed in honor of Mary Anne Harms next to her late husband. An astute businesswoman, a friend raiser and a philanthropist, Mary Anne Harms’ generosity has touched many lives and served as a catalyst for improving Southern Maryland. Mary Anne Harms, with her husband John, created a scholarship fund that has made an impact on many Calvert County students pursuing their higher education goals. She is an advocate for education and what it can do for a person’s quality of life.
Whyte was remembered by her daughter, CSM Lead Institutional Research Analyst Kathy Marshall. Born in Baltimore in 1933, Whyte had four children, seven grandchildren and five great-grandchildren and was happiest when working around people. A collector and antique enthusiast, Whyte enjoyed going to auctions and loved spending time at the beach, especially in Florida, said Marshall.
The CSM Brick Program is a lasting celebration of those who have a special connection to CSM and the Southern Maryland community. As a tribute to a family member, a friend or to represent a special occasion, a brick is inscribed and placed among other honorary bricks at locations available on all three campuses. Bricks are available for $200 with the funds providing financial support to the college and its mission.
To view photos from the Brick Recognition Ceremony, visit http://csmphoto.zenfolio.com/15prinbricks.
For information on the program, visit www.csmd.edu/Foundation.
‘Splash for Scholarships’ Raises $73,225
Wellness, Aquatics Center marks 5th anniversary
The College of Southern Maryland Foundation’s “Splash for Scholarships” event held on April 25 raised $73,225 through cash and in-kind donations in support of student scholarships by recognizing the fifth anniversary of the Leonardtown Campus Wellness and Aquatics Center.
“We are fortunate to be surrounded by a caring community that embraces this campus and supports [the Splash for Scholarships] event to raise scholarships for our students,” said CSM President Dr. Brad Gottfried to those in attendance. "For many of our students a scholarship is the difference between attending college, or not. That is the impact your sponsorship and attendance will have on future students."
During the celebration CSM Vice President and Dean of the Leonardtown Campus Dr. Tracy Harris announced the creation of a CSM Foundation scholarship to honor “a special neighbor,” CSM alumnus and former mayor of Leonardtown, Chip Norris. “We will have the Chip Norris Scholarship Fund in the amount of $1,000 for the upcoming fall semester," Harris said.
"It is exciting to celebrate the five-year anniversary of this building, as it has become a pillar in the community,” said Harris. “I believe that we have been successful ... to not only educate our students, but also to cater to the needs of the community. I enjoy coming into this building and seeing the familiar faces of our friends in the community. Many of you here tonight are the reason for the huge success of this Wellness and Aquatics Center and I look forward to the next five years and beyond with you all.”
Sponsors of the event were High Tide: Arthur J. Gallagher & Co.; Life Guard: Brad and Linda Gottfried, CBIZ Benefits and Insurance Services of MD, MedStar St. Mary’s Hospital, Miles & Stockbridge P.C. and Scheibel Construction; Beach Comber: The Cherry Cove Group, Coldwell Banker Jay Lilly Real Estate, Community Bank of the Chesapeake, Cornerstone Advisors Asset Management, Inc., Donald P. and Jean Marie McDougall, Evie and Vince Hungerford, Glen and Barbara Ives, In honor of Aubrey and Grace Mattingly, Marrick Homes, Murray, Wamsley & Schrader LLC, Old Line Bank, Rita Reeves, Royalle Services, Inc., St. Mary’s County Times, Servpro of St. Mary’s and Calvert Counties, Shasho Consulting Commercial Real Estate in memory of Mary I. Shasho, State Farm Insurance Nick Rogers, Agent and Josh Mesh, Agent, Walter and Jane Grove, and; Sea Shell: Askey, Askey & Associates, CPA LLC, Blissful Anesthesia, C3 Innovations, Inc., Capt. Billy Robertson Foundation, Chris Rush and Mark Posten, Flora Corner Farm, Linda Cox in Memory of Donald R. Cox, Nancy Hempstead, Olde Town Insurance, Quality Street Kitchen and Catering, Rene Cunningham and Gerry Van De Velde, Smartronix, Taylor Gas Company, Titan Gemini Group and Vyalex Management Solutions, Inc.
The CSM Foundation, established in 1970, is a nonprofit, tax-exempt organization that promotes academic excellence, growth, progress and the general welfare of CSM by raising and managing funds, and providing support to strengthen and develop the college and its objectives.
For information or to contribute to the Chip Norris Scholarship Fund, contact the development department at 301-934-7649 or cbrown1@csmd.edu.
To view video of the Chip Norris Scholarship Fund announcement, visit https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UbqtgMUFY9w&feature=youtu.be.
To view a photo gallery from the evening, visit http://csmphoto.zenfolio.com/splash.
For information on the event and sponsorships, visit http://www.csmd.edu/Foundation/.