For more than a century, the University of Maryland has hosted military-connected students committed to the study of business and management. A new Smith Vets Memorial in Van Munching Hall acknowledges all of the school’s service-connected community members, and includes an Honor Roll that recognizes the 27 Smith veterans who gave their lives defending the United States in military service.
“They deserve to be remembered always,” said Frank Goertner, MBA’15, director of federal and veteran affairs, and himself a Navy vet. “So, part of our memorial is just for them. Their names will forever be part of our great hall. Their stories will be forever part of ours.”
Dean Prabhudev C. Konana welcomed a distinguished group of guests, including Honorable Anthony Woods, Maryland Secretary of Veteran Affairs; Georgina Dodge, University of Maryland Vice President for Diversity & Inclusion; University of Maryland Chaplain Ray Ranker; and Linda Lamone, former Maryland Elections Administrator and widow of former dean Rudy Lamone; as well as faculty, staff and students.
“Universities are places where we transform individuals to become productive, selfless members of society. But some make the ultimate sacrifice, and they have gone on the ultimate journey in order for us to live freely. Today’s dedication reminds us of these extraordinary individuals,” said Dean Konana.
The ceremony included a presentation of colors by cadets from Northwestern High School’s Junior ROTC, remarks from Secretary Woods and Dr. Dodge, and a reading of the Honor Roll names. It closed with a final playing of “Taps,” the call sounded at military funerals and memorial services to honor the departed.
“Veterans and service members have brought discipline, leadership and a commitment to service to this campus,” said Secretary Woods. “It is particularly poignant for us to mark this occasion on September 11, a day that we know is etched into the hearts of every American.”
The first name on the Honor Roll was a member of the Class of 1939 who perished in World War II, but the three most recent losses are from September 11, 2001. Two Smith MBA students and one Smith alum lost their lives in that day’s attack on the Pentagon.
ERIC ALLEN CRANFORD USN, Class of 2001
Lieutenant Eric Allen Cranford hailed from Drexel, N.C., and was commissioned in the U.S. Navy at the University of North Carolina in 1992. He served in a helicopter squadron in Mayport, Fla., and on the USS Gettysburg, USS McInerney and USS Carr. He was killed in service at the Pentagon in the 9/11 terrorist attacks. He was 32 and pursuing his MBA at the Smith School. The degree was posthumously conferred to him with the Class of 2001. He is buried in Arlington National Cemetery.
MICHAEL SCOTT LAMANA USN, Class of 2001
Lieutenant Scott Lamana grew up in Baton Rouge, La., and graduated from Louisiana State University in 1992. Following commissioning in the U.S. Navy, he served as a Naval Flight Officer in P-3 Orion aircraft. He was killed in service at the Pentagon in the 9/11 terrorist attacks. He was 31 and pursuing his MBA at the Smith School. The degree was posthumously conferred to him with the Class of 2001. He is buried in Arlington National Cemetery.
RONALD JAMES VAUK USN, Class of 1993
Commander Ronald Vauk was born in Nampa, Idaho, and graduated from Nampa High School. He was commissioned with the Class of 1987 with a bachelor’s degree with a major in political science. Following nuclear power training, Commander Vauk served aboard USS Glenard P. Lipscomb and USS Oklahoma City. He retired from active service in 1993 in favor of the Naval Reserve. He worked for Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory while obtaining a master’s in business from the University of Maryland. He was killed while serving the second day of his annual reserve duty at the Pentagon in the 9/11 terrorist attacks. He is buried in Arlington National Cemetery.
Read the full list and biographies of Smith community members who lost their lives in service.
The school has also established a crowdfunding campaign to relaunch a fellowship memorial fund named in honor of Cranford and Lamana.
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About the University of Maryland's Robert H. Smith School of Business
The Robert H. Smith School of Business is an internationally recognized leader in management education and research. One of 12 colleges and schools at the University of Maryland, College Park, the Smith School offers undergraduate, full-time and flex MBA, executive MBA, online MBA, business master’s, PhD and executive education programs, as well as outreach services to the corporate community. The school offers its degree, custom and certification programs in learning locations in North America and Asia.