University of Maryland Business School Names 2006 Leadership and Excellence Award Winners

College Park, MD May 2, 2006 The University of Marylands Robert H. Smith School of Business today announced the recipients of the annual Smith Leadership and Excellence Awards, honoring business leaders and organizations that have made significant and positive impact to their industries and the community in the mid-Atlantic region. Howard Frank, dean of the Robert H. Smith School of Business, will present the 2006 awards at a ceremony and banquet on Thursday, May 4, at 6 p.m. at the Samuel Riggs IV Alumni Center on the universitys College Park campus.

2006 Leadership and Excellence Award winners:

• PepsiCo Inc. is honored with the Business Excellence Award, recognizing a long-established public or private business that has made a significant and positive impact in the mid-Atlantic region. The Smith School recognizes the beverage and food maker for its sustained efforts to foster a diverse corporate culture and its continued commitment to improve environmental, social and economic conditions worldwide. PepsiCo annually commits significant resources to provide grants to community organizations, funds scholarships for university students, and participates in diversity and education nonprofit programs.
• XM Satellite Radio is the recipient of the Leaders for the Digital Economy Award for its role in harnessing the power of information technology to transform business. XMs 150 direct satellite radio channels broadcast to more than 5 million U.S. subscribers using technology that is the first major advance in radio since FM emerged in the 1960s.
• Wayne T. Hockmeyer, Ph.D., chairman and founder of MedImmune Inc., is the winner of the Leadership Excellence award for his significant and positive impact on the biotechnology industry and the mid-Atlantic region. Hockmeyer was chosen for his exemplary leadership in growing MedImmune and for his contributions to the regions biotech industry, including his role as president of MedImmune Ventures Inc., the companys venture capital subsidiary that invests in promising early- to late-stage biotechnology companies. Hockmeyer also serves on several Maryland university and government boards in support of higher education, the industry and the local community.
• Joseph Robert Jr., of JE Robert Companies, is honored with the Public Service Award, a new award this year that recognizes an individual who works with community members to promote social responsibility in governance, business and community life. In 1990 Robert founded Fight For Children, a nonprofit that has provided more than $190 million to fund Washington youth-serving organizations that help children access education, health care and mentoring opportunities. His companys European operation supports a U.K.-based charity that helps children and adults suffering from a rare skin disease.

The Smith Leadership and Excellence Awards honor leaders working to advance business practices and improve their communities, said Dean Frank. I take great pride in presenting this years winners. Their efforts are advancing business thinking as they provide outstanding examples for future generations of business leaders. These honorees have earned a place of distinction and have made an impact with the highest standards and greatest advances in business practices, leadership and principles.

This years honorees were selected from nominations submitted by the regional business and academic communities. Finalists were judged by a distinguished panel of business and academic leaders that included members of the Smith School Board of Visitors, the Deans Advisory Council, faculty and staff.

About the Robert H. Smith School of Business
The Robert H. Smith School of Business is an internationally recognized leader in management education and research for the digital economy. One of 13 colleges and schools at the University of Maryland, College Park, the Smith School offers undergraduate, full-time and part-time MBA, Executive MBA, 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 four continents including North America, Europe, Africa and Asia. More information about the Robert H. Smith School of Business can be found at www.rhsmith.umd.edu.