Debo Ayeni ’00, MBA ’07, leads Research and Analytics at ABR Capital Partners. A longtime Smith School supporter, he established a Maryland Promise Program Scholarship in 2024 and serves on the Accounting and Information Assurance Advisory Council. He believes in "paying it forward" to help future Smith students succeed.

On November 14, 2024, the Smith School celebrated the Dean's Circle, inducting 15 new members for significant lifetime contributions.

Elana Fine ’97, CEO of VWG Wealth Management, exemplifies an entrepreneurial mindset through her career and leadership. As a former director and current board member of the Dingman-Lamone Center, she champions student entrepreneurship and supports next-generation business leaders.

Jitin “Miki” Ahuja credits the University of Maryland for shaping his outlook on risk-taking and success. As founder of SpaceJet Media and London Lane Capital, he champions alumni engagement and entrepreneurial exploration.

Ish Dugal ’05 and his wife, Priya Atur Dugal ’05, established the Dugal Impact Fellowship to support aspiring entrepreneurs. Administered by Smith’s Dingman-Lamone Center for Entrepreneurship, the fellowship provides stipends for University of Maryland students interning with startups, fostering hands-on experience and entrepreneurial grit.

The Smith Alumni Board (SAB) connects alumni and students through impactful programs while fostering personal and professional growth for members. Alumni like Diran Balogun, Smita Rao, and Zach Joyner share how serving on the board enhances their Smith connections.

The Smith Alumni Board (SAB) strengthens alumni connections with the Smith School through events, networking, and philanthropy. Committees focus on alumni engagement, career services, and fundraising, creating opportunities for mentorship, experiential learning, and community-building while promoting the school’s mission and goals.

The Smith School celebrated two new active-learning classrooms: a virtual teaching studio funded by Bill Boyle ’81 and an experiential learning space supported by Ab ’81 and Kristen Krall. These state-of-the-art facilities advance innovative, flexible education for students.

During the annual Smith Advisory Council Day, students at Maryland’s Smith School of Business showcased experiential learning projects and engaged with industry leaders. Advisory council members discussed program improvements, highlighting increased experiential learning and networking with faculty, alumni, and peers.

Ed-Lamar Petion ’24, a digital artist and Smith School graduate in supply chain management and marketing, joined Microsoft's SCORE program. Balancing his career and art business, Petion draws inspiration from his upbringing and UMD resources to fuel his entrepreneurial journey.