Startup Bazaar, held April 12 at the Smith School, showcased the state’s tech ecosystem and featured leaders including Lt. Gov. Aruna Miller. The event highlighted Smith’s role in innovation, entrepreneurship and AI, and drew strong participation from startups and state officials.

At Smith’s first “Investing in Excellence” luncheon, donors and students celebrated the life-changing impact of scholarships, which empower students, reduce financial stress, and build futures—an investment in promise, possibility, and the shared pursuit of excellence.

The Dingman Center for Entrepreneurship has been renamed the Dingman-Lamone Center for Entrepreneurship, honoring founder and former Smith School Dean Rudolph P. Lamone. A $3.8 million gift will expand its support for inclusive entrepreneurship, student ventures, and alumni businesses.

The University of Maryland's Robert H. Smith School of Business earned top rankings in U.S. News & World Report’s 2025 Best Online Programs, including No. 14 for Online MBA, with subcategory highlights in marketing (No. 6) and general management (No. 7).

The Association for Financial Professionals (AFP) and the Smith School of Business have partnered to offer AFP members discounted access to expert-led, open-enrollment courses. These courses enhance professional development with topics like AI, Python, and digital transformation taught by renowned Smith faculty.

We’ve had an incredible fall semester! From deepening connections with industry and government to celebrating student success and engaging alumni, the momentum is undeniable.

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.

At the CEO at Smith event, Cava CEO Brett Schulman, UMD ’95, shared the recipe for the Mediterranean chain’s success: a strong culture, relentless curiosity, and emotional resilience. From pioneering digital tools to redefining dining experiences, Schulman offered inspiring lessons on leadership, adaptability, and scaling a brand with heart.

The Smith School celebrated Maryland’s veteran-owned businesses during its 2nd Annual Veterans Small Business Celebration, recognizing 15 entrepreneurs for their outstanding contributions to local economies, innovation, and community impact across the state.

Alumnus Richard Dickson ’90 returned to UMD to discuss his brand-building journey, leading Mattel's Barbie to global success and now revitalizing Gap, Inc. as CEO. Moderated by Dean Prabhudev Konana, Dickson explored brand purpose, technology, sustainability, and personal growth.