---
title: New Award Celebrates Advancement as a Team Sport at UMD
date: 2026-09-02T17:27:00-04:00
author: Geoff Coyle
canonical_url: "https://forward.umd.edu/news/new-award-celebrates-advancement-as-a-team-sport-at-umd"
section: News
---
# New Award Celebrates Advancement as a Team Sport at UMD

*September 2, 2026* — by Geoff Coyle
> University Relations recognized six campus partners whose collaboration, leadership and commitment strengthen philanthropy and engagement across the University of Maryland.

By: Jessica D. Wilson  
  
<span>The Division of University Relations is tasked with spearheading the effort to raise $2.5 billion for </span>*Forward: The University of Maryland Campaign for the Fearless*<span>. But they know very well they cannot do it alone.</span>

<span>While more than 200 people work in UR, the team needs to partner with many people outside the division–whether at the university or in the community–to accomplish this fundraising goal. </span>

<span>Effective partnerships between UR and the community have existed for decades but the first year of the </span>*Forward* <span>campaign, UMD’s most ambitious fundraising initiative to date, has afforded an opportunity to elevate these efforts. To celebrate those in the community who provide cross-campus support for University Relations, the division has launched the Partner-in-Advancement Award. </span>

<span>The award recognizes individuals whose collaboration, leadership and commitment have advanced UMD’s mission through development, engagement, stewardship, alumni relations, data infrastructure and/or communications. Six people were selected to receive the inaugural award this year.</span>

<span>“When we are doing our work effectively it’s because the university's community is coming together in support of our mission to grow philanthropy and engagement across our campus,” said Vice President of University Relations Jim Harris. “The people selected this year really demonstrate how advancement is a team sport and how many people outside this division have a role in the work we do every day.”</span>

<span>The recipients were chosen from a competitive pool of nominees and recognized at the UR Summer Summit on Sept. 1, 2026. As part of the award, they were given the opportunity to select a University of Maryland College Park Foundation fund to receive a $1,000 contribution. </span>

<span>The Partner-in-Advancement Award recipients are:</span>

*Photo of Ashley Bair*




*Photo of Megan Gebregziabher.*




*Photo of Doron Levy.*




*Photo of Javier Mena.*




*Photo of Nelson Riley.*




*Photo of Nicole Roop.*