The Alumni Excellence Awards
About the Awards
Graduates of the University of Maryland are among the best and brightest in their fields. From scholars and innovators to entrepreneurs, teachers and researchers, our alumni are leaving their mark on our state, nation and world. The Alumni Excellence Awards recognize the accomplishments of select Terps and honor these recipients with distinction. Click here to learn more about the nomination and selection process. Nominations will be accepted May 10 - June 15, 2021.
Rising Terp Award
Honors an alumnus/a under 30 years old who has distinguished themselves personally and professionally. Up to three Rising Terp Awards will be granted annually, celebrating a Terp/s who excel in their career and inspire the next generation of Terp leaders.
2021 Honorees
Nikhil Balakumar ‘14
Head of Market Development - Eastern region, Utildata; Co-Founder, Terp Entrepreneur Network
Balakumar is an innovator, pushing for smarter use of clean energy like electricity and better access to utility company data.
Dani Beckerman ‘12
Owner, Jars by Dani
This rising Terp turned her baking hobby into a thriving business when she founded Jars by Dani in 2013. Now, she sells her neatly packed, colorful cakes nationwide.
Sahil Rahman ‘12 and Rahul Vinod ‘11
Founders and Owners, Rasa
Through their Indian fast-casual eateries, these lifelong friends helped feed more than 20,000 people impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Research Award
Honors an alumnus/a whose research has made a significant impact on the university, the state and/or the nation. Up to three Research Awards will be granted, celebrating a Terp/s whose research is transformational.
2021 Honorees
Autumn Griffin Ph.D. ‘20
Co-Founder, Blackademia
Griffin, a postdoctoral researcher studying technology in the classroom, launched the Blackademia digital network to share and celebrate stories of people of color in academic spaces.
Ruth Kastner ‘82, M.S. ‘92, Ph.D. ‘99
Founder of the Quantum Institute, Author, Educator and UMD Research Associate
Samuel Ramsey Ph.D. ‘18
Entomologist, U.S. Department of Agriculture Bee Research Lab
Ramsey revolutionized the honey bee world when he discovered that a parasite that threatens the population is feeding on bees‘ organs, and not their blood as previously believed.
EnTERPrenuer Award
Honors an entrepreneurial alumnus/a whose company has made a significant impact on the university, the state and/or the nation. Up to three EnTERPreneur Awards will be granted annually, celebrating a Terp/s who has started a business that is fearlessly disrupting its industry.
2021 Honorees
Cate Luzio ‘97
Founder & CEO, Luminary
Luzio founded a collaboration hub for women to develop, network and connect. She recently expanded her online programs to reach women across the country.
Brett Schulman ‘95
CEO, CAVA
Under Schulman‘s direction, the Mediterranean fast-casual chain has expanded to almost 300 restaurants in 24 states, including a location in College Park.
Steve Touw ‘99
Co-Founder and Chief Technology Officer, Immuta
Touw and his UMD Discovery District-based company create software that enables legal and ethical use of data while protecting privacy.
Legacy Award
Honors an alumnus/a who has made a significant impact to their community over their lifetime. Up to three Legacy Awards will be granted annually, celebrating the personal and professional lifetime achievement of Terps.
2021 Honorees
Rebecca Evans Carroll Ed.D. ‘66
Author, Educator and Former Deputy Superintendent of Curriculum and Instruction, Baltimore City Public Schools
In 1962, Carroll became the first African American woman to earn a doctorate from UMD.
Photo courtesy of The Baltimore Sun 1983
Karel Petraitis
President, Prince George's County Terps Alumni Network; Volunteer with Rebounders and Fast Breakers; Former Terrapin Club Board Member
This avid Terps fan grew up in College Park and has spent most of her life supporting UMD.
Greg Schaub ‘82
Retired Managing Director, JP Morgan Chase; Former Member, Alumni Association Board of Governors
Schaub boosts UMD‘s presence in his home state of Texas through networking events and a scholarship he and his wife created.