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The Maryland Awards: Meet This Year's Honorees

The Maryland Awards: Meet This Year's Honorees

2025 Maryland Awards honoree headshots over an upscale black and gold background

Each year, we celebrate and honor the achievements of seven outstanding Terps at A Celebration of Terps: Featuring The Maryland Awards. These awards recognize fearless alums who have risen to the highest levels of public service, launched successful companies and made groundbreaking discoveries.

This year's alums are building a better tomorrow by nourishing communities here in Maryland, and around the world. They elevate women leaders and champion inclusive global growth. They work to safeguard our world’s health, and drive sustainable innovation. Chosen by the Alumni Association’s Board of Governors Awards and Recognition Committee, these honorees demonstrate the impact of a Maryland education put into action. Check out the ways these Terps are inspiring us to always move Forward, and showing us just how far Terps can go.

First lady moore official portrait

First Lady Dawn Flythe Moore '97

Hall of Fame Inductee

First Spouse of Maryland

Brendan Iribe headshot

Brendan Iribe '01

President's Award

Co-founder, Oculus VR, Inc.

Kevin J. Tu headshot

Kevin Tu '23

Outstanding Young Alumnus Award

Founder, Sustainabli

Rita R. Colwell  headshot

Rita R. Colwell

Spirit of Maryland Award

Distinguished University Professor

Margo Thomas Headshot

Margo Thomas, Ph.D. '90

Elaine Johnson Coates Award

Founder & CEO, Women's Economic Imperative

Jackie Cardello

Jackie Cardello '93

Tyser Gottwals Award

President and Managing Partner, GRF CPAs & Advisors

Omar Tarabishi headshot

Omar Tarabishi '13 M.A. '21

Do Good Award

Co-Founder and Executive Director of Leftover Love, Inc.