Carlton Arrendell ’84 isn’t worried about how he’s going to stay involved with the University of Maryland once his time on the UMCP Foundation Board of Trustees ends. He knows campus events, particularly, basketball and football games, and long-time friendships with his fraternity brothers will keep him connected.
“I will always be engaged” with UMD, Arrendell said.
As an undergraduate, Arrendell studied economics and pledged Kappa Alpha Psi fraternity. After college, he went on to earn a law degree and launched a career in the real estate industry. He stayed connected to Maryland by going to games and reminiscing with friends, and eventually started going to events with the Washington, D.C., area alumni group. Soon, he began to meet members of the UMD administration, who encouraged him to get involved more formally. He joined the board of trustees in 2009.
“It’s a great experience to be able to give back to the university,” said Arrendell. One of the most valuable parts of serving on the board has been the chance to connect with other Terps who “want to see the university grow and become the greatest institution it can be,” he said.
His term on the board of trustees has lasted through the tenures of three UMD presidents: C. Daniel Mote, Wallace Loh and Darryll J. Pines. A previous member of the executive committee and committee chair, Arrendell said he has enjoyed “helping the president in any way he needs it, from fundraising to highlighting new buildings on campus or rankings.”
Arrendell noted that he’ll keep up with what’s going on in College Park through the work of the Terrapin Development Company, the university’s economic development arm, where he served for several years. TDC has worked to develop The Hotel at the University of Maryland, the City Hall complex and other major new landmarks as part of the Greater College Park initiative.
“There are a variety of ways to get involved,” Arrendell tells young alums who may not be ready. “The university wants you to see the dynamic things that are happening on campus.”
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