On September 6, the University of Maryland Alumni Association hosted its highly anticipated Volunteer Leader Awards Dinner, honoring the outstanding contributions of Terp alumni and students. The event took place at the Samuel Riggs IV Alumni Center, where honorees were recognized for their unwavering dedication to the Terp community. Attendees enjoyed an evening of celebration and recognition, with a sense of pride and community resonating throughout the event.

Here’s a look at the evening's award recipients and their remarkable achievements:

The evening kicked off by honoring Kaitlyn Zhou, who was awarded the 2024 Student of the Year. As president of the Student Alumni Leadership Council (SALC), Kaitlyn has made her mark on the university, advocating for students and forging connections with campus leadership. In her role, she represents the student voice on the Alumni Association’s Board of Governors and played a key part in welcoming over 5,000 new students at the New Student Welcome event.

Kaitlyn’s leadership extends beyond SALC, as she also serves as president of Omicron Delta Kappa Honors Society and treasurer for Ballet Company M. Her dedication to fostering a sense of unity among various student organizations has left a lasting impact across campus.

New to the Baltimore Terps Alumni Network, Eve Longlade '88 made an immediate impact as the recipient of the Emerging Leader of the Year award. Since joining in July 2023, Eve has led four major events, including the “Cheers to Careers” and “Terps Toast the Season,” successfully bringing alumni together and strengthening the Baltimore network. Her fresh ideas and commitment have revitalized the network, proving her to be a vital asset to the Terp community.

The Do Good Service Award was presented to the Latinx Alumni Network for their incredible work with Food Justice DMV during the university’s Do Good Service Month. Ten board members from the network came together to bag and distribute essential supplies to families in the DMV area, highlighting food insecurity and uplifting immigrant communities. The event, held in April 2024, was not only a service project but also a demonstration of the network's deep commitment to community service.

Two networks were recognized for hosting the Event of the Year: the School of Public Health Alumni Network and the School of Public Policy Alumni Network. Their event, “Terrapin Perspectives: Exploring the Intersectional Impact of Gun Violence in the DMV,” brought together expert voices to discuss the effects of gun violence on the region. This thought-provoking conversation showcased the power of interdisciplinary collaboration and marked an important moment in the ongoing Terrapin Perspectives series.

A pillar of the Howard County and Prince George’s County alumni boards, Stacy Snyder '83 was honored as Volunteer of the Year. Over her seven years of service, Stacy has demonstrated leadership, kindness, and dedication to growing the Howard County Board. Her role as president and continued support as an at-large member have been instrumental in the board's success, further strengthening the Terp alumni community.

The College of Education Alumni Network was named Network of the Year for their outstanding efforts in expanding alumni engagement and supporting early educators. With 14 active board members, they hosted eight events that connected over 700 alumni, including professional development workshops and networking opportunities. Their focus on education and community impact has played a pivotal role in addressing the national teacher shortage while fostering a strong Terp network.

The evening ended with a heartfelt message of gratitude to all the volunteers whose hard work makes the University of Maryland Alumni Association a world-class organization. Congratulations to all the award recipients for their exemplary service and contributions to the Terp community!

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