Five Volunteer Leader Awardees Making a Difference in their Terp Communities

The Do Good Service Award honors outstanding community service efforts that embody the spirit of giving back and making a meaningful difference. The Prince George's County Terps Alumni Network hosted an event during Do Good Service Month in April that served as an example of the impact that Terps have when they come together with local community partners. In collaboration with Prince George’s County Parks and Recreation and the Prince George’s County Animal Services Division, this event brought alums and community members together at Watkins Regional Park for a day focused on connection, community, and saving lives. Attendees had the opportunity to meet and adopt rescue dogs, while families introduced their children to dogs for the first time. Terps also joined with their own four-legged companions, creating a true community feeling. Two dogs were adopted at this event, and it built a strong relationship between the network and its community partners. 

The Event of the Year has made a significant impact through its thought-provoking content and exceptional execution. Jump Start Your Teaching Career embodied both of those traits by making a big difference for the next generation of alums. Hosted by the College of Education Alumni Network for over a decade, the event connects aspiring educators with experienced alums, school leaders, and hiring professionals to help them navigate the transition from college to the classroom. This past year, more than 140 students registered for the program, with 52 alums participating in mock interviews and professional development conversations.  Representing graduation years from 1978 through 2025 and school systems across Maryland, these alums brought decades of experience and a wide range of perspectives to help students build confidence, strengthen their interviewing skills, and prepare for successful careers in education. Jump Start Your Teaching Career not only received positive feedback from alums, but also served to strengthen relationships between the University and Maryland school districts, connecting talented future educators with opportunities across the state.

Emerging Network of the Year acknowledges a new group of leaders that have demonstrated remarkable initiative and impact. The Pride Alumni Network's work over the past year is a testament to what intentional leadership, strategic partnerships, and a clear vision can accomplish in a short period of time. In just two years, the network has transformed from a dormant alumni community into a highly engaged affinity network, thanks to the dedication of just three board members. At the center of the network’s success is the launch and growth of a signature annual program: Pride Happy Hour held in honor and celebration of Pride Month.  Now in its second consecutive year, this flagship event has become a meaningful tradition that celebrates LGBTQ+ Terps while fostering connection, belonging, and pride among alums, students, and friends of the university. The network has developed strong relationships with the Terp community, including partnering with the University’s LGBTQ+ Equity Center and engaging more than 100 Terps through programs and initiatives. 

Volunteer of the Year is an accolade that honors an individual whose dedication and impact have truly stood out. Aurelia Michael-Holmgren exemplifies the spirit of a leader through her enthusiasm and dedication to building a strong and engaged alumni community. As President of the LA Terps Alumni Network, she brings exceptional organization, creativity, and energy to her leadership. She has strengthened the network’s foundation by creating shared tools and resources, spearheading board recruitment efforts, and finding creative ways to invite alums to get involved. Over the past year, Michael-Holmgren has not only launched a social media video series to showcase how alums can participate, she also consistently supports Alumni Association efforts in LA and nationwide. 

A dedicated fundraiser and goal-setter, Michael-Holmgren was a huge part of the network’s success on Giving Day in March raising over $350 dollars for 15 donors. Her leadership has touched events, recruitment, fundraising, volunteer engagement, and network development, strengthening the LA Terps community. 

Network of the Year recognizes outstanding achievement as a network in growing membership, creating impactful programming, expanding outreach and supporting the goals and mission of the University of Maryland Alumni Association. The Northern Virginia (NOVA) Terps Alumni Network exemplifies what is possible when passionate volunteers come together with purpose, creativity, and a commitment to serving their alumni community. In the past year, the NOVA Terps hosted 14 volunteer-driven events that attracted more than 475 attendees, offering professional development, social, educational, and community service opportunities.

From Generative AI and International Women’s Leadership programs to Muse Paint Bar, Cirque du Soleil, Pokémon GO, Terps Trivia, and football game watches, this network intentionally created a variety of experiences that reach alumni across generations, interests, and life stages—including families and early- to mid-career professionals. In a truly collaborative fashion, this network’s board leaders have partnered with the Alumni Association, Maryland Athletics, fellow alumni networks, the Robert H. Smith School of Business, university partners and Terp-owned businesses throughout Northern Virginia.

As just one example of impact among many, the NOVA Terps' partnership with Athletics on a Maryland-UCLA football watch party helped launch the Next Gen Terps program, contributing to more than 60 members and more than $18,000 raised in its inaugural year. The NOVA Terps also maintains a strong commitment to Doing Good. Volunteers prepared 80 meals and 160 sandwiches and assembled 50 snack packs for the Embry Rucker Community Shelter. 

Through intentional planning, diverse programming, strong partnerships, and a culture of continuous improvement,  this network has grown into an engaged and impactful volunteer community.