Introduction

In 1874, during commencement exercises at Ford's Opera House, a group of graduates of the University of Maryland School of Medicine gathered to discuss the formation of an alumni association. Leading the effort was Dr. George W. Miltenberger, class of 1840. Highly regarded for his medical acumen, Miltenberger was elected to the faculty as demonstrator in anatomy upon his graduation. More importantly, Miltenberger had served as dean of the medical school from 1855-69, during which time he witnessed the devastating impact that state fiscal reductions made on academic programs. He advocated a free-standing alumni association, supported entirely by financial contributions from its membership and immune to the ebbs and flows of state funding and politics. Miltenberger accurately predicted that, given the chance, alumni would relish the opportunity to control their own destiny and thus better support an independent and autonomous organization. In 1875, the Medical Alumni Association was born, and formal meetings began with the election of a president.

"Much may be done by an active and influential association, both through moral influences and substantial support, to stimulate, encourage and strengthen the efforts of those who, for the time being, direct and control the destinies of the institution." Eugene Cordell, M.D. (Class of 1868) 24th president, Medical Alumni Association

Mission Statement of the Medical Alumni Association of the University of Maryland, Inc.
The Medical Alumni Association, in continuous operation since 1875, is an independent charitable organization dedicated to supporting the University of Maryland School of Medicine and Davidge Hall.