Dean's Message Donald E. Wilson, MD, MACP, The John Z. and Akiko K. Bowers Distinguished Professor and Dean

Since announcing my intention to retire last September, I have had occasion to contemplate my 14-plus years as dean of the University of Maryland School of Medicine. The memories of the challenges we faced are overtaken by the memories of our successes as we worked together to make this medical school the outstanding institution it is today. I have made many friends and forged many partnerships along the way.

One of the medical school’s most important partners is the Medical Alumni Association. When I arrived here in 1991, I was impressed by the fact that our alumni association is the oldest independent medical alumni association in the country. But I admit that I was a bit skeptical about how successful we could be as a team with an alumni association that was a separate entity. Over the years, however, I came to realize that it can—and does—work, and that the partnership we have forged is a strong one. The relationship between the school and its alumni has never been better.

Recognizing his 15 years of outstanding leadership as dean of the University of Maryland School of Medicine, the Medical Alumni Association Board of Directors voted to confer Honorary Alumni Membership upon Dr. Wilson in spring. The motion won unanimous approval at a meeting on November 23. It will be confirmed by the general membership during the Recognition Luncheon on Friday, May 5 at Westminster Hall during the 131st Medical Alumni Association Reunion.

I know that this medical school—and this campus—today is very different than the one from which most of you graduated. I often say that if you haven’t been here in five years or more, you wouldn’t recognize the place. We’ve been building new buildings and expanding our reach. We’ve actually crossed Martin Luther King, Jr. Boulevard—which is an historic occasion indeed—with the new UMB BioPark. And one of my goals before I leave next fall is to lay the foundation, so to speak, for Health Sciences Facility III.

We have worked very hard to make the medical school an institution of which you can be proud. Our research enterprise continues to grow, and we continue to recruit exceptional faculty and students. Your continued support of our teaching, clinical and research missions is critical to our future success. And of course I wouldn’t be a good dean if I didn’t remind you—again—that your financial support is also of paramount importance. You have been so generous over the years. I want you to know how grateful I am and how grateful the medical school is for that unwavering support.

The alumni and the alumni association have been very supportive of me and my deanship. And for that I am most appreciative. I am always pleased to see so many alumni come back each year for Reunion. I will look forward to seeing many of you this May. It will be a bittersweet time for me as it will be my last commencement, my last Reunion—the first of many lasts for me. But it helps knowing that the Medical Alumni Association, which has been around for 131 years, will continue its good and important work, long after I am no longer dean.

Thank you.