University of Maryland Medicine Philanthropy
SOM Celebration February 21, 2026
Celebration of Excellence in Medicine

2026 Celebration of Excellence in Medicine

Celebration of Excellence in Medicine
Powered by Community

Saturday, February 21, 2026
5:15 - 10:30 p.m.

Weinman Hall/M&T Bank Exchange
France-Merrick Performing Arts Center
401 W. Fayette Street
Baltimore, MD 21201

Tickets are $250 each
This includes the cocktail reception, dinner, beverages, dessert, and access to the after-party.

About the Celebration

The Celebration of Excellence in Medicine, Powered by Community is the University of Maryland School of Medicine’s signature event — celebrating the academic excellence, innovation, and community engagement that define our institution. We honor distinguished faculty and alumni whose leadership in education, research, and patient care has made a lasting impact on their communities and advanced access to medical education and practice.

Schedule of Events

 5:15 pm Registration Opens
 5:30 pm Cocktail Reception and Art Exhibition
 6:30 pm Dinner and Program
 8:30 pm Dessert Reception, DJ & Dancing
10:30 pm Event Concludes

Proceeds will support scholarships for University of Maryland School of Medicine students — both merit- and need-based, including the Dean Emeritus Donald E. Wilson Scholarship Fund, an endowed scholarship supporting incoming medical students and honoring the legacy of Dean Emeritus Donald E. Wilson and his vision for expanding access to medical education.

Proceeds will also support professional development and curricular enrichment programs for faculty, staff, and students at the University of Maryland School of Medicine, along with community programming led by members of our academic community. Together, these initiatives cultivate the next generation of medical professionals and strengthen the communities we serve.

Rooted in collaboration and purpose, Celebration of Excellence in Medicine, Powered by Community is more than an event — it’s a call to invest in talent, expand opportunity, and shape a stronger future for health care.


Host

Dean Mark T. Gladwin, MD

Mark T. Gladwin, MD
Dean, University of Maryland School of Medicine
Vice President for Medical Affairs, UM Baltimore
John Z. and Akiko K. Bowers Distinguished Professor and Dean


Dean's Faculty and Alumni Awards for Humanism in Medicine

Submit your nominations today!

Each year, the Dean’s Faculty and Alumni Awards for Humanism in Medicine honor one outstanding faculty member and one distinguished alumnus from the University of Maryland School of Medicine. These awards celebrate individuals for their extraordinary work to advance excellence in medical education and expand access to healthcare and progress in medicine for all.

Nominations for these awards are due by Friday, December 19, 2025.

Nominations can also be submitted online:


University of Maryland Medicine Inclusive Excellence in Medicine Fund

Charitable gifts to the University of Maryland Medicine Inclusive Excellence in Medicine Fund broaden scholarships, professional development, and community outreach programs for faculty and staff in the vibrant communities we serve.

Your gift will:

  • Expand opportunities and provide vital resources to foster a supportive and thriving environment.
  • Ensure that qualified and talented students of all backgrounds can pursue their medical aspirations.
  • Support research initiatives and curriculum development focused on addressing healthcare disparities, promoting health equity, and ensuring cultural competency training.
  • Strengthen support for faculty members to provide students with role models, mentors, and advocates who will help guide their academic and professional success.

Donate


Dean Emeritus Donald E. Wilson Endowed Scholarship Fund

Gifts to the Dean Wilson Scholarship help driven and qualified students of all backgrounds get the support they need to succeed at the University of Maryland School of Medicine.

Ayooluwakiitan Oluwafemi, Award Recipient

Ayooluwakiitan Oluwafemi

2024 Dean Emeritus Donald E. Wilson Scholarship Recipient

Donate


Contact Us for More Information

Julie Ecke 
University of Maryland Medicine
110 S. Paca St. Baltimore, MD 21201
Phone: 410-328-8450
Email: jecke@som.umaryland.edu

 

Sponsors

Thank You To Our Celebration Sponsors!

Sponsorship Opportunities

To learn more about sponsorship opportunities, please contact:

Elly Gasaway
Special Events Coordinator
University of Maryland Medicine Philanthropy 
Office: 410-328-8707
Email: EGasaway@som.umaryland.edu


Premier Sponsor

Whiting-Turner logo