St. Mary’s College of Maryland President Tuajuanda C. Jordan, with the Alumni Relations/Institutional Advancement team, will visit Maryland alumni in their own backyard for the first time since the pandemic. This initiative, known as the “Taking the LEAD Tour,” features special gatherings in Annapolis, Bethesda, Baltimore, Frederick and Columbia, Maryland.
The first three “tour stops” are scheduled to occur at local museums, providing alumni with an opportunity to explore the history of their region alongside fellow graduates. In addition, alumni will learn about recent developments at St. Mary’s College and how to stay connected to their alma mater.
The tour’s name is inspired by “Taking the LEAD: The Campaign for St. Mary’s College of Maryland,” a $20 million campaign which was publicly launched during a campus-wide celebration on September 22, 2023. The campaign rapidly gained momentum during the quiet phase of fundraising (July 2020 - June 2023), raising $13.6 million towards the overall goal through gifts from more than 100 generous donors, many of them alumni.
President Jordan will provide attendees with a brief overview of the campaign and its tie-in to how the College is charting a bold course for the future with the new 2023-26 Rising Tide strategic plan. Director of Alumni Relations Dave Sushinsky ’02 will highlight the many ways alumni can stay engaged in the Alumni Association.
There is no cost to register for the Taking the LEAD Tour, but preregistration is required. Alumni will receive exclusive access to museum grounds, free parking, complimentary hors d’oeuvres and a cash bar. Spouses / partners are also invited to attend, and children are invited to the family-friendly Baltimore event. Details about each tour stop are listed below.
Registration is currently open for all Maryland tour stops.
Annapolis, Maryland
On Thursday, October 26 at 5:30 p.m., alumni from the Annapolis region and their spouses / partners are invited to gather at the Annapolis Maritime Museum to explore the rich maritime heritage of the Chesapeake Bay.
North Bethesda, Maryland
On Thursday, November 2 at 5:30 p.m., alumni from the Montgomery County region and their spouses / partners are invited to gather at the Josiah Henson Museum and Park to learn about the legacy of Josiah Henson, a former enslaved person who escaped to freedom and became a prominent abolitionist and author.
Baltimore, Maryland
On Wednesday, December 13 at 5:30 p.m., alumni from the Baltimore region and their families are invited to attend a winter wonderland-themed event at the B&O Railroad Museum. This fascinating institution explores the history and heritage of American railroads, with a particular focus on the Baltimore and Ohio Railroads. The museum will be decorated for the holidays, and special holiday-themed activities for the young and young-at-heart will be available.
Coming in 2024: Frederick and Columbia, Maryland
Details for the Frederick and Columbia tour stops will be released shortly. Alumni who register now will be the first to receive details once available.
