For their service and immeasurable dedication to the College, the St. Mary’s College of Maryland Board of Trustees named Professor Emeritus Donald R. Stabile and Trustee Emerita Gail Harmon to the Order of the Ark and Dove on Friday, Oct. 10 at the Board's dinner in the Nancy R. & Norton T. Dodge Performing Arts Center.
“Tonight, we have the joy of honoring Professor Emeritus of Economics Don Stabile and Trustee Emerita and former Board Chair Gail Harmon with the College’s highest distinction, the Order of the Ark and Dove, recognizing their extraordinary contributions of time, talent and treasure in support of our mission and our students,” said Board Chair John J. Bell ’95.
The Order of the Ark and Dove was originally created in 1972 to honor those individuals who have given distinguished service to St. Mary’s College. It is the highest honor bestowed by the College.
Donald R. Stabile
Don Stabile joined the economics faculty at St. Mary’s College in 1980 and taught for more than 40 years as the epitome of an engaged professor committed to student learning and achievement. He was named an honorary alumnus in 2004 and professor emeritus in 2024.
He established several scholarships including the Don Stabile Scholars in 2013 to recruit and retain students; the Ho Nguyen Scholarship for Study in Asia in 2008; the Don Stabile Doctoral Alumni Scholarship and the Andy Kozak Faculty Contribution to Student Life Award, both in 2011; the Alumni Postgraduate Scholarship in 2013; and the Norton T. Dodge Award for Scholarly and Creative Achievement for Junior Faculty in 2023.
Stabile created and mentored a student investment club, served as a faculty volunteer on several of the College’s Giving Tuesday campaigns and was an active member of the Taking the LEAD Campaign Steering Committee. More recently, he helped to kick-start the new fundraising effort to revitalize the residence halls.
Stabile has authored 10 books, co-authored two more, written 18 articles in scholarly journals and written more than 100 book reviews. In 2025, he co-wrote and published with SMCM Foundation Director Blu Putnam, “Apprenticeship of Warren Buffett: The Inside Story of Warren Buffett and the Dodge Family Partnerships” with royalties going to support the Nancy R. and Norton T. Dodge Performing Arts Center.
Gail Harmon
Since joining the SMCM Board of Trustees in 2007, Gail Harmon has played an indispensable role in guiding the College, serving as Board Chair from 2013 to 2016, and contributing her knowledge and insights to numerous committees, including Trustee Governance and Institutional Advancement.
She has been a valued adviser and mentor to the Board, the president, senior leadership and the broader campus community, and brought wisdom, candor and strategic perspective while helping to shape a culture of excellence and mission- aligned growth at the College.
Her philanthropy stretches back 25 years and has included substantial contributions to the Center for the Study of Democracy; environmental studies; studentinternships; and both current-use and endowed scholarships. She supported major initiatives, including the Heritage Campaign and the Capital Campaign Challenge that helped build the Jamie L. Roberts Stadium and the Nancy R. and Norton T. Dodge Performing Arts Center, and served on the steering committee of the Taking the LEAD campaign.
In addition, Harmon established the Harmon Fund for Faculty Innovation and the Anne Arundel Hall Courtyard bears her name. Harmon has been a pillar of strength and inspiration for St. Mary’s College of Maryland for almost 20 years. Her impact is profound, dedication unmatched and legacy enduring.
