UMD Poised to Do More Good

The University of Maryland will dramatically expand its endeavors as the nation’s first Do Good campus, enhancing opportunities for students, nonprofit leaders and social innovators to make a difference in their communities and around the world.

This growth, announced on Maryland Day with the unveiling of a new campus icon (above), includes new Do Good courses, funding for faculty and staff positions, and support for students with ideas to create a social impact. It will also enable research in philanthropy and nonprofit management, and training for others to succeed in those fields.

“Our students step onto campus wanting to make an impact from day one,” said Robert C. Orr, dean of the School of Public Policy, which houses UMD’s Do Good Institute. “The programs and hands-on learning experiences of this next expanded era of the Do Good campus will provide opportunities for all students to develop the skills and expertise they need to go out and change the world.”

The Do Good Institute, the hub of “Do Good” activities, engages students in courses, internships, mentoring and its marquee Do Good Challenge. Student-founded Do Good initiatives have tackled a wide range of societal problems: The Food Recovery Network, which combats waste by donating unserved food from dining halls, sports venues and group meetings, has spread to 190 college campuses. The James Hollister Wellness Foundation collects and distributes unexpired medication, and has supplied more than $8 million worth of recycled medicine to Ukrainians.

Some of Do Good’s greatest achievements will be displayed on interactive screens in Thurgood Marshall Hall, home of the School of Public Policy. Do Good Plaza, outside the building, features a new, 8-foot-tall sculpture of the words “Do Good,” illuminated with more than 300 LED modules that can create thousands of colors.