From the President

If there is a commonly used term in higher education that deserves a closer look, it’s “strategic planning.” At The University of Baltimore, we believe in the power of planning, and we conduct ourselves accordingly. As our campus leadership thinks about the next strategic plan for the University, it’s helpful to consider how our current plan and your generosity have been working together to strengthen the UBalt experience and enrich our community.

In many businesses the sole focus of strategic planning is to reach consensus on the most effective and profitable way to operate— managing budgets, increasing efficiencies, etc. That’s true, but we’re not a corporation. While we lead UBalt with a head for business, we also lead from the heart, and at our heart is people. From that perspective, our current strategic plan, “Re-Imagining UBalt,” provides a roadmap for ensuring individual success through institutional priorities. In the nearly 100-year history of The University of Baltimore, the core mission has been to inspire our tightly knit community to greatness. It’s a strategy that is both practical and aspirational. More importantly, it’s a plan that works.

With The University of Baltimore Foundation’s FY21 Annual Report, we are connecting the dots between philanthropy, planning and purpose. Even in the midst of a global pandemic, you have helped us to meet and, in many cases, exceed our goals. Our shared values, from student achievement to civic engagement, from a diverse and inclusive campus to affordable tuition, are reflected both in our plan and in our open invitation for your continued involvement. The University of Baltimore is about people—you, and me, and all who know and love this legendary institution—and we are here to celebrate and ensure their success. Ultimately, that success relies on your commitment to this institution, alongside a solid plan—a well-considered plan. A holistic plan. A strategic plan.

Sincerely,

KURT L. SCHMOKE
President, The University of Baltimore

From the Board Chair

It’s been a remarkable year at The University of Baltimore. Despite the strain posed by living, working and learning during the COVID-19 pandemic, the UBalt community proved time and again how resilient we are. From students, faculty and staff to alumni and friends, everyone worked together to adapt, innovate and, most importantly, care for each other.

As Chair of the Board, I am proud and deeply grateful that The University of Baltimore Foundation was able to serve as a bedrock during this challenging time. Your perennial support meant we were able to build a foundation that ensured we survived in such circumstances; however, it was your continued, emergent support that guaranteed we thrived.

And thanks to that support, you allowed us to not only meet, but exceed our FY21 fundraising goals. New emergency funding was raised, while existing channels of support were reengaged to ensure students were able to continue their education as seamlessly as possible. New student and community service programs were established, while existing ones expanded. And what’s more, we were still able to reward the hard work and tenacity of the UBalt faculty and students at the end of this unprecedented year.

As you will see from the 2021 Annual Report, The University of Baltimore was able to (and will continue to) realize all this success because of the synergy between the University’s thoughtful strategic planning and the Foundation’s careful financial planning. We had victories large and small, and I hope you enjoy seeing the scope of work your support made possible.

Of all these success stories, witnessing your enduring commitment to our students was one of the greatest. On behalf of The University of Baltimore Foundation, thank you for helping us rise to this challenge.

Sincerely,

NINA K. YUDELL, B.S. ’81, MBA ‘82
Chair, The University of Baltimore Foundation Board of Directors