CONTACT:
Mike Lurie
Office: 410-455-6380
Cellphone: 443-695-0262
mlurie@umbc.edu

Oct. 18, 2007

BALTIMORE – The Washington Center for Internships and Academic Seminars, the area’s largest provider of academic internship and college seminar opportunities, has recognized the University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC) by presenting its Professional Achievement Award to President Freeman A. Hrabowski.

President Hrabowski received the award at the Washington Center’s “Gala 2007” on Oct. 16 in Washington, D.C. The gala helped to support the Washington Center’s work in advancing the critical agendas of global education and access and achievement for minorities.

The organization also honored House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer (D-Md.) with its Leadership Award and Humberto Moreira Valdes, governor of Coahuila, Mexico, with its Civic Engagement Award.

UMBC and the Washington Center have a significant and growing relationship. Thanks to the Honorable Pete Rawlings Scholarships, provided each year by the Maryland legislature to support students attending internship programs fostered by the Washington Center, UMBC students are able to earn academic credit for their work experience in Washington, D.C.

In a letter inviting President Hrabowski to receive the award, Washington Center President Michael Smith wrote, “We know of no one more worthy of recognition for efforts both to promote the access and achievement of minority students, and to make his campus international in character and outlook.”

The Washington Center for Internships and Academic Seminars is an independent, nonprofit organization serving hundreds of colleges and universities in the United States and other countries by providing selected students challenging opportunities to work and learn in Washington, D.C. for academic credit.