- September 04, 2026
- By Jessica D. Wilson
Six University of Maryland staff members who have played outsize roles in supporting the Division of University Relations (UR) in Forward: The University of Maryland Campaign for the Fearless have been honored with its inaugural Partner-in-Advancement Award.
The UR team is partnering with many others at the university and in the community in order to reach the fundraising initiative’s $2.5 billion goal. Following its launch last October, the division sought to spotlight those efforts. The new award recognizes individuals whose collaboration, leadership and commitment have advanced UMD’s mission in six areas: development, engagement, stewardship, alumni relations, data infrastructure and/or communications.
“When we are doing our work effectively it’s because the university's community is coming together in support of our mission to grow philanthropy and engagement across our campus,” said Vice President of University Relations Jim Harris. “The people selected this year really demonstrate how advancement is a team sport and how many people outside this division have a role in the work we do every day.”
The recipients were chosen from a competitive pool of nominees and recognized at the UR Summer Summit on Tuesday. They were each given the opportunity to select a University of Maryland College Park Foundation fund to receive a $1,000 contribution.
Ashley Bair, Assistant to the President and Director of Protocol and Events, Office of the President
Bair leads campuswide initiatives and events that contribute to meaningful alumni and donor engagement, prepares the president to meet advancement objectives, and works with UR on presidential acknowledgments as well as personalized outreach to the university’s highest-level donors and prospects. Bair will give her $1,000 gift to the Keep Me Maryland Fund.
Megan Gebregziabher, Director of Operations and Chief of Staff, Office of the Senior Vice President and Provost, Division of Academic Affairs
Gebregziabher regularly facilitates opportunities for UR leadership to interact with deans on important initiatives and events. She was instrumental in the development of a new multidisciplinary fundraising structure and served an integral role in the inaugural Maryland Women’s Society event. Gebregziabher has chosen the Maryland Women’s Society as the recipient of the $1,000 contribution.
Doron Levy, Chair of the Department of Mathematics and Director of the Brin Mathematics Research Center, College of Computer, Mathematical, and Natural Sciences
Levy has helped raise tens of millions of dollars for the Department of Mathematics, CMNS and initiatives across campus. Most recently, he helped secure a generous gift from the Brin family. Levy will give his $1,000 gift to the Student Mental Health and Well-Being Endowment.
Javier Mena, Assistant Director of Regional Recruitment and Alumni Relations, Undergraduate Admissions, Enrollment Management
Mena has rallied more than 400 alums to volunteer as representatives at regional college fairs, during open house events, and at other admissions-related activities. He also serves as a liaison to alums and donors navigating the undergraduate admissions application process and scheduling campus visits. Mena will give his $1,000 gift to the Latinx Student Advocacy Scholarship.
Nelson Riley, Multi Trades Supervisor II, Facilities Management
Riley consistently goes above and beyond his duties to support the Office of Special Events, including accommodating last-minute requests. Knowledgeable, responsive and friendly, he regularly offers additional hours beyond his typical workday to support the UR team. Riley will give his gift to the Green Maryland Gift Fund.
Nicole Roop, Program Director, Undergraduate Student Affairs, A. James Clark School of Engineering
Roop works with students, faculty, and Engineering and UR staff to ensure donor intent and scholarship criteria are met. She has helped build a culture of stewardship in the Clark School by guiding students through the scholarship acceptance process, including their preparation of biographies and personalized thank-you letters. Roop will split her $1,000 gift between the Fourney Scholarship Endowment and the Dally and Fourney Outstanding Instructional Support Endowed Student Prize in Engineering.