Remembering Patricia Florestano, Champion of Higher Education

The University of Maryland and the University System of Maryland (USM) mourn the loss and celebrate the life of Patricia Florestano, a former USM regent and a lifelong champion of higher education. She died on May 2 at the age of 90.

Florestano earned three degrees from UMD: a B.A. in American civilization in 1958; an M.A. in American civilization in 1970 and a Ph.D. in government and politics in 1974. She then forged a distinguished career in teaching, administration and public service. She was a member of the faculty of UMD and of the University of Baltimore, focusing her teaching on urban studies. 

Among her many career accomplishments, Florestano worked for the UMD Alumni Office and served a fellowship with then-state Sen. Steny Hoyer ’63. Florestano became vice president for governmental relations for USM in 1985.

Upon an appointment by then-Gov. Parris Glendening, Florestano was Maryland’s secretary of Higher Education for five years and directed the Maryland Higher Education Commission. Her dedication to the state and its institutions of higher education also included 14 years of service on the USM Board of Regents, including as its chair. 

“The UMD community is extremely proud of Dr. Florestano’s enduring legacy of leadership. Her commitment to higher education has and will continue to have a lasting impact on our university, and on the University System of Maryland. Dr. Florestano is a distinguished alumna who valued learning, teaching, innovation in education, and service,” said Dean Susan Rivera of the College of Behavioral and Social Sciences. “As we reflect on her work, and celebrate her life, we offer our deepest condolences to Dr. Florestano’s family, friends and colleagues.”