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Oct. 6: AGNR Open House Oct. 7: Brunch and Gallery Exhibit of Ancient Stabiae Oct. 12: MacLeod Lecture in Children's Literature
Oct. 17: Driskell Center Inaugural Exhibition Opening
Oct. 19: Inside Maryland
Oct. 19: Smith School of Business Campaign Celebration
Oct. 23: First Year Book Lecture
Nov. 8: Maryland Society
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This is a great opportunity for the general public to learn about the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, its academic programs, research programs across the state, and how Maryland Cooperative Extension strives to meet the needs of our citizens. For more information, call 301.405.2128.
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 Helping Students Reach for the Stars
 Loyal Terp Paves Way to Maryland from the Virgin Islands
"As I talked about Maryland, they all shared their own stories about being educated in prominent colleges on the mainland and other countries. They describe the poor education system on the island and how challenging it is to live there and get an education," says Dawson. "They all go away, but they all come back to the island to live and help support scholarships for others. I'm making my home here now, and I want to do the same." Dawson recently established a new scholarship at Maryland to pave the way for a student from the Virgin Islands. His initial $80,000 gift will cover all expenses for a student for four years and the employees of his Beltsville-based company will become the student's family away from home. You can bet that Dawson will also be a frequent visitor, and will introduce the student to Maryland football. "When I lived here I never missed a game. That record has slipped a bit since I moved to the islands, but not much," he says. "We really want to create a network of support for this student, to help assure that he or she will succeed at Maryland. We want to keep them motivated and let them know we care," says Dawson. He even plans to work with schools on the islands to help interest students in Maryland. A handful of students typically complete applications to the university each year but only six have enrolled in the past three years. "With this scholarship, money will not be the issue for at least one student," says Dawson. For someone who worked full time to pay his own way through college, Dawson says he knows how financial strife can burden a student. "I started as a day student and had to finish as a night student through University of Maryland University College in 1977. I did this after six years, working 40 to 50 hours a week the whole time to meet expenses," he said. "I love this university. I didn't want to give just a general scholarship to Virgin Islands students; I want them to come to Maryland." And when they return to the islands, Dawson says "Terp Chaos," the turtle sculpture he purchased during the university's 150th anniversary celebration, will be there to welcome them home.  | ||||||
