Statement by University System of Maryland Board Chair Linda Gooden and Chancellor Robert L. Caret on the Passing of U.S. Rep. Elijah Cummings
BALTIMORE, Md. – We were deeply saddened to learn early this morning of the passing of U.S. Rep. Elijah Cummings—this is a tremendous loss for the City of Baltimore, the citizens of Maryland and the entire nation.Congressman Cummings was a determined and passionate advocate for higher education. In Maryland, that advocacy included his legacy as an alumnus of the University of Maryland School of Law and his service on the University of Maryland School of Law Board of Advisors and the Morgan State University governing board. At the University of Maryland, College Park, Rep. Cummings was the December 2017 commencement speaker and received an honorary Doctor of Public Service in recognition of his distinguished public career of empowering the community he served and his tireless work on such causes as education, health care, housing, and civil rights. It is fitting that today, during our annual Board of Regents retreat, we can remember Mr. Cummings with such deep fondness and an awareness of the transformative power of public higher education.
Congressman Cummings dedicated his public life to seeing that others had access to quality schools and affordable colleges and universities. The University System of Maryland—our board, our presidents, our faculty, and especially our students—are the beneficiaries of this life so well-lived. Our thoughts and condolences go out to his family during this difficult time.
Contact: Mike Lurie
Phone: 301.445.2719
Email: mlurie@usmd.edu