America's Best Leaders: Freeman Hrabowski, University of Maryland-Baltimore County
Reader Comments
OVERRATED
Can anyone say overrated much? In a survey conducted each semester for the past two years, a whopping 88% of students say that they wish they had never come to UMBC, and they can honestly say they hate it. Many students typically comment on how it is like a high school. And the point of of university is to be adults and be treated as such.
Personally, I have witnessed the corruption within the faculty of the university as well as the police officers on campus. They basically run rampant and make up any rules that suit what they wish to accomplish in that given instance. Furthermore, this high school which the overrated and over-glorified Hrabowski presides hates all greek life and sports. Not to mention they rip you off for every cent you have. Additionally, the food is worse than prison food and there is no parking EVER. Why don't we spend some of that money on better things for the students? In fact, they are even trying to get rid of the pub on campus, the one place you can drink on campus (if you're 21).
If you are planning on going to UMBC save yourself the trouble. Hrabowsi is overrated and does not deserve this or any other award. And, what in the world does the top 5 'up and coming schools'? does that mean we arent even listed in the top 1,000 schools in the nation. I take that ranking as a slap in the face and so should anyone else.
If you want to be happy in your college years and get a better ranked degree of ANY field (and more degree options also), go to UMD College Park or Towson. You will have a BLAST!!!!
Hrabowski just wants to be known, that all. He is no one and has accomplished nothing nor has his worthless high school which is mislabed as a university.
Lastly, what is up with the name? Maybe it would be a tiny bit better if the school was called something that could be more readily identified such as "Maryland State." Instead everyone always finds themselves having to explain the acronym which basically makes the school look even more sub-par and like a satelite campus or community college of College Park.
So Hrabowski, you and your university can shove it far into your gaper. You are trying too hard and it shows.
Athletic view point
Having been the soccer coach since 1991 I can attest to Dr.Hrabowski's support for the athletic department. He has really helped take an active interest in all of our teams. He is very deserving of this award. Congratulations.
Charisma Squared plus Leadership to the 5th power
Freeman charisma squared plus his leadership skills to the 5th power has been a winning back formula for many of the first graduating classes of UMBC. These early graduates had not be contacted by UMBC for many years after they had graduated. Then, with Freeman's focus on alumni, many of us have become very involved in supporting UMBC financially and by helping new graduates to find jobs. The classes of 1970 to 1972 just had a reunion and UMBC sent a representative who brought many shirts, caps and other memorabilia to give the renunion the sparkle that it needed. Nobody could have done it better that Freeman.
Jack Mullen
Class of 1972
Couldn't Agree More
Dr. Hrabowski inspired me to step out of my own comfort area. When I learned of the work that he was pushing with young men in Baltimore City, I myself signed on to be a teacher in urban Philadelphia. My experiences can not be replicated, and I can't help but think to myself that it would have all been impossible had I not had the chance to attend UMBC and to be in the presence of Dr. Hrabowski and the rest of the outstanding UMBC faculty. Kudos to you, Dr. Hrabowski!
Exceptional By Example
President Dr. Hrabowski has been an outstanding leader for all groups on campus at UMBC as well as for many other institutions, programs and individuals on a global scale. I am a staff member, Co-Chair of the President's Commission for Women, as well as a graduate of the ACTiVATE program that teaches women to start technology companies. In all areas Dr. Hrabowski has provided strong support and the kind of exceptional leadership we all need in moving forward. Dr. Hrabowski is always encouraging us to move to a higher level in our own lives as we reach out to help others. Dr. Hrabowski sets and example we all should follow and he has certainly earned the honor of America's Best Leader.
A worthy role model
As one of the proteges of Dr. Hrabowski, I think what makes him unique is his genuine commitment and passion to make this world a better place than he came to find it.He believes in making a positive difference in people's lives without expecting any rewards. One of the keys to his success is that he listens without being judgmental, knows how to elicit a response without coercion and provides guidance with compassion. He treats people with respect and as such he does not have to ask for it. He is empathetic but does not compromise on a drive for excellence and good moral values for himself or others.
All you need to be convinced about these attributes is to walk across the UMBC campus with him (rain or shine) and watch his interaction with students, faculty and staff. If you are not yet convinced, follow him to a national conference/meeting of his peers and watch how he interacts with them. A fellow president at a Midwest public university made an unsolicited statement about him: "Dr. Hrabowski is known not only for what he has accomplished but for the person he is!" That says it all and I CONCUR. We need more leaders like Dr. Freeman Hrabowski.
Faculty Perspective
Dr. Hrabowski deserves all of kudos he receives. On a very personal note, as a faculty member at UMBC, Freeman took his precious time to help me through some very difficult personal problems, for which I am extremely grateful. I am proud to be a member of the UMBC community that Dr. Hrabowski heads with passion, heart, and mind. You always wonder how real leaders are that you read about; well, this one is for real.
A True Leader
To describe Dr. Hrabowski with simply one word of leader does not properly characterize the convictions, passion, fervor, enthusiasm, and love that Dr. Hrabowski exudes in all of his endeavors and encounters. His personality is so infectious and heart so genuine that he could inspire and motivate anyone to "reach beyond their grasp." Additionally his focus on excellence has made UMBC and the Meyerhoff Scholars Program the pinnacle of academic excellence, social responsibility and compassionate humanity. I am very grateful to have been and continue to be a part of that experience as a student, staff member and mentee.
Dr. Hrabowski
Never have I met a more sincere and authentic human being in my life. An unconditional educator, leader, president, and friend, Dr. Hrabowski's commitment and dedication to the ability of people is motivating and touching. So often we speak about what leadership is and/or what it should do. Instead of theorizing about it, we need only to look at Dr. Hrabowski and his unbelivable talent to expand everyone's capacity that he comes in contact with to see leadership in action.
Father and friend
Dr. Hrabowski is both a friend and classmate who recruited both of my children to the Meyerhoff Program from prestigious schools that were willing to fund their education. I realized early on that UMBC was unique in it's ability to provide unparalleled experience and education. The all encompassing focus of excellence, responsibility and duty to one's self and community inspires even the parents of scholars and alumni to get involved.
I readily join all of the others who celebrate and acknowledge Dr Hrabowski and his mission. As I have told him personally, I am reminded of a quote attributed to Phillip of Macedonia upon hearing that he had a son. He approached Aristole and said "I am not so grateful that I have a son but rather that he was born in an age with you." With that, Aristole undertook the education of Phillip's son Alexander, later Alexander the Great.
