Every fall, the University of Maryland, Baltimore (UMB) recognizes the extraordinary work of our faculty, staff, and students with Founders Week awards that signify outstanding accomplishments in education, public service, research, entrepreneurship, and academics.

Please read about our 2025 Founders Week award winners:


Educator of the Year

Andrea Morgan, DDS, MS

Andrea Morgan, DDS, MS

Clinical Assistant Professor
Director of Student Advocacy and Cultural Affairs
Director of Student Recruitment
School of Dentistry

Dr. Morgan has been a steady, guiding presence at the University of Maryland School of Dentistry (UMSOD) for more than two decades, shaping not only the academic journeys of its students but also t... Read More

Public Servant of the Year

Kyla Liggett-Creel, PhD, LCSW-C

Kyla Liggett-Creel, PhD, LCSW-C

Executive Director, EMBRACE Initiative
University of Maryland, Baltimore

Dr. Liggett-Creel is an accomplished leader with over 25 years of executive experience in philanthropy, nonprofit, and civic institutions in the city of Baltimore. She has worked on the University ... Read More

Researcher of the Year

Kirsten E. Lyke, MD

Kirsten E. Lyke, MD

Professor, Department of Medicine
Center for Vaccine Development and Global Health
School of Medicine

Dr. Lyke has built an impactful career advancing the leading edge of translational research in infectious diseases immunology and vaccinology. Her work and her leadership are consistently highlight... Read More

David J. Ramsay Entrepreneur of the Year

Rajabrata Sarkar, MD, PhD

Rajabrata Sarkar, MD, PhD

Barbara Baur Dunlap Professor of Surgery and Physiology
Chief, Division of Vascular Surgery
Executive Vice Chair, Department of Surgery
School of Medicine

Dr. Sarkar is an expert in treating blood vessel disorders and a nationally known researcher in blood vessel growth and resolution of deep vein thrombosis. He is a partner in the medical technology... Read More

Student of the Year

Danielle D. Basdekis

Danielle D. Basdekis

JD Student, Class of 2026
Francis King Carey School of Law

Ms. Basdekis has distinguished herself as a student, scholar, and leader at the University of Maryland Francis King Carey School of Law, with her contributions significantly enriching the law schoo... Read More