An uplifting story of personal courage, ragtime melodies and a Million-Dollar Dean were all part of the kick-off event for the university's 2001 Campaign for the United Way of Central Maryland, held Sept. 28 at Homewood.

Richard McCarty, dean of the Krieger School, wearing his other hat--as chair of the university's United Way campaign--and a T-shirt that touts his $1 million goal

The Hopkins Jazz Band greeted and serenaded attendees as they filed into Shriver Hall for the presentation portion of the event. Speakers included Steven Knapp, provost and senior vice president for academic affairs; Richard McCarty, dean of the Krieger School of Arts and Sciences, who has set a $1 million goal for the university campaign that he chairs; and Sister Augusta Reilly, executive director of Marian House, a local facility that offers long-term support to homeless women, including training for job advancement and assistance in obtaining permanent housing.

Undergrad Mike Comeau drums up support for the cause.

After a brief speech, Sister Reilly introduced Gail Chapman Robinson, a Marian House alumna who spoke of how, through the support of this United Way-affiliated agency, she has been able to turn her life around. Since leaving the facility, Robinson has secured a position as an addictions counselor for a Baltimore City agency and is now working on her master's degree in psychology at Coppin State.

Lunch on the lower quad capped off the noontime event.

Rhonda Jefferson and William Smedick of Homewood Student Affairs

Painters Peter Martin, Rick Bean, Elipidio Martin and Will Hubert of Homewood Plant Operations