Celebrating the gift of YOU

“Your birthday is a special time to celebrate the gift of 'you' to the world.”

The College of Southern Maryland is preparing to celebrate its third CSM Night at the Ball Park Sept. 17, this time celebrating the Foundation All-Stars who during the past 40 years have made a difference for the students at our college.

CSM initiated these celebrations Sept. 17, 2008, its 50th birthday commemorating the date the college opened its doors. Since that day, literally thousands of students, parents and families have been impacted by their experiences at the college.

CSM's first evening at the ball park was especially memorable as it was the finale game of the first season for Southern Maryland's new minor league baseball team, the Southern Maryland Blue Crabs, and former Orioles third-baseman and hall of famer Brooks Robinson made an appearance.

What an honor to share a moment of celebration for the college with this legend and genuinely caring individual. I had had the opportunity to see him upclose earlier that spring when he swung in as part of an all-day tour of the region to chat with the student athletes of our Hawk baseball team. He spent his time delighting them with stories of his years with the Orioles and inspiring all of us there. He made the time to have pictures, sign baseballs and hats, and to talk personally with each one of us. Yes, he had a schedule to keep for the day's activities, but he didn't allow that to get in the way of giving time to each player, family member and individual in the room.

His joining us at our September birthday was a reminder to appreciate our impact and the gift we give of ourselves every day to the countless lives in our world.