Under Armour founder and CEO Kevin Plank donated $75,000 to the
University of Maryland, his alma mater, towards the new fund for the
Smith School's Dingman Center for Entrepreneurship. Plank, a 1996
graduate of the Smith School, launched Baltimore-based
performance apparel company Under Armour that year.
“Building a business is all about passion, energy and drive, but it's
also crucial to have the means to get your idea off the ground,” Plank
said. “The Dingman Center is a fantastic resource for students who have
great ideas, but need some help making them happen with access to
business guidance, feedback and funding.”
Former Hewlett-Packard CEO Carly Fiorina also donated $100,000 towards
the fund and designated half of
that amount to be used towards investing in socially responsible
ventures, such as nonprofits and “green” businesses. Fiorina received
her MBA from the Smith School in 1980. He also played football
for the University
of Maryland.
The Dingman Center invests up to $30,000 in viable companies that are started by current or previous Smith students.
“Carly and Kevin provide great inspiration as incredible examples of
where entrepreneurial drive and leadership can take Smith students,”
said Asher Epstein, managing director of the Dingman Center.
“Thanks to the generous gifts of Carly and Kevin, this fund will allow
us to make significant investments in the next generation of
entrepreneurs at the Smith School and to continue funding exciting and
innovative ventures,” said Melissa Carrier, Director of Venture
Investments and Social Entrepreneurship. “This is a fantastic base on
which to build a strong source of investment and we're committed to
growing the fund.”
