Sun publisher: Congratulations to the 2025 Hall of Fame class
Now in its 10th year, The Baltimore Sun's Business and Civic Hall of Fame continues to recognize individuals who have made meaningful, long-term contributions to Baltimore and Maryland. The 2025 class has 13 new honorees, bringing the number of recipients to 122 since the award's inception. Their work spans business, public service, education, philanthropy and other areas that help to improve and shape this region.
The Baltimore Sun has served this region since 1837, committed to holding public figures and powerful institutions accountable. Readers rely on The Sun's role as a watchdog — one that our news organization views as essential to identifying solutions for the region's most pressing challenges.
Part of The Sun's mission also includes celebrating the people here, their unique stories and the progress they make to improve Baltimore and Maryland. The Hall of Fame is one way The Sun highlights those achievements. Other special recognitions throughout the year include Baltimore's Best (July), Women to Watch (October), Top Workplaces (December) and Black Marylanders to Watch (February). We always are looking for new ways to showcase what's special about our region, so please reach out with any suggestions.
Members of our first nine Hall of Fame classes include the late Peter G. Angelos, attorney, philanthropist and once owner of the Baltimore Orioles (2016); Nancy S. Grasmick, former Maryland state schools superintendent ('16); philanthropists Eddie and Sylvia Brown ('16); former U.S. Sen. Barbara Mikulski ('17); Harbor Bank of Maryland co-founder Joseph Haskins Jr. ('18); former Baltimore Mayor and current University of Baltimore President Kurt Schmoke ('19); former UMBC President Freeman A. Hrabowski III ('20); the Rev. Alvin C. Hathaway Sr. ('21); former journalist and museum director Wanda Q. Draper ('22); Sherrilyn Ifill, president emerita and director counsel emerita of the NAACP Legal Defense Fund ('23); and William H. 'Billy' Murphy Jr., a former judge and a civil rights lawyer who fights for the underprivileged ('24).
This year's class is made up of: Sandra and Malcolm Berman, philanthropists who have supported regional health care organizations and cultural institutions; Maria Broom, a dancer and actress known for her roles on 'The Wire' and 'The Corner'; George L. Bunting Jr., whose decades of philanthropy have benefited several Baltimore institutions; Scott Dorsey, chairman and CEO of Merritt Companies, who has promoted regional economic development and serves on nonprofit boards; Rhea Feikin, a fixture on Maryland television who became famous for the pledge drives she hosted for Maryland Public Television; William J. 'Bill' McCarthy Jr., retiring executive director of Catholic Charities of Baltimore, who serves on a host of nonprofit boards; Diana Gribbon Motz, retired U.S. 4th Circuit Court of Appeals judge; Alan Rifkin, a lawyer whose work has touched state government and focused on the development of Oriole Park at Camden Yards, redeveloping Maryland's racetracks and establishing the Mid-Atlantic Sports Network; George A. Roche, retired chairman and CEO of T. Rowe Price; Thomas M. Scalea, physician in chief of the University of Maryland Medical Center's Shock Trauma Center; Stuart O. 'Stu' Simms, former chief counsel for Maryland Legal Aid, a former Baltimore City state's attorney, and secretary of the Department of Juvenile Services and the Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services; and Walter Scott Thomas Sr., who stepped down last year as pastor of New Psalmist Baptist Church after half a century of leadership.
The selection process for this year's honorees began with a public call for nominations. A committee of past honorees, alongside members of The Sun's editorial board, reviewed submissions. Nominees were evaluated on their leadership, professional accomplishments and efforts to strengthen their communities. Final decisions were made by The Sun's leadership team.
As in previous years, a portion of the proceeds from this publication will go to charity. This year's partner is The Baltimore Station, which offers programs and services to meet the needs of veterans. Local businesses and nonprofit organizations sponsor the Hall of Fame each year, and their advertisements can be found throughout this section and at baltimoresun.com.
Profiles of this year's honorees appear in the pages of this magazine. Their names will also be added to the permanent Hall of Fame display at The Center Club in downtown Baltimore, which I hope you can visit sometime soon.
During the past decade, The Sun has recognized the individuals who are shaping the future of Baltimore and Maryland. Their work offers a glimpse of what's possible through leadership, vision and sustained community engagement. As a Baltimore native and someone who has attended each of our Hall of Fame induction ceremonies, I am pleased to see how this special recognition has blossomed across the region. It's a testament to the strength of The Sun's brand and to our loyal readers and advertisers who consistently have supported us during the past 188 years.
Congratulations to the Class of 2025!
Trif Alatzas
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Yahoo
One of south east London's biggest pub gardens reopens after £1million renovation
Following a £1 million, six-week overhaul, one of Camberwell's favourite locals is poised to raise the shutters once more. The Sun of Camberwell, on Coldharbour Lane, will reopen today (June 6) boasting a brand-new kitchen, refreshed interiors, and landscaped outdoor spaces after the major investment from Urban Pubs and Bars. Chris Hill, managing director of Urban Pubs and Bars, said: "The Sun is one of our most cherished neighbourhood pubs, and we're excited to be investing in its future. "The upgraded kitchen and garden areas, alongside a strong food-led offer, reflect our commitment to providing great hospitality in great spaces. "We're looking forward to welcoming our guests back this June." A key feature of the renovation is the expanded rear garden, now one of the largest pub gardens in Camberwell. It has been designed for outdoor dining, socialising, and weekend drinks. The front terrace has also been redesigned to create a more welcoming, street-facing space. Inside, the upgraded kitchen will serve a seasonal British menu focused on quality ingredients. The Sun remains open seven days a week and is also home to The Parlour, a private hire space, which can host up to 40 guests and includes access to the main bar and garden. Urban Pubs and Bars is London's largest independent pub and dining group, known for managing neighbourhood venues across the capital.
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Yahoo
Sun publisher: Congratulations to the 2025 Hall of Fame class
Now in its 10th year, The Baltimore Sun's Business and Civic Hall of Fame continues to recognize individuals who have made meaningful, long-term contributions to Baltimore and Maryland. The 2025 class has 13 new honorees, bringing the number of recipients to 122 since the award's inception. Their work spans business, public service, education, philanthropy and other areas that help to improve and shape this region. The Baltimore Sun has served this region since 1837, committed to holding public figures and powerful institutions accountable. Readers rely on The Sun's role as a watchdog — one that our news organization views as essential to identifying solutions for the region's most pressing challenges. Part of The Sun's mission also includes celebrating the people here, their unique stories and the progress they make to improve Baltimore and Maryland. The Hall of Fame is one way The Sun highlights those achievements. Other special recognitions throughout the year include Baltimore's Best (July), Women to Watch (October), Top Workplaces (December) and Black Marylanders to Watch (February). We always are looking for new ways to showcase what's special about our region, so please reach out with any suggestions. Members of our first nine Hall of Fame classes include the late Peter G. Angelos, attorney, philanthropist and once owner of the Baltimore Orioles (2016); Nancy S. Grasmick, former Maryland state schools superintendent ('16); philanthropists Eddie and Sylvia Brown ('16); former U.S. Sen. Barbara Mikulski ('17); Harbor Bank of Maryland co-founder Joseph Haskins Jr. ('18); former Baltimore Mayor and current University of Baltimore President Kurt Schmoke ('19); former UMBC President Freeman A. Hrabowski III ('20); the Rev. Alvin C. Hathaway Sr. ('21); former journalist and museum director Wanda Q. Draper ('22); Sherrilyn Ifill, president emerita and director counsel emerita of the NAACP Legal Defense Fund ('23); and William H. 'Billy' Murphy Jr., a former judge and a civil rights lawyer who fights for the underprivileged ('24). This year's class is made up of: Sandra and Malcolm Berman, philanthropists who have supported regional health care organizations and cultural institutions; Maria Broom, a dancer and actress known for her roles on 'The Wire' and 'The Corner'; George L. Bunting Jr., whose decades of philanthropy have benefited several Baltimore institutions; Scott Dorsey, chairman and CEO of Merritt Companies, who has promoted regional economic development and serves on nonprofit boards; Rhea Feikin, a fixture on Maryland television who became famous for the pledge drives she hosted for Maryland Public Television; William J. 'Bill' McCarthy Jr., retiring executive director of Catholic Charities of Baltimore, who serves on a host of nonprofit boards; Diana Gribbon Motz, retired U.S. 4th Circuit Court of Appeals judge; Alan Rifkin, a lawyer whose work has touched state government and focused on the development of Oriole Park at Camden Yards, redeveloping Maryland's racetracks and establishing the Mid-Atlantic Sports Network; George A. Roche, retired chairman and CEO of T. Rowe Price; Thomas M. Scalea, physician in chief of the University of Maryland Medical Center's Shock Trauma Center; Stuart O. 'Stu' Simms, former chief counsel for Maryland Legal Aid, a former Baltimore City state's attorney, and secretary of the Department of Juvenile Services and the Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services; and Walter Scott Thomas Sr., who stepped down last year as pastor of New Psalmist Baptist Church after half a century of leadership. The selection process for this year's honorees began with a public call for nominations. A committee of past honorees, alongside members of The Sun's editorial board, reviewed submissions. Nominees were evaluated on their leadership, professional accomplishments and efforts to strengthen their communities. Final decisions were made by The Sun's leadership team. As in previous years, a portion of the proceeds from this publication will go to charity. This year's partner is The Baltimore Station, which offers programs and services to meet the needs of veterans. Local businesses and nonprofit organizations sponsor the Hall of Fame each year, and their advertisements can be found throughout this section and at Profiles of this year's honorees appear in the pages of this magazine. Their names will also be added to the permanent Hall of Fame display at The Center Club in downtown Baltimore, which I hope you can visit sometime soon. During the past decade, The Sun has recognized the individuals who are shaping the future of Baltimore and Maryland. Their work offers a glimpse of what's possible through leadership, vision and sustained community engagement. As a Baltimore native and someone who has attended each of our Hall of Fame induction ceremonies, I am pleased to see how this special recognition has blossomed across the region. It's a testament to the strength of The Sun's brand and to our loyal readers and advertisers who consistently have supported us during the past 188 years. Congratulations to the Class of 2025! Trif Alatzas
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Yahoo
GRU sends city of Gainesville letter, opposes vote for special election
Gainesville Regional Utilities on June 4 sent a letter to the city of Gainesville's attorney asking that city officials reconsider voting June 5 in favor of a referendum that would take place during a special election later this year. GRU attorney Derek Perry wrote to city attorney Daniel Lee that a proposed ballot initiative by city officials on who should control the city-owned utility violates a section of the Florida Constitution and its limitations on municipal power, and that he doesn't see a reason for a special election as both sides wait for a ruling by the First District Court of Appeals. "It makes little sense for the City Commission to reengage in a process that is already proceedingthrough the courts," Perry wrote. "The City adopts the ordinance; the Authority challenges; the City is enjoined;and both parties end right back where they are now, albeit having squandered taxpayer/customerdollars and precious judicial, legislative, and local government resources." Local news: Florida higher ed board stuns UF, blocks Santa Ono from becoming president Judge George M. Wright of the Eighth Judicial Circuit ruled in April to nullify a ballot initiative that passed overwhelmingly in November 2024 to delete the article of the city's charter that created the authority due to "misleading language." He also ruled, however, that the city of Gainesville has the right to amend its charter to regain control of the utility. Wright cited Florida Statue 116.031, which states "a municipality may amend its charter pursuant to this section notwithstanding any charter provisions to the contrary." "I don't know how I can get around that," Wright said. The City Commission's planned June 5 vote on the ballot initiative will be the first of two before a special election can be called. Mayor Harvey Ward in a text message to The Sun wrote that the GRU Authority's decision to appeal the judge's ruling is in contradiction to the will of the people. "I believe we should listen to the voters and I guess that puts me at odds with the GRUA's misunderstanding of Florida law, I'm ok with that," Ward wrote. City Commissioner Bryan Eastman in an email to The Sun wrote that the circuit court has already rejected GRUA's arguments and hopes the board will take a breath and choose reason over reflex. "The people have spoken, the courts have spoken, and more litigation will only waste additional GRU resources instead of helping ratepayers," Eastman said. "Working with our local community — rather than against it — is the best path forward for both the utility and the people it serves.' This article originally appeared on The Gainesville Sun: GRU sends city of Gainesville letter, opposes special election
