Maryland Higher Education Commission

March 2008 Press Release

 

 

 

Secretary praises efforts of MD schools

for success in NCAA tourney

 

Annapolis, MD (March 18, 2008)

 

Higher Education Secretary James E. Lyons is noted for his love of higher education – and that includes sporting accomplishments at Maryland’s public two-year and four year and independent two-year and four year institutions.

That’s why the Secretary sent out congratulatory letters out to the presidents and head basketball coaches of all of the Maryland Universities’ men’s and women’s basketball teams who made the Division I NCAA basketball tournament the day after both brackets on the men’s and women’s side were complete.

“Congratulations on making the prestigious NCAA basketball tournament after such a great run in the regular [season].” Secretary Lyons wrote to the president and head coach of the women’s basketball program at the University of Maryland, College Park, the men’s and women’s president and head coaches at Coppin State University as both their teams made the tournament, the Mount St. Mary’s University men’s team and the University of Maryland Baltimore, County’s men’s team. “As Higher Education Secretary, I am very proud of you and your team’s great determination and play. This is an outstanding accomplishment for the university. Please accept my thoughts of good will as you compete in the tournament. You can be sure that I will be watching closely and no matter what happens, just making the tournament is a tremendous accomplishment.”

“Making the big dance is a magnificent accomplishment,” Secretary Lyons said. “Whoever prevails, I hope all Maryland College sports fan join with me, Governor O’Malley and Lt. Governor Brown in rooting these teams on as they hopefully advance far into the tournament.”

The Maryland Higher Education Commission is a 12-member coordinating board responsible for establishing statewide policies for Maryland public and independent colleges and universities and private career schools. It serves as an advocate for more than 325,000 college students in Maryland, for the State and its needs, and for business and industry in Maryland.