FSU President Jonathan C. Gibralter was received on the floors of both the House and Senate, where proclamations were read commending Frostburg State for its commitment to academic excellence. Gibralter was accompanied to the State House by a delegation of FSU students, who were also welcomed from the floor. The proclamations were sponsored by members of the local delegation, Sen. George Edwards (R-1st), Del. Wendell Beitzel (R-1A), Del. Kevin Kelly (D-1B) and Del. LeRoy Myers Jr. (R-1C).

The FSU delegation was greeted by Senate President Thomas V. Mike Miller Jr. (D-27), who said of Frostburg and Gibralter, “It’s a great college. It was a fine college and you’ve made it a just a wonderful college. We’re very honored to have you here.”

Edwards introduced Gibralter and the students accompanying him to the Senate assembly, saying, “Dr. Gibralter has done a tremendous job since he’s been there. The University is moving forward and flourishing,” Edwards said.

In the House, Gibralter was welcomed to the General Assembly by Speaker of the House Michael Busch (D-30). Beitzel introduced Gibralter to his colleagues, saying the FSU president was being recognized “for his outstanding leadership of this outstanding Maryland institution of higher education.”

Colleges of Distinction are higher education institutions that excel in four key areas: student engagement, quality of teaching, vibrancy of the college community and success of graduates. FSU was selected for the strength of its first-year experience, including learning communities and themed residence halls, the quality of faculty, its students’ dedication to community service and sustainability and the clear direction presented in the University’s strategic plan.