Contact: Jo Martin Director of Planning, Bicentennial 2007 410-706-2007 jmartin@som.umaryland.edu

Cal catches up with Louis Foxwell, who once played ball with his son Ryan. Louis is the son of Dr. Mickey Foxwell, Associate Dean of Admissions.

Dean Reece held a reception to welcome presenters Cal Ripken Jr., Judith Hicks Stiehm and Dr. Bob Arnot.

Cal Ripken Jr. was the headliner for the second of three lectures being presented at the Hippodrome Theatre this year as part of the University of Maryland School of Medicine's bicentennial celebration. The theme for the evening was "The Enduring Power of Leadership," with the presenters speaking on the qualities they believe make good leaders. Ripken was joined by television correspondent Dr. Bob Arnot and professor Judith Hicks Stiehm, PhD.

After welcoming remarks from School of Medicine Dean E. Albert Reece, MD, PhD, MBA, Dr. Bob kicked things off by sharing his experiences out in the field, exciting tales of the enlightening but often dangerous stories he's presented from such war-torn locales as the Darfur region of Sudan and Iraq. The common theme of these stories was how it was often the most ordinary of people who stepped in to save the day when he needed it most. He encouraged the audience to strive to be everyday heroes like this in their own lives.

Dr. Stiehm also spoke of ordinary people doing extraordinary things. Her presentation was on the 12 women who have won the Nobel Peace Prize – women who were happily pursuing careers or religious vocations or enjoying life as wives and mothers when the strife in the world around them forced them out of their comfort zones and into history.

Cal Ripken Jr. will become an even more enduring part of history when he is inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame on July 29. In his remarks, he spoke of the eight traits he believes led to his success, both in baseball and as a husband and father. The importance of family came through often in Cal's speech, which was filled with stories of his father and the lessons Cal Sr. imparted, as well as frequent mentions of son Ryan and the ways – both good and bad – in which he reminds Cal of himself.

The evening ended with a question and answer session with Cal. He opened up about the nervousness he's feeling about his impending Hall of Fame induction, a day he knows will be a very emotional one without his late father, although Cal Sr. is certain to be there in spirit and in the stories he and his colleagues will tell about his career.

Part three of the Bicentennial Lecture Series will be held at the Hippodrome on September 24. Titled "Perspectives on the Central Nervous System" it will feature former United States Attorney General Janet Reno and CBS weatherman Mark McEwan. Call the bicentennial office at (410) 706-2007 for more information on this and all bicentennial events.

Related Images:

SOM alum Frederick Hatem, MD, Class of '51, reintroduced himself to Cal, whom he delivered into this world.    Dean Reece trades stories with former dean John Dennis.    A young fan hopes to walk away with an autographed ball after Cal is finished his speech.

Dr. Bruce Jarrell enjoyed hearing Dr. Bob Arnot's tales of practicing medicine in a war zone.    Banners honoring the School of Medicine's bicentennial are showcased in the Hippodrome lobby.    Two examples of excellent leaders -- Cal Ripken Jr. and Dean E. Albert Reece.