Rick Tepel, a longtime resident of Southern Maryland and the chief executive officer of Raley, Watts & O’ Neill Insurance, has joined the College of Southern Maryland’s Foundation Board which provides support to the college and its students through the funding of scholarships, technology and arts, health/wellness and educational opportunities.
CSM announced Tepel’s appointment to the CSM Foundation Board of Directors in February. “Rick is going to be a great addition to our wonderful board of fundraising volunteers,” said Michelle Goodwin, CSM’s vice president of the division of advancement. “He is high-energy and really cares about the future of our region. He is deeply concerned that everyone should have access to education,” said Goodwin.
“I grew up in Southern Maryland and many of my friends have taken classes through the college. From the business side, I have seen how the college impacts the community through educational services, kids camps and community programs such as the summer Twilight Performance series,” said Tepel, who noted that his friend, CSM Foundation Director Michael Besche, has also been a tremendous supporter and benefactor of the college, and encouraged Tepel to join the Foundation.
Tepel has been with Raley, Watts & O’Neill for 14 years. Prior to assuming his role as chief executive officer in 2005, Tepel worked his way through every division of the company. His current focus is on working with businesses to help them implement and manage their insurance programs through the development of risk management and safety support programs; he also provides claims analysis and overall account support.
Tepel is a member of the Big Brothers Big Sisters of Southern Maryland Board of Directors and the Selective, Berkley Mid-Atlantic, Montgomery and Utica Insurance Advisory Boards. He was recently elected to the Board of Trustees for Historic Sotterley. Tepel graduated with a bachelor degree in English and history from Drew University. He lives in Callaway with his wife Paula and two children.
“I would like to ensure that people know the value of the college and its potential to assist the community. CSM is an important component in community development, whether it’s anticipating the future workforce needs of the region and working with local businesses to develop training programs, enabling students to earn credits towards one of the college’s transfer agreements with regional and national four-year colleges, or educating and entertaining the community through forums, lecture series or the popular Twilight Performances. CSM really encourages people, including me, to become more engaged in the community,” said Tepel.
In 2007, the CSM Foundation:
· Raised $700,000 to support CSM’s Institute for Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (ISTEM);
· Raised $160,000 to support Regional Center for Trades and Transportation;
· Raised $575,000 in annual and endowed scholarships;
· Raised $600,000 to support other CSM initiatives;
· Awarded more than $200,000 in student scholarships in 2007/2008 academic year;
· Raised funds to establish the Lending Library at the St. Charles Children’s Learning Center.
CSM, founded in 1958, is the fifth largest community college in Maryland. In its 50-year history, the college has grown to be the centerpiece of Southern Maryland, becoming an integral part of the community it serves with campuses in Calvert, Charles and St. Mary’s counties and more than 21,000 annual enrollments. From a first graduation class of four in 1960, the college has celebrated more than 15,400 graduates.
For information on the CSM Foundation call 301-934-7649 or 301-870-2309, Ext. 7649 for Charles County; 240-725-5499, Ext. 7649 for St. Marys County or 443-550-6199, Ext. 7649 for Calvert County or visit http://www.csmd.edu/alumni_foundation/.