Curlee R. Holton, A Promise Made, a Promise Kept

"It began with a drawing that illustrated many of the activities on the UMD campus: academics, sciences, arts, and sports. 

In the background are pine trees framing the left and right side with the university building a symbol of higher education and institutional legacy.  

Linking the background to the center of the image is a group of students gathering together with a common purpose on the left side of the image. They are engaged in dialogue as well as social engagement. On the right is a portrayal of Maurice White, the lead singer of the famed R&B group “Earth Wind and Fire.” One of the group’s most famous and fitting songs that inspires students to strive and succeed is titled “Keep Your Head to The Sky.” Books stacked represent knowledge as a staircase to success.

Beginning from the left of center are images of student athletes competing in their various sports—a representation of UMD’s commitment to both academic and competitive excellence on and off the field. To the right is a portrayal of a figure observing the dynamic life of the campus from his desk. He has his sleeves rolled up, his readiness apparent as he prepares to meet the challenges he may face. On his desk are drawings and notes that record his hopes and dreams for the future.

The foreground includes silhouettes of graduating students, tossing their mortarboard hats up in the air in celebration of this major life achievement. Just below them are prominent figures of a student and teacher working closely in the lab. This image represents the importance of the mentoring relationship and the nurturing environment created to provide the students with opportunities to realize their full potential.

To the right is an image of David C. Driskell playing a hymn from his childhood on the piano. He is surrounded by his signature torn paper collage. Driskell utilized this technique to capture the diverse textures, shapes and colors of the dynamic world we live in. A world of different cultures, languages and histories that David masterfully merged into one creative reality."