MEDA ANNOUNCES FALL 2022 RECIPIENT OF THE RHONDA RAY SCHOLARSHIP
BALTIMORE, MD (September 14, 2022) – Maryland Economic Development Association (MEDA) announces the first recipient of the Rhonda Ray Scholarship. Andrew Griffin of Annapolis, Maryland, was awarded $500 in scholarship funds towards the “Quantitative Analysis of Policy” course for the fall semester at the University of Maryland, College Park, as he pursues a Master of Public Management (Policy Track) degree.
Rhonda Ray was a dedicated economic development professional and MEDA member for over 20 years. After her passing in 2021, MEDA created the Rhonda Ray Scholarship to honor her dedication to mentorship, education, public policy, and economic development. This scholarship supports college students studying public policy and economic development, encouraging their pursuits within these disciplines.
Griffin’s commitment to the field of public policy is well demonstrated. Beyond his studies, he serves as the Vice President of Government Affairs for the Maryland Chamber of Commerce and has held leadership positions at several state and county organizations.
Receiving the scholarship is a true honor for Griffin, who admired Ray’s devotion to the field. “I’ve had feelings of both reverence and sadness in applying for a scholarship named after a great colleague. During my tenure at the Maryland Chamber of Commerce, Rhonda was a great partner and advocate for the business community, and I often relied on her for her expertise and depth of knowledge on all aspects of Maryland’s economic development programs and strategies. Her experience was invaluable, and she is sorely missed,” he says. “I greatly appreciate the support it will give to further my academic and professional focus…many thanks to MEDA for this opportunity.”
MEDA President Danny Thompson shares Griffin’s sentiments. “Rhonda Ray and economic development have been synonymous in the state of Maryland for the last three decades. Everyone who knew Rhonda was keenly aware that she was passionate about her work and always striving to assist others in their efforts to bring awareness to the significant impact that public policy makes in transforming lives. She inspired, mentored, and sponsored countless young and seasoned leaders,” says Thompson. “We recognize Rhonda for all the hard work she did on behalf of MEDA, our economic development community, and our thriving state of Maryland. We’re uplifted to know her legacy lives on through her MEDA scholarship.”
MEDA offers the Rhonda Ray Scholarship to students taking credit courses in public policy, economic development, or a related field. Applicants must attend Maryland public or private community colleges or four-year universities and have status as Maryland residents. One scholarship award of up to $500 will be made in the fall and spring semesters when funds are available. The scholarship application deadline for spring semester is October 15, 2022.
To learn more about the Rhonda Ray Scholarship, visit: https://www.medamd.com/rhonda-joy-ray-scholarship.
About MEDA: MEDA is a nonprofit organization of economic development professionals. Established in 1961, MEDA members promote the economic well-being of Maryland by working to improve the state’s business climate and the professionalism of those in the field of economic development.
MEDA’s membership includes economic development practitioners employed by government, businesses, chamber of commerce, and other professionals with an interest in the economy of Maryland. Through its regular meetings, special programs, and projects, MEDA members address diverse issues like local planning, workforce, transportation, international trade, tourism, and finance.
MEDA members work diligently to Transform Lives by creating opportunities, inspiring innovation and enriching communities in Maryland. To learn more about MEDA, visit www.MEDAmd.com.
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MEDIA CONTACT:
Nisha Stephens
240-608-4442
Photo: https://www.dropbox.com/s/cu4pocmrcf4a9ah/Andrew%20Griffin%2C%20scholarship%20recipient.jpeg?dl=0
Photo Caption: Andrew Griffin, Recipient of the Rhonda Ray Scholarship
