On Monday, May 12, faculty, staff and graduate students in the College of Behavioral and Social Sciences gathered to honor and celebrate the individuals selected to receive the 2025 Dean’s Medal, and awards highlighting recipients’ commitment to scholarship and service.

“One of my favorite traditions in our college is the annual awards ceremony. Recognizing and celebrating the service, achievements and talent of our community is truly a pleasure,” said Dean Susan Rivera. “We congratulate all of this year’s honorees, and all who were nominated.”

The Dean’s Medal is the college's highest honor, and was awarded to Dr. Eric Wish. From 1990 through 2022, Wish was Director of the Center for Substance Abuse Research (CESAR), now renamed the Center for Substance Use, Addiction and Health Research, at UMD. Wish is also a professor in the Department of Criminology and Criminal Justice.

“CESAR was established by the state of Maryland in 1989, after the untimely death of Len Bias, to create an interdisciplinary BSOS center of excellence in substance abuse research, teaching and policy. To me, the Dean’s Medal is an acknowledgement of CESAR's many accomplishments over the past 36 years in fulfilling the founders’ lofty goals,” Wish said.

Dr. Wish’s recognition was one of many moments that reflected the depth of talent, dedication, and impact within the BSOS community. The evening celebrated not only individual achievements, but also the collective spirit of service and scholarship that defines the college.

For a full list of award recipients and additional details from the ceremony, please visit here.

Pictured: Dean Rivera awards Eric Wish the BSOS Dean’s Medal