Retriever Grateful

Retriever Grateful tells the incredible story of Dr. Freeman Hrabowski’s time at University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC) as President of the school. Retriever Grateful is a 36” x 36” canvas collage commissioned by the UMBC Alumni Board of Directors as a retirement gift for Dr. Hrabowski. It was truly my pleasure to create this very meaningful collage for such an incredible man.

Throughout Retriever Grateful are thousands of images of Dr. Hrabowski’s successes and accomplishments and there are many! Included are images showing how Dr. Hrabowski’s vision changed the lives of thousands of people. There are images of alumni, many of whom went on to do great, life-changing things; sports’ teams'; programs, particularly science programs; buildings, partnerships and much, much more.

Dr. Hrabowski’s hand is touching Retriever Grateful in a loving way and the dog’s expression is one of endearment and appreciation. You can see the appreciation radiating through Dr. Hrabowski’s reflection in the retriever’s eye. Many of Dr. Hrabowski’s memorable quotes are written down his arm and hand.

I am also a graduate of UMBC which made this project personally meaningful to me. I’m so proud to have taken a small part in thanking such an incredible man!

Dr. Hrabowki was presented a canvas giclee of the collage by the Alumni Board of Directors on July 12, 2022. The original hangs at the school.