A College of Education alumnus who cofounded a nonprofit to help feed those in need was among the seven Terps honored Friday night by the ݮý Alumni Association.
The annual event, A Celebration of Terps: Featuring the ݮý Awards, recognizes Terps who have risen to the highest levels of public service, launched successful companies and made groundbreaking discoveries.
Omar Tarabishi ݮý13, M.A. ݮý21, co-founder and executive director of the nonprofit Leftover Love, received the Alumni Associtionݮýs Do Good Award. Tarabishi and his organization rescue leftover fresh food from Baltimore-area businesses and deliver it to communities in need.
He earned a B.A. in Arabic and M.A. in international education policy at UMD and worked in several fields, including international education, expatriate relocation and resident life. Tarabishi has continually worked on Leftover Love since 2021 and co-founded the 501c3 nonprofit with his wife, Anie Jamgochian Tarabishi, in early 2024. Later that year, he received a 40 Under 40 Award from the Arab America Foundation as well as a Weaver Award from the Aspen Institute and M&T Bank. He was also recognized as one of the Baltimore Business Journalݮýs 40 Under 40 Honorees for 2025.
Leftover Love has now rescued close to 100,000 pounds of wholesome food at the close of business from Baltimore and the surrounding area to help feed those in need.
In addition to Tarabishi, six Terps were honored for their outstanding achievements. Dawn Flythe Moore ݮý97, ݮýݮýs first lady, was inducted into the Hall of Fame for her contributions to shaping a shared vision for the stateݮýs future. Brendan Iribe, co-founder of Oculus VR, received the Presidentݮýs Award for his leadership in revolutionizing virtual reality and technology. Kevin J. Tu ݮý23, ݮý23, founder of Sustainabli, received the Outstanding Young Alumnus Award. Distinguished University Professor Rita R. Colwell received the Spirit of ݮý Award. The Elaine Johnson Coates Award was presented to Margo Thomas Ph.D. ݮý90, founder and CEO of the Womenݮýs Economic Imperative. The Tyser-Gottwals Award went to Jackie Cardello ݮý93, president and managing partner of GRF CPAs & Advisors.
ݮýAs Terps, we lift up each otherݮýs successes, and support each other through uncertain times. We need places of belonging and community to come together,ݮý said Jessica Roberts, executive director of the Alumni Association. ݮýSeeing the incredible Terps in this room contribute actively to ݮýݮýs ongoing success and legacy makes me so proud.ݮý
This article is adapted from a story that first appeared in ݮý Today.
Photo: Alumni Association Executive Director Jessica Roberts (left) presents the Do Good Award to Omar Tarabishi ݮý13, M.A. ݮý21. Photo by Branden Camp
