UM School of Public Health Announces Madieu Williams Center for Global Health Initiatives

UM Alum, Minnesota Viking Madieu Williams to Endow Center

	UM Alumnus, Minnesota Viking Madieu Williams Photo credit: Darnell Wilburn Madieu Williams talks about the creation of the new Center and his hopes for the future. (Download MP3 file) Listen to the News Conference

College Park, Md. -- The University of Maryland School of Public Health and Minnesota Vikings free safety and UM alumnus Madieu Williams have announced the creation of a Center for Global Health Initiatives. Through an endowment from Williams, the Center will be an outgrowth of a partnership among the Madieu Williams Foundation, the University, Prince George's County, and the Embassy of Sierra Leone.

The purpose of this endowment is to provide annual support for a Center for Global Health Initiatives in UM's School of Public Health. The Center will focus on local, state-wide and global health initiatives, with particular attention to public health initiatives in Prince George's County, Md. and Freetown, Sierra Leone.

Born in Sierra Leone and raised in Prince George's County, Williams graduated from the University of Maryland College of Health and Human Performance (now the School of Public Health) in 2003 with a degree in family science. Prior to joining the NFL, he played for the UM Terps football team. Williams began his professional football career with the Cincinnati Bengals, where he spent four seasons. He joined the Minnesota Vikings in 2008. He is the chief executive officer of the Madieu Williams Foundation.

Who:
Minnesota Vikings Free Safety and UM Alumnus Madieu Williams; H. E. Bockari K. Stevens, Sierra Leone Ambassador to the U.S.; Prince George's County Executive Jack Johnson; University of Maryland President C. D. Mote, Jr.; and School of Public Health Dean Robert S. Gold.

When:
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
11 a.m.

Where:
UMUC Inn and Conference Center by Marriott
Room 1311
University of Maryland University College
3501 University Boulevard East
Hyattsville, MD 20783

DIRECTIONS
FROM BALTIMORE:
Head south on I-95 to Capital Beltway (I-495) toward College Park
Take U.S. 1 South (Exit 25)
Proceed approximately 1 mile south on U.S. Route 1
Turn right on 193 West (University Boulevard)
At third traffic light at Adelphi Road, make a U-turn
Take first right into parking garage

FROM ANNAPOLIS AND POINTS EAST:
Head West on Route 50 to Capital Beltway (I-495, I-95) North toward College Park
Take U.S. 1 South (Exit 25)
Proceed approximately 1 mile south on U.S. Route 1
Turn right on 193 West (University Blvd)
At third traffic light at Adelphi Road, make a U-turn
Take first right into parking garage

FROM WASHINGTON D.C.:
Head north on New Hampshire Avenue (Route 650)
Right at light on 193 East (University Blvd)
At sixth light, cross Adelphi Road
Turn right into our parking garage

FROM MONTGOMERY COUNTY AND POINTS WEST:
Head east on Capital Beltway (I-495)
Take New Hampshire Avenue/Takoma Park (Route 650)
At second light, make a left on Adelphi Road
At third light, make a left on University Blvd
Turn right into our parking garage

DIRECTIONS FROM GARAGE TO MEETING ROOM:
Please proceed to the hotel building, which is marked "UMUC Inn and Conference Center by Marriott," and has a level entrance with automatic sliding doors. Once inside, proceed down the hall to your left to Room 1311.

Please note: GPS navigation may not recognize the city of Adelphi. Please substitute the city of Hyattsville, MD 20783.

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