Dec. 17, 2003

COLLEGE PARK, Md. - Nearly 400 Robert H. Smith School business students are preparing for graduation this weekend. Among them is Maryland's Emily Marker, a four-year standout on the women's tennis team. Aside from her prowess on the court, this year's co-captain has redefined the meaning of a scholar-athlete with her numerous academic accomplishments.

After achieving her highest career ITA ranking of 71 in September, Marker went on to record a fall season-high 11 victories, as well as appearing in two prestigious national tournaments. She streaked to a perfect 5-0 in the ITA East Regional before falling in the finals. Her appearance in the title match gave her an automatic invitation to the National Indoors in Ann Arbor, Mich., which featured 32 of the top collegiate women's tennis players from around the country.

Off the court Marker made her presence known in the Smith Business School, and has been chosen to represent the undergraduate student body at commencement on Dec. 21. The ceremony will be held in the Comcast Center at 1 p.m.

"Just being in consideration was great, and to be selected from such an impressive group really surprised me," says Marker about her selection. With graduation day drawing closer, Marker says she is excited. On Sunday, Dec. 21, she will be talking about how to eliminate unnecessary struggles that can arise in life.

During her four years as a Terp, Marker has worked alongside of many of the future's young entrepreneurs. Rated among the nation's best providers of business education, the Smith School has educated a number of bright and successful minds.

Her persistence and perseverance on the court, mirrors her habits in the classroom.

She was chosen from a panel of business students to represent the Smith school at the winter graduation ceremony. Just to be considered, students had to be graduating Summa Cum Laude, go through an interview and give an idea for their speech.

Marker has come a long way from her days a child ice hockey player. She maintains a level head on the court and can always be found encouraging and motivating those around her.

Majoring in decision and information systems, Marker graduates with a perfect 4.0. She has been recognized with the University of Maryland President's Scholarship and the Lockheed Martin Scholarship from the Smith school. She also has served as the treasurer of the university's Student Athlete Advisory council.

The Ann Arbor, Mich. native will enter graduate school at Maryland in spring.

Robert H. Smith School Commencement Information

Smith's commencement ceremony will be held on Sunday, Dec. 21, 2003 in the Comcast Center at 1 p.m. No tickets are required for guests at the Smith School Ceremony. Graduates participating in the Smith School's ceremony will line up in the Small Gymnasium of the Comcast Center (Room 0601, located on the southeast end of the Comcast Center) and should arrive by 12:15 p.m.

Other Speakers:

Commencement Speaker: Paul J. Norris MBA '71, chairman and CEO of W.R. Grace & Co., a premier global specialty

MBA Student Speaker: Louise Hayden