Sarah Moyer

COMM331
February 18 2016
Adele H. Stamp: The Building and the Name
As hundreds of people fill Stamp Student Union eating, studying,
and shopping, it is no wonder that potential new students are utterly
overwhelmed at the sight. Not only do many tours begin here, but
their look into the past, present, and future of the University of
Maryland.
While the name Stamp rings a bell to many, most are unaware of
the true meaning behind this building and its name. The Student Union
is filled with a multitude of amenities, including restaurants, a bank,
ballrooms, information desks, and the bookstore. One cannot help but
wonder, why the name, Stamp?
Adele H. Stamp was named the Dean of Women in 1922 at the
University of Maryland, and held this title for 38 years. It was in 1938
that the student union was named after her. Her heavy involvement in
the community earned her the title of Dean of Women Emeritus from
the Universitys Board of Regents. The University notes that she was
the first woman to receive this title, which is the highest one can
receive as a faculty member.
Stamps influence completely changed the campus. The
Maryland Archives note that because of her work, she was inducted
into multiple halls of fame. Her impact on society is more than notable;
it is monumental.
After asking a tour guide about his experiences in Stamp, he said
that prospective students are extremely excited when entering the
building because high school does not offer anything quite like Stamp
does. Rather, no other building on campus sees quite this much action
on a daily basis. There is so much to see and so much to do here.
After asking some of the students on these tours about the name
Stamp, they were completely clueless as to who she was. They seemed
to be a bit more excited about what was in the building rather than
who helped create it.
The Stamp Student Unions mission is, To provide a safe and
inviting campus center where all UM students, alumni, faculty, staff,
and community members cultivate lifelong relationships founded on
engagement, learning, multiculturalism, and citizenship. Not only is

this the mission for the building, but it was Adele H. Stamps mission as
well.
Stamp Student Union is now the Center for Campus Life where
this mission can become a reality. With historical photos and facts
mounting the walls, this building is a reflection of all her
accomplishments, and all she had hoped to achieve in the future.
As prospective student take tours, alumni gather for meetings,
and current students meet for lunch, this building is hustling and
bustling with knowledge and passion for this school. There is no better
fit for the name of this building than Stamp; it truly emulates
everything that she stood for.