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 оʦҷ黨Ƶ Alumni Association.
The annual event, A Celebration of Terps: Featuring the Maryland Awards, recognizes Terps who have risen to the highest levels of public service, launched successful companies and made groundbreaking discoveries.
Omar Tarabishi ’13, M.A. ’21, co-founder and executive director of the nonprofit Leftover Love, received the Alumni Assocition’s 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 оʦҷ黨Ƶ 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 Journal’s 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 ’97, Maryland’s first lady, was inducted into the Hall of Fame for her contributions to shaping a shared vision for the state’s future. Brendan Iribe, co-founder of Oculus VR, received the President’s Award for his leadership in revolutionizing virtual reality and technology. Kevin J. Tu ’23, ’23, founder of Sustainabli, received the Outstanding Young Alumnus Award. Distinguished University Professor Rita R. Colwell received the Spirit of Maryland Award. The Elaine Johnson Coates Award was presented to Margo Thomas Ph.D. ’90, founder and CEO of the Women’s Economic Imperative. The Tyser-Gottwals Award went to Jackie Cardello ’93, president and managing partner of GRF CPAs & Advisors.
“As Terps, we lift up each other’s successes, and support each other through uncertain times. We need places of belonging and community to come together,” said Jessica Roberts, executive director of the Alumni Association. “Seeing the incredible Terps in this room contribute actively to Maryland’s ongoing success and legacy makes me so proud.”
This article is adapted from a story that first appeared in Maryland Today.
Photo: Alumni Association Executive Director Jessica Roberts (left) presents the Do Good Award to Omar Tarabishi ’13, M.A. ’21. Photo by Branden Camp
