Mrs. Diane Smith Named CCBC Distinguished Alumni of the Year

The Community College of Baltimore County Alumni Association has named Diane M. Trowbridge-Smith as its 2008 Distinguished Alumni of the Year. Smith will be honored during a special reception hosted by the CCBC Alumni Association on Nov. 17 at CCBC Essex.

Smith, a Timonium resident, is a nationally recognized expert on Children’s Theatre. She is President and Artistic Director of her own children’s theatre company – The Children’s Playhouse of Maryland – she’s the Artistic Director for Beth Tfiloh Community School where she manages the award winning Theatre Arts Program and she is the Business Manager for Pumpkin Theatre.

A mainstay in the Baltimore theatre community, Smith’s name is synonymous with quality theatre for young people. Each summer she manages and directs the Cockpit in Court, Court Jesters theatre program for CCBC where over 60 youngsters are able to perform without cost. Additionally, her Children’s Playhouse of Maryland gives performance training to hundreds of young people and exposes live theatre to thousands. CPM’s productions have been recognized by local media and have won awards at national theatre competitions.

Smith received her associate’s degree in Theatre Management in 1982 from CCBC Essex, formerly Essex Community College. She went on to receive a degree in Business from the University of Phoenix.

Smith is the first to receive the CCBC Alumni Association’s Distinguished Alumni of the Year award. The CCBC Alumni Association based its selection on outstanding academic and professional achievement as well as community and college service.