Collection Speaker: Maryland Parole Commission Chair David Blumberg ’74

On Friday, January 27, we welcomed Maryland Parole Commission Chair David Blumberg ’74 to speak in Collection. David spoke to the Upper School about his time at Friends, his unique professional journey – from librarian to parole commissioner – and the basics of parole and the prison system. He engaged the students, addressing general misconceptions and assumptions. After Collection, Head of School Christian Donovan hosted David for lunch with members of our community.

David graduated from Loyola College and from the University of Maryland with a master’s degree in library science. He worked for the Enoch Pratt library system for 30 years, with the last 20 spent as the Director of the Baltimore City Jail Library. He has held his current position for nearly 20 years, being consecutively appointed by three different governors, both democratic and republican. He is a recipient of the Friends School 1999 Distinguished Alumni Award and was inducted into the Friends School Athletic Hall of Fame in 2014. In addition to having a deep understanding of Maryland law, David is known for his sense of humor which helps him connect with colleagues, parolees, and their families. He is “famous” for his sense of style - he has a very impressive collection of colorful jackets! The coat he wore on his visit would support that statement.