#United States #University of Maryland #College Park #engineering scholarships #Clark Foundation

University of Maryland Secures $51.7M from Clark Foundation

The University of Maryland (UMD) has recently announced a generous gift of $51.7 million from the A. James & Alice B. Clark Foundation. This significant investment aims to enhance scholarships for engineering students and bolster collaborations with other leading engineering institutions. The Clark Foundation has a long-standing relationship with UMD, having collectively invested over $364 million to date, making it one of the university's most influential benefactors.

Courtney Clark Pastrick, the chair of the Clark Foundation's board, expressed confidence that the funds would elevate the university's academic offerings, fostering innovation and excellence. In light of these developments, UMD is embarking on an ambitious fundraising campaign titled “Forward The University of Maryland Campaign for the Fearless,” aiming to secure a record $2.5 billion. So far, with contributions from notable alumni and organizations, the campaign has successfully raised $943 million.

The origin of this remarkable relationship dates back to A. James Clark's own education in civil engineering at UMD. He credited a state scholarship for enabling his studies, allowing him to rise through the ranks to create Clark Construction, a renowned firm with a significant presence in the Washington D.C. area. Since returning to support his alma mater, Clark has transformed educational experiences for countless students.

Upon his passing in 2015, a historic commitment of $219.5 million was made by the Clark Foundation to further scholarships, fellowships, endowed faculty positions, and capital projects, notably enhancing the university's engineering capabilities. The establishment of the A. James Clark Scholars Program exemplifies the commitment to not just education, but also leadership and community service, merging technical skills with social responsibility.

The Foundation's latest contributions include funding for Clark Legacy Endowed Scholarships, supporting both merit-based and need-based scholarships for undergraduate students in the Clark School of Engineering. Furthermore, the Clark Opportunity Transfer Scholars Program will receive additional financial support aimed at assisting high-achieving engineering students transitioning from community colleges.

In addition to scholarships, the Clark Foundation is also launching the Clark Scholars Philanthropy Challenge, an initiative encouraging students to engage with local nonprofits, promoting a spirit of philanthropy while strengthening community ties. Assigned funds will support professional development opportunities, covering networking events and addressing financial emergencies faced by students.

The commitment to maintaining a high educational standard extends to supporting existing programs, such as the Clark Scholars Program Network (CSPN), which has greatly benefited students across several engineering schools through events and community-building initiatives. These advancements underscore the Foundation’s goal to leave a lasting legacy, encouraging students to innovate and excel in their engineering careers.

Darryll J. Pines, the President of UMD, resonated with a shared sentiment, recognizing the Clarks' profound impact on the institution and the broader community. As the Foundation prepares to conclude its operations by the end of the year, its final investments promise to galvanize the university’s educational excellence, ensuring that A. James Clark's legacy endures as a beacon of support and inspiration.

The partnership between UMD and the Clark Foundation demonstrates a powerful model of philanthropic commitment—a narrative that not only focuses on financial investment but fosters an environment where academic pursuits flourish and future leaders are cultivated. As resulting projects and programs take shape, they will undoubtedly continue to impact generations to come.