Philanthropist Ruth Marder Pledges $1M to Towson University
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Baltimore resident Ruth R. Marder, an active member of the community who serves on Towson University's board of visitors, has pledged to give $1 million to the university's "Top 10% Program." The Top 10% Program provides financial assistance to students who have completed a college preparatory curriculum, rank in the top ten percent of their graduating class, and attend a Baltimore City or Baltimore County public high school.
Marder is a long-time supporter of Towson University and its programs. The $1 million commitment to the program will establish an endowment in her name. She previously made a major gift as part of the drive to construct Towson’s Center for the Arts. One of its venues is named in her honor.
In 2006, the Baltimore-based France-Merrick Foundation made a $500,000 challenge grant to Towson University to support the Top 10% Program. As part of the grant award, Towson agreed to raise an additional $1 million in matching funds. Marder’s contribution brings Towson to the brink of meeting the five-year challenge.
Towson is currently in the midst of a campaign to raise $50 million campaign, “Growing a University,” to support capital improvements, student scholarships, and faculty research. “Towson University has made a commitment to providing accessible, quality education to those students who might not otherwise have the opportunity to attend college. The availability of ample scholarship support is a key factor in keeping many talented students on track to complete a degree,” noted President Robert L. Caret. “We are so grateful for Ruth’s support, which accelerates by nearly two years our progress in securing scholarship funds, and positions us to surpass the Challenge set by the France-Merrick Foundation.”
Tags: November December 2008
