Foundation Scholars program changes lives at TU

May 18, 2022

TU’s philanthropic present and future came together for the inspiring Towson University Foundation Scholars Celebration, held May 12 at the University Union Ballroom.

Austin Raymond ’24, a mathematics major with a concentration in actuarial sciences and risk management and a double minor in computer science and business analytics, was one of several recipients who said TU Foundation Scholarships changed their lives.

Raymond, the recipient of the Jordan Feder Memorial Endowed Scholarship, told the crowd, “TU Foundation scholarships have been absolutely wonderful in helping my family and me financially, especially as an out-of-state student from Michigan. Financial assistance helps to ease financial burdens, reduces angst and anxiety regarding fees and costs, and allows us to be fully present and fully focused on our studies.”

Raymond was one of a series of student speakers at the event who are also TU Foundation Scholars.

“More than half of TU’s full-time undergraduate students demonstrate financial need,” President Kim Schatzel said. “For those who receive aid, the average unmet need is nearly $12,000. Our donors help our students engage and explore in ways they may not otherwise experience,” she continued. “Thank you for helping provide opportunities.”

on Jul 10, 2018 at 3:23pm PDT

TU Foundation President Bill Murray ’08, ’11, served as the master of ceremonies and thanked the generous donors who were present, including:

• Roberta Kahlert ’69, and her husband, Greg, from the Kahlert Foundation, which recently gave a record-setting $3 million grant in support of major initiatives, including scholarships for students in TU’s UTeach program.
• Deborah Stowers, who traveled from South Dakota for the celebration, established the Reverend Ted W. Stowers Scholarship to honor her husband’s memory. The scholarship supports returning students who are pursuing new career paths, leading to "happier, healthier, and more productive lives."
• The family of Officer Amy Sorrells Caprio ’10, a Baltimore County Police Officer who was killed in the line of duty. The Amy Sorrells Caprio Scholarship, created by the family and Officer Sorrells’ friends, supports students who are or whose immediate family member served as a first responder. 
• John Eubank IV ’09, the youngest alumnus to create and fully self-fund an endowed scholarship with the TU Foundation

Foundation Scholar Kristen Gittings ’22 was the recipient of the Hoke L. Smith Scholarship Endowment and the TU Foundation Scholarship. An Honors College student majoring in psychology and family science with a minor in sociology, Gittings thanked the TU Foundation for jumpstarting her academic journey.

“At the onset of my college career they handed me the keys, gave me a full tank of gas and told me to chase down my dreams of college success and graduate school,” Gittings told the audience.

She continued her praise of Hoke L. Smith’s family and the TU Foundation, “None of this would have been possible without their support and their encouragement in showing me that my future is a wide-open highway full of possibilities and potential.”

The awareness of donor generosity is something President Schatzel reminded the recipients of earlier in the evening.

“I encourage you, having benefited from the generosity of others, to pay forward what you have received through your profession, community and the world. And, when you’re able, I know you will consider giving back to TU to help future students reach their full potential.”

See a list of recipients and watch the full ceremony below.