Giving
Douglas ’80 and Therese Erdman TU’s First Term Professorship
Photo from left: Therese Erdman, Kaitlyn Wilson, Ph.D., Douglas Erdman and Dean Lisa Plowfield
The College of Health Professions hosted its inaugural Autism Summit on April 24.
Sponsored by the new autism studies doctoral program, the event united faculty, students and leading experts from greater Baltimore, who are all advancing autism research. The summit also served as an inspiring backdrop for the announcement of the Douglas F. '80 and Therese J. Erdman Term Professorship in Autism Studies, which was awarded to Kaitlyn Wilson, Ph.D.
We are incredibly proud of the partnership with Douglas and Therese Erdman. Their support has had a transformative impact on autism research and education at TU.
Dean Lisa Ann Plowfield, PH.D., R.N., Dean, College of Health Professions
Wilson has worked in the field of autism studies since she was an undergraduate student. She brings her intrigue in the families and children with whom she worked and the unique ways they experience the world as TU’s first term professor. “The Erdmans are such generous, kind and humble people,” says Wilson. “I value their dedication to the field of autism studies and am so appreciative of their support.”
Lisa Plowfield, dean of the College of Health Professions, agrees. “With the Erdmans’ gift, we will advance innovative research and opportunities for students and faculty to make meaningful contributions to the autism community.”
The Erdmans’ story of generosity and vision is a very personal one. Doug, a graduate of the College of Business and Economics, and his wife, Therese, have an autistic son, Ross. “With our son approaching adulthood, we became acutely aware of the dearth of resources and opportunities for autistic adults and their families in the region,” Doug says. “We were in a position to support a cause and give back to the community in a meaningful way.” A member of the TU Foundation Board, Doug believes giving back isn’t just about money. “We believe for philanthropy to be the most effective, you not only write the check, you also participate in the legwork. We are very fortunate that TU has provided us the opportunity to do so.”
With TU’s new doctorate in autism studies in mind, the gift to establish the term professorship was the Erdmans’ next logical step to further enhance autism education and programming. “We are thrilled to be part of this unique program that puts TU on the national stage,” Therese says. “Our hope is that through TU, we can expand our family’s personal journey with autism to benefit all those who are on a similar path.”
Tags: Alumni, Giving