On March 6, the Tall-Wiedefeld Society (TWS) announced its third annual grant award winners. In total, $20,000 in grants went to six TU programs which benefit primarily, but not exclusively, the advancement of women in a variety of industries.

Launched in spring 2022, the TWS honors TU’s women leaders, builds community and creates a permanent legacy to address the needs of young women at TU. The awards are made annually in March, to coincide with Women’s History Month and International Women’s Day on March 8.

TWS is a growing collective that supports positive change through philanthropy and education. It is named after two prominent and influential leaders in TU’s history: Lida Lee Tall and M. Theresa Wiedefeld. Together, they guided TU’s growth for more than a quarter century (1920–47).

In the celebratory event yesterday, President Mark Ginsberg noted, "In the three years since its inception, TWS has made a transformational impact on our community—creating greater access and opportunities for the next generation of students. It’s a special group for a number of reasons, not the least of which is because it shines a light on the ability we have in higher education to make a difference."

2025 Winners

Women in the Trades—$5,000

The goal is to better prepare female employees to obtain, and succeed in, supervisory roles within Facilities Management through leadership skills development. It will create a pathway for women to move into positions of increased responsibility and salary equality. The program will support a skilled, TU-trained workforce that meets the growing demands of the TU Department of Facilities Management. As the program develops, the immediate availability of skilled trades workers will improve campus operations and make TU a recognized leader in workforce development.

Robotics Summer Camp—$5,000

This one-week summer camp will engage diverse elementary students from underrepresented backgrounds—at least 50% female—in robotics experiences to build skills in creative problem-solving and storytelling. In addition, four TU students will be trained as camp facilitators, delivering an authentic experience in robotics education design and instruction. This project promotes equity by broadening access to robotics education and enhancing TU students’ skills, interest and confidence in teaching robotics.

Women in Forensic Science (second year grant award winner)—$4,000

The award is an extension of last year’s grant to the Women in Forensic Science program, which offered seminars in the use of the FBI’s National DNA database to help identify unknown criminal suspects; forensic investigative genetic genealogy to identify unknown human remains, missing persons and suspects in unsolved crimes; and the use of drone and 3D planning technology at crime scenes. Students’ seminar attendance inspired internships at crime laboratories, participation in crime scene ride-alongs, research project presentations at professional forensic science meetings and connections with female forensic professionals for job opportunities.

Equal Pay Symposium—$3,000

The symposium-style event on Equal Pay Day, March 12, will highlight wage disparity and discrimination faced by women and minority groups and raise awareness for the career readiness of TU students. This collaborative event is supported by the Office of Institution Inclusion & Equity, Center for Student Diversity, the Hill-Lopes Scholars Program, MentHER, the Dr. Nancy Grasmick Institute and the Career Center.

TU - Baltimore County Public Schools Model United Nations (second year grant award winner) —$2,000

This majority-minority program, primarily women, connects 300 high schoolers from 23 schools, with 40 TU students and professors in role-playing simulations. Bringing the students together for an accessible and mutually beneficial civic engagement learning program, TU students assist with running every part of the conference program. Transportation, materials and meals are provided for participants.

Transformational Book Club—$1,000

Held in TU’s Center for Student Diversity (CSD), a series of six banned and challenged book-centered events will be held during 2025 and 2026. Three events will include story and craft/activity time for LGBTQIA+ preschool and elementary students, their families and allies. Three additional events will include banned book discussions for local LGBTQIA+ teens, their families and allies, led by TU LGBTQIA+ students along with information about TU’s support for gender inclusivity.

About Towson University

Towson University is Maryland’s university of opportunities. With more than 150 years of experience pushing possibilities, TU is a nationally recognized leader in inclusive excellence, social mobility, research and discovery. As the largest university in greater Baltimore, TU’s momentum is always accelerating, with more than 20,000 students and 100 bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degree programs in the liberal arts and sciences and applied professional fields. Located amid one of the East Coast’s cultural and economic epicenters, TU is a beacon and powerful catalyst in the Mid-Atlantic, partnering with hundreds of businesses and organizations, impacting communities and fueling change. TU meets the holistic needs of each student to achieve success, a result of a deeply inclusive culture with a focus on equity among all students, faculty and staff.