While the slumping economy puts a damper on university endowments, Towson University has received a $1 million donation for scholarships for disadvantaged students. Ruth Marder, a member of the university’s board of visitors, made the donation to Towson’s Top 10% Scholars program, which enrolls students with a financial need who have graduated in the top 10 percent of their class in a Baltimore City or Baltimore County high school.
“In spite of the economy, we still have people doing great things,” said Stuart Zang, a university spokesman.
The pledge, combined with money the university has already raised, brings the school within about $50,000 of reaching the $1.5 million mark. The France-Merrick Foundation has agreed to donate $500,000 if the school raises $1.5 million. – Mike Silvestri
