CSM Makes a Big Splash
Providing their support at the Splash for Scholarships for CSM students, were members of the Southern Maryland Women’s League, including from left, CSM alumna Suzanne Wible, Pam Frank, Tammy Semega, and Andrea Sanford.
Scholarship Fundraiser Raises More than $80,000
It wasn’t a wellness center. It was a tropical paradise. On May 7, 2016, the College of Southern Maryland Leonardtown campus Wellness and Aquatics Center was transformed for the second annual Splash for Scholarships fundraiser, and more than $80,990 through cash and in-kind donations was raised in support of student scholarships, exceeding last year’s total of $73,225.
Only in its second year, the CSM Foundation’s Splash event already has made a difference in people’s lives. Last year, the Chip Norris Scholarship was created to honor the CSM alumnus and former Leonardtown mayor by his friends and supporters. This year, Nicholas Combs of Leonardtown, the first recipient of the award, told donors that he would not have had the success he has had without their support.
Mr. Combs said that in less than a year he went from being a homeschooled student, to earning his GED to being a college freshman where he earned a spot on CSM’s dean’s list.
“I come from a single-parent family where I am the oldest of seven children. I want to continue my studies to show my sisters the rewards of an education. I want to thank everyone for your generous support that enables students like me to focus on classwork without worrying about how we are going to afford tuition,” Mr. Combs said.
CSM President Dr. Brad Gottfried said at the event that he values the struggles faced by students.
“What [donors attending the event] are doing tonight is helping students achieve their dreams. I can tell you that there is never enough money for scholarships and by being here tonight, it means that more students will be supported,” Dr. Gottfried said.
Sponsors of the event were at several different levels. At the High Tide level were Community Bank of the Chesapeake and Capt. Billy Robertson Foundation.
At the Lifeguard level were Brad and Linda Gottfried, CBIZ Benefits and Insurance Services, County Times, Glen and Barbara Ives, MedStar St. Mary’s Hospital, Miles & Stockbridge, Old Line Bank, Quality Built Homes, Southern Maryland Newspapers, and Southern Maryland Women’s League.
At the Beachcomber level were an anonymous donor, Calvert Memorial Hospital, The Cherry Cove Group, Donald P. and Jean Marie McDougall, Murray, Wamsley & Schrader LLC Certified Public Accountants, Rita Reeves, Ruddy Duck, Shasho Consulting P.A. Commercial Real Estate in Memory of Mary I. Shasho, Titan Gemini Group, Toyota of Southern Maryland, Vyalex Management Systems, and Walter and Jane Grove.
At the Seashell level were Barefoot Graphics, C3 Innovations, Coldwell Banker Jay Lilly Real Estate, Eric and Rané Franklin, Evie and Vince Hungerford, Flora Corner Farm, Hickory Dickory Dark Productions, Linda Cox in Memory of Donald R. Cox, Nancy Hempstead, Patuxent Dental, PixBooth, Sabre Systems, and Taylor Gas Co.
Established in 1970, the CSM Foundation is a nonprofit, tax-exempt organization that promotes academic excellence, growth, progress, and the general welfare of CSM. The foundation raises and manages funds, and provides support to strengthen and develop the college and its objectives.
For information or to contribute to the Chip Norris Scholarship Fund, contact the development department at 301-934-7649 or [email protected].
For more about the College of Southern Maryland, visit their Leader member page.
