By Stacey Axler
The Hodson Trust, the largest donor to Hood, recently gave the college a gift totaling close to $2 million. The money will be used for scholarships, faculty research, and campus improvements.
“I was very, very delighted and pleased by the gift,” President Ronald Volpe said. “It was very generous of The Hodson Trust to give the college this gift, especially during a time of recession.”
The gift will primarily go to student scholarships and financial aid awards, including the Hodson Scholarship Fund, which provides financial assistance to students.
The money from the Trust will also fund the Hodson Trust Star Scholarship program, which was established four years ago forMarylandveterans who have served in the military inIraqandAfghanistan. This scholarship pays for 100 percent of students’ costs not met by other scholarships or assistance.
Faculty research will also benefit from the donation. The Hodson gift contributed $200,000 toward research, matching the amount from the previous year.
Additionally, money from the gift will go towards campus improvements, including continued residence hall upgrades and other campus improvements. Currently, the Hood administration hopes to upgrade the sprinkler systems in the residence halls that still need renovations.
The gift from the Hodson Trust also contributed funds to the Hodson Endowed Chair in Nursing.
“The Hodson Trust really supports the college,” Volpe said. “The Trust does not have to donate money, but [it] donates money once a year. The money is restricted money and goes to where the Trust believes it is most needed.”
The Hodson Trust has awarded the college nearly $72 million since 1936. The administration continues to use this financial support from the Trust to support scholarships, endowed professorships, athletic programs, research grants and internships, and to build and upgrade campus facilities.
The college shows support for the generosity of The Hodson Trust by including the name Hodson in many buildings and facilities, such as the newHodsonFitnessCenterin the new campus athletic center, the Hodson Outdoor Theater, and the Hodson Gallery in the first floor of theTatemArtsCenter.
The trust was settled in 1920 by the family of Col. Clarence Hodson.
“I am so very grateful for the many years of gifts from The Hodson Trust and their continued support,” Volpe said.
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