Leidos Gift Supports Stevenson ’ s Diversity & Inclusion Initiatives
Jim and Jackie Stradtner
recently reelected to the Board after retiring as Board Chair in 2019 . During his tenure as Chair from 2015 to 2019 , he oversaw the most recent presidential search and participated in numerous decisions that have helped to elevate and shape Stevenson to its current standing , including the name change from Villa Julie College to Stevenson University , the expansion of the athletics program , and the development of the Owings Mills and Owings Mills North campuses .
A former partner with Alex . Brown and Sons , and current managing partner of Century Private Investments , Stradtner — along with his wife , Jackie — remains deeply involved in the community , supporting a variety of educational and healthcare initiatives . In addition to his service on the Stevenson Board , he is a member of the board of the Greater Baltimore Medical Center and the Center for a Healthy Maryland .
In December 2020 , Stevenson University received a $ 15,000 donation from Leidos , a FORTUNE 500 ® science and technology company , to support the university ’ s Center for Diversity and Inclusion . This gift allowed the Center ’ s staff to transform the office into a community gathering space by purchasing new amenities such as furniture and educational materials . The company ’ s generosity has enhanced the Center ’ s ability to serve as a resource for faculty , staff , and students who want to educate themselves on different cultures , ethnicities , genders , and religions , as well as a venue for guest speakers and workshops designed to promote awareness , education , and respect for differences .
While Stevenson has had a connection to Leidos for many years , the company ’ s philanthropic support was facilitated by a Stevenson parent Melissa Dueñas . Dueñas , who
is the Senior Vice President and Director of Communications and Marketing at Leidos , assisted the university in securing this support through her advocacy and active involvement in our community as a member of the President ’ s Advisory Council , the Parent and Family Council , and Mustang Club .
The D & I Center ’ s efforts are among Stevenson University ’ s annual priorities , and the philanthropic support from Leidos , along with Dueñas ’ guidance in securing the funding for this project , advances the university ’ s current and future goals .
Q & A with
Supporting Scholars
WHITLEY A . MAYO ' 15
Whitley A . Mayo ’ 15M and Gerald G . Abrams ’ 14M
Gerald G . Abrams ’ 14M and Whitley A . Mayo ’ 15M established the Whitley A . Mayo Scholarship for Minority Women in Forensic Science in October 2020 . This scholarship fund will benefit a female African American student enrolled in Stevenson University ’ s Master ’ s in Forensic Science program . The first inaugural award was made this Fall for the 2021-2022 academic year .
Q : What inspired you to create an annual scholarship at Stevenson University ?
A : Ever since I was in high school , I wanted to be able to provide a scholarship for someone that looks like myself in the forensic sciences . With the high costs of furthering an education , we wanted to provide financial assistance and be a resource for others by assisting in the advancement of their careers .
Q : How did you decide upon the criteria for your award ?
A : I wanted to award a scholarship to someone that was serious about pursuing a career in forensic science , therefore the applicant must be a graduate student . The applicant must also be a female , minority student .
Q : What are you looking forward to most as scholarship donors ? ( i . e . meeting your student recipients over the years , knowing that you ’ re having a direct impact , etc .).
A : We are excited that the recipient will use this scholarship to help them finish their education that can land them a job in forensic science . The desired outcome will be to have the recipient become a forensic scientist in the area of their choosing .
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