7 TU programs receive Tall-Wiedefeld Society grants

By TOWSON UNIVERSITY on March 13, 2024

On March 6, the Tall-Wiedefeld Society (TWS) announced its second-annual grant award winners during a spring mixer at the South Campus Pavilion. In total, $20,000 in grants went to seven TU programs that benefit primarily, but not exclusively, the advancement of women.

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 to coincide with Women’s History Month in March.

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 Mary Theresa Wiedefeld. Together, they guided TU’s growth for more than a quarter century (1920–47).

"I’ve read and learned about the inspired work of TWS since coming to TU,” said TU President Mark Ginsberg at the event. “I am particularly excited about this society because it shines a light on the ability we have in higher education to make a difference. TWS has made a transformational impact on our community with grants funded by our society members.”

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2024 grant award winners 

The inaugural chapter of the Black Athlete Sister Circle (BASC) at Towson University – $2,000
BASC supports black female athletes in the following areas:

• Life as a student-athlete
• Campus climate
• Black female student identity
• Academic balance and success
• Developing positive relationships
• Mentoring
• Career development

Cultivating Resiliency and Well-Being in Future Educators: The Tiger LINC Club (TLC) – $3,000
To address the mental health crisis among young adults, curriculum and training has been developed for six College of Education (COE) students who lead resiliency and mental health support sessions in 16 public high schools. The program is expanding to include support for all COE students—150 teacher candidates in total. The Tiger LINC Club (TLC) brings students together to build connections and engage them in strategies to manage adversity and strengthen their well-being.

TU Baltimore County Public Schools Model United Nations – $3,000
This majority-minority program, dominated by women, connects 300 high schoolers from 23 schools with 40 TU students and professors in role-playing simulations. Transportation, materials and meals for all participants are provided. The program brings the students together for an accessible and mutually beneficial civic engagement learning program. TU students assist with running every part of the conference program.

College of Business & Economics MentHER Program – $1,000
A cross-generational mentoring program, MentHER is designed to empower female business students at Towson University and provide support to high school students. Operating in its 15th year, the program builds leadership skills and connects female students with information and mentors while instilling a sense of community engagement. This is the second year MentHER received a TWS grant.

Hill-Lopes Scholars Program – $1,000
The Hill-Lopes Scholars Program supports undergraduate women in STEM as they navigate their career paths and gather professional development and networking skills. A key pillar of the program is career exploration. Funding will support the scholars with opportunities to attend the Grace Hopper Celebration in Philadelphia, the largest gathering of women in the computer science/tech field.

Speak Up, Speak Out! (SUSO!): A Week-long Immersive Leadership Communication Experience for Middle School Girls – $5,000
Grant funding will support a week-long day camp for 50 middle school girls (aged 12–13), led by TU faculty and Public Communication Center peer mentors, with the goal to help them find their voice, develop respectful communication skills, advocate for themselves and others and build self-confidence.

Women in Forensic Science – $5,000
TU’s highly regarded forensic science programs enrollment is 85% women. Funding will support five seminars that include working female forensic scientists and female victims of violence. The presenters will discuss the role women play in forensic laboratories as crime scene investigators, DNA analysts and firearms examiners. Community outreach helps students recognize the important roles women play in crime laboratories and opens the door to internships, crime scene ride-alongs and student volunteering at labs.