Philanthropy
Weis Markets Partners in Fighting Food Insecurity
In early December, TU senior Umu Bah Jalloh dashed down the aisles of Weis Markets in Towson, gathering more than $500 worth of groceries. Moving through the store, she targeted essential items like laundry detergent, pasta and frozen foods.
The promotion was part of Weis Markets’ connection to TU. The grocery store generously tripled Jalloh’s grocery value with a $1,500 donation to TU’s Basic Needs Hub. “This underscores the power of community partnerships in helping students thrive,” says Dan Wildt, Weis’ general manager.
It was so fun! You always think things like these only happen in the movies!
Umu Bah Jalloh, TU senior
The Basic Needs Hub, in the Division of Student Affairs, connects the TU community to vital resources, including food, housing, clothing and access to academic tools.
“With Weis tripling Umu’s take during the dash, we were able to buy even more healthy and essential items, including frozen foods, which are in high demand,” says Faith Borras, Basic Needs Hub coordinator.
Events like the Grocery Dash not only raise awareness and funds for critical student resources but also make giving back fun for students. “Introducing students to activities like these fosters a culture of giving back and helps build stronger connections within our community,” says Brittny Brown ’19, manager, fundraising events and sponsorships at TU.
Tigers Thrive with a Second Chance
Some students are just one minor setback away—a car accident, illness or just bad luck—from failing a class and not completing their degree, says Seth Gitter, professor of economics and assistant director of undergraduate research.
“All they need is the encouragement and some motivation to get up again,” he says.
That’s where Glenn Stearns ’87 comes in.
It’s not how you start. It’s how you finish.
Glenn Stearns ’87
He established the Stearns Second Chance Scholarship Program in 2023. It offers students the opportunity to retake a class they were unsuccessful in passing. In 2023, the scholarship encouraged 50% more students to pass on their second try.
In fall 2024, 75% of the students who retook a macroeconomics class passed the course and 22 received the Stearns Second Chance Scholarship, which gives students $1,000 if they pass with a C or better. Students are also steered to new tutoring resources that aid in bolstering their success.
“There aren’t many scholarships, that I know of, that encourage and reward resiliency,” says Alexa Prettyman, assistant professor in the Department of Economics and a member of the TU Economics Scholarship Committee. “The path to success is different for everyone—and that’s okay.”
STEarns scholar
Mark Ramsey
- Major: Sport Management
- Leadership Roles: Orientation Leader. Former vice president of TU’s NAACP and TU’s Brotherhood
- Future Academic Plans: Master’s degree in athletic training and doctorate in physical therapy.
Mark’s message to Glenn Stearns: “Thank you for sticking with me and giving me the opportunity to continue my education here at Towson University. Life throws challenges at all of us. You have given me the chance to show the world, and myself, that I am capable of succeeding as a second-generation college graduate and continuing the legacy my parents started.”