Linda Blankenship ’76, ’85 attributes much of her career progression and success to the education she received and time spent at the University of Maryland. After earning her undergraduate degree from the School of Public Health, Linda worked in academic advising at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC). There, she enjoyed engaging with students and helping them shape their academic endeavors.

While working full time, she pursued her graduate degree at UMD and received a master’s in the Counseling and Personnel Services program through the School of Education. Linda quickly moved up the career ladder and spent almost two decades at UMBC, transitioning from academic advising to the Registrar’s office, and then another tenure of similar length as the Registrar at the Johns Hopkins School of Nursing, which she retired from in October 2019.

“The skills I learned at Maryland were instrumental in how I approached counseling and my interactions with students and faculty,” Linda says.

Themselves strong advocates of public education, Linda’s parents, Alvin and Jeanette Blankenship, along with Linda’s encouragement, named UMD the beneficiary of a charitable remainder trust, which established the Blankenship Family Endowment upon their passing. Alvin had been CEO of an engineering firm and was very proud of his efforts to provide opportunities for women in the field.

Since 2015, the endowed fund has supported this initiative by awarding scholarships for deserving students in the A. James Clark School of Engineering. Students participating in programs such as the Society of Women Engineers or Flexus, which helps to promote diversity and inclusion in the field of engineering, may be considered for this award.

Wishing to honor her parents’ memory, Linda and her wife, Jill, have augmented the endowment through a bequest commitment in their own estate plans.

“This year, I received thank you letters from two students who received scholarships through the family endowment, which was really heartwarming,” says Linda.

The Impact of a Scholarship

Madeline Ford, a senior computer engineering major and 2020-2021 scholarship recipient, acknowledges its impact.

“I am so grateful to receive the Blankenship family scholarship,” says Madeline. “My parents are self-employed, and this financial support is so helpful to my family, especially during times like these. I am honored and motivated by this investment in my college education.”

Linda, an avid sports enthusiast and season ticket holder to UMD’s women’s basketball games, has also made a bequest commitment to support student-athlete scholarships in women’s basketball. “It’s been wonderful to see the progress the women’s team has made over the years. They are a true contender every year, and I’m happy I can contribute to their long-term success.”

“Looking toward the future is just the right thing to do,” adds Linda. “I’ve had a rewarding life and career. It’s a privilege to be able to help future students realize their own aspirations.”

Interested in learning more about ways you, like Linda, can make a difference for UMD students? Contact the the Office of Gift Planning at giftplanning@umd.edu or 866.646.4UMD to get started.