George and Betsy Sherman have a profound belief in the power of education to create better opportunities, better communities and stronger families. Through their foundation, they focus their investments on initiatives for children and education. With their involvement at the Family Tree, the United Way, UMBC and other organizations, the Shermans have worked to improve future opportunities for the youth of Baltimore through programs that can offer hope and results. The Shermans are delighted to be working with UMBC and their outstanding leadership, coupled with a talented and dedicated faculty that will train the next generation of scientists, mathematicians and engineers.
George Sherman was founder and president of Cypress Group LLC and also served as Chairman of the Board of Encapsys LLC, a company purchased by Sherman Capital Holdings in August 2015. He previously served as non-executive Chairman of the Board of Directors of Rexnord Corporation. During his tenure, Rexnord was a portfolio company of both Apollo Management and The Carlyle Group prior to its listing on the NYSE in 2012. George retired from his role as Chairman of the Board of Rexnord in July 2015. George also previously served as Chairman of the Board of Campbell Soup Company, President and CEO of Danaher Corporation, and Executive Vice President and President of the Power Tools and Home Improvement Group at Black and Decker Corporation.
Betsy Sherman has worked with non-profit organizations in Baltimore for more than 20 years. Her passion for child advocacy began early in her life and continues through her focus on educational opportunities for children and their families. Following graduation from Tufts University with a degree in early childhood education, she was fortunate to be the first Head Start teacher in Kentucky. Her early teaching experiences in rural Virginia drove her desire to help disadvantaged youth. Betsy has been an active board member at the Family Tree for more than 20 years.
George and Betsy were honorary co-chairs of the capital campaign for the Family Tree. Together, they have an unwavering commitment to Baltimore and the surrounding community.
The UMBC community is proud to announce the dedication of George and Betsy Sherman Hall on September 19, 2013.
Sherman Hall is named in honor of George and Betsy Sherman, in recognition of their sustained generosity and deep commitment to making a difference through education, whose support established the Sherman STEM Teacher Scholars Program at UMBC, strengthening our efforts to address the critical shortage of highly qualified science technology, engineering and mathematics teachers serving high-needs schools.