George and Betsy Sherman shared a profound belief in the power of education to create better opportunities, stronger families, and more vibrant communities. Through their foundation, they focused their investments on initiatives for children and education in Baltimore, working to improve future opportunities for the city’s youth through programs that offer both hope and results.
The Foundations of a Mission
Betsy Sherman’s passion for child advocacy began early in her life and continues through her focus on educational opportunities for children and their families. Following her studies in early childhood education, she was fortunate to be the first Head Start teacher in Kentucky. Her early teaching experiences in rural Virginia and Kentucky drove her lifelong desire to help disadvantaged youth. A devoted advocate for children, Betsy has been an active board member at The Family Tree for more than 20 years.
George Sherman (1941–2021) was the founder and president of Cypress Group LLC and served as Chairman of the Board of Encapsys LLC. He previously served as non-executive Chairman of the Board of Directors of Rexnord Corporation. Throughout his distinguished career, George also 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.
Together, George and Betsy maintained an unwavering commitment to Baltimore and the surrounding community.
A Partnership with UMBC: Key Milestones
The Shermans’ work with UMBC has been defined by a talented and dedicated faculty training the next generation of educators and scientists.
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2006 – The Sherman STEM Teacher Scholars Program: Founded with UMBC’s Rehana Shafi, this flagship program was established to address the critical shortage of highly qualified STEM teachers serving high-needs schools. It has since become a model for preparing educators who are both subject-matter experts and culturally responsive leaders.
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2013 – Dedication of Sherman Hall: On September 19, 2013, the UMBC community dedicated George and Betsy Sherman Hall. The naming recognized their sustained generosity and deep commitment to making a difference through education.
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2021 – A Historic Gift and the George and Betsy Sherman Center: In 2021, a historic $21 million gift—the largest in UMBC’s history—officially founded the George and Betsy Sherman Center. This milestone built upon the successes of the former Sherman Center for Early Learning and the Sherman Scholars Program, expanding their reach to support PreK-12 research, teaching, and learning across Baltimore.
A Lasting Legacy
The UMBC community continues to honor the memory of George Sherman following his passing in 2021. These transformational gifts ensure that the Shermans’ vision remains a permanent part of the university’s fabric.
Today, the work continues under the leadership of Betsy Sherman and the Sherman Family Foundation. Their legacy lives on through the hundreds of Sherman Scholars in classrooms today and the ongoing research at the Sherman Center, all dedicated to the belief that the right support for Baltimore’s teachers and students can change the world.
