Impact Of A Scholarship: Robert Duru

For local children growing up in the area, the University of Maryland can be a place where they can get a world-class education to go along with playing their chosen sport at one of the highest levels. 

Robert Duru grew up as one of those student-athletes, playing football and running track at nearby Suitland High School. Being able to pair his athletic skills with a college education was a dream come true, and it was a dream that came true at Maryland.

“To be a [Maryland] athlete was a validation of all the work I've put in my whole life,” Duru said. “The missed parties, the missed Friday night events, high school sacrifices, [all to be] rewarded with a scholarship at the University of Maryland. It really was validation for the level of sacrifice that it took to get to that level. [There] was definitely appreciation to be surrounded by such talented student-athletes of all different walks of life at the University of Maryland, a top-notch institution. It was a humbling experience, being able to share some of the same stories and experiences of so many legends that have come before us.”

Duru was a track star for the Terps between 2004 and 2008, running for then-newly-minted head coach Andrew Valmon. The track and field staff at Maryland were so keen on getting Duru that they made him a top priority and made him the first recruit of their tenure.

Like most students, paying for college would have been an incredible burden to bear, but because of his scholarship, Duru could live out his dream while having his college experience paid for.

The stress-free college experience allowed Duru to perform at the highest level and achieve personal and professional success today. 

“I wouldn't have been able to afford college without my scholarship,” Duru said. “I was a local kid so I knew about the University of Maryland. My scholarship provided me with a quality of life that I did have; I didn't have to put it towards my basic needs. I was able to have just a little bit more to really enjoy my time in Maryland. I didn’t have that stress, that financial stress, so many students deal with.”

Since graduating from Maryland in 2008 with a degree in Kinesiology, Duru expanded his education with a Master’s degree from Maryland in business administration and management, paving the way for his career. 

Duru now works as a Senior Relationship Manager and Vice President of M&T Bank in the greater Washington DC area, handling millions of dollars while creating and maintaining relationships that benefit his place of work. 

The former Maryland star is living his dream life, and a big part of it stems back to the opportunities he earned at Maryland. His greatest relationship though is the one he has with his wife, Erin, and their two children, Jeremiah and Jacob. The Duru’s are also expecting their third child, a daughter.

Since the University of Maryland meant so much to him, Duru decided to get involved as an alumnus, and that’s when he signed up to be a part of the M Club, a prestigious organization for former Maryland student-athletes. 

The M Club provides former Terrapin athletic letter winners the opportunity to continue to be involved in Maryland Athletics once their eligibility has expired. Their goals include building and maintaining a strong alumni organization for former University of Maryland, College Park student-athletes, and aiding student-athletes in making positive contributions to the University and the community. 

“Being a student-athlete gave me access to the M Club,” Duru said. “[I learned] perseverance, drive, work ethic, and those have been key to my success in my professional career. Having an opportunity at the University of Maryland really gave me access to a walk of life that I wouldn't have had without it. You instantaneously become a part of a group that you’ll belong to forever.”

The M Club has allowed Duru to grow his support base and form some of the most important relationships of his life. He may have just gone to Maryland for the school and to do what he loves, but building a network of peers has done much more for him.

“You're always a part of that camaraderie of people and they have a saying with the M Club, which is ‘athletes helping athletes’,” Duru said. “That's always been true for me. Every time I've ever reached out or I've ever needed something, I can always count on a fellow alum from the university to support me.”

For the past 12 years, Duru has sat on the Board of Directors, proudly representing the track and field team and supporting current Terp athletes. Duru is active in his leadership role and is responsible for establishing and maintaining relationships with past and current Maryland athletes.

To this day, Duru is eternally grateful for the support he received as a student-athlete and is doing everything he can to pay it forward to the next generation. That’s why he remains involved to this day and why he’s issuing a challenge for anyone with the means to help.

“Become a donor because of what a scholarship will do for a young person's life,” Duru said. “Continue to support our student-athletes both on and off the field. Continue to give them opportunities in the workplace and continue to challenge and mentor. [Continue] to be open and kind and gracious, open your homes and families to us, because we genuinely appreciate it.” 

Despite being a track and field athlete, Duru has love for all Maryland student-athletes and believes the diversity of the athletic department is one of its greatest strengths. That diversity will remain on display and be celebrated by all who are lucky enough to join the elusive club as a Maryland student-athlete. 

“We come from all different walks of life, different demographics, classes, creeds, and colors,” he said. “But when you're Maryland, you’re family.”