COLLEGE PARK, MD – Bob and Carol Baker have made a $2.5 million estate commitment to Maryland Athletics, increasing their total estate commitment to the University of Maryland to $10 million. Additionally, the Bakers have made a lifetime gift of $250,000 in support of the Terrapin Club Impact Fund and the Athletics Facilities Fund. 

The $10 million total estate commitment is designated for the Bob and Carol Baker Endowed Scholarship for Athletics, as well as an endowed scholarship fund to provide financial aid to university students hailing from Allegany and Garrett counties in Maryland.

Bob, a 1966 graduate of the University of Maryland, and Carol, a graduate of Frostburg State University, have been married for 56 years. They attended 517 consecutive football games, home and away, between 1976 and the pandemic. Following the pandemic, they have resumed attending games.
  "We love Maryland and we want fans to be able to experience the same joy we've had for more than half a century," said Bob and Carol. "Our philanthropic support is just one of the ways we're able to pay it forward and ensure Maryland Athletics is successful both now and in the decades to come."  

The Bakers support several initiatives both within Maryland Athletics and across campus, with most of their philanthropy going toward athletics. They have also created the Bob and Carol Baker Endowed Scholarship for the University of Maryland to support general scholarships.  

"Bob and Carol are the epitome of Terps – they are all-in spiritually, emotionally and financially," said Jim Smith, Barry P. Gossett Director of Athletics. "They donate their time, treasure and talent and are truly partners in our collective effort to elevate Maryland Athletics. Their generosity, both through this recent gift and their lifetime of support, is vital in helping us continue to elevate our championship culture." 

Meet your philanthropic needs, extend your generosity
Many donors generously support the University of Maryland through their estate or financial plans, or other planned gift arrangements. These forward-thinking donors demonstrate their steadfast commitment to future generations at UMD and help to ensure the university continues to be a world-class institution and source of Terrapin pride. A planned gift can provide a variety of benefits while providing significant support for Terps, including increasing current income, reducing income and/or estate taxes, and passing assets on to family members at reduced tax costs. Planned gifts can be made through cash, securities, retirement plans, life insurance, and real estate, among other avenues, and can be documented in the way that is best for the individual, including through wills, charitable gift annuities, charitable trusts and IRA rollover gifts. 

Forward: The University of Maryland Campaign for the Fearless
Maryland Athletics aims to raise at least $350M as part of the Forward: The University of Maryland Campaign for the Fearless. Maryland Athletics' campaign priorities fit into four fundraising objectives: Elevate a championship culture; empower young people to realize their full potential; mold tomorrow's leaders today; and foster success through community. Those interested in learning more about how they can participate in Forward: The University of Maryland Campaign for the Fearless are encouraged to click HERE or contact the Terrapin Club at 301-314-7020 or tclub@umd.edu.