We are deeply saddened by the news that George Sherman passed away after an extended illness. For the last quarter of a century, George and Betsy Sherman have had a profound impact on UMBC through thoughtful, intentional, and engaged philanthropy. George will be remembered at UMBC for his keen intellect, authenticity, curiosity, and a warm and generous sense of humor. He and Betsy shared a passion for education and a commitment to the youth of Baltimore City. With Betsy, a former teacher, as his partner, George invested generously in UMBC’s people and programs, because he believed the university was making a difference in the lives of children and their families.
George will be widely remembered as a dynamic and successful business leader. The founder and chairman of Cypress Performance Group LLC, he also served as the non-executive board Chairman for companies including Rexnord corporation and the Campbell Soup Company, and was the President and CEO of Danaher Corporation. It was in his role at Danaher that he first became connected to UMBC, and over time, the Shermans helped establish initiatives that reflected their deeply-held values. From their support of the Meyerhoff Scholars Program, to generous leadership gifts that launched the Sherman STEM Teacher Scholars Program and established the Sherman Center for Early Learning in Urban Communities, their giving has been emblematic of UMBC and their own shared vision—to strategically promote equity and social justice through education.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions to the UMBC Foundation for the Sherman STEM Teacher Program.
Contributions to the fund may be made here or you may also make checks payable to the UMBC Foundation, noting Sherman STEM Teacher in the memo line. Mail to: UMBC Foundation, 1000 Hilltop Circle, Baltimore, MD 21250.
The Sherman STEM Teachers Scholars program prepares graduate and undergraduate students with the academic skills and strategies necessary to enact equitable teaching practices in urban settings by bridging their academic majors and teacher certification coursework with research-based education frameworks. This program supports scholars to become culturally responsive and compassionate STEM educators by collaborating with UMBC Faculty and local schools.
The incredible impact George Sherman had on not only our students, but the surrounding community, is something for which we will always be grateful.
All contributions are administered by the UMBC Foundation, Inc., for the benefit of UMBC.