Perdue Kresge Challenge for the Community 

SALISBURY, MD--In an effort to improve the quality of life on the Lower Shore, four civic outreach agencies at Salisbury University have applied for inclusion in the Community Foundation of the Eastern Shore’s Perdue Kresge Challenge for the Community.  Also included is a scholarship program to attract new teachers to the classroom. 

Overseeing the $1 million SU Foundation Endowment Partnership Campaign is Henry Hanna, a member of the SU Foundation’s board of directors.  “The Perdue Kresge Challenge presents an excellent opportunity for Eastern Shore residents to double their charitable gifts.  Each dollar contributed to the SU Foundation Endowment Partnership Campaign will be matched one-for-one by the Foundation,” said Hanna.  “Nationwide, communities which are succeeding have established cultural, educational and civic programming noted for its excellence.  This is what we want to do.”   

The SU Partnership participants are:

-- The Center for Conflict Resolution, founded in 1992, offers a low cost confidential approach to mediating conflicts, which has been used by both public and private groups and individuals on the Delmarva Peninsula and beyond.    Salisbury architect Jim McDonald, board chair, is directing the drive.

--The Salisbury Symphony Orchestra at Salisbury University recently received a $100,000 challenge gift from Dr. Peter Jackson and his wife Judy to expand symphony offerings.  Les Simpson, a Salisbury accountant, and Dr. Jackson are co-directing the SSO campaign.

--The Edward H. Nabb Research Center’s popular genealogical programs offer the largest collection of such records on the Eastern Shore.  Overseeing their effort is Board Chair Gordon Wood, a retired attorney from Oceanview, DE.

--The Ward Museum of Wildfowl Art, acquired by the University last year, hopes to expand its ties to the community with new educational programs and exhibits.  Leading the Ward Museum’s efforts is insurance executive Henry Stanbury of Catonsville, MD.

 --The Seidel Scholarship Challenge for future teachers, launched in response to a generous gift from the late Sam Seidel and his wife, Marilyn, is the fifth component to the partnership.  This effort is particularly important as SU responds to the regional and nationwide teacher shortage by increasing scholarships for students majoring in education.  Joining Hanna in heading this effort is retired executive Wayne Towers, also an SU Foundation board member.

For more information contact Maureen McNeill, SU director of corporate and foundation relations, at 410-548-4759.