In her heart, Bonnie Broh-Kahn ‘77 believes that kindness shines through the most during trying times. She and her husband, Jere, are exemplifying this spirit during the current challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic through their recent donation of $1 million bequest to University of Maryland Global Campus (UMGC).
“This gift provides funding for scholarships, support for the Student Aid Fund for Emergency Relief to help students facing hardships, as well as support for the Pillars of Strength program which provides support for military caregivers, and other important needs that help our students reach their dream of a UMGC degree,” explained Broh-Kahn.
Expanding her horizons
Decades ago, Broh-Kahn had her own dream of a degree. While serving her country through the U.S. Foreign Service, she met and married her husband in Thailand where she was volunteering as an English teacher. When the newlyweds returned to the U.S., she was ready to take her education to the next level. While Jere pursued a career at the State Department, Bonnie enrolled at UMGC to earn a college degree.
“UMGC’s great reputation, popularity among military students and low cost compared to schools in the area drove my decision to attend. As a non-traditional student, I felt welcome at UMGC,” she says. “The professors I had were absolutely wonderful! They knew exactly how to prepare us for life outside of the classroom and were always willing to go above and beyond for their students.
Patrons of the arts
UMGC’s many offerings include the arts, which the Broh-Kahns are passionate about. Both Bonnie and Jere are long-time supporters of UMGC’s Friends of the Arts Program. They have donated works of art to the University, and they never miss an Arts Program opening exhibition.
They are gratified to see the University continue to grow and prosper while maintaining its core values, which were created more than 70 years ago. To ensure others can benefit from it as they have, Bonnie and Jere recently established endowed funds to the University through a bequest.
“The high caliber of teachers at UMGC, and the quality of its Arts Program, are some of the main reasons I chose to support the University,” she notes.
Honored for her generosity
The Broh-Kahns have been a supporter of UMGC for years, and in June, members of the UMGC community and UMGC President Javier Miyares honored them for their ongoing dedication and generosity by welcoming them into The Ehrensberger Legacy Society. The Ehrensberger Legacy Society is a community of the University’s most giving and far-sighted benefactors. It recognizes the foresight and generosity of all alumni and friends who have established planned gifts with the university or have provided for UMGC in their wills.
The Broh-Kahns are grateful to be in a position to support others who are looking to improve their lives through the power of education.
“Generous, prior support from alumni and friends made it possible for us to enjoy our UMGC experience, and now, we have an opportunity to give back,” they conclude.
Learn more about how you can give to student scholarships here.