7-14-2025 4:35am

Stevenson's $250K

Stevenson Receives $250,000 in New Gifts to Support the Sandra and Malcolm Berman Family Performing Arts Center

Scheduled to Open Fall 2026

Stevenson University has received a number of recent gifts to support the new Sandra and Malcolm Berman Family Performing Arts Center.

“These gifts help ensure the Berman Family Performing Arts Center will not only stand as a signature facility for arts and culture at Stevenson, but that the Center will serve generations of students and enrich the entire campus community,” said Elliot Hirshman, President of Stevenson University.

Currently under construction on North Campus, the Berman Family Performing Arts Center will open in Fall 2026. In recognition of their generous gifts, the individual donors and donating organizations are acknowledged below:

James and Jacqueline Stradtner

Jim and Jackie Stradtner made a $50,000 gift to name the James and Jacqueline Stradtner Café. Jim Stradtner is Managing Partner of Century Private Investments LLC and Jackie Stradtner is a retired teacher with Baltimore County Public Schools. Jim Stradtner is a longtime member of Stevenson’s Board of Trustees, and served as the Chair of the Board from 2015 to 2019.

Longstanding supporters of Stevenson, the Stradtners previously established the James and Jacqueline Stradtner Environmental Sciences Internship Endowment to support paid internships for students in Stevenson’s Environmental Science program. They also provide annual support to a named scholarship to support graduates of Sister’s Academy who attend Stevenson, as well as a named scholarship to support students majoring in Early Childhood Education.

Scott and Carolynne Dorsey

Scott and Carolynne Dorsey made a $50,000 gift to name the Luke Edwin Dorsey Music Wing Vestibule in memory of their son, Luke Edwin Dorsey. A member of Stevenson’s Board of Trustees, Scott Dorsey is the Chairman and CEO of Merritt Companies, which comprises Merritt Properties, Merritt Construction Services, and Merritt Clubs. In addition to serving on Stevenson’s Board, he is an active member of many boards and organizations throughout Maryland.

Alpha Landscaping

Alpha Landscaping committed $50,000 to name the Alpha Landscaping East Hall and to a long-term pledge in support of the Stevenson Annual Fund. Alpha Landscaping and their employees are responsible for maintaining the beautiful landscaping throughout all of Stevenson’s campuses.

The Ford Family

The Ford Family made a $25,000 gift to name the Ford Family Green Room. Mitchell F. Ford is a Certified Financial Planner and Executive Director, Wealth Management, Financial Advisor, and Portfolio Management Director at The Ford Group at Morgan Stanley. He also serves on the President’s Advisory Council at Stevenson. His son, Shane Ford, was a lacrosse player at Stevenson and graduated in 2023. The Ford Family previously named a scoreboard on East Campus.

Jack Dunn IV

A member of the President’s Advisory Council at Stevenson, Jack Dunn IV made a $25,000 gift to name the Dunn Theater Director’s Office. Jack Dunn is the retired Chairman and CEO of FTI Consulting, a leading global expert firm for organizations facing crisis and transformation. A longtime friend and supporter of Stevenson, his previous gifts supported gap scholarships and the Stevenson University Scholarship Fund. Jack Dunn also provided the naming gift for the Dunn Gate on East Campus. His son, Jack Bradley Dunn V, graduated from Stevenson in 2022.

Harry E. Tsakalos ’96

Harry E. Tsakalos ’96 made a $25,000 gift to name the Harry E. Tsakalos ’96 Collaboration Room. He is an alumnus and supporter of Stevenson along with his brother, Chris Tsakalos ’03, who currently serves on the Board of Trustees. The Tsakalos brothers’ previously provided the naming gift for the Tsakalos Library Director’s Office in the Philip A. Zaffere Library, and have supported scholarships at Stevenson.

PMM Companies

PMM Companies made a $25,000 naming gift for the PMM Collaboration Room. PMM and their employees have provided years of excellent janitorial service to Stevenson. In addition to this gift, PMM previously endowed the PMM Companies Annual Scholarship which provides scholarships to students with financial need and has supported Stevenson’s endowment and athletics program with additional gifts.

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