A major philanthropic investment at the University of Maryland could further strengthen College Park’s role as a center for education, athletics and workforce development while creating new opportunities within Prince George’s County’s growing sports and business ecosystem.
As reported by Rachel Schlueter of the Washington Business Journal, University of Maryland alumnus and longtime sports executive Stephen M. Schanwald has committed $15 million to the university. The investment will support the development of a new golf performance center and expansion of the Stephen M. Schanwald Sports Management Program at the Robert H. Smith School of Business.
The latest contribution follows Schanwald’s $18 million commitment in 2024 and brings his total commitment associated with UMD’s Forward campaign to at least $33 million.
Investing in Prince George’s County’s Talent Pipeline
For Prince George’s County, the investment demonstrates how higher education, athletics and business development can work together to build a stronger regional economy.
A portion of the funding will expand UMD’s sports management program, allowing the university to develop both a major and minor, hire additional faculty and staff, and expand experiential and career-development opportunities for students. The program already connects students with sports industry leaders and organizations, including visits to NFL, NBA and MLB headquarters.
That expansion has implications beyond the classroom. Developing more graduates with expertise in marketing, management, analytics, operations and other areas of the sports industry adds to the skilled workforce available to businesses and organizations throughout Prince George’s County and the Greater Washington region.
New Investment in College Park
The gift will also support construction of an approximately 5,000-square-foot golf performance center for UMD’s men's and women's golf programs. University officials expect the facility to incorporate advanced technology, including indoor and outdoor hitting bays, a dynamic putting lab, high-speed cameras, sensors and Doppler radar.
While primarily an athletics investment, projects that enhance UMD’s facilities also contribute to College Park’s broader competitiveness. World-class academic and athletic amenities can strengthen the university’s ability to attract students, faculty, visitors and investment—all of which contribute to economic activity in the surrounding community.
The Broader Economic Opportunity
For County-based businesses, UMD’s continued growth reinforces the value of having a major research university and nationally recognized institution anchored in Prince George’s County.
Investments in new facilities and academic programs can generate demand for professional services, technology, construction and other supporting industries while developing talent that local employers can recruit. They also strengthen College Park’s ability to attract partnerships and organizations interested in locating near the university.
The sports industry itself presents a significant intersection of business, technology, media, marketing and entrepreneurship. By preparing students to become future leaders in that industry, UMD is building another pathway for talent development within the County.
Schanwald’s investment is therefore about more than golf or athletics. It demonstrates how private investment in education can help create the infrastructure, talent and opportunities that support long-term economic competitiveness.
As Prince George’s County continues to build its reputation as a destination for innovation and business growth, investments that connect education with real-world industries can help ensure that the next generation of talent—and the businesses seeking that talent—see the County as a place to grow.