Alumni Association Grant Program supports Ark of Baltimore

Established in 2010, the Loyola University Maryland Alumni Association Grant Program provides awards to support programs and volunteer experiences that reflect the University’s Jesuit ideals and principles. Last month, Phil Lazzati, ’84, president of the Alumni Association National Board, and Brian Oakes, ’99, MBA ’10, director of alumni relations, presented the Ark of Baltimore preschool with a check for $1,500.

The Ark is the only state-accredited preschool for homeless children in Baltimore City. The school serves children between the ages of 3 and 5 years old and offers a short-term preschool program that promotes children's development in all areas, with a particular emphasis on language and social skills.

“Phil and I had the opportunity to spend time with the program’s director, teachers, volunteers, and of course, the 3- and 4-year-olds benefiting from this program,” said Oakes. “Both fathers of young children, we were awestruck to see such young faces of homelessness. The children looked just like those in my daughter’s preschool class, giggling and excited, trying hard to follow directions and stay seated when told. But after school they return to the local shelters around Baltimore City. While there are many things I am proud to have been involved in as a Loyola student, alumnus, and in my job in alumni relations, none have been as rewarding as the creation of the Alumni Association Grant Program and the experience I had presenting this award.”

Several Loyola alumni as well as current students volunteer at the Ark, which is how the Alumni Association became aware of the program’s efforts and began considering it for a grant. Funding for the grant program is made possible through revenue generated by the Alumni Association’s partnerships with Bank of America, Liberty Mutual, and other organizations which extend special offers to Loyola alumni.

For more information on the Alumni Association Grant Program, including how to apply, click here.