Washington College Receives $2.1 Million Gift from Hodson Trust

The gift supports student scholarships at the College

Washington College has received a gift of $2,142,886 from The Hodson Trust to endow merit-based scholarships and support the College’s Washington Scholars program, which provides full tuition, room, and board to high-achieving students with significant financial need.  

“The Hodson Trust has been a most generous partner and supporter of Washington College,” Sosulski said. “The support that the Hodson trustees continue to provide makes this outstanding Washington College education possible for so many of our students, and we are sincerely grateful.” 

This year’s donation provides $1,071,443 to The Hodson Trust Merit Scholarship endowment, and $1,071,443 to support the The Hodson Trust’s Washington Scholars endowment. In addition to covering tuition and costs, Washington Scholars program also provides its students with academic, social, emotional support; leadership development activities; and career development and placement. Started in 2016, the Washington Scholars program selects approximately 10 students each year from among a pool of nominated candidates from around the country. Since its inception, more than 65 Washington Scholars have enrolled at the College. 

“The Washington Scholars program is vital for ensuring access that allows exceptional students to take advantage of the amazing opportunities Washington College has to offer,” said Johnnie Johnson, vice president for enrollment management. “Their path to success starts with the support they receive through The Hodson Trust and opens new opportunities that let them excel and achieve.” 

The Hodson Trust is the College’s largest single benefactor. Starting with a grant of $18,191.12 in 1935, the Trust has given Washington College more than $90 million. The Trust that was established in 1920 by the family of Col. Clarence Hodson grew from an initial investment of $100 into a trust that has awarded more than $364 million to four Maryland educational institutions: Washington College, Johns Hopkins University, St. John’s College of Annapolis, and Hood College. Hodson, who received the honorary degree Doctor of Laws from Washington College in 1922, served on the College’s Board of Visitors and Governors from 1920 until his death in 1928.  

For more information, visit www.hodsontrust.org.