Gerhard VonHauenschild, Ph.D.

Gerhard VonHauenschild, Ph.D., ’74 has traveled all over the world. But Towson University’s biology program and its students have brought him back to where his time in the United States began. A native of Stuttgart, Germany, and now a resident of Augusta, Maine, VonHauenschild came to Towson University in 1970 as a biology major, graduating in 3½ years with cum laude honors.

VonHauenschild’s recent $1 million bequest to fund biology scholarships comes on the heels of his 2019 gift to the Biology Alumni Scholarship Fund, which was matched by his employer, Delta Airlines.

“I know the financial struggles that students face, especially today,” says VonHauenschild. “I left Germany looking for independence and determined to find my own way.” He worked as a hospital orderly during his time at TU and understands the commitment students make to afford college.

“We are immensely grateful to Dr. VonHauenschild for his generous gift,” says Laura Gough, chair of the Department of Biological Sciences. “Many of our students work part time or even full time. His gift will provide financial support to biology majors to complete their degrees.”

VonHauenschild, who retired in 2012, earned his MBA and doctorate from George Washington University. The early part of his career he worked for the Organization of American States (OAS) in Barbados before returning to the U.S. He enjoys international travel and spends time annually in Austria, Germany, Mexico and Turkey.

“Scholarships allow students to devote more time to their studies and take advantage of opportunities for science-related activities such as independent research, which otherwise could be out of reach,” says Gough.

To create a bequest or other planned gift, contact Kathleen Hider at (410) 704-6287 or khider@towson.edu.