St. Mary’s College of Maryland student Dante Chestnut has been awarded a $5,000 scholarship by the Beltway Companies Endowed Scholarship Fund. Established in 2011 by Jack C. and Jeanne Saum, founders of Beltway Companies and both graduates of St. Mary’s College, the scholarship fund was developed as part of their commitment to corporate social responsibility.
“Our scholarship is philanthropic, but it is also very much tied into helping our business grow,” said Jack C. Saum, Beltway Companies dealer principal. “We hope that this scholarship will attract new talent for an industry that is fundamental to our daily lives.”
The Beltway Companies Endowed Scholarship Fund is also part of St. Mary’s College’s Baltimore Scholarship Initiative, established by the France-Merrick Foundation, the Landers Foundation, and private donors to benefit academically talented students from Baltimore City who have financial need.
“We are incredibly proud to have had Dante as the first recipient of this scholarship,” said Maureen Silva, St. Mary’s College vice president for advancement. “This fund is part of the Baltimore City Scholarship Initiative, which encourages investment in Baltimore’s youth who are interested in St. Mary’s College and provides a way to give back to the city.”
In only two years, the Beltway Companies Endowed Scholarship Fund has received more than $80,000 in contributions. St. Mary’s College students, who are rising third-year students majoring in business and/or economics with financial need, are eligible to apply for the two-year, $5,000 (minimum) gap scholarship. Preference is given to students from Baltimore City Public Schools and for family members of those who work in the commercial trucking and transportation industry. Scholarship recipients are also eligible for a paid internship for two summers at Beltway Companies’ dealerships in Maryland. The scholarship is renewable for two, one-year terms for students who remain in good academic standing.
“During my internship I learned so much about commercial transportation; it was the best experience I have ever had,” Chestnut said. “Thanks to the support of the Beltway team, my knowledge of the industry will continue to grow.”
Chestnut was honored at Beltway Companies’ second annual scholarship fundraising golf tournament held on Oct. 15 at the Rolling Road Golf Club in Catonsville, Md.
Beltway Companies is the largest commercial truck dealership in the state of Maryland, with seven locations, 92 service bays and more than $2.5 million in stocked parts.