om Scholl has long been a staunch supporter of the A. James Clark School of Engineering. Partner in the local venture capital firm Novak Biddle and chair of the school’s board of visitors, Scholl joined his wife Susan ’73 in creating the Scholl Family Foundation in 2000.
They included their sons William and Tommy in contributing to projects.
“Our mission was to involve the whole family in worthwhile causes and to make small contributions to specific projects for which one or all of us could be held accountable for what our funds actually accomplished,” says Scholl.
Engineers Without Borders
A donation of $25,000 helped Engineers Without Borders’ Maryland chapter members complete a solar-powered pump project in the small town of Dissin in Burkina Faso, Western Africa. Residents from surrounding villages were drawing water from wells with hand pumps, and engineering students proposed a solar energy retrofit to the pumps that would improve capabilities and ensure enough water for irrigation during the dry season. The Scholl family’s gift allowed students to purchase materials and covered travel costs for the project.
“We love seeking out and getting educated about projects, discussing them and making decisions together,” says Scholl, who is interested in establishing ongoing support for Engineers Without Borders. “It would be nice if students could spend more time and effort choosing the best projects and devising solutions rather than constantly fundraising.”
