CALLAWAY, Md. — The St. Mary’s County Commission for Women handed over more than $2,000 to the College of Southern Maryland (CSM) on March 29, 2025, to support the Jane Hale Sypher Scholarship, an award aiding adult learners in the county. The donation, collected during the commission’s Women’s History Month brunch at The White Rose in Callaway, will assist students—particularly displaced homemakers and single parents—pursuing education at CSM. The event also honored 14 local women for their impactful work in education, leadership, and mentorship, spotlighting their role in shaping the community.
The brunch served as both a fundraiser and a celebration, drawing attendees to recognize the legacy of Jane Hale Sypher, a former CSM dean and St. Mary’s County native. Sypher’s 30-year career in education included roles as a teacher and administrator at Great Mills High School, acting principal at Leonardtown High School, and dean of CSM’s Leonardtown Campus from 1992 until her retirement in 2004. CSM President Dr. Yolanda Wilson, who delivered the keynote address, highlighted Sypher’s contributions. “As CSM dean, Miss Jane oversaw not only the growth of the student population and size of the Leonardtown Campus but also the growth in prominence of our beloved college within the community,” Wilson said.
The Jane Hale Sypher Scholarship, established by the commission, reflects Sypher’s dedication to education and her ongoing volunteerism in retirement. “Today … we honor the life and continuing legacy of [an] inspirational woman – former CSM dean and community activist Jane Hale Sypher,” Wilson noted, adding gratitude for the scholarship that targets adult learners facing unique challenges. All proceeds from the event, which featured a meal and awards ceremony, will directly fund this initiative.
In addition to her educational roles, Sypher broke ground as the first female president of the Lexington Park Rotary and served on the St. Mary’s Hospital board. Her community involvement earned her the title of St. Mary’s County Oyster Festival King, a quirky local honor. Today, she remains active in St. Mary’s County, volunteering with various organizations, according to the county’s historical society records.
The 14 women recognized at the brunch were lauded for their collective influence, though specific names were not released in the commission’s statement. Their work spans decades, inspiring both past and present generations in fields critical to the region’s development. The St. Mary’s County Commission for Women, formed in 1980 to advocate for gender equity, uses events like this to spotlight such contributions while raising funds for practical support, as outlined on the St. Mary’s County government website.
CSM, a regional institution with four campuses, enrolls over 20,000 students annually, offering degrees, certificates, and workforce training, per its website. The Leonardtown Campus, central to Sypher’s career, opened in 1997 and has since expanded to meet growing demand in St. Mary’s County. The scholarship aligns with CSM’s mission to serve nontraditional students, a group that comprised 35% of its enrollment in 2023, according to the Maryland Higher Education Commission.
The brunch underscored the commission’s dual focus: celebrating women’s achievements and investing in education. For those interested in CSM programs or the scholarship, more details are available at csmd.edu.
