Another of the Scholars founders has passed on. Beth Pattison, who was key to developing the College Park Scholars administrative infrastructure, died December 23, 2024. Beth served as an associate director in Scholars from 1994 until her retirement in 2003.
Many in our community may recognize Beth's name from one of our Founders Awards, named for her and her late husband John, which honors a Scholar for exhibiting exceptional creativity and innovation and making a positive impact in College Park Scholars or the local or surrounding community.
“Beth was instrumental in the founding and sustainability of Scholars, but she was so much more than that,” shared Founding Executive Director of College Park Scholars Nancy Shapiro. “She was the 'creative spirit' of our enterprise. She was the cheerleader when we were down, and the visionary when we were lost.”
“For me, one of her most lasting and important contributions was to the conception of our capstone project, which distinguished Scholars from almost every other program at the University, and one which NOW every program has replicated,” Shapiro continued. “She helped create that capstone—to our Discovery Projects and our service-learning projects, she added creative art projects and broadened the definition of integrated learning. We will all miss her, and her husband John—they were generous, kind, and compassionate—truly, they made the world a better place for being here.”
Others who spent time with Beth during the early years of Scholars reflected on her impact fondly.
“Beth insisted on keeping her door open, welcoming. Not a blank space could be found on her walls, given her love of art and creativity,” noted Greig Stewart, Executive Director (2002-14). “As determined as Beth was to get to 'yes' amid the rules and red tape, she and John together were an unstoppable force.”
Mike Colson, former Coordinator/Associate Director, shared about Beth’s strong problem-solving ability and patience. “When Scholars started, Beth worked in the Registrar's Office and helped us tremendously by fitting the Scholars curriculum in with the mechanics of campus scheduling.
“The Cambridge Community Center really was her baby, as she did so much to transform what was an empty dining hall used for carpet and furniture storage to a vibrant classroom and student programming space,” he said. “For me personally, she was a great role model. She had no problems being firm, but when something could not happen, she was patient in explaining why. She told me once, 'always try to find options instead of just saying no,' and I have been surprised with how often I have been able to do that when I have taken a moment to look for other options. That comes from Beth.
“She was a problem solver and put a heavy emphasis on relationships. She loved working with Scholars because she loved working with students. It seemed like coming to Scholars was a bit of a reward for spending all those years in central campus administration. She was always upbeat and optimistic and was essential in helping us through the early years of Scholars in tangible and intangible ways."
Current Executive Director Marilee Lindemann (2014-) got to know Beth long after she retired and appreciated Beth’s enthusiasm for Scholars and her long institutional memory.
“I didn’t have the opportunity to work with Beth, but I had the pleasure of spending time with her and her husband, John, on a number of occasions over the years after I came to Scholars in 2014. They were wonderful people, and their support for Scholars meant a great deal to us and our students,” Lindemann shared. “They were members of the Scholars Founders Circle, and their generosity led to the establishment of the Beth and John Pattison Award for Creativity... They loved attending our annual awards ceremony and meeting the recipient of their award."
“They also greatly enjoyed joining us for game watches of Maryland women’s basketball. Both were enthusiastic fans. Beth’s administrative skill helped to build a firm foundation for our unique, brand-new program. Her deep care for people and her passionate creativity helped to make Scholars the caring, vibrant community it remains to this day. We were fortunate indeed to have her on our team.”
Beth’s full obituary is here. A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. on June 7 at Rockville United Church, 322 Linthicum Street, Rockville. Beth was a passionate supporter of LGBTQ+ rights. Donations can be made in her name to LGBTQ+ charities such as The Trevor Project or The Human Rights Campaign.