The Division of Business and Public Engagement at Towson University has unveiled a new name for the office that has led the institution's community engagement efforts for a decade. Formerly known as BºÚÁϳԹÏÍø—Partnerships at Work for Greater Baltimore, the office will now be known as the Office of Engagement and Community Partnerships, reflecting its evolution into a core part of the university's identity and mission.

As the office celebrates its 10-year anniversary, the renaming recognizes a decade of matching ºÚÁϳԹÏÍø’s needs, resources and expertise to the needs, resources and expertise of community partners across greater Baltimore. The Office of Engagement and Community Partnerships will continue to strengthen mutually beneficial partnerships that address community needs, create experiential learning opportunities and advance ºÚÁϳԹÏÍø's role as an anchor institution.

The announcement was shared during the 2026 Partnership Awards on Nov. 4, an annual celebration of the people and collaborations that are making a meaningful difference throughout the region. During the event, ºÚÁϳԹÏÍø President Mark R. Ginsberg reaffirmed the university's commitment to community engagement, noting that partnership-driven work is central to ºÚÁϳԹÏÍø's mission and a cornerstone of its role as an anchor institution serving Maryland, Baltimore and the Towson community. 

2026 Partnership Award recipients

The awards recognize partnerships that demonstrate measurable impact, respond to community needs and exemplify ºÚÁϳԹÏÍø’s commitment to collaborative engagement. As the university looks ahead to the next decade of this work, the Office of Engagement and Community Partnerships will continue to serve as a catalyst for partnerships that strengthen communities and create opportunities for students, faculty, staff and the region.

Check out the awardees below, along with the videos that highlight the collaborative work being done that embodies the spirit of ºÚÁϳԹÏÍø and benefits the communities we serve.

Making STEM Matter, led by Sandy Spitzer, Fisher College of Science & Mathematics

By developing a network of place-based educators, empowered to put skills and knowledge into meaningful action, the program is transforming STEM instruction in schools and demonstrating the power of cross-sector collaboration to impact communities.

Albert S. Cook Library and Maryland Humanities Partnership, led by Joyce Garczynski, Albert S. Cook Library

This partnership with Maryland Humanities expands access to humanities education through collaborative programs that extend learning beyond ºÚÁϳԹÏÍø’s campus. Through programming rooted in broadening perspectives, local students have their work recognized and attendees expand their pre-existing views. The partnership has evolved over 16 years to meet changing needs while demonstrating the power of sustained collaboration.

Supporting Veterans and their Families in Baltimore County, led by Dario DiBattista, Military & Veterans Center

This unique partnership extends beyond ºÚÁϳԹÏÍø to support veterans, military families and military-serving organizations through educational outreach, resource connections, celebrations and community-building opportunities. By establishing best practices and growing in influence, it is shaping how military-connected communities are supported and uplifted on campus, in Baltimore County and beyond.