The Baldanza Endowment for Undergraduate Excellence is being created with a challenge gift from Ben and Marcia Baldanza. Ben Baldanza ’84 BA (Econ/PSt) is a member of the Maxwell Advisory Board. His wife, Marcia, holds a BS from Syracuse University’s School of Education.

The Baldanzas’ fund will meet expenses associated with research and experiential learning, and provide awards for outstanding projects. Their challenge will match, dollar-for-dollar, all new and increased giving by undergraduate alumni to any Maxwell program or fund they prefer.

“Syracuse University holds a special place for us,” said the Baldanzas. “Our undergraduate experiences at SU were first-rate and prepared us well for further education, work, and life.

“Having a rich, diverse, and educated population that can think, create, and communicate is critical to our democracy,” they continued. “We hope our gift can further those goals, support innovation, and inspire leadership.”

Ben Baldanza is the former president and CEO of Spirit Airlines. Marcia is a senior consultant for Just Ask Publications & Professional Development.

This article appeared in the winter 2018 print edition of Maxwell Perspective © 2018 Maxwell School of Syracuse University.