Marc Blum, who served on the UWC-USA board of trustees for seventeen years, passed away in Baltimore last week. Marc was one of the longest-serving UWC-USA board members, supporting the school faithfully on the Investment, Finance, Audit, and Advancement Committees. He brought his skill as an attorney with deep finance experience to bear on the fiduciary management of the school as well as his generosity, optimism, and belief in the mission to our fundraising efforts. Throughout his tenure, Marc, along with members of his family, established four endowed scholarships designated for students from Latin America and from conflict areas.
“Marc’s sincere interest in our students and our mission, as well as his commitment to serving the needs of the school, made him an exemplary board member,” said UWC-USA President Victoria J. Mora. “He always kept the student experience at the center of his work on the board, was an unfailing supporter of my work as president, and was a dear friend to me and my family. He was also generous in tremendously impactful ways. We will all miss him deeply.”
Marc connected with the students his scholarships supported whenever he was on campus. He formed strong relationships with these students and encouraged them even after they graduated. “Even though he was the one doing me the favor by paying for my scholarship,” said Merissa Peterson ‘16 from Guyana, “he made it seem like I was doing him the favor by furthering my studies and opening new doors for more opportunities. Seeing the love and support Mr. Marc had for all of us at UWC-USA encouraged me to start doing the same. I’m now part of an NGO where we support young girls to provide access and support for their education.”
Graduating from high school in 1960, Marc attended Columbia School of Law earning his LL.B. in 1967 and continued on to earn a PhD in Business from Columbia Business School in 1969. He went on to serve two years as a captain in the U.S. Army and shortly after began his tenure as an attorney at Gordon Feinblatt, LLC from 1972 until his passing.
Marc is survived by his wife Leonor, who serves on the board at UWC-Costa Rica, and sons Alex and Ari. He is also survived by his brothers Joel and James and his sister Claire Stampfer along with grandchildren Amelie, Asa, Axel, and Aviva.
The family has asked that donations be sent to Adelante Latina! in Marc’s name and UWC-USA is grateful for donations given in Marc’s honor to support scholarships.