Loyola celebrates the life of Mary B. Hyman, beloved educator and philanthropist

Mary Bloom Hyman, longtime Loyola educator and benefactor of the largest-ever employee gift to the University, passed away on Monday, Sept. 23, 2024, at the age of 97. She will be remembered for her contributions to education and her passion for opening doors for others to benefit from learning.

Hyman, who worked at Loyola from 1990 through 2016, made a $2 million planned gift to Loyola upon her retirement. That gift was the largest bequest from an employee in the University’s history. It was Hyman’s hope that the gift would attract more talented science students to Loyola.

“Mary’s career as an educator—including nearly 30 years at Loyola—is a legacy in and of itself. She was sharp, thoughtful, funny, and fiercely committed to academic excellence,” said Brian M. Oakes, ’99, MBA ’10, vice president for advancement. “Mary was dedicated to making education affordable and seeing the sciences thrive at Loyola. Her generous philanthropic gift embodies her lifelong love of learning and will touch the lives of talented students and aspiring leaders at Loyola for years to come.” 

Advocate for Education

The Hymans’ $2 million gift will fund scholarships and other educational opportunities for students.

“Mary’s generosity in bestowing the largest monetary gift ever received by Loyola from a staff member is a lasting testimony to her deep love and gratitude to this institution,” said Victor Delclos, Ph.D., professor emeritus of education. “In her more than 20 years at Loyola, Mary was a tireless advocate for quality services for young children, especially those who were growing up without the social and economic supports needed to develop and thrive."

An additional $100,000 from Hyman designated the Hyman Science Scholars Program, which supports academically talented students majoring in computer science, mathematics, statistics, data science, and physics.

“In my interactions with Mary, I came to appreciate her profound commitment to educating the next generation of talented students, particularly in the fields of math, science, and engineering,” said Bahram Roughani, Ph.D., associate dean of natural and applied sciences. “She had a remarkable passion for helping students overcome financial barriers, ensuring that they could reach their full potential. Her efforts were instrumental in empowering many gifted individuals to pursue their dreams.”

Inspiration to Colleagues

Born on Sept. 15, 1927, Hyman earned her B.A. in Sociology and Anthropology from Goucher College and her M.S. in Adult Education from The Johns Hopkins University. Her interest in science began in high school during biology class and continued to grow throughout her college studies.

Hyman joined Loyola in 1990 and served as the coordinator for science education programs and the coordinator for the Institute for Child Care Education. Hyman’s Loyola career spanned 26 years until her retirement in August 2016. She received the Award for Contributions to Science Education from Loyola in 1994.

“Mary Hyman was a wonderful colleague whose passion for education inspired many,” said Cheryl Moore-Thomas, Ph.D., provost and vice president for academic affairs. “Mary lived the mission and values of Loyola University Maryland. Her joy and drive for excellence and numerous contributions to science education will touch our broader community for years to come. I am a better educator because Mary Hyman poured into my life.”

While at Loyola, Hyman coordinated a wide range of education programs. She published several academic papers on education and science education and made numerous presentations on those topics at national conferences throughout her career.

“Mary was a ball of energy and a great friend,” said David Marcovitz, Ph.D., associate dean of the School of Education. “She was passionate about science education and early childhood education. Mary was a very special person, and I will miss her very much.”

Teaching with Impact

Prior to joining Loyola, Hyman worked at the Maryland Science Center, where she served as the assistant director of education from 1976-81 and as the director of education from 1981-90. She was an original member of the advisory board for The Johns Hopkins Center for Talented Youth in the 1970s, where she designed Saturday morning sessions at the Science Center for middle school students who were performing beyond their grade-level in math and science.

“From her years as director of education at the Maryland Science Center, she knew that hands-on learning under expert guidance is the key to a successful head start in life,” said Delclos. “At Loyola, she continuously wrote grants and received significant funding to develop and provide state-of-the-art training for childcare workers, teachers in early childhood education, and even secondary science teachers. Through the programs she developed, funded, and managed she impacted the lives of many of Maryland’s neediest students.”

Following her retirement, Hyman continued to serve on the volunteer boards of the Baltimore Museum of Art, the Maryland Science Center, and The Johns Hopkins Center for Talented Youth. She also served on the Goucher College Board of Trustees, where she earned her undergraduate degree, and the Franklin & Marshall Advisory Board, her husband’s alma mater. 

“Mary Hyman, a spitfire of a woman if there ever was one! Her contagious enthusiasm for a diversity of interests, from a love of science to a love of art, was infectious,” said Amanda M. Thomas, Ph.D., professor of psychology. “A true devotee of lifelong learning, she loved nothing more than great conversation about the latest book or bit of news. A passionate advocate for education, from preschool to the university level, Mary was generous in the giving of her time, talent, and treasure. She will be sorely missed.”

Hyman took classes regularly at the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at Johns Hopkins. She was an avid art collector, with a particular interest in the Ashcan School.

“Beyond her commitment to education, Mary’s zest for life shone through her love of the arts, resulting in a home filled with a unique and inspiring collection of artwork,” remembered Roughani.

Hyman is survived by her daughters, Carol Williams and Nancy Hyman; sister, Joan (Nicolas) Retsinas; sister-in-law, Eleanor Bloom; grandson, Matthew Piccinini, ’25; and nieces and nephew, Amy Retsinas, Jennifer Retsinas, Emily DeBruicker, and Gregory Retsinas. Mary was predeceased by her beloved husband, Sigmund Hyman; brother, Edward Bloom; and parents, Madeline and Joseph Bloom.

Hyman will be remembered in the intentions at Mass in Loyola’s Alumni Memorial Chapel on Tuesday, Oct. 1, at 12:10 p.m. All are welcome.

Arrangements

The family will announce plans for a celebration of life at a later date.