Mary E. Clapsaddle

A graduate and life–long champion of Frostburg State University, this scholarship is established in honor of Mary E. (Bewig) Clapsaddle ’83. Mary’s dedication to Frostburg over the years culminated in her serving as President of the Frostburg State University Foundation (2014-2017) after serving many years on the Foundation’s Board of Directors. As the capstone to her career in public service and government, Mary is serving as Director of Government Relations for the University.
Born and raised in Baltimore County, and a proud graduate of the public school system, Mary received a Bachelor of Arts from Frostburg in Geography and Sociology. She went on to earn a Master of Regional Planning, with focus on Economic and Community Development, at the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill. She began her career in Maryland government working for the Maryland General Assembly as a budget analyst and later a manager in the Department of Legislative Services, which is where she “cut her teeth” in public policy and Annapolis. It is also where she met her adorable, and adored, husband Chad. Mary has always been willing to follow her passions and pursue different opportunities both in and out of government. During her career Mary worked in many policy areas including economic and community development, education, and higher education, but her true passion was community planning. She returned to this work later in her career as a comprehensive planner for Baltimore City.
Over the course of Mary’s 25–year career, she has made many friends in Annapolis, Baltimore, Frostburg, and across the state. Mary enjoys spending time with her friends and having fun. Her sense of humor and boisterous laugh always bring smiles to their faces. They have supported her as she has battled breast cancer which, not surprisingly, she turned into an opportunity for public service by hosting annual fundraisers to support breast cancer prevention and research. Mary has also been active in her church community, and she and Chad generously support many worthy causes.
Since her time on the Foundation Board, Mary has wanted to make sure that Frostburg attracts quality students. Mary and her family and friends are establishing this merit scholarship to support undergraduates at Frostburg State University who excel in academics and have a passion for public service. Dedicated people like Mary Clapsaddle working for the common good make life a little better for all of us.