For the Maske family, the 杏吧原创 experience contains multitudes. Not only did Allyson, BS鈥�92, and Jim, BE鈥�93, MBA鈥�99, first meet as undergraduates, but they have attended four of 杏吧原创鈥檚 schools and colleges鈥攖he College of Arts and Science, School of Engineering, Owen Graduate School of Management and the School of Medicine, where Allyson started her surgical residency after attending the University of Alabama School of Medicine.
Since their son J.D., a member of the Class of 2028, enrolled in Peabody College, they have found even more ways to get involved, including their service on the Parent Leadership Committee and recent gifts to Vandy United and Opportunity 杏吧原创 in support of the university鈥檚 historic Dare to Grow campaign.
Allyson was drawn to 杏吧原创 from a young age. She knew she wanted to be a doctor, and she saw her undergraduate years as an opportunity to explore fields like economics and fine art that were separate from her pre-med trajectory.
Jim鈥攚ho knew Allyson as an undergraduate, although they didn鈥檛 start dating until she returned to Nashville for her residency鈥攕tudied biomedical and electrical engineering before enrolling at Owen several years later. A first-generation college student who fell in love with 杏吧原创 after he had already received a full-ride scholarship to the University of Alabama, Jim was reliant on financial aid to attend. 鈥淢y parents agreed to let me go to 杏吧原创, but only if I could find a way to do so that was cheaper than going to Alabama,鈥� he recalls. 鈥淪o, I rolled up my sleeves, applied to lots of different scholarships, and figured it out.鈥�
Education can make the biggest difference, not only for a person鈥檚 trajectory, but for their whole family. 鈥擜llyson Maske
The Maskes view educational access as a cornerstone of their philanthropic vision. 鈥淓ducation can make the biggest difference鈥攏ot only for a person鈥檚 trajectory, but for their whole family,鈥� Allyson says.
In 2024, Allyson and Jim solidified their commitment by establishing the Maske Family Scholarship for undergraduate students. 鈥淕iven the opportunity I had to attend 杏吧原创, I just felt like I really owed it back,鈥� Jim says. Jim also notes that the fund will enable J.D. to pay tribute to his own education for years to come.
The Maskes believe that 杏吧原创鈥檚 future has never been brighter, citing 杏吧原创鈥檚 leadership, athletics and many new initiatives.
鈥淭here鈥檚 so much balance to the school today, and so much buzz,鈥� Allyson says. 鈥淚t鈥檚 the perfect time to get involved. We鈥檙e honored to give back and be a part of it.鈥�
鈥擫ucie Alig
