The University of Baltimore's Henry A. Rosenberg Dialogue Series stimulates interactions among the public, private and nonprofit sectors on leading issues.
More a dialogue than a traditional lecture, each series session brings participants together to present a central issue, discuss the participants' assessments of it and explore how public-private and nonprofit partnerships can work together to resolve, advance or otherwise better the central issue.
Members of the business, nonprofit and academic communities—in addition to UBalt students, faculty, staff and alumni—are invited to participate in the forums that are always free and open to the public. Our goal is to facilitate networking and to encourage ideas that participants will then develop and implement.
Coordinated and led by Alan Lyles, Henry A. Rosenberg Professor of Government, Business and Nonprofit Partnerships, sessions include expert panelists and opportunities for audience engagement.
The Impact and Necessity of Philanthropy in Higher Education: Investing in Knowledge, Equity, and Long-Term Public Value
Higher education institutions are among the few organizations capable of producing decades-long returns on social investment. As funding models, enrollment trends and public expectations evolve, institutions face declining state support, intensified competition for students and heightened public scrutiny—particularly public and access-oriented institutions committed to expanding educational opportunity.
In this context, philanthropy plays an increasingly strategic role in sustaining higher education. It supports student access, persistence and accomplishment; faculty research; community engagement; and institutional capacity for innovation. At the same time, donors and foundations emphasize measurable outcomes, equity, accountability and long-term societal impact.
Following earlier Rosenberg Dialogues examining institutional resilience and public policy, this session turns to philanthropy’s role in sustaining higher education. The discussion will consider how partnerships between donors and institutions—especially public institutions focused on access and long-term public value—can be structured for durable outcomes that strengthen innovation, equity and civic purpose.
The program will open with welcome remarks from President Kurt Schmoke. Moderator Alan Lyles, Henry A. Rosenberg Professor of Government, Business and Nonprofit Partnerships, will introduce the topic, followed by a moderated conversation among speakers, with opportunities for audience engagement.
A recording will be shared following the event; participants are encouraged to register even if they are unable to attend live.
Register to attend on Thursday, April 16 (2026) at 1:00 p.m. (ET).
If you enjoyed the latest in the dialogue series, you can look back on past discussion topics.
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