It’s Been a Pleasure Ms. Porter

After 17 years with the Gilman development office, Associate Director of Advancement Mary Ellen Porter is retiring from Gilman School. Ms. Porter has spent almost two decades at Gilman working in the advancement office with alumni and parents to grow the school. The Bryn Mawr alumnus described her experience of coming to work at Gilman as “like coming home.” Before her return home, Ms. Porter spent several years in student affairs at Johns Hopkins University as well as the development office after graduating from Goucher College in Maryland. 

In her time with the advancement office, Ms. Porter has helped raise money for capital projects around the school, including renovations to Carey Hall and the Finney Athletic Center. She has also spent her time at Gilman fundraising for the Gilman Fund, which is responsible for over 10% of the annual school budget and for much of the tuition aid Gilman provides. 

Additionally, she is responsible for much of the work that goes into Gilman’s 50th reunions as well as the Wall Street 101 program, which connects Gilman students and alumni. She is particularly proud of the work she has done with the Wall Street 101 program, saying, “It’s a terrific program. It gives our alumni a chance to see what great students we have.” 

At Gilman, she has loved working with Mr. Smyth and Mr. Schmick during her time at Gilman and is very appreciative of Mr. Brooks for serving as a great Board of Trustees president during her tenure. Although she expressed appreciation for many individuals, Ms. Porter made sure to shout out the whole Gilman Community. She told the News, "I don't want to just give credit to any one person because everybody has really been so supportive over the years.”