- June 22, 2026
- By Jessica D. Wilson
Roman Puglise ’21, M.Fin. ’22 was in middle school when he decided he wanted to play lacrosse in college. He didn’t do just that at the University of Maryland: He was captain of the undefeated 2022 team that hoisted the NCAA trophy.
“It was the last game I ever played in college and I got to walk out as a champion,” said Puglise. “The opportunity to play at Maryland was one of my biggest dreams come true.”
A scholarship funded by Stuart Bowers ’81 and Mary V. Perry allowed Puglise to attend Maryland from out of state. Now more students will have the chance to achieve their dreams at Maryland, thanks to a new seven-figure bequest from the couple to Maryland Athletics and the Incentive Awards Program (IAP). The gift will grow the endowed scholarship fund established in their name and an IAP scholarship honoring Stuart’s father, David Bowers ’54, as well as add to program support for the field hockey and men’s lacrosse teams.
Their philanthropy brings the university closer to the $2.5 billion fundraising goal of Forward: The University of Maryland Campaign for the Fearless to help widen access to education, pursue groundbreaking research and build stronger communities.
Bowers and Perry, who had their first date at a UMD basketball game, love the school spirit Maryland Athletics promotes in the Terp community. “I’ve always admired the extra work that student-athletes put in, in addition to being a full-time college student,” he said. “They’re pretty inspiring people, and if they need a scholarship to help them get it done, then we're happy to help and make the teams competitive.”
At Maryland, Bowers earned a degree in government and politics. After graduation, he launched a successful career in the brokerage industry, became a season ticket holder for football and men’s basketball and served as president of the Terrapin Club. He currently serves on the University of Maryland College Park Foundation Board of Trustees and will become chair of the board’s campaign committee on July 1.
The couple is proud to fund teams with coaches they admire: John Tillman, the head men’s lacrosse coach, and Missy Meharg, the head field hockey coach. “They are people whose moral compass is set to true north, and they inspire that in their players,” said Bowers. “Both John and Missy are really preparing their players for success in life, not just on the field.”
Providing program support enables coaches to enhance the student-athlete experience and team competitiveness by facilitating recruiting and team travel, equipment upgrades and more.
“The endowment Stuart and Mary’s bequest will establish for our program brings energy, opportunity and a lasting sense of possibility to our field hockey family,” Meharg said. “And the endowed scholarship will empower our student-athletes to chase their dreams with confidence, knowing they are supported by people who genuinely believe in their journey.”
Tillman is grateful for the gift and for the active interest the couple takes in the lacrosse team’s student-athletes. “Stuart and Mary’s continued commitment to our student-athletes goes far beyond the field—it provides opportunities that will impact these young men for the rest of their lives.”
This was the case for Puglise. The support from Bowers and Perry made him feel as though there were people in his corner who wanted him to succeed not only on the field but in the classroom too. It also inspired him to take his studies seriously because the scholarship was “someone’s money that they’ve spent their whole life working toward, and they were entrusting it to [me],” said Puglise.
Bowers’ and Perry’s generosity extends beyond Athletics. An early advocate for IAP, Bowers served for years on the committee that conducts prospective student interviews. “Generally, they’re kids that have persevered against the odds who realize, ‘I’m the one responsible for getting me through school.’”
IAP Director Jacqueline Wheeler Lee acknowledged the importance of both the gift and Bowers’ time spent on the program. “I am so appreciative of this support from Stuart and Mary. I am forever grateful for Stuart’s dedication and the legacy of this endowed gift that will allow scores of IAP students to have a chance at a college education,” Lee said.
The couple is still in touch with most of the students funded by their scholarships, who continue to impress them. “I have faith in the next generation when I meet [these] kids,” Bowers said. “They’re going to lead well because they're level-headed, pragmatic and intelligent.”