1978 University of Maryland, College Park graduate serves as President of the Edward St. John Foundation and Executive Director of Special Projects for St. John Properties, Inc.

BALTIMORE, MD – The University of Maryland Alumni Association has recognized Sharon Akers, a graduate of The Phillip Merrill College of Journalism at the University of Maryland, College Park, as the 2024 recipient of its Tyser Gottwals Service Award. Named for Ralph J. Tyser ’40 and Abram Z. Gottwals, the award is presented to an individual who demonstrates outstanding service to the university by giving their time and talents. Akers currently serves as the President of the Edward St. John Foundation, a philanthropic organization which has benefitted more than 750 groups, and gifted more than $65 million since its inception. She is also Executive Director of Special Projects for St. John Properties, Inc. a Baltimore-based commercial real estate firm active in 11 states with a 24 million square foot portfolio valued at more than $5 billion.

At the award reception held at the University of Maryland, College Park, Alumni Association Senior Executive Director Jessica Roberts explained that Akers “has been deeply involved with her alma mater since joining the University of Maryland College Park Foundation Board of Trustees in 2012, and was elected to serve as chair of the stewardship and governance committees in 2017.” Akers helped establish the Terrapin Development Co. (TDC), the foundation’s economic arm formed to enhance Greater College Park as a vibrant, walkable community, and to boost research and entrepreneurship.

Akers joined St. John Properties in 2007 and has served as President of the Edward St. John Foundation since 2018. “St. John Properties has instilled the extreme importance of being a good corporate citizen, empowering me to ‘do good’ on their behalf. I strongly believe that service involves recognizing a need and responding with compassion and action,” Akers said. “This award is a celebration of the spirit of service that we all embody. Together, we have worked on behalf of the University to support its mission, and to ensure that future generations of students have the same opportunities that we were fortunate to receive. Let us continue to work together, inspire each other, strengthen lives, make a positive impact, and change the world.”

In 2021, Akers was honored as an “Influential Marylander” by The Daily Record and awarded a “Lifetime Achievement Award” by MG James Adkins in support of her Maryland National Guard and Freestate ChalleNGe Academy. She also serves on the board of directors for the UMMS R Adams Cowley Shock Trauma Center, University of Maryland Baltimore Washington Medical Center, Johns Hopkins Heart & Vascular Institute, Johns Hopkins Greenberg Bladder Cancer Institute, and the Johns Hopkins Lyme Research Center.  

“We are extremely proud of Sharon and all that she has accomplished to benefit important causes, individuals in need, and the greater community,” stated Lawrence Maykrantz, President and CEO, St. John Properties. “Sharon consistently leads by example, motivates others, and understands and embraces the power of service. We are amazed with her unbridled passion and demonstrated ability to strengthen lives, make a positive impact, and change the world.” Founded in 1971, St. John Properties, Inc. is one of the nation’s largest and most successful privately held commercial real estate firms. The company is distinguished by its commitment to customer service, achievements in green building, and top-rated workplace culture. Throughout St. John Properties’ 53-year history, the company has developed more than 24 million square feet of flex/R&D, office, retail and warehouse space and has investments in over 3,000 residential units. The company proudly serves more than 2,600 clients in Colorado, Florida, Louisiana, Maryland, Nevada, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Texas, Virginia, Utah, and Wisconsin. For more information about the company, visit www.sjpi.com.