Tom Jerardi, Columbia, MD Community Remembers Esteemed Educator and Advocate

Tom Jerardi, Columbia, MD—Tom Jerardi passed away recently, leaving behind a lasting legacy of dedication to both math education and the community. He is remembered for his lifelong contributions to science and education, particularly at Howard Community College, where he mentored young minds for many years.

Tom was a brilliant mathematician who worked on satellite and space missions at the Applied Physics Laboratory during his career. After retiring, he found joy in teaching Calculus at Howard Community College, just minutes from his childhood home. His passion for education extended beyond the classroom, where he became a tireless advocate for academic equity, often fighting for better funding and more resources to support struggling students.

In an effort to honor Tom’s legacy, his family has started a fundraiser to establish the Tom Jerardi Math Scholarship at Howard Community College. This scholarship, which will be awarded annually to a student studying math, aims to carry forward his commitment to increasing access to higher education, especially for underrepresented students in math and engineering. The scholarship will be an unrestricted need-based grant, helping to provide opportunities to students in Howard County.

Tom’s memory will live on through the scholarship and the countless students he mentored. His family and the community are grieving his loss but are grateful for the impact he had during his lifetime.

Our thoughts and prayers are with the Jerardi family during this incredibly difficult time.

Short Summary of Tom Jerardi

Note:This post was written and edited by Matthew Johnson, based on their expertise and research. It is intended for informational purposes only. It does not constitute legal advice. We welcome your feedback and questions on this content. Please feel free to contact us.