A Legacy of Generosity: E. Roe Stamps IV

The Barry University’s Stamps Scholars Program continues to cultivate a new generation of exceptional leaders. Now in its 15th year, the program has welcomed 81 scholars since 2010 and today counts 24 active student participants and 50 alumni. Together they form a vibrant community devoted to academic excellence, leadership, and service, giving students the ability to turn opportunity into impact.

A Legacy of Generosity

The Stamps Scholars Program was founded in 2006 by philanthropists Penny and E. Roe Stamps IV. A Georgia Tech and Harvard Business School graduate, Roe Stamps built a remarkable career as co-founder of the private equity firm Summit Partners. He and Penny created the Stamps Family Charitable Foundation, now the Stamps Scholars Program, to support extraordinary students nationwide through merit-based scholarships.

Barry became a Stamps partner in 2010, one of only a select group of universities chosen nationwide. Since then, the program has evolved into a signature leadership initiative on campus, offering Barry’s brightest students resources, mentorship, and opportunities to excel in every discipline.

In recognition of his extraordinary commitment to higher education and student success, Barry University awarded Roe Stamps its highest honor, the Presidential Medallion, at the 2023 Annual Scholarship Dinner. The moment underscored how his vision and generosity continue to transform the lives of Barry students.

Transforming Opportunity

At Barry, the full-ride, merit-based Stamps award covers tuition, room and board, books, and transportation for four years. Each scholar also receives a $6,000 enrichment fund to support study abroad, research, or other extraordinary learning experiences.

“These scholars are wonderful assets to the Barry community-conducting research, presenting nationally, publishing books, and doing mission work,” says Angela Scott, Barry’s Director of Admissions Operations and Program Coordinator.

“Barry Stamps Scholars are bold, driven, and aware, noticing the needs of the world around them and finding ways to make a difference,” adds Randy McDow, Executive Director of the Stamps Scholars Program.

Scholars in Action

From medicine to marine biology, Barry’s Stamps Scholars distinguish themselves across disciplines:

MATTHEW CLARKE ’26, a pre-professional biology major from Jamaica, recently interned with the Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center and joined Barry’s Bahamas Medical Mission Trip.

AINSLEY VANDERHYDE ’26, a marine biology major from Michigan, was selected as a NOAA EPP/MSI Undergraduate Scholar, earning national recognition for her environmental research.

FAIYAZ MAHMUD NIROB ’27 earned the 2025 American Chemical Society Student Leadership Award and first place at Barry’s STEM Research Symposium.

ZHASMINA KERIMOVA ’25 received the Outstanding Business Student Award and began her MBA at Barry immediately after graduation. Alumni of the program include Fulbright Fellows, medical residents, attorneys, researchers, and nonprofit leaders who carry the Stamps legacy into their professions and communities.

Building Community

A key component of the Barry Stamps experience is its student-led Executive Board (E-Board), which plans orientation events, game nights, and networking activities. This peer-to-peer model ensures that every new scholar is welcomed into a supportive family of high-achieving peers.

Service is central as well. In April 2025, scholars joined the 43rd annual Baynanza Biscayne Bay Cleanup Day, demonstrating their ongoing commitment to environmental stewardship and civic leadership.

Looking Ahead

Barry University continues to strengthen the program through alumni engagement. Their alumni mentorship initiative will connect current scholars with graduates for career guidance and professional networking, creating an enduring bridge between generations of Barry leaders.

“The Barry Stamps Scholarship transformed my life, eliminating financial worries and enabling me to fully focus on academic and personal growth,” Clarke reflects. “It opened doors to enriching educational experiences and diverse cultural exchanges. The generosity of this scholarship truly paves the way for a future full of possibilities. Barry cares, and it’s not just a slogan.”\

“THE BARRY STAMPS SCHOLARSHIP TRANSFORMED MY LIFE, ELIMINATING FINANCIAL WORRIES AND ENABLING ME TO FULLY FOCUS ON ACADEMIC AND PERSONAL GROWTH

By the Numbers: Barry STAMPS Scholars Program