Celebrating Our Honorees
1997 Honorary Degree Recipients
The Honorable Sidney Kramer and Mrs. Betty Mae Kramer
Montgomery County Executive and Former First Lady
The Honorable Sidney Kramer and Mrs. Betty Mae Kramer have long been ardent supporters of Montgomery College and its mission. They have backed the College by endowing scholarships for students and by showcasing the talent of the College’s faculty and academic programs.
Mr. Kramer, a former Montgomery County Executive, was integral in helping establish and fund the Homer S. Gudelsky Institute for Technical Education on the College’s Rockville Campus. Recognizing the need for qualified technical workers in Montgomery County, Mr. Kramer worked closely with Montgomery College President Robert E. Parilla to create the institute. In the fall of 1989, at a ceremony to launch the campaign for the institute, Mr. Kramer announced his commitment, along with that of the Montgomery County Council, to match all contributions to the institute up to $3.4 million. In less than three years, the Gudelsky Institute for Technical Education was a reality.
Mrs. Kramer, a tireless volunteer and advocate for MC, ensured that the College received the proceeds of the 1988 Montgomery County Executive’s Ball. In addition, she was the founder and initial co-chair of the Executive’s Ball and played a leadership role in raising funds for it to establish the College’s first Endowed Chair/Artist-in-Residence Fund. As Montgomery College celebrated its 50th anniversary this past year, Mrs. Kramer again contributed as part of the 50th Anniversary Steering Committee.
Sidney and Betty Mae Kramer have not only generously given their time and talent to support Montgomery College, but also funded a scholarship for students. In 1995, after the loss of their nephew, Stephen Gary Kerman, the Kramers provided $20,000 for an endowed scholarship to benefit deserving Montgomery College students.
Mr. and Mrs. Kramer remain active in public life. He serves as a board member for the Jewish Council for the Aging, Temple Israel, and the Montgomery College Foundation. In addition, he was recently appointed to a three-year term as the Montgomery County representative to the Washington Sewer and Water Authority. She was the first-ever chair of Montgomery County’s “First Night Out,” a New Year’s Eve celebration, and now serves on its board of directors.
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