Bridging Opportunity: From Smith Student to Mentor

Returning to the University of Maryland’s Robert H. Smith School of Business was more than a trip back to campus for me. Walking through the building where I earned my MBA brought a wonderful mix of nostalgia and pride – and a reminder of how much my own experience at Smith shaped my journey.

This time, however, I wasn’t returning as a student.

I was returning as a member of the Keystone International Ventures team and as someone with the opportunity to help support the next generation of Smith students.

I was joined on campus by Keystone co-founders Promod Sharma and Jyoti Mahajan for a conversation with Marwa Paya, a recipient of the Raj and Savitri Sharma Foundation Endowed Scholarship. Created by Promod in honor of his parents, the scholarship reflects a belief that investing in education is one of the most meaningful ways we can help create opportunities for others.

Meeting Marwa brought that belief to life.

Marwa is bright, motivated, confident, and deeply engaged in her university experience. As we talked, she shared how scholarship support has given her something that can be difficult to put a value on – the breathing room to focus on learning, leadership, relationships, and making the most of her time at the University of Maryland (UMD).

She has embraced campus life, built meaningful relationships, and found opportunities to grow both inside and outside the classroom. Hearing her describe that experience was a powerful reminder that a scholarship can provide much more than financial assistance. It can give a student the freedom to participate more fully in the college experience and take advantage of opportunities that help shape the future.

Marwa also spoke about the values her parents instilled in her, particularly their belief in education for women and the opportunities it can create. Her gratitude for the opportunity to pursue her education – and her determination to make the most of it – were evident throughout our conversation.

As a Smith alumnus, I left campus that day thinking about how fortunate I was to have had my own experience at the school – and how meaningful it is now to help create opportunities for someone else. 

My connection to the University of Maryland – and to the Smith School – has continued long after earning my MBA. My daughter, Tarah, is also a proud Smith School alumna, making that connection especially meaningful to our family. I have continued to look for ways to give back, including serving on the SAAGE (Student Affairs Alumni Group for Engagement) board and previously serving as president of the Parents Advisory Council.

Returning to the university left me feeling genuinely rejuvenated. My own experience at UMD had a profound impact on my journey, and being back on campus reminded me how relationships with a university can evolve over a lifetime.

There is something powerful about that bridge: to be a student in one chapter and, years later, return as a parent, mentor, and supporter of the students who follow.

That is also one of the things I value most about being part of Keystone. Our commitment to investing in people extends beyond our businesses and investments. It also means helping create opportunities for talented individuals to learn, grow, and build their futures.

I am grateful to the Smith School for bringing us together with Marwa and proud that Keystone and the Raj and Savitri Sharma Foundation can play a small part in her journey.

Sometimes the most meaningful way to honor the opportunities we were given is to help create them for someone else.