Johns Hopkins was one of four Maryland Colleges that this month received from the Hodson Trust grants for student scholarships and large capital improvements totaling $9 million. The other recipients were Hood, Washington and St. John's colleges.

"This donation, which represents a 34 percent increase over last year's, is the largest grant ever given by the Hodson Trust to these four educational institutions. We hope to continue that trend and foster continued success amongst the institutions and their students," said Finn Caspersen, chairman of the board of trustees of the Hodson Trust and chairman of Knickerbocker LLC, a private management firm overseeing the accounting and investments of various trusts, foundations and individuals.

The Hodson Trust was settled in 1920 by the family of Beneficial Corporation founder Col. Clarence Hodson to support excellence in education. The Hodson Trust has honored Col. Hodson's interest in higher education through the donation of millions of dollars in academic merit scholarships, as well as research grants. Under the stewardship of Finn Caspersen, the trust's donations to the four colleges have grown from $12.6 million to $93.1 million over the past 23 years.

Each year, the total Hodson grant is distributed among the four colleges. In addition to student scholarships and internships, the grants are used for professor endowments, library expansions and information and technology initiatives.

"The Hodson Trust is more than a generous supporter of Johns Hopkins," President William R. Brody said. "It's a partner in many of the most important things we do. This year's gift of $2,605,147 demonstrates that partnership yet again. The Trust is taking a leadership role in supporting the Eisenhower Library and our new cancer research and clinical buildings. And its continued support for the Hodson Scholars and undergraduate research programs reinforces our joint commitment to make the special, research-intensive educational opportunities at Hopkins available to the best students in the country."