MEDA’s Rhonda Ray Scholarship: Spring 2024 Honoree

MEDA is proud to introduce Eric Hof, the spring 2024 recipient of our Rhonda Ray Scholarship.

Eric is pursuing a Master of Public Administration (MPA) degree at the University of Baltimore with a specialization in Public Policy and Administration, and he will use his scholarship funds toward his Public Management course this semester. “This class perfectly aligns with my educational goals because I want to own and operate a public organization,” Eric noted in his scholarship application. “This class and the Rhonda Ray Scholarship would allow me to pursue my progression in the non‑profit sector.”

MEDA’s Rhonda Ray Scholarship honors a beloved friend and colleague who had worked as a committed economic development professional and served as a MEDA member for over two decades. In 2021, MEDA established this scholarship as a tribute to Rhonda Ray’s dedication to mentorship, education, public policy, and economic development by supporting college students pursuing degrees and courses within these fields.

Eric is taking a Public Management class to gain a foundational understanding of how businesses run, from the public to the private sector, and how specific policies affect marginalized populations. He also notes, “From a management perspective, understanding the optimal performance tools to create growth in the public service field can create a trickle-down effect on the communities being served appropriately.”

Being a Rhonda Ray scholarship recipient is important to Eric because he wants to use his passion for helping others and course knowledge to help restructure policies that negatively impact marginalized communities. He also wants to “work hand in hand with communities to push for stronger transparency with annual budgets” in his future career.

Eric previously studied psychology at Carroll Community College and Towson University before beginning his MPA degree at the University of Baltimore. While pursuing his higher education journey, Eric was dedicated to giving back to his community. He organized community service events with fraternity and sorority partnerships on his campus, volunteered with Boys & Girls Clubs of America, and continues to work as a medication supervisor at a local non‑profit for homeless individuals.

Summer semester applications for MEDA’s Rhonda Ray Scholarship are due no later than April 12, 2024. For more information and to apply, visit https://www.medamd.com/professional-development/rhonda-joy-ray-scholarship-application.