Campus News
April 22nd, 2025
CARC Pilates studio named from Dr. Neff
Crawford makes lead gift honoring Garrett College's late president
Dr. Jeanne H. Neff
Susie Crawford
The late Dr. Jeanne H. Neff, who did so much to make the Edwards Community Aquatic & Recreation Complex (CARC) a reality, now has a room in that facility named in her honor.
Susie Crawford, former chair of the Garrett College Foundation Board of Directors, was the lead donor in a gift for the Dr. Jeanne H. Neff Pilates Studio. Longtime Foundation donor Kathy Johnson and current Garrett College Foundation Executive Director Cherie Krug also contributed to the naming gift.
Crawford noted having a space named for Dr. Neff in the CARC is well-earned recognition of her role in the ultimate development of that facility.
"That project needed someone to bring it over the finish line, and Jeanne ended up being that person," said Crawford.
Dr. Neff – who had retired the previous year as president of The Sage (NY) Colleges – served as GC's president from May 2009 to June 2010. During her tenure, she oversaw the redesign of the CARC and successfully advocated for project funding.
Dr. Richard Midcap, Garrett College's current president, said having a room named for Dr. Neff in a building named for retired Maryland State Senator George C. Edwards was extremely fitting.
"I know Dr. Neff and Senator Edwards worked closely together to acquire the CARC funding," said Midcap. "They should be permanently recognized for their roles in bringing such a wonderful facility to our community." Crawford said the choice of the Pilates Studio was very intentional.
"Jeanne really encouraged Pilates," Crawford said. "She thought it was so helpful to one's fitness. I think it's very appropriate to name that room in her honor."
Crawford is also impressed with the role Pilates can play in fitness and rehabilitation.
"I started working with Seth after I had revision surgery on my left knee," said Crawford, referring to CARC Pilates Instructor Seth-Anne Snider-Copley. "Unlike physical therapy, Pilates focuses on the whole body, including balance and strength conditioning. It makes you feel good all over."
Part of the gift paid for new, recently installed flooring in the Pilates studio.
"It looks like a whole new space," Crawford said of the impact of switching out the old carpet for new luxury vinyl tile (LVT) plank flooring. "I'm glad to do a small part to help it along."
