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Mary Bloom Hyman, a dear friend and supporter of the Johns Hopkins Center for Talented Youth whose dedication to advanced learners spanned half a century, passed away on Sept. 23, 2024, at the age of 97. Her contributions to CTY were singular in their impact.

A science educator, Hyman was recruited by CTY founder Julian Stanley in the 1970’s to design astronomy, paleobiology, and marine sciences courses for middle school students who were performing beyond their grade level in math and science. She helped design CTY’s first in-person summer science courses and organized some of the center’s first weekend programs for families. She was a founding member of CTY’s Advisory Council, which she served for 24 years.

“Mary was such a tremendous champion of CTY who showed such genuine care for advanced learners,” said Amy Lynne Shelton, PhD, executive director of CTY. “She was wise, witty, and devoted to the Center’s mission. And her legacy at CTY and in the lives of so many endures.”

Hyman’s generous financial support helped ensure that CTY programs will be affordable for advanced learners from diverse economic backgrounds for decades to come and assisted in growing CTY’s research and outreach so that the center’s impact could be felt more broadly in the U.S. and around the world.

She earned a BA in sociology and anthropology from Goucher College in 1971 and an MS in adult education from Johns Hopkins University in 1976. Hyman had a successful career in education, working at the Maryland Science Center and later joining Loyola University Maryland, where she worked as an educator for nearly 30 years. A recognized leader in American science education programs, she published several academic papers on the topic and gave many presentations at national conferences over her career.

A passionate volunteer and prolific philanthropist, Hyman served on the boards of organizations including the Baltimore Museum of Art, the Maryland Science Center, Goucher College, and Franklin & Marshall College. During her lifetime, she received multiple awards for her contributions to education, including honors from Johns Hopkins University, the Maryland Governor’s Office, and Baltimore County Public Schools.

“Mary was the soul and conscience of the CTY Advisory Council,” said Lee B. Stephens,
former Advisory Council chair. “Mary always reminded us ‘why CTY does what it does,’ and why we so passionately and persistently give our time and treasure to support it.”

It was hearing from parents who were desperate to find appropriate challenges for their advanced learners that first drew Hyman to CTY. And it was the reality that many schools didn’t understand these students and their needs that kept her involved.

“I love this work, I always have,” she told CTY in 2013. “It’s wonderful to see students with great curiosity about a discipline and a commitment to learning engage in that area of study and advance their knowledge.”