CSM Celebrates Naming of Lorraine Diana ’79 and Robert Guite Learning Resource Center for Historic Philanthropy

The College of Southern Maryland (CSM) celebrated the renaming of its Learning Resource Center on May 29 to honor Lorraine Diana ’79 and Robert Guite, whose historic gift will expand student opportunities for generations.

The pair established the Lorraine Diana ’79 and Robert Guite Pathways to Possibility Fund to support students in nursing, engineering, and robotics programs. The fund provides scholarship opportunities and other support resources for students facing financial hardship, and invests in initiatives that promote social, economic, and environmental sustainability.

During the naming ceremony, CSM President Dr. Yolanda Wilson reflected on the transformative power of investment in education, and the tremendous impact Diana and Guite have made on students and the college community.

“Your vision reaches every corner of this institution, every stage of a student’s journey, and perhaps most importantly, it reaches students who simply need someone to believe in them,” Wilson said. “Thank you for believing in the transformative power of education, and for choosing to create opportunities that will extend beyond this moment and impact students’ lives forever.”

The Lorraine Diana ’79 and Robert Guite Learning Resource Center is home to the library, math and writing resource centers, and other services for students to find the support they need to succeed in the classroom.

CSM Foundation Board Chair Samantha Stratchko ’18 underscored the impact this gift will have on removing financial barriers and providing students with the opportunity to pursue their goals and discover their talents.

“Bob and Lorraine’s generosity represents more than a gift, it is a statement of confidence in our students and this institution,” Stratchko said. “Through their Pathways to Possibility Fund, they are helping students not only access education but thrive through it.”

The family maintains strong ties to CSM which span generations. Diana was a member of CSM’s first graduating nursing class in 1979. One of her professors, Peggy DeStefanis, spoke about the lasting impact this fund will have. DeStefanis described Lorraine as someone who has always seen success as something to uplift others.

“The greatest gifts that we receive are often the gifts that we give away,” DeStefanis said.

Diana and Guite’s commitment to philanthropy and helping others began with a backpack program for children in need in Charles County, which expanded to a food assistance program. Diana shared how this experience taught them how far a helping hand can go in changing a person’s life.

“Education is the most powerful thing we have for helping people change their economic circumstances,” Diana said. “We named the fund Pathways to Possibility because that is exactly what CSM does: it meets people where they are and opens doors to what’s next.”

The fund was born from a longstanding belief in the value of community colleges. Four generations of Guite and Diana’s family have benefited from community college education.

“CSM is a cornerstone for our region’s progress, strengthening our community’s social fabric and offering opportunities for every stage of learning,” Guite said. “Our goal is this: prepare families and individuals with pathways to possibilities.”

Guite and Diana hope their story inspires others to invest in their communities, give back, and lend a hand to others any way they can.

To learn more about the CSM Foundation or help to support student success through a contribution, visit the Foundation webpage.