2026 Non Sibi Sed Aliis Award Winner Ford Schumann '66

Presented annually at the Annual Meeting of the Alumni Association during Reunion weekend, the Non Sibi Sed Aliis Award is bestowed upon an alumnus/a who has brought pride to the Academy by embodying the spirit of the school motto, "Not for self, but for others.”

Ford Schumann’s dedication to environmental preservation has guided both his professional career and charitable endeavors. Governor's now-trademark environmental science curriculum is a testament to Ford's and his family's commitment.

Science education and an appreciation of our Earth have long been passions of the Schumann family. Their legacy of enhancing these subjects at Governor's began with Ford's grandmother. In the early 1970s, the Schumann Science Center at the Academy was established through a gift from Mrs. Florence Schumann P'40 and the Florence and John Schumann Foundation. 

In the mid-1990s, Ford's father, Robert F. Schumann '40, P'66,'74, funded the science center's expansion. Driven by a passion for ornithology and conservation, Robert sought to strengthen the Academy's science programs. This expansion added state-of-the-art labs and math study spaces, renaming the facility the Schumann Math and Science Center.

Ford and his brother, David '74, have continued this family legacy by supporting the Bill '67 and Peter '71 Alfond Coastal Research Center. The center offers an unparalleled opportunity for Governor's students to engage in place-based, experiential learning and research on the Parker River and the Great Marsh, which align perfectly with Ford's passion for conservation.

Ford's grants support initiatives such as the Blanding's turtle rehabilitation project, in which Governor's students successfully raise and release this endangered species, achieving a survival rate exceeding 90% and helping protect its overall survival in the wild.

In a recent interview, Ford remarked, "The building on the Parker River is a fantastic facility. I’m sure my dad would be really proud that we got involved in that."

Ford's commitment to sustainability extended to his career, where he helped introduce recycling to parts of Maryland. In 1989, he founded Infinity Recycling, initially collecting newspapers himself in a VW bus. The company eventually expanded to multiple trucks and warehouses. Driven by service rather than profit, Ford used the company to provide jobs for individuals with developmental disabilities. Throughout his career, Ford earned multiple honors from recycling organizations for his advocacy and dedication.

Ford has spent most of his life appreciating the earth and practicing good stewardship. From joining watchdog groups to composting in his yard to informal birding meetups, Ford truly walks the walk and talks the talk when it comes to conservation. It is my honor and privilege to present the 2026 Non Sibi Sed Aliis Award to Ford Schumann, Class of 1966.

Read our interview with Ford.