About Col. Hugh J. Holloman
Jerry retired as a Colonel after 30 years of service in the U.S. Marine Corps. He graduated from Maryland in 1973 with a degree in Journalism. Jerry was a member of the Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity, where, as an alumnus, he served on the House Corp. One of his greatest joys in life was watching his grandchildren play sports. As his dear friend Hondo shared, "Jerry was a True Gentleman, never said a bad word about anyone. He was always in good spirits."
About Major R. Mark "Hondo" Davids
R. Mark “Hondo” Davids, a retired Major with 22 ½ years of service in the United States Marine Corps, lives in Centreville, Virginia. Hondo is a 1977 graduate of the University of Maryland, College Park, with a bachelor's degree in horticulture education, and is a member of Sigma Alpha Epsilon Fraternity. While a student, he was an officer candidate in the USMC Platoon Leaders Course and was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant upon graduation. As an ΣAE alumnus, he has served in various capacities and is currently a board member on the National Financial and Housing Corporation. Upon retirement from the Marines, he served in various sections of the Chief of Naval Operations as a financial management consultant until his retirement in 2010. He currently volunteers for the Boy Scouts of America. Hondo is the father of two and has four grandchildren.
About the Fund
The purpose of the Fund is to provide scholarship support for United States Marine Corps (USMC) veterans or Officer Candidates at the University of Maryland. Veterans who are members of Sigma Alpha Epsilon Fraternity or are active in the Greek system are encouraged to apply, though all USMC veterans or Officer Candidates are eligible to receive the scholarship.
How to Apply
For instructions on how to apply for The Col. Hugh J. Holloman USMC (Ret.) and Major R. Mark Davids USMC (Ret.) Sigma Alpha Epsilon - United States Marine Corps Scholarship, please visit UMD Veteran Student Life Website. If you have any questions about the application process, please contact sagiving@umd.edu or (301) 314-4900.
Meet Our Scholars
Nick Holmes is a seasoned defense professional and strategic operator with 20 years of experience spanning military intelligence, enterprise information technology, government contracting, and operational program support. He is the founder and managing principal of Nomadus Consulting LLC, a certified Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business delivering specialized services in project management, quality assurance, vendor engagement and procurement, market research, and comparative analysis.Nick served for 12 years in the U.S. Marine Corps, both as an enlisted Marine and a commissioned officer in the signals intelligence field. His career included four overseas deployments, highlighted by a 10-month tour leading an intelligence shop in Afghanistan, where he managed joint operations with allied military forces. He concluded his military service as the requirements officer for a $1.4 billion program, overseeing strategic capability development and acquisition planning.Nick holds a bachelor’s degree in public relations from the University of Memphis and is currently pursuing his Executive MBA at the University of Maryland Robert H. Smith School of Business.
Nick Holmes, 2025-2026 Scholar
Past Scholars
Raymond Roman (2022-2025 Scholar)
As a veteran of the US Military, Raymond Roman spent 35 years contributing to the greater good of our country. He is proudest of his service overseas as US Marine Security Guard American Embassy Ankara ', Turkey and Lima, Peru 1983-1986. He served as a combat camera Paratrooper during the Invasion of Panama and the 1st Gulf War. In addition, Raymond has tours of duty conducting Counter Drug Operations. He was on active duty during the 9/11 attacks with the 140th Fighter Wing protecting no fly zones over Colorado and Cheyenne Mountain (NORAD). He continued his service as a DOD civilian at the Defense Media Activity, Fort Meade, Maryland as Operations office for our Combat Camera Center. Raymond has received several Medals during his tours including the Bronze Star, Gulf War, 2 Meritorious Service Medals for operations with 82nd Airborne and JTF 6 Counter Drug operations. He is honored and grateful to be here and ready to continue to learn and grow with his country as we learn new ways to adjust to our societal needs and changes. He is part of the solution.
Shawn Witschen (2019 - 2020 Scholar)
Shawn Witschen is a 2/C Marine-Option Midshipman in the NROTC program and a brother of the Zeta Psi Fraternity at the University of Maryland-College Park. He is an avid tennis player, and in his free time you will find him on the courts hitting with friends.
Sean Ferraro (2016 - 2018 Scholar)
Sean Ferraro is an active duty Marine currently enrolled in the Marine Enlisted Commissioning Education Program (MECEP). He has deployed 3 times in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom as well as in several other regions to support a variety of missions. He has held billets to include Network Warfare Analyst, Intelligence Systems Chief, and Platoon Sergeant, and is a Martial Arts Instructor. Sean was inspired to join the Marine Corps after the events of 9/11 and wanted to follow in his Grandfather's footsteps who was a Marine in the Pacific during WWII. Upon graduating from The University of Maryland with a B.S. in Computer Science, Sean plans to earn his commission as a Marine Corps Officer with the hopes of serving as a Ground Intelligence Officer.
Ben Hymas (2014 - 2016 Scholar)
Ben Hymas is currently serving in the US Marine Corps. He has held a number of billets including Scout Sniper, Marine Corps Martial Arts Program Instructor Trainer, Vehicle Commander/Platoon Sergeant with 3rd Light Armored Reconnaissance BN, and Platoon Sergeant with 3D BN 3D Mar. He has served three deployments in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Motivated to join the service after the events of 9/11, Ben wanted to do his part to support the war and our country. He is a volunteer for his local youth football, Brazilian Jui Jitsu, and wrestling teams. He will graduate in December 2015 with his Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice. He hopes to become a commissioned officer with the Marine Special Operations Command and a company commander after he graduates.