The Clelands’ philanthropic endeavors have had a profound and enduring impact on the University of Maryland Medical System (UMMS) and beyond. In 1993, when the late Bruce Cleland assumed the CEO role at Campbell & Co., a hedge fund based in Towson, he relocated his family of six—wife Isobel, daughters Samantha and Georgia, and sons James and Mark—to Baltimore. Since then, their unwavering dedication to community has established them and their charitable organization, The Orokawa Foundation, as a vital contributor to the philanthropic landscape of the Baltimore region for almost twenty years.
Bruce’s impact and his family’s dedication to UMMS originated as that of a grateful patient. In 2006, Bruce embarked on a challenging 16-year battle with head-and-neck cancer, which deepened his family’s bond with the University of Maryland Medical Center (UMMC) and their community hospital, the University of Maryland St. Joseph Medical Center (UM SJMC) in Towson, where he received care. Regrettably, after enduring multiple relapses, Bruce passed away on August 20, 2021.
Over the years, the Clelands have cultivated unique relationships and commitments that have become essential components of UMMS and have fostered equitable, systemic transformation. Their understanding and admiration for the medical system have become integral pillars of change.
Bruce understood the power of philanthropy and its potential to influence the health and well-being of communities through strategic investments in medical research, programs, and infrastructure. His visionary mindset and commitment to positively impact people’s lives enabled him to see possibilities, not obstacles and extended far beyond mere financial achievements.
His aptitude for giving back took shape in a pivotal way in 1988 when he assembled a team of non-runners to take on the NYC Marathon as they raised money for blood cancer research in honor of Georgia, a leukemia survivor. Despite his challenges in making it a reality, his group of armchair warriors was so successful that the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society asked him to replicate the program nationwide. Now, 36 years later, Team in Training has become one of the most successful endurance sports training programs for charities worldwide.
The underlying concepts that guided and shaped his philanthropy were rooted in the belief that collective efforts could achieve much more than individual endeavors.
“Part of Bruce’s magic was the way he could persuade others around him into committing similar feats,” said Dr. Mohan Suntha, UMMS president and CEO.“His determination and commitment to improve the lives of others never wavered—even under Bruce’s most challenging personal circumstances.”
The family still embraces philanthropy as a mindset that reflects their sense of duty, empathy, and benevolence toward others. “The University of Maryland Medical System’s values are completely in concert with our values as a foundation,” said Samantha Cleland Manekin, who continues her father’s legacy as Orokawa’s executive director.
Driven by their comprehensive philanthropic approach, the family collaborates with hospital leadership to pinpoint where their contributions will make the most significant difference in patient care. Their giving has profoundly impacted UMMC, UM SJMC, the University of Maryland School of Medicine, and most recently, the University of Maryland Shore Regional Health.
The incredible partnership between the Cleland family and UMMS showcases the strength of trust and genuine connections. Their bond began when Bruce entrusted Dr. Suntha with his cancer treatment, leading to a mutual mentorship and a deep friendship. Dr. Suntha attributes part of his own personal and professional journey to Bruce. “I wouldn’t be where I am today without Bruce’s invaluable advice and support,” he said.
People closest to Bruce often speak of his insatiable curiosity, sharp intellect, and unwavering determination to find answers through thought-provoking questions. The Orokawa Foundation’s generous gifts to UMMS evolved from multifaceted, candid conversations between Bruce and Dr. Suntha and are a testament to the family’s desire to make intentional and educated philanthropic decisions.
The Clelands’ unwavering commitment has made an enduring impact on every community within UMMS, of which they are a part, demonstrating how meaningful relationships can drive transformative change. By actively supporting areas that hold personal significance for them, they address needs in patient care across the system.
Their foundation’s initial gifts supported head-and-neck cancer research, radiation oncology programs, and a fund for cancer patients. In addition, they established the Bruce and Isobel Cleland Chair of the Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery Endowed Professorship at the University of Maryland School of Medicine to honor its inaugural chair, Dr. Rodney Taylor, for his outstanding clinical care in treating Bruce.
“The naming of the professorship speaks volumes about how we feel about the care my dad received,” Samantha said. “Dr. Taylor became a coach, a mentor, and a cheerleader—both for my dad and our entire family. He exceeded the call of clinical duty to help us navigate a challenging diagnosis and protocol of care.”
Through their foundation, the Clelands also have supported UM St. Joseph in various ways for more than a decade. Their contributions covered various programs and clinical areas, including a symposium to empower young athletes, an emergency room area for behavioral health patients, and the renovation of its pediatric unit. In 2016, the Clelands’ lead gift set the stage for the hospital’s nearly $25 million campaign—its largest to date—to renovate its perioperative spaces and surgical suites.
“Their gifts established how philanthropy supports the community in an expanded way,” said Amanda “Mimi” Tinkler, UM St. Joseph Foundation’s vice president and executive director.
In memory of Bruce’s courageous battle against cancer, the Orokawa Foundation made another transformative gift for a new state-of-the-art infusion center at the Roslyn and Leonard Stoler Center for Advanced Medicine, which is currently under construction. “The infusion center was where we had spent much time supporting my dad,” Samantha said. “It illustrates our appreciation in a straightforward way for his care and honors the handful of physicians who were impeccable in their clinical care of Dad through some tough times.”
The Clelands’ most recent gift embraces the Eastern Shore community, where they spent time as a family supporting Bruce during his battle with cancer and furthering their commitment to equitable care. Once completed, the UM Shore Regional Medical Center in Easton will bring a new standard of patient-centered care to the region.
Bruce’s vision of positively impacting the world remains at the core of the Orokawa Foundation’s mission as it continues to touch countless lives. The connection between UMMS leadership and the Clelands is a poignant illustration of the power of philanthropy.
Samantha shared that Bruce’s compassion and support never wavered. “Even during the most challenging times, he still considered himself a lucky man…largely due to the team of emotional and clinical support he had throughout his journey. His gratitude Bruce and Isobel Cleland dancing at UM SJMC’s 150th Anniversary Gala in 2014. and perspective were truly remarkable.”
110 South Paca Street, 9th Floor
Baltimore, MD 21201
410.328.5770
All Rights Reserved. © 2024 University of Maryland Medical System Foundation