Bob Blaney ’61: A Legacy of Discovery, Leadership, and Lifelong Gratitude

His visit was more than a nostalgic homecoming; it was a celebration of the place that helped him discover what matters. For Bob, Severn was not just a school; it was the beginning of a lifelong journey of character, courage, and contribution. In his own words, Severn has “magic.”

 

Bob’s story begins with uncertainty. At 17, he made the decision to leave the public school, unsure of what his future held. His mother, Gertrude, a local hairdresser, was supportive but worried. While sharing her concerns with clients at her salon, one woman offered a glimmer of hope—Mrs. Katherine Kesmodel, wife of Severn’s head of school. That conversation led to a meeting with Mr. Paul Kesmodel, and ultimately, a new beginning.

 

“I walked up to the door, introduced myself, and said, ‘I want to go to Severn School, because Severn is where you get an education!’” Bob recalls. Mr. Kesmodel smiled and replied, “Well, let’s give you an entrance exam.” Though Bob admits he didn’t perform well on the test, Mr. Kesmodel saw something deeper: a young man ready to take a stand for his future. “They let me in anyway,” Bob says, “because they liked my attitude.”

 

That moment marked a turning point. At Severn, Bob found more than academic instruction; he found a community that believed in him. The faculty and staff didn’t let him fall behind. They offered tutoring, mentorship, and a culture of accountability allowing him to thrive. Mealtimes in the dining hall were filled with lively conversations between students and teachers, where learning extended beyond the classroom. It was an inclusive environment where every student felt a sense of belonging, and where mutual support and shared challenges fostered growth.

 

Bob embraced every opportunity. A self-proclaimed jock, he played varsity football and JV lacrosse and even made a lasting contribution to the school’s athletic program. Seeing the need for better training equipment, Bob traveled all the way to Baltimore and back on the public bus to purchase a 250-pound weight set, the first for Severn’s gym. Bob bellowed, “Loading weights onto the public transportation was quite a maneuver!”

 

Though he spent only two years at Severn, Bob’s gratitude runs deep. He credits the Kesmodel family, Capt. Slaven, and the school for seeing his potential and helping him pursue excellence on the field and in the classroom.

 

Severn challenged Bob to think beyond his limits. It gave him the courage to pursue higher education at SUNY Maritime and launch a successful career in engineering in the shipping industry. Severn School’s mission, “to marshal the courage to lead and contribute to the world around them,” was not part of Severn then, but clearly is at the core of Bob’s experience on campus that shaped his path.

 

Today, Bob continues to give back to the school that changed his life. That’s why he made a transformative gift to Severn: funding the “Gertrude and Edward Blaney Maker Lab” at the new Chesapeake Campus in memory of his mother and father.

 

The Maker Lab is a space where creativity takes the lead and mistakes are part of the process. It is a vibrant, hands-on environment where our youngest learners are empowered to explore big ideas, take risks, and discover solutions through trial and error. In this space, every failure is a stepping stone to innovation, and every voice is valued. Students are encouraged to think boldly, collaborate openly, and bring their ideas to life in ways that engage both mind and heart. It’s more than a classroom; it’s a launchpad for curiosity, resilience, and creative problem-solving.

 

In addition to his support of the Maker Lab, Bob has made a lasting commitment to Severn through a planned gift. The blended gift (Capital Campaign, Estate Planned Gift) will secure Bob as the single largest alumni-donor in Severn school’s history. Bob stated, “My parents’ gift to me was attending Severn and today I want the kids to have everything they need to be the next generation of creators and makers.”

 

It was a powerful reminder that giving is not about just the future; it’s about making an impact now. In fact, the joy and meaning he found in making this gift was inspired by his return to campus—a visit that deepened his connection to a place that has always held a special place in his heart.

 

Even in retirement, Bob continues to explore and create in his home workshop, designing parts and tinkering with machinery. His curiosity remains his driving force. With the Maker Lab, he hopes to support students early in their journey with the need to create with their hands as well as their minds.

 

 This story originally appeared in the Fall 2025 issue of The Bridge. To see the complete digital issue, click here.