For the Maske family, the Vanderbilt experience contains multitudes. Not only did Allyson, BS'92, and Jim, BE'93, MBA'99, first meet as undergraduates, but they have attended four of Vanderbilt's schools and colleges-the College of Arts and Science, School of Engineering, Owen Graduate School of Management and the School of Medicine, where Allyson started her surgical residency after attending the University of Alabama School of Medicine.
Since their son J.D., a member of the Class of 2028, enrolled in Peabody College, they have found even more ways to get involved, including their service on the Parent Leadership Committee and recent gifts to Vandy United and Opportunity Vanderbilt in support of the university's historic Dare to Grow campaign.
Allyson was drawn to Vanderbilt from a young age. She knew she wanted to be a doctor, and she saw her undergraduate years as an opportunity to explore fields like economics and fine art that were separate from her pre-med trajectory.
Jim-who knew Allyson as an undergraduate, although they didn't start dating until she returned to Nashville for her residency-studied biomedical and electrical engineering before enrolling at Owen several years later. A first-generation college student who fell in love with Vanderbilt after he had already received a full-ride scholarship to the University of Alabama, Jim was reliant on financial aid to attend. "My parents agreed to let me go to Vanderbilt, but only if I could find a way to do so that was cheaper than going to Alabama," he recalls. "So, I rolled up my sleeves, applied to lots of different scholarships, and figured it out."
Education can make the biggest difference, not only for a person's trajectory, but for their whole family. -Allyson Maske
The Maskes view educational access as a cornerstone of their philanthropic vision. "Education can make the biggest difference-not only for a person's trajectory, but for their whole family," Allyson says.
In 2024, Allyson and Jim solidified their commitment by establishing the Maske Family Scholarship for undergraduate students. "Given the opportunity I had to attend Vanderbilt, I just felt like I really owed it back," Jim says. Jim also notes that the fund will enable J.D. to pay tribute to his own education for years to come.
The Maskes believe that Vanderbilt's future has never been brighter, citing Vanderbilt's leadership, athletics and many new initiatives.
"There's so much balance to the school today, and so much buzz," Allyson says. "It's the perfect time to get involved. We're honored to give back and be a part of it."
-Lucie Alig
