Professor Mark H. Sandler, who passed away in 1997, was Assistant Professor of Japanese Art History at the University of Maryland between 1986 and 1995. Born in 1945, Professor Sandler obtained his Ph.D from the University of Washington in 1977. His research interests in Japanese art ranged from the Edo period, ukiyo-e genre, through 20th century paintings, with a focus on the artist Foujita. Professor Sandler was widely known for his excellence in teaching among undergraduate students. He was a key figure in the organization of a state delegation to Japan in 1990, led by then Governor William Donald Schaefer, in which university President William Kirwan played a major role. He was highly regarded as a lecturer, was active in Japanese Studies circles and was a favorite of colleagues in East Asian Studies throughout the Washington, D.C. area.
An anonymous University of Maryland alumnus generously created the Professor Mark H. Sandler Endowed Undergraduate Student Experience Award to honor the memory of the late Professor Sandler and provide opportunities for future undergraduate students. This endowment will provide annual awards for undergraduate students in the Department of Art History and Archaeology. This award will supplement the financial costs associated with experiential learning opportunities—such·as internships, research or service learning.