A gift to this endowed fund will support a Professor of Practice who will provide applied content in the undergraduate curriculum and maintain a connection to the profession. Individuals serving in this role would have extensive experience in the fire protection industry. They would be principally expected to teach design and other applied undergraduate courses, participate in meetings of professional organizations and perhaps conduct applied research as well as assist with technology transfer of the fundamental research. This permanent professorship will enable future generations of fire protection engineering students to benefit from practitioners in the field who would be named to the professorship. Based on the earned reputation of the Department of Fire Protection Engineering at the University of Maryland, this professor will ensure the program's continued vitality, progress and service to the profession.