March 13, 2005|By Mary Gail Hare | Mary Gail Hare,SUN STAFF
Clifford L. Culp, a retired fund-raiser for the Johns Hopkins University and a founding member of the Maryland chapter of the National Society of Fundraising Executives, died of lung cancer Friday at his home in Stoneleigh. He was 96.
Mr. Culp, a native of Huntsville, Pa., graduated from the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania before moving to Baltimore. He worked in business and accounting before joining the Johns Hopkins University in 1952 as its first development professional. He was later named special assistant to the president of Hopkins and subsequently served three presidents before retiring in 1984.
"He was a man of total integrity, totally devoted to what was right for the institution," said Steven Muller, who retired as president of Johns Hopkins about 10 years ago. "He was a real jewel to have on the staff. He did whatever was needed beautifully and at the right time."
In retirement, Mr. Culp continued serving the university as a senior consultant for development. During his 30 years with Hopkins, Mr. Culp raised more than $200 million for the institutions.
"He started with the Hopkins fund in its early days because he was attracted to the things the fund was doing," said his son, Dr. Clifford L. Culp Jr. of Annapolis.
Mr. Culp and the former Reba Winters were married for 72 years.
Mr. Culp devoted much of his life to philanthropy and gave time and energy to his church and his community. He served in many positions at Govans Presbyterian Church and with the Presbytery of Baltimore, notably as trustee and Clerk of the Session. He also founded and was chairman of the Bequest and Endowment Committee, which raised more than $1 million for Govans Presbyterian and its ministries.
"He brought great skills and knowledge to the congregation and was so willing to give his time to build an endowment," said the Rev. Jack Sharp, a retired pastor who worked with Mr. Culp for 27 years. "He was a good person with great integrity."
Mr. Culp often played golf at the Country Club of Maryland, even in the final months of his life, and preferred walking the course to using a golf cart. He also meticulously maintained a garden at his home. His favorite pastime was fishing, an activity he enjoyed with family and friends on the Chesapeake Bay and in the waters around Florida.
"His patience made him a great fisherman," said his son. "I once asked him: If he had no other obligations in life, what would he do? He answered, `I'd go fishing.'"
Mr. Culp often organized his church's annual fishing trip.
"Even in his 90s, he pulled in the largest fish," Mr. Sharp said.
Memorial services will be held at 11:30 a.m. Monday at Govans Presbyterian Church, 5826 York Road.
In addition to his wife and son, Mr. Culp is survived by a daughter, Carol C. Gertsen of Glen Arm; a brother, Richard Culp of Oak Ridge, N.J.; a sister, Esther Mauro of Cape Coral, Fla.; six grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren.
