Field of Dreams: SMA Alumnus Gift Creates World-Class Platform

Members of MBU’s soccer program and the Virginia Women’s Institute for Leadership gather in front of the construction site to thank Peter Worth for his support.

FIELD OF DREAMS SMA Alumnus Gift Creates World-Class Platform

When Peter Worth was 12 years old and about to enter eighth grade, he came to Staunton to attend Staunton Military Academy (SMA), now part of MBU’s upper campus. In his five years as a student, cadet, and athlete, he could often be found on Kable Field, as it was then known, running and drilling with his classmates. Now with a gift of $450,000 to the university in honor of his time at SMA, Worth is fueling the transformation of the same field he once marched on as a young man. Located beside the Physical Activities Center, SMA Worth Field will be a world-class platform for MBU’s soccer program and the Virginia Women’s Institute for Leadership (VWIL).

As the founder and chairman/CEO of American Benefits Consulting, Worth has more than 40 years of experience in insurance and benefits for some of the world’s largest companies.

“I am very pleased and fortunate to be able to do this, and it is very meaningful to me,” Worth said. “I had my first total education at Staunton Military Academy, and it was where I grew up. I am very appreciative of Mary Baldwin coming in and joining with SMA to continue our traditions through the cadet corps. With this gift, I want to honor and preserve what it meant to attend SMA.”

Work began last spring to build MBU’s first

collegiate, regulation-size soccer field, planted with Northbridge Bermuda grass. A recreational track will also surround the field with fitness lanes for all students to enjoy. SMA Worth Field will also showcase the precision and ceremony of VWIL parades, carrying the legacy of SMA into the future.

“It is such an honor to be able to call it ‘my parade field and my soccer field’ — not only for me, but for MBU and the corps of cadets,” said Blanca Beltran ’20, VWIL cadet and women’s soccer player.

Though SMA closed its doors in 1976 after nearly 100 years educating young men, the academy’s alumni have maintained close ties to Mary Baldwin and VWIL. They actively raise funds to support cadet scholarships and campus improvements, and hold an annual reunion at MBU every spring.

“Peter Worth’s gift to MBU ensures that the SMA name and the legacy of the academy remain in perpetuity on the hallowed grounds of our former campus in the beautiful city of Staunton,” said Tom Davis, president of SMA Alumni Foundation, Inc. “On behalf of our 3,000 living alumni, we ‘SMA Old Boys’ are extremely grateful to Peter for providing such a wonderful tribute to our former school.”

The university plans to officially dedicate and open SMA Worth Field in April 2019 during SMA’s reunion weekend.

Peter Worth

“I had my first total education at Staunton Military Academy, and it was where I grew up. I am very appreciative of Mary Baldwin coming in and joining with SMA to continue our traditions through the cadet corps. With this gift, I want to honor and preserve what it meant to attend SMA.”

— Peter Worth