BALTIMORE, MD – Jennifer Baker, the Associate Vice Provost and Director of Athletics and Recreation at Johns Hopkins, and Stephanie Littleton, the Director of Blue Jays Unlimited, announced the establishment of The Reynolds Society today. The Reynolds Society will recognize and honor individuals whose lifetime giving to the Johns Hopkins Department of Athletics has exceeded $100,000. 
 
"It is a privilege to recognize the inaugural members of The Reynolds Society, whose extraordinary generosity has helped build the foundation of Johns Hopkins Athletics as we know it today," Baker noted.  "Their unwavering commitment to our scholar-athletes has positioned our programs for continued success, and we are honored to celebrate the lasting legacy they have created for future generations of Blue Jays."
 
About The Reynolds Society
Established in honor of Steve Reynolds, whose pioneering generosity helped shape the future of Johns Hopkins Athletics, The Reynolds Society serves as the premier recognition society for Johns Hopkins Athletics; honoring alumni, families, and friends whose lifetime philanthropy has reached $100,000, a number that currently stands at 76 such individuals. Through their generosity, these distinguished supporters are committed to the advancement of our scholar-athletes and athletic programs.
 

---

Reynolds Society Legacy Tiers
The Reynolds Society recognizes individuals whose lifetime philanthropy has made a significant and lasting impact on Johns Hopkins Athletics. Membership is awarded based on cumulative giving and is recognized through the following legacy tiers:
 
Silver | $100,000 – $499,999
Blue | $500,000 – $999,999
Black | $1,000,000+
 
Lifetime giving totals include support directed to any Johns Hopkins Athletics program, initiative, or priority. Qualification is based on gifts received by the University and does not include outstanding pledge balances.

---

Inaugural Recognition Celebration Set
The inaugural celebration of The Reynold Society will take place on Saturday, September 19, 2026 (12:30 pm) in the Cordish Lacrosse Center.  The event will coincide with the Johns Hopkins-Susquehanna football game at Homewood Field that day (1 pm).  For further information about the event, please contact Lauren Galaska in Blue Jays Unlimited (lgalask1@jh.edu).
 
Member Recognition

• Donor Wall Recognition: Members whose lifetime philanthropy to Johns Hopkins Athletics reaches $100,000 will be recognized on The Reynolds Society Donor Wall, which will be displayed in the lobby of the Athletic Center. Upon qualification, eligible members will receive a memorandum of understanding authorizing the inclusion of their name among this distinguished group of supporters.
   
• Society Induction: The Reynolds Society will welcome new members annually. Individuals who achieve the qualifying lifetime giving threshold during the fiscal year will be formally inducted into the Society each July and recognized for their enduring commitment to Johns Hopkins Athletics and its scholar-athletes. 

The Story of Steven H. Reynolds
A 1965 Johns Hopkins graduate, Steve Reynolds' impact on Blue Jay athletics, while perhaps known by few, is matched in significance by even fewer.

Reynolds was a member of the Johns Hopkins football team during his undergraduate days and he earned the nickname of "One Yard Reynolds" as a halfback.  Often during his career, he was called upon to finish the job when the Blue Jay offense worked its way inside the opponent's five-yard line.  While his carries and total yards may have been limited, his touchdowns were not and he often powered Johns Hopkins over the goal line with a one-yard touchdown run to cap a scoring drive.  Thus, the moniker "One Yard Reynolds" was born.
 
Years later, in the midst of a highly successful career on Wall Street, Reynolds would lean heavily on his competitive drive and commitment to teamwork, defining traits throughout his life that were developed and enhanced during his time as a Blue Jay.

His passion for Johns Hopkins and Blue Jay athletics only grew during his professional career as he dedicated his time and expertise to the University by serving on various boards and investment committees.  His belief in strengthening organizations through thoughtful stewardship reflected both his philanthropic values and his sense of responsibility to the communities that shaped him.

Fast forward to 1993.  Reynolds, made one of the first $100,000 commitments to the department.  This gift helped inspire other alumni to support the department and in 1995 Blue Jays Unlimited, a fundraising organization that would focus its efforts on securing philanthropic support for the varsity athletic programs, was born.   

In 2025. Johns Hopkins celebrated the 30th anniversary of the founding of Blue Jays Unlimited, now the Department of Athletics' official fundraising arm.  In the now 30-plus years since its founding, Blue Jays Unlimited has raised more the $100 million to support the experience of each Johns Hopkins scholar-athlete across 24 varsity athletic programs.