Penthouse Terrace |
The Robert J. Abernethy Terrace

Robert J. Abernethy, a 1962 Johns Hopkins graduate in mathematics, has drawn upon his passion for international affairs, science, technology, environmentalism and national politics to benefit the Bologna Center. The Center's largest benefactor, Abernethy's most recent gift is the Robert J. Abernethy terrace, a gracious space that overlooks one of the best views of Bologna.

Abernethy, a resident of California, grew up in an academic family, and he credits a large portion of his success to his father, George L. Abernethy, who founded the Department of Philosophy at Davidson College in North Carolina. Like his father, Bob Abernethy promotes an interdisciplinary approach toward lifelong learning.

After serving in the U.S. Navy, Abernethy received his MBA from Harvard Business School. Abernethy began his early career at Hughes Aircraft, rising to Controller of the Technology Division before founding his own company, Self Storage Management. He is also founder and was president of the American Standard Development Company.

A long-time volunteer in several Johns Hopkins activities, Abernethy serves both on its Board of Trustees as well as on the Bologna Center Advisory Council. In Los Angeles, he is active in the city's conservation, economic development and world affairs councils. He is also a member of the alumni executive committee for the JHU Los Angeles chapter.

Through his Center for the Study of Democratic Institutions, Abernethy generously supports and participates in the Youth Organizing Institute, a project that takes place every summer in the Balkans and brings together 50 young people who spend a week developing the personal knowledge and skills necessary to build civil society in their communities. The Institute is organized by the Center for Constitutional Studies and Democratic Development, a joint project between the University of Bologna Faculty of Law and the Bologna Center.