Meet Our Donors

Fostering Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in Tomorrow’s Educators

Here’s how Pat Koskinen ’75 and her husband, John, are encouraging minority college students to major in education—and be future role models—through endowed scholarships.

Letters From a Science Giant

See how a connection between famed physicist Stephen Hawking and UMD Physics Professor Emeritus Charles Misner is benefiting the College of Computer, Mathematical, and Natural Sciences (CMNS).

Terp Pride and Generosity Across the Generations

Linda Blankenship is grateful for her time at UMD and the education she received while here. See how she is paying it forward by honoring her parents and helping students achieve their dreams.

UMD Alumni Support Budding Journalists

Upon updating their estate plans, Brian Lazarus ’78 and Carin Carter Lazarus ‘83 decided to give back to UMD by creating their own legacy. They have generously established an endowed journalism scholarship, which will be augmented through a bequest provision in their estate.

Fighting Fires for Generations to Come

A proud holder of two degrees from UMD’s nationally recognized Fire Protection Engineering (FPE) program, Robert Gagnon’s generous bequest of a portion of his IRA assets will eventually establish the Robert M. Gagnon Scholarship Endowment to support future generations of FPE students.

Scoring Another Victory for Women Golfers Through Scholarships

In 2016 Smith donated her College Park home, retaining the right to live there for the remainder of her life. Later, the decision to relocate to South Carolina resulted in Smith relinquishing her life interest in the home, thereby accelerating the gift to UMD. Smith was able to take advantage of significant tax deductions, and the home sale proceeds will augment her endowment to provide scholarships for women’s golf in perpetuity.

George and Christine Gloeckler

Knowing a university is dependent on the quality of its faculty, Professor Emeritus George Gloeckler and his wife Christine have designated a portion of their estate to create the George and Christine Gloeckler Endowed Chair in Physics. “I’ve been a penny pincher ever since I had a penny,” says Dr. Gloeckler, “but it’s easy to give it away.”

Mark and Heather Rosenker with President Loh

Communication Alumnus and Military Veteran Leaves a Legacy

Attributing his time at UMD as an essential stepping stone to his successful career in both the private and public sectors, the legacy of Major General Mark Rosenker, USAF (Ret.) ’69 continues through the promotion of communication for the public good at the Rosenker Center for Political Communication and Civic Leadership.

Stuart Bowers ’81: Alumnus Supports Student-Athletes and Baltimore City Scholars—Now and in the Future

Rather than using cash, Stuart funds his gifts through the transfer of appreciated securities. In doing so, he is able to take advantage of double tax-saving benefits. First, he receives a charitable deduction for the full fair-market value of the stock. Second, he is not taxed on the capital gain from the sale. By using noncash assets, a donor can make a larger gift at the same cost as cash or make the same size gift at less cost.

Jason Cohen '96: Healthy Snacks Creator Gives Back to Support Entrepreneurs

After realizing a financial windfall, Jason Cohen was in a position to pay it forward to his alma mater. Jason initially thought he would make an outright cash gift to the university. However, after discussions with the Office of Gift Planning, he realized he could make a larger impact and significantly reduce his tax obligations through a charitable lead annuity trust.

Eileen Barnett: Staff Member Funds Scholarship for Agriculture Students

It is no surprise that Eileen Barnett is funding a scholarship through her will to benefit the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources. “I feel fortunate for my 30 years at the University of Maryland, says Eileen. “It was a wonderful experience in every way, not only for my career but also the excitement of seeing the students grow and learn.”

Nancy K. Schlossberg: Expert on Transitions Makes Gift During One of Her Own

Some people talk about life's transitions - and then some people do something about them. Nancy K. Schlossberg, Ed.D., belongs to the latter group. As a professor of counseling psychology at the College of Education, she made a name for herself and the College as an expert on adult transitions, retirement, career development, adult learning, and intergenerational relationships. And a personal transition she went through led to a planned gift to the college.

Howard and Roberta Lasnik at a Scottish dance

Million-Dollar Life Insurance Gift Endows Howard Lasnik Chair in Linguistics

Distinguished University Professor Howard Lasnik is widely regarded as one of the world’s leading theoretical linguists. To help attract and recognize esteemed faculty scholars who will follow in his footsteps, Lasnik and his wife Roberta have committed a generous $1 million gift of life insurance to establish the Howard Lasnik Chair in Linguistics after their lifetimes.