Alan and Kim Cason, 1980 graduates of the University of Maryland, have made a $1 million commitment to Maryland Athletics through an estate gift for the Christopher A. Cason Memorial Endowed Scholarship. 

The Casons established the Christopher A. Cason Memorial Endowed Scholarship in memory of their beloved son in January 2023. The fund provides merit-based scholarships for undergraduate football student-athletes in the College of Behavioral and Social Sciences (BSOS). Chris received his B.A. in Criminal Justice from BSOS in 2015 and his Master's degree in Cybersecurity Technology from the University of Maryland Global Campus in 2019. Chris unexpectedly passed away at the age of 29 in September 2021 as a result of a previously undiagnosed acute leukemia after a four-day hospital stay. At the time of his death, Chris was a cybersecurity specialist for the Internal Revenue Service.  



"Chris loved the University of Maryland, and our family shared in his Maryland Pride," Alan and Kim said. "Establishing the Christopher A. Cason Endowed Scholarship Fund in his memory is our way of giving back to a place that gave him so much happiness and purpose. It means everything to us to know that Chris's name will live on by helping Maryland student-athletes pursue their education and dreams for years to come."

The Casons have supported the University of Maryland and Maryland Athletics for more than 30 years, both through their philanthropy, volunteerism and as football and men's basketball season ticket holders. Attending Maryland games and other events was a family tradition Chris greatly enjoyed. Chris was passionate about Maryland sports, including football, basketball and soccer. He loved the university and personified what it means to be a Terp. His Maryland Pride ran deep!

"We are honored that Alan and Kim chose to celebrate their son's life and legacy in the form of an athletics scholarship," said Jim Smith, Barry P. Gossett Director of Athletics. "Their support is crucial in our mission of developing young individuals for success beyond competition, creating moments that unite our community and building lifelong connections across generations."
  Meet your philanthropic goals, extend your generosity
Many donors generously support the University of Maryland through their estate or financial plans, or other planned gift arrangements. These forward-thinking donors demonstrate their steadfast commitment to future generations at UMD and help to ensure the university continues to be a world-class institution and source of Terrapin pride. A planned gift can provide a variety of benefits while providing significant support for Terps, including increasing current income, reducing income and/or estate taxes, and passing assets on to family members at reduced tax costs. Planned gifts can be made through cash, securities, retirement plans, life insurance, and real estate, among other avenues, and can be documented in the way that is best for the individual, including through wills, charitable gift annuities, charitable trusts and IRA rollover gifts. 

Our campaign for the Fearless
Alan and Kim Cason's gift supports Forward: The University of Maryland Campaign for the Fearless, a $2.5 billion fundraising initiative in support of expanding access to UMD's top-tier education, accelerating groundbreaking research and building stronger communities. Maryland Athletics aims to raise at least $350M as part of the Forward campaign, elevating priorities that fit into four fundraising objectives: Elevate a championship culture; empower young people to realize their full potential; mold tomorrow's leaders today; and foster success through community. Those interested in learning more about how they can participate in the Forward campaign are encouraged to click HERE or contact the Terrapin Club at 301-314-7020 or tclub@umd.edu.