Support our Legacy Leaders

The Legacy Leadership Institute for Public Policy

Since its inception in 2002, the Legacy Leadership Institute for Public Policy at the University of Maryland, School of Public Health, has trained and placed more than 400 retirees into meaningful volunteer positions within the offices of Maryland State elected officials. These legacy leaders seek to continue active engagement in new careers based on productive volunteer activities that serve the state of Maryland.

The David Casnoff Scholarship Fund

Like many, one such leader, David Casnoff, used the experience as a springboard to a new career that became his life. After his untimely death, his wife, Cheryl, started the David Casnoff Scholarship Fund to encourage other legacy leaders to continue to be productive during retirement. It is both a thank you for volunteering and an assistance with upgrading the skills of a Legacy Leader.

Gifts to this fund will provide scholarships for current and past Legacy Leaders to upgrade their work skills in a direction that suits both their individual needs as well as serving the state of Maryland. Scholarships may be used in varying ways such as for community college classes, re-certifications or continuing education in the Legacy Leader's chosen field.  

This year (2023) is the beginning of a yearly distribution of funds that will aid at least two legacy leaders per year. We need help in reaching our goal of $10,000, to be matched by Cheryl Casnoff, and allow a sustainable future for this scholarship fund. On April 10, at the General Assembly of Maryland in Annapolis, we will announce the first two winners of the David Casnoff Scholarship Fund while also recognizing the last three years of legacy leaders, two of which did not have a graduation owing to COVID restrictions. 

Please consider making a gift today to support this program for our re-purposed retirees.  

Gifts in support of the University of Maryland are accepted and managed by the University of Maryland College Park Foundation, Inc., an affiliated 501(c)(3) organization authorized by the Board of Regents. Contributions to the University of Maryland are tax-deductible as allowed by law. Please see your tax advisor for details.