Maryland Athletics Receives $1M Gift for Football Scholarship Fund

A University of Maryland alumni couple has made a $1 million commitment to Maryland Athletics through an estate gift honoring their late son, a second-generation Terp who was a fan of UMD teams. 

The Christopher A. Cason Memorial Endowed Scholarship, established in 2023 by Kim ’80 and Alan Cason ’80, provides merit-based scholarships for undergraduate football student-athletes in the College of Behavioral and Social Sciences, where Chris ’15 received his B.A. in criminology and criminal justice.

He earned 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 and Maryland Athletics for more than 30 years through their philanthropy and volunteerism and as football and men's basketball season ticket holders. Attending Maryland games and other events was a family tradition Chris greatly enjoyed. He was particularly passionate about Maryland football, basketball and soccer. He personified what it means to be a Terp.

"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."

The Casons’ 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 $350 million as part of the campaign to elevate a championship culture; empower young people to realize their full potential; mold tomorrow's leaders today; and foster success through community.