Priscilla Slavin '69

Priscilla Slavin ’69

As a young boy, Gary Slavin loved to investigate the natural surroundings of his waterfront home in Dundalk, Md. He nurtured his budding interest in science as a biology major at Towson State College, graduating in 1966. For the 26 years that followed, he inspired students and colleagues alike as a master teacher of junior high and middle school science in the Baltimore County Public Schools. Sadly, cancer claimed Mr. Slavin's life in 1995, when he was only 51 years old.

His widow, Priscilla Slavin '69, who retired from the Baltimore County Public Schools in 2010 after her own distinguished career, says that her husband had a profound impact on her, personally and professionally. "Gary was the most important person in my life," she says. "He had a passion for helping focused, engaged students of all abilities to succeed, and a commitment to reinforcing the importance of science in the world at large. I experienced many fulfilling years teaching grade six science as a result of his influence."

To extend and honor his legacy, Mrs. Slavin has included a provision in her will to create the Gary W. Slavin Endowed Scholarship at Towson University, which will support academically talented graduates of Maryland high schools with financial need who have expressed the desire to pursue a science-related course of study and career. Students will benefit from her generosity sooner, however; she decided to initiate her scholarship through annual gifts to be awarded to students beginning in the 2013-2014 academic year.

"Establishing an endowed scholarship seemed the consummate means to honor Gary's memory," reflects Mrs. Slavin. "Much satisfaction is gained from knowing that this bequest will aid talented young people who desire to train in the critical fields of science. An endowment is an enduring and empowering gift to celebrate a loved one."

There are many ways to accomplish your own philanthropic goals. Some, like the bequest Mrs. Slavin has arranged through her will, cost nothing now. Others can pay you and/or a loved one income for life. Please contact us to learn more.