Donor Spotlight

Five Questions with Edward Shumsky ´73

Edward Shumsky ´73 and his wife, Susan Kronick, are leaders in advancing the Law School. A partner in the real estate firm of Rabin | Alexander, LLC, Shumsky is a longtime member of the Board of Visitors. He and his wife are major supporters of the ongoing Making an Impact Campaign, and were previously major supporters of the building campaign.

How do you define philanthropy and why is it important to you?
Philanthropy, for me, is a contribution in money or deeds that can help make a difference for organizations or people. It is not money alone but also engagement and involvement. My wife, Susan, and I have been very fortunate with our careers and lives. We believe philosophically that it is important to give back to society to help others

Why is it important to you to give to Maryland Law?
Maryland Law has played an important part in my life for a very long time. I have been on the Board of Visitors almost since its inception, close to 15 years ago, and have watched the School grow and change. I have seen the development of the new law school building as well as the notable growth of our national reputation. As that change happens, you recognize the impact the School is having on students' lives and the opportunities it provides for them to be successful. The education I received at Maryland gave me the chance to pursue my ambitions in both law and business; and it is rewarding to help renew that process in the lives of today's students

Your family has always been a supporter of Maryland Law programs. What was it that inspired you to become a major donor?
If someone is going to make a significant investment, it's important for them to feel that they're really a part of the institution. It didn't happen overnight, but there was a progression over several years where I developed that connection with the mission and vision of the law school initially through Dean Gifford and subsequently through Dean Rothenberg. When it came time for Susan and me to make a decision about giving, we felt we were contributing not only to a place where we had a connection, but also where we could make a difference in the lives of students, in the work of the faculty, and in the growth of an institution. And that made the potential feel real.

What would you like the impact of your gift to be?
Providing opportunities for students. My parents had never gone to college, so my graduation from law school was quite a momentous event for them. They had been in the restaurant business all their lives. They were gregarious and their restaurant in Atlantic City was a gathering place for the local community where people came together, met others and socialized. When we made our initial gift to the building fund, we asked that the money be dedicated for the student lounge. Knowing that we have provided students a place to gather, meet, talk and come together, is a way for me to recognize what my parents did throughout their lives in the restaurant business. It also goes back to the idea that there is extra joy if you can find a way of making a gift that reinforces your personal connection with the institution.

What would you tell someone else that might inspire them to support Maryland Law?
It depends on whom you’re talking to. For people who haven't been engaged with the Law School in recent years, you need to explain its extraordinary rise in reputation and accomplishments. People like to be part of a winning strategy and contribute to organizations that are really making a difference. My wife and I have had the opportunity to meet our new Dean, Phoebe Haddon, and we are very excited about what she is going to bring to the Law School. For those who have a past connection to the Law School, I would also explain why a gift to the Law School can have a greater impact than a gift to many other places. The School of Law still has the obligations of a public institution to advance justice and serve the people of Maryland, but it’s not getting the concomitant financial contributions that the State used to provide. In order to maintain the stature of the Law School and to continue to provide the quality education we want the next generation of lawyers to receive -- particularly in these challenging economic times -- Maryland Law is an institution worthy of your consideration.