In this video, legacy gift donor Charles Tatelbaum, an attorney in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., introduces himself as an alumnus of the University of Maryland’s Francis King Carey School of Law. He also graduated from clown university — and always carries a clown nose with him to spread some cheer. Clowning aside, he introduces the Kitty and Chuck Tatelbaum Scholarship, established in 2013. It funds a scholarship for a commercial law or bankruptcy student. The Tatelbaums continue to add to the fund with planned gifts.

Chuck explains that his success as an attorney was due to the excellent legal education he received from the University of Maryland Law School. After completing the three-year program, he and his classmates had learned to "feel the law." They also met people and had opportunities that prepared them for successful law careers. Until 20 years ago, he had no idea how a planned gift could help others. Then he learned how significantly tuition had increased since he was a student, and how a state-of-the art library, tiered classrooms, and the new Moot Courtroom could enhance the School of Law for today’s law students. Because of its significance on his career and life, he wanted to give back to the Carey School of Law. Chuck and Kitty knew they did the right thing when they first set up the scholarship — but they didn’t realize the impact of their generosity until he received a call from the first scholarship recipient. Chuck felt surprised by an overwhelming exuberance and wasn’t ready for just how much it would affect him.