Steve Leonard '78 Gift will Support Individual Studies Students

The Steven R. Leonard and Family Undergraduate Studies Scholarship

Steve Leonard signs agreement funding the Steven R. Leonard and Family Undergraduate Studies Scholarship while IVSP Director Joan Burton (left) and Undergraduate Studies Dean Donna B. Hamilton look on.

In appreciation of his Individual Studies (IVSP) experience and to help ensure the success of current IVSP students Steven R. Leonard, 1978 Individual Studies graduate, has generously endowed a scholarship that will support an Individual Studies student.

Joan Burton, IVSP Director, says that Leonard's gift "will allow and encourage our IVSP students to engage in meaningful internships and research, participate in study abroad, and take advantage of the stellar academic and professional development opportunities that come their way. We are tremendously grateful to Steve both for his warm support of student achievement and ambition, and for the strong example of accomplishment and service that he offers our students."

While at UMD, Leonard worked part-time driving for Shuttle-UM to help pay for his education and found himself increasingly interested in the fields of transportation and transportation safety. With guidance from a faculty member, he decided to develop a major in Traffic Safety Management through the Individual Studies Program in Undergraduate Studies. After graduating in 1978, he worked at UMD in the Safety Education Center, before moving on in 1979 to become the Shuttle’s first General Manager. In 1981, Thomas Built Buses, Inc. hired Leonard as a sales representative. By 1987, he had moved up to Vice President of the Thomas Bus Dealership in Annapolis, Maryland, and in 1994, he bought the dealership, now known as American Bus Sales and Service — an independent, privately held company that features Thomas Buses and the Sprinter, a Mercedes-Benz van.

Leonard recognizes the importance and uniqueness of IVSP as a way for motivated and committed students to develop unique degree channels. IVSP helped set Leonard on a path of success and he hopes the financial support he provides will encourage the success of future students. Leonard stays very involved with the University. Beginning July 1, 2014, he will serve as president of the Terrapin Club. For several years he has taught the UNIV 100, a course introducing students to the resources, values and ways of the University of Maryland. He has been recognized by students as one of the most successful instructors in this course.

Donna Hamilton, Associate Provost and Dean for Undergraduate Studies, remarks, "Over the last several years, Steve has offered his time every semester in UNIV 100, even bringing several staff members to the classroom to share with students the values that shape their shared work commitment. In endowing this scholarship, he returns to his UMD roots, the IVSP program that provided him a way to study and excel where his interests lay. We are deeply grateful for his ongoing dedication and service."

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