Learn More About Planned Giving 

Former Frostburg State University Chief of Police Cindy Smith knows what it takes to be a strong police officer. That’s why she decided to make a financial contribution, including an estate gift to FSU’s Old Main Society, in support of a police scholarship at FSU.

“Policing is complicated and needs to recruit the best qualified, compassionate, ethical and dedicated people,” said Smith. “It is my hope that in some small way my contribution will continue to allow those who feel the calling to continue their education.”

Smith retired from FSU last year after 15 years of service to the University. She was instrumental in transforming the University Police Department into one that is not only more effective but also highly respected in the community and across the University System of Maryland. She left behind a dedicated team of men and women committed to continuing her legacy of service and safety.

When asked what she misses most about Frostburg, Smith noted, “It sounds like a cliché, but it is true – I miss the people and our frequent interactions. The department is in good hands with Chief [John] Ralston and Captain [Jason] McCumber.” She joked that the one thing she doesn’t miss in retirement is receiving calls at 3 o’clock in the morning.

Smith was searching for a way to give back to the University community, a place where she felt a sense of belonging and where she was able to make a difference. She decided to make a bequest to leave a legacy to be remembered while supporting future generations of first responders.

“I would encourage others to donate to FSU as well. Look into your heart and support what you love and what you feel is important,” Smith said. “If you can, give not till it hurts, but rather until it helps others.”

Martin Honors Parents' Generous Spirit through Scholarship

BY MEGAN KNOX '24

Estelle M. Martin ’77 remembers her parents as “loving, generous and giving.” And she wants to keep their nurturing spirits alive.

Martin, too, is generously giving back to Frostburg State University through the Ida and Paula Martin Accounting Scholarship, created in memory of her parents. 

Born and raised in Hagerstown, Md., Martin came from a humble, working-class family where her father was a maintenance man, and her mother was a bookkeeper.  

“My parents were very loving. We lived with my grandmother for many years until she passed away and she left the house to my parents… But my parents were very giving and generous.” 

She recalls fond memories from her childhood where her family did everything from Sunday drives and picnics to taking nature walks.  

“We went on camping trips because that’s about all we could afford, but we certainly enjoyed spending time on Sunday drives,” she said. “We would stop, take picnics with us, and then we’d even go up to a place in West Virginia called Blackwater Falls and enjoy walking around there. Just having a wonderful day -- looking at the colors in the fall and in the springtime, watching the bloom. It was beautiful.” 

Martin’s parents were able to obtain their high school diploma but were unable to attend college. “They did everything possible to make sure that my brother (Alfred “Al” Martin ’75) and I got to school and to college.” 

Martin graduated from Frostburg with a degree in business and was thankful to earn senatorial scholarships. She has met one of her scholarship recipients at FSU and said that the student was “very grateful” to receive the funds.

“It does help a little bit. It can’t pay for the full amount of tuition, but it does supplement it,” she said.  

Recipients of the Ida and Paula Martin Accounting Scholarship must be enrolled full‐time at FSU in the Department of Accounting with an overall grade point average of at least 3.0 and must be residents of designated counties within the tri-state region.  

Martin also chose to make a planned gift of stock holding to FSU by using her background in finances to invest in stocks.  

“When I graduated from Frostburg, I had a minor in economics, so I was very well-versed in the stock market. I had this one stock that was not in my portfolio, and I said, “Well, I think I’m going to take that and still get dividends from it, but I’m going to sign it over to Frostburg State University when I die. It’ll go directly to them, and they will be able to either sell it or continue to get the dividends off of it.” 

Martin feels it’s the least she can do for the place that gave her such a strong foundation for her successful career.

“Frostburg did so much for me. I happily retired at age 58, and not too many people can say they can retire at age 58,” said Martin, who worked as the director of the Acquisition and Facilities Management Division at the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau. 

As an active alumna at FSU for decades including work with both the Foundation and Alumni boards, Martin has found that giving her time and talents to FSU has been rewarding.

“I wanted to give back to Frostburg so that other students can do the same and go out there, have a career, retire early and enjoy life.”