January 2024 - The David Reznick Foundation (DRF) announced that it had funded Mark J. Einstein scholarships for two University of Baltimore students pursuing undergraduate studies in Business Administration and Real Estate and Economic Development (REED) for 2023.
Mark Einstein was the founding Chairman of the David Reznick Foundation and a close friend and business partner of David Reznick’s. In addition to $5,000 provided to each of these recipients, DRF donated $10,000 to the University of Baltimore Fellows program it has also supported in the past.
The University of Baltimore is home to Maryland's only undergraduate real estate specialization which prepared students for all aspects of the business of real estate.
The first recipient, Thomas Anderson (pictured), started his college career as a part of the Second Chance College program while he was in prison. He then transitioned to on-campus learning when he came home.
Born in 1968 in Essex, Baltimore County, Thomas was raised in a single-parent household by a single mother who had to work two jobs and receive government assistance to make ends meet for him and his brother. He attempted to go to college after high school but explained that he was “unable to remain focused.”
After securing a runner-up spot in 2023’s Pitch for a Million Competition, Thomas’ finally graduated in the Fall of 2023, which represented the culmination of a lifelong goal.
With plans to continue speaking publicly about topics such as prison reform, Baltimore’s vacant property issues, and reentry, Thomas shared, "I am both honored and humbled by this scholarship. To know that I have the financial support of someone who doesn’t know me but believed in me nonetheless adds to my determination and gratitude for life.”
The second recipient, Francis Savage-Vincent (pictured), was born in Stuttgart, Germany, but grew up in Africa. After attending high school in Lagos, Nigeria, he received his associate degree from the Community College of Baltimore County.
This father of two was working in the Sheppard Pratt Health System, assisting substance abuse patients, but dreamed of changing his professional path and transitioning into a real estate career after his graduation in the Fall of 2023
Francis shared, “From the bottom of my heart, I would like to thank the Mark J. Einstein Scholarship donors for making it possible for me to get to the next level and move a step closer to my ideal career.”
“I know I speak for the entire board in congratulating these two worthy scholarship recipients,” said DRF board member, Russell Phillips. “Both David and Mark were great believers in fresh starts and second acts, and I know they would be thrilled to have played a small part in helping Thomas and Francis achieve their respective visions. We cannot wait to see the positive contributions they both go on to make to affordable housing.”
ABOUT THE DAVID REZNICK FOUNDATION
The David Reznick Foundation is a tribute to David's major contributions to affordable housing. We honor his legacy by nurturing growing communities and mentoring tomorrow's housing leaders.