Casey Schulman, December 2012
Casey was an indomitable spirit; full of sweetness, wit, intelligence, and beauty.
In 2012, our daughter, Casey, was killed in a tragic accident. We wanted to create an entity that would carry her joyous, kind spirit forward. We thought about what was important to Casey and what type of tribute would best represent her spirit. Casey was very aware that education was the pathway to independence. She was known for her joyous spirit of reaching out to others who needed help. For that reason, we started The Casey Schulman Foundation to encourage and reward students who use their talents to help others.
By starting the Casey Schulman Foundation, we have been able to spread a spirit of joy, gratitude, and kindness throughout our community, and to provide college scholarships to exceptionally kind, motivated students who have a curiosity about the world and an interest in working to make it a better place. The students who receive the foundation’s scholarships have overcome major challenges in their lives and have still found the time to improve the lives of others.
In a life too short, Casey Schulman left a remarkable imprint. At the age of 22, on her last day of a study abroad program, Casey was killed while on a snorkeling trip.
Ever since she was a young girl growing up in Falls Church, VA, Casey had a curiosity about the world and reached out to others in a caring manner. Throughout her life, she listened to others with genuine interest. At all stages, Casey had a smile and a happiness that touched us all very deeply and made us all smile!
Casey is remembered by many of her teachers at Justice High School and UVA as “the student whom you dream of” – filled with a curiosity and a determination to do well and to help others with the gifts that she was given. She was a dedicated Foreign Affairs major at UVA, taking a particular interest in the broader world around her.
It didn't matter if someone spoke the same language; there wasn't a person who met Casey, who didn't become her friend.
As her sister, Alli commented, “How does someone have so much fun, work so hard, find so much success and remain so happy all at the same time? I know that Casey would be thrilled to see the impact that she has made on all of us. She never wanted anything more than she wanted everyone to live and enjoy the moment, like she did.”