Elaine’s Gift was established to honor the legacy of Elaine Fagan, and her desire to give her children every opportunity for advancement. Our motto is bringing higher education within reach for the children of single moms.

Elaine Fagan was a strong single mother who worked tirelessly to provide for her four children. Born and raised in Temple Hills, Maryland, Elaine raised her children in her childhood home, teaching them the value of independence, responsibility, hard work, compassion and inclusion.

Elaine earned her bachelor’s degree in psychology from the University of Maryland Baltimore County (UMBC) as an adult student, letting no adversity stand in her way: from juggling single motherhood and multiple jobs, to riding her motorcycle in harsh weather the 45 miles between home and campus. Her degree led her to work in drug and alcohol counseling with the Maryland Health Department, and later she went on to work in budget analysis for the US Department of Treasury. 

She truly embodied a “never give up” attitude, and passed that on to her children, as well as their friends, neighborhood kids, and others who crossed her path. Elaine loved life, the beach, and people of all walks of life. She was known for her compassion, lighting up any room she entered, and giving the truth with grace and love.

On May 18, 2003, Elaine lost her short two-week battle with acute myeloid leukemia (AML), leaving behind her four adult children and three of her eventual six grandchildren. She had just celebrated her 58th birthday.