Capturing Xan Korman’s Legacy Through the Eyes of Others

Xan at Butler University's basketball courts, ready to photograph the sport he loved most.

Alexander “Xan” Korman was raised in Bethesda, Maryland, by two loving parents, Carolyn

and Steve Korman. Xan was their only son and from a young age, he had a strong interest in

sports and photography. He loved basketball and giving back to others. After attending

Walter Johnson High School in Bethesda, Xan continued his education at Butler University in

Indianapolis.

Tragically, in 2021, Xan was a victim of random gun violence and was caught in a crossfire

in Upper Marlboro, Maryland. He was gravely injured and passed away a few days later at

the hospital. Xan was only 20 years old and while his parents were overcome with grief,

they honored his decision to be an organ donor. Xan saved and healed more than 75 lives by donating his liver and two kidneys, as well as bone and tissue. Xan was known for always helping others, even after his death. His legacy continues in those who knew him and whose lives he touched.

Xan’s Passion and Impact: A Photographer Living His Dream

Xan found his second home at Butler University. He always had a strong interest in sports,

especially basketball, and quickly discovered that sports photography was his passion and

dream to pursue. By the spring of his sophomore year, Xan switched majors to Creative

Media and Entertainment in the College of Communications.

While at college, Xan had the incredible opportunity to live out his dream and become a

sports photographer for the newspaper, covering the men’s basketball team as well as other sports for the Butler Collegian. Even though basketball is known for its skill and athleticism, Xan had a gift of capturing humanity in sports. His pictures often show the spirit and the raw emotion of players in the moment.

Fun Fact: Xan also had the opportunity to shoot at the Nike EYBL (Elite Youth Basketball League) where Lebron James and Carmelo Anthony were attending.

Similarly, Xan had a passion for social justice. He went to protests and rallies in Washington, DC and Indianapolis during the Black Lives Matter movement. Xan took photos and videos and captured the raw emotions and feelings at each protest. Many felt that Xan’s best work came from these social justice protests. His art was able to tell stories, showcasing the emotion of the event without writing a single word.

Xan’s Impact on the Bulldog Community: Honoring his Talent

Xan’s talent was widely recognized among all he interacted with. He was offered a position

as the photo editor at the newspaper, where he was excited to help other students who were also passionate about photography. He was seen as a mentor and friend to many. His peers at the Butler Collegian described him as selfless, supportive, talented, friendly, knowledgeable and someone who lived for his craft. Xan left an impact on the lives he touched at Butler University including many classmates, coaches and student athletes. He will continue to be remembered for his ability to capture emotions away from the ball. Xan was a true Bulldog.

The Xan Korman Scholarship: Remembering His Passion and Spirit

Carolyn and Steve Korman created five scholarships in Xan’s honor to give to students who

have similar passions to Xan like photography, social justice, organ donation, anti-gun

violence and his college, Butler University. Xan was known to help others selflessly and his

parents hope to give back to others in a similar way through the Xan Korman Legacy Project which partners with Infinite Legacy on scholarships in Xan’s name.

The Xan Korman Scholarship is open to anyone between the ages of 16 and 25 who has similar passions for being an advocate for organ, eye and tissue donations. Applicants

must submit three recent photos that capture the human emotion or spirit. If you are interested in applying, please include one sentence that describes each photo you submit.

In addition, a 500-word or less essay must be submitted that explains why you are

passionate about photography and your connection to organ, eye and tissue donation. If

you are a family member of a transplant recipient, a donor family member, a transplant

recipient or registered as an organ donor, please describe your connection to organ

donation. Applicants must live in Maryland, Washington, DC or Northern Virginia counties

which include Arlington, Fairfax, Loudon, Prince William, Clarke, Spotsylvania, Stafford,

King George and Fauquier. Applicants in the independent cities of Alexandria, Fairfax, Falls

Church, Fredericksburg, Manassas and Manassas Park are also encouraged to apply. The

deadline for this year’s Xan Korman Scholarship is August 31, 2025 at 11:59 p.m.

Apply Now!