School teacher leaves SUNY New Paltz $1 million

NEW PALTZ — The State University of New York at New Paltz has received a scholarship bequest of $1 million, the single-largest bequest and the largest gift to a scholarship fund in the campus’ history.

In accordance with the will, the Ruth and Raymond DeRoberts Scholarship endowment will allow New Paltz to offer scholarships to high-achieving students who are graduates of Yonkers and Rye public high schools.

Ruth “Ruthie” Kinsey came to New Paltz from Yonkers to study education at the New Paltz Normal School. She was a member of the Arethusa sorority and senior class treasurer, among other activities. After receiving her education degree in 1920, she returned to Yonkers, where she taught for many years. Mrs. DeRoberts died in 1993.

“This bequest to New Paltz is a wonderful example of a gift that will have a permanent impact on New Paltz and on the lives of the students who receive the scholarships,” said President Steven Poskanzer. “We are extremely grateful to Mrs. DeRoberts for her commitment to New Paltz and higher education. This will help us attract more of the smartest and most-talented New York students to the college.”

Sally Cross, director of development at SUNY New Paltz, said this bequest will allow the SUNY New Paltz Foundation to expand one of its top priorities — to increase the number and amount of scholarships available to New Paltz students.