Donors and recipients come together at Scholarship Reception

At an April 15 reception held in the gallery rotunda of the Fine Arts Building, student scholarship recipients were afforded an opportunity to personally thank many of the donors, alumni and SUNY New Paltz Foundation Board members who have made direct contributions to their academic success.

“We’re thrilled today to celebrate the accomplishments of our scholarship recipients and the generosity of donors who have made these many scholarships possible,” said President Donald P. Christian. “Scholarships are a shared opportunity to support our students’ education and to shape the leaders of our future. The support of our donors can literally make the difference between a student staying in school or dropping out due to financial circumstances. When students are no longer burdened by heavy debt, and can complete their education on time, not only do they benefit, but our society and future benefit as well.”

During the 2015-16 academic year, the SUNY New Paltz Foundation provided awards totaling nearly $300,000 to 171 student scholarship recipients. The College guaranteed four-year awards to an additional 123 students through institutional funds.

Many of the nearly 300 students who received support this year did so thanks to the magnanimity of individual donors like Lori Beer ’94g (Education, 7-12: Mathematics), an alumna and physics teacher in the Arlington Central School District, whose gift created the School of Education Diversity Scholarship.

“It fills me with pride to know that I have contributed to the educational plan of these students,” Beer said. “There’s no greater feeling than that of giving to others, and all of the donors here today know exactly what I’m talking about.”

The School of Education Diversity Scholarship, one of more than 75 awarded to students this year, has helped 12 students since its founding in 2006.

One of its present recipients, Stefanie Rodriguez ’17 (Early Childhood Education B-6: Earth Science), spoke at the reception with an expression of gratitude for Beer and for the culture of giving back that her gift represents.

“I’m incredibly honored to be here today, to be able to thank Lori Beer for the generous donation that created the School of Education Diversity Scholarship, and to express how grateful and appreciative I am that I was selected as a recipient,” Rodriguez said.

“I have grown so much through my experiences here, from volunteering and giving campus tours to becoming a senior Resident Assistant. I have learned so much that has helped shape my teaching philosophy. After graduation, I see myself as a New York City elementary school teacher, inspiring and changing the lives of my own students. As a woman of Latino heritage, I hope to motivate those in my classroom who feel underrepresented, and show them they can pursue their dreams and make a difference. Thank you, Ms. Beer, for having a vision for future teachers like me. Your generosity has inspired me to continue toward my dream, and I strive to one day be able to help others as you have helped me.”

For more information about the impact of giving on New Paltz students, please visit us online.