Scholarships

Established by Richard E. Siek in loving memory of his wife, Andrea Lewis Siek, a 1969 graduate of the St. Peter’s Hospital School of Nursing and an accomplished and caring nurse. This scholarship will provide financial assistance to students enrolled in the AAS nursing program who share Andrea’s qualities of dedication to the profession and compassion for others and meet the established criteria.

Criteria:

• Students must be enrolled in the AAS Nursing Program (RN)
• Students must maintain an overall GPA of 2.75
• Preference will be given to students with an overall GPA of 3.3
• Students must demonstrate financial need
• Must be given to students who are not eligible for federal or state grants

Established by Richard E. Siek in loving memory of his wife, Andrea Lewis Siek, a 1969 graduate of the St. Peter’s Hospital School of Nursing and an accomplished and caring nurse. This scholarship will provide financial assistance to students enrolled in the RN-BS Degree in Nursing Completion program who share Andrea’s qualities of dedication to the profession and compassion for others and meet the established criteria.

Criteria:

• Students must be enrolled in the RN-BS Degree in Nursing Completion program
• Students must maintain an overall GPA of 2.75
• Preference will be given to students with an overall GPA of 3.3
• Students must demonstrate financial need
• Must be given to students who are not eligible for federal or state grants

Established by Richard E. Siek in loving memory of his wife, Andrea Lewis Siek, a 1969 graduate of the St. Peter’s Hospital School of Nursing and an accomplished and caring nurse. This scholarship will provide financial assistance to students enrolled in the Practical Nurse Certificate program who share Andrea’s qualities of dedication to the profession and compassion for others and meet the established criteria.

• Students must be enrolled in the Practical Nurse Certificate Program at Maria College
• Students must maintain an overall GPA of 2.75 or have special circumstances as determined by the department chair
• Preference will be given to students with an overall GPA of 3.3
• Students must demonstrate financial need
• Must be given to students who are not eligible for federal or state grants
• It is preferable that this grant be awarded in the fall after the recipient had completed the springs semester successfully

Established by Mr. and Mrs. Robert G. Feuerriegel in memory of Anne Maria Feuerriegel Thorne, ’75, RN, this scholarship is to assist with tuition for a student enrolled in the nursing program. The award will be based on financial need and academic achievement, and may be renewed.

Criteria:

• Priority given to full-time students
• Award based on financial need and academic achievement

The Architecture+ Scholarship was established in 2022 to enable recipients an opportunity to advance in their studies while transforming knowledge and skills into caring and compassionate service to others. The intent of the scholarship is to alleviate some of the pressures on one or more Maria College students, helping the recipient(s) find a successful career.

Criteria:

Any student who meets the following criteria will be eligible to receive The Architecture+ Scholarship.

• A student with demonstrated financial need
• A student in good academic standing
• A student committed to the mission of Maria College

Established by the late Reverend Francis X. Caron, and awarded annually to entering freshmen. Preference is given to students whose major field of study is liberal arts.

Criteria:

• Awarded annually to entering freshmen
• Preference given to students whose major field of study is liberal arts

The Scholarship recognizes Charles Nattell, Class of 1973, whose generous bequest to Maria College provides financial support in perpetuity to students with financial need. Students of all majors with financial need are encouraged to apply.

Criteria:

• The scholarship(s) will be awarded to matriculated Maria College students with financial need

Established in recognition of the exceptional and distinguished service of Eunice S. Antonucci to the Center of Disability Services, and her lifelong dedication to healthcare programs and human services, particularly those that support individuals with disabilities and enable them to live healthy and enriched lives. This endowed scholarship will provide financial assistance to students who share her passion and commitment.

Criteria:

• Students must be employed by the Center for Disability Services or any of its affiliates, and be enrolled part or full time in a nursing or other healthcare or human services-related program at Maria College 
• Students must maintain an overall GPA of 2.75 or have special circumstances as determined by the department chair. Preference will be given to students with an overall GPA of 3.3
• Students must demonstrate financial need
• Must be given to students who are not eligible for federal or state grants
• Distribution from this fund may be used for tuition, books, and/or fees

Established by Professor Scott Homer, in honor of his mother Gail J. Blacklock, who instilled in him the values of compassion, hard work and integrity. The scholarship will provide financial assistance to a non-traditional student who is in the Occupational Therapy Assistant program. Students must demonstrate a financial need and preference will be given to a student who is caring for a relative with a chronic illness or disability.

Criteria:

• Must be a non-traditional student.
• Must be enrolled in the OTA program.
• Must demonstrate financial need.
• Preference will be given to a student caring for a relative with a chronic illness or disability.

The Holly Desmond West Scholarship, established in loving memory of a caring educator, will provide tuition assistance to a current student who meets the established criteria. Scholarship will be given to a returning non-traditional student with demonstrated financial need and a GPA of 3.0 or higher. Preference given to a student interested or intent in Psychology.

Criteria:

• Demonstrated financial need
• GPA of 3.0 or higher
• A returning non-traditional student
• Preference given to a student interested or intent in Psychology

The James A. Clark Jr. Scholarship was established by his loving wife, Rhea, to help continue his generous legacy through students at Maria College.

Criteria:

• A student in good academic standing
• A student who has demonstrated outstanding academic achievement and a commitment to serve their school and community
• A non-traditional student(s) will be prioritized for this award and must be studying in the Allied Health Sciences program.

This scholarship honors the life and legacy of James J. Dodge (1932-1985). He was a graduate of Chaminade High School, Mineola, New York. Jim completed his undergraduate degree at Villanova University, Pennsylvania, and earned his graduate degree at Columbia University, New York. Jim was an Army veteran serving during the Korean War.

After his service to our country, Jim became a lifelong educator committed to providing students access to education while instilling the drive necessary for students to achieve their full potential both academically and personally. Jim had a transformative impact on the lives of his students. He was known for being patient and engaging with students, particularly students for whom understanding math did not come easily. His passion went beyond the classroom. He tutored students after school and on weekends prepared students for the SAT exam.

Jim cherished being a loving husband and devoted father to his four children. Jim’s commitment to faith, family, and education is in accord with the mission and values of Maria College. Jim always strove to make life better for someone else. Through this scholarship, Jim’s legacy continues to be paid forward, by helping others achieve their dream of a college education. This scholarship, awarded annually, will support students in good academic and behavioral standing with the College with a minimum overall GPA of 3.5.

The Julie O. Wells Scholarship is awarded annually to students enrolled in the RN-BS Degree in Nursing Completion program. Priority is given to graduates of the Memorial School of Nursing.

Criteria:

• Students must be enrolled in the nursing program.
• Fifty percent of the total allotment to be awarded to Memorial Hospital School of Nursing Alumni.

Honoring Kathleen Sheehan Guido, this scholarship is awarded annually to students who have completed two semesters in an allied health major field of study. Guido scholarships may be renewed, and preference is given to full-time students.

Criteria:

• Awarded annually to students who have completed two semesters in an allied health major field of study.
• Preference is given to full-time students.

This scholarship is awarded to students demonstrating both academic commitment and financial need.

Criteria:

• Permanent resident of NYS.
• Minimum GPA of 2.5 – full or part-time – in good standing.
• History of community involvement.

Established to honor Sister Laureen Fitzgerald’s service as President of Maria College from 1977 through 2012. This scholarship is awarded (each fall) to a student demonstrating both academic commitment and financial need.

Criteria:

• The scholarship is awarded (each fall) to a student demonstrating both academic commitment and financial need.

The Marian Y. Goble Nursing Scholarship was established in memory of Marian and will provide support to students who meet the below criteria:

CRITERIA

• A student in good academic standing
• A student that demonstrates financial need
• A student enrolled in the nursing program

Marie C. LoPonto was a mother and homemaker who returned to school at Maria College in midlife to become a nurse. Through her determination and family support she pursued her dream of nursing, launching a successful career in geriatric care. The scholarship was established by a generous gift from her children to honor her memory and her dedication to the profession, and to support the next generation of nurses. The LoPonto Scholarship will benefit a nursing student with demonstrated financial need, with a preference for students who wish to pursue a career in geriatric nursing or Alzheimer’s care. 

Criteria:

• Must be enrolled in the nursing program.
• Must have demonstrated financial need.
• Preference given to students who wish to pursue a career in geriatric nursing or Alzheimer’s care. 

The Marie Mitongu Wa Lika Scholarship was established by her loving daughter, Monica Muamba, to help continue her mother’s generous legacy through students of Maria College. 

Criteria:

• A student with a GPA of 3.0 or higher
• A student in good academic standing
• A student that demonstrates financial need
• When possible, be a caring individual who is assisting with taking care of a relative, children themselves, or is a community advocate or volunteer

The Maryann Murray Scholarship fund was established to support students who meet the below criteria:

Criteria:

• Any student enrolled at Maria College
• A student that resides in Albany County
• A student must have demonstrated a GPA of 3.0 or higher in their previous semester
• Scholarships may be used for: Course fee (labs, etc.)

Awarded annually to female students enrolled in the nursing program, with priority given to full-time students.

Criteria:

• Must be enrolled in the nursing program
• Priority given to full-time students

The Pave the Way Fund was established by Paula Colarusso in memory of her father who was a mason. The fund is meant to pave the way for generations of Maria students who meet the below criteria:

Criteria:

• Any student with a GPA of 2.5 or higher
• Any student enrolled at Maria College in either a undergraduate or graduate program
• Any student who is in good academic standing
• Any student who demonstrates financial need

Established by Peter, Patricia ’66, Scott and Allyson Shapiro, this scholarship will be awarded to a student whose field of study is Allied Health.

Criteria:

• Student is enrolled in a healthcare program
• Priority given to full-time students

The Diane Deeley Scholarship was established in her memory to support the following students who meet the criteria below:

Criteria:

• Any student currently enrolled in the BS Nursing program at Maria College
• Any student that has demonstrated financial need, verified by the Maria College Financial Aid Office
• Any student that maintained a minimum GPA of 2.5 while enrolled in college-level courses
• Any student that is a U.S. citizen

The Krepa Family Scholarship fund was established by a generous anonymous donor and will help provide tuition assistance to a current student who meets the below criteria.

Criteria

• A full-time student pursing a BSN degree
• GPA of 3.0 or higher

In recognition of the leadership and generosity of Maureen E. O’Brien and Paul F. Vogt, the scholarship has been established to provide financial support to students with unique educational needs. The scholarship is designed to assist students who have demonstrated perseverance and are committed to achieving personal academic and career goals despite the challenges of a learning difference.

Criteria:

• Awarded to matriculated Maria College students with documented learning differences and financial need

Established by the family and friends of Michael Spector ’83 to honor his life and legacy, this fund will provide scholarship aid to male nursing students in the Associate Degree program.

Criteria:

• Priority given to male nursing students in the associate degree program
• Students must maintain an overall GPA of 2.75
• Preference will be given to students with an overall GPA of 3.3

The Mohawk Valley Medical Associates (MVMA) scholarship is designated for an individual(s) who are from one of the following nine-county geographic areas, Schenectady, Saratoga, Fulton, Montgomery, Warren, Washington, Albany, Rensselaer, and Schoharie counties. The individual(s) should demonstrate financial need and plan to work in one of the nine-county geographic areas as listed above after graduating with their nursing degree from Maria College.

This endowed scholarship was created by Donald W. and Teresa L. Hewett in loving memory of Robin L. Burkhardt, Class of 2006, a Maria College graduate who was a compassionate, determined and highly regarded healthcare professional. The scholarship will provide financial assistance to non-traditional students who are either returning to further their nursing education after serving in the workforce or entering the nursing field for the first time after serving in another profession.

Criteria:

• Must be a non-traditional student returning to college after time away or new to the healthcare field after serving in another profession
• Must be enrolled in the nursing program
• Must maintain an overall GPA of 3.0 or have special circumstances as determined by the department chair

Established by the Maria College Board of Trustees in honor of Sr. Gail Waring, RSM. Sr. Gail has been closely involved with Maria College for more than 50 years and served as Chair of the Board from 2016-2020. This scholarship will continue her generous legacy which has benefitted generations of Maria students.  

Criteria:

• A student with demonstrated financial need
• A student in good academic standing
• A student who is committed to service in the tradition of Catherine McAuley

This endowed scholarship was created in loving memory of Theresa McDonald, a St. Peter’s nursing graduate and mother of eight children who worked nights to support her family. The scholarship will provide financial assistance to non-traditional students enrolled in the nursing program.

Criteria:

• Must be enrolled in the nursing program
• Must maintain an overall GPA of 2.5 or have special circumstances as determined by the department chair

Established by Maria College in honor of Dr. Thomas J. Gamble, PhD. Dr. Gamble served as president of Maria College from 2016 to 2022. During his tenure, the College experienced significant growth and renewal, advancing the Catholic, Mercy mission of Maria. This scholarship continues his generous legacy, which as benefited generation of Maria students.

Criteria:

• Must demonstrate financial need
• A student in the Psychology program and/or studying some liberal arts courses as part of their program in the awarding year
• In good academic standing
• A student in their senior/final year of stud
• Who is committed to service in the tradition of Catherine McAuley