The endowed scholarship will support Maria OTA students in perpetuity
Scott Homer ’95, a Maria College alumnus, chairperson of the department of Health Sciences and director of the Occupational Therapy Assistant program, has created the first endowed scholarship for students enrolled in the OTA program.
The Gail J. Blacklock Scholarship is a tribute to Scott’s mother who Scott says was always a great support to him, sharing her wisdom and compassion and providing financial help for education. “I started my studies at Maria College during a very challenging time in my life and I was transformed by my experiences here. I know she would want others to have the same opportunities this college gave me when I was losing hope in my ability to make a better life. I want her legacy to live on in giving aid to OTA students who, like her, are always focused on creating a brighter future for those in need.”
The scholarship will be awarded annually to a nontraditional student who demonstrates financial need. Preference will be given to a student caring for relative with a chronic illness or disability.
“Scott Homer is incredibly dedicated to his students,” said Maria President Tom Gamble. “I hear often that his personal and professional generosity has made a significant difference for them and has served to greatly strengthen the OTA program. The Maria College family is forever grateful.”
For information on donating to the Gail Blacklock Scholarship Fund, please contact Victoria Battell, RSM at vbattell@mariacollege.edu or (518) 861-2525.
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About Maria College
Founded in 1958, Maria College is one of 16 colleges and universities in the United States sponsored by the Sisters of Mercy of the Americas. The private, co-educational, Catholic college in Albany serves almost 1,000 students in a variety of degree and certificate programs that make a difference in the lives of others by combining strong academic study with caring service. Maria College has a reputation for excellence in health related programs of nursing, occupational therapy assistant, health care management as well as programs in liberal arts.