Emergency support, thanks to you
When the bottom fell out of Lexie Marricco’s world, she wasn’t sure how she’d move forward. Her dad had died suddenly, and he had been the main wage earner in her immediate family. Her mom cares for Marricco’s brother, who has Duchenne muscular dystrophy and lots of medical bills.
Just in time, donors stepped in to help, making it possible for Marricco ’24 to receive a Binghamton Fund Opportunity Scholarship right away.
Her story may seem unique, but she is not alone. Many other students face daunting financial obstacles, with nearly two-thirds of every class Binghamton admits unable to enroll and graduate without financial assistance. The current economy has widened the gap between accessibility and affordability for many families.
In fact, more than 100 students have received the scholarship since fall 2021, when the support first become available. Most received around $2,000 but sometimes more.
“This was one of the best things I have received in a long time,” Marricco said. “I am very thankful for all the help. Without it, I am unsure where I would be.”
You help students choose Binghamton
Surdi is the inaugural recipient of the scholarship, established in memory of Max and Sarah Schorr by Schorr Family Foundation trustees Jennifer Brink Schorr, MBA ’81, and Lawrence J. Schorr ’75, MA ’77, LLD ’09. The scholarship is awarded to a selected student in the School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences who attended Binghamton as an undergraduate.
Surdi said she wanted to try somewhere different for pharmacy school, after already completing four years at Binghamton.
“I chose to continue my education at Binghamton University because I was offered this scholarship,” Surdi said. “Any help in alleviating the financial hardship that comes with higher education is always extremely beneficial, and I am very grateful for it.”
This academic year is her fourth and final year receiving the scholarship. She expects to graduate with her PharmD from the University in 2023. Then she’d like to pursue a residency, work with patients and be directly involved in their medication management.
You make a difference
$3.1 million in donor-funded scholarships to about 1,250 students in fiscal year 2021-22
You lead students from academia to career
Tyler Munro ’22, MS ’23, a recipient of the Andrew R. Mancini Associates Scholarship, is just one example of how a Binghamton-area company is fostering homegrown talent.
The scholarship, established by Andrew R. Mancini Associates Inc., a general contractor in Endicott, N.Y., supports selected students from the surrounding region who have demonstrated financial need. Preference is given to School of Management students.
Munro, from Tompkins County, N.Y., is in the 4+1 degree program in accounting. He said he hopes to work in auditing and help investors avoid getting “burned by scandals,” naming Madoff and Enron as examples.
With the scholarship, Munro said he is able to focus on academics and extracurricular activities, and make the most of opportunities at Binghamton.
You inspire student success
The scholarship, established by Leona C. Fiske and named after her and her late husband, covers up to four years of the total cost of education for the recipient, a student enrolled in the undergraduate nursing program who has excellent grades and demonstrated financial need.
“I still vividly remember sitting at the kitchen table as I read the award letter while I prepared to enter my freshman year,” Kaufman said. “I felt as though all my hard work was seen and recognized, which felt incredibly rewarding. This scholarship justified all the sacrifices that I had made during high school to prioritize my studies and work ethic over social events and leisure.”
Kaufman said because of the scholarship, she can explore her passions as she advances in the field and chase the best opportunities, unencumbered by financial barriers. “I’m so immensely grateful.”
Kaufman said her mother is her role model, and Fiske’s generosity motivates her, too.
“Especially throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, I’ve witnessed the bravery and dedication of nurses like my mother,” Kaufman said. “I would like to use my education to support both my patients and my fellow nurses. … I am also inspired by the philanthropy of Ms. Fiske, and I would like to carry on her legacy of supporting others in following their dreams as I continue to follow mine.”
