COLLEGE ADVANCES
Wilcox Center for Students Dedicated, Wilcox Fellowships Announced The Francis A. Wilcox Fellowships Represent the Largest Endowed Scholarship Fund in College’s History At a ceremony on Sept. 6, 2021, President Laura Casamento announced the largest endowed scholarship fund in Utica College history, made possible with a founding gift of $2 million from the estate of Francis A. Wilcox.
Intercultural and Student Organization Center. Formerly the Newman Community Center, the Wilcox Center has been completely renovated to offer students space for gathering, meeting, studying or just relaxing.
The Francis A. Wilcox Fellowships will provide scholarships of $5,000 annually for 20 students: 10 traditional undergraduate students matriculating directly from high school, six returning or resuming undergraduate studies, and four graduate students. After one year of vesting, the scholarships will be administered by the Office of Financial Aid.
The 3,500-square foot building features a great room with a fireplace and large flat-screen TV, speakers, a full kitchen, and an outdoor patio where students can convene around an outdoor gas fireplace. There are a number of individual meeting and study rooms, as well.
The announcement was made in conjunction with the formal dedication of the Francis A. Wilcox
The building will also be home to the Women’s Resource Center, a student organization dedicated to the empowerment of women through education, mutual support and
growth. In addition, the building will serve as home base for two members of the College’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) division. The $900,000 renovation was also funded by the Wilcox estate. Assisting President Casamento with the ribbon cutting were members of Mr. Wilcox’s family: his brother and sister-in-law, Jim and Mary; his sister Marilyn Keehle, and his nephew, Kevin Keehle, and his wife, Susan Keehle ’07. “Because of Francis Wilcox’s generosity, vision, and commitment, countless Utica College students will go on to achieve incredible success,” said President Casamento. “And the Wilcox name will forever be a part of the Utica College story.”
40
