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.

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 announcement was made in conjunction with the formal dedication of the 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 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 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.”

About the Donor: Francis A. Wilcox 1924-2011

Francis A. Wilcox

Francis A. Wilcox was a native of Utica and made the Mohawk Valley his home his entire life. After attending St. Francis De Sales School, he received a Bachelor of Science Degree from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, and a Master of Science Degree from Cornell University.

He served in the United States Army Signal Corps in India during World War II. He was awarded the Good Conduct Medal, the Meritorious Unit Award, and the World War II Victory Medal. Following his military service, he spent nearly his entire professional career as an electrical engineer with the General Electric Corporation, both in Utica and Syracuse.

After his retirement, he was a dedicated volunteer for the Utica Public Library and the Oneida History Center, where he pursued his passion for genealogy, helping people explore their family roots and heritage.

Lasting Legacy

With a gift honoring her late brother, Fredericka “Fritzie” Paine helped UC establish its second-ever endowed professorship: the Karl Zimpel ’75 Endowed Professorship in Cybersecurity. Paine visited campus in August for a celebratory luncheon, where President Casamento praised her “incredible generosity, vision, and commitment … This endowed professorship will enhance Utica College’s ability to recruit and retain top scholars, and to fund the innovative research and scholarly work that will bolster the College’s reputation for generations to come.”

PIONEER PAST

Three cheers for 1982, when this photo of UC’s cheer squad appeared in that year’s Annales.

Recognize these cheerful co-eds? Let us know! Email uticamag@utica.edu