ESF College Foundation
Newly Established Funds
Biosphere Reserve Internship Project
The purpose of the internship will be to assist the Champlain-Adirondack Biosphere Network and the Frontenac Arch Biosphere Network in jointly initiating the development of a living, evolving Atlas of Climate and Environmental Change. The intern will work with the State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry (SUNY ESF) and its Adirondack Ecological Center (serving Champlain-Adirondack) to coordinate with their counterpart at Queenʼs University and the Queenʼs University Biological Station (serving Frontenac Arch).
Carol A. Cusack Public Service Scholarship
This scholarship fund honors the memory of Carol A. Cusack, a government employee who served the public for 50 years, completed her college education through personal determination at a time when women were not encouraged to seek a college education, and was committed to the public good throughout her life. Ms. Cusack was the beloved aunt of ESF Professor Dr. Diane M. Kuehn.
Class of 1974 Fund
Established in 2023 in honor of their 50th anniversary. The scholarship will provide support to students in good academic standing who demonstrate financial need. The fund was initiated by John Warneck, Margie Gaylord Culkowski, Bob Loveless, and Don Schaufler and generously supported by members of the class of 1974.
Dr. Richard Lynn Shearman Memorial Scholarship Fund
The Dr. Richard Lynn Shearman Memorial Scholarship was created to support future environmental leaders. The scholarship is endowed by his family in honor of Professor Shearmanʼs ʼ93 long career in environmental science research and education.
Kendra’s Greenhouse Fund
Use of money from this fund will be restricted to initially acquiring a collection of “Kendra Plants.” Thereafter, the funds are restricted to maintaining and building upon the collection and support acquisitions and operations of the greenhouse complex atop Illick Hall on the ESF Campus.
OSI Conservation Catalyst Grant 2022
The Open Space Institute is partnering with ESFʼs Center for Native Peoples and the Environment to assist in informing the work of New York state land trusts dedicated to improving relations with Indigenous communities through the development of a tailored curriculum, a workshop series, and the participation of Indigenous communities.
Ranger School Alumni Legacy Scholarship
The Ranger School Alumni Association (RSAA) was founded on August 25, 1928, and incorporated on November 29, 1960. The primary purpose of the RSAA is to promote and assist the Ranger School in the attainment of its educational objectives. The association also helps cultivate fellowship and foster cooperation among the alumni for the support of the Ranger School. This scholarship recognizes the legacy of Ranger School graduates by providing financial support to current students who are relatives of alumni.
Robert G. Werner Scholarship
During the summer of 1976, Bob and Jo Werner and their family lived on the ESF property on Governors Island, where Bob studied St. Lawrence River fishes and supported a graduate research program with NYSDEC. Bob contributed significantly to management and research on the river beginning with larval fish research as part of the Winter Navigation Studies in the 1970s and later on pioneering work with Muskellunge and Northern Pike. This work led to a development of a significant longterm research program and creation of the Lorraine E. Lewis Thousand Islands Biological Station. The Robert G. Werner Scholarship was established in memory of the beloved ESF professor to continue his legacy of student mentoring and conservation. The scholarship fund is awarded annually to a student doing important research on St. Lawrence River aquatic ecology at the Thousand Islands Biological Station.
Stuart Appel Memorial Lecture Fund
The Stuart Appel Memorial Lecture Fund was created by colleagues, friends, and family to honor Stuartʼs life, career and contributions to the field of Landscape Architecture.
Wendy Marsh Scholarship Endowment
A resident of Geneva, N.Y., and graduate of Geneva High School, Wendy A. Marsh established an endowed scholarship to support graduates of her alma mater, or the Finger Lakes region, who attend ESF. As a practicing environmental attorney, Wendy has a passion for the environmental sciences. She became familiar with the work of ESF during her tenure as a director, and eventual president, of the ESF College Foundation Board of Directors. Wendy is equally passionate about the revitalization of downtown Geneva. Wendy and her partner, David Linger, have been actively involved in the promotion and preservation of the Geneva Community since 2005. The 2023 establishment of the Wendy A. Marsh Endowed Scholarship commemorates Wendyʼs selection as a 2023 recipient of the Feinstone Environmental Award.
Willard Ulmer ’54 and Ulmer Family Scholarship for Ranger School
The Willard Ulmer ʼ54 and Ulmer Family Scholarship for Ranger School endowment was created to provide financial support to ESF Ranger School students, with priority given to helping students from Columbia Greene Community College.
Willard Ulmer ’54 Scholarship Fund for ESF
The Willard Ulmer ʼ54 and Ulmer Family Scholarship for ESF endowment was created to provide financial support to ESF students with priority given to helping students from Columbia Greene Community College.