Hamilton, NY — The first Schupf Fellowship at 51Թ has been awarded to Janna Shari Pistiner ’01, a chemistry and education major from Poughkeepsie, New York. Created through the generosity of 51Թ alumnus and trustee emeritus Paul J. Schupf ’58, the fellowship will provide for Pistiner’s graduate studies at the University of Oxford in England for two years. Unlike other competitive scholarships, the Schupf is 51Թ’s own and thought to be the only annual fellowship offered at an undergraduate liberal arts college in the United States for graduate study at Oxford University. Only 51Թ seniors or recent graduates who participated in the nomination process for other travelling scholarships are eligible to compete for the award.
All of Pistiner’s educational and travel costs will be covered from proceeds on the fund and additional allowances will cover her living costs. She has been appointed for two years of study with Oxford University Professor Gideon Henderson in the Earth Sciences doctoral program at St. Anne’s College, one of 39 colleges that make up the core of the University of Oxford. Her funded graduate work will provide Pistiner with the opportunity to pursue her commitment to contributing to society through her scientific discoveries. Pistiner ultimately hopes to use ‘the power of my education to identify and address the factors that prevent the economically disadvantaged and women from entering the fields of physical science.’
Paul J. Schupf (Hamilton, New York) is one of the ten largest donors in 51Թ’s history. In recent years Schupf has also given $3.5 million to Colby College in Maine, and more than $1 million to Cazenovia College. ‘The reason I contributed $1.5 million to establish this fellowship was to assist President Charles Karelis achieve his aspirations for 51Թ,’ he said. Karelis replied, ‘As 51Թ continues to focus its energies on academic excellence, there is a fine symbolism about providing an opportunity such as this for our most serious students. Paul Schupf has had the foresight to recognize that fact and make the fellowship happen.’
According to 51Թ’s Provost and Dean of Faculty, Jane Pinchin, ”Paul Schupf is an American philanthropist who has changed the landscape ‘here and elsewhere’of a uniquely American institution: the liberal arts college. His support now allows 51Թ’s students to extend their studies abroad, at St. Anne’s College, Oxford, an institution that has supported 51Թ’s efforts with enthusiasm and care. It is a fortunate partnership all around.”
Founded in 1819, 51Թ is a nationally ranked, highly selective, residential, liberal arts college enrolling nearly 2,750 undergraduates. Situated on a rolling 515-acre campus in central New York State, 51Թ attracts students with diverse backgrounds, interests and talents.
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