The Endowed Scholarship Program at The Albany Academies is one tool that helps the school to successfully "nurture an intentionally diverse, inclusive, and equitable learning community."
Participation in this program by a cross-section of our student body is ensured by the various eligibility requirements for our more than 60 named scholarships. These requirements could include gender, academic standing, participation in particular sports teams or the arts, financial need, or length of time enrolled at the school.
The Albany Academies proudly extended the financial support of our Endowed Scholarship Program to 76 students in the 2021-22 school year, many of whom may not otherwise be able to attend the school. Personal relationships between these students and their donors take root and blossom through twice-yearly letters and either attendance at the annual Scholar Luncheon or Zoom meetings between students and donors.
The Muhlfelder Family Scholarship was established in memory of Adelaide DeBeer Muhlfelder '37 and James Leo Muhlfelder '66 and is awarded annually to a financially deserving student, and a student of integrity and intellectual curiosity who embodies qualities of respect and inclusion. All continuing Scholars will be in academic good standing to continue to receive the scholarship.
The Belleville Scholarship – was established in honor of William J. Belleville Jr.’89’s father William J. Belleville Sr. and his mother Rosa M. Belleville. This Fund will provide tuition support for students of outstanding academic potential and achievement as evidenced by their academic standing at their current school as well as standardized test scores. This scholarship supports AA students entering the Academy in the Middle School for the duration of their time at The Albany Academy.
This scholarship was established with a gift from the Class of 1940. The scholarship is to be awarded each year to an Upper School student who ranks in the upper half of his class and has distinguished himself through service to the school and the community.
This scholarship was established in 1991 by members of the Class of 1940 in recognition of their 50th reunion to show their "appreciation to the Academy to which they owe a portion of their success in life because of the Academy experience." The purpose of the fund is to provide scholarship support and excellent educational opportunities for deserving and talented young men.
The James ’52 and Cindy Caird Scholarship will provide tuition support for students at The Albany Academy who would otherwise be unable to afford an Academy education. This scholarship shall support AA students for the duration of their time at The Albany Academies.
This scholarship was established in 2006 with a gift from Nancy Cohen Wekselbaum '69 in memory of her father. The purpose of the fund is to establish a scholarship that will be awarded annually to a student who resides in Albany and is academically qualified but economically disadvantaged.
This scholarship was established by Eileen Considine P’08, William Considine ’08 and other family members (the “Considine Family”). This Fund will provide tuition support for a student at The Albany Academies who would otherwise be unable to afford an Academy education. This scholarship shall support the student for the duration of his/her time at The Albany Academies.
This scholarship was established in 1984 with a gift from William Dearstyne '31. The fund is awarded to an Upper School student who demonstrates outstanding promise as a student of history and government. The scholarship is in memory of Mr. Dearstyne.
This scholarship was established in 1985 with a gift from Josephine Hunsdorfer, in memory of her grandson, Richard Hunsdorfer '68. The fund is awarded to a student who has demonstrated reasonable academic performance, average proficiency in athletics, and a constructive school attitude.
This was established with a gift from E. Stewart Jones '59. The fund is a tribute to his wife, Constance "Penny" Jones, and is awarded annually to a well-rounded student – either new or returning – who might otherwise be unable to attend The Albany Academy. The recipient will demonstrate a commitment to achieving his academic goals, and by virtue of his participation in school athletic programs and activities enrich the lives of his fellow students and the school community.
This scholarship was established in 1995 with a gift from Robert MacFarland. The scholarship fund honors Robert MacFarland, a past trustee of The Albany Academy, grandparent, and friend of the Albany community. The purpose of the fund is to provide scholarship support and excellent educational opportunities for deserving and talented young men.
Established with a gift from William McEwan '30 (deceased). The fund was established in memory of William McEwan (bequest) and is a need-based scholarship fund to a worthy Albany Academy student.
This scholarship was established by friends and family in memory of Harry E.P. Meislahn, Headmaster, 1943-1971. The scholarship is awarded to an Upper School student who demonstrates qualities of strong academic ability and performance, interest in activities – particularly athletics, capacity for leadership and an appearance in keeping with the ideals of The Albany Academy.
This scholarship was established with a gift from alumni and friends. The fund was established in memory of former Athletic Director William "Country" Morris to be awarded to a student who has made an exceptional contribution to athletics.
This scholarship was established by the Estate of Gerald E. Mull '31 in 1995. The purpose of the fund is to benefit students living in the city of Albany who meet the academic requirements for admission but do not have the financial resources necessary to meet the cost of tuition and other expenses.
The purpose of the William B Picotte '67 Scholarship shall be to support annually a well-rounded student at The Albany Academy who otherwise would be unable to afford an Academy education.
This scholarship was established with a gift from alumni and friends of Ernie Steck. The scholarship is awarded annually to an Upper School student who might not otherwise be able to attend The Albany Academy and who, by virtue of his character and participation in school activities, has deeply enriched the lives of other students and the Academy itself.
This scholarship was established by Mr. Stevens' daughter, Shirley Stevens French '47, and her family in memory of Winthrop, Class of 1916. As a student, he was major of Battalion, president of his class, captain of the football team, head of school publications among a myriad of other accomplishments. Mr. Stevens later served as a trustee of The Albany Academy from 1933 to 1958 and as president of the board of trustees of Albany Academy for Girls from 1941-1943. This scholarship will support annually a deserving male or female student worthy of acceptance at The Albany Academies and in need of financial assistance. Continuing Stevens scholars will demonstrate an average effort grade of "3.0" (on a scale of 1-4) in order to continue to receive the scholarship.
The Carl E. Touhey '35 Endowed Scholarship Fund (AA & AAG) was established with a gift from Carl E. Touhey '35 to support well-rounded students with diverse interests who would otherwise not be able to afford an Academy education. Continuing Touhey scholars will demonstrate an average effort grade of "3.0" (on a scale of 1-4) in order to continue to receive the scholarship.
This scholarship was established with a gift from Thomas Tuttle '84. The purpose of the fund is to support annually students who qualify for financial assistance under the terms of The Albany Academy financial aid program, and who have the promise to excel academically and athletically with a preference given to individual team sports.
This scholarship was established with a gift from Mary K. Wren. The fund was created to honor her mother Virginia O'Cain Wren and her academic perseverance. It is awarded to upper school students who would otherwise be unable to afford an Albany Academy education. Each designee will demonstrate substantial effort towards accomplishing his academic goals. The student will hold this scholarship until graduation.
This scholarship will be awarded to rising a freshman who exemplifies the character of an Academies student. The student will receive this scholarship through their four years in the upper school provided she/he remains in good standing.
This scholarship was established in 1987 with a gift from the estate of Martha Decker. The fund is an endowed scholarship in memory of her parents, Martin and Petronella Decker. It is awarded to an Upper School student in the top 25 percent of her class who has distinguished herself in ability, conduct and achievement. It is typically awarded to three to four students per year.
This scholarship was established in 1997 with a gift from Elizabeth Hannan Hyman '30 and Isabella Hannan Pfeil '37. The fund is an endowed scholarship in memory of their parents, William Everett and Janet McClymont Hannan.
This scholarship was established in 1998 with a gift from The Hearst Foundation. The fund is awarded to an academically-qualified but economically-disadvantaged student from Albany.
This scholarship was established in 1991 with a gift from Elisabeth's husband, Albert Hessberg (deceased). The fund is an endowed scholarship in memory of Elisabeth "Betty" Goold Hessberg '36.
Established in 1996 with a gift from Stewart and Penny Jones (deceased). The fund is an endowed scholarship in honor of Penny Jones. This annually awarded scholarship is given to an Albany Academy for Girls student who may not be able to otherwise afford to attend.
This fund was established initially thanks to a lead gift from the Hicks/Pofit family to honor retiring Head of School of The Albany Academy and Albany Academy for Girls, Caroline Mason. Many other donors have contributed generously as well to this scholarship fund to recognize Mrs. Mason’s contributions to both schools. The scholarship will support annually well-rounded students with diverse interests who would otherwise be unable to afford an Academy education. All continuing Mason scholars will demonstrate a grade of "3.0" (on a scale of 1-4) in order to continue to receive the scholarship.
This scholarship was established in 2000 with a gift from Former Head of School Caroline Mason. The fund is an endowed scholarship in memory of faculty member Carolyn M. Nardolillo.
This fund was established by Mr. Stevens' daughter, Shirley Stevens French '47, and her family in memory of Winthrop, Class of 1916. As a student, he was major of Battalion, president of his class, captain of the football team, head of school publications among a myriad of other accomplishments. Mr. Stevens later served as a trustee of The Albany Academy from 1933 to 1958 and as president of the board of trustees of Albany Academy for Girls from 1941-1943. This scholarship will support annually a deserving male or female student worthy of acceptance at The Albany Academies and in need of financial assistance. Continuing Stevens scholars will demonstrate an average effort grade of "3.0" (on a scale of 1-4) in order to continue to receive the scholarship.
This fund was established in 1995 with a gift from the estate of Mildred Hinman Straub '26. The fund is a merit scholarship created in memory of Mrs. Straub and awarded to an upper school student who demonstrates personal motivation and commitment to her community through her involvement in activities directly benefiting other persons.
This scholarship was established in 1986 with a gift from Lewis A. Swyer (deceased). The fund is awarded to a worthy student from a minority or blue-collar background. Factors to be taken into consideration include academic potential and performance, community service and citizenship.
This fund was established by Richard Wallace '59, Elizabeth Allen, Stephen Wallace '87, Lee Wallace '91 and Scott Wallace '95 in loving memory of Elizabeth Allen Wallace. The scholarship fund honors Betsy’s outstanding service as a member of the English Department and Board of Trustees of the Albany Academy for Girls. The recipient shall be a young woman worthy of acceptance at Albany Academy for Girls and in need of financial assistance. In addition, all continuing Wallace Scholars will demonstrate an average effort grade of at least “2.5” (on a scale of 1-4) in order to continue to receive the scholarship. An emphasis on effort rather than achievement will serve as criteria for a girl to maintain the scholarship.
This fund was established in 1986 with a gift from the Whiteside family in memory of Marjorie Dearstyne Whiteside '38. It is awarded to an upper school student, although preference will be given to a senior girl with a strong interest in mathematics as determined by GPA, level of difficulty of course and/or great improvement in math achievement.
Thank you to the many donors who have established scholarships. If you are interested in learning more about our program and how you can start a scholarship, please contact Chief Advancement Officer Joe Cheeseman at 518.429.2385.
Established in 2004 with a gift from Eleanor Bender Onderdonk '25 (deceased). The purpose of the fund is to commemorate bibliophile, poet and artist Eleanor Bender Onderdonk '25. It will be used to develop a literary collection, with particular emphasis on poetry, women’s literature and books on the art of writing. Specifically, three goals will be achieved: acquisition of works with an emphasis on new writers and poetry and fiction written by women; updating of literary criticism; and, exploration of new techniques of writing.
Established by the Kermani family in 1984 to provide an annual program for all students at both The Albany Academy and Albany Academy for Girls to experience the arts through enhanced programming and visiting artists.
Established with a gift from Doris Fisher Malesardi. The purpose of the fund is to provide faculty salary enhancement to devoted and talented faculty of Albany Academy for Girls.
Established in 2004 by friends and family in memory of James L. Muhlfelder '66. The purpose of the fund is to create lectures/programs focused on instilling in all Academy students a respect and acceptance of differences in cultures and personal preferences.
The Francis I. Nash Excellence in Teaching Endowment (AA) was established by a lead gift from Craig M. Hatkoff '72 in memory of Frank Nash, distinguished faculty member who taught at The Albany Academy from 1952 to 1983. This endowment will serve to reward current faculty who exemplify FN's passion for teaching, just as it will entice new teachers to the Academy who possess his same "fire, intellect and wit." Alumni who would like to memorialize this iconic teacher are also invited to contribute to this fund as well.
Established in 2003 with a gift from anonymous donors. The purpose of the fund is to promote teacher retention by offering a summer sabbatical in which the recipient will use the award at their discretion to enhance their teaching experience. It is the hope of the donors that the recipient will have the opportunity to do something "different" and bring that experience back to The Albany Academy and Albany Academy for Girls and the students he/she teaches.
Established by a gift from Craig Hatkoff '72 in 1987 for the purpose of creating a student investment club for students from The Albany Academy and Albany Academy for Girls.
Established in 1997 with a gift from Shirley Stevens French '47. The purpose of the fund was to add enhancements to the library in memory of her father, Winthrop P. Stevens.
Established in 1997 with a gift from David (deceased) and Candace Weir. The fund is a technology endowment that will generate needed funds for continuous technological upgrades, acquisitions and professional development.
Established in 1981 with a gift from Matthew Bender '49. The purpose of the fund is to attract to The Albany Academy a writing teacher who would both teach the students personally and coordinate the efforts of teachers school-wide in setting up and maintaining an effective writing program.
Funded in 1980 by a group of alumni and friends to compensate an outstanding instructor to fill the chair whose primary duty is to teach the classical languages of Latin and/or Greek.
Established with a gift from the Class of 1958. The purpose of the gift is to honor B. Learned Hand 1889 and support the salary and professional research of an outstanding teacher of history and government at The Albany Academy.
Established initially with a gift from William McEwan '30 (deceased). The purpose of the fund is to support the salary and professional research of an outstanding math teacher.
Established with a gift from J. Spencer Standish '42. The fund was established to expand and improve the level of The Albany Academy’s scientific education at the secondary level.
Established with a gift from David Stevenson '46 (deceased). The purpose of the fund is to establish the salary and professional research of an outstanding teacher of the physical sciences.
Established in 1997 with a gift from David (deceased) and Candace Weir. The fund is an endowment created in honor of Amelia '93 and Katherine Weir '95.
Established in 2002 as a permanent tribute to Billy Grey, a member of the Class of 2006, who fought a courageous battle with brain cancer for more than a year before he passed away in 2001 at the age of 13. THe award is given each year to a Form I student who most closely embodies the same qualities that were the essence of Billy's character.
Established by David Klingaman '58 (deceased) and friends in 1987 in memory of Olive, David's mother. The award is given each year to a 4th grade student who shall be judged by the Lower School faculty and the Head of Lower School as best exemplifying the ideals of The Albany Academy by being good friends to his classmates, courteous to the faculty, who has pursued his studies diligently and who has shown sportsmanship on the fields.
Established by Mrs. Ronald Mann and the Class of 1969 to recognize a Form VI student who has excelled in academics and athletics, and who has shown a strong sense of commitment to the Academy and the community.
Established by friends and family to recognize annually the hockey player who has best shown by his sacrifice the most improvement in team play and dedication to the development of hockey skills.
Established in 1989 by his family to be given to that member of the Sixth Form who distinguishes himself both as a basketball player and as a student for his integrity, commitment and achievement.
Established with a gift from Class of 2002 senior parents. The purpose of the fund is to award annually to a faculty member who best exemplifies the spirit of good citizenship and instills those virtues in his/her students.
Established in 1991 with a gift from Robert B. Hicks (deceased) and Martha Hicks Pofit. The fund is awarded to a graduating senior who exhibits outstanding character and exemplifies the values and mission of the Academies. The student receives the award in name only and then assigns the monetary award to the department of her choice. The selected department then decides in what way the award should be used.
Established in 1989 with a gift from Paul and Eleanor Hudson in memory of their daughter, Melina Hudson '90. It is awarded to a Tenth or Eleventh Grade student who possesses outstanding academic effort, strong values and generosity of spirit and adventure.