Casey Frankoski Scholarship Fund at Excelsior University Reaches $10,000 in Donations
Albany, N.Y. – A memorial scholarship fund established by Excelsior University to honor the life of student and National Guard service member Casey Frankoski has surpassed $10,000 in donations. The Casey Frankoski ’24 Ever Upward Scholarship will remain open to contributions through September 1. These funds will help support active duty military or veteran students achieve their educational goals.
Casey Frankoski was 28 years old when she passed away in the line of duty on March 8, 2024. She was in her final class at Excelsior University to complete her Bachelor of Science degree in Homeland Security and Emergency Management. To honor her service and sacrifice, Frankoski was awarded a posthumous degree as part of the Class of 2024.
The Frankoski family has deep ties to the Capital Region and the Excelsior community. Casey’s father is a former faculty member of the University, and her aunt and former part-time nursing faculty member Lisa Frankoski walked on Casey’s behalf at Excelsior’s Commencement ceremony in July. After the scholarship fund was opened, leadership staff from Excelsior University’s College of Nursing and Health Sciences took on an active role in fundraising, encouraging donations of all sizes from University and Capital Region community members and organizations.
“Casey Frankoski was a shining example of the Excelsior student story: while heroically serving her country, she took advantage of flexible online programs to grow personally and professionally,” said Excelsior University president David Schejbal. “While Casey’s story was tragically cut short, we are proud to continue her legacy for the next generation of military students through the Casey Frankoski ’24 Ever Upward Scholarship.”
A Capital Region native, Frankoski enlisted in the National Guard in 2016. From 2018 to 2019 she was deployed to Kuwait, and upon returning home she graduated from Chief Warrant Officer school and flight school. While serving in the National Guard, Casey received many honors including the Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Army Service Ribbon, Armed Forces Service Medal, Basic Aviator Badge, and Basic Aviation Badge. In addition to her service in the National Guard, Frankoski was a volunteer firefighter and a member of the Environmental Conservation Corp.
Donate to the Casey Frankoski ‘24 Ever Upward Scholarship at https://www.excelsior.edu/giving/in-memory-of-casey-frankoski/.
# # #
Media Contact Excelsior University:
Jason Bonafide, jbonafide@excelsior.edu, 518-608-8446
ABOUT EXCELSIOR UNIVERSITY
Excelsior University is an accredited, not-for-profit online institution focused on helping adults complete their degrees and advance their careers. Excelsior contributes to the development of a diverse, educated, and career-ready society by valuing lifelong learning with an emphasis on serving individuals historically underrepresented in higher education. Founded in 1971, Excelsior meets students where they are — academically and geographically — removing obstacles to the educational goals of adults pursuing continuing education and degree completion. Our pillars include innovation, flexibility, academic excellence, and integrity.
