Casey Frankoski Scholarship Fund at Excelsior University Reaches $25,000 Endowment Status
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 the $25,000 donation threshold to become an endowment. By reaching this milestone, the Chief Warrant Officer 2 Casey Nicole Frankoski Endowed Scholarship will be funded in perpetuity and will remain open to additional contributions. The fund will provide financial support for active duty military and veteran students, with a focus on those pursuing degrees in public service or technology.
“We are grateful for the generosity of our community. Together, Excelsior staff and our Capital Region neighbors quickly raised the donations to permanently endow the Casey Frankoski scholarship,” said Excelsior University president David Schejbal. “Just as Casey’s story will continue to inspire us all, her legacy of service will live on through this scholarship by providing educational opportunities to her fellow military students.”
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 and a scholarship fund was opened in her name.
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 established, 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. In addition to funds contributed through the generosity of the Frankoski family, who made certain this scholarship would be endowed through their tireless efforts and personal investments, gifts from United HealthCare, the Fraternal Order of Eagles Auxiliary 3773, the Excelsior University community, and many individuals helped the scholarship reach the $25,000 threshold.
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 Chief Warrant Officer 2 Casey Nicole Frankoski Endowed Scholarship at https://www.excelsior.edu/giving/in-memory-of-casey-frankoski/.
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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.
