Wagner College Scholarships
Wagner College awards merit-based scholarships and grants to students who demonstrate outstanding talent in academics, athletics, or performance in music or theatre, and these awards are determined based on specific criteria through the Financial Aid office.
Scholarships are awarded for full-time study from Sophomore to Senior year for fall and spring semesters only.
All scholarships are applicable toward tuition unless otherwise categorized.
The Rose Accettola Scholarship in nursing is presented to a nursing major who exemplifies outstanding academic achievement and professional potential. This scholarship was established by Dr. Albert B. Accettola ‘41 in honor of his late wife, Rose Accettola. Dr. Accettola served as Wagner College Athletics’ orthopedic surgeon from 1949-1987 before his death in 2017. Having been associated with Seahawks Athletics for virtually his entire life, Dr. Albert Accettola, a 1941 Wagner graduate who was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1994, served Wagner well in his long-time friendship with the college. Dr. Accettola was a fixture on the Seahawks’ sidelines as the team physician for 40 years, taking care of the Seahawks’ finest athletes. His caring went beyond physical treatment, as he formed a special relationship with those who donned the Green and White.
Wagner College sweethearts Franklin ‘55 & Marie ‘55 Afferton established this scholarship in their estate to support outstanding students majoring in Theatre Studies.
This scholarship is presented to a current student athlete who is thoroughly involved in extracurricular or community activities and shows unique academic promise. A long-time friend of Wagner College, the late Sal Alberti (1954-1956) served Wagner athletics in many capacities for nearly 40 years. A three-year football letterwinner, Alberti was the team’s leading rusher in 1954. Following graduation, he remained ingrained in the Seahawks community as an assistant football coach for six seasons and an assistant trainer for two years.
After leaving Wagner, he served as the CEO and President of American Pipes and Plastics and helped provide the sprinkler systems that help maintain the college’s athletic fields. Sal also served on several committees, including the Hall of Fame and the Wagner College Board of Trustees. His legacy continues with the annual Sal Alberti Memorial Golf Classic.
This scholarship is awarded to an outstanding student in the study of biomedical sciences. Named after a uniquely successful graduate of Wagner College, Arthur O. Anderson was awarded an honorary doctorate in Philosophy in recognition of significant accomplishment in research and research ethics. Dr. Arthur Anderson is a member of Hood College’s Board of Trustees. He performed research on convalescent plasma, which is being used today in the fight against COVID-19.
Richard Baller ‘51 established this scholarship to support the education of exceptional students of any academic major. He wanted to support students who would not be able to attend Wagner College without financial assistance. Richard was an army veteran and later a history teacher at Tottenville High School, retiring in 1991. He died in 2020.
Named in recognition of Lenore Bandler ‘55, this scholarship will be given to a current student of the Evelyn L. Spiro School of Nursing who exemplifies exceptional achievement in the field of nursing. Lenore’s husband David, established this award in her name to honor her prolific career as a nurse and to support future generations of nursing students.
The Charles and Anna Boardman Scholarship is presented to a student from Staten Island who has excelled academically at Wagner College. The scholarship was started in 1991 through a generous gift from Anna Boardman’s estate.
This scholarship is given to a particularly talented student who is studying to pursue a career in the field of business, economics, or early childhood education. The scholarship was established by Howard Braren ‘50 and Ruth Traeg Braren ‘56, in memory of their beloved parents, Ralph & Margaret Braren, and John & Lucy Traeg.
The Burke Scholarship is awarded to two students annually who are enrolled in pre-medicine courses or are majoring in chemistry or biology, and who have outstanding academic records.
This scholarship is presented to a student studying the field of physical sciences, preferably biological sciences, or a student enrolled in the Physician Assistant Program. The scholarship was established by Dr. Frederic P. Cande ‘69 and Estelle Cande to recognize the opportunity and potential granted to Dr. Cande in his time as a student at Wagner College. He hopes to make similarly lucrative experiences available to future generations of Wagner College Scholars.
This scholarship is awarded to an outstanding student who is a Staten Island resident.
This scholarship is awarded to a deserving student in any field of study. The scholarship was dedicated by the Class of 1958 50th Reunion Committee for the benefit of Wagner College.
The Deane Scholarship is awarded to a student demonstrating academic excellence, studying in a field related to environmental sciences. John Deane ‘53 established the scholarship to encourage teaching and learning in environmental studies at Wagner College. After retiring from being an accountant, Mr. Deane spent his time fostering an organic garden and fighting for environmental preservation on Staten Island. In addition, funds from Mr. Deane’s endowment are distributed to help the college acquire necessary resources for teaching environmental science. Mr. Deane passed away in 2009.
This scholarship is presented to an academically deserving student of Wagner College.
This scholarship is awarded to a current nursing student who has proven academic excellence. DiResta endowed this scholarship in honor of the education and opportunities she received at Wagner College. After graduating in 1976, Ms. DiResta served as 1st Lieutenant and eventually Lieutenant Colonel in the U.S. Air Force. She was stationed at assignments all around the world, but never failed to remember the impact that Wagner College’s School of Nursing had on her in her life. She passed away in 2018.
This scholarship is presented to an academically excellent student from Wagner College. The Michael DeRienzo ‘87 Scholarship was established by Lisa DeRienzo ‘87 in the name of her twin brother, who was killed on September 11, 2001. Lisa was working as a narcotics cop in a building north of the World Trade Center on the morning of the attack. When Lisa heard of the events, she immediately ran to find her brother Michael, who worked on Tower One. Soon after the events of September 11th, Lisa set up a foundation in Michael’s name, including a scholarship to support students at Wagner.
This scholarship is presented to an education major demonstrating academic excellence. Carmen and Dolores ‘69 Ferragano established this scholarship in honor of their beloved, devoted mother, Minnie Ferragano, to honor her love for education. Minnie believed in the power of education and served as a strong support system as her daughters advanced through school, college, and beyond. She lived on Staten Island for the majority of her life, and passed away in 2007.
The Carl & Lynn Fischer Scholarship was established to support Nursing majors who demonstrate academic excellence. Carl Fischer ‘64 was the first male graduate of Wagner College’s Nursing program and went on to have a successful career in health care. He served in the Navy for three years before coming to Wagner. He has a deep passion for history and archaeology, and served on the board of many local organizations in Virginia, his home state. In 2011, Carl was awarded the Distinguished Graduate of Wagner Award by the National Alumni Association.
The Williamina G Fox Scholarship is awarded to a student who plans to pursue a career in music, dance, or the arts. This student must show academic excellence and financial need. Mr. Alex and Graham Fox established this scholarship in honor of their mother, Williamina Pollock Fox ‘66. Their father, Donald Fox ‘64, also graduated from Wagner College. Both Alex and Graham now sit on the Wagner College Board of Trustees.
This scholarship is presented to a resident of New York City who has excelled academically at Wagner College. The scholarship is funded by the James P. and Ruth C. Gillroy Foundation, who disperse funds so that students from New York City can pursue education in New York City.
The Gloistein Family Scholarship was established by John A. Gloistein ‘68 and is awarded annually to assist student athletes in pursuit of their degrees at Wagner College. Mr. Gloistein was the first 1st Team Little All-American at Wagner College and a Delta Nu fraternity brother. He came to the College unannounced to the Athletic department in pursuit of his academic degree. In endowing this scholarship fund, he hopes to assist other student-athletes in enjoying balanced careers at the College.
This scholarship is presented to an undergraduate student pursuing a Bachelor of Science degree in Economics who has demonstrated unique academic ability. Mr. Goehl was a lifelong Staten Islander who was dedicated to his community; he was instrumental in restoring the John Noble Gallery at the Snug Harbor Cultural Center, and volunteered at Historic Richmond Town and the Heritage Society at Wagner College. Kenneth served in the US Navy Reserve for 23 years. Kenneth Goehl passed away in 2013 and is survived by Frances.
This scholarship is awarded to a student native to New York City who shows academic promise and school, church, or community involvement, and needs scholarship assistance in order to attend Wagner College. Robert ‘58 and Catherine ‘60 are both native New Yorkers who met while they were students at Wagner. Robert worked at Warner-Lambert (now Pfizer), and Catherine was a school teacher. They are both grateful for their time at Wagner and wish to assist current students in their efforts to earn a degree
The Aubrey Hall Scholarship is awarded to a current student native to Staten Island, demonstrating academic excellence
This scholarship is awarded to an outstanding philosophy major.
The Harmon Scholarship is given to students who are residents of Staten Island and are in excellent academic standing. John J. Harmon did not graduate from Wagner College, but valued education and wanted Staten Island students to succeed. John started the Harmon Funeral Home in the West Brighton section of Staten Island in 1948. The trust he established continues to fund the endowed scholarship in his name.
This scholarship is granted to a student showing professional promise, who is majoring in education and intends to pursue a career in teaching. Additionally, the student should be a returning veteran of the Armed Forces. Henry ‘71 and Elizabeth Hartung Cruz ‘71 established this scholarship, named for Elizabeth’s father, Don. Don Hartung attended Wagner but interrupted his education to serve in World War II. Upon his return, he entered the workforce and never returned to college. Instead, Don, who has a successful career in banking, dedicated himself to the education of others, serving on the local school board for 20 years, playing a leadership role in the approval and construction of a new high school. Perhaps Don Hartung’s proudest moments came when Beth graduated from Wagner and went on to a highly rewarding career as a teacher, and his granddaughters followed in her footsteps. Because her father believed in the importance of educating all children and the emphasis Wagner College puts on serving the disadvantaged in the community, the Hartung Prize is to be awarded to a graduating senior who exemplifies the Hartung/Wagner spirit.
Walter G. Hartung ‘58 and Lillian Hartung endowed this scholarship to support students of advanced mathematics at Wagner College. Recipients of this scholarship are recommended by their faculty advisor and mathematics instructors and are chosen for their evident passion and curiosity to discover mathematics. The student must declare a major in mathematics and have the ability to pursue mathematics at a higher level in the curriculum
This scholarship recognizes an outstanding upperclass student majoring in elementary education. Dr. Haupt was a devoted elementary school teacher and remained connected to Wagner long after she graduated. As a student, she was a member of Zeta Tau Alpha sorority and studied abroad in Bergen, Austria. Dr. Haupt passed away in June 2021.
This scholarship is awarded to a student(s) in strong academic standing with financial need. The Hearst Foundation, Inc. was founded in 1946 by William Randolph Hearst and supports organizations working in the field of culture, education, health, and social services.
Richard A. Herberger graduated from Wagner College in 1966 with a degree in business and economics. He had a successful career in banking. Richard served as a trustee of Wagner College from 2001 to 2013. He and his wife Margaret, funded the scholarship in 2005. The Herburger Scholarship is awarded to an exceptional student pursuing a degree in business or nursing.
This scholarship is awarded to an upperclassman who plans to pursue a career in elementary education. Barbara graduated from Wagner College in 1957, is a proud Alpha Delta Pi sorority sister, and lives in Houston, Texas
This scholarship recognizes a current junior or senior who has expressed a desire to pursue a Doctor of Medicine degree. Dr. Hoff ‘51 lost both parents at the age of 5, becoming an orphan. He always had larger academic talent and ambition; when he got the chance to visit Wagner College, he was offered a full ride on the spot by the registrar. Dr. Hoff excelled at Wagner and went on to earn his MD. He had an impactful career as a doctor and has remained connected with the college.
This scholarship is awarded to a student who shows academic promise
This scholarship is presented to an outstanding student who has completed at least two years of study as an Economics and Business Administration major. The award was established by students and friends of Dr. Charles Kraemer, longtime professor and founder of Wagner College’s business and economics department.
This scholarship was established to recognize an academically excellent Junior or Senior, pursuing a career in Arts Administration, in memory of Douglas Krueger ‘03, a beloved and highly involved member of the Wagner College community. Doug was a passionate entertainer both on and off the stage, and began working at MTV immediately after graduating from Wagner in 2003. During his time as a student, he was involved in a multitude of campus organizations and was especially proud to serve as president of his Tau Kappa Epsilon fraternity. This scholarship in his memory was endowed at the request of Marshall Eisner, the Vice President of News and Documentaries at MTV Networks.
The Kim Adrienne Lehman Scholarship in Nursing was endowed by Mr. and Mrs. John E. Lehman in honor of their daughter. The scholarship continues to recognize outstanding students in the field of nursing. John E. Lehman ‘62 H’93 was dedicated to Wagner College and is a lifetime member of the Board of Trustees.
This scholarship is awarded to an English major demonstrating academic excellence.
This scholarship recognizes outstanding students in the field of science who demonstrate financial need. The Megerle Family has been one of Wagner College’s staunch philanthropic supporters for many years. The family legacy is most associated with the Megerle Science Building on campus, as well as the many endowed funds supporting faculty and academic needs. Martha Megerle H’89 and Eugen E. Megerle H’74 were enthusiastic supporters of the arts and sciences at Wagner. Their children and lifetime Wagner College Trustees, George Megerle H‘94 and Eva Megerle H’97, have continued their philanthropic support.
This scholarship is awarded annually to a talented Wagner College student majoring in the fine arts or health care. The endowment was established in the will of Howard G. Meyers Jr. ‘63, to honor the memory of Howard and his wife Judy Nelson Meyers ‘65. Howard was a practicing attorney for 44 years, served as an adjunct professor at St. John’s University and Wagner College, and was a member of Wagner’s Board of Trustees, among other community roles. Howard passed in 2010, and Judy in 2006.
This scholarship is presented to a student majoring in the sciences who has demonstrated academic excellence. Wagner College graduate Mario Moccia ‘41 started the scholarship to honor his parents, Teresa and Louis.
The scholarship was started in 2017 to support a nursing student demonstrating academic excellence and financial need. Lilyan graduated from Wagner College with a degree in nursing and enjoyed her career as a nurse in Florida.
The Oppenheimer Funds Spiro Scholar is an Honors student at Wagner College who aspires to have a career in finance. The scholarship was established to recognize the extraordinary service, dedication, and leadership that Donald W. Spiro ‘49 contributed to Oppenheimer Funds.
This scholarship is awarded to a student demonstrating academic excellence.
This scholarship recognizes an outstanding freshman business major.
This scholarship is awarded to a truly unique first-year student who shows particularly strong potential and passion for biology or microbiology, and intends to declare their degree in either field by the end of their Freshman year spring semester. This student is selected by the Department of Biological Sciences. Dr. Pfister was a long-time renowned professor of Biology and Microbiology at Wagner College.
This scholarship is awarded to students wishing to participate in education abroad. Dr. Gasprd Pinette was the founder of the Bregenz Program in Austria
This scholarship is presented to a business major demonstrating academic excellence. David Pitou was a native of Staten Island, graduated from Wagner College in 1956 with a degree in business and was active in the Varsity players (Drama). David started his career at IBM and eventually became president of IBM shareholder services. He left IBM and opened his own firm, Stockholder Consulting Services of Staten Island, which evaluated services to shareholders. David was an adjunct professor in management at NYU.
The William and Erma Raminger Scholarship was established by Helen Raminger Abichandani ‘54 in honor of her parents and in an effort to pass along the gift of education, just as her parents did for you. Recipients of this scholarship demonstrate academic excellence.
This scholarship is awarded to an outstanding music major
This scholarship is given to an outstanding student studying pre-medicine or nursing.
This scholarship recognizes a student majoring in Elementary Education with a focus on special needs/learning disabilities, or a History major with an interest in a career with the State Department or the Military. This student is in excellent academic standing. During his time as a student at Wagner, Frederick was in the Theta Chi fraternity. He was a veteran of the Vietnam War and won multiple awards of distinction. He passed away in 2021. Jane ‘69 graduated from Wagner with a degree in Education, and was a sister of the Zeta Tau Alpha sorority. She passed away in 2010.
This scholarship is awarded to a Nursing major who has demonstrated unique academic success. This scholarship was established by Dr. Rodgers’ sister, Lenore Ahalt ‘55, and David Bandler to honor her legacy and encourage nursing education. Janet passed in 2012, and was upset to see nursing programs around the country close. Lenore understood Janet’s passion for liberal arts and nursing education, so she used her inheritance to create this scholarship in her sister’s name.
This scholarship is awarded to an undergraduate student who has demonstrated academic excellence and is seeking to pursue a degree in English or Biology.
Joanne Sha, née Yung, was born in Wuxi, China. Her family started flour and textile mills in China. When Shanghai fell under Japanese rule in 1941, the entirety of the family’s property was taken, forcing them to flee to Hong Kong. Sha attended Hong Kong University for one year, then decided to move to the United States to further her college education. Sha then attended Wagner College, where she obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry. She fondly recalls her time at Wagner, where she made lifelong friends and earned an education that allowed her to make future scientific contributions. Sha later attended Columbia University for graduate classes, and served a prosperous career working at various medical laboratories, namely Argonne National Laboratory. Joanne Sha dedicated this scholarship to support an undergraduate or graduate student who demonstrates a strong work ethic and academic excellence.
This scholarship was created in honor of James L. P. Shand ‘79 by his wife, Janice (Qualben Shand Hubbard) ‘81, and their children, James and Julia. It is awarded to a student pursuing a degree (in order of preference) in business, social sciences, or undecided at Wagner College.
This scholarship recognizes a Wagner student who graduated from Tottenville High School and demonstrates academic excellence. Kevin and Elaine Sheehy were dedicated to Wagner College. Kevin Sheehy was a beloved member of the Staten Island community; he was a teacher at Tottenville High School and a well-known community activist. He earned his bachelor’s degree, two master’s degrees, and an honorary doctorate all from Wagner College, in addition to serving on the Board of Trustees. Kevin passed away in 2000, followed by his wife, Elaine, in 2015.
This scholarship is awarded to a Nursing major demonstrating academic excellence. It is named after the parents of esteemed alumni Don and Evelyn Spiro.
This scholarship recognizes outstanding Nursing students. It is named in honor of the Spiro family, former trustee Don Spiro, his wife Evelyn Spiro, and their children Corylee, Donal,d and current Wagner Trustee, Kimberly Spiro.
This scholarship is awarded to a Nursing major from Staten Island who has demonstrated academic excellence. The scholarship is funded by the Rotary Club of Staten Island, which was started in 1921. The Club consists of a dedicated group of community leaders from Staten Island who selflessly work together to serve the community and create a positive impact. They fundraise money to support multiple scholarships for both high school and college students on Staten Island.
This scholarship is awarded to an outstanding sophomore or junior to encourage their study of choral music and continued leadership and excellence throughout their time at Wagner. Students exhibiting excellence and leadership in the choir, and a student exhibiting excellence in classical music performance (with preference to classical singing and opera). The fund was established by Mr. Richard Steen in memory of his parents, Dr. Sigvart J Steen and Margery Mayer. Dr. Sigvart Steen served as the director of the Wagner College Choir from 1949 to 1968. He is remembered for establishing the Wagner College Choir’s identity and reputation. Margery Mayer is remembered for her contributions to Wagner College over a 27-year career as Assistant Professor of Music.
This scholarship recognizes an outstanding Junior or Senior pursuing a career in education, and who is a resident of Staten Island. The Barney Taranto Memorial Scholarship was established by Barney’s children and family, many of whom are Wagner graduates, including Ann Taranto Giordano ‘69, who is a member of the Alumni Association steering committee. Barney owned a construction company, Taranto Construction Co., which was passed down to his four sons. It remains in business today and is run by Barney’s son, grandson, and nephew.
This scholarship is presented to a student who lives on Staten Island and demonstrates academic excellence.
Mr. and Mrs. Edgar A Tomlinson established the Linda Diane Tomlinson ‘72 Memorial Scholarship in honor of their daughter. This scholarship is awarded to an outstanding student of the social sciences, particularly sociology majors
This scholarship is awarded to a Wagner student exhibiting leadership potential and demonstrating academic excellence.