Scholarships

Florence Andresen was a pioneering educator and a fierce advocate for access to education. She was named a Paul Harris Fellow by the Saratoga Springs Rotary Club, was the organization’s first female president and received the Rotary Lifetime Achievement Award.  Florence was also a proud active alumna of Skidmore College where she served as a trustee and was recognized with the College’s Jacki Jung ’61 Award for Lifetime Service.  She was also a founding member of the Saratoga Springs Rotary Education Foundation.  Her vision for the Foundation aimed at creating an endowment of $1 million to support the education of students within the Saratoga Springs school district. Through her exemplary leadership and dedication, this objective was achieved, and the Foundation’s endowment continues to grow. Demonstrating her commitment and trademark of leading by example Florence endowed a scholarship in her name and inspired others in the community to follow her example.

This scholarship was established in 2005 with a generous grant of $100,000 from the Alfred Z. Solomon Charitable Trust, which is dedicated to funding projects and programs in memory of its founder, Alfred Z. Solomon. Mr. Solomon was a prominent figure in the fashion industry, an avid horse racing enthusiast, and a philanthropist in the Saratoga region and New York City. He lived to the age of 104, and through the establishment of this Trust in his Last Will and Testament, he ensured that his positive impact on the communities he cherished would continue indefinitely. 

This scholarship was established in 2011 with a donation from Mrs. Carryl Cudney in memory of her late husband James E. Cudney. Mr. Cudney was a highly respected and esteemed member of the Saratoga Springs Rotary Club, serving as president from 1976 to 1977. In 1985, he received Rotary International’s highest honor, the Paul Harris Fellowship, recognizing his integrity and moral character demonstrated through his daily commitment to “service above self.”

Phyllis “Philly” Dake was one of Saratoga Springs’ prominent philanthropists and matriarch of the Stewart’s Shop.  In the early 2000s, she generously endowed the foundation with an unrestricted scholarship. The Foundation recognized her contributions to the community by honoring her in 2001.

This scholarship was jointly endowed by the Gerows and McLuckies and honors Hal Gerow and Jack McLuckie who were good friends and active Rotarians in the Rotary Club of Saratoga Springs.  Jack served as a director of the Rotary Education Foundation.   Preference is given to students studying in the areas of art or architecture.

This scholarship was established in memory of Scott Krulcik by his family and friends. Scott was awarded the Saratoga Springs Rotary Presidential Scholarship in 2014, graduated from Carnegie Mellon University in 2018, and was working in New York City as a software engineer at Google when he passed away unexpectedly at the age of 22. Scott was recognized for his kindness, selflessness, intelligence, and thoughtfulness. This scholarship honors all that Scott accomplished and shared during his life.

Don Lee became a member of the Rotary Club in December 1965 and dedicated himself to the organization for nearly 46 years. He served as President of the Club during the 1972-73 term, during which he established the annual Rotary Home and Lifestyle Show. The proceeds from this event continue to support the Foundation to this day. In honor of his legacy, his son Brian Lee has created an endowed scholarship in his memory.

This scholarship was established in 2003 by sons Edward M. Lenz and Michael Lenz in recognition of their father’s 70^th birthday.  Ed passed in April of 2025 at the age of 91, leaving behind a legacy of community devotion. He was a long-time member of the Saratoga Springs Rotary Club and a founding member of the Rotary Education Foundation. He served as President of the Foundation and was instrumental in the Foundation reaching its original goal of creating an endowment of at least $1M.  

Established in 2024 by Rotarian and Rotary Education Foundation Board Member Brian O’Connell and his siblings, Chris O’Connell, Theresa Chemburkar, and Mary Clare House, in memory of their father, John V. O’Connell. The Rotary Club was an important part of their father’s life, including his service as president. The creation of a scholarship in his name commemorates his involvement with the Saratoga Springs Rotary and its mission within the local community, and acknowledges the significance of continuing education for students, enabling them to pursue careers and contribute to their communities.

As described by foundation founding member Florence Andresen George H. W. Pierce was “a Rotarian who was held in highest esteem and with unwavering affection.”  This scholarship was established in his memory by an anonymous donor in 2001 to honor his legacy and commitment to community.

Anne Palamountain created this scholarship in memory of her husband Joe, who served as President of Skidmore College for twenty-two years.  During his presidency, he built an entirely new campus, ushered in coeducation in 1971, and weathered student unrest in the late ’60s and early ’70s and the college doubled the size of its student body.  Following his passing in 1987, Anne’s greatest passion at Skidmore was building endowment for financial aid, which she saw as the most effective way to make a college education accessible to all students.

Established in 2024 with a gift from longtime Rotarian and Rotary Education Foundation Board Member Bob Schermerhorn and his wife, Lisa, illustrates their passion for giving back via their commitment to education and opportunity.  Bob’s scholarship honors his career in finance and love for his alma mater, giving preference to students majoring in finance/business and those attending Siena College. Lisa’s scholarship celebrates her career in computer science, supporting future leaders in tech and innovation. 

The Wait family’s history with the Saratoga Springs Rotary Club exceeds five decades of leadership from Charles V. Wait, Sr. Included. Charles, like his father, served many years as president of the Adirondack Trust Company and has established himself as a both a civic and business leader and philanthropist. This scholarship honors Charles’ commitment to community building and service. 

This scholarship was established by The Adirondack Trust Company in memory of Jane Adams Wait. Jane was revered for spreading joy, light, and love to her family, friends, and community for many decades. The Saratoga Springs Rotary Education Foundation was a beneficiary of Janes commitment to community as she served with distinction as a trustee of the Foundation for several years.  

The Wait family’s history with the Saratoga Springs Rotary Club exceeds five decades, beginning with Newman “Pete” Wait, who served as Rotary president in 1961-62. He was president of the Adirondack Trust Company and served on many community boards and committees including those at SPAC, Yaddo, and Skidmore College.  His contributions to the community are numerous.

This scholarship was established in 2017 in memory of Bill Young by his wife of 49 years, Barbara, to honor his legacy. Bill was a highly valued member of the Saratoga Springs Rotary Club.  He served as director of the Rotary International Foundation and was twice awarded the Paul Harris Fellowship for outstanding service.