Albany High Grad to Attend SUNY Plattsburgh with Ben M. Becker Memorial Scholarship

Albany -- The State University of New York today announced that Kewsi Burgess, the recipient of the 2008 Ben M. Becker Memorial Scholarship, will use the funds toward his tuition at SUNY Plattsburgh in the fall, where he will major in Education.

This prestigious scholarship is dedicated to carrying on the legacy of its namesake, Ben M. Becker, who was internationally acclaimed for his achievements as an educator and Olympic boxing coach and for his momentous contributions to youth. The award recognizes participation in interscholastic athletics, strong academic achievement and strength of character.

Mr. Burgess was an outstanding scholar athlete at Albany High School, participating as captain of the track and field team; as a member of the wrestling team and International Club; and having been listed on the Honor Roll and Principal’s List. Mr. Burgess is also active in the community, working at Target and attending the Church of God of Prophecy.

"It is my pleasure to congratulate Mr. Burgess on receiving this year's scholarship and an honor to welcome him to the SUNY family," said Interim SUNY Chancellor Dr. John B. Clark. "I would also like to thank Mr. Bob Becker for his continued support of SUNY's scholar athletes. His father, Ben, was a wonderful coach and educator and SUNY is proud to be a part of his legacy."  

"The Selection Committee over the years has done an exceptional job,” said Bob Becker. “The student recipients have consistently been the best of the best. Kewsi Burgess certainly fits that mold. His record is exemplary."

About the Ben M. Becker Memorial Scholarship
In 1996, Bob Becker, Ben’s son, founded The Becker Foundation with the mission of helping deserving students achieve their dream of a college education. Each year, the fund provides the Ben M. Becker Memorial Scholarship Award to the most qualified Albany High School senior who will be attending a SUNY institution.

The Ben M. Becker Memorial Scholarship Award was increased in 2007 to $3,000, making it the most lucrative privately endowed college scholarship award at Albany High School. The scholarship is awarded at $1,500 per year over two academic years, with the second installment predicated upon good academic standing at SUNY at the end of the first year.

About the State University of New York
The State University of New York is the largest comprehensive university system in the United States, educating more than 427,000 students in 7,669 degree and certificate programs on 64 campuses. 

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