In honor of the inauguration of our 11th president, Peter O. Nwosu, Ph.D., SUNY Oswego created the Transforming Lives Scholarship program to raise support for one of his top priorities— student scholarships.
In advancing the president's Vision 4040, the university seeks to raise funds to attract and retain more SUNY Oswego students. Education transforms the lives our students, which, in turn, leads to a more skilled workforce and stronger economy. Enabling more students to access the benefits of a SUNY Oswego education ignites possibilities for future growth and progress within the students and the broader community.
Help the university community celebrate the historic inauguration of the 11th president and the first president of color at SUNY Oswego, Peter O. Nwosu, Ph.D., by making a gift to the Transforming Lives Scholarship program. Every dollar raised will support student scholarships and remove financial barriers so that more students can access higher education.
MAKE A GIFT
I know firsthand the power of higher education in Transforming Lives. As a first-generation student and immigrant, I recognize that my education opened doors and ignited possibilities that otherwise would have been out of my reach. Students deserve the opportunity and our support to pursue their education at SUNY Oswego.
Please join with me to expand access and opportunity. Education is fundamental to the maintenance and sustenance of a democratic society. We have a moral responsibility to help our students succeed. We’re changing their lives. Together, we will create a vibrant, thriving community and strengethen our democracy. It is a beacon of hope to the rest of the world.
Please help us increase access to a SUNY Oswego education for the sake of our communities and beyond.
~Peter O. Nwosu, Ph.D., SUNY Oswego President
TRANSFORMING LIVES SCHOLARSHIP
Gifts of any size can support the Transforming Lives Scholarship Fund. Your generosity united with others adds up to make a significant difference right now for deserving students.
ENDOWED SCHOLARSHIP
A gift of $30,000 establishes a named endowed scholarship of $25,000 that will live in perpetuity as well as a five-year, current-use scholarship of $1,000 that would be awarded to an incoming student to use immediately until the endowed gift is fully funded and invested. Contact: Mary Gibbons Canale '81 Vice President for University Advancement mary.canale@oswego.edu 315-312-5558
A large number of students come from low-income households, and qualify for federal financial aid and grants such as Pell.
Pell Grant recipients
Total number of Pell Grant recipients at SUNY Oswego in 2022-23
Students receive aid
A high percentage of Oswego students are the first in their family to go to college.
of students are the first in their families to attend college
in scholarship aid can lead to a 12% higher retention rate for students
of low-income, first-generation students leave after their first year, nationally. That's four times the dropout rate of higher-income second-generation students.
Despite their best efforts, students are struggling to fund their college education.
average cost of attendance at SUNY Oswego for 2023-24 academic year
average loan debt of a 2022 SUNY Oswego graduate
The average financial need of our lowest-income students after receiving all federal and state support for which they're eligible
Aziz Sarimsakov '24
"I am here today—a first-generation college student, an immigrant from a third-world country, an individual who has worked hard days and nights to make his mama and sisters proud, and someone who would not be here today if it weren't for scholarships.” ~ Aziz Sarimsakov ’24
Aziz immigrated to the United States at the age of 16 without knowing English, and today is one of the most recognizable students on campus. He is involved on campus as an admissions tour guide, a resident advisor, the student ambassador to the Oswego University Foundation and the Oswego Alumni Association boards, and many other student organizations.
Cyniah Wynn '24
GIVE NOW
Please consider making a gift to support SUNY Oswego students and start Transforming Lives. Simply fill out the online giving form, or contact the Office of University Advancement at 315-312-3003.