Casey Frankoski scholarship reaches endowment level

ALBANY, N.Y. (NEWS10)-- The scholarship fund in honor of National Guard service member Casey Frankoski attained endowment status after reaching the $25,000 donation threshold. Chief Warrant Officer 2 Casey Frankoski's endowed scholarship will now be funded perpetually, remaining open for additional contributions.

Frankoski, a former Excelsior University student, died in the line of duty earlier this year on March 8 in a Texas helicopter crash. The university launched the scholarship in her honor as she was attending her final class before she would have received her degree in Homeland Security and Emergency Management.

The Excelsior University College of Nursing and Health Sciences helped the fund achieve endowment status through fundraising. The Frankoski family also contributed personal investments to the fund alongside gifts from United HealthCare, Fraternal Order of Eagles Auxiliary 3773, and others.

The endowment fund will support active-duty military and veteran students pursuing public service or technology careers. It was created after the university awarded Frankoski a posthumous degree in the 2024 class. The fund hit $10,000 in August.

The Frankoski family was well-acquainted with the university before the endowment, as Frankoski's father is a former faculty member, and her aunt was a part-time faculty member. Excelsior University president David Schejbal said they are grateful for the generosity of the Capital Region community.

"Together, Excelsior staff and our Capital Region neighbors quickly raised the donations to permanently endow the Casey Frankoski scholarship," Schejbal said. "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."