$500,000 Gift for UAlbany’s Department of Languages, Literatures and Cultures Supports Student Scholarships

By Bethany Bump

ALBANY, N.Y. (March 4, 2025) — The Department of Languages, Literatures and Cultures at UAlbany has received a generous gift from the estate of an alum that will support scholarships for language students.

The Estate of Frances L. Ciliberti ’54 is contributing approximately $500,000 to The University at Albany Foundation to establish the Frances L. Ciliberti ’54 Endowment. Ciliberti, a Spanish major, was an administrator in the Denver School District for many years and traveled the world extensively after graduating from UAlbany.

The endowment will provide scholarship support for full-time undergraduate students pursuing either a major or minor in Spanish, or graduate students pursuing a master’s or PhD in Spanish at UAlbany. Students minoring in French, Italian or Portuguese may also be considered.

"This generous gift is a testament to how studying a language can impact our students academically, professionally and personally," said Lotfi Sayahi, professor of Spanish and chair of the department, located in the College of Arts and Sciences. "Whether learning a new language or reconnecting with a heritage one, our students and alumni feel a very special connection to the department and the University. Language departments, and humanities departments in general, do not usually receive this type of large gift and we are very grateful for the generosity of Ms. Ciliberti. Her endowment will support many language students for generations to come."

Individual award amounts have not yet been determined. To be considered for a scholarship, students must demonstrate academic achievement. Financial need may be considered but is not required.

As part of the endowment gift, the donor also intended that when awarding this scholarship, preference be given to students who have demonstrated interest in equality for women via participation in social groups, student clubs, community activities or with organizations that support this.

As with other department awards, students will be nominated by department faculty for a scholarship and the award will be given during the annual departmental awards ceremony held in spring.

“This generous gift highlights the long-standing tradition of excellence in language instruction at the University at Albany,” said College of Arts and Sciences Dean Jeanette Altarriba. “The College of Arts and Sciences is proud of the legacy of scholarly pursuits in language and culture, and underscores the care with which students are attended to in these areas of discovery. We are indebted to our distinguished alumna for thinking about the future of our students and providing an endowment that will make a significant difference in the lives of so many of our Great Danes.”