Lasting Legacy

Donors present $50,000 check for Scott M. McGovern Scholarship at the Big Purple Growl. Left to right: Fardin Sanai, President Havidán Rodríguez, Rosy Lopez, Doug Ketterer ’87, Jim Neiland ’87 and Michael Hofstetter ’87

ALBANY, N.Y. (March 22, 2018) – Scott McGovern will always be remembered as a dedicated husband and father, successful bond and currency broker, and amazing friend. He’s also linked to the University at Albany Foundation’s largest undergraduate endowed scholarship.

The Scott M. McGovern ’87 Memorial Scholarship was established to honor the UAlbany alumnus who tragically lost his life during the World Trade Center terror attacks on Sept. 11, 2001. It offers renewable support to incoming freshmen who demonstrate financial need and academic achievement.

Last month, the scholarship’s total value exceeded $1 million after a $50,000 check was presented during the 21st annual Big Purple Growl & Furious Feast.

“UAlbany stands out for its commitment to providing students from all cultural and economic backgrounds with access to an exceptional education, and the McGovern scholarship demonstrates how our alumni are furthering this critical institutional value,” said UAlbany President Havidán Rodríguez. “It was an honor for Rosy and me to meet the remarkable alumni who remember their friend through this scholarship each year.”

“Having our first seven-figure undergraduate endowed scholarship in memory of Scott makes us extremely proud,” said UAlbany’s Vice President for University Advancement Fardin Sanai. “Scott’s friends and family are extraordinary for doing what they’ve done to keep his memory alive – all for the good of our students. It’s inspiring.”

Honoring Scott McGovern:

Doug Ketterer ’87 and Jim Neiland ’87, along with McGovern’s wife, Jill, and many of Scott’s UAlbany classmates, established the scholarship in 2003. Every year since, they’ve hosted the Scott McGovern Memorial Golf Tournament where funds for the scholarship are raised. The memorial tournament is still going strong 15 years later, with about 150 golfers and dinner guests attending the tournament annually.

Some 69 scholarships, totaling nearly $175,000, have been granted to students in Scott’s name over the past 14 years, including one to Folsade Kola ’19.

 “This is my third year receiving the Scott M. McGovern ’87 Memorial Scholarship, and I cannot express how thankful I am,” she said. “There isn’t much money at home to pay for my college expenses, so I’m very grateful to have this scholarship — it motivates me to do better. I will continue to strive and graduate with honors in 2019 with the help of this scholarship.”

While a student at UAlbany, Scott played intramural softball and floor hockey with friends, worked at the University Library and graduated with a bachelor of science degree in business.

The endowed scholarship not only impacts the lives of students at his alma mater, but also serves as a reminder to Jill and their two daughters, Alana and Nicole, that Scott’s memory will be always be kept alive.

“Every year, I am touched and overwhelmed by the outpouring of love and support for Scott,” said Jill McGovern. “Reminiscing about him at the golf tournament — which has perfect weather each year because Scott looks out for us — is what I enjoy most. The fact that this scholarship is worth over one million dollars now is an amazing and meaningful tribute to the kind and generous person Scott was. We are pleased it is assisting so many worthy students. It is truly fitting that he continues to help others.”

“Scotty was the best friend you could have,” said classmate Doug Ketterer ’87 “and throughout his all too short life, he always put others first. We are thrilled to not only see Scott’s name and memory kept kept alive through this scholarship, but also that approach by helping students obtain their degrees and graduate from UAlbany. I’m sure Scott is getting a big kick out of watching all this from heaven.”

“Making something good come out of the tragedy of losing Scott has been a remarkable process for all of us. Knowing that we’re able to help the McGovern scholars pay for college, prosper and ultimately graduate is the best payback we can receive,” added classmate Jim Neiland ’87.

For those interested in celebrating Scott’s life at the annual golf tournament held in September, contact Jim Neiland ’87 at [email protected] or Doug Ketterer ’87 at [email protected]. If you’re interested in contributing to the Scott M. McGovern ’87 Memorial Scholarship, visit www.albany.edu/give and write “McGovern Scholarship” in the comments box.

Learn more about the Scott M. McGovern ’87 Memorial Scholarship and its student recipients here.

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