Although they have different career goals, the first of UAlbany’s Inaugural Scholars have two things in common: They excel at their studies, and they expect to achieve great things.
Sheila Gaddy, who majors in Africana studies and minors in English, is “on a mission to do something with my life.” The lifelong Albany resident and mom of three grown children transferred to the University two years ago to prepare for a career teaching college-level English. Gaddy, who also plans to write, is already the author of the self-published volume Life’s Experiences and Challenges in Poetry. The poems published in the work, “13 or 14 years old and written on scraps of paper,” chronicle some of the “struggles” she has overcome, including a kidney transplant, unemployment and a back injury.
Nineteen-year-old Zakhar (Zack) Berkovitz, whose family came to the U.S. from Belarus several years ago, enrolled at UAlbany hoping to “explore a lot of things and leave my imprint.” The sophomore biology/Judaic studies major packs as much activity as he can into a typical day; “sleep is overrated,” he contends. Berkovitz also minors in mathematics; participates in Hillel, Albany Crew and the Spirit Committee; and is a work/study student for UAlbany’s Division of University Advancement. A member of the Western Turnpike Rescue Squad in Albany, he plans a career in medicine – possibly in pediatrics.
Jeffrey Castillo, 20, has already lined up a post-graduation job as an analyst at JP Morgan Chase in his native Manhattan, where he has also completed two summer internships. A senior Dean’s List student majoring in business, he has taken 18 to 21 credits each semester, as well as summer courses. Castillo participates in UAlbany’s Project Excel, a program that provides academic support, study skills workshops and other services that increase the retention and graduation rates of low-income, first-generation and disabled students. He has also volunteered with inner-city youth through the New York State Museum Club.
Senior business major Jessica Gunsch of Pleasant Valley, N.Y., wants to demonstrate that “women can succeed and that there are a lot of ways for them to achieve their goals.” Severely injured in an automobile accident several years ago, the 21-year-old defied the odds and recovered. Although well-meaning friends told her she would probably have to abandon her plans for college, she refused to listen. “I like going to class. I like to learn new things,” she says. Gunsch, who also minors in English and women’s studies, plans to work on Wall Street after graduating from UAlbany.
University President Kermit L. Hall established the Inaugural Scholarship Fund in February 2005 to benefit undergraduates and build UAlbany’s endowment. Another round of awards is planned this year. The Inaugural Scholarship Fund currently totals more than $2 million.
