University at Albany Center for Jewish Studies Awards and Scholarships

The Judaic Studies Department encourages its students to apply for the following student scholarships, which are announced in late winter each year, and awarded in early spring. All the awards and scholarships below are awarded at the discretion of the Judaic Studies Department and its Chair.

In recent years, these awards have helped support students pursue graduate studies at such institutions as Brandeis, Washington University, and the University of Michigan; pursue research projects in Israel and South Africa; take language courses; and further their undergraduate and graduate studies in other ways.

Potential donors looking to enhance the Department’s and Center’s ability to support students with scholarships and awards should contact Joel Berkowitz at 518-591-8515 or yankl@albany.edu.

Kappa Beta Memorial Scholarship

The Kappa Beta Fraternity was founded by Jewish students at the University at Albany in 1937 and flourished for many years. The Kappa Beta Memorial Scholarship, established by fraternity alumni, is awarded to outstanding seniors who will be pursuing graduate studies in some area of Jewish service or scholarship.

Calvin and Patricia Zippin Endowment Scholarship

Dr. Calvin Zippin, an alumnus of the Class of '47 and of the Kappa Beta Fraternity, and his wife, Patricia, have established this scholarship in memory of his parents Samuel and Jennie Zippin, to help outstanding students of Judaic Studies to pursue their educational goals.

Lillian L. Kensky and Dr. Harry C. Kensky Endowment Fund Award

Mrs. Lillian L. Kensky, the widow of Dr. Harry C. Kensky, an alumnus of the Class of 1940 and of the Kappa Beta Fraternity, has established this award, based on academic merit and financial need, to a graduating senior planning to pursue further studies in an area of Jewish higher education.

Fishman Fund Grant

Mr. Irving Fishman, an alumnus of the Class of 1940 and the Kappa Beta Fraternity, has established this fund to benefit worthy Judaic Studies students in need of financial support for their further educational plans.

Morris Altman Research Fund

The Morris Altman Research fund was established by Nolan Altman, an alumnus of the Class of 1977, in memory of his father. The fund provides awards to students pursuing original research on issues and topics related to Jewish Studies.

Eunice Sherer Judaic Studies Scholarship

The Eunice Sherer Judaic Studies Scholarship was established by Dr. Abraham Sherer shortly before his passing in memory of his late wife Eunice. Dr. Sherer was a founding member of the Jewish Studies Advisory Board, and was affectionately known to the students as “Uncle Abe.” The fund provides awards to Judaic Studies majors who are in good academic standing and demonstrate financial need.

Students interested in either the Kappa Beta Memorial Scholarship or the Kensky Endowment Fund Award must include proof of application to a graduate program in some area of Jewish studies or of further education in Jewish communal service, social welfare, education, or professional or academic study. Award of both scholarships will depend on acceptance into an academically accredited graduate program.

The Zippin and Fishman Scholarships may be awarded to undergraduates at the University at Albany to help them finance summer study programs or study abroad that enhances Judaic Studies knowledge. Students applying must submit proof of application to an appropriate summer, semester, or year length study abroad program. Award of both scholarships will depend on acceptance into an academically accredited program.