The Kurt and Marjorie Lehmann Scholarship has been established with an endowment of $415,000 to provide financial support to graduate students in the humanities and social sciences at the College of Staten Island. This is among the largest scholarship gifts to the College and the first devoted exclusively to Master’s-level students.

“Scholarships for students at the graduate level are especially helpful, since many of these students do not fall within the parameters for public support,” explained Dr. Nan Sussman, Dean of the Humanities and Social Sciences. “This type of private scholarship funding will greatly increase their ability to continue their studies and grow into tomorrow’s leaders.”  These future leaders include students pursuing Master’s degrees in Cinema and Media Studies, English, History, Liberal Studies, Mental Health Counseling, and Social Work, as well as a Graduate Certificate in Autism.

As the cost of living continues to rise, the Lehmann endowment will provide financial support to ensure the academic success of graduate students by alleviating the need to work additional hours.  Among CSI’s 14,000 undergraduates, even those receiving financial aid often take full- or part-time jobs to help pay for their education. In this student population, 35% represent the first generation of their family to attend college, 22% work for more than 20 hours per week, and 48% report working for pay to make ends meet.

“We are delighted and deeply grateful for the Kurt and Marjorie Lehmann endowed scholarship fund,” said Dr. William J. Fritz, President of the College of Staten Island. “It is through their generosity that our students will be able to achieve a higher level of education and training in order to enhance their desirability in the job market and be better positioned to make meaningful contributions to our community, nation, and the world.”

The Kurt and Marjorie Lehmann Scholarship is administered by the CSI Foundation, whose mission is to secure philanthropic support for the College to provide the assistance necessary for students to reach their highest level of academic excellence. To learn more about the many benefits of joining the CSI Honor Roll of Donors, please call Khatmeh Osseiran-Hanna, Vice President for Institutional Advancement and External Affairs and Executive Director of the CSI Foundation, at 718.982.2365, email foundation@csi.cuny.edu, or visit the Foundation Website.