In December, The City University of New York Board of Trustees approved an endowed scholarship in memory of former College of Staten Island staff member, Jennifer Straniere.

Straniere, a Staten Island Advance Woman of Achievement and a posthumous Dolphin Award winner at the College of Staten Island, lost her courageous battle to breast cancer in 2021 at the age of 69. She was a mainstay at CSI’s Center for the Arts for almost two decades, serving as a Stage Manager, overseeing just about every show and student production within the theaters with a meticulous eye and amazing attention to detail as director, technician, and stage, lighting, and costume designer.

Jennifer’s family, including her husband, former New York State Supreme Court Justice Philip Straniere, and their three children, established the Jennifer Straniere Memorial Scholarship Fund to honor her dedication and commitment to advancing student success and to enable students enrolled at the College to fulfill their dreams in the theater and beyond. To date, the fund has raised more than $100,000.

“She simply loved the kids,” said Judge Straniere, when asked about the motivations behind the scholarship. “She loved making sure they had a good experience and that they contributed to the shows she was working on, and she worked on them all. Having achieved her degrees from the College, she understood the value of a CSI education, and so we felt it was appropriate this scholarship could give someone an opportunity to do what she was able to do in the performing arts.”

The newly endowed fund is intended to create scholarship opportunities for full-time or part-time undergraduate CSI students in good academic standing who retain a 3.0 GPA or higher, who are participating in the Performing and Creative Arts program. In addition to theater, students who major in music or dance at the College of Staten Island, as well as the visual arts, are eligible for this award.

For those at CSI, the Scholarship will also help to ensure that Jennifer’s memory and lifelong commitment to students in the performing arts will continue to have a lasting impact.

“We are grateful to the Straniere family for creating this endowed scholarship in Jennifer’s name to benefit students pursuing their love of theater and the arts at the College of Staten Island,” said CSI President Dr. Timothy G. Lynch. “Jennifer’s tireless efforts behind the curtains at many of our stage productions and campus events were matched only by her selfless call to assist our students and the greater community. Her loss is profound, and we are proud to honor her legacy in this way.”

Straniere’s impact on the community extends far beyond the walls of CSI. Before and during her service on campus, Straniere, a bachelor’s and master’s degree graduate from Richmond College, worked and was a volunteer at several community agencies, including: Borough Hall; the Staten Island Civic Theater and the Staten Island Children’s Theatre; the Looking Glass Players; the Shakespearean Theatre; the Jewish Community Center; Center Stage Productions; Staten Island Summer Musical Theatre; Temple Israel Players; Sea View Playwrights Theatre; and Neverland Theatre.

“After she passed, the outpouring of support we received from the community was overwhelming,” said Judge Straniere. “She did so many things for people and never thought twice about it, she just did it. Whatever it took to get someone through the ups and downs, she was there. We received notes from many we never knew who thought of Jennifer like a sister because of how she advocated for them and helped them, whether it was students at CSI, the Temple community, or hospital patients she routinely visited.”

Judge Straniere also mentioned that the meticulous organization for which Jennifer was known is still being appreciated, whether it was recipes she kept or events that she helped manage. “She is still helping others now by having documented the many things she did,” he said.

As overwhelming as her service was to the College and community, Jennifer Straniere will equally be remembered for her charming personality, bright smile, and optimistic approach in all that she endeavored.

“Jennifer was all about lifting others, so what better legacy is there than giving someone the opportunity to improve themselves with a CSI and CUNY degree?” Judge Straniere said. “It makes us proud to know her story and legacy will live on through this scholarship.”

In recognition of the establishment of the Endowment, President Lynch held a celebratory reception at the Willowbrook Campus on Monday, August 5, a date the family also selected in honor of Jennifer’s birthday. (See Photo Gallery Here)

Those who wish to donate to the Fund can do so via the Jennifer Straniere Memorial Scholarship Fund Giving Page.