Press Releases

September 26, 2001
Frankel Foundation Supports $800,000 Endowment Fund for Marine Science Scholarships

Funding will Perpetuate the Prestigious Evan Frankel Scholarships

Contact:
Jane Finalborgo
(631) 287 8313
Fax: (631) 283 4081

Long Island University has successfully raised $400,000 to match a challenge grant from The Evan Frankel Foundation to perpetuate the Evan Frankel Scholarships in Marine Science. An $800,000 endowment fund is being established to support the Scholarships for outstanding Marine Science students at Southampton College.

"We are thrilled that the University has shown this strong commitment to the excellence of the Marine Science Program at Southampton College," said Andy Sabin, Trustee of the Evan Frankel Foundation. "By so quickly raising the funds to match the Foundation's grant, the University has endorsed the program's strength and potential."

Since 1966 the Evan Frankel Foundation, based in East Hampton, has made grants totaling $128,000 that have enabled 33 of Southampton College's top Marine Science students to undertake a broad spectrum of valuable off-campus research and educational experiences, among them the study of sea turtles in Malaysia and Puerto Rico, dolphins in Greece, and penguins in South Africa and field work in the Amazon.

Through providing these opportunities for hands-on experience, the prestigious Frankel Scholarships have helped talented and dedicated students to focus their career goals and select their field of graduate study.

"With this generous gift and the University's response in matching it, the College will continue to award Frankel Scholarships each year to top marine science students, enriching their experiences and preparing them to protect and study our marine environment," said Provost Tim Bishop.

Southampton's program in Marine Science is internationally recognized and has produced 32 Fulbright Scholars. The program emphasizes experiential learning through such unique courses as "SEAmester" and Tropical Marine Biology.

"We are delighted with the establishment of this endowment that so appropriately memorializes Evan Frankel by supporting future marine science students for generations to come," said Long Island University President David J. Steinberg.

The Evan Frankel Foundation was established in April, 1991. The late Evan Frankel, who received an honorary degree from Southampton College in 1982, was instrumental in founding the Jewish Center of the Hamptons and was active in the East End community for more than 50 years.