Wilcox Fellows Reception brings students and donors together to recognize student accomplishments
When Utica University students hear the name “Wilcox” the first thing that likely comes to mind is the Francis A. Wilcox Intercultural and Student Organization Center, better known on campus simply as the “Wilcox Center.” This beautifully renovated building welcomes all students and provides a space to gather, study, host events, or simply relax. Many university receptions, club events, and study sessions occur in the building or on the surrounding patio space and fire pit directly outside, contributing to the Center’s popularity and extensive use. What many students may not be aware of is the man behind the name for which this space was dubbed, Mr. Francis A. Wilcox, and the lengths of which his benevolence has extended to students.
Mr. Wilcox resided in the Mohawk Valley his entire life and was a firm believer that hard work and education were the keys to live a successful life. His own professional life was spent working as an electrical engineer in the Utica and Syracuse areas. Upon retirement he was a dedicated volunteer for the Utica Public Library and the Oneida History Center, where he studied genealogy and passionately helped other Mohawk Valley residents explore their family history. Upon his death, his family created the Wilcox Fellowships in order to honor Mr. Wilcox’s strong belief in the value of education and drive for helping others succeed.
The Francis A. Wilcox Fellowships represent the largest endowed scholarship in Utica University’s history. During the Spring semester, the Wilcox Center hosted the Wilcox Fellows Reception, bringing the current cohort of Wilcox Fellows and donors together to recognize the accomplishments of students and give them an opportunity to interact with the Wilcox family and share stories of how their academic journeys have been furthered by their generosity. The endowed scholarship honors more than a dozen students with $5,000 scholarships annually.
The reception also honored the recipient of an exciting new endeavor the Wilcox Fellowship has undertaken to further enhance a particular fellow’s academic journey and aid in their path to success; the Francis A. Wilcox Internship. The first ever recipient of this internship stipend was awarded to Corrine Bush, a Public Relations and Marketing major currently interning at Griffiss Institute in Rome, New York.
“I am currently the Senior Marketing Intern at the Griffiss Institute, an elite STEM Talent + Technology Accelerator of the Mohawk Valley that elevates talent in STEM students, empowers innovation through students starting their careers, and enables experiences that are impactful for life. The stipend has helped me offset travel costs to and from university and my internship, stationed in Rome, NY,” Corrine said of her experience.
It is through the generosity of donors like Mr. Wilcox helps make meaningful impacts on the lives of so many students, and enriches their educational experiences in ways that may not have been possible without their support. Events such as the Wilcox Fellows Reception are great opportunities for students to thank their donors for all the support they have offered along the way.
Contact Us
Adrienne Smith
