Scholarship in honor of fallen NY Guard member from Rensselaer raises $10,000
The scholarship in memory of a National Guard member who died in a helicopter crash has reached $10,000 in donations.
The Casey Frankoski Scholarship Fund at Excelsior College is honoring the life of the 28-year-old Rensselaer graduate, who died in a helicopter crash on March 8 at the U.S.-Mexico border in Texas.
Frankoski was in her final class to complete her degree in homeland security and emergency management. She was posthumously awarded her degree to honor her service and sacrifice.
Thes Casey Frankoski ’24 Ever Upward Scholarship will go to active-duty military or veteran students working to achieve their educational goals, according to the college.
The Frankoski family has ties to the Excelsior community. Her father, retired Rensselaer Police Chief James Frankoski, is a former faculty member. Her aunt Lisa Frankoski was a part-time nursing faculty member.
“Casey Frankoski was a shining example of the Excelsior student story: while heroically serving her country, she took advantage of flexible online programs to grow personally and professionally,” said Excelsior University president David Schejbal, in a statement. “While Casey’s story was tragically cut short, we are proud to continue her legacy for the next generation of military students through the Casey Frankoski ’24 Ever Upward Scholarship.”
People can continue contribute to the scholarship fund through Sept. 1.