Frank and Carrie Sapienza Scholarship

Frank and Carrie Sapienza dedicated themselves to their family. In return, their grandson John established a scholarship recognizing the couple for their encouragement, support, and commitment. John Sapienza ’96/’99, who earned his undergraduate degree from SUNY Brockport in financial management and his master’s degree in public administration, has worked for the college for more than 20 years, most recently serving as Director of Advancement Services & Finance.

Frank Sapienza was born in Baton Rouge, LA, in 1918, an area devastated by the Depression. At age 16, he moved to Brooklyn and then came to Rochester to live with an aunt. He noticed his future wife when she walked past his house to catch a bus on her way to work. Although Frank had only a sixth-grade education, his grandson remembers him as smart, talented and knowledgeable about building, mechanical, and electrical work. He passed away in 2010.

Carrie, a native Rochesterian, was born in 1921. Like the majority of women of her generation, she became a homemaker after her marriage, dedicating her life to her family. She passed away in 2002.

The scholarship in their memory recognizes an outstanding incoming transfer student who first attended Monroe Community College.