Thomas R. & Mary P. Markusen Scholarship in the Arts and Lifelong Learning

This fund was originally established to support individuals with a passion for the arts and a belief in their role in lifelong learning through the Visual Studies Workshop (VSW). When the VSW program was discontinued in 2024, Thomas and Mary Markusen realigned their fund to support an incoming student from Kendall Central School in Kendall, New York, as well as the Tower of Fine Arts Gallery on the SUNY Brockport campus.

Thomas and Mary are dedicated Brockport emeriti.

Tom, a professor of sculpture and metal/jewelry from 1968–1998, initiated the metalsmithing program and developed the metal studio. During his tenure as chair of the Department of Art, he oversaw the establishment of the Bachelor of Fine Arts major and the consortium with the VSW. In May 2014, Professor Markusen was awarded an honorary Doctor of Fine Arts from the State University of New York.
Mary, who served as Associate Director of Adult & Continuing Education from 1971–1998, was a strong advocate for adult learners. She developed dynamic marketing campaigns and programming designed specifically for adult students. Under her leadership, SUNY Brockport experienced significant growth in adult enrollment, with many students completing their degrees through on- and off-campus programs, optional telecourses, and early online courses.

Eligible students must

• Be accepted for enrollment at the undergraduate level at SUNY Brockport as an incoming first-year or transfer student.
• Have graduated, or be on track to graduate, from Kendall Junior-Senior High School in Kendall, New York.
• Demonstrate strong potential for academic excellence as determined by the selection committee.

Preference will be provided to students who demonstrate a commitment to academic excellence but do not qualify for an Extraordinary Academic Scholarship.

This scholarship will be credited to the recipient’s bill in the form of a non-tuition educational expense grant. It must be used for educational expenses and may not be received as cash.

Incoming students are considered for scholarships based on their admissions application – they should not apply through the scholarship portal. For best consideration, students are encouraged to submit their application by February 15th.