Hillside House of Coeymans Donates $250,000 to Establish Scholarship Honoring UAlbany Alumnus

Hillside Board President Julia Filippone, daughter of Dr. Frank J. Filippone, presents a $250,000 check to UAlbany to establish an endowed scholarship in her father's name (Photo Mark Schmidt).

The University at Albany announced the establishment of The Dr. Frank J. Filippone '41, '48 -- Hillside House Scholarship, designed to support graduate students who have demonstrated academic achievement and financial need. Filippone, who passed away in 2002, founded Hillside House of Coeymans, one of New York's first community-based residence programs for the developmentally disabled. Hillside House of Coeymans has contributed $250,000 toward establishing the endowed scholarship.

Scholarship recipients must demonstrate an interest in helping people with developmental disabilities. They must also be enrolled in UAlbany's School of Education, the Department of Psychology at the College of Arts and Sciences or the School of Social Welfare.

"This scholarship is a testament to Dr. Filippone's legacy within education, his accomplishments and compassion," said Interim President George M. Philip. "It is the University's honor to steward this endowment in his memory."

"Scholarships for our students are critical, especially as they work hard to meet the financial challenges of obtaining a college education," said George Hearst, president of The University at Albany Foundation. "I appreciate the example of the Hillside House's philanthropy in providing this generous support."

"Hillside House is establishing this fund to honor my father's vision, his compassion for those in need, and his community service," said his daughter Julia Filippone, Hillside House board president. "This gift will ensure that his legacy -- leading by service, educating and caring for others -- is carried forward by future generations of educators, social workers and other committed to caring for the developmentally disabled."

Filippone received bachelor's ('41) and master's ('48) degrees in education from UAlbany. He dedicated his life to education, having worked as a teacher, principal and superintendent in New York State prior to establishing Hillside House in 1975. He also founded the Ravena-Coeymans-Selkirk (RCS) Men's Association in 1963 and founded the RCS Rotary Interact Club in 1969. He held positions with many community and civic groups, including the RCS Council of Churches, Ravena-Coeymans Rotary, the RCS School Board and the Grace United Methodist Men's Group.

In 1994, in recognition of his dedication and notable accomplishments, Filippone was named a distinguished alumnus of the University at Albany.

Contact(s): Catherine Herman (518) 956-8150