Francis A. Wilcox Fellows
The Francis A. Wilcox Fellowships honors 20 students with a scholarship of $5,000 annually provided by The Francis A. Wilcox Fellowships. The recipients of The Fellowship are undergraduate and graduate students. Students are selected based on their academic scholarly achievement, extra-curricular activities, leadership, community service and volunteer engagement. In addition, Fellows must be registered as full time students in good academic standing.
Francis A. Wilcox
Mr. Francis A. Wilcox was a native of Utica and made the Mohawk Valley his home his entire life. After attending St. Francis De Sales School, he received a Bachelor of Science Degree from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, and a Master of Science Degree from Cornell University.
He served in the United States Army’s Signal Corps in India during World War II. He was awarded the Good Conduct Medal, the Meritorious Unit Award, and the World War II Victory Medal. Following his military service, he spent nearly his entire professional career as an Electrical Engineer with the General Electric Corporation, both in Utica and Syracuse.
After his retirement, he was a dedicated volunteer for the Utica Public Library, and the Oneida History Center, where he pursued his passion for Genealogy, helping people from around the United States explore their family roots and heritage.
"We helped create the Wilcox Fellowships because we knew Francis would have wanted to support dedicated students and help them succeed in their educational careers."
Francis believed hard work and education were the keys to a person’s success in life. He regarded education as an investment into one’s future. Francis appreciated learning and researching. He enjoyed going to the science fairs and scholarship award ceremonies at Utica University, where he could meet the students and talk with them directly about their interests and what they were studying.
We helped create the Wilcox Fellowships because we knew Francis would have wanted to support dedicated students and help them succeed in their educational careers.
- Kevin and Sue Keehle ’07, Members of the Francis A. Wilcox Family
Student Spotlight
Brooke Riscica '23
Do you have a minor? If so, what minor are you studying?
Philosophy of Law and Cybersecurity
What inspired you to study Criminal Intelligence Analysis?
My end goal of becoming a lawyer inspired me to major in CIA. Majoring in something that taught me how to think critically and dig deeper will serve me well in law school and beyond.
What do you want to do with your degree?
Become a lawyer.
What are your goals for after college?
Succeed in law school and pass the bar.
What is your favorite part about Utica University?
The community at Utica University is so welcoming, encouraging, and genuine. It is hard to find that in a school, but Utica has it mastered.
What is a fun fact about yourself?
I can leg press more than 650 pounds.
Ashley Anne Murray
What inspired you to pursue graduate studies in Adolescence Education?
I decided to return to school at the end of 2019 to pursue my childhood dream of becoming a social studies teacher. I have always been interested in history and wanted to follow in my late grandfather's footsteps.
What do you want to do with your degree?
Utica University is my final stop on my current educational journey; from here, I will be seek New York State certification to teach social studies. I hope to teach global history to students in grades 9 and 10, though I am open to other topics as well.
What are your goals for after college?
I hope to get more involved in both my school and home communities. I would like to expand my family, get my daughter involved in some fun local programs, and serve as the advisor for some extracurriculars wherever I teach. I also hope to participate in some professional development learning communities, pursue a few extra teaching certificates, and eventually go for a master's degree and PHD in history.
What is your favorite part about Utica University?
I love the faculty! Many of my professors are passionate about what they do and really take the time to get to know their students.
What is a fun fact about yourself?
My favorite band is Fall Out Boy.
Corrine Bush '24
What inspired you to study Public Relations & Marketing?
I was once running a robotics team in high school and I loved creating promotional pieces for them. I continued my creative education and learned how to use communication platforms in the technical field for an accelerator company and have loved every minute of it!
What do you want to do with your degree?
I don't have a specific job position in mind but I hope to use my talents to help small businesses create a brand or introduce them to new design and managerial software.
What are your goals for after college?
For at least a year after graduation, I plan to accept a full time position at my current employment, Griffiss Institute in Rome, NY.
What is your favorite part about Utica University?
I loved that as soon as I stepped onto the campus I felt at home. Even though I am a commuter, and I am living from home, other local institutions felt like foreign campuses. Utica open their arms and I like to call it my "home away from home."
What is a fun fact about yourself?
I love being in the outdoors whether it is hiking, biking, rollerblading, or kayaking, the Adirondacks is my happy place, and I love exploring new trails and trying to complete all 46 high peaks!
Isabella Starsiak '24
What inspired you to study Occupational Therapy?
I was inspired by a little with Down’s syndrome while assistant teaching dance classes. This girl taught me that anyone can do anything if you are passionate about it! And I knew that occupational therapy could allow me to help individuals do the things they are passionate about.
What do you want to do with your degree?
I would like to work in pediatrics specifically in a school or in the acute care setting as an Occupational Therapist.
What are your goals for after college?
To become an Occupational Therapist
What is your favorite part about Utica University?
The sense of community the entire school has
What's a fun fact about yourself?
I have a twin brother!
Tristan Hunziger
What inspired you to pursue a doctorate in Physical Therapy?
I have always had an interest in the human body and how it works, as well as helping people recover from injuries and conditions. PT is a great profession that allows you to develop personal relationships with patients while guiding them through their recovery.
What do you want to do with your degree?
I want to work as a travel PT for several years, before residing into an orthopedic outpatient clinic. I hope to one day open my own business in this field.
What is your favorite part about Utica University?
My favorite art about Utica University is the wonderful community of learners and educators. Everyone whom I have encountered has shown a genuine care in not only their own academic journey and personal growth, but that of their peers as well.
What's a fun fact about yourself?
I work as a Fitness Coach at O.B. Training and Sports Performance, where I teach team style classes, as well as private training sessions. This combines my passions of exercise and helping people achieve their goals.
Wilcox Fellows Advisory Committee
- Dean of Student Success
- Dir.-Center-Career Readiness
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