Kappa Beta – Giving Back to UAlbany
In keeping with Kappa Beta’s origin as the only fraternity open to Jewish students on the UAlbany campus (then known as the New York State College for Teachers at Albany or “Albany State” for short), “Old” Kappa Beta brothers established individual endowments that support Judaic Studies at UAlbany:
The Irving Fishman Endowment was established by Irving Fishman, ’40 to award grants to worthy Judaic Studies in need of financial support. Fishman was founder and President of Maritime Power Corporation of Jersey City, N.J., a prominent supplier of marine and industrial equipment.
The Lillian L. Kensky and Dr. Harry C. Kensky Endowment Fund Award. Established by Mrs. Lillian L. Kensky in memory of her husband, Dr. Harry C. Kensky, ‘43 and member of Kappa Beta, the fund awards scholarships in alternate years on the basis of academic merit and financial need to graduating seniors planning to pursue graduate studies in Jewish service or scholarship.
The Stephen Arnold Rosenberg Fund. Established by Haskell Rosenberg ’40 and his wife Sunny in memory of their son, this endowment supports campus-wide arts and cultural activities through the Center for Jewish Studies.
The Calvin and Patricia Zippin Endowment Scholarship. Dr. Calvin Zippin, ‘47 and his wife Patricia founded this endowment in memory of Cal’s parents Samuel and Jennie Zippin to help outstanding students of Judaic Studies pursue their educational goals.
The Bernard D. Arbit Fund established by Bernard D. Arbit ’42 and a member of Kappa Beta provides support for the Department of Judaic Studies and Center for Jewish Studies.
The Kappa Beta Memorial Fund was established in 1987 by Haskell Rosenberg ‘40, Nahum Lewis ‘38, Irving Fishman ‘40, Bernie Arbit ‘42, Norman Baldwin ‘41, Bernard Bernhardt, Harry Bergstein ‘39, Harry Kensky ‘43, Philip Malafsky ‘51, Harry Passow ‘42 and George Pearson ’41 to commemorate the fraternity’s 50th anniversary. As of June 2021, The Kappa Beta Memorial Fund had a balance of over $61,000 which support two scholarships: The Minerva Scholarship which supports incoming undergraduates who demonstrate financial need, and the Alumni Association School Spirit Scholarship, which supports rising sophomores, juniors and seniors who have demonstrated financial need and a commitment to the UAlbany community by exhibiting school spirit and pride. The Kappa Beta Memorial Fund is administered by The University at Albany Foundation which provides KB with an annual donor impact report which is currently sent to Bill Robelee and Dan Johnson. When possible, Bill, Dan and Roy Cameron have arranged to meet each scholarship winner(s) and their faculty advisors at Alumni House. We encourage Kappa Beta brothers and their families to donate to The Kappa Beta Memorial Fund.
KB’s Roy Cameron and Bill Robelee with Professor Federica Francesconi, Director of Jewish Studies Department at UAlbany and Marissa and Aiden, 2022-23 recipients of our Kappa Beta scholarship. The scholarships, awarded annually, are available due to the generosity of numerous KB alums who established and continue to maintain the Kappa Beta Memorial Fund. We encourage you to make a tax deductible donation to The Kappa Beta Memorial Fund using the Kappa Beta Memorial Fund Donation Form.