In Memory of Toby

A dear colleague, Admissions Counselor Toby Friedland, died on Aug. 11 of cancer. Her friends in the Admissions Office wrote, “She was loved by many and will be remembered for her spirit, good nature, vast knowledge, and of course her love of animals, especially dogs. She will be missed.”

Toby joined the Excelsior staff in March 1998, and for many years, she worked with the College’s students from Testing and Training International (TTI), an organization that offers students the opportunity to obtain an education in an environment that does not compromise their religious sensitivities.

She was known for her enthusiasm for the College and its students. “I met Toby Friedland in 1999, when I attended my Commencement in Albany,” remembers Alumni Advisory Board President John Amidon. “She was my tour guide around Excelsior that year, and we stayed in touch each time I visited the College. Toby always greeted me with a smile. She was an upbeat per- son who brightened a room when she walked in.”

Says colleague Betsy Sickles, “Toby would not want you to dwell in her passing but celebrate her life.” Her legacy will live on through the Toby Friedland Scholarship Fund, which has been established by her friends at the College to be awarded to a TTI student. Those interested may send contributions to Excelsior College, The Toby Friedland Scholarship Fund, 7 Columbia Circle, Albany, NY 12203.

One Alum Commemorates the College’s 40 Years with a Scholarship Fund

Jerry Neff, BSL ’87, taught himself to play the saxophone and was a performing rock musician in the days when Neil Sedaka was big. These days, Jerry is at work on the life history of his WWII veteran cousin who kept a complete diary of his experiences from the time he was drafted until the day he was liberated from a German POW camp.

Jerry’s passion is education for members of the military. That’s why he and his wife Judy have established the Brigadier General Jerry L. and Judy A. Neff Scholarship Fund at Excelsior College. The fund will provide scholarships to students who are members of the U.S. Army National Guard or the U.S. Air National Guard and who demonstrate financial need.

“Creating this endowment at Excelsior has satisfied our desire to create a legacy that we believe in,” says Jerry. “And like the opportunity of a legacy you leave to children and grandchildren, it must come from the heart. Excelsior College is very dear to our hearts, and it was a happy occasion to write that check and put it in the mail,” added Judy.

Jerry, who is chairing Excelsior College’s 40th anniversary celebration, made this generous gift to commemorate the College’s mile- stone. “Judy and I hope that our gift might encourage other alumni to also make a gift in celebration of the College’s longevity and continued efforts to provide a quality education and ways for people to finish their degrees.”

Like many working adults, Jerry believes that Excelsior provided him with the opportunity to achieve a college degree in an alternative, student-friendly manner. “Degree completion sets the stage for future opportunities and successes that otherwise wouldn’t present themselves. In many instances, a degree is necessary to advance in a career or to meet requirements for further schooling. Excelsior presents a wonderful way for the 54 million Americans with some college credit to complete their degree.”

“Education in the national guard and reserve is essential to success. This includes both military and civilian education,” says Jerry. “Excelsior gives credit for many military training experiences as it provides a path to a degree without duplicating work. We hope this scholarship will provide needed assistance to worthy recipients to fulfill their desire and dream of a college degree.”

“What I want others to know about Excelsior is the focus on the success of students. The faculty and staff have their priorities correct and the top one is the students. Even more, Excelsior is one of the best alternatives for the education of adults in America; it is also one of the country’s best kept secrets. I’m hopeful that the 40th anniversary celebration will be an opportunity for all graduates of the College to feel a sense of pride.”