New Scholarship Honors the Memory of Beloved Advisement Director

A photo of Otilia Abraham, who was a tireless advocate for CUNY SPS students

The CUNY School of Professional Studies (CUNY SPS) is proud to announce the launch of the Otilia Abraham Memorial Scholarship Fund. This new scholarship, which is now accepting donations, will assist students who return to CUNY SPS to complete their online undergraduate degrees.

The scholarship will honor the memory of Otilia Abraham, the School’s longtime director of academic advisement, who passed away in the Fall 2023 semester.

Initially joining CUNY SPS in 2006, Abraham helped build the School’s Online Baccalaureate program's admissions, advisement, and student inquiry infrastructure. In addition to being a beloved member of the CUNY SPS community, she leaves a rich legacy of helping students realize their academic goals.

Dr. Zeita-Marion Lobley, director of student services, was the lead donor in establishing this fund. Her generous donation established the endowment that will serve as an ongoing tribute to Abraham’s life and work.

“I am so thrilled that CUNY SPS helped us establish this scholarship in Otilia Abraham’s name. Otilia was instrumental in helping so many students earn their college degrees even as they faced the countless challenges of being adult students,” said Dr. Lobley. “Her passionate commitment to our students continues to inspire the entire CUNY SPS community. I am honored to support this scholarship in her memory, and hope everyone who knew and loved her will do the same.”        

The scholarship’s application will open for students in the Fall 2024 Semester.

Donors wishing to support this fund may contribute here by using the dropdown menu to select the Otilia Abraham Memorial Scholarship Fund.

About the CUNY School of Professional Studies

As New York’s leader in online education since 2006, the CUNY School of Professional Studies (CUNY SPS) offers the most online bachelor’s and master’s degree options at the City University of New York, and serves as the University’s only undergraduate all-transfer college. With 24 degrees and numerous other non-degree and grant-funded workplace learning programs, CUNY SPS meets the needs of adults who wish to finish a bachelor’s degree, progress from an associate’s degree, earn a master’s degree or certificate in a specialized field, and advance in the workplace or change careers. Consistently ranked highly by U.S. News & World Report for its online offerings, and noted for its soaring growth and enrollment, CUNY SPS has emerged as a nationwide leader in online education. The School’s renowned and affordable online programs—which offer in-state tuition to all students regardless of where they live—ensure that busy working adults may fulfill their educational goals on their own time and schedule.

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