Piaker Family Scholarship Challenge will expand undergraduate financial aid

Rochester Trustee Steve Piaker ’84 and his wife, Randi, have committed $1 million to launch a new scholarship challenge benefiting undergraduates at the University’s Hajim School of Engineering & Applied Sciences and School of Arts & Sciences. The Piaker Family Scholarship Challenge has the potential to generate up to $3 million in financial aid for students with demonstrated need.

Bursar’s Office on-site operations closed Friday

Bursar’s Office on-site operations, including the information window in Meliora Hall, will not be available on Friday, May 16. Staff will be available by phone during regularly scheduled telephone hours and by email during regular business hours.

Students, alumni receive national merit-based awards for study, research, and service

Rochester students will perform research and volunteer service—at home and abroad—while others will further their education after receiving merit-based national awards during the 2024–25 academic year. Find more details here.

Recently announced recipients include:

• Churchill Scholarship: Derek Chien ’25
• Goldwater Scholars: Maria Ahmed ’26, Wimeth Dissanayake ’26, Aashay Mardikar ’26, and Marvin Wu ’26
• Beckman Scholars: Maria Ahmed ’26 and Dabne Herrera Guerra ’26
• Projects for Peace: Nyasha Gwaza ’26
• National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowships: Carmen Marshall ’25 and Natasha Vacca ’25; doctoral candidates Amy Carolus and Alex Jasko; and Danielle Getz ’23, Christopher Lu ’23, and Rachel Young ’23
• Yenching Academy of Peking University Scholar: Kai Jia (Mark) Liu ’24
• DAAD Rise: Marlena Berger ’27, Erhan Ertekin ’26, Leo Liang ’26, Lily Matt ’26, Katherine Neyland ’26, Misha Parikh ’27, Ngoc Mai Pham ’27, and Hanna Wang ’26; and doctoral candidate Maria Lizarazo Rojas
• Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship: Princess Aniagboso ’26 and Alexander Bae ’27
• Amgen Scholar: Valeria Riviera Almodovar ’26
• Doris Duke Conservation Scholar: Carmen Marshall ’25
• GEM Fellowship: Rafael de Farias ’25
• Critical Language Scholar: Lia Polster ’27
• Christianson Fellowship: Sophia Samantaroy ’24, ’25 (MS)
• Project Horseshoe Farm Community Health Fellow: Alana Eisenberg ’25

Flags will be lowered for Edward Calnek

University flags on the Eastman Quadrangle and near the entrance of Strong Memorial Hospital’s Emergency Department will be lowered on Thursday, May 22, for Edward Calnek, a professor emeritus of anthropology, who died on April 22. Calnek joined the University faculty in 1964.

Final chance to donate items during move-out

Get rid of unwanted items responsibly before moving out of campus housing. Donate unopened toiletries and non-perishable food at collection bins through May 19, and on Saturday, May 17, drop off larger items like furniture, appliances, and electronics at “Dump and Run” events happening at select residences. Find more information on move-out programs here.

Spring 2026 education abroad applications now open

Applications to study abroad during the spring 2026 semester are now open. Visit the education abroad portal for the complete list of programs, deadlines, and to apply to each program. Reach out via email if you have questions.

Celebrate Global Accessibility Awareness Day

In recognition of the 14th Global Accessibility Awareness Day (GAAD) on May 15, the digital accessibility team in University Marketing and Communications invites all faculty and staff to participate in the Digital Accessibility Awareness Survey. Your input will help strengthen inclusive digital practices at the University. Upon completion, you’ll receive information about GAAD activities and additional opportunities to learn, connect, and get involved in accessibility efforts across campus.

Talk retirement with TIAA at the Medical Center

Have quick questions about the University’s retirement program, or need help enrolling online? Stop by the Sarah Flaum Atrium on Tuesday, May 20, from noon to 2 p.m., where a TIAA representative will be available to assist.

Annual Art and Treasures Sale at MAG

The Memorial Art Gallery’s annual Art and Treasures Sale, June 5–8, is the place to find gently used antiques, fine art, china, porcelain, silver, crystal, jewelry, housewares, notions, books, and small furniture items. Find each day’s schedule and purchase tickets for preview night, Thursday, June 5, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. There is no cost to attend Friday through Sunday. The council is also accepting donations for the sale. For information or to schedule a donation, call (585) 276-8910 or send an email.