BRESEE LEGACY LIVES ON THROUGH SCHOLARSHIP

Esther Bartow Bresee '31

Esther Bresee '31 continues to help the College at Oneonta Foundation students like Victoria Estrella, a student from Hawthorne, New York, even though Esther passed away peacefully in 2010—one month shy of her 100th birthday.

Esther's legacy and impact on the College at Oneonta Foundation and our students will live on forever through the endowed scholarship she established in her will.

Esther was born in Oneonta and graduated from what was then known as Oneonta State Normal School in 1931. She was proud to say that her mother, Maude Bedford Bartow, was also a graduate in the Class of 1894.

After teaching on Long Island, Esther returned to Oneonta where she married Wilmer Bresee, chairman of the board of Oneonta's legendary Bresee's department store.

A charter member of the College at Oneonta Foundation board of directors, Esther knew the importance and need for scholarships for the College at Oneonta Foundation students. That is why she included a bequest in her will to the College at Oneonta Foundation for a scholarship in her name. It has made all the difference to her scholarship recipients.

Victoria Estrella
Given her interest in traditional clothing from around the world, Esther would be delighted to know that Victoria is majoring in fashion and textiles. And Victoria appreciates what Esther has done for her.

"Receiving this scholarship means a lot to me and my family," she says. "Mrs. Bresee's scholarship has the power to make the tough financial aspect of going to college more tolerable for my parents. What better way to show support for the College at Oneonta Foundation than by giving present and future students this opportunity."

Scholarships like Esther's are a priority for our College. If you would like to make a SUNY Oneonta education affordable for students like Victoria, please contact us.