By Nina Faupel | February 12, 2024
Photos of Matthew Peter and Letizia Tagliafierro.
Photo Credit: The Matthew Peter '06 MA '07 Scholarship for Public Service, and The Letizia Tagliafierro '95 Scholarship for Public Service.
The University at Albany proudly celebrates the legacies of two distinguished alumni, Matthew Peter and Letizia Tagliafierro, by establishing scholarships dedicated to encouraging future leaders in public service.
Matthew Peter, a double alum who earned his bachelor's and master's degrees in political science from UAlbany, dedicated his life and career to improving the city of Albany. From important roles in the Governor's Office to serving as the Executive Director of the Albany Parking Authority, Matthew worked to improve conditions in his community.
Letizia Pia Tagliafierro, who graduated with an undergraduate degree from UAlbany in 1995 and later earned her Juris Doctorate from Albany Law School, held a distinguished career in public service, including her appointment as State Inspector General.
“The untimely passing in 2023 of two remarkably accomplished UAlbany alumni, Letizia Tagliaferro '95 and Matthew Peter '06 MA '07, left our University community deeply saddened,” says Fardin Sanai, UAlbany's Vice President of University Advancement. “It has also inspired unprecedented support from donors whose generosity ensures that Letizia and Matthew's legacies will forever live on in the form of endowed scholarship support for deserving Rockefeller College students.”
The Matthew Peter '06 MA '07 Scholarship for Public Service, and The Letizia Tagliafierro '95 Scholarship for Public Service aim to support undergraduate or graduate students seeking degrees through UAlbany's Rockefeller College of Public Affairs and Policy. Recipients will demonstrate a commitment to a public service career and possess leadership qualities and a minimum GPA of 3.0. These scholarships, generously funded by donors, will ease educational expenses for students dedicated to positively impacting their communities.
UAlbany has received over $100,000 in donations toward The Matthew Peter Scholarship and the Letizia Tagliafierro Scholarships for Public Service. These funds will support undergraduate or graduate students at the Rockefeller College of Public Affairs and Policy who exemplify public service and leadership.
Through these scholarships, the UAlbany honors the legacies of Matthew Peter and Letizia Tagliafierro, assuring that their commitment to public service continues to inspire future generations of leaders.