Cliff Mastrangelo '63

The loss of one's child is perhaps the most grievous experience one can endure. Just before age 40, Christopher Mastrangelo '89 contracted glioblastoma, an aggressive brain cancer that typically, has less than a year of life expectancy. He survived for seven months after his diagnosis. His father Cliff decided to create a memorial gift in Chris's honor as a way for his wonderful legacy to live on.

During his senior year in high school, Cliff was confronted with selecting either Columbia University or Union College for his undergraduate education. Cliff chose Union. When reflecting on this choice, Cliff proudly stated, "To this day, it remains one of the best decisions of my life."

With the assistance of Union's Office of Gift Planning, Cliff designed in Chris's memory a gift that will provide one annual summer internship in perpetuity. Many unpaid student internships are offered by nonprofits, businesses and start-ups that require a student to self-fund living expenses during their internships. The summer internship award provides assistance for living expenses.

Additionally, Cliff spearheaded fundraising for the Class of 1963 Endowed Internship Fund to fund a minimum of three student summer internships. The Class of 1963 continues to raise funds to support this magnificent program.

When speaking about the importance of giving back to Union, Cliff affirmed, "I look at gifts to Union as a thank you, a recognition to those in the past who have made generous contributions to the College and thus provided alumni like myself a solid footing for life. Union has always been in the top echelons of collegiate education, and it is important to retain this position through the loyal support of Union's alumni, parents and friends."