Keep the Door Open Scholarship in Memory of Paul Michael Romano

In 1998, three days after Debra Ann Romano enrolled at SUNY Ulster at her 18-year-old son Paul’s endless insistence, he was killed in a motorcycle accident. Debra gathered strength, channeled Paul’s love and that of her four surviving children and family, and took that first step to honor her commitment to him. After UCCC, she continued her education at Marist College. At the start of her final semester, she discovered that although she had enough credits to graduate on the Dean’s List, she was only one credit shy (at a cost of $1,200) of graduating “Cum Laude,” but all financial aid had been exhausted. Missing out on the “Honors” status tribute to Paul was devastating. Debra’s mother-in-law insisted that she enroll in the extra class nonetheless and encouraged her to believe miracles happen when doors are left open. The following morning, the last day she could pay for an additional course, Debra was informed that an Adult Learner’s Scholarship for people her age with her GPA had been overlooked. It was a $1,200 scholarship! Debra has continued to express her gratitude and affection for SUNY Ulster, as the catalyst to obtaining not only multiple degrees but also the healing her educational persistence and faith generated. This scholarship is awarded annually to students pursuing their own dream of completing their college education, with preference given to students emerging from extraordinary loss. Est. 2023.