Distinguished Lee Scholars Announced

THE PATRICK P. LEE FOUNDATION NAMES

2023 DISTINGUISHED LEE SCHOLARS

Buffalo, NY – The Patrick P. Lee Foundation (“Lee Foundation”) is pleased to announce Korey MacDonald and Calvin Nau have been named the 2023 Distinguished Lee Scholars. The recipients were selected through a highly competitive process overseen by a committee of Lee Foundation board members, community members, representatives from higher education institutions, and past Lee Scholars.

The Lee Foundation, a private foundation based in Buffalo, NY, focuses its investments in two key areas – Education and Mental Health. Since 2010, the Foundation has awarded more than $8.1 million to 423 scholars. The Foundation’s largest and longest running scholarship program supports students pursuing careers in Science, Technology, Engineering or Math (STEM).

Despite receiving significant financial support, Lee Scholars often graduate with educational loans. To help alleviate this debt, the Lee Foundation created the Distinguished Lee Scholar Award to repay an award recipient’s qualified undergraduate student loans. The award is given to exceptional Lee Scholars who exemplify the Foundation’s ideals of integrity, leadership, and service to their community. 

“We are thrilled to recognize Korey MacDonald and Calvin Nau as the 2023 Distinguished Lee Scholars,” said Jane Mogavero, Executive Director of the Lee Foundation. “Both Korey and Calvin overcame obstacles in pursuit of their degrees. They not only persevered – they flourished. We know they will excel in their professional careers and continue giving back in their communities.” 

Mr. MacDonald, who graduated from Niagara County Community College this spring, is the first recipient of the Distinguished Lee Scholar Award for those pursuing an associate degree. Mr. MacDonald earned an A.A.S. degree in nursing, a field in which he was a passionate student.  While at NCCC, he was elected as a class representative to the Student Nursing Association and served as a mentor for his classmates. Mr. MacDonald recently passed his nursing licensure exams. 

Stated Mr. MacDonald, “Words cannot describe just how happy, excited, and honored I am to have been chosen as a recipient of the Distinguished Lee Scholar Award. The contribution of the Patrick Lee Foundation in assisting to alleviate my student debt will help me further my education while beginning a new career. I look forward to representing the foundation not only as a nurse, but also as inspiration for any two-year school students hesitating to apply for this scholarship going forward.”

Mr. Nau, a graduate of RIT, was selected as the Distinguished Lee Scholar Award for those earning a bachelor’s degree. Mr. Nau received dual B.S. in Industrial Engineering and MS in Industrial and Systems Engineering degrees. He has accepted a position with CUBRC and will remain at RIT while he pursues a PhD in Industrial and Mechanical Engineering.  As an undergraduate, Mr. Nau served as treasurer of RIT’s Institute of Industrial and Systems Engineering Student Chapter and presented original research at national conferences. 

“Receiving the Distinguished Lee Scholar Award is an honor as it means an increased ability to represent the Lee Foundation and carry forward its values of integrity, leadership, and service to others,” stated Mr. Nau. “The financial benefit of this award has reduced my stress in a life-changing way.”

Each year the Distinguished Lee Scholars are selected by a committee of volunteers. “The selection committees are essential to the process and we are especially grateful to the individuals who serve in this capacity. Their investment of time and thoughtful approach reflect the magnitude of the award and impact on the recipients.”

The 2022-2023 Selection Committee Members:

-          Lindsay Batrowny, VP of Finance and Operations at Goodwill of Western New York

-          Crystal Bell, Orr Fellow, Distinguished Lee Scholar ‘20

-          Parry Draper, Flight Test Engineer at Boeing, Lee Scholar ‘14

-          Maureen Finney, Provost at Nazareth College

-          Cynthia Lee, Lee Foundation Board Member

-          Arthur Michalek, Lee Foundation Board Member

-          Evelyn Post- Dunn, Educator and Occupational Therapist

-          Barbara Rhee, Lee Foundation Board Member

-          Luis Rodriguez, Owner of Rodriguez Construction Group

-          Jessica Rozycki, Midwest Aero Test Operations Senior Leader at Boeing, Distinguished Lee Scholar ‘17