Empire State University to Offer Scholarship for Firefighters 

Empire State University will be launching a new scholarship for volunteer firefighters and emergency medical service (EMS) providers, thanks to the generosity of Christopher Steadman ’96, a long-time volunteer firefighter in New Lebanon, NY and Winchester, NH. 

The scholarship represents a $500,000 commitment from Mr. Steadman and his wife Vimala, an artist. Once fully funded, the scholarship will benefit up to five students a year. Scholarship recipients must currently serve as volunteer firefighters or EMS providers and be active members of their local fire departments for at least a year.  

Exact scholarship amounts will vary, depending on student need. Students will be awarded scholarships valued at up to eight credits, plus fees, so they can complete their associate, bachelor’s, or graduate degrees at SUNY Empire.  

“We are so pleased to offer this new scholarship for these dedicated volunteers who face unique challenges due to their commitment to their communities,” said Veronica Fitzgerald, vice president of advancement at SUNY Empire. “The time, effort, and sacrifice it takes to be a volunteer firefighter or EMS provider can often delay or even prevent an individual from finishing their degree and pursuing a new career path.”  

SUNY Empire has a longstanding commitment to firefighters and a partnership with the Firefighters Association for the State New York, which will be a target pool of students for this scholarship.   

Mr. Steadman began his career as a carpenter. He received his B.A. in historical studies from SUNY Empire in 1996 and went on to get his J.D. from Albany Law School three years later. After practicing law in Albany, N.Y., he and his wife moved to Winchester, N.H., where he still lives. Although retired from active practice, he remains in good standing before the New York Bar, sits on four not-for-profit boards, and regularly uses his legal training in service to these organizations and others. After over 40 years in the fire service, he continues to serve as a volunteer in both New Lebanon and Winchester.