Francis and Christine Peverly

Frank and Chris are first generation college graduates who have recognized and benefited from the value of a higher education. Understanding an education is the means to upward mobility and opportunity, they have been active advocates for education at all levels providing strong personal, financial and emotional support for numerous educational institutions at the elementary, high school and collegiate level. Frank, who has served on the SUNY Orange Foundation Board of Directors for several years, also has been associated with an independent day school board for many years, and is active with alumni and research advisory boards at his collegiate alma mater. Chris has been active in the independent day school arena and with her college alumni and development association. This scholarship is their way of providing others, who have the perseverance, grit and determination to fight through the challenges of collegiate studies, with an opportunity to be successful and perhaps take one less financial concern off their plate. Frank and Chris hope that this scholarship will allow the student to focus on academics and character development which will lead them to a successful post-college career.

Frank is a 35 year veteran of the power industry, retiring in 2020 after nearly a decade as the Vice President of Operations and Engineering at Orange and Rockland Utilities (O&R), and President of two of O&R’s non-regulated subsidiaries. In that role, he oversaw all facets of the electric and gas energy system and was active in several high level executive oversight roles for projects and programs at O&R and it’s parent company, Consolidated Edison. Frank’s experience ranges from utility and business operations, customer service, and finance through construction, workforce development and labor relations. Today, Frank works with CHA Consulting, an innovative, full-service engineering design, consulting and construction management firm delivering sustainable, integrated solutions to the world’s most challenging infrastructure projects. Frank serves as their Vice President and Market Segment Leader for Power.

Chris is a Senior Director, Clinical Studies and Study Management at Merck. Merck is a multinational pharmaceutical company using the power of leading-edge science to save and improve lives around the world. Chris has been with Merck for over 36 years, holding positions of increasing responsibility from a chemical laboratory researcher to her role today overseeing dozens of international clinical studies which support evolving medical needs including COVID, cancer and woman’s health. Chris is a transformational leader who has also overseen several mergers and acquisitions in the pharma industry and has worked to ensure the integration of the acquired firms and their employees with the business practices of Merck and its subsidiaries.