Lockport Family Establishes Scholarship for UB History Majors

BUFFALO, N.Y. -- Would-be history teacher Bryan Argo never graduated from the University at Buffalo, but his memory, through the generosity of his family and friends, has lived on in the Bryan G. Argo Memorial Scholarship in History, awarded this year to Justin Martin, a senior from North Tonawanda.

"Justin is a remarkable student who exemplifies the qualities memorialized by the award," said Erik R. Seeman, UB associate professor of history and director of undergraduate studies. "Despite his part-time work, he has excelled in his studies. His professors are impressed by his maturity and intelligence."

The Bryan G. Argo Memorial Scholarship in History, established by Steven and Lori Argo of Lockport, will be awarded to a full-time student from either Niagara or Erie counties who has a minimum overall 3.0 GPA, and who works full- or part-time while attending school.

"To be part of Bryan's legacy is a tremendous honor," said Martin. "The scholarship will allow me to take summer courses and pay for the ever-rising costs of college. This scholarship will make a major contribution toward my career goal, allowing me to complete courses on time and take courses in languages and other important areas that will make me a competitive applicant for graduate school. I will be forever grateful for this generous award."

After graduation in 2007, Martin plans on attending graduate school to earn a doctorate in American history, specializing in diplomatic and international history.

Bryan Argo was 21 when he and his sister, Nicole, were killed in a car accident on Sept. 26, 2003, while en route to a surprise party for their grandmother. A UB senior at the time, Bryan Argo had planned to teach history after graduation.

His parents have established the Bryan G. Argo Memorial Scholarship in History through the Bryan and Nicole Argo Memorial Foundation.

"After the deaths of our children," said Steven Argo, "friends, family and strangers began sending us money in the mail. We felt that it wasn't ours, so we set up the Bryan and Nicole Argo Memorial Foundation." Through the foundation, the Argos have raised money through fundraisers such as golf tournaments, dinners and basket raffles toward the goal of endowing the scholarship fund. To date, they have collected more than $75,000 and welcome anyone interested to contribute to the fund.

"Bryan loved UB," said Lori Argo. "We are privileged to be able to offer this scholarship in his memory, and through the foundation to be able to reach out to the community in other meaningful ways."

To make a gift or for more information about upcoming fund-raising events of the foundation, contact Deborah McKinzie, assistant dean and senior director of development in the UB College of Arts and Sciences, at (716) 645-6000, ext. 1503.