In 1990, The Martha and Albert Cohen Scholarship for Enhancing Community Award was established by Stephen Cohen (a Husky from the class of 1965) in honor of his parents Martha and Albert Cohen. Stephen had a deep desire to recognize students who demonstrated a significant commitment to eliminating bigotry, prejudice, and discrimination at UConn and in the local community. Through the establishment and continued support of this award over the years, Stephen demonstrated a life-long commitment to support and highlight students on campus who, through their actions and involvement in organizations, actively participated in advocacy and humanitarian work between groups.

Sadly, in January 2017, Stephen Cohen passed away. Wishing to further solidify his commitment to and support of the Cohen Scholarship and most importantly students’ efforts to eliminate discrimination, Stephen bequeathed a significant portion of his estate to the Cohen Student Leadership Scholarship for Enhancing Community.

As a result of Stephen’s unprecedented generosity, the University’s Cohen Student Leadership Scholarship is able to recognize students who have demonstrated a significant and active commitment to eliminating bigotry, prejudice, and discrimination and to fostering tolerance and understanding among the campus community as a direct part of their active membership in their registered student organizations.

April 21, 1944 - January 14, 2017

Stephen was born and raised in Waterbury, Connecticut. He entered the University of Connecticut in 1961, graduating in 1965 with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Mathematics.

Shortly after graduation Stephen moved to southern California to begin his life there of over 50 years. He was academically and professionally accomplished and lived a very private lifestyle.

His strong interest in mathematics was coupled with a specific focus on the emerging field of computers and what is now commonly referred to as "Information Technology." He continued his academic pursuits, attaining a Master's Degree in Computer Science from the University of Southern California in 1970 and a Juris Doctor Degree from Pepperdine University in 1976.

His professional life was highlighted by his accomplishments as a computer professional, practicing attorney, and information technology specialist. For the last 32 years of his professional career, he was employed by the County of Los Angeles as the Chief of Regulatory Affairs Review for Information Technology.

Beyond his professional life he was a strong advocate and supporter of programs that focused on and fostered tolerance and understanding among people. Stephen always cared deeply for others. Through very specific actions, he demonstrated his caring, gratitude and loyalty to the University of Connecticut and its students.

To that end, and in honor of his parents, he established in 1990 the Martha and Albert Cohen Scholarship Fund which sponsors the Cohen Student Leadership Scholarship for Enhancing Community. The scholarship is awarded annually to undergraduate students based on financial need and evidence of a significant commitment to eliminating bigotry, prejudice, and discrimination. He designated the scholarship in a bequest in his Will. The scholarship was significantly expanded in 2017 with a major gift from his estate.