Last winter, Robert McFarland gave something precious to Union College – the Schenectady house he called home for decades.
Robert McFarland outside his Schenectady home
Neither an alumnus nor parent or grandparent of a graduate, McFarland nevertheless loves Union – for what it gave him and what it continues to give the community.
“I lived in Schenectady for 60 years and interacted with Union at least weekly, sometimes daily. With the permission of the Athletics director, I ran on the outdoor track with friends regularly or used the indoor track during inclement weather,” he said. “I attended countless classical music concerts in Memorial Chapel, as well as lectures given by scholars, political figures and community speakers in the Nott Memorial. I’ve spent hours and hours meditating and walking in Jackson’s Garden.”
“Union College is the cultural gem of Schenectady and maybe of the Capital Region. It’s the lynchpin for sports, music and cultural entertainment,” McFarland continued. “City residents know this. Citizens are often on campus, enjoying it as part of their walking routine or for its events. Union is indispensable and valuable to the City of Schenectady.”
McFarland, who was an administrator at the University of Albany for many years before his retirement, relocated to Virginia Beach after donating his home.
The College will sell the house to fund a scholarship for Schenectady students who attend Union, which makes McFarland happy.
“Helping young people in this way, it’s just the right thing to do.” he said.