When Isabella Shenandoah-Kurtz was awarded the Robert H. Edson Memorial Scholarship during her first semester on the Onondaga Community College campus, she never imagined how far it would take her. "It was about more than the money. It was a major deal in my life. It connected me with Sue Edson and her whole family. They're very good people. They showed me what it looks like when you love what you do, and how happy you will be."
The scholarship is a tribute to the life of Rob Edson, who was serving as OCC's Athletic Director when he passed away unexpectedly in 2013 at age 45. Following his death, the scholarship bearing his name was created and presented annually to a Lazer student-athlete who was selected by the Edson family. Sue Edson was Rob's wife and the Chief Communications Officer for Syracuse University Athletics from 1997 through 2024.
That connection between the Edsons and Shenandoah-Kurtz turned into something even more meaningful. Thanks to their support, she landed a summer internship in 2024 with Syracuse University’s Athletic Communications office. The experience opened her eyes to the behind-the-scenes work that powers college sports. “I loved the big college feel,” she said. “It gave me a real appreciation for all the planning and effort that happens before a season even begins.”
Just two months ago, Shenandoah-Kurtz completed her Communications Studies degree. She was an outstanding student while also competing on the Women's Basketball and Women's Lacrosse teams. After weighing her college options, she decided to transfer to Buffalo State University, where she will continue to major in Communications and keep playing basketball and lacrosse.
This summer she's working in OCC's Admissions office where she's doing a little bit of everything - stuffing envelopes, calling new and returning students, and reminding them of key steps before classes start. "I've really liked it. It's been interesting to see how many people work hard here to help students get everything they need."
Thanks to her relationship with Sue Edson, she'll be heading to Buffalo early next month for another sports-related internship. She's been chosen to be a Game Day Intern with pro football's Buffalo Bills, and her first game will be August 9 when they host the New York Giants. "Sue Edson has really been amazing to me. She showed me the inner workings of sports, how important it is to network, and how to be personable with people and show them who you are. Everyone is connected in the sports world."
Shenandoah-Kurtz grew up in what she calls a "football house." Her mother is a Bills fan, and her father roots for the Green Bay Packers. "We've always been a football family. They are very excited for me to go!"
Moving to Buffalo means Shenandoah-Kurtz will be residing somewhere other than Central New York for the first time. She attended Lafayette Junior/Senior High School in southern Onondaga County, graduated 3rd in her class, and had several college options. She chose to stay close to home for her first two years. "There was something about OCC. I just wanted to come here. I played basketball. I loved it. I truly found a family here. It was special. I was allowed to fail here. It's okay to fail as long as you keep going."
