David Arpi, a Stony Brook University alumnus, has established an endowed scholarship fund in memory of his late wife, Natalie Gubb. Both David and Natalie graduated from the same graduate program in urban policy and sciences at Stony Brook University in 1974. While David pursued a career with the Federal Power Commission and later founded MACH Energy, Natalie became a notable affordable housing attorney in California.
The new scholarship fund is aimed at supporting the Educational Opportunity Program (EOP/AIM) at Stony Brook University. This program offers higher education access, academic support, and financial aid to students who show potential for college success but may not have had the opportunity otherwise.
“Natalie dedicated her career to helping thousands of people across California live in homes they can afford and mentoring young developers,” said Arpi. “My hope is that this fund will continue her life’s work to help students from lower-income backgrounds get the great education that both Natalie and I got at Stony Brook.” The scholarship will cover nontuition expenses such as room and board, books, or travel costs for EOP/AIM students.
Pamela Matzner, director of the EOP/AIM program, expressed gratitude for Arpi's contribution: “We are grateful for David Arpi’s confidence in the EOP/AIM,” she said. “Establishing this endowed scholarship fund in his wife’s honor is an investment into the future of our students, helping to ensure they graduate.”
This initiative was inspired by New York State's endowment match program and the Simons Infinity Investment Match Challenge introduced in 2023.