Classroom Publication

The premiere A Cappella Fest not only showcased the fresh talent at the University at Albany but raised money for a worthy cause as well. The benefit concert was dedicated to life and memory of UAlbany's own alumni, Dr. Kimberly Esterman. Esterman first came to study at the University in 1996 and found her niche in the Middle Earth Peer Assistance Program. She worked closely with Middle Earth to help those in need and in turn prepared herself for a career as a psychologist.

Through developing a peer mentoring program and creating the foundation of the Middle Earth Players Esterman made great strides for the Middle Earth program in her four years of attending the university. According to the Middle Earth Benefit concert brochure, this peer theater program was later recognized by the U.S Department of Education and the Center for Substance Abuse Prevention as well as the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

In 1998, the students of Middle Earth nominated Kim for a President's Undergraduate Leadership Award for Outstanding Advisor. Esterman received the award, despite the fact that the award was traditionally only given to faculty and staff members.

Before even stepping foot in Albany, Esterman was diagnosed in 1989 with neuroblastoma a form of cancer that arises in immature nerve cells and affects mostly infants and children. Esterman then became determined to become a psychologist and to help young people for as long as she could. After years of treatment she was one in fifty to ever be cured of this disease and enter remission.

After four years of studying in Albany Kim went on to apply for her doctoral internship, only to find that her cancer had returned. This time the outlook was worse then before, but this never stopped Esterman from perusing her dreams. Even through the worst time of treatment, she spoke about the Middle Earth program at the American Psychological Association Annual Convention. Esterman graduated in May 2002 with a PhD in Counseling Psychology from the School of Education and went onto to work as a psychologist till August of 2003. Only a few weeks later, Kim lost the battle to cancer and died on September 8, 2003.

The loss of Kim's life was felt throughout the entire University and Middle Earth community. To show their appreciation, the students of Middle Earth established the Kimberly E. Esterman Memorial Award as well as a Memorial Fund in her name. This program will reward a scholarship to one undergraduate or graduate student that is a part of Middle Earth and enrolled in the School of Education.

Although this was the first A Capella Fest, Middle Earth students held other on-campus events such as a "Dance-A-Thon" to raise money. The goal is to raise around 25,000 so this scholarship can be awarded each year.

According to Kezia Cooper, the head of the A Cappella Fest, they raised around "1,300 to 2,000 with this one event." Kimberly Esterman gave hope to students to reach for their dreams no matter what. Through this scholarship fund Esterman's legacy will be continued for years to come.

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