Jay Goldman attributes his academic success to his parents' support. And this spring, a few Auburn High School students will be able to do the same.

Goldman - along with his sister, Mimi, and brother, Marty - has established the Ruth and Charles B. Goldman Memorial Scholarship Fund in memory of their parents. Charles passed away on Oct. 7, 2006 and Ruth followed on April 25, 2007. Jay had previously created memorial scholarships for his wife's late parents in Sullivan County and his grandmother in Massena, so a scholarship honoring his parents in their hometown felt like the right form of tribute.

The $1,000 scholarship will be awarded to three Auburn students who demonstrate an interest in public affairs.

“My parents were so committed to this community for their lifetimes,” Jay said.

“And a scholarship seemed to be a very fitting way of extending their memories while benefiting the next generation of Auburnians.”

Scholarship applicants are asked to submit a 300-word essay summarizing their interest in public affairs, along with a letter of recommendation and a transcript.

Applicants' collegiate majors are not considered a criterion.

“Both of my parents had a very keen interest in public affairs,” Jay said.

“As far back as I can remember, my parents subscribed to several daily newspapers, all kinds of weekly and monthly magazines. We were a family heavily exposed to the affairs of my day.”

While growing up, Goldman remembers his parents often communicating their pride in their college degrees. That pride placed academics as a top priority for Jay and his siblings.

Charles received a bachelor's degree from Ohio State University, and Ruth received a two-year degree from Becker Junior College in Massachusetts.

Though she admitted to not being the most passionate student, Ruth attributed her success in the journalism world to her degree.

“They ensured we were diligent students and always complimented us on our good work,” Jay said.

The Goldmans remained deeply involved in the Auburn community while raising their children. Charles ran The Liberty Store on Genesee Street, a family business that Marty has since taken over.

Ruth had built a journalism career that included time in the Auburn office of the Syracuse Post-Standard and several publications in New York City.

She also volunteered heavily with Meals on Wheels and Auburn Memorial Hospital.

But baking was perhaps her greatest passion, particularly cheesecake. She would often bake between 15 and 30 cheesecakes after Thanksgiving and give them to friends to share after their Christmas dinners.

“In doing all these things she had such a wide network of contacts,” Jay said. “She knew so many people.”

Jay started the Auburn High School scholarship last year following his father's death.

He added his mother's name to the award after she passed in April.

The first award was given to Eleonore Rohrer, who is currently majoring in international affairs at Tufts University.

This year, Goldman hopes to triple the number of student recipients.

Auburn High School counselor Christine Hoskins-Tardibone is grateful for the benefits the Goldmans' scholarships will bestow upon the students who receive them.

“It's another opportunity for local community people to be supported,” she said. “We love when students get more opportunities to support their future endeavors.”