Robert Kyncl and Luz Avila Kyncl pledge 5 more years of scholarship support for underrepresented STEM students at SUNY New Paltz

Robert Kyncl and Luz Avila Kyncl

One thing you might not know about new Warner Music Group CEO (and ex-YouTube high-flyer), Robert Kyncl: he and his wife, licensed psychotherapist, Luz Avila Kyncl, jointly run the Kyncl Family Foundation, which provides financial assistance to students from underrepresented communities pursuing STEM degrees.

In line with that mission, the Kyncls have today (February 15) pledged five more years of scholarship support for underrepresented students pursuing degrees in computer science and engineering at New York’s SUNY New Paltz.

Both Robert Kyncl (’95, International Relations) and Luz Avila Kyncl (’96, Psychology) are alumni of the institution.

The pair’s Computer Science & Engineering Scholarship Fund offsets tuition costs for students, especially women and minorities, seeking careers in STEM.

At least six new transfer students or current New Paltz students will receive the award each year over the next half-decade, with the Kyncl Scholarship supporting outstanding students who transfer from SUNY New Paltz’s regional community college partners.

In the past, the program’s success has led to the creation of the university’s Kyncl Scholars, a group of 16 students who, having been supported by the Fund, have achieved their educational goals and are building careers in their chosen fields.

Discussing the renewal of their SUNY New Paltz support, Luz Avila Kyncl and Robert Kyncl said in a statement: “We are pleased to renew our commitment to SUNY New Paltz and funding scholarships for students from underrepresented communities.

“State education provided us with great opportunities, both professionally and personally, and we want to help more students access those same benefits. In turn, this talented next generation will help drive change and contribute to a more representative workforce in dynamic industries.”

Erica Marks, VP for Development & Alumni Relations and Executive Director of the SUNY New Paltz Foundation, said: “The Kyncls’ generosity in this area sends an important message to prospective and current students that people in leadership positions believe in their ability to succeed.

“The university is continually evolving to remain competitive in offering high-quality computer science and engineering education that prepares students for their future. Each year, a powerful new cohort of Kyncl Scholars will be equipped with the training to be effective and collaborative contributors in the community.”

“State education provided us with great opportunities, both professionally and personally, and we want to help more students access those same benefits. In turn, this talented next generation will help drive change and contribute to a more representative workforce in dynamic industries.”

Luz Avila Kyncl and Robert Kyncl

Amira Shagan (’21, Electrical Engineering), a 2019 recipient of the Kyncl Scholarship’s support, said: “Everyone has something important to bring to the table, but not everyone has equal opportunity to do so.

“This scholarship provides those kinds of opportunities to people who would not normally get the chance and helps create a level playing field so everyone can share their viewpoint.”

The Kyncls’ most recent gift also supports the Fund for New Paltz, which provides unrestricted support for areas of greatest need, and the AMP/CSTEP (AC²) Program Fund, which provides a wide range of additional programs and opportunities to historically underrepresented and economically disadvantaged students in STEM fields.

“We’re very grateful to the Kyncls for providing support for local students to pursue majors that are in high demand in our region,” said Dan Freedman, dean of the School of Science & Engineering.

“We can now count on five years’ worth of support for a new, even more accomplished and engaged cohort of Kyncl Scholars with the strong technical education and liberal arts values that we know employers are looking for.”

Robert Kyncl has been CEO of Warner Music Group since January 2023. Previously, he was Chief Business Officer at YouTube, where he played a central role in the company’s strategy and its impact on entertainment and culture.

Before that, he held roles at Netflix and HBO. He is the author of Streampunks: YouTube and the Rebels Remaking Media and was the SUNY New Paltz Distinguished Speaker for the spring 2016 semester.

Luz Avila Kyncl is a licensed psychotherapist, a certified health coach, and a mindfulness teacher. She is also the author of Liberate Yourself: Your Past Is Not Your Prison, and the proprietor of Luz Kyncl, Psychotherapy, Mindfulness & Health Coaching, whose mission is to “educate and empower individuals and families to improve their health through changes in their diet and lifestyle”.

She, too, has spoken on campus with New Paltz students, participating in the Annual Women’s Summit and as a presenter at the 2016 Educational Opportunity Program Conference.Music Business Worldwide