suny new paltz

Newly minted Warner Music CEO Robert Kyncl and his wife, psychotherapist Luz Avila Kyncl, have signed on for another five years of scholarship support for select computer science and engineering students at their alma mater, SUNY New Paltz.

The five-year-old Robert Kyncl ’95 and Luz Avila Kyncl ’96 Computer Science & Engineering Scholarship Fund is designed to benefit underrepresented students, especially women and minorities, seeking careers in STEM. Each year, at least six new transfer students or current Hawks will be selected for the scholarship, which offsets tuition costs.

The success of the scholarship has led to the creation of a group of alumni called the Kyncl Scholars.

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

The Kyncls’ most recent gift also supports the Fund for New Paltz and the AMP/CSTEP (AC²) Program Fund, which provides economic support for a number of traditionally underrepresented students who earn degrees in STEM fields and certain other majors such as Psychology.

SUNY New Paltz is a short drive north of New York City in Ulster County. As the name of the scholarship suggests, Robert graduated in 1995 (International Relations) and Luz a year later (Psychology).

“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,” said Erica Marks, vice president for development & alumni relations and executive director of the SUNY New Paltz Foundation. “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.”

Robert Kyncl joined WMG on Jan. 1 after a decade as chief business officer at YouTube and seven years as vp of content acquisitions at Netflix. Read his first interview as CEO here. Luz Kyncl is a longtime licensed psychotherapist, and a certified health coach and mindfulness teacher. She is also the author of Liberate Yourself.