BUFFALO, N.Y. -- Future students who are seeking a degree from the University at Buffalo School of Social Work will have access to more scholarship assistance, thanks to a bequest gift for $423,701 from alumna Jean Schumacher Cook.

Cook earned bachelor's and master's degrees in social sciences in 1939 and 1957, respectively. She established the scholarship fund in memory of her late husband, Col. William G. Cook, a 1927 graduate of the UB.

"We are grateful to Jean Cook for the foresight she showed in planning for this gift," said Nancy J. Smyth, dean of the school. "Because of her generosity, more graduate students will receive financial help."

Jean Cook died on Nov. 23, 2005.

Col. Cook was the recipient of a scholarship when he was a student, and the couple wanted to ensure that future social work students receive scholarship assistance.

The Cooks lived in Fort Lauderdale, Fla.