Slain UAlbany student’s parents will get his degree

PHOTOGRAPHER: Jill Bryce

The University at Albany will award the family of slain student Richard Bailey his undergraduate degree at the winter commencement Sunday.

Bailey, 22, of Long Island, was to graduate this month from UAlbany with a degree in sociology, minoring in criminal justice. Bailey’s family is expected to be present to receive the diploma. He was killed Oct. 20.

The ceremony is at 1 p.m. Sunday at the SEFCU Arena on the uptown campus.

“Richard Bailey worked hard and expected to be here to receive his diploma,” said Interim University at Albany President George Philip in a statement. “We hope that the conferral of his rightfully earned degree will give his family and loved ones solace and pride.”

Bailey was fatally shot on South Lake Avenue as he walked to his off-campus apartment. He died the next day.

His father, Jim Bailey, a retired New York City police officer, and mother Lisa were in Albany on Nov. 17 and pleaded for anyone with information to talk to police.

No arrests have been made in Bailey’s killing. Police released photos of what appears to be a young man on a bicycle traveling on Ontario Street minutes after the shooting. In the wake of Bailey’s death, UAlbany student leaders created an endowed scholarship in memory of their classmate. The Richard Bailey Memorial Fund, with a goal of raising $25,000, will be the focus of the 2009 class gift. The fund currently stands at $16,000.

To contribute to the Richard Bailey memorial scholarship, contact Valerie DiRocco Ruskin at the University at Albany Foundation at 437-5090. Contributions may also be mailed to Richard Bailey Memorial Fund, c/o University at Albany Foundation, 1400 Washington Ave. UAB 226, Albany, NY 12222.

Checks should be made payable to the University at Albany Foundation.