Susan and Bill Dake

Susan and Bill Dake are dedicated to promoting access to education throughout the Capital Region. Successful business owners of the family-run Stewart’s Shops Corp., they are passionate about giving back to support numerous educational institutions. They are active at SUNY Empire State through the Stewart’s Shops Scholarships, which support graduates of community colleges who continue their studies at Empire State University. Beginning in the fall of 2013, they invested in another scholarship at the college, targeting a different student population. The Susan and Bill Dake Graduate Scholarship will support students pursuing advanced degrees in our School for Graduate Studies. In 2024, they established the Finish Line Fund, for students in the final two terms of their undergraduate degree.

The Susan and Bill Dake Scholarship will be awarded to students with financial need who are enrolled in a degree-seeking graduate program. The scholarships will have a preference for master’s degree students with high financial need and academic promise. Scholarship recipients each will receive an award of approximately $2,000, which covers a significant portion of their graduate school tuition for the year. The School for Graduate Studies at Empire State University enjoys creative curriculum development and a robust enrollment. The Dake Scholarship makes it possible for more than a dozen students over two years to complete their advanced degrees at Empire State University.

Founded in 1945, Stewart’s Shops is an employee and family-owned convenience store chain, based in Saratoga Springs. Bill Dake has been with the company for more than 50 years, and currently serves as chairman of the board. He has an extraordinary record of involvement with community organizations, with board service including the Saratoga County YMCA, Saratoga Springs City Center, Skidmore College, Saratoga Performing Arts Center, Saratoga Foundation, Proctor’s Theater and many other organizations. A Navy veteran and graduate of Cornell University, Bill has been a lifelong athlete and community volunteer.

Susan Law Dake began her professional career as a teacher in the Saratoga Springs City School District, and later ran the communications and public affairs office for Stewart’s Shops. Currently serving as president of the Stewart’s Foundation, Susan oversees the allocation of funds to hundreds of nonprofit organizations in communities in which Stewart’s Shops are located. In addition, she has served on a number of educational and nonprofit boards, including service as a member of the SUNY Empire Foundation Board. She holds a bachelor’s degree from Skidmore College and a master’s degree from the State University of New York at Albany. The Dakes reside in Saratoga Springs; together they have six children and 12 grandchildren.

– Susan and Bill Dake