Mike Krasner lived in Cheektowaga and died unexpectedly Wednesday, February 4, 2004, in his home. He was 51; beloved son of the late Alfred V. and Laura A. (Pleban) Krasner; survived by several cousins. Mike was the President of the New York Upstate Chapter of the American Planning Association, an adjunct professor at UB, a practicing planner in Western New York, a world traveler and the biggest Buffalo Sabres fan ever. He was loved and respected by many and is truly missed.

In 2003, the Upstate Chapter of the American Planning Association, together with the Department of Urban and Regional Planning at the University at Buffalo, established the Michael Krasner Memorial Scholarship in Planning. The Scholarship is a competitive award for a graduate student in the Urban and Regional Planning Program at the University at Buffalo.  It honors Mike's dedication to the profession and education of planning in Western New York, as well as his commitment to APA.  The annual award program honors his memory as well as his commitment to practice and education in urban and regional planning within Western New York.

Each year, a $5,000 tuition scholarship is awarded through a competitive process to a student entering their final year in a Planning Master's Program accredited by the Planning Accreditation Board (PAB) in Upstate New York. The recipient is selected based on their demonstrated dedication to planning issues in Upstate New York, their intention to pursue a career within the Upstate Chapter, and their embodiment of the values upheld by Mike Krasner. The nomination process begins every Spring.

Questions regarding the program should be directed to Angie Hernandez, Liaison for the Krasner Scholarship Fund.