School of Education Awards Record Number of Scholarships

a couple of SOE scholarships recipients

The celebration was virtual but the numbers were real for 82 students in the School of Education who received scholarships last month — a record number of scholarships totaling $90,000, providing support from covering the costs of tuition to attendance at conferences, and supporting professional development to dissertation research.

Every spring the School of Education community gathers to celebrate the success of their students, faculty, and staff as well as honor the donors who have made scholarships available to students. This year’s ceremonies took place virtually on May 15 and comprised four separate live celebrations and a pre-recorded video for each department — Educational Theory and Practice, Educational Policy & Leadership, Educational and Counseling Psychology, and Literacy Teaching and Learning.  It allowed the SOE community to gather and recognize awardees as well as the donors whose generosity made the scholarships possible. More than 200 attendees from across the country participated in the ceremonies live, with many more viewing the videos afterward.

This year’s celebration may have also set a record in terms of new scholarships awarded.

The School launched the Dean’s Excellence Awards, honoring up to eight students by recognizing an undergraduate and graduate student for excellence in leadership & service; social justice & advocacy; research; and teaching & mentoring. Each student received a scholarship as part of their recognition.  “We developed these new awards in conjunction with the School of Education’s Student Leadership Council and are very excited about this opportunity to highlight and support the important contributions that so many of our students make to our community,” said Jason Lane, interim dean of SOE. 

A record number of newly endowed scholarships were also awarded this year.

“We are deeply grateful to the growing number of alums and friends investing in scholarships for our students. More than any other recent year, these scholarships are critical for our students to sustain their educational progress,” continued Dean Lane. “The growing number of student scholarships is a testament to the important role that the School of Education plays in preparing the next generation of New York’s education and mental health leaders.”

Established by Dean Emeritus Robert Bangert-Drowns and his wife Diana Bangert-Drowns, the Bangert-Drowns Endowment for Diversity in Teaching & Educational Leadership supports an African American student pursuing a career in P-12 teaching. The inaugural recipient is Raven Scott, a student in the combined BS/MS program in Human Development and Special Education & Literacy.

“This generous gift extends Dean Bangert-Drowns’ deep commitment, leadership, and legacy in the area of educational equity,” said Lane of the 33-year faculty member who led SOE from 2009-18.

Nancy Willie-Schiff was present to celebrate her new scholarship and recipient, as well.  The inaugural Nancy A. Willie-Schiff ’87 Educational Policy & Leadership Scholarship will support L. Rebecca Hann, a doctoral student in Educational Policy & Leadership as she continues her studies. Willie-Schiff, who serves on the SOE Dean’s Leadership Council, received her EdD from UAlbany in 1987 and went on to serve as assistant provost for undergraduate education for the SUNY system.

The other scholarships new to 2020 are:

  • The John Murray & Ann Marie Murray MA ’75, MS ’98, PhD ’02 Community College Leadership Scholarship supports students in pursuing leadership in community college settings. Recipient: Valerie Swenson, doctoral student in Educational Policy & Leadership. Ann Marie Murray, who retires this year as vice provost for Program Development and Strategic Initiatives, was herself the recipient of this year’s Excellence in Part-Time Teaching Award for her outstanding instruction in Educational Policy & Leadership.
     
  • The Class of 1964 Scholarship was created by members of the Class of 1964 as part of their 55th reunion last year to honor their preparation as teachers. The scholarship supports an SOE student pursuing teaching as a career and demonstrates characteristics of leadership and engagement. Recipient: Shirley Machado, a master’s student in Special Education & Literacy.
     
  • The Carole Ann Jemal Gibson ’67 MA Education Scholarship, established by Greg Gibson in memory of his wife, a teacher for 30 years, supports a graduate student pursuing a teaching degree. Recipient: Janelle Young Carey, a master’s student in Special Education & Literacy.

A full description of the Scholarships and award winners, as well as links to the celebratory videos, can be found at this the SOE scholarship website.