UAlbany’s School of Education Awards Record Number of Scholarships

SOE Awards 2019

Albany, NY (June 6, 2019) - The School of Education awarded 78 scholarships to incoming and current students for the 2019-2020 academic year, totaling nearly $90,000.

 

More than 250 members of the SOE community gathered to recognize the awardees along with the donors whose generosity makes those scholarships possible at a May 10 reception in the Ballroom at UAlbany’s University Center. The scholarships support students in a range of ways, from covering the cost of attendance to providing support for travel to conferences or to support dissertation research.

 

One of the new scholarships awarded this year was given by Christine Robinson ‘70, a newly retired educator of 37 years. “I know exactly how important a good teacher is to a group of students, and what positive changes that person can affect in a young person’s life. SUNY Albany provided me with an excellent teaching background to become a successful and creative teacher, and I hope to provide that same experience for another young eager student who wants to go into the teaching field.” She helped award the Christine Robinson Scholarship for Teaching to Sepideh Yasrebi, a doctoral student in the Department of Educational Theory and Practice.

 

Another new award this year, the SOE Dean’s Merit Scholarship, provides support for students from diverse backgrounds in the School’s new undergraduate human development major to pursue graduate degrees in the fields of education or mental health. “It is one of our strategic priorities to become a national leader in building a pipeline to diversify the education and mental help professions and this new award is intended to support students on this journey.”

 

Each year, the School also invites donors or their representatives to a luncheon to meet with their scholarship recipients. Bill and Margaret Robelee were among those attending as they welcomed the 6th recipient, Annie Nelson, of the Margaret and Bill Robelee Scholarship, supporting students pursuing a career in School Psychology. Bill, BA '64, MA '66, MS '78, CAS '87, PsyD. '89, who also serves on the SOE Dean’s Leadership Council, noted “We always look forward to the chance to meet the recipients of our scholarship during the ceremony and hearing from all of the previous awardees.”

 

“We are deeply grateful to all our donors who make these scholarships available to our students,” commented Dean Lane. “The growing number of scholarships available to our students is a testament to the outstanding experiences our alums had while learning here and an indicator of the important role that we play in preparing high quality teachers, leaders, and counselors.”

 

A full description of the Scholarships and award winners is listed below.

 

2019 SOE Scholarship & Award Recipients

 

Adrienne Caruso ’48 Scholarship

Recipient: James Laber, Educational Theory & Practice

Established by Adrienne Caruso, this scholarship is awarded to a graduate student in the School of Education who wants to teach in the field of English.

 

Alice Clark Long Scholarship

Recipient: Laura Dacus, Educational Theory & Practice

Established through a gift from Alice Clark Long, this scholarship is awarded to a School of Education student who plans to teach.

 

Bette Knowlton Roe Scholarship

Recipient: Jen Owens, Educational Theory & Practice

Recipient: Timothy Wheeler, Educational Theory & Practice

Recipient: Nicole Woodcock, Educational Theory & Practice

Established by Bette Knowlton Roe ’42 and her husband Dan, this scholarship is awarded to students committed to teaching careers.

 

Jake Alexander Straughter Memorial Scholarship

Recipient: Clarisse Kaufman, Educational Theory & Practice

Established by local businessman Michael C. Hoffman, this scholarship is awarded in memory of Jake Alexander Straughter, and is presented to a student enrolled in the School of Education who provides direct services to students in the Albany, Schenectady, Troy or Cohoes school district as a classroom teacher or specialist.

 

Urban Education Fund

Recipient: Cornelia Harris, Educational Theory & Practice

Recipient: Molly Sloan, Educational Theory & Practice

This scholarship is awarded to a School of Education student who shows a commitment to issues in urban education.

 

Piyush and Sudha Agrawal Endowed Educational Scholarship

Recipient: Dan Tao, Educational Theory & Practice

Established by Piyush Agrawal ’72, ’78, ’79, this scholarship is awarded to students pursuing degrees in the School of Education who demonstrate academic achievement.

 

Professor Walter A. Farmer Science Education Scholarship

Recipient: Madison Miller, Educational Theory & Practice

Recipient: Nicholas Murphy, Educational Theory & Practice

Established by Yvonne Farmer ’53 in memory of her husband Walter A. Farmer, former professor of science education, this scholarship is awarded to School of Education graduate students with high academic achievement who are preparing to become teachers of science in K-12 settings, teacher educators in science education, or researchers in areas related to science education.

 

Gertrude Hunter Parlin Teacher’s Scholarship

Recipient: Dana Hetzel, Literacy Teaching & Learning

Recipient: John Kane, Educational Theory & Practice

Recipient: Meghan Lemme, Educational Theory & Practice

Established by Gertrude Hunter Parlin ’17, this scholarship is awarded to students enrolled in a School of Education program who have shown a commitment to secondary teaching.

 

Christine Robinson Teaching Scholarship

Recipient: Sepideh Yasrebi, Educational Theory & Practice

This scholarship is to provide assistance to an eager student who wants to go into the teaching field.

 

Joshua S. Smith & Yun-dih Chia-Smith Professional Development Travel Award

Recipient: Semih Bursali, Educational Theory & Policy

A gift from Joshua Smith ’02 and Yun-dih Chia-Smith ’04, this award supports a School of Education graduate student’s travel to a national professional conference.

 

Dr. Anna Maria Bonaventura Memorial Scholarship

Recipient: Jen Owens, Educational Theory & Practice

Established by family in memory of Dr. Anna Maria Bonaventura ’74, ’78, ’87, this scholarship is awarded to a graduate student in the School of Education with an interest in teaching English as a second language.

 

Galen R., Cora S. and Norma H. Plumb Education Fund

Recipient: Erika Russo, Educational Theory & Practice

This scholarship was established by Dr. Galen R. Plumb ‘38, and is awarded to a full-time student committed to a teaching career.

 

Arvid J. Burke Scholarship

Recipient: Quang Chau, Educational Policy & Leadership

Recipient: Polina Denisova, Educational Policy & Leadership

Recipient: Hedayat Ghazali, Educational Psychology & Methodology

Recipient: Rebecca Hann, Educational Policy & Leadership

Established in honor of Dr. Arvid J. Burke, former professor of Educational Policy & Administration, this scholarship is awarded to advanced degree students who demonstrate outstanding academic potential.

 

School of Education Scholarship

Recipient: Kaoushikk Mukherjee, Educational Policy & Leadership

This scholarship is awarded to a student who demonstrates steady academic performance.

 

Jean Edgecumbe Groff ’38 Graduate Scholarship in Education

Recipient: Krystal Greiner, Educational Policy & Leadership

Recipient: Nicole Lennon, Educational Policy & Leadership

Established by Jean Edgecumbe Groff ’38, this scholarship is awarded to a School of Education student enrolled in a graduate program who demonstrates academic merit.

 

Dr. Sanford H. Levine Fellowship

Recipient: Michelle Bianchi, Educational Policy & Leadership

Recipient: Quang Chau, Educational Policy & Leadership

Established in memory of Dr. Levine, a professor for 20 years in the Department of Educational Policy and Leadership, this fellowship is intended to help defray the cost of fieldwork and preparation of a student’s doctoral dissertation to support a professional development experience in the fellowship year.

 

Paul Saimond Memorial Scholarship

Recipient: Koral Nunez, Educational Policy & Leadership

Established by friends and colleagues in memory of Paul Saimond, former Assistant Vice President for Academic Affairs at UAlbany, this scholarship is awarded to a student pursuing a career in secondary teaching or school leadership who has shown exceptional academic achievement.

 

Class of 1956 Scholarship

Recipient: Brittany Goldstein, Special Education & Literacy

Recipient: Ashley Hogan, Educational Theory & Practice

Recipient: Michelle Markiewicz, Educational Theory & Practice

Recipient: Erin Milsom, Educational Theory & Practice

Recipient: Amanda Morris, Educational Theory & Practice

Recipient: Danielle Ooms, Special Education & Literacy

Recipient: Marisa Reyes, Special Education & Literacy

Recipient: Mary Short, Literacy Teaching & Learning

Recipient: Kirstie Wilson, Special Education & Literacy

Established by members of the Class of 1956, this scholarship is awarded to students accepted to, or enrolled in, a School of Education program who intend to pursue a career in teaching and who are in good academic standing.

 

Class of 1937 Scholarship

Recipient: Nadia Uddin, Human Development

This scholarship is awarded to an undergraduate who exhibits outstanding academic performance and potential, and commitment to pursue education for the benefit of humanity.

 

Gladys G. Sawyer ’37 & J. William Sawyer ’31 Scholarships

Recipient: Hannah Breda, Education Minor

This scholarship was established by Gladys G. Sawyer ’37 and J. William Sawyer ’31 and is awarded to a School of Education undergraduate student pursuing an education related career.

 

Dean’s Merit Award

Recipient: Brittany Goldstein, Education Minor

Recipient: James Laber, Educational Theory & Practice

Provides tuition support to undergraduate students intending to pursue graduate study in the School of Education.

 

Gene M. Winter Scholarship

Recipient: Valerie Swenson, Educational Policy & Leadership

Established by Kate Winter and the former Two-Year College Development Center, in memory of her husband Gene M. Winter, former Director of the TYCDC, this scholarship is awarded to a doctoral student whose dissertation research focuses on issues in higher education, preferably with regard to two-year college administration and teaching.

 

Quinlan Daly and C.T. Breslin Scholarship

Recipient: Kathryn Mannix, Special Education & Literacy

This scholarship was established by anonymous donors in honor of Quinlan Daly and C.T. Breslin, in gratitude for the teachers that have been in their lives, and is awarded to a student pursuing a graduate degree in the Division of Special Education.

 

Beta Zeta Scholarship

Recipient: Nora Petrucci, Special Education & Literacy

Recipient: Michelle Venne, Special Education & Literacy

Established by the sisters of the Beta Zeta Sorority at the New York State College for Teachers, this scholarship is awarded to a female student pursuing a career in teaching.

 

Cathy Bertolino Hoey Scholarship

Recipient: Kathryn Mannix, Special Education & Literacy

Established by Tom Hoey in memory of Cathy Bertolino Hoey, this scholarship is awarded to a School of Education student who has demonstrated steady academic performance.

 

Class of 1955 Award

Recipient: Jennifer Brocco, Special Education & Literacy

Recipient: Lucas Rosen, Literacy Teaching & Learning

Established by members of the Class of 1955, this scholarship is awarded to a student pursuing a career in teaching who is in good academic standing.

 

Delta Omega Scholarship

Recipient: Steliana Philip, Special Education & Literacy

Recipient: Meghan Saulpaugh, Special Education & Literacy

Established by members of the Delta Omega Sorority at the New York State College for Teachers, this scholarship is awarded to female students enrolled in a teacher preparation program.

 

Ira & Elsie Ferber Freedman Education Scholarship

Recipient: Janelle Young, Special Education & Literacy

Established by David and Ann Freedman in memory of their parents Ira ’43 and Elsie Ferber Freedman ’42, this scholarship is awarded to a student pursuing a career as a public school educator who has shown exceptional academic achievement.

 

Vanderzee Scholarship

Recipient: Caroline Hampton, Special Education & Literacy

This scholarship is awarded to a student who has demonstrated steady academic performance.

 

William Berkeley ’56 Memorial Scholarship

Recipient: Megan Bender, Special Education & Literacy

Recipient: Shelby Somelofske, Special Education & Literacy

Established by members of the Class of 1956, this scholarship is awarded in the name of William Berkeley ’56 to students pursuing a career in teaching who are in good academic standing.

 

Mary M. Briggs Scholarship

Recipient: Janelle Young, Special Education & Literacy

Established by Mary M. Briggs ’83, this scholarship is awarded to a University at Albany graduate who is pursuing a career in teaching.

 

Nelson J. Armlin Scholarship

Recipient: Shirley Machado, Special Education & Literacy

Established in memory of Dr. Nelson J. Armlin, former teacher and director of the Capital Area School Development Association, this scholarship is awarded to a graduate student in the School of Education who has shown exceptional academic achievement, enthusiasm for teaching, and fosters cultural diversity in their work with students.

 

Kenneth T. and Kathleen E. Doran Scholarship

Recipient: Frederick Lesser, Special Education & Literacy

Established by Kenneth T. ’39 and Kathleen E. Doran ’70, this scholarship is awarded to a student who plans to become a public school teacher and has demonstrated high academic achievement.

 

Alan J. Domaracki, PhD, Scholarship

Recipient: Sarahlee Desir, Literacy Teaching & Learning

Established by Jane Domaracki ’71, ’72, ’84 in memory of her husband, Alan J. Domaracki ’71, ’76, this scholarship is awarded to a School of Education student who shows high academic promise with preference given to a student from Puerto Rico studying at the graduate level.

 

Elizabeth H. Christen Endowment

Recipient: Christine Klaus, Literacy Teaching & Learning

Established by Elizabeth H. Christen ’38, this scholarship is awarded to a student in a literacy program who has a special interest in adult literacy.

 

Secondary Education Scholarship

Recipient: Katherine Lindemann, Literacy Teaching & Learning

Established by an anonymous donor, this scholarship is awarded to a School of Education graduate student who demonstrates intent and ability to teach high school.

 

Stella R. Pietrzyk Scholarship

Recipient: Mary Ann Zuccaro, Literacy Teaching & Learning

Established by Susan Benjamin ’80 in memory of her mother Stella R. Pietrzyk, this scholarship is awarded to a student in the Department of Literacy Teaching & Learning who recognizes the importance of children’s literature to support his or her attendance at a national conference.

 

Matthew John Pietrzyk Scholarship

Recipient: Erin Faeth, Literacy Teaching & Learning

Established by Susan Benjamin ’80 in memory of her brother, Matthew John Pietrzyk, this scholarship is awarded to a first-year graduate student in the Department of Literacy Teaching & Learning who is in excellent academic standing.

 

Malcolm E. Blum Endowment

Recipient: Tori Freeman, Literacy Teaching & Learning

Established by Malcolm E. Blum ’54, this scholarship is awarded to students enrolled in a teacher preparation program.

 

Dr. Frank J. Filippone ’41 – Hillside House Scholarship

Recipient: Amanda Graziano, Special Education & Literacy

Recipient: Cortney Janicki, CAS Psychology

Recipient: Anna Milgramm, CAS Psychology

Recipient: Valdis Rice, School Psychology

Recipient: Samuel Sutton, School Psychology

Established in honor of Dr. Frank J. Filippone ’41, ’48 by his daughter and former Hillside Board President Julia Filippone ’92, ’97, this scholarship is awarded to a graduate student in the School of Education, Department of Psychology, or School of Social Welfare who shows academic achievement and a demonstrated interest in helping people with developmental disabilities.

 

Dr. Kimberly E. Esterman Memorial Award

Recipient: Melissa Ertl, Counseling Psychology

Established in memory of Dr. Kimberly E. Esterman ’02, this scholarship is awarded to a student enrolled in the School of Education who is working with the Middle Earth Peer Assistance Program.

 

Jack’s Fund

Recipient: Erik Stonecipher, Counseling Psychology

Established by family and friends in memory of Dr. John “Jack” Ether, former School of Education professor, this scholarship is awarded to a student who has shown exceptional academic achievement with a demonstrated interest in working with disadvantaged individuals.

 

Kristen Huff Travel Award

Recipient: Xinyun Xu, Educational Psychology & Methodology

This award was established by Dr. Kristen Huff to support graduate student travel to the Northeastern Educational Research Association and the American Educational Research Association conferences.

 

Margaret and Bill Robelee Scholarship

Recipient: Annie Nelson, School Psychology

This scholarship was established by Margaret and William Robelee '64, '66, '78, '87,'89, and is awarded to a graduate student accepted for full-time study in the Division of School Psychology who plans a career in school psychology.

 

 

Ralph W. Harbison Fellowship

Recipient: Oxana Rosca, Educational Psychology & Methodology

Established by Irene Harbison in memory of her husband Dr. Ralph W. Harbison, former Dean of the School of Education, this fellowship is awarded to a newly admitted graduate student who demonstrates leadership, service, and commitment to education, and has a record of high academic achievement and the promise of future accomplishment. This fellowship places special emphasis on supporting students who have had limited opportunities to access graduate education.

 

Richard M. Clark Scholarship

Recipient: Halley Eacker, Educational Psychology & Methodology

Established at the time of his retirement to honor Dr. Richard Clark’s distinguished career in the School of Education, this scholarship is awarded to a doctoral student who has authored a paper which has been accepted for presentation at a professional conference.

 

Van Slyke Scholarship

Recipient: Jacqueline Blass, School Psychology

Recipient: McHale Davis, Educational Psychology & Methodology

Recipient: Marianthi Docous, Educational Theory & Practice

Recipient: Alexander Silva, School Psychology

This scholarship is awarded to students who have demonstrated steady academic performance.

 

Wishnoff Professional Development Fund

Recipient: Englann Taylor, Counseling Psychology

This scholarship was established by Dr. Bob Wishnoff ’75, ’77, and is awarded to a graduate student who plans to go into Counseling, to support attendance at professional development conferences.

 

Arthur N. Applebee Memorial Fund

Recipient: Nathan Phillips, University of Illinois-Chicago

Recipient: Anna Smith, Illinois State University

Recipient: Amy Stornaiuolo, University of Pennsylvania

Established by Judith Langer and Gary Langer in memory of UAlbany School of Education Distinguished Professor Dr. Arthur Applebee, this annual award is given to a national scholar in the area of literacy research.

 

Presidential Distinguished Doctoral Dissertation Award

In recognition of outstanding dissertation research.

Recipient: Dr. Francia I. Reed, Educational Theory & Practice - Ph.D., Curriculum & Instruction

Title: Exploring the Relationship Between Innovation in Nursing Education and Clinical Practice

Dissertation Chair: Dr. Carol Rodgers, Department of Educational Theory & Practice