On October 22, the UNCG School of Educated hosted our annual Dean’s Dinner with a wonderful turn-out from students, donors, faculty and staff. It was exciting to see both new and familiar faces in the room, and to be able to connect donors with the students who have been so fortunate to continue their education and research thanks to scholarship opportunities. We hope that everyone had the chance to learn about the School of Education’s scholarship recipients and see first hand just how much of an impact the generosity of donors has on their careers and their lives.
As we enjoyed our meals and conversations, we had the pleasure of hearing from two students: Timothy Krauss and Joy Kelly. They demonstrated that their exceptional dedication and passion for math education (Timothy) and couple and family therapy and trauma treatment (Joy) will surely have countless positive influences in their future careers. Although their stories were very different, there was a similar theme: The work that they are able to accomplish at the UNCG School of Education would not be possible without the tremendous support they have received in the form of scholarships from donors.
We also heard from Kathy Davis, a UNCG School of Education donor, Advisory Board member, and retired math teacher. She asked guests to stand if they could think of a teacher, counselor, media specialist, or school administrator who changed their lives. She then asked people in the room who are currently or who have retired from the field of education to stand up, and finally students in the field of education to stand up. “You, my friends, are why we are here tonight,” Kathy said. “I want to say congratulations for choosing the BEST profession in the world.”
A special thanks to Jewell Cooper and Jacqui Dozier for announcing our first cohort of the Haggai Academy, which provides financial and professional support to non-traditional students who are preparing to become licensed school teachers in the State of North Carolina through initial licensure pathways.
The Dean’s Dinner is an evening of celebration, both of our students’ accomplishments and of the opportunities that have been so graciously provided to them by our donors. More than financial assistance, gifts to education signify the belief that our students and faculty have the power to change the world. We are already looking forward to next year!
Scroll to see a few photos from the evening.
