giving
Brenda Rios ‘23 Hopes to Inspire More Hispanics and People of Color to Become Educators; Scholarship Support Helps Bring Her One Step Closer
Brenda Rios ‘23 knows that elementary school teachers who are Hispanic are rare, but she plans to change the norm by inspiring other Hispanics and people of color to become educators. And she’s able to do that as the recipient of the Suzanne Montague Ridgill Memorial Scholarship.
Why I Give: ‘I Am Extremely Grateful that Others Who Came Before Me Gave Back and I Want to Do the Same for Future Generations,’ Says Doctoral Student Jennifer Houchins ‘21PHD
As a first-generation college student and a student with a chronic medical condition, private support and scholarships have helped Jennifer Houchins ‘21PHD pursue her doctoral studies. Because of that support, she gives back to the college in hopes that future generations can have the same opportunity the NC State College of Education has provided her.
After Saving Father’s Life with Kidney Donation, Scholarship Support Helps Senior Isabella Forst ‘21 Focus on Recovery Not Finances
The year 2020 is a year we will all never forget. For technology, engineering, and design education senior Isabella Forst ‘21, it is also the year she saved her father’s life. And with the help of scholarship support, she was able to worry less about her tuition and finances.
Why I Give: ‘I Hope Students, Especially Immigrants and Students from Minority Populations, Get the Opportunity to Become a Teacher,’ Says University Program Associate Kirsten Hoeflaken ‘18MED
Born and raised in the Netherlands, University Program Associate Kirsten Hoeflaken ‘18MED always wanted to be a teacher. She was inspired by her fifth grade teacher and went on to teach for over 20 years before moving to the United States. She gives to the NC State College of Education as a token of gratitude for helping and supporting her as an immigrant.
Scholarship Support Helped New Alumna Charlotte Melville ‘20 Become a Middle School Math Teacher, Regain Her Confidence
Charlotte Melville ‘20 discovered her passion for teaching while sitting in Jason Cheek’s Advanced Placement Calculus class during her senior year of high school. Earning the Jerry and Elizabeth Godwin Scholarship has allowed her to pursue her dream of becoming a middle school math teacher and challenging her students the way Mr. Cheek challenged her.
Why I Give: ‘As a Parent of a College Student and as Someone Who Employs Work Study Students, I Empathize with Students who are Struggling to Pay for College,’ Says NC-MSEN Pre-College Program Director Braska Williams
Braska Williams, director of the NC-MSEN Pre-College Program through the Friday Institute for Educational Innovation, started his undergraduate career as a computer engineering major. That changed by his junior year when realized that as an African American male, he could be a role model to African American students and make a difference as a teacher.
Why I Give: ‘I Give to Support the Caring Group of Administrators, Faculty and Staff Who Once Made Me Feel Loved,’ Says Doctoral Student Gene Deese ‘21EDD
Four months after starting his doctorate program, Hurricane Florence impacted the area where Gene Deese ‘21EDD lived. Within days, the NC State College of Education responded with resources to help him continue his education. Deese gives back to the college as a token of appreciation for the support he received when he needed it the most.
College of Education Excellence Fund Focuses on Four Priority Areas that Support Students, Address Urgent Educational Needs
In an effort to make the greatest impact in our local schools and communities, the NC State College of Education Dean Mary Ann Danowitz has launched four priority areas where gifts to the College of Education Excellence Fund will focus.
Excellence Fund Helps The Literacy Space Provide Reading Support Services for Elementary School Students, Creates Professional Development Opportunities
As a result of donations to the NC State College of Education Excellence Fund, the Wolfpack Readers Program was able to establish The Literacy Space, an off-campus location that provides direct services to elementary school children who need extra support in reading.
Donor Support Boosts Access and Inclusion for Master of Arts in Teaching Program
Scholarships provided thanks to the College of Education Excellence Fund are helping a more diverse group of students prepare to make an impact through the teaching profession.