On Nov. 3, UConn’s Neag School of Education held its annual Scholarship Celebration to recognize students’ academic achievements and the generosity of donors who have financially contributed to furthering their education.

“Scholarships have an immense impact on our students, who go on to impactful careers throughout Connecticut and New England, as well as throughout the nation and abroad,” said Dean Jason G. Irizarry, who opened the celebration. “We instill in our students our mission of improving educational and social systems to be more effective, equitable, and just for all.”

In the 2023-2024 academic year, the Neag School supported 323 students with over $578,000 in scholarships. This aid is possible because of the kindness of donors who contributed to over 60 named scholarships in support of furthering the educational pursuits of Neag School students.

The celebration continued with a musical performance from the UConn Conn-Men a cappella group, who were led by Neag School student Vic White. It was followed by a fall-inspired brunch, which gave students the opportunity to share their stories with their donors and vice versa.

Faeze Safari, a doctoral student in the Research Methods, Measurement, and Evaluation program, then went to the podium to express her gratitude for the generosity of the Neag School donors, faculty, and supporters, who have impacted the lives of many students. Safari received the Friends and Colleagues of Francis X. Archambault Jr. Fellowship.

“This scholarship represents belief in my potential, investment in my future, and trust in my ability,” she said. “It’s a reminder that there’s a community of people who believe in my goals and my potential to make a meaningful contribution to the field of education. It motivates me every day to push a little harder and reach a little higher because I want to make the most of this opportunity that’s been given to me.”

Safari shared that she chose to pursue her doctorate at the Neag School of Education for two reasons. The first is its unwavering commitment to excellence in education, which is indicated by its consistent ranking among the top 25 public graduate schools of education in the nation. The second is the faculty members who are deeply invested in the success of their students.

“Neag has given me the chance to grow in ways I never expected,” she said. “I’ve gained hands-on experience through my research, engaged with ideas that broadened my understanding, and found invaluable guidance along the way.”

Former dean of the Neag School of Education, Richard Schwab, contributes with his wife to the Richard L. and Kristin E. Schwab Fellowship Fund, which supports graduate students.

Neag has given me the chance to grow in ways I never expected. I’ve gained hands-on experience through my research, engaged with ideas that broadened my understanding, and found invaluable guidance along the way. &#8212 Faeze Safari, doctoral student

“Today’s celebration is a testament to how important philanthropy is to help this generation move forward,” Schwab said. “If I hadn’t had a graduate assistantship, I wouldn’t have had the great honor of being the Neag School dean for 14 years. My wife and I take great pride and joy in being able to pay it forward.”

Scott Brown, a Board of Trustees Distinguished Professor Emeritus, closed the celebration by sharing the inspiring story of his own educational path and how the Vernon and Elizabeth Brown Fund originated. The scholarship supports graduate students in the Department of Educational Psychology, the same department Brown served for 39 years.

The story he shared began 50 years ago, with his mother, Elizabeth Brown, deciding  to return to school after getting married and having children. It became a family effort, with the children pitching in as Elizabeth studied nursing, eventually leading her to become a school nurse. Her pursuit of education motivated both Brown and his brother to push themselves with their degrees. Brown also credits his success to his wife, Margie. She encouraged him to pursue graduate school, even after she became pregnant with twins.

“I graduated in 1980 with my Ph.D. and a family, which I know we would have never made it through grad school without financial, emotional, and social support,” he said.

That same year, Brown began working as an assistant professor in educational psychology at UConn. It was then that Margie was able to further her own education, going on to be a hospital administrator and eventually joining the UConn staff as an assistant professor.

When Brown’s father passed away, his will designated funding to create a UConn scholarship, indicating that he valued the importance of education. Brown decided it was also important to honor his mother with this scholarship, thus naming it the Vernon and Elizabeth Brown Scholarship. With Brown’s retirement from UConn in 2019, many of his friends contributed to the scholarship, allowing the Brown family to continue paying it forward.

I know my parents are smiling because they understood that scholarships and investments are our greatest resource for people. &#8212 Scott Brown, Board of Trustees Distinguished Professor Emeritus

“I know my parents are smiling because they understood that scholarships and investments are our greatest resource for people,” Brown said. “As philosopher and psychologist William James said, ‘act as if you make a difference, it does.’”

Access a recording of the event, view photos from the event, view a slideshow of student testimonials, or view a video of student scholarship recipients. To learn more about supporting the Neag School of Education, visit education.uconn.edu/giving-to-neag.