On Oct. 5, 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.

“All of us, regardless of the path our life has led, were positively influenced by a teacher, a coach, or the educational institution we attended,” said Dean Jason G. Irizarry, who opened the celebration. “Just think where we’d be if that teacher or coach or professor never became who they are. The ripple effect of supporting Neag School students cannot be understated.”

In the 2024-2025 academic year, the Neag School supported 374 students with more than $543,000 in scholarships. This aid would not be possible without the generosity of donors, many of whom were in attendance.

“To simply say thank you to all our donors is not enough,” Irizarry said. “Our gratitude – and the gratitude of our students – is endless. We hope this event makes you feel even an ounce of that gratitude. We do not take you for granted and feel incredibly lucky that you support us.”

Following the dean’s remarks, a video was shown featuring scholarship recipients Sarah Sportini ’25 (ED), ’26 MA; Cianna Tangishaka ’26 (ED); and Grace Wright-Goodison ’27 (ED), ’28 MA, who shared their thoughts about their scholarships. Immediately after, student Musharraf Atik ’27 (ED), ’28 MA spoke about receiving the Fuller Scholarship for Social Justice in Education and what it meant to him.

“This investment in my education means more than I can put into words,” Atik said.  “For me, the importance of this scholarship has a much deeper meaning than just financial support, because it represents recognition of the work I’ve done, and the work my peers and colleagues in the Neag program are doing.”

Atik, a junior majoring in secondary English education, acknowledged his parents and the importance of literacy in his journey. The family emigrated from Bangladesh, hoping their son would attend college and have better opportunities.

“Growing up, I often remember my peers being able to afford supplemental readings, books, and resources that I simply couldn’t get my hands on,” he said. “As an educator, I want to be able to provide all these resources to my students, no matter the circumstance, no matter where they’re from, no matter how much they have. Everyone should have the same opportunity, because literacy is a way for students to feel empowered.”

For me, the importance of this scholarship has a much deeper meaning than just financial support, because it represents recognition of the work I’ve done, and the work my peers and colleagues in the Neag program are doing. — Musharraf Atik ’27 (ED), ’28 MA

After lunch, students and donors heard from philanthropist Katie Fuller. A former educator from New York, Fuller is not a UConn alumna but knew she wanted to contribute to the field of education in some capacity.

“I came to Connecticut and spent the day at the Neag School, and I got to meet some students and professors, and I was blown away,” she said. “I still am. I see Neag as a school committed to its mission and its values in making sure that education and equity are available to all students in Connecticut.”

In 2014, she established the Fuller Scholarship for Social Justice in Education, which has supported 25 students over 10 years. Additionally, Fuller previously served on the Dean’s Board of Advocates.

“Every year, I get to meet the students, and I’m just so inspired by their passion and commitment to teaching Connecticut students, and I really can’t think of a more necessary profession,” Fuller said.

All scholarship recipients were then acknowledged through a slideshow presentation, for which they provided testimonials about what their scholarship means to them. This was followed by a musical performance video of “Le Festin” by Neag School students Pio Castellano ’25 (ED), ’26 MA and Caroline Shadman ’25 (ED), ’26 MA.

Many attendees reflected on the vital role scholarships play in shaping students’ futures. They emphasized that such support helps students access education and reach their potential.

As a donor and president of the Neag School Alumni Board, Shay Lewis ’20 6th Year advocates for supporting students through giving, helping to expand the opportunities available to them.

“I think scholarships and donating to scholarships are important because they help students today get a leg up,” Lewis said. “Without scholarships, they may have had to put themselves through school part time, which would have taken longer. It’s important that they can have a fair chance to start their careers.”

Crisanne Colgan ’72 (CLAS), ’81 6th Year, ’84 Ph.D., a member of the Dean’s Board of Advocates, expressed the importance of supporting students, a commitment she holds close as a proud three-time UConn graduate.

There is no better investment than in students, because they are the future of the world. — Crisanne Colgan ’72 (CLAS), ’81 6th Year, ’84 Ph.D

“There is no better investment than in students, because they are the future of the world,” Colgan said. “Whether it be financial support or encouragement, I think there are so many ways to support students. And indeed, financial support is one of the most important ways to do that.”

Patricia Jepson ’81 MA, ’06 Ph.D., has uniquely bridged UConn’s College of Agriculture, Health and Natural Resources and Neag School of Education in her efforts to advance agricultural education.

“Agriculture education is a field that many people don’t know about, so visibility is really important,” Jepson said. “But agriculture is important to all of us, and it’s such a broad range – from food science to environmental science – that we want to make sure people are aware of how important it is, and part of that is supporting the students and getting the word out there that it exists.”

Scott Brown, UConn Board of Trustees Distinguished Professor Emeritus of Educational Psychology, emphasized how important UConn is to him after working at the Neag School for 39 years and having seen his three children graduate from the University.

“This event gives you an opportunity to see how your contributions are impacting an individual, a real person sitting next to you at the table,” he said. “I had a very nice conversation with Jacqueline Schmitt and some other students in the Neag School who were also awarded. You can’t make a better investment than in education.”

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.