Teachers College Alumni Award Winners Announced

Each year, the Teachers College Alumni Awards are given out, honoring exceptional alumni and supporters of Teachers College. This year’s batch of 10 award winners are outstanding examples of the excellence that Teachers College strives for.

The Young Alumni Award is presented to a recent alumna(us), age 40 or under, in recognition of outstanding early career achievement. Congratulations to the three winners of the Young Alumni Award this year:

Vincent Bowhay earned a master’s degree in student affairs administration in higher education in 2010.
Kristofer Scholtes earned a bachelor’s degree in science in 2005, followed by a master’s degree in educational administration and supervision in 2012.
Tameka Wilson earned a master’s degree in educational administration in 2012.

The Outstanding Alumni Award is presented to an alumna(us) in recognition of their significant contributions to their field or other area of society. Congratulations to the two winners of this award this year:

Molly McGuire earned an associate degree in criminal justice and criminology in 2000, a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice and criminology in 2002, a master’s degree in both executive development for public service and adult and community education in 2019, and she earned a graduate certificate in community college leadership in 2020.
Sherwood Smith earned an EdD in Adult and Community Education in 1996.

The Career Achievement Award is presented to an alumna(us) in recognition of outstanding contributions that bring national acclaim and recognition to the Teachers College. Congratulations to the three winners of the Career Achievement Award this year:

Janice Brill earned a bachelor’s degree in elementary education in 1974.
Michael LaFerney earned a master’s degree in counseling in 1980.
Roy Weaver earned a bachelor’s degree in English – speech communications in 1968, and a master of arts degree in education in curriculum and instruction in 1971.

The Distinguished Service Award is presented to a non-alumna(us) in recognition of their outstanding service and support for the Teachers College. Congratulations to Lee Ann Kwiatkowski for winning this award.

The Patron Award is given to a benefactor who provides significant financial support to the college. This year Michelle and Jim Ryan are the winners of this award. Michelle is a Teachers College graduate, who earned a bachelor’s degree in elementary education and special education in 1981. In December of 2020, Michelle and Jim gifted Teachers College with $1.45 million, establishing the Michelle A. and James T. Ryan Family Scholarship, the Ryan Family Navigators Program, and the Ryan Fellowship for Community-Engaged Teacher Preparation. The initiatives will assist students with diverse and economically-challenged backgrounds by providing them with financial assistance and comprehensive services. Congratulations to Michelle and Jim Ryan.