Class Gift 2008: Applaud an Educator

With a gift of $25 or more, you can honor an influential educator in your life.

We will send your honoree a certificate and a letter of acknowledgement from Dean McCartney and post his or her name on the Class Gift website. To further personalize this honor, you may include a brief note of thanks to the honoree. A copy of your testimonial will be sent to your honoree along with the certificate and letter from the Dean. You may honor one educator for each $25 gift.

If you have already donated, please write your testimonial and supply your honoree's name and address.

The following educators have been recognized by the Class of 2008:

Mrs. Sherry Moore
Sherry Moore was my first grade teacher, but her influence in my life did not end there. Since I was 6 years old she has supported me in my dreams to become an educator, and in my adult life she has been a wonderful mentor and friend. I am eternally grateful that she has been such a significant part of my life.
-Christen Foehring

Mrs. Annette Burba
Back before I even knew I wanted to be an educator, Mrs. Burba inspired me. She showed me what it means to be a successful, involved, and caring teacher and a true role model. She was able to make a difference in the lives of her students and colleagues, not an easy feat. Her seriousness and focus made us take her high expectations seriously, yet her thoughtful personality and sense of humor were never lost. A leader in the classroom and in extracurricular activities, Mrs. Burba kept traditions alive (and started some I'm sure). It was her involvement and dedication that shaped the high school career I was so lucky to have and is one of the reasons I look back so fondly on my four years at Lawrence High School. I am so proud to have been a student of Mrs. Burba and am changed by that experience. Mrs. Burba retired the same year that my class graduated and I was relieved to not have to attend LHS without her guidance and leadership -- having returned there to teach after college, I also know that it is not, and never will be, the same without her.
-Nicole Shadeed

Professor Stewart Purkey
Dr. Purkey, an education professor at Lawrence University, was my undergrad advisor. His high standards, strong sense of commitment to education and constant encouragement have been crucial to my success in the field of education.
-Catherine Bowman

Deborah Belle, Ed.D.
She has always had such faith in me and in my capabilities. She is always supportive and encouraging. I don't know how I would have written my dissertation without her.
-Wyndham Langston

Mrs. Juanita Green
Mrs. Green treated me with such grace as we worked through my first years as an educator together. Without her calm, balanced support, I would not have been able to access the strength to navigate that trying time.
-Sara Ewbank

Jasmin Escobar
First of all, THANK YOU EVERYTHING!! You have truly been there to suit all of my needs whether it was with Progresso soup or a sliver of cake to satisfy my hunger or by providing me with various skills to further my professional development. You have not only influenced me as a future educator, but have also played an essential role in the creation of my adult values and goals. Without your guidance and support, I could have not have achieved admission to Harvard or even survived this year. I want you to know that you are the most amazing, smart and giving woman. I only hope that I can continue to grow to become a woman who permeates such integrity and drive to help those from less advantaged backgrounds as you strive to do each day. I cannot wait until graduation as I will be able to join you in improving the support systems for Latino “at-risk” youth by not only establishing and manifesting culturally relatable activities, but also providing students with extensive academic enrichment.
-Candy Navarro

Pinky Wadhwa
She taught me how to work hard, help others, and to be an independent and loving woman.
-Anita Wadhwa

Mr. Don Hohl
Mr. Hohl gave me the encouragement and space to to envision a life beyond Huntington Beach and a place for me out in the wide wide world. Before we even entered his classroom, he made each one of his students write a "who am I" essay. The summer before my junior year, I labored over this essay. This piece became my college application essay and changed my life. When I started teaching in 2002, I modeled my teaching philosophy after his: It is all about the students!
-Adia Hoag

Professor Mark Setterfield
I appreciate that Prof Setterfield consistently believed in my ability to be a scholar. When I was an undergraduate, he challenged me to engage in econ research that was rigorous and rewarding. Later, as I approached my HGSE experience, he continued to encourage and support me in achieving my academic goals.
Prof Setterfield is an uncommon educator because he is excellent in his own right, and wholly unselfish about bringing others along. I deeply appreciate the influence he has had on my journey thus far.
-Shelby Brown

Mr. Lee Coffin
Lee's expertise in undergraduate admissions made for an informative and inspiring classroom experience at the Ed School. But, most importantly, Lee continued to be a mentor for many students, myself included, long after the class ended. His generosity of his time and knowledge has been a true gift for many of us at the Ed School, and we're thrilled to have him as a part of the Higher Ed program. Thank you for all you do, Lee!
-Joshua Butts

Susie McGee
Under Susie's mentorship I grew in ways for which I will never sufficiently be able to thank her. Susie's appreciation and respect for the individual student, her high standards for teaching and learning, and her support for those of us working along her side, engendered a comunity of learners of which I was incredibly fortunate to be a part. Her leadership and commitment to excellent teaching pushed me to discover my strengths as a teacher. Susie's tireless and selfless dedication will always inspire me, both in and out of the classroom.
-Miriam Hidalgo

Mr. Tom Joyce
Mr. Joyce is a truly inspirational teacher who made a profound impact on my life. His compassion for, and dedication to, his students make him an extraordinary teacher, and friend. Mr. Joyce's strong commitment to education, and constant encouragement ensured that I learned not only lessons in French, but valuable lessons in life, as well.
Clare Nelson

Josephine Kim
-Berice Simbol

Louise Morgan
Louise has always pushed me to challenge myself and to achieve all that was possible. She has served as a mentor, role model, and most importantly, a friend. Without Louise's guidance and direction, I wouldn't have achieved everything I have today.
-Jarrett Young

Ellen Frechette
Throughout her time at HGSE, Ellen has been a thoughtful and inquisitive thinker. She has pushed me to critically examine my understanding of coursework and my own practice as an educator. Ellen has pushed me to excel by always leading by example. Her ability to act each day with poise and integrity is admirable. I hope to emulate Ellen's exceptional qualities as an educator and colleague as I enter the education world.
-Shelby Casassa

Lt Col Evngeline Cheeks
Lt Col Cheeks is a role model for me. I had the fortune of being her student during the most impressionable time in my life--right before I entered the "real world." Her influence of integrity, kindness, expertise, and sincerity helped me realize what kind of leader and teacher I want to be.
-Andrea Bacle

Mrs. Cheryl Hassell
Mrs. Hassell ignited my passion for mathematics. Although she was my sophomore year Algebra II teacher, she encouraged me throughout my high school career. She had such enthusiasm and really made math come alive for me. Unfortunately my junior year math teacher was not quite the positive, motivating force that Mrs. Hassell had been. I remember during that year Mrs. Hassell pulled me into her classroom to give me a little pep talk. Believe it or not, that conversation is one of my most vivid memories from high school. It completely changed my outlook towards that junior year math class and allowed me to regain some of the confidence I has lost over the year. I went on to major in mathematics and teach the subject for five years. I feel confident that without Mrs. Hassell I would not have had the confidence to pursue mathematics and in turn teaching. This would of course mean I never would have found my way to HGSE. I will be forever grateful for the vital role Mrs. Hassell played in my education.
-Catherine Bradbury

Mrs. Marie Swan
Mrs. Swann was my high school Chemistry teacher. I was privileged to have her both sophomore and senior year. Mrs. Swann truly expected the best from her students and she was the kind of teacher that you wanted to please. She was very generous with her time as I can remember spending many afternoons in her classroom after school perfecting a lab or making sure I fully understood some new concept. Mrs. Swann pushed me to be the best student I could be in a way that no other teacher ever had. My success in her classes exceeded even my own expectations and that is solely due to Mrs. Swann. She provided such clear structure and expectations and certainly never wavered from this. I came to appreciate these traits when I began teaching. You don't recognize when you are the student that this is the way all of your best teachers cultivate learning but the second you are on the other side it is clear this is what distinguishes the master teachers.
-Catherine Bradbury

Dr. Carolyn and Michael Robertson
My parents have shown me that working in education is the highest form of public service and leads to a life of wonder and fulfillment. I honor their years of service toward making their schools and communities better, more thoughtful places and thank them for helping me discover my own deep love of learning.
-Mark Robertson

Pat Juell
Thank you Pat, for all your encouragement and support during my most formative experiences at NYU. Your advice and mentorship kept me afloat in the deep waters of a massive university and steer a productive course under full sail in the dynamic and tumultuous sea of my first classroom. I am forever indebted to your counsel and friendship as it has and continues to inform my career in education and my life as a reader and writer. I have no choice but to return the favor to my own students as well.
-Timothy O'Brien

Heather Ordover
Thank You Heather, for making my first steps in the classroom so formative. In addition to your students, you took on the added responsibility of a student teacher and did not stick me with the task of grading your papers or doing your job. You provided a excellent lab where I could experiment with my ideas and reflect critically on them. Your mentorship has informed all my work as a teacher, trainer and coach. I will be forever grateful for that experience, for had it been any different I suspect I may have stopped teaching. Your methodical and specific guidance taught me that to teach means to care and I am forever grateful for the opportunity to learn with you.
-Timothy O'Brien

Assemblyman Marco Antonio Firebaugh
Your courage, tears, hope and love for social change allowed me to enter the halls of higher education through the passage of AB540. You have forever changed my life, therefore, to honor your efforts I promise to continue your legacy: to be a public servant for the immigrant community. You will always live en mis pensamientos y mi corazon. Gracias por luchar por mi.
-Mariana Zamboni

Mr. Helmut Mayer
Talk about a strong foundation! Mr. Mayer was my seventh and eighth grade English teacher and his commitment to teaching and education as a whole has remained with me to this day. He truly exemplifies what an educator should be in every sense of the word and I know that I owe a significant portion of my academic success, especially at Northwestern and Harvard, to the skills I learned in his classroom. I want to take this opportunity to thank him for believing in me, listening to all my teenage angst so many years ago, and everything he has done for me and countless others (as well as for forgiving all the grammatical errors I am sure I have committed in this short paragraph). I consider it an honor and privilege to have been taught by such an extraordinary individual and will be forever grateful! THANK YOU!!! THANK YOU!!! THANK YOU!!!
-Antonia Garcia

Patrick Guggino
Mr. Guggino was THE man in high school. He was an amazing teacher who continually pushed me to do better; he was always funny, warm, and welcoming; but most of all, he was a really wonderful friend. I can't imagine what high school would've been like without his room to eat lunch in, his jokes to listen to, and his shoulder to cry on. Thank you, thank you, thank you, for being the teacher who was crazy about his students and who genuinely cared about what happened to us. I hope you continue to inspire and motivate aspiring writers and English teachers, I can't think of a better role model.
-Berice Simbol

Dr. Jean Benton
For the past 13 years, Dr. Benton has coached me to reach higher than the highest expectations that I ever dared to set for myself. If it weren't for her, I would have settled for less, given up more, and would not have seen and done the things that have helped to shape who I am as an educator and a woman today. Dr. Benton has continuously set an example, challenged me to achieve, and has never given up on me through my growing pains. At various hours, from different corners of the earth, over the years she has taken time to coach me through difficult decisions and life-changing events. All the while, she has also been a devoted professor to hundreds of other young teacher candidates, written books, and taken the university's international student-teaching programs to award winning heights. It was Dr. Benton who first said the name "Harvard" to me, and didn't laugh back when I thought she must be joking. Thanks to her, I have a stronger belief in myself, and I want to help mentor other young people.
-Cynthia Ulery

Santiago Shimada Rincon Gallardo
Santiago is a great inspiration; he inspires me with his thoughts, his passion for music and his love for mankind.
-Fiamma Rupp-Gembs

Ms. Elaine Kruse
My piano lessons with Ms. Kruse were my most exceptional experience with an arts educator. Although I have encountered many since, none have matched her capacity to teach, to relate, to laugh. She journeyed alongside her students, regardless of where they were coming from--soccer practice, piles of homework, a bout of tendonitis or the occasional heartbreak. Ms. Kruse's brilliance never reached over the heads of her students, only through their hearts and bodies, right to their fingertips. The impact she has had on her students is incalculable--both at the piano and much further beyond.
-Andres Tsang

Helen Lawrence
Had it not been for Helen I would never have grown to love music. Without music I would not have had my niche in high school in which to excel. Had I not had a taste of success I would not be where I am today. Thank you for all you have done!
Christopher Stolte

Nick Ferentinos
He showed me, by example, what it means to be a true teacher. I am a better teacher and educational leader because of Nick's guidance and support.
-Susan Enfield

Mrs. Judith Haren
Judy's wisdom, warmth, faith, love and support inspired me to become my best andb brought me to Harvard. I am so lucky and eternally grateful to have Judy's influence in my life. She's wonderful in every way imaginable.
-Sophia Meas

Maggie Guinard
This is in recognition of Maggie Guignard, a teacher who made me fall in love with Special Education and helped me to accomplish all that I thought was impossible. She is so humble yet full of talent, strength, and passion. Students and educators alike can not help but want to be around her. She is a leader, a mentor and a dear friend and I am so thankful to have her in my life. I would not be who I am today as a Special Educator and as a person without the guidance and friendship she has so generously given to me.
- Kristin Murphy

Amita, Anil and Sonal Nalkur
250 words are not enough to thank my sister and parents for everything they've done to help me get my doctorate. Love you!!
-Priya Nalkur

Roshan Pai
There aren't enough words to express how Roshan has inspired me. I'll spend the rest of my life trying to articulate it.
-Priya Nalkur

Mr. Carlos Jimenez
Mr. Jimenez was an inspirational, dedicated teacher who made a difference in my life. Thank you!
-Maricela Limas

Mrs. Carol Glasser
Mrs. Glasser instilled in me a passion for learning and a love of education. She is an extraordinary teacher and inspired me to always work hard and to my fullest potential. Thank you for providing me with the solid foundation I needed to achieve my goals, I am forever grateful!
-Karyn Blaser


Mr. David Bruskewitz
Mr. Bruskewicz is an extraordinary educator who encouraged my love of learning and who was always there to provide support. Thank you for your guidance and your encouragement. You have been a crucial part of my success, and I am grateful to you for that. Thank you!!
-Karyn Blaser

Dr. Barbara Alexander Pan
Dr. Pan has inspired me to pursue my goals with support, guidance, and example.
-Paloma Visscher

Mrs. Carol Greenberg
Mrs. Greenberg was my foreign language teacher in middle school. I was not a good student back then, but she believed in my ability to become one. I never forgot her encouraging words. This is just a small token of my wholehearted appreciation.
-Nicholas Appelbaum

Professor Jerry Murphy
Of all the courses which I've taken at HGSE and elsewhere, Professor Murphy's courses are the two that have influenced my practice the most. It's easy to take a course, learn the theory, learn how to use it in practice, and then subsequently neglect that information. Professor Murphy's course is exceptional because I hardly pass through a day without using or remembering techniques and concepts from his courses, and I doubt that I am the only person who feels this way.
-Nathan Warkentin

Monda Holsinger
Monda is a truly inspiring leader and mentor who has committed her life to serving her community. She is incredibly compassionate, generous, and selfless, and I am grateful and blessed to have her in my life.
-Helen Kwon

Sister Mary McCarthy
Thank you for your encouragement, for your support and for showing me how to make a difference through education. More importantly, thank you for teaching me the importance of humor, compassion, and strength. Mercy is always in my heart.
-Nora Dowley

Dr. Jerome T. Murphy
Dr. Murphy was a key to my survival, and success, at HGSE. He taught me the value of the little things in life. For that, I'm eternally grateful.
-Ismael Herrera

Mr. W. Lee Nickerson
Lee Nickerson is a mentor and a friend who has continually encouraged me to pursue my goal to positively impact the lives of youth struggling to overcome adversity. He has been a valuable asset in my life due to his enthusiastic, tireless support. Lee continually encourages me to dream big. His faith in my talents is invaluable to me. Thank you, Lee. The impact I make on the lives of youth will undoubtedly be in part due to your friendship, guidance, and encouragement.
-Kathryn Moorehead

Mrs. Marcella Boccalise
In 5th grade, I couldn't verbalize the adjectives that so perfectly describe Mrs. Boccasile. Now older, I'm easily finding them: grace, passion, & warmth. Grace means receiving more than one deserves. There were days when she loved us more, amid classroom mayhem, than 11 year-olds deserve from someone not their mother. There was grace to her teaching; a careless, dignified elegance that only comes from being completely unaware of the good one is speaking to eager ears. Passion sustains good teachers-for subject matter, students, and human service. She had Marble Jars overflowing with them. She had warmth. Even now, as then, I wonder how so delicate a person houses so big a heart- it seems almost vulgarly impossible. But she had it; a heart every Jane & John could find a place in & return to, as I'm doing now. I hope to be an educator as effortlessly graceful, candidly passionate, & teeming with warmth-Thank you, Mrs. Boccasile!
-Annie Han

Dr. Michael Nakkula
Much like many of my classmates, when I arrived at Harvard, I was anxious to see how my Risk & Prevention placement would affect my year. I had traveled from Los Angeles to meet him before applying to the program, so when I found out he was searching for research interns on a project about kids in South-Central LA, I felt it would be a perfect fit. We had the opportunity to work together all year, and this work was the scaffolding for my academic experience at Harvard. The more we talked about what schools are doing well and where they need to improve, the more I knew I was choosing the right path for my career. On a personal level, my discussions with Mike gave me the confidence that I lacked, not only on the academic side of the research, but in the Harvard community as well. I cannot speak highly enough of Dr. Nakkula, and I believe the loss from his move to Penn (where I know he'll be incredibly successful) will reverberate throughout the HGSE community.
-Scott Cody

Prof. Sudha Chhikara
She has instilled in me the confidence to achieve all my goals. She is one of the most amazing and great people I have ever met. I wish to have her guidance always with me wherever I go.
-Gurpreet Kaur

Mrs. Dorothy Epperson
Even though it's been many years since I sat on the rug in Mrs. Epperson's kindergarten classroom, I'll never forget the way she was able to instill a sense of wonder about the world into all of us. I count myself incredibly lucky that my first teacher was such a kind and inspirational influence in my life. Thanks Mrs. Epperson!
-Jessica King

Gail and Nicholas Gismondi
My parents, elementary school teachers for over 30 years, have taught me to respect education and to value learning as a lifelong process. They supported and encouraged me in my creative pursuits from an early age, and inspired me to share my love of the arts with others.
-Elizabeth Gismondi

Angela Carol Mitchell
Angela Mitchell is one of my best friends and the most dedicated teacher I have ever met!  She puts the needs of her students first, often working late into the night to ensure that she is providing each individual student with the best possible instruction and positive feedback on his/her work.  She is a loving, supportive and thoughtful friend and teacher, and I don't think I would have made it to Harvard if not for her faith in me.  I feel blessed to have her as a friend, and I know how lucky her students are to have such an excellent teacher.
-Sarah C. Pohle

Mary Grassa O'Neill
Mary Grassa O'Neill is a true inspiration to me.  She is an authentic leader and I learn from her every minute I am in her presence.  Thank you, Mary, for all of your mentorship and support.  Wishing you the best of luck in your new role!
-Rebecca Grant

Rich Ballard
Rich Ballard was my support and guide during my first year in the classroom.  He brought 30 years of wisdom, and a deep appreciation for children, learning, and humor that I try to carry with me always in my work as an educator.  Thank you, Rich, for the extraordinary influence you had in my life!
-Rebecca Grant

Jennifer W. Harris
Jennifer Harris was my first mentor in my career as an educator. She put her trust in me, valued my work, and provided me with the exact amount of support and high expectations that helped me grow and reach my potential. Although it's been almost 10 years since that time, I often think about it and appreciate her deep commitment to education. Thank you, Jennifer!
-Rebecca Grant

Dr. Gene Burns
I would like to thank Dr. Gene Burns for his encouragement and support.  I believe he saw potential in me long before I saw it in myself. I also believe that his dedication to his own learning has been an inspiration to many.  His service to students is far-reaching and extends many years and many miles beyond U of M.   
-Holly Ann Rollins   

Graeme May
I will always remember Graeme's English and Drama lessons: his zany humour, infectious energy and sense of fun inspired me to want to teach and deepened my love of the subjects that he taught. Perhaps the moments I will cherish most will be those on stage or in the Drama Studio (conveniently accessible through that secret passage...), where Graeme taught me the discipline, focus and creative guile necessary to become a better actor - a gift I cherish to this day.
-James Croft  

Steve Waters
As my Director of Studies at the University of Cambridge, Steve played a huge role in my development as a young academic. From him I learnt how to combine drama theory with theatrical practice. Steve organised an extraordinary range of visiting theatre-artists, and always led the way with his wholehearted participation in every kind of experience, from mask-work to Suzuki stomping. He opened my eyes to new ways of "doing academia": I now know that plays and papers can go hand-in-hand when exploring complex topics. Most important, Steve helped me summon up the courage to start directing, adapting and writing pieces of theatre for myself: something I don't believe I would have done otherwise. Thank you, Steve, for your unique combination of teaching excellence, professional theatre experience and valuable mentorship.
-James Croft

Dr. Peter Raby
Peter played a crucial role in my education as a professor on my undergraduate degree course. His breadth of learning and excellent teaching is, of course, a significant part of the reason why I hold Peter in such esteem today. However, perhaps more importantly, Peter tempered and, on occasions, restrained my more outrageous academic flights of fancy. I shall always remember two soft rebukes he offered me during my three years at Cambridge. First, he cautioned me not to question the sincere desire of players in a theatrical production to do their best, whatever my judgement of the quality of the resulting performance. Second, after a particularly fiery outburst on my part, he sat me down to teach me a critical lesson: "James," he said, "you cannot shout at the Head Porter!" I am proud to say I have not done so since. We all remember those educators who praised and encouraged us, but Peter is special to me particularly because he helped me realise my limits, and to exercise greater self-restraint.
-James Croft

John Venning
As my A-Level English teacher, John was a constant inspiration. His extraordinary depth of knowledge, genuine warmth and respect for his students and, most importantly, his sardonic wit made each lesson a richly coloured jewel. From him I gained my respect for the wonderful complexity of literature, an appreciation of its many, often contradictory facets, and an enduring passion for the written word. My mind is a sharper tool for his influence. Thank you, John.
-James Croft

Class Gift 2008: Leave Your Mark!