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The Gala celebrated the impact of
supporting students pursuing careers in
education, health and psychology, and
included a conversation between King and
special guest, PBS NewsHour’s Judy
Woodruff
Valerie Rockefeller, William D. Rueckert,
and David P. O’Connor served as event
Co-Chairs
New York, NY – Teachers College,
Columbia University raised $1.3 million
at the TC Gala to support student
scholarships last Tuesday evening at New
York’s iconic Rainbow Room, reinforcing
its commitment to access for students
preparing to lead across the fields of
education, health, and psychology.
At a time when schools and communities
are grappling with a wide range of
challenges, from mounting teacher
shortages to continuing mental health
crises, the need for well-trained,
mission-driven professionals has never
been more urgent, Teachers College
graduates are critical to meeting this
moment with their work.
The gala honored Teachers College
alumnus John B. King Jr. (Ed.D. ‘08,
M.A. ‘97), the 15th Chancellor of the
State University of New York, the
nation’s largest comprehensive public
higher education system. As Chancellor,
King has advanced a system-wide agenda
focused on student success, research,
equity, and economic mobility. He
previously served as U.S. Secretary of
Education under President Barack Obama,
as President of The Education Trust, and
as New York State’s first Black and
Hispanic education commissioner.
“Teachers College alumni are making a
difference in communities across the
country and around the world, and we are
proud to see that impact reflected in
leaders like John B. King Jr.,” said
Thomas R. Bailey, president of Teachers
College, Columbia University. “We are
honored to recognize him for his
extraordinary vision and impact. At a
time when expanding access to education
has never been more urgent, scholarship
support is helping to ensure that more
students can access the excellent
professional preparation needed to
impact tens of thousands more in the
areas of education, health, and
psychology.”
King underscored the importance of
expanding access to education and the
role scholarships play in preparing
professionals to serve communities.
“My experience at Teachers College
helped guide my path in public service
and my commitment to expanding
opportunity for others and advancing
student success,” said John B. King Jr.,
Chancellor of the State University of
New York. “I’m honored to be recognized
by Teachers College and grateful for its
continued commitment to student
scholarships. Scholarships are critical
to ensuring that more students can
access that same preparation, go on to
serve their communities, and achieve
upward mobility by unleashing their full
potential.”
As part of the evening’s program, King
joined special guest, PBS NewsHour’s
Judy Woodruff for a wide-ranging
conversation on the current landscape of
K-12 and higher education, including the
impact of federal funding cuts,
preparing and supporting teachers,
student mental health and more. Teachers
College student Victoria Dumas shared a
powerful testimonial about the impact of
the TC community’s support on her
professional and personal path and
growth in pursuing her English Education
doctoral degree.
The event was co-chaired by Valerie
Rockefeller (M.A. ’08), William D.
Rueckert, and David P. O’Connor, members
of the Teachers College Board of
Trustees, led by Board Chair Leslie
Morse Nelson.
“The success of this year’s gala
reflects a shared commitment to
expanding opportunity through
education,” said William D. Rueckert,
Gala Co-Chair and Member of Teachers
College Board of Trustees. “Scholarships
are essential to ensuring that talented
students can access a Teachers College
education and go on to serve communities
in meaningful ways.”
“It is encouraging to see so many alumni
and partners come together to help
ensure that cost is not a barrier for
the next generation of leaders in
education, health, and psychology.
Supporting scholarships at Teachers
College is an investment in students who
will create meaningful change in the
world,” said Valerie Rockefeller, Gala
Co-Chair and Member of Teachers College
Board of Trustees. ”
About Teachers College, Columbia
University
Founded in 1887, Teachers College,
Columbia University, the first and
largest graduate school of education in
the United States, is perennially ranked
among the nation’s best. Teachers
College’s mission is to create a
smarter, healthier, more equitable, and
peaceful world. Teachers College engages
in research and prepares professionals
in its three main areas of expertise —
education, health, and psychology — to
work with public and private entities in
local, national, and global communities
and inform public policy. Students
choose from among 150 separate programs
to earn graduate degrees. While it is
closely affiliated with Columbia
University, the College is an
independent, autonomous institution with
a separate, independent governing board,
president, and financial endowment. |