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In January, the ���Ҵ�ý�ƽ������ School of Education welcomed more than 200 students, families, donors, faculty, and staff to the 2026 Scholarship Celebration, an annual event recognizing scholarship and fellowship recipients and the community that supports them.

This year’s program highlighted the remarkable expansion of scholarship support over the past three decades. What began in 1993 with five scholarships totaling $2,500 has grown into 92 scholarships totaling more than $550,000.

Attendees also heard from Jackie Bristol, a PhD candidate and Miramontes Baca Fellowship awardee, and Barbara Quinlan, alumna and longtime supporter, about the powerful impact of scholarships, their potential, and steady growth of offerings. The school now offers more than 40 named scholarships, along with six future scholarships established through legacy commitments. Other attendees shared stories at their tables, connected with one another around their work, and took photos with friends, families and supporters. The dean noted that these voices reflect why education matters, even in challenging times.

“Tonight, we are here to celebrate our students—their achievements, their persistence, their curiosity, and their deep commitments to education, equity and community,” said Dean Amanda Haertling Thein. “Across our programs, School of Education students are doing remarkable work. They are teaching and learning in classrooms, schools, and communities. They are conducting research that informs policy and practice. They are juggling complex personal and professional responsibilities while staying grounded in why education matters. Scholarships help make that work possible.”

The dean thanked faculty and staff for their mentorship, donors for expanding opportunities and support, and students for the work they are doing—and will do—to shape classrooms and communities.

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