"Next" Magazine Vol. 2 Fall 2015 | Page 2

next» Next is published by the University of Kentucky College of Education for the friends and alumni of the College. Dean Mary John O’Hair Senior Associate Dean for Academic Programs, Accreditation and Planning Rosetta Sandidge Senior Associate Dean for Research, Analytics and Graduate Student Success Rob Shapiro Associate Dean for Undergraduate Advising and Student Success Steve Parker Associate Dean for Clinical Preparation and Partnerships Laurie Henry Exexutive Editors Amanda Nelson Beth Goins Graphic Design Jerry Pennington Writers Amanda Nelson Beth Goins Photography Amanda Nelson Beth Goins Printing Wendling Printing Send Comments and Questions to: Next UK College of Education 103 Dickey Hall Lexington, KY 40506-0017 [email protected] [email protected] The University of Kentucky is committed to equal opportunity and nondiscrimination in all programs, events and services regardless of economic or social status and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, ethnic origin, national origin, creed, religion, political belief, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, age, veteran status, or physical or mental disability. 2 | next» Cover photo by Beth Goins FROM THE DIRECTOR OF DEVELOPMENT» A “student first” philosophy guides us across the College of Education. With the leadership of Dean Mary John O’Hair, we have made great strides in improving our facilities and opportunities for students. But our great professors and programs can’t help a student who can’t afford to come. Tuition costs continue to rise as state support declines while many families have not recovered from the recent recession. The need for scholarships has never been greater. So this magazine is dedicated to our scholarship donors and their impact on the students who receive their help. As our communications team, Amanda Nelson and Beth Goins, interviewed scholarship recipients for this magazine, a theme emerged that we had not considered, but became more compelling as we spoke with them. Beyond the obvious benefit of reducing the financial burden, many students also mentioned that their scholarships represented the first time someone had supported their dreams. This is especially true of many firstgeneration college students. They talked about the validation and confidence they received beyond the money, because there was a donor who believed in them enough to bet on them with a scholarship. That is a powerful force in the life of a young person. Although we have many financial needs across our College, I am reminded of something my dad often told me: “When you invest in another person, especially a young person, regardless of the outcome, you cannot lose.” He believed that with all of his heart and lived it out every day. It was his influence that led me to leave the world of business for my work at the College of Education, to continue his legacy of investing in the lives of young people. When you help students earn a college degree, you change the trajectory of their lives and their future generations for years to come. There is no greater investment. It is the ultimate legacy. —Jeff Francisco Director of Development To learn more about how you can support education through gifts, contact: Jeff Francisco, Director of Development 133B Dickey Hall, College of Education University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40506-0017 (859) 333-1877 (Cell) | (859) 257-2479 (Office) [email protected]