Education Alumni Association Names 2019 Honorees
The Penn GSE Education Alumni Association (EAA) is proud to announce the recipients of the 2019 Education Alumni Awards. Intended to honor the accomplishments of GSE alumni and other education professionals, the awards mark outstanding contributions to Penn GSE and the field of education. The awardees will be recognized at the annual Celebration of Educators during Penn’s Alumni Weekend on Saturday, May 18, 2019.
This year’s programming includes Voices in Education: Reimagining Our Future featuring a panel of four Penn GSE faculty whose research and practice are part of the School’s global impact: Senior Lecturer Ameena Ghaffar-Kucher, co-director of the International Education Development Program); Professor Matthew Hartley, associate dean for academic affairs; Senior Fellow Alan Ruby, senior scholar for Penn AHEAD; and Assistant Professor Krystal Strong. Penn GSE Dean Pam Grossman will moderate a panel discussion about their work and how it is having an impact on education around the world.
The event will conclude with a reception for alumni and friends to honor the 2019 Education Alumni Awardees and to celebrate the extraordinary impact of the Penn GSE community. Learn more about the 2019 Celebration of Educators.
Helen C. Bailey Award
Serafín M. Coronel-Molina, GR’07
This award recognizes an outstanding graduate of the University of Pennsylvania Graduate School of Education who has brought recognition and status to Penn GSE and the University. The recipient of this award will have made a distinctive and impactful contribution to the field of education, including but not limited to contributions made through research, exceptional professional involvement, publications, or innovation.
Ethel and Allen “Buddy” Carruth Sustained Leadership in Education Award
Aubrey H. Wang, GED’94, GR’01
Established in 2004, this award recognizes significant service to the education community by an esteemed graduate of the University of Pennsylvania Graduate School of Education. The award honors the memory of Ethel Carruth, ED’43, a distinguished alumna, benefactor, and friend of Penn GSE. Mrs. Carruth and her late husband, Allen “Buddy” Carruth, left an extraordinary legacy, fostering enthusiastic dedication and support of numerous causes, inspiring benevolence and a lifetime of involvement. Their support of education impacted many in the field and motivated unprecedented achievement and guidance throughout the community. The recipient of this award will serve as an inspiration to others, transcending expectations and providing opportunities in service.
William B. Castetter Alumni Award of Merit
Navin M. Valrani, W’93, GED’18
This award recognizes an outstanding graduate of the University of Pennsylvania Graduate School of Education for significant service to Penn GSE, the University, and its student and alumni communities. Examples of service may include serving as a volunteer with Penn GSE or the University on an alumni or Overseer board or through other leadership opportunities with the University of Pennsylvania, volunteering time and talents through mentorship and/or support of students and alumni, or demonstrating leadership through ongoing participation in initiatives that support and promote the work and impact of the Penn GSE community. The recipient should have a longstanding relationship with the School and exemplify volunteer leadership.
The Penn GSE Early Career Award of Merit
Jaime Lynn Hunter, GED’12
Kimberly Truong, GR’10
This award recognizes an outstanding graduate whose work sets an inspirational example for future alumni of Penn GSE through demonstrated impact, energy, and enthusiasm in a field of endeavor prior to the 10th reunion year. Examples may include professional achievement, innovative contributions to research and/or practice, exceptional volunteerism and/or community service, or other accomplishments.
Penn GSE Educator of the Year Award
Shelley B. Wepner, GED’73, GRD’80
This award recognizes an outstanding graduate or friend of the University of Pennsylvania, preferably of the Graduate School of Education, who demonstrates unusual involvement in and commitment to identifying and helping to resolve school problems and current issues across education and around the globe. The recipient of this award must be a dedicated educator who is an inspiration, risk-taker, innovator, and role model and who demonstrates a commitment to the betterment of Penn GSE.
