Announcing NCE’s Winter Term Cassin Graft Scholars
Dr. Carolyn Theard-Griggs, Dean of the National College of Education, is pleased to announce the recipients of our mid-year Patricia Cassin-Graft Student Teacher Assistance Fund Awards. For the winter/spring 2023-24 academic year, seven students have been honored with this prestigious scholarship: Cynthia Harris, Elizabeth Rodriguez, Jasmin Horton, Lamiaa Nadif, Lindsey Bridgewater, Maria Kibby, and Tyler Huber.
Patricia Cassin-Graft, NCE class of 1957, and her husband, Michael Graft, first established this endowed scholarship in September 2003. Since that time, many of the Graft’s friends, family, and numerous NLU alumni, faculty, and staff, have contributed to this special financial aid program, which supports students who are about to enter their final term at NCE and intend to work in high-needs schools upon graduation.
To date, there have been 191 Cassin-Graft Scholars who, collectively, have made a difference in the lives of thousands of children. Here are brief introductions to our seven recent Cassin-Graft Scholars:
- Cynthia Harris will earn a Master’s degree in Elementary Education. Her student teaching assignment is at Marquette Elementary in Chicago.
- Elizabeth Rodriguez will earn a Master’s degree in Elementary Education. Her student teaching assignment is at Spaulding School in Gurnee.
- Jasmin Horton will earn a Master’s degree in Special Education. Her student teaching assignment is at Michele Clark Magnet High School in Chicago.
- Lamiaa Nadif will earn a Master’s degree in Elementary Education. Her student teaching assignment is at Butterworth Elementary in Coal Valley.
- Lindsey Bridgewater will earn a Bachelor's degree in Elementary Education. Her student teaching experience is at Herrin Community Elementary in Herrin.
- Maria Kibby will earn a Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education. Her student teaching experience is at Enders-Salk Elementary in Schaumburg.
- Tyler Huber will earn a Master’s degree in Secondary Education. His student teaching assignment is at Glenbard East High School in Lombard.
