Announcing This Year's Graft Scholars
Dr. Carolyn Theard-Griggs, Dean of the National College of Education, is pleased to announce the recipients of this year’s Patricia Cassin-Graft Student Teacher Assistance Fund Awards. For the 2023-24 academic year, five students have been honored with this prestigious scholarship: Erica Page Muhammad, Iris Moore, Tachon Pulliam, Alexandra Parker, and Ana Vega.
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 Pat’s classmates, along with Pat and Mike’s family and friends 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 184 Cassin-Graft Scholars who, collectively, have made a difference in the lives of thousands of children. Here are brief introductions to our five recent Cassin-Graft Scholars:
- Erica Page Muhammad will earn a Master’s degree in Elementary Education. Her student teaching assignment is at Oakton Elementary School in Evanston.
- Iris Moore will earn a Master’s degree in Special Education. Her student teaching assignment is at Austin College & Career Academy High School in Chicago.
- Tachon Pulliam will earn a Master’s degree in Elementary Education. Her student teaching assignment is at Woodgate Elementary School in Matteson. Tachon also earned her BA in Applied Behavioral Sciences from NLU.
- Alexandra Parker will earn a Master’s degree in Secondary Education. Her student teaching assignment is at Willowbrook High School in Villa Park.
- Ana Vega will earn a Bachelor's degree in Elementary Education. Her student teaching experience is at Friendship Junior High School in Des Plaines.
