CED Receives Six Figure Bequest from Former LBUSD Teachers
The College of Education received a six figure bequest from former LBUSD teachers, Robert and Margaret Jones. Robert (Bob) is an alumnus of the College as he received his bachelor’s degree in 1950 and then returned to campus for his master’s degree in 1953. Bob was a teacher in Long Beach for 26 years, and Margaret served as elementary principal in four Long Beach schools between 1953 and 1984.
The $155,000 bequest will support the previously established Robert E. and Margaret B. Jones Endowed Scholarship which provides scholarships for students in the elementary education program, including undergraduate students in the Integrated Teacher Education Program (blended program) and Liberal Studies; and Multiple Subject Credential Program students during their student teaching assignment. The scholarship is also available to students in the Administration Credential programs.
Robert and Margaret created this scholarship to help outstanding students become educators. The previous endowment principle disbursed one annual scholarship averaging $2,500 and with the new bequest, the College can now offer almost four times that amount annually, in perpetuity.
The 2017-18 scholarship recipient is Susan Varga-Szabo, Liberal Studies student of the Integrated Teacher Education Program (ITEP) Urban Dual Credential Program, who is expected to graduate in 2019.
Susan shares, “This scholarship is meaningful to me because it means I can now study, share and learn in any situation. Up until now, I have been using libraries and on-campus resource centers to gain access to a computer and Internet; I depended on the generosity of my student peers to lend me their devices when presenting in class. With my purchase of a laptop from this scholarship, I can now be a more effective student and future educator. I am so grateful for the generosity of the Robert and Margaret Jones Scholarship.”
The College of Education is proud of the network of devoted alumni and supporters who generously provide their time and resources to enhance the College’s mission of providing “equity and excellence in education.” Bob and Margaret Jones’ contribution exemplifies the College’s mission and their bequest will continue to support educators for generations to come. Not only will their gift will have a lasting impact on education preparation, but it shows how teachers can continue to make a difference in the lives of students through a legacy gift.
Dean Shireen Pavri adds, “We are very appreciative of the Jones’ family for their generous gift. It is the friends and supporters of the College, like Robert and Margaret, who make it possible for so many of our students to pursue their academic goals and become excellent educators. With declining state investment in higher education and simultaneous increases in tuition, testing and credentialing fees, and living costs for our students, we are even more reliant on the generous support of our alumni and friends who support our programs and students.”
If you are interested in learning more about planned giving, please contact Maryanne Horton at Maryanne.horton@csulb.edu or call (562) 985-7477. For additional information regarding the College of Education’s development efforts, please visit the Development website.
