Elaine Brantley Memorial Award for Community & Civility
Elaine Brantley
April 29, 1949 – June 9, 2003
Elaine Brantley Memorial Award for Community & Civility
The Elaine Brantley Memorial Award for Community & Civility seeks to recognize Teachers College employees who, by virtue of their daily efforts go beyond the expectations of their position, promote a sense of community and a culture of civility at the College. The award hopes to raise the awareness of individual contributions to community and civility at TC, show appreciation for those individuals who contribute to the realization of these goals, and recognize those who excel in making Teachers College a better place to work and learn. The award honors Elaine Brantley’s memory and legacy, as well as her dedicated service as a Teachers College employee for 24 years. Elaine was held in high regard by everyone, and she inspired warmth, kinship, and collaboration through her daily efforts making an outstanding impact on us all. Elaine was a shining model of community and civility to which all TC community members should aspire.
2025-2026 Award Recipients
The Committee for Community & Diversity is pleased to announce the recipients of this year's
Elaine Brantley Memorial Award for Community & Civility
Kerry M. Donohue
Dee Ibraheim
Niki (Nicole) Siniscalchi
Dewayne White
The Life of Elaine Webster Brantley
Elaine Webster Brantley was born and raised in Harlem, where she was educated at Washington Irving High School and worshiped at the Kelly Temple Church of God in Christ. Elaine was married to Ulysses Brantley and had one daughter, Eboné Chemise Brantley. Elaine was a cashier in the cafeteria at Teachers College for 24 years, but she was much more than a dedicated employee. Elaine was a favorite among students, faculty, and staff alike. She was good therapy, a reason to come to work in the morning, and a good friend. At her memorial program, a quote by Mother Teresa reflected the beauty of Elaine's gift: “Kind words can be short and easy to speak, but their echoes are endless.” In this spirit, the Committee for Community and Diversity wishes to honor the memory of Elaine Brantley by recognizing others who continue her legacy of inspiring warmth, kinship, and collaboration within the Teachers College community.