Elaine Brantley Memorial Award for Community and Civility
Recipients 2023-2024
The Committee for Community & Diversity
is pleased to announce the RECIPIENTS of this years
Elaine Brantley Memorial Award
for Community & Civility
Alana Crosby
Noah Drezner
Deanna Gregory
Gary Lord
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. All Teachers College employees, including faculty, professional staff, union staff, part-time staff, and administration, are eligible to receive this award.
Elaine Brantley (April 29th, 1949 – June 9th, 2003)
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.
ELAINE BRANTLEY MEMORIAL AWARD FOR COMMUNITY & CIVILITY
2004-2005 Award Recipients: Anthony Bonano and Amy Pabarue
2005-2006 Award Recipients: Chandra Cates and Orlando Cartagena Jr.
2006-2007 Award Recipients: Michelle Hill, Clarence Houston and Rocky Schwarz
2007-2008 Award Recipients: Sarah Phillips and Stacy Thomas
2008-2009 Award Recipients: George B. Schuessler, Graeme Sullivan & Yvonne Elaine Wallace
2009-2010 Award Recipients: Paul Acquaro, Jacqueline Diaz-Solano & James Rudolph
2010-2011 Award Recipients: Emily Fortis (posthumously), Edward Friedman & Iraida Torres-Irizarry
2011-2012 Award Recipients: Virgenmina Morales & Aaron Pallas
2012-2013 Award Recipients: Evelyn Cardona, Thomas Rock & Yolanda Sealey-Ruiz
2013-2014 Award Recipients: Yeremy Chavez, Elizet Gonzalez & Gerolyn Martinez (posthumously)
2014-2015 Award Recipients: Dennis Chambers, Aklilu Ghidey & James Kearney
2015-2016 Award Recipients: David Estrella & Josephine Takeall
2016-2017 Award Recipients: Maria Czech, Wayne Judkins & Dr. Stephen Peverly
2017-2018 Award Recipients: Lisa Cazzola & Sonya Jone
2018-2019 Award Recipients: Daniel Aracena, Karen Baldwin (Posthumously), Jasmine Ortiz & Lucy Tam
2019-2020 Award Recipients: Karen Kelly, Joseph Levine & Dr. Marie Volpe
2022-2023 Award Recipients: Selema Moliga & Evelyn Quiñones
2023-2024 Award Recipients: Alana Crosby, Noah Drezner, Deanna Gregory & Gary Lord
The Elaine Brantley Memorial Award for Community and Civility 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. Thus, the Award seeks to recognize Teachers College employees who, by virtue of their daily efforts, go beyond the expectations of their positions and promote a sense of community and a culture of civility at the College. The Award hopes to raise awareness and offer public recognition of individual contributions to community and civility, making Teachers College a better place to work and learn, and to show appreciation for those individuals who contribute to and who excel in the realization of these goals.
The Elaine Brantley Memorial Award Selection Committee receives nominations of a number of strong and highly commendable candidates, and carefully reviews the applications received. The Elaine Brantley Memorial Award is presented at the State of the College Address in November.