The Richard W. Riley College of Education and Leadership at Walden University Announces First Recipients of Ann “Tunky” Riley Scholarships

Minneapolis—March 3, 2010—Teachers Jill Anne Bastian of Longwood, Fla., and Anne Puidk Horan of Poetry, Texas, have received the first Ann “Tunky” Riley Excellence in Education scholarships to enroll in The Richard W. Riley College of Education and Leadership at Walden University.

The scholarships are supported by the Riley Education Fund, which is named for Richard W. Riley, former Secretary of the U.S. Department of Education. The awards are dedicated to the memory of Riley’s wife, Ann “Tunky” Riley, a teacher and passionate advocate for high-quality public education for all children.

“I am especially proud of this scholarship program in my wife’s honor, because it reflects the college’s dedication to lifelong learning and supports the many educators who stand out because of their superior contributions to their students, colleagues, schools and communities,” said Secretary Riley. “I am so pleased with the first recipients, Jill and Anne, and their impressive achievements in their classrooms and communities. Tunky would be proud of them, too, I am sure.”

Ms. Bastian is enrolled in Walden’s MS in Education program with a specialization in Science (Grades K–8). Ms. Horan is enrolled in the Doctor of Education (EdD) program with a specialization in Administrator Leadership for Teaching and Learning.

All scholarship applicants wrote an essay on their contributions to the lives of students, mentoring a colleague or helping an economically disadvantaged school or community. Each applicant also submitted a letter of recommendation from a school official discussing the applicant’s passion for teaching and its impact on their students, school or community.

In her essay, Ms. Bastian highlighted her efforts “connecting children to their community through positive, meaningful volunteer activities” that promote learning through active participation and foster a sense of caring and a deeper understanding of self. Six years ago I implemented a service-learning club in my school. Today, our Kids Care Club consists of 45 fourth- and fifth-grade students with a desire and compassion to make a difference in the world.”

Ms. Horan wrote about her work establishing the Poetry Community Christian School. “Each year [the school] opens its doors to primarily non-affluent families in rural Poetry, Texas—families who would otherwise be excluded from private education simply because of their income level or because their child has a notable learning difference. The school I formed influences the lives of students at every level.”

Walden’s Richard W. Riley College of Education and Leadership offers degree programs that support the needs of educators from preschool through higher education and at various stages of their profession, including new and veteran classroom teachers, experienced faculty members and administrators, and career-changers interested in teaching. Offerings include bachelor’s, master’s, post-master’s and doctoral degree programs as well as individual graduate courses, special education endorsement programs and a teacher preparation program.

For more information about The Richard W. Riley College of Education and Leadership, visit www.WaldenU.edu.

About Walden University
For 40 years, Walden University has supported working professionals in achieving their academic goals and making a greater impact in their professions and their communities. Today, more than 40,500 students from all 50 states and more than 100 countries are pursuing their bachelor’s, master’s or doctoral degrees at Walden. The university provides students with an engaging educational experience that connects them with expert faculty and peers around the world. Walden is the flagship online university in the Laureate International Universities network—a global network of 45 online and campus-based universities in 20 countries.

Walden offers more than 40 degree programs with more than 180 specializations and concentrations. Areas of study include: health sciences, counseling, human services, management, psychology, education, public health, nursing, public administration, technology and engineering. For more information, visit www.WaldenU.edu. Walden University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission and a member of the North Central Association, www.hlcommission.org.