Carolyn Russell awarded first Sabine Krygier Memorial Scholarship
Carolyn Russell is the first recipient of the Sabine Krygier Memorial Scholarship. She is seeking her Multiple Subject Teaching Credential at Brandman.
The scholarship was created in honor of alumna Sabine Krygier, who passed away in January, leaving a legacy of dedication to both her students and the teaching profession.
“We are seeking to support moms returning to school for their teaching credentials, just as my mama did nearly 30 years ago,” wrote her daughter Sarah Knutson, when the scholarship fund was established.
Russell definitely fits that description. In her essay application she wrote, “Being a single parent has not been the easiest road to follow, but with determination, I am seeking to join this noble profession with all I have.”
Russell, who has two sons and a daughter, worked as a swim and recreation teacher at the Ventura Family YMCA when her children were young, worked with children as a volunteer at her church and in her children’s classrooms, and served on the PTA. She planned to become a substitute teacher and start a path toward a credential. Plans changed when her husband became ill with cancer and passed away, and she moved to Arizona.
Russell eventually returned to her hometown of Nipomo, California, where she again began volunteering in her children’s classrooms and working in an after-school program. “I served as the kinder director for five years for the program at Nipomo Elementary, where I had once attended school and where my mother had once taught as well. It was wonderful to follow a group of children in their development and know that I had a part in their educational success. Working there has reconnected me with the community as well,” she wrote in her essay.
“Teaching has been a lifelong occupation for me. I have taught privately volunteered and have enjoyed positions that have given me great insights into the learning process. Using my innovation and skills, I feel that credentialing is the next step on my journey.”
Russell received a $1,000 scholarship. To make a contribution to any of Brandman’s scholarship funds go to the Donor Support page.
Become a Student
Have questions about enrollment, degree programs, financial aid, or next steps?
