Irene Rivera de Royston Scholarship in Counselor Education

Irene Rivera de Royston graduated from SUNY Brockport in 1974 with a master’s degree in Counselor Education, and she retired in 2016 after 42 years of working in higher education and community service.

She completed a master’s in social work degree at Syracuse University in 1984, and she combined her counseling and social work backgrounds by serving students and families through student services, counseling and social work.

During her career at Monroe Community College, Empire State College of the State University of New York, Norfolk (VA) State University; and Miami-Dade (FL) College, she served as a counselor, assistant professor of applied psychology, program coordinator, family therapist, and program manager. Her research on cultural diversity issues and her work with Educational Opportunity programs received recognition through various state and local awards.

Since her retirement, Mrs. Rivera de Royston serves on the ASPIRA of Florida, Inc., board of directors. ASPIRA is a national organization that advocates for education and leadership development of Latin American youth. She also volunteers with the St. Vincent de Paul Association, providing families with emergency assistance. She currently is a consultant at Barry (FL) University, where she offers continuing education training to adults working in human services organizations.

The Irene Rivera de Royston Scholarship recognizes an outstanding student in the Brockport Counselor Education program. To qualify, applicants must be accepted into the Counselor Education program, have completed the program’s introductory course, and have a GPA of 3.0 or higher at the time of application. Students of Hispanic, African, or Native American descent or students with dependent children will receive preference.