Josephine F. Mannix Award
Before joining the faculty at Brockport Normal School in 1928, Josephine Mannix taught in rural western Pennsylvania. She came to Brockport as the second-grade critic teacher for the demonstration program of the Normal School.
In 1944, she became an instructor when the Normal School transitioned into the Brockport State Teachers College. In 1955, she received a continuing appointment and associate professor status.
A native of Beaver Falls, PA, she graduated from Geneva College there in 1925. She began graduate studies at the University of Pittsburgh and earned her master’s degree in elementary education from that school in 1938. She also did graduate work in psychology, mental hygiene, anthropology, and research in reading at both the University of Pittsburgh and Sarah Lawrence College.
At Brockport, she planned the library for children in the demonstration school, and, as the first Roman Catholic faculty member at the College, she helped found the Brockport’s chapter of the Newman Club.
She was on the executive committee of the local chapter of the Association for Childhood Education established at Brockport in 1951 and served as faculty advisor to the student chapter.
Ms. Mannix was dedicated to both children and adults in the community. During World War II, she sent packages to young men from Brockport who were overseas. When they returned, she gave them gifts of $5 to $10 and the loan of her car so they could take their sweethearts on dates.
During 1952, she took a sabbatical to the British Isles. After she retired in 1961, Ms. Mannix received the emerita associate professor distinction. She returned to Beaver Falls, where she passed away in 1984.
Applicants for the Josephine F. Mannix Award should be undergraduate or graduate students matriculated in Childhood Inclusive Education who have at least two semesters remaining. They also should demonstrate academic excellence and the potential for success as an educator, and must submit recommendations from two current professionals.