Orlo L. Derby Award in Elementary Education
Dr. Orlo L. Derby, who taught at Brockport from 1941 to 1974, established a scholarship to recognize an outstanding undergraduate student in the Childhood Inclusive Education program.
He earned his bachelor’s degree in 1931 and his master’s in Educational Administration degree in 1932, both from Syracuse University. He taught in the Syracuse area until 1938 when he began doctoral studies at Columbia University. In 1940 he served as critic teacher at the Cortland Normal School, and in 1941 came to the Brockport Normal School as an instructor of English.
In 1942, Dr. Derby received his doctorate in education from Columbia and joined the U.S. Army, which sent him to the Philippines. He ended his World War II service with the rank of captain and remained in the US Army Reserves before retiring in the early 1970s with the rank of Lt. Colonel.
In 1946, he returned to Brockport as assistant professor of education and became a full professor in 1948. At Brockport, he was a member of the Curriculum and Instruction faculty, directing the graduate program in that major from 1969 to 1971. He also served as a member of the Faculty Senate, and of the Kappa Phi Kappa and Phi Delta Kappa professional societies. Additionally, he was the Fulbright representative on campus. He retired and received emeritus status in 1974.
Although he did not go to Japan while in the service, he received a Fulbright Award to teach at Okayama University in Japan during 1954. He went back to Japan in 1958-9 as a guest professor at the International Christian University. In 1965, he received a second Fulbright to teach at the University of Singapore.
Dr. Derby was the author of a book on teaching methods in the Far East, and delivered presentations on that topic at professional meetings. In 1971, he served as a visiting lecturer at the School of Education of Hull University in the U.K.
After his retirement, he worked with Dr. Albert Brown, retired Brockport president, Ralph Gennarino, retired Brockport vice president for Educational Services, and Marguerite Hare Browne, professor emerita and Advancement staff member, to establish the emeriti professionals group to promote activities of the College. He passed away in 2008.
Students who qualify for the Orlo L. Derby Award in Elementary Education are undergraduate students registered in childhood inclusive teacher certification who intend to become teachers at the elementary level. In addition, applicants must demonstrate the qualities of patience, kindness, and understanding of children. They must also demonstrate the ability to work well with fellow students and with their teachers.