Betsy Balzano Scholars

Dr. Betsy Balzano (1934-2020) was a SUNY Distinguished Service Professor in the Department of Education and Human Development at SUNY Brockport for 49 years. Dr. Balzano left countless contributions, making an indelible mark on the department, the College, and the teaching profession, one characterized by wisdom, commitment, professionalism, and humanitarianism.

A 1952 graduate of Tolman High School in Pawtucket, Rhode Island, Betsy earned her bachelor’s degree in Mathematics and Science from Rhode Island College in 1956. She began her teaching career at high schools in both RI and Florida. While in FL, she continued her education and earned a master’s degree in Biochemistry and a Doctorate in Science Education from Florida State University.

Dr. Balzano began her tenure at SUNY Brockport in 1971. She taught science methods and planning in the undergraduate childhood teacher preparation program, supervised elementary and secondary student teachers, and taught in the graduate childhood and adolescence science education programs. For 20 years in collaboration with teachers and administrators at Frederick Douglass Preparatory School, Rochester, NY, she coordinated a professional practice school. More recently, she coordinated the professional practice school at Edison Technical High School, Rochester, and served as the Teacher Opportunity Corps Project Advisor (1987-2003).

As a faculty leader at Brockport, Dr. Balzano served as Project Director for three funded programs: Brockport/Edison Early College High School, Teacher Leadership Quality Partnership (2003-2009; 2012-2015), and Fund for the Improvement of Postsecondary Education Partnership with Oswego (2003-2007). She received more than $3 million in funded programs to support students and teachers alike. She was a major author for The Intermediate Science Curriculum Study, a science program for grades 7, 8, and 9, and for the Individualized Science Instructional System, a science program for grades 10, 11, and 12. She made numerous presentations at state and national conventions as well as conducting more than 160 workshops for teachers in science both at the elementary and secondary levels. She served as an international consultant in science education and teacher education for the United States Agency for International Development, the Asian Development Bank, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, and the World Bank in the Philippines, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Indonesia, Brazil, and Russia. In Indonesia, she was the major author and consultant for a secondary teacher education project for 12 years until the project completed in 2002.

Throughout her career, Dr. Balzano served on numerous department, college and state level committees, often taking on positions of leadership. She served as chair of the department for six years, coordinator for the National Council for the Accreditation of Teacher Education for 10 years, chair of the Professional Education Unit Assessment committee, member of the Professional Education Council, and member of the advisory board of McNair/C-STEP, among others.

Dr. Balzano was elected to Phi Beta Delta, International Scholars, received the Greater Metropolitan Rochester Chamber of Commerce Civic Education Award in 1991, the Phi Delta Kappa Educator of the Year Award in 1985, the Kodak 21st Century Learning Challenge Award in 1995, the Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Teaching in 1973, the Chancellor’s Distinguished Service Professor title in 1995, and Living the Legacy Award from American Federation of Teachers in 2006. She supported numerous scholarships and programs at the College, and quietly took a leading role in promoting and encouraging a culture of philanthropy across the College. Dr. Balzano was inducted into the Donald M. Tower Society at SUNY Brockport in honor of her many philanthropic endeavors benefiting the institution.

Betsy loved teaching and traveling and had the opportunity to blend both worlds while working in the Philippines, Indonesia, and Brazil. She traveled the world exploring new places and making friends, many of whom she remained in close contact with throughout her life. Betsy’s life was blessed with close relationships with wonderful friends, colleagues, students, and family. She was a kind, thoughtful, and generous person who touched the lives of so many.

In her honor, this endowed fund was established to recognize students in the School of Education, Health, & Human Services by providing support in defraying the costs of education so that students can focus on their learning in order to serve in their future professional careers.

Eligible students must

1. Be an incoming, first-time student who is intending to pursue an academic major in the School of Education, Health, & Human Services at SUNY Brockport.
2. Demonstrate academic excellence by being qualified for an Extraordinary Academic Scholarship and as judged by the selection committee.
3. Demonstrate significant need for financial assistance as judged by the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) minus any other awarded scholarships or grants.

Recipients can renew this scholarship for a maximum of four academic years if they:

1. Maintain satisfactory progress toward completing their degree.
2. Maintain good academic standing.
3. Continue to pursue their original academic program in the School of Education, Health, & Human Services or another program at the College.

This scholarship will be credited to the recipient’s bill in the form of a non-tuition educational expense grant. It must be used for educational expenses and may not be received as cash.

Incoming students are considered for scholarships based on their admissions application – they should not apply through the scholarship portal. For best consideration, students are encouraged to submit their application by February 15th.