College Access Award Winners
Student Loan Funding Awards of Excellence in College Access
Outstanding Program Staff
2003: Tammy, Next Step College Access Program
2004: James Cullen, Director ETS and GEAR UP, Cincinnati Youth Collaborative
2005: Angela Meyer, Lima/Allen College Access Program
Outstanding Program Executive
2003: Bill, Clermont Educational Opportunities
2004: Maria Boss, President & CEO, Cleveland Scholarship Programs, Inc.
Outstanding Newly Established Program
2003 (TIE): It Might As Well Be You
2003 (TIE): Next Step College Access Program
2004: Greene County Higher Educational Opportunities
Outstanding Established Program
2003: LEAF
2004: I KNOW I CAN
Outstanding Program
2005: Think College Now, Northwest Ohio College Access Program
Outstanding Volunteer: Jeanette Grasselli Brown
Jeanette Grasselli Brown is passionate about helping young students understand the importance of higher education especially in the area of math and science. Working as a scientist for 38 years Dr. Brown retired in 1989 as director of corporate research for BP America. Dr. Brown never retired from her commitment to education and went on to serve on several boards, including serving as the chair for Ohio University, Cleveland Scholarship Programs and the Ohio Board of Regents. Through her involvement in these organizations and her passion for helping low income and first generation students access college, she was instrumental in the creation of the Ohio College Access Network. The Jeanette Grasselli Brown College Access Volunteer Award recognizes the dedication and commitment of an individual volunteering to support the work of the college access field. Nominees for this award may include a volunteer college access advisor, board/advisory member, community leader, etc.
2005: Darla DiFabio, Opening Doors of Opportunity
2006: Jeffrey Fisher (Nominated by Gloria Dunnivan)
2007: E. Jean Harper, Superintendent, Springfield City Schools
2008: Martin J. Maliwesky, Dean of Enrollment Services, Columbus State Community College
2009: Don Chenelle
William Over College Access Collaboration Award
William Over was committed to helping more students have the opportunity to attend education beyond high school and to assist with the process he established the Clermont Educational Opportunities college access program to serve all students in Clermont County. Through his dedication and commitment the small rural program overcame many challenges a small nonprofit faces, and realized the need to develop strong relationships and collaborative efforts with the community including school districts, businesses and colleges to become a strong viable program. The William Over College Access Collaboration Award is given to a college access program, resource center or high school dedicated to building collaborative relationships to help more Ohioans access, pay for and enroll in educational programs beyond high school.
2006: Gary Williams
2007: Southern Ohio Center of Excellence
2008: Lima High School-Lima/Allen County College Access Program
2009: Marion Technical College
Thomas L. Conlan Awards – Sponsored by KnowledgeWorks Foundation
Thomas L. Conlan generously devoted his time, leadership, and compassion to a number of civic organizations. He served on the board of Edgecliff College from 1970 until his appointment as a member of the Ohio Board of Regents in 1973. Mr. Conlan was also co-founder of Student Loan Funding, a company which provides financial resources for students in their pursuit of higher education. Thomas L. Conlan was a man whose dedication to helping others was truly reflected in his desire to place higher education within the reach of all. The Thomas L. Conlan Local College Access Program Award is given to a local college access program for excellence, innovation and creativity in inspiring students to pursue postsecondary education.
Outstanding Program: Thomas L. Conlan Award Recipients
2001: I Can Go To College Access Network
2002: Scholarship Central
2003: Clermont Educational Opportunities
2004: Lima/Allen College Access Program
2005: Cleveland Scholarship Programs, Inc.
2006: Pipeline Scholarship Program (Tech Prep)
2007: Opening Doors of Opportunity
2008: Lake/Geauga Education Assistance Foundation
2009: A CALL TO COLLEGE
Wayne F. White was a dedicated educator who had regional and statewide impact on education. He spent over four decades educating students and working to ensure that they go on to higher education. He served as a high school teacher, coach, guidance counselor, assistant superintendent and superintendent, and was the first Executive Director of the Ohio Appalachian Center for Higher Education (OACHE). Wayne F. White was a passionate advocate for education and believed that all Ohio children deserved an adequate education. The Wayne F. White Staff Award recognizes the dedication, hard work and innovation of an individual working on behalf of a local college access program.
Outstanding Program Staff: Wayne F. White Award Recipients
2001: Tina Milano, Cleveland Scholarship Programs
2002: Fred Weed, I KNOW I CAN
2003: Wayne White, OACHE
2004: Adrienne O’Neill, Stark
2005: Margaret Thornton, Crawford College Connection
2006: Geraldine Hayes Nelson
2007: Barbara Tscholl, Stark Education Partnership
2008: Yolanda Hart, Cincinnati Youth Collaborative
2009: Rhonda Fannin
Community Partner Award
2001: OACHE
Educator Award
2001: Betty English, Warren City Schools