CEHD names first recipient of Donna Dunn Memorial Scholarship
Radford University graduate student Brieanne Hash is the recipient of the first Donna Dunn Memorial Scholarship.
The university's College of Education and Human Development (CEHD) announced the selection Jan. 14 at its faculty and staff meeting. The college created the scholarship last year to honor Dunn, a beloved employee who passed away in May 2015.
The scholarship was designed to be given to a deserving education major from southwest Virginia with financial need.
Hash is pursuing a master's degree in special education K-12 and is scheduled to graduate in May. She earned a bachelor's degree in elementary education pre-kindergarten-6 from Radford University in May 2015.
"I want to teach elementary education. I love elementary school, and I love working with kids who have open minds and are passionate about learning," said Hash. "I love seeing progress in kids, seeing them understand things they weren't able to understand before. I think that's the most fun part about teaching."
Dunn served 28 years as the advising coordinator in the Center for Advising and Licensure for CEHD. She earned a Bachelor of Science degree in 1973 and a Master of Science degree in business education from Radford University in 1990.
Dunn left a legacy at Radford University through her generosity, kindness and willingness to serve students and the entire university community.
Hash said she met Dunn when she first arrived at Radford University. "She helped me find scholarships and plan my schedule," the Independence native said. "From the time I met her, I knew that if I needed anything, I could go see Donna and she'd help me."
Brooke Blanks (left) with Donna Dunn Memorial Scholarship recipient Brieanne Hash (center) and Carol Bland
Carol Bland, an assistant professor in elementary education in CEHD's School of Teacher Education and Leadership (STEL), said Hash has characteristics that "remind us all of the way Donna Dunn lived her life."
"With classmates, Brieanne is cooperative and trustworthy; with colleagues she is collaborative and reliable; with students she is kind and encouraging," Bland said. "Brieanne is the ideal recipient of the first Donna Dunn Memorial Scholarship."
Bland supervised Hash during her early field experience when she was co-placed with an intern from special education. It was during that field placement that Hash "learned about collaboration across disciplines and learned to co-teach with a special educator," Bland said.
STEL Assistant Professor Brooke Blanks supervised Hash during her student teaching. She said Hash is "the epitome of optimism and creative problem solving. Her creative, positive approach to children, as well as her strong work ethic, represent well Donna's legacy. I cannot think of a better or more deserving candidate to receive the inaugural scholarship."
To learn more about the scholarship fund, contact Jocelyn Stephens at (540) 831-5344 or jestephen@radford.edu. Contributions can also be made online through the University Advancement & Alumni Relations website.