Department of Educational Leadership

College of Education

Florida Atlantic University

Boca Raton, Florida, 33431

Telephone: 561 297 3550

Facsimile: 561 297 3618

Email: leadership @fau.edu

Website: www.leadership.fau.edu

TRAICA VANGELOFF THOMAS SCHOLARSHIP IN COMMUNITY EDUCATION

The Traica Vangeloff Thomas Scholarship makes funds available to students enrolled in the Department of Educational Leadership who are interested in the field of Community Education. The Scholarship established in 2001 honors Traica Vangeloff  Thomas, a Macedonian immigrant to the United States. Traica was born in 1912 in a small village in Western Macedonia near the Kosovo border. Her father and mother were Macedonian Freedom Fighters – commandos to friends and outlaws to enemies who were forced to flee Macedonia for fear of their lives. Traica arrived at Ellis Island at the age of twelve. From the experiences in her early years abroad and in the US, she realized that education was more than schooling and that there were social, economic, political and cultural dimensions to achieving the American Dream. Traica exemplifies the American Experience in the minds and emotions of her family, neighbors, and friends who have endowed this scholarship. Traica was the wife of Michael V. Kerensky and mother of V. M. Kerensky, C. S. Mott Professor Emeritus and a FAU faculty member for 37 years.

AMOUNT OF AWARD:      An award of $500 is made annually.

ELIGIBILITY:               Students who are enrolled at the Graduate level in the College of Education and in good academic standing are eligible to apply for the award.

APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS: Applicants must:

        1.    Provide a current vita that gives evidence of background and experience in Community Education.

        2.    Write a 500-word essay that demonstrates an understanding of the Community Education philosophy, history and processes and addresses a desire to embark on a career in Community Education on the local, national or international scene.

APPLICATION DEADLINE:       March 1, annually

NOTIFICATION OF AWARD:   April 1, annually

SUBMISSION:       Send a current vita, a current transcript, and the essay to:

                        Traica Vangeloff Thomas Scholarship Committee

                        Department of Educational Leadership, COE

                        Florida Atlantic University

                        777 Glades Road

                        Boca Raton, FL 33431