Gift to Strengthen Early Childhood Educator Training
In memory of his wife, Jack Turben has made a $1.4 million legacy gift that will establish the Susan H. Turben Educator Development Fund for Empire State University's College of Education.
The funds will help create a professional development hub made up of partnership schools and organizations that serve individuals ages 2–21, with a focus on early childhood education and neurodiverse learners. The hub will prepare educators to work with individuals with disabilities, including autism, and provide those in the field with professional development opportunities. It will also advance research-informed practices in education and human services.
"This gift honors the legacy of an extraordinary woman, whose work made a lasting impact on educators and students alike," said Jack Turben. "Through this fund, we will continue to inspire future generations of teaching professionals while expanding opportunities for neurodiverse learners and individuals with disabilities."
Susan H. Turben '72, H '05 was a pioneer in the field of infant education and early childhood special education intervention. She was an active volunteer and philanthropist and served on the Foundation Board of Directors for two decades until retiring in 2021.
The gift is one of many from the Turben family, whose generosity over the years has had a transformational impact on SUNY Empire and its students.
Funding for Nursing Scholarships
The Julia O. Wells Memorial Education Foundation, Inc. recently gave $300,000 to Empire State University. The funding will establish the Julia O. Wells Memorial Education Foundation Endowed Nursing Scholarship for students pursuing an undergraduate or graduate degree in nursing at SUNY Empire.
Berlin Koehler '25 of Menands, NY was a recipient of the Julia O. Wells scholarship while studying for her nursing degree.
"Overall, the skills I have gained from SUNY Empire have vastly improved my ability to read and analyze research and apply that research to current nursing issues," she said. "I am honored that I was chosen for this scholarship, and I will use this education to improve patient care and safety."
The Foundation has supported scholarships for SUNY Empire nursing students annually since 2011. They have now opted to establish an endowed fund so that the Julia O. Wells Scholarship can support those students in perpetuity.
