The VCU School of Education got a million dollar gift
photo by Michel Maulding
The School of Education got a $1.2 million grant to create a new faculty position focused on the effects of teaching practices on classrooms.
The Anna Lou Schaberg Professorship of Practice in Education is the largest single donation in the school’s history, helping create its first distinguished professorship.
“We want students to be prepared for the classroom from day one,” said Edward Kardos, who oversees fundraising and alumni relation efforts for the School of Education. “The Professor will formulate and build programs to better prepare students – taking a practical approach.”
School of Education Dean Andrew Daire told University Public Affairs the school was “humbled and thrilled” to get the gift from the donors, Bob and Anna Lou Schaberg.
“This professorship will take theory and put it in action, preparing our teacher candidates to meet the needs of today’s education system,” Daire said. “Our students will transform their classrooms, school and children’s education.”
Lou Schaberg received a bachelor’s degree in psychology from the Richmond Professional Institute before attending VCU for her master’s degree in education. She worked with Richmond Public Schools for 29 years and coordinated programs for gifted students from 1977 to 2000.
“My hope is that the professor of practice will prepare teachers not only to manage classrooms and instructional objectives, but to engage students in the learning and thinking process,” Schaberg said to University Public Affairs.
Following her retirement in 2000, Schaberg has served as executive director of The Bob and Anna Lou Schaberg Fund at VNHC, which supports nonprofit organizations and institutions that aid struggling populations. The fund has grown to support various organizations in Richmond.
The Schabergs created the professorship to create better lives for students as they navigate their future.
“I think it is a testament to a strong program that is 50 plus years in the making, but more importantly, an acknowledgment of the great things we are doing now [and] expected to do in the future,” Kardos said. “…Before scientists can find cures and before the greatest leaders emerge, they must have the opportunity of a solid education.”
Zobia Nayyar, Contributing Writer
