Rudy Hanley Scholarship - Supporting Future Teachers
An Orange County native, Saeed Hussein Marandi’s interest in teaching began as a 14-year-old at Capistrano Valley High School. As a student in the School of Education’s Masters of Arts in Teaching (MAT) program and recipient of the Rudy Hanley Scholarship, Marandi is now able to inspire minds in the same district.
“I just knew as early as 14 that I wanted to teach,” Marandi said, citing his high school World History teacher, Chris Dollar, as a "major inspiration." After receiving a bachelor's degree in History from UCLA, Marandi decided to pursue a teaching credential. He also wanted to obtain a graduate degree and stay connected to his local community, making the School of Education’s MAT program a perfect fit. “I realized it was a once in a lifetime opportunity to attend a UC institution while working in a school district that I love and know.” Marandi currently student teaches for Aliso Niguel High School. “It’s a tremendous opportunity to grow – every day I’m looking at different teaching styles, lesson plans, and ways of creating activities,” he said. |
Students in the MAT program earn their master’s degree and teaching credential in 14 months. During that time, they student teach at a local K12 School for an entire academic year, which allows them to develop teaching expertise, receive valuable feedback from school-based mentors, and drive innovation in teaching and learning based on university research.
Because of the time commitment to both teach during the day and attend courses in the evening, most students are unable to hold part-time jobs to pay for tuition. Scholarship gifts play an instrumental role in supporting aspiring teachers in their dream of working with youth.
“Our candidates are taking graduate-level classes while participating in full work days at their field study school sites - they are unable to work part-time jobs to pay for tuition, books and other expenses,” said Virginia Panish, director of the MAT program. “In addition, many of our student teachers purchase instructional supplies to support their work in the field study classrooms.”
Because of the time commitment to both teach during the day and attend courses in the evening, most students are unable to hold part-time jobs to pay for tuition. Scholarship gifts play an instrumental role in supporting aspiring teachers in their dream of working with youth.
“Our candidates are taking graduate-level classes while participating in full work days at their field study school sites - they are unable to work part-time jobs to pay for tuition, books and other expenses,” said Virginia Panish, director of the MAT program. “In addition, many of our student teachers purchase instructional supplies to support their work in the field study classrooms.”
In fall 2019, Marandi was awarded the Rudy Hanley Scholarship. This endowed scholarship was established with a gift of $100,000 to honor the career of Rudy Hanley ’72, retired president and CEO of SchoolsFirst Federal Credit Union.
Hanley received a BA in mathematics and a teaching credential from UCI and started his career as a math teacher before entering the banking industry. The scholarship is awarded annually to incoming students in the MAT program who demonstrate the highest-level potential for future success in their academic endeavors and future career.
“Saeed is always engaging actively in concepts introduced in courses and continually seeks to apply what he is learning to his teaching,” Panish said. “His instructors and peers appreciate his collaborative and creative approach to thinking about the challenges of teaching and learning.”
For Rudy Hanley, supporting Marandi and fellow students with this award speak to his values: “I am involved not only as a UCI alum, but because I believe that education is the key to a brighter future.”
The endowment has served nine students since it was established in 2015, and will serve the school in perpetuity to benefit generations of teachers.
“It’s very helpful to know I stand a significantly better chance of financing my way through the program,” says Marandi, “To me, [the scholarship] has a very poetic meaning of saying you’re valued and your place here is valued.”
Hanley received a BA in mathematics and a teaching credential from UCI and started his career as a math teacher before entering the banking industry. The scholarship is awarded annually to incoming students in the MAT program who demonstrate the highest-level potential for future success in their academic endeavors and future career.
“Saeed is always engaging actively in concepts introduced in courses and continually seeks to apply what he is learning to his teaching,” Panish said. “His instructors and peers appreciate his collaborative and creative approach to thinking about the challenges of teaching and learning.”
For Rudy Hanley, supporting Marandi and fellow students with this award speak to his values: “I am involved not only as a UCI alum, but because I believe that education is the key to a brighter future.”
The endowment has served nine students since it was established in 2015, and will serve the school in perpetuity to benefit generations of teachers.
“It’s very helpful to know I stand a significantly better chance of financing my way through the program,” says Marandi, “To me, [the scholarship] has a very poetic meaning of saying you’re valued and your place here is valued.”
How to Make a Scholarship Gift
Scholarship gifts for aspiring teachers can be made one-time, over a multi-year commitment or an endowment. For more information about investing in future teachers, please contact: Jennifer Stameson, Executive Director of Development, at 949.824.1962 or [email protected].
Scholarship gifts for aspiring teachers can be made one-time, over a multi-year commitment or an endowment. For more information about investing in future teachers, please contact: Jennifer Stameson, Executive Director of Development, at 949.824.1962 or [email protected].