The Elaine Brantley Memorial Award for Community & Civility recognizes Teachers College employees who each day go beyond their official duties to promote a sense of community and a culture of civility at the College. All TC employees, including faculty, professional staff, union staff, part-time staff, and administration, are eligible to receive this award.

The recipients of the 2016-17 Elaine Brantley Award, announced at the annual State of the College meeting in November by Janice Robinson, Vice President for Diversity & Community Affairs, are:

Maria Czech, Custodian II within the Facilities and Operations department, who is in her seventh year at TC. Czech, who Robinson said is regarded as "a mother figure" on the Horace Mann floor where she is the custodian, was nominated by two independent groups of colleagues and community members for the Brantley Award as an individual who “shows interest in all people she encounters.” 

Wayne Judkins, Mail Room Clerk for Residential Services, who is in his fourth year at TC. Robinson said that Judkins is known for dealing with as many as 1,100 student and faculty residents and remembering them all by name. Both a student and a faculty member who nominated him recalled that when their mobility was limited by injuries, Judkins made a special effort to deliver mail and packages to and from their doors.

Stephen Peverly, Professor of Psychology & Education and recent Chair of the Health and Behavior Studies Department, who is in his 30th year at TC. Robinson said that one person described how, as chair, Peverly "would come to the office at 6:00 a.m. to complete his work so that he could be available to anyone who might need him later in the day." Peverly is known for his support of junior colleagues, Robinson said; for promoting diversity in his department, and for being “a beautiful soul.”

E‌laine Webster Brantley was a cashier in the cafeteria at Teachers College for 24 years, and a favorite among students, faculty, and staff alike. "She was good therapy, a reason to come to work in the morning, and a good friend," said Robinson. "At her memorial program, a quote by Mother Teresa reflected the beauty of Elaine's gift: 'Kind words can be short and easy to speak, but their echoes are endless.'"   

Published Wednesday, Dec 7, 2016