THE NEEL SAXENA MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP PROMOTES EXCELLENCE IN THE FIELD OF SPECIAL EDUCATION
The family of the late Neel Saxena has established a scholarship to celebrate his memory and to benefit graduate students in the College’s special-education program. The scholarship is supported by a $500,000 commitment. Neel’s mother graduated from Simmons with a master’s degree in education and a concentration in special needs in 1999. She was moved by the sincere dedication and intentions of her professors and classmates.
In establishing the Neel Saxena Memorial Scholarship, Neel’s parents said they hope it will help Simmons attract “highly motivated, passionate professionals who want to further their educations in order to better serve people in the special needs community. The talent and dedication is out there, and we’re collaborating with Simmons to offer the best-of-the-best the opportunity to advance their study among esteemed and dedicated faculty.”
Jitendra Saxena, Neel’s father, noted that the cost of graduate education can be prohibitive for many people working in special education – a field which typically offers moderate compensation. The Saxenas’ scholarship dramatically increases the aid Simmons can offer students in the special-education program, and it will be used to enroll students who have demonstrated excellence and commitment to the field. According to the College’s graduate admissions office, the U.S. Department of Education reports shortages of special-education teachers in almost every state, including Massachusetts.
The Saxenas said they found the Simmons special education faculty to be “passionate about the field and their work,” and said they hope recipients of their scholarship will carry that same passion and professionalism into their work because “the demand for high-quality care is great.” The family said they hope others will join them in making scholarships available to those committed to advancing the study and practice of special education.
“The Education Department is thrilled with the scholarship support the Saxena family is providing for our graduate students in the Special Education Program. It is a fitting tribute to their son, Neel, and to the academic experience his mother had as a student in the Program.”
–PAUL ABRAHAM, ED. D., CHAIR, EDUCATION DEPARTMENT