Canadian student Brooke Graham ‘21 is working toward completing her Master of Science in Teaching this December—not only to fulfill her own dreams but also her grandmother’s.
“My grandmother was an elementary teacher for over fifteen years,” Graham said. “Unfortunately, although she spent years working towards receiving her master’s degree in between chemotherapy, she passed away only a few months before she would have received her degree. Thus, I feel as though I am completing this degree for the both of us.”
Graham’s goal to honor her grandmother is close to being realized thanks to the Krista Fordham ’08 Education Scholarship.
The expense of U.S. tuition is often difficult for Canadian students to manage due to the exchange rate between the two countries. The scholarship—established by Krista Fordham ’94, M’08 in 2010—has helped relieve Graham’s stress of paying out-of-state tuition.
In a note of gratitude to Fordham, Graham shared, “Your generous gift is allowing me to make my goals and dreams become a reality. One day, I aspire to give back and help other students the way you are helping me.”
The Krista Fordham ’08 Education Scholarship is the second of three scholarships that Fordham has endowed at SUNY Potsdam. Upon creating the third, which is designated for study abroad opportunities, she was the youngest individual to establish a triad of scholarships.
“I truly appreciate my education at Potsdam and all the opportunities and experiences it afforded me,” Fordham expressed. “Because I remembered my time here so fondly, I started giving money to Potsdam as soon as I graduated. My parents always taught me to support what I believed in. It wasn’t much at first—I think I gave $25-$50 a year the first year or two. As I earned more, I donated more.”
Over a decade after establishing her first scholarship, Fordham’s legacy at SUNY Potsdam has impacted nearly 30 different students, propelling them to success at Potsdam and beyond.
Because of Fordham’s generosity, Graham can look forward to her future as she seeks ways to share her knowledge with the next generation. During her last semester (Fall 2021), she is completing a teaching placement in Cornwall, Ontario, but her aspirations exceed the boundaries of a classroom as well.
“As I am passionate about mental health, I aspire to help students in a way that will break the stigma regarding mental health and provide ongoing support for children, whether that be in my classroom or on a day-to-day basis. One day, I wish to publish a collection of children’s books that touch upon the topic of mental health and utilize these books to further help children. I look forward to making a difference in the lives of students the way others have for me.”
To learn more about the impact of giving at SUNY Potsdam, visit the Donor Impact webpage.