Scholarship to honor Joseph S. Sperrazza

Buffalo State College Foundation's newly endowed scholarship will honor the memory of one of its alumni - Joseph S. Sperrazza, a revered teacher and administrator with the Buffalo Board of Education.

Created by his daughter, Christine Sperrazza Elliott, the fund is now accepting applications for the 2008-2009 academic school year.

The Joseph S. Sperrazza Endowed Scholarship Fund will provide an annual scholarship to one undergraduate or graduate student working towards a degree in elementary or secondary education at Buffalo State College. The fund will be administered by the Board of Directors of the Buffalo State College Foundation.

"My father devoted his entire adult life to helping teachers help children," said Elliott, whose father died in 2003. "The purpose of this scholarship is to uphold his commitment to children and to help future teachers become better teachers."

Elliott and other members of the Sperrazza family will serve as the selection committee, reviewing applications identified by the project director. For more information about this and other Buffalo State College scholarships, visit www.buffalostate. edu/scholarship/ x473.xml.

A native of North Buffalo, Sperrazza spent much of his career teaching and mentoring teachers so they would succeed both professionally and personally.

"We are honored to help continue the memory and vision of Joseph Sperrazza," said Mark J. Petrie, associate vice president, Buffalo State College Enrollment Management Office.

Inspired by Robert F. Kennedy, Mr. Sperrazza volunteered for the Peace Corps after completing his undergraduate degree at Canisius College. He spent two years in the Philippines, educating and assisting teachers in Filipino schools, and also met his wife Jojie Gomez, whom he married in 1970.

When he returned to Buffalo in 1969, he enrolled at Buffalo State College where he received his master's degree in secondary education and, later, his certificate of advanced studies in school administration and supervision.

Sperrazza taught English at Bennett High School, Southside Junior High and the Futures Academy before taking his first administrative job in 1984 at City Hall. He later worked as an assistant principal at School 38 and at the Academic Challenge School.

To supplement the family's finances during summer recess, he served as a tour guide at Niagara Falls. He documented the importance of Western New York to the Underground Railroad.

With the Buffalo Board of Education, he served as supervisor of elementary education and supervisor of personnel, and was preparing to retire from his position as director of instructional employment and affirmative action when he died in 2003.

This annual award celebrates the values held by Sperrazza with candidates required to demonstrate a commitment to community and/or public service. Open to both undergraduate and graduate students, special consideration will be given to candidates from the Western New York area.