Florida Tech Receives $2.1M to Support Students with Disabilities
MELBOURNE, FLA. — Florida Tech has received over $2.1 million from the
estate of John and Maria Callahan to create the endowed Kathleen
Callahan Scholarship.
This scholarship is in memory of their daughter, a special education
teacher and advocate for helping underprivileged children. It will
recognize an outstanding undergraduate student (or students) with
learning or physical disabilities or emotional or behavioral challenges
who demonstrate strong academic performance.
"This scholarship will be transformational for hundreds of students for
decades to come," said Senior Vice President for Advancement Gary
Grant.
John Callahan, Ph.D., was an associate dean and professor of management
at what is now the Bisk College of Business. He retired as Professor
Emeritus in 1998. He passed in 2018 and was buried with full military
honors at Arlington National Cemetery, having served his country in
both the U.S. Air Force and U.S. Army.
Maria Callahan enjoyed the activities and events of campus life at
Florida Tech. Over the past 10 years, she has sought to ensure the
scholarship will positively impact the lives of students with
disabilities. The scholarship was a comforting way to honor Kathleen's
passion after her tragic passing.
"The Kathleen Callahan Scholarship will help students achieve their
academic goals and support them getting to graduation despite personal
challenges," said Brian Ehrlich, vice president of enrollment
management. "We know that the needs of the students are real, and
supporting them on their journey to graduation is the most important
thing."
The first scholarships will be awarded for the fall 2023 semester.