Student Success
Della Rosenberg’s estate has pledged over five years to fully support four ProTeach students, at $100,000 per year. A lifelong educator, Rosenberg has touched the lives of many students, ensuring their success in education beyond their time with her. Now, because of her generosity, her legacy lives on and her profound influence will continue to change the lives of many through her scholarship.
Della Rosenberg (M.Ed. ’50) spent her life as an educator devoted to enriching the lives of students. A dedicated educator since 1940, she was named Teacher of the Century at Bradford High School during the school’s 100th Anniversary celebration. It is clear Rosenberg touched the lives of many through her service, but her impact in education transcends time.
To embody her love for education and commitment to fostering learning, Rosenberg sought out to establish a scholarship in 2017 to help support fifth-year ProTeach students. The Della Rosenberg ProTeach scholarship would go on to support one student in 2017 and two students in 2018, though Rosenberg passed before the first scholarship was presented.
In establishing the initial scholarship, Rosenberg also established a $500,000 estate to further her gift and ensure ProTeach students would continue to be supported for years to come. Beginning in 2019, her estate has pledged, over five years, to fully support four ProTeach students, at $100,000 per year. Through the Della Rosenberg ProTeach Scholarship, Rosenberg’s legacy will continue on championing brighter futures for the next generation of educators.
Caroline Merwin, a 2018 scholarship recipient, shared she felt an immense sense of accomplishment from receiving the scholarship as it gave her the opportunity to carry on Rosenberg’s legacy.
“She was the teacher of the century and believed in being a lifelong learner,” said Merwin. “Like her, I want to be able to focus on the classroom and ensuring that my students are getting what they need to be successful.”
Merwin is currently interning at a local elementary school where she co-teaches full time while also taking graduate classes online through the college.
“The scholarship allowed me the opportunity to focus on my learning, both through classes at UF and in the elementary classroom, rather than focusing on the burden of paying for graduate-level classes,” said Merwin.
Stephanie Salkay, a 2018 scholarship recipient, said the scholarship allowed her to advance her career in education, becoming the first in her family to obtain a bachelor’s and a master’s degree.
“I feel so honored when I am able to say what I have accomplished,” said Salkay. “I owe all of this to the scholarship as it has helped me tremendously to be able to afford the many expenses that come along with advancing my future career.”
Salkay shared the ProTeach program enabled her to realize the vast possibilities as an educator and has prepared her for her next adventure — teaching in Asia after graduation.
“I believe I have learned to be a more culturally aware teacher and would probably not be moving to Asia if it were not for the support and learning I have received from the program,” said Salkay. “I feel prepared to take on whatever obstacles are thrown my way and am truly excited for my future ahead as an educator.”
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