Patricia Cassin Graft and Michael J. Graft, Sr.

When National College of Education alumna Patricia Cassin Graft got together with her classmates for an annual reunion, she was inspired by the story of one recent graduate who, with the help of scholarship assistance, fought against adversity to become an elementary school teacher.

Pat recognized that many students needed financial support to complete their student teaching. She told her husband, Mike, it would be a tragedy if these future teachers quit after getting this far in their education. Pat and Mike wanted to help ensure that talented students do not miss their opportunity to become excellent teachers due to financial hardship. That day the Patricia Cassin Graft Student Teacher Assistance Fund was born, and is sustained today by the generosity of the Graft family and all those who recognize the need for quality teachers.

"With this fund, we hope to bring dedicated teachers into our most under-served schools. We want to inspire these teachers to encourage and develop excellence in their students. I believe education creates and empowers tomorrow’s leaders." Patricia Cassin Graft

"I believe when people have become successful in their own endeavors, then being able to give something back to give others a chance is almost an obligation. Pat and I continue to support this fund because we can see first-hand how dedicated these students are to giving children from the poorest communities a chance at success." Michael J. Graft, Sr.