2009 Distinguished Alumni
CECH to award three from school of education as Distinguished Alumni
On Sunday, October 25, 2009, CECH will host the annual Distinguished Alumni Awards in the Annie Laws Drawing Room inside Teachers College. Awarded annually, the Distinguished Alumni Award is the highest acknowledgement awarded to alumni of the College of Education, Criminal Justice, and Human Services. Three School of Education Alumni will be honored this year:
Dr. Ralph Bryson
BSEd ’47, MEd ‘50
Dr. Ralph J. Bryson graduated from the University of Cincinnati with a BSEd in Elementary Education and a MEd in Educational Foundations from the College of Education. He also earned a PhD degree from Ohio State University with specialization in American Literature and Secondary Education.
Dr. Bryson is a lifetime educator who began his impressive career as a classroom teacher in Southern Pines, North Carolina. He taught in the English Departments at Southern University in Baton Rouge and Miles College in Birmingham. After earning his PhD he joined the English Department at Alabama State University in Montgomery, Alabama.
A renowned scholar holding membership in nearly every professional honor society, Dr. Bryson spent 40 years at Alabama State, including 30 years as Professor of English and Department Head. During his 40-year career, he served as University Marshal and a leader of the Faculty Senate. Although he retired in 1992, he continues to serve his University as a Professor Emeritus and Acting Chair and Professor of Languages and Literature.
Dr. Bryson has been active in his fraternity, Kappa Alpha Psi, for over 50 years, serving as Keeper of Records for over 40 years and elected as Grand Historian. Earlier this year, Dr. Bryson was honored with the Laurel Wreath, the highest honor bestowed on fraternity members, putting in the same company as renowned civil rights activist Donald L. Hollowell, Congressman John Conyers, tennis legend Arthur Ashe and Judge Nathaniel Jones, among others.
Dr. Bryson’s legacy lives on here at UC. The Bryson Endowed Scholarship is awarded annually to graduate or undergraduate students in CECH, majoring in secondary education or educational administration, helping to foster educators and educational administrators for generations to come.
In recognition of his dedication to the field of education and his legendary service, CECH is proud to award Dr. Bryson with our highest honor as CECH Distinguished Alumnus.
Mrs. Kathleen Kissel
BSEd ’70, MEd ‘76
Kathleen Church Kissel graduated from the College of Education, Criminal Justice, and Human Services with a BSED in Special Education in 1970 and MEd in 1976. Since then, Kathe has dedicated her career to supporting children with special educational needs in Cincinnati and Hamilton County. Mrs. Kissel has worked for the Hamilton County Educational Service Center for 25 years, providing expertise, support and advocacy for special education across Hamilton County. She also serves as an adjunct Professor of Special Education at Xavier University, training future educators in the latest techniques in special education. Mrs. Kissel is a member of Applied Information Resources (AIR), a non-profit public policy research and community information organization.
In addition to her lifetime of service to special education teachers, future educators and the Hamilton County education community, Kathe has also provided leadership and expertise to her alma mater – UC’s College of Education, Criminal Justice, and Human Services. Since its inception nearly two decades ago, Kathe has served as President of the CECH Alumni Board, representing CECH at the University’s Alumni Board of Governors and at numerous University events. Kathe also serves on the Dean’s Advisory Council, providing expertise and insight on a number of College issues.
For her contributions as an outstanding educator and her unfailing support of CECH, we are proud to award Mrs. Kathleen Church Kissel Distinguished Alumna.
Mr. Stephen Kramer
BSEd ‘76
Mr. Steven Kramer began his career as a middle school teacher in math, science and social studies. He spent 6 years at Three Rivers School District in Cleves and in 1982, he began teaching in the Madeira School District, where he has continued his career to today. Armed with a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from UC and a master’s degree in Education Administration from Xavier University, Mr. Kramer’s career progressed from teaching to administration. As an administrator, Mr. Kramer displayed his leadership abilities, working his way up from an administrative intern over 25 years ago to becoming the District Superintendent, which he has served as for the past 7 years.
Under his leadership, the Madeira School District has flourished. Mr. Kramer was a driving force behind the District’s successful levies which provided funding to completely rebuild 2 schools and renovate a third, giving the students of Madeira contemporary learning environments. Mr. Kramer served as Executive Director of the Madeira Schools Foundation, raising over $2 million to benefit Madeira Students. Under his leadership, Madeira Elementary School was awarded a Blue Ribbon from the US Department of Education; the District was also given an “excellent” rating for nine consecutive years. Mr. Kramer has worked diligently to ensure that every student in his district receives a quality education, including students with special learning needs.
In addition to advancing student success in his district, Mr. Kramer continues to be an advocate for teachers and administrators as well. Under his leadership, a plan was developed to support entry level teachers to succeed in the classroom. He has worked diligently to ensure all faculty and staff have access to professional development opportunities, affordable healthcare and safe working and learning environments.
Stephen Kramer has embraced the community of Madeira and dedicated his career to educating a generation of learners. The College of Education, Criminal Justice, and Human Services is proud to recognize him as one of our Distinguished Alumni.