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Above: Kimberly Pollishuke and her mother, Mindy
Not only will Kimberly Pollishuke be receiving the Patricia E. Harvey Memorial Scholarship when she gets her bachelor of education at today’s 2:30pm convocation ceremony – a thrill in itself – she will see her mother, Mindy Pollishuke, standing on the stage along with the dignitaries.
Mindy was invited on stage, welcoming her daughter to the profession, as a special alumna – she was a member of the first graduating class of York’s Faculty of Education in 1975.
"I can’t wait to share that special moment with my mother," said Kimberly. "Whether or not we will be able to see each other through our tears is an entirely different question."
The event has been described as "unparalleled" because it will be the first time in the history of York’s Faculty of Education that a second-generation family member will receive her BEd from the same Faculty her mother attended.
The scholarship Kimberly is receiving is the most distinguished in the Faculty of Education, and is awarded to an outstanding graduate who exemplifies professional and academic excellence.
"My mother’s career has certainly influenced my decision to become a teacher," said Kimberly. "I love having someone at home who gets as excited as I do about the simplest idea, strategy, resource or question. She has taught me through work and deed, that learning is a life-long journey. My mother is my mentor."
Mindy, as a member of the very first graduating class of 17 students, recalled that there was no specific program set out, as it was a pilot project. The main focus was on the practicum and associated seminar, and only the concurrent program was available.
Today, York’s Faculty of Education offers both a concurrent and consecutive BEd program graduating over 1,000 students annually, a graduate program in education, and numerous teacher in-service courses.