Bank Street College Diversity
Do good ideas come in pairs? That seems to be the case with the Bank Street commitment to enhance diversity and the inauguration of the Priscilla E. Pemberton Society in late 2005. The Society’s aims reflect both its namesake’s long-time endeavors at Bank Street and a major part of the College’s Strategic Plan—namely, to focus on increasing diversity initiatives. The Pemberton Society seeks to:
Raise funds to provide more scholarships and financial aid awards in both the Graduate School and the School for Children.
Provide students and alumni of color with extended support services and host special events to celebrate diversity throughout the academic year.
According to retired Bank Street librarian Lucia Jack, President of the Society’s Steering Committee, “The Society is unique because, in our effort to continue Priscilla’s work, we are not only fundraising for scholarships, but also offering support from our alumni and our steering committee to students both at the College and in their beginning years of teaching or administering in school systems.” Priscilla E. Pemberton ’66, tirelessly served Bank Street for more than twenty years as a member of the faculty and the administrative, staff, and as an alumni leader. She touched the lives of countless teachers, students, and alumni. Shortly after her death in 2004, the Society was founded in her name to carry on her ideals.#
