Wednesday, February 10, 2010

Rory Elizabeth Michaelson approached student teaching the same way she approached life – with a big smile, kind heart and genuine commitment to helping others.

"Rory had a passion for teaching, and everything else she did in life," said her mother, Susan Finley. "She was a warm and loving person with a wonderful sense of humor. She reached out every day to help others, and in doing so, Rory brought great joy to the lives of all who knew her."

Michaelson died Jan. 2 in a fire at the Wilmington apartment complex where she lived, but her generous spirit and passion for teaching will live on thanks to a scholarship Wilmington residents Susan and Bill Finley have created at UNCW.

The Rory Elizabeth Michaelson Scholarship in Education is a merit award for students who plan to major in special education. Rory graduated from UNCW in December 2009 with a degree in special education, and was slated to begin teaching at J.T. Barber Elementary School in New Bern, N.C., on Feb. 1.

"We asked ourselves, 'What can we possibly do to honor Rory, to celebrate her legacy and carry her dreams forward?' A scholarship seemed like the right thing," Finley said, noting the outpouring of care and concern that she, Bill and Rory's brother Tommy received from the Wilmington community following the tragedy. This included a large number of contacts from people they did not know, but who were touched by Rory's story and her plans to become a teacher of students with special needs.

"Rory was an amazing young woman who accomplished a lot in her 23 years," Finley said. "I am still learning about the people she touched. She inspired so many people to stay in school, work hard and have better lives. Rory always was reaching out to help others with the challenges we all face in life."

Michaelson had an obvious gift for teaching, according to her internship supervisor Carol Chase Thomas, a professor in the UNCW Watson School of Education. Rory was a student teacher at Wilmington's Gregory Elementary School in fall 2009.

"Unlike some student teachers who only want their supervisors to observe strategies they have already mastered, Rory invited me to watch lessons she was trying for the first time so that we could brainstorm ways to improve her instruction," Thomas said. "After one of the observations, she commented: 'Dr. Thomas, I feel myself really becoming a teacher, and I love it!'"

The schoolchildren Michaelson taught loved her, too. After her death, many of them sent bright, colorful, handmade cards to Finley. The cards, decorated with hearts, flowers and angels, often include drawings of the kids with Michaelson.

"One little guy was quite specific," Finley said. "He said she was a great teacher, because she taught him to start sentences with capitals and end them with periods. The cards are very special to me because they show that Rory had achieved her dream of teaching and making a difference in the lives of children."

During the next five years, Finley hopes to endow the Rory Elizabeth Michaelson Scholarship, making it a permanent tribute to her daughter and a perpetual source of support for future UNCW students who dream of becoming teachers.

Individuals who wish to contribute to the scholarship may send checks designated for the Rory Elizabeth Michaelson Scholarship to:

Advancement Services
UNCW
601 South College Road
Wilmington, NC 28403-5905
Phone: Advancement Services at 910.962.3593.

Online credit card donations: Visit www.uncw.edu/giveonline. Under gift designation, select "other" and then enter "Rory Elizabeth Michaelson Scholarship" in the information box.

Media Contacts:
Aron Johnson, director of development for major gifts, 910.962.3792 or johnsona@uncw.edu

Dana Fischetti, media relations manager, 910.962.7259 or fischettid@uncw.edu

Photo captions:

Photo 1: Rory Michaelson in her cap and gown at UNCW's December 2009 Commencement ceremony.

Photo 2: Rory Michaelson with her brother Tommy Finley

Photo 3: Rory Michaelson, center, with her mother, stepfather and brother (L-R), Susan, Bill and Tommy Finley