Scholarship Award Named for Sue Turben '72'
"I used to say Empire State College saved my life, but now I say Empire State College gave me a life," said Dr. Susan H. Turben'72. Turben was in Saratoga Springs in March to accept the renaming of the Empire State College Foundation Award for Excellence in Scholarship in her honor. A former "Head Start mom" and coordinator at one of the first of the federal early intervention programs in New York State (on Albany's south side). Turben is a pioneer in the field of infant education and early intervention. One of the College's first students and its second graduate, she is also the principal in Turben Developmental Services Foundation, which creates videos, particularly those with children with severe disabilities. The latest video for Turben, a proponent of what she terms "gentle teaching," is Teach Your Children Well: Every Parent's Responsibility.
Turben is emblematic of students who are drawn to Empire State College today. When she enrolled in the College in the early 70's, she was a struggling mother of three children, ages 8, 11 and 12, and her husband was gravely ill with multiple sclerosis. Although Turben had already earned an associate degree from Bradford College, she knew that in order to advance in the field - her "passion" she said, she would need a four-year degree. Yet with growing children, and a serious illness in the family, the traditional route was out of the question. "This program is perfect for you," a friend told her and referred her to Empire State College.
Turben remembers taking seven learning contracts in 15 months, designing her own core curriculum in infant development, (with one learning contract focusing on the debate over the recently launched Sesame Street), and taking workshops all over the country with renowned experts. When Dr. James W. Hall, the College's first president conferred her degree, she was one off two graduates in a hotel room rented for the occasion.
Today, as a successful businesswoman, academician, and expert in early intervention, Turben knows the importance of philanthropy, and "giving back." She recently pledge $75,000 to the College's $7.5 million The Promise Continues campaign.
Turben's generosity came with no strings attached. Although she is a strong supporter of individualized education, and the use of technology as a tool or learning "I think technology will define almost everything we do", she did not designate how or where she wanted her fit used. Why?"It's a complete belief in the vision. I wanted to fund whatever needs to be done. It's a terrible thing when a program needs money in order to grow, and the money isn't there. I think the main thing is that Empire State College has a plan that is extremely well-defined. There are no real weaknesses in the system. It's an easy sell."
Turben also believes it is essential that people realize that formerly "state funded" public institutions must now rely more and more on private resources.
Turben's gift will assist the College as it prepares itself foe the inevitable changes that the future will bring. "Empire State College needs to grow, to fit with the times. It fit the 70's as it emerged as a force in letting people continue their education," Turben explained. "In the 80's and 90's it developed a sophistication and ability to match career and professional needs to the individual." In the late 90's, "I think it has become much more upbeat and in-depth - how can it be less deep if you're adding technology and adding resources?"
Turben, who has always financially supported her alma mater, gave serious consideration to increasing her level of support before she made her generous gift. She explained: "I think you go through stages, cycles in philanthropy. You learn how to give. I always knew that one day I would something BIG for Empire State College. because it game my livelihood, as well as my life."
Free Parenting Videos by Dr. Susan Turben
Order one or both of Dr. Susan Turben's Free Parenting Videos today. Available on DVD and VHS.
