College Deans Recognized for Leadership in CFES Partnerships

College Deans Recognized for Leadership in CFES Partnerships

Two college admission deans who have spent a combined 60 years helping underserved students through school-college partnerships were recognized by College For Every Student (CFES) with the Mario Peña Award on November 17, 2007. Philip Smith, dean of admissions emeritus at Williams College, and Mary Lou Bates, dean of admissions and financial aid at Skidmore College, received their awards during a luncheon ceremony at the CFES National Conference at the Sagamore Resort in Bolton Landing, NY. The 450 CFES educators and students attending the conference were on hand for the luncheon ceremony, where Dennis Fahey and Rick Dalton, CFES program director and president, respectively, presented the awards.

"Phil Smith has helped hundreds of low-income, first-generation college students succeed," Fahey stated. "He's been a leader in college access for 30 years." Smith has placed 200 college students from Williams, Amherst, and Smith in New York City schools over the last dozen years and led an on-campus summer enrichment program for inner-city youth, efforts that inspired hundreds of underserved youth to pursue the dream of college.

Bates was recognized for her leadership of the Consortium for Educational Excellence through Partnerships (CEEP), which she co-chaired for eight years. "In her 34 years at Skidmore, Mary Lou created partnerships that have benefited hundreds of low-income students," said Fahey.

Now in its third year, the Mario Peña Award was first presented to its namesake, who spent more than three decades promoting educational opportunities. Peña assisted Dalton in founding CEEP, as well as CFES. "Mario gave CFES the money to get rolling in its first year," Dalton recalled at the award ceremony. "He provided spiritual guidance and support, and he served for 10 years on the CFES Board."

In 2006 the award was presented to administrators from Virginia State University and Hawaii Pacific University, as well as a principal from Winder, Georgia.

The Mario Peña Award recognizes those who have contributed significantly to the advancement of CFES school-college partnerships that help underserved students attain the dream of college. "Mario devoted his life to helping students take steps to get to and through college. He had great respect for Phil and Mary Lou, and he would be thrilled to see them recognized for their accomplishments," said Dalton.

For further information, please contact Rick Dalton, president, or call CFES at (802) 462-3170.