Alma Exley was a dedicated, caring educator who touched many people
from all walks of life. She made a lasting contribution as a teacher,
a school board member, and a 15-year career professional
at the Connecticut Department of Education.

Before she died of breast cancer on March 6, 1995, at the age of 52,
Alma envisioned a scholarship program as a way to carry on her
commitment to recruiting and mentoring students of color
who would become teachers.

Alma was committed to helping students and future teachers
overcome the effects of discrimination and inequality of
opportunity. She was widely respected for her work in expanding
opportunities for students and for her leadership in teacher
education and professional recognition and development
programs. Children were central to her life, as a mother,
a friend and an educator. She believed that nurturing
the next generation was our most important responsibility.

The Alma Exley Scholarship Program is carrying on that legacy.