The Dr. Pam Grossman Scholarship

Dr. Pam Grossman is Dean of the University of Pennsylvania Graduate School of Education, the number one graduate school of education in the U.S. As a leading expert in teacher preparation, teacher quality, and teacher professional development, Dean Grossman prepares the next generation of educators to revolutionize education through quality relationships. As a former high school English teacher, Dr. Grossman is at the forefront of rethinking how teachers are educated while also studying the connections between the support they receive, their classroom practices, the likelihood they remain in teaching, and student learning. The recipient of the Pam Grossman scholarship will demonstrate a commitment to education and community-based work.

The Patrick J. Eiding Scholarship

Patrick J. Eiding is the former President of the Philadelphia Council AFL-CIO. Prior to first being elected President of the Council in January 2002, Eiding served for over 25 years as Business Manager and Financial Secretary of the Insulators and Asbestos Workers Local 14, covering Philadelphia and Southern New Jersey, where he has been a member since 1963. Eiding built his career in the interest of working families and continues to demonstrate his commitment to Pennsylvania families with a “Philly tough” mentality. The winner of the Patrick J. Eiding scholarship is awarded to a Philadelphia native and/or an applicant demonstrating a commitment to unity and a strong work ethic.

The Bruce Bedford Scholarship

Bruce Bedford was born in Bridgeport CT in 1940. He received his B.S. at Yale University in 1962, and an MBA from Harvard in 1964. After working for several years as an executive at Mead Paper Company, he founded his own fixed-income mutual fund, Flagship Resources. He sold the fund to Nuveen in 1997. He went on to serve on the board of directors and then as chancellor at Antioch University.

He never really retired. After leaving Antioch University, he spent his remaining years as investor and mentor to numerous entrepreneurs, including Dr. James B. Johnston of SAGE Scholars, in the United States and Canada. He helped start and advise companies in numerous industries, including education, health technology, finance, and marine technologies. He served on the Board of Directors at SAGE Scholars from 1997 until his death. He was instrumental in navigating SAGE Scholars through its early years.

At the time of his death, he was finishing his thesis for a master’s degree in International Diplomacy at Norwich University.

The Father Thomas Schaefer Scholarship

Father Thomas Schaefer was born in 1951 in Pittsburgh PA. He received a bachelor’s degree from St. Mary’s Seminary in Baltimore in 1974, master’s degrees from School of International Training in Vermont and Duquesne University. He earned a Ph.D. in Formative Spirituality from Duquesne in 1997. He entered the priesthood in 1982 and has served as pastor at several Catholic churches in the Pittsburgh area.

He was fluent in 7 languages, including several African dialects. He served in the Peace Corps 1974-79, was Director of the National English Teaching Program in the Central African Republic 1979-81 and was involved in theological activities while in Africa.

Father Tom served as Director of the Office of International Affairs and then Dean of the Admissions office at Duquesne University from 1988-2002, and as associate VP of academic affairs at La Roche University from 2002 to 2021. He led the effort to open a La Roche University campus in Rome, Italy, which came to fruition in 2017.

He became aware of the SAGE Scholars Tuition Rewards program while at Duquesne, resulting in Duquesne becoming an early member college. He joined the SAGE Scholars Advisory Council in 2001, serving until his passing. No matter the issue, Father Tom always had something helpful to offer.

The Michael Midlam Scholarship

Mike Midlam, a native Californian, died of Covid-19 at age 65. He was a prolific entrepreneur who, as president, helped make the financial marketing organization Asset Marketing Systems (AMS) the largest independent equity index annuity firm in the country.

Always the innovator, Mike used his network of financial planners to include college funding and SAGE Scholars Tuition Rewards Program as part of their financial advice, particularly for grandparents.

Passionate believer in the value of higher education, Mike hosted numerous SAGE Scholars Advisory Council meetings in San Diego and offered creative college funding solutions to our members.