Elizabeth H. Seligmann Award presented to Elizabeth Brady

Elizabeth H. Seligmann Award presented to Elizabeth Brady

On June 11, 2019, at the Literacy Council’s annual Celebration of Achievements, the Elizabeth H. Seligmann Award was presented to long-time volunteer Elizabeth Brady.

The Elizabeth H. Seligmann Award was established in 2002 in honor of the late Betty Seligmann, who for 33 years served the Literacy Council with exceptional dedication.  It is to be awarded for sustained and significant contributions furthering the goals and objectives of the Literacy Council, consisting of outreach to others and reflecting distinctive qualities. We give this award when someone’s service truly stands out.

Liz began volunteering with the Literacy Council in 1984, sharing her professional experience as a reading specialist.  This year marks her 35th year!

Over the years, Liz’s contributions have spanned many areas of our work.  She has tutored multiple students for many years, to the extent that we don’t think she has ever been without a student!

For many years she served as an English as a Second Language tutor trainer, and she helped to develop our workshop training format.

When the C. Burr Artz Library was being renovated in the early 2000’s, Liz was instrumental in securing a temporary “home” for the Literacy Council at First Baptist Church for two years.

When all of our office staff were volunteers, Liz volunteered extensively. She also served a term on the Board of Directors.

Liz conducts information sessions to recruit new volunteers, and she is always enthusiastic about sharing her experiences as a tutor. She contributes financially to help the organization expand its programs.

Liz’s student, Renu Singh, says, “Elizabeth Brady is not only a great teacher but also has become a very good friend. She is a nice person and very caring. Before she started teaching me, I was not able to understand, speak or express my feelings in English. However, with her great help, today not only can I understand the English but also express my feelings and communicate with others. Her teaching and personal care really boost my confidence and change my life.

“Last year she helped me to get volunteer work at a daycare, which was really a great experience that eventually helped me to get a full-time job in a preschool a few months ago.

“Elizabeth Brady not only taught me English but boosted my confidence, and shaped my life to get a good job. I greatly appreciate her kind help and time.”

Liz Brady, center, with her student Renu, left, and County Executive Jan Gardner, receiving the Elizabeth H. Seligmann Award.