Matthew Scott Ciganovic Endowed Memorial Scholarship

Supports undergraduate or MAT teacher education candidate in clinical practice.

Denny and Kay Ciganovic established this scholarship in memory of their son, Matthew Scott Ciganovic, who passed away at the age of 13. This scholarship recognizes a student teacher who demonstrates a commitment and ability to teach children with special learning challenges. Matthew had Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, which affected his ability to learn and meant that he spent most of his school life in a wheelchair. Matthew had many caring teachers and therapists who used their repertoire of teaching techniques to help Matthew learn and keep up with his classmates in a regular classroom. Although Matthew’s favorite subjects were recess and lunch, he looked forward to school enthusiastically every day, which indicated to his parents that his teachers were having a positive impact on his life.

The Ciganovic’s hope that the scholarship recipient will make a similar impact on other children who, like Matthew, present teachers with challenges and also the potential for great rewards.