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Fairfield U. Professor Gets Accolades For Work With Bridgeport Students

FAIRFIELD, Conn. — Bryan Ripley Crandall, a Fairfield University professor known for his boundless enthusiasm and support for Bridgeport students, immigrants and refugees, has been awarded the 2017 Elizabeth M. Pfriem Civic Leadership Award by the Bridgeport Public Education Fund in Bridgeport.

Diandra Clark, a former Bassick High School student and current Fairfield University junior, and Bryan Ripley Crandall, Ph.D.

Diandra Clark, a former Bassick High School student and current Fairfield University junior, and Bryan Ripley Crandall, Ph.D.

Photo Credit: Bryan Ripley Crandall

The Stratford resident, assistant professor in the Graduate School of Education and Allied Professions and director of the Connecticut Writing Project, is being recognized for his support of K-12 schools, teachers, and students.

“The award may be given to one but it really belongs to many — the wonderful students of Bridgeport, the National Writing Project, the phenomenal teachers I’m fortunate enough to work with and numerous community organizations that work in support of achievement,” Crandall said.

Each summer, he offers writing institutes for Bridgeport teachers and programs for students, including Ubuntu Academy, a summer literacy camp for immigrant and refugee youth. He also collaborates with Marcelle Haddix, of Syracuse University to host Writing Our Lives events in support of student creativity, activism and storytelling.

The award will be presented at 3 p.m. May 3 at the Bridgeport Holiday Inn, 1070 Main Street, as part of the annual Inspiration Awards for Excellence in Education.

The Pfriem leadership award is given to an individual who invests in the public good, community, and democracy in Bridgeport.

Marge Hiller, executive director of the Bridgeport Public Education Fund, said Crandall’s enthusiasm for teaching city students is unparalleled.

“Students flock to his energy and produce work that excites them, and Dr. Ripley-Crandall willingly accepts all invitations to work with our organization pro-bono in preparing high school seniors for the rigor in college,” she said. He is an asset to Fairfield University and to the communities of Bridgeport, including our public school district.”

Elizabeth M. Pfriem, former publisher of the Post Publishing Company and philanthropist, was a champion of Bridgeport through her work and support of Bridgeport Hospital, St. Vincent’s Medical Center Foundation and the Elizabeth M. Pfriem SWIM Center for Cancer Care. 

Pfriem died in April. The award is given to an individual who invests in the public good, community, and democracy in Bridgeport.

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