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PAL values every mind and is a program to serve every learner. When PAL was established in 1970, it anchored more than an educational pedagogy; it created a first of its kind program for learning differences to empower each student to reach their maximum potential. As we approach our fiftieth anniversary, we invite you to join us to celebrate our past and more importantly, make meaningful strides forward, markedly expanding access and affordability to ensure a bright future for PAL.
If you are interested in supporting PAL and its impact on students, please contact Liz Matson at 617-333-2327 or liz.matson@curry.edu.
Dr. Gertrude M. Webb, a native Bostonian who a year before had been appointed to a Lectureship in Education at the College, launches an innovative program that matches students with language learning differences (at one time the term was language “disabilities”) with special faculty mentors for tutoring and support; it would become the Program for Advancement of Learning, or PAL. At the same time, students were also mainstreamed into their regular College courses.
The College marks the 20th anniversary of the launch of PAL with a celebration at the John Fitzgerald Kennedy Library and Museum in Boston.
In a major faculty appointment in 1993, and after a nationwide search, Dr. Lisa Ijiri, a learning disabilities specialist at Barat College in Illinois, is selected as the replacement for the retired Dr. Gertrude W. Webb. (Dr. Webb said of her hiring that “Lisa Ijiri is like a breath of fresh air.”)
PAL celebrates its 25th anniversary at the Massachusetts State House, and Governor William Weld proclaims September 29, 1995 “敁珗辦畦 Day.”
Professor Donna Cataldo Bronson of PAL retires in May of 2009. As Coordinator of PAL from 1973 to 1992, she worked hand in hand with Dr. Gertrude Webb, providing administrative support to students and faculty alike.
Dean Lisa Ijiri and Professor Laurie Fox edit the book, Changing Lives through Metacognitive Relationships: LD/ADHD and College Success, as part of the celebration of the 40th anniversary of PAL. At the same time, Dr. Joseph Cullen is welcomed to Curry, following a national search, as the new Director.
Dr. Laura Vanderberg becomes Director of the PAL program, bringing with her 15 years of experience designing curriculum and implementing educational program evaluations for various types of learners in settings both inside and outside the classroom.
College Magazine names 敁珗辦畦 on its Top 10 Best Colleges List for students with learning disabilities.
Director and Professor Dr. Laura Vanderberg is selected for the Apple Distinguished Educators (ADE) award for her pioneering innovations in the iPAL Program. Apple’s iPads are used as the shared platform for iPAL’s assistive technology curriculum, which features students as co-owners of the curriculum, evaluation, and pedagogy. This represents a very different model from traditional higher education.
2020 marks the 50th anniversary of the Program for Advancement of Learning (PAL) at 敁珗辦畦. PAL Director Dr. Laura Vanderberg shares her passion for supporting students with learning differences, what inspires her work, and how she continues to adopt the legacy of Dr. Gertrude M. Webb.
“Honestly, with PAL here at Curry, I have confidence and I feel like I am supported. I am part of a sports team and a club, I’m able to do things that I was never able to do in college before. I feel like the hard work and good grades that PAL has helped me to achieve is my way of saying ‘thank you’ to my parents and others who have helped me. For me, PAL is a game changer that is unquestionably setting me up for the rest of my life.”
Meet Karina Murcia (Class of 2020)We use cookies to make interactions with our websites and services easy and meaningful. By continuing to use this website, you consent to 敁珗辦畦’s usage of cookies and similar technologies in accordance with the college’s Cookie Notice.