Florida Tech Receives $2.1M to Support Students with Disabilities

MELBOURNE, FLA. — Florida Tech has received over $2.1 million from the estate of John and Maria Callahan to create the endowed Kathleen Callahan Scholarship.

This scholarship is in memory of their daughter, a special education teacher and advocate for helping underprivileged children. It will recognize an outstanding undergraduate student (or students) with learning or physical disabilities or emotional or behavioral challenges who demonstrates strong academic performance.

“This scholarship will be transformational for hundreds of students for decades to come,” said Senior Vice President for Advancement Gary Grant.

John Callahan, Ph.D., was an associate dean and professor of management at what is now the Bisk College of Business. He retired as Professor Emeritus in 1998. He passed in 2018 and was buried with full military honors at Arlington National Cemetery, having served his country in both the U.S. Air Force and U.S. Army.

Maria Callahan enjoyed the activities and events of campus life at Florida Tech. Over the past 10 years, she has sought to ensure the scholarship will positively impact the lives of students with disabilities. The scholarship was a comforting way to honor Kathleen’s passion after her tragic passing.

“The Kathleen Callahan Scholarship will help students achieve their academic goals and support them getting to graduation despite personal challenges,” said Brian Ehrlich, vice president of enrollment management. “We know that the needs of the students are real, and supporting them on their journey to graduation is the most important thing.”

The first scholarships will be awarded for the fall 2023 semester.