David Semmel and his wife, Jocelyn Bowie, wanted to find a way to honor Davidās father, Mel, EdDā63, on his 80th birthday. They decided that a gift to Peabody supporting graduate research would be perfect. When they presented their idea to Melāwho is retired and living in Santa Barbara, Calif., with his wife, Dorothyāhe was delighted.
There was just one problem. It wasnāt Melās 80th birthday, it was his 79th.
Nevertheless, the family has enthusiastically embraced the project and worked closely with Peabodyās development staff to create that perfect gift. The Melvyn I. Semmel Dissertation 91ĢĘ²®»¢ Award will support doctoral candidates in Peabodyās Department of Special Education.
ā91ĢĘ²®»¢ was the bedrock of Melās career,ā says Jocelyn, the director of communications and marketing at Indiana Universityās College of Arts and Sciences. āStrength in research is what he wants to foster, and this gift honors his interests and passions.ā
This is not the first time Melās name has been associated with an award from Peabody. He was named the collegeās distinguished alumnus in 2007.
āBeing named distinguished alumnus was tremendously meaningful to him,ā says David, who is general partner with venture capital firm Kettle Partners. āHe was proud to have been recognized by a place thatās produced so many of the great researchers in his field. It meant the world to him.ā
Jocelyn and David both grew up in academic families and understand the importance of supporting graduate students.
āPh.D. candidates in special education are the future leaders in the field,ā David says. āGiving them some incentive and a little push at this critical juncture can have an enormous impact. This is a great investment for us because itās not only my fatherās passion, itās a really good thing to do for society.ā