Alumni and friends celebrated TC’s 5th annual Impact Day on March 4th, underscoring their commitment to the College’s students, research and scholarship as part of its signature day of giving and service. 

Every gift to Teachers College makes an impact. Learn more and make a difference here.

The TC community raised more than $776,000 to support critical priorities across the College, including the TC Fund, named scholarships and academic departments. Donors met two giving challenges, unlocking support for the TC Fund and for the International and Intergroup Understanding and Friendship Fund. The resounding support accompanied worldwide efforts to make a difference, with more than 300 volunteers participating in Impact Day projects. 

Explore the meaning of Impact Day in a brief Q&A with Susan Scherman, TC’s Senior Executive Director of Annual Giving & Alumni Relations. Read More

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Members of the TC community wrote more than 2000 thank-you cards to donors as part of Impact Day on March 4. (Photo: TC Archives)

Members of the TC community volunteered at the neighborhood food center in honor of Impact Day. (Photo: TC Archives)

In Westchester County, Meredith Beckford-Smart (Ph.D. ’07) and volunteer leader Kim McCrea (M.A. ’98) with a veteran’s organization in honor of TC Impact Day. (Photo: TC Archives)

TC alumni gather for coffee on Long Island after participating in a book drive..

Alumni gathered for a happy hour in Queens ahead of Impact Day. (Photo: TC Archives)

“To be part of the TC community is a lifelong privilege, and coming together each year to support the College through giving and service is uniquely a TC act,” said Jane Elizabeth Brown (M.A. ’10), President of the College’s Alumni Council. “In the past five years, Impact Day has redefined what it means to be in community with one another, not just at TC, but beyond.” 

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TC alumni celebrate Impact Day in San Diego

TC alumni and friends in the San Francisco Bay area gather for a trash clean-up in honor of TC Impact Day. (Photo: TC Archives)

In Los Angeles, alumni joined Michael Palmieri (Ed.D. '23, far left) and Sylvia Roldán (M.A. '06, second from right in back) in preparing food for those impacted by serious illness. (Photo: TC Archives)

San Francisco’s vibrant alumni community gathers annually for Impact Day and other meaningful, fun activities. (Photo: TC Archives) 

Alumni in San Diego hosted a pet supply drive in honor of Impact Day. (Photo: TC Archives) 

“Seeing our alumni and friends rally around the College each year through both giving and service reflects TC’s momentum in building a strong future for our students, our faculty and their critical work,” said Susan Scherman, TC’s Senior Executive Director of Annual Giving & Alumni Relations, who spoke with us about the power of the TC community in honor of the fifth annual Impact Day. 

Emily and Brandon spotlight honorees 2026

As part of the global celebration,  the TC Impact Spotlight recognizes one student and one alumnus who make an impact in their communities and exemplify our mission to create a more equitable world. This year's honorees, selected through public vote, are Emily Nguyen (M.S. ’27) and Brandon Martin (M.A. '16). Learn more about Nguyen, Martin and this year's finalists here. 

As part of the event, TC also recognized student Emily Nguyen (M.S. ’27) and alumnus Brandon Martin (M.A. '16) with the TC Impact Spotlight for their contributions to improving the lives of others. The honor, decided by a community vote, elicited record-setting participation this year and reflected the TC community’s momentum in advancing our work and shared vision. 

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Below, find an excerpt of our conversation with Scherman about the College’s efforts.

Impact Day has generated significant support for the College while creating opportunities for the TC community to get involved — regardless of where they live. Why was this important to the team? 

Scherman: “When we first explored the idea of creating a TC giving day five years ago, we wanted to be sure we captured the spirit of what it means to be part of the TC community. Teachers College is a transformative experience, so developing something that was true to who we are was important. And we wanted this day to have growing and staying power. 

First and foremost, Impact Day is our giving day. That support for the College is absolutely critical, and on Impact Day we celebrate generosity across all areas of TC. Equally important is finding ways for people to get involved and honoring what our community cares about most: making a difference in the lives of others. So adding opportunities for service and impact felt natural for the day. 

Now, five years later, we’ve had park clean-ups, food, clothing and book drives, school read-alouds. What’s been so incredible to see is the way our alumni around the world have taken the initiative to  create their own thoughtful programming that makes sense for their local alumni groups and aligns with the needs of their neighbors. We’ve developed online opportunities too, including the Impact Spotlight to celebrate students and alumni who make a difference. Our initial idea was simple: no matter where you are in the world, you can participate on Impact Day in multiple ways. Each year is a bit different, and each year the day grows in scope. I’m incredibly proud of what we’ve accomplished.”  

Tags: Community Alumni At The College Community Giving

Published Thursday, Mar 19, 2026