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The State Education Department has awarded the 2010 Marge A. Tierney Scholarship Award to Ms. Donna Robbins of Niagara Falls, NY.�� Ms. Robbins is a graduate student in the Rehabilitation Counseling program at State University of New York at Buffalo.

This scholarship was established in memory of Marge A. Tierney, a State Education Department employee whose career in vocational rehabilitation spanned 33 years.�� Marge was a leader in the field of rehabilitation and a strong advocate for people with disabilities.�� Her career was dedicated to the development of quality services aimed at enhancing employment opportunities for people with disabilities.�� Under Marge’s leadership as the Director of District Office Administration from 1999-2003, 63,313 individuals with disabilities were placed in jobs.�� To honor Marge’s achievements and dedication, one student is selected each year to receive the scholarship to help defray the costs of tuition, books, and other college-related expenses.

Ms. Robbins has been involved in the field of rehabilitation both personally and professionally for about five years.�� She knows first hand how important it is for individuals who have experienced a serious injury to get back to work and regain their confidence. She is passionate about helping individuals with disabilities to discover their uniqueness and meet their goals.�� Ms. Robbins believes she can be a role model and inspiration, and will use her experiences in her future work as a vocational rehabilitation counselor to help others.

Recipients of the Marge A. Tierney Scholarship Award receive a citation and $1,000 check.