About the Honoree

Dr. Ellyn Jo Waller is president of the Community College of Philadelphia Foundation. She has displayed a lifelong dedication to education and the empowerment of women. She began an annual scholarship program and was instrumental in establishing the Community College of Philadelphia’s Promise Scholarship program, which allows Philadelphia high school students to attend the college with no cost for tuition and fees. As First Lady of Enon Tabernacle Baptist Church, Ellyn Jo led a campaign with her congregation to raise $100,000 to launch the Promise Scholarship program that, since its inception, has distributed scholarships totaling approximately $911,000 to more than 1,200 students.

“She fosters mutually beneficial relationships and forges new partnerships, which have been very helpful to the institution,” said Donald Guy Generals, president of the Community College of Philadelphia. “She highlights the barriers faced by talented youth in underserved neighborhoods. She continuously advocates on behalf of the college and strives every day to ensure full access to higher education.”

About the Award

The Distinguished Friend of Education Award honors people whose volunteer service has helped advance education at a CASE member institution of which the nominee is not an alumnus/alumna. The award seeks to recognize those who, through their leadership and vision, exemplify the important roles that education and volunteerism play in advancing society.