2009-10 ANNUAL REPORT

This professor emerita helps bright students shine


Dr. Emma Holmes is a longtime donor dedicated to helping high-achieving students who need financial support.

Dr. Emma Holmes, professor emerita of the College of Education, is an example of how one person can make the lives of many students brighter. Emma and her late husband, Dr. Robert Holmes, dedicated their careers to higher education (she at Cal State Fullerton, he at Cal State Long Beach) and to generously supporting their respective institutions.

Emma joined Cal State Fullerton’s faculty in 1961 as one of the first experts in math education for children. During her 36-year tenure in the College of Education, Emma published books and articles on math education for children.

When she retired, Emma’s faculty colleagues honored her achievements with the establishment of the Holmes Math Award, presented to a student who has developed an exemplary master’s project in mathematics. In 1997, to ensure that this support would continue, Emma created an endowment to fund the award in perpetuity.

Based on her love for Cal State Fullerton, in 2004, Emma initiated the establishment of a second endowment to fund two scholarships per year in the College of Education – one for students in the multiple subject credential program, and one for students in the master’s program in curriculum and instruction. She recently added to these scholarships.

Emma’s example has motivated many others to become donors. It is impossible to overestimate her impact on hundreds of students who benefited from scholarships and awards – which often was the only reason they were able to complete their studies. “It’s very important for high-achieving, needy students to have scholarships,” said Emma. “I am gratified to help them.”

For information about giving to the College of Education, please contact Bobbee Cline
at 657-278-7567.