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Anne Marie Cazeau Memorial Scholarship

The purpose of the Anne Marie Cazeau Memorial Scholarship is to honor Anne’s perseverance in life and her commitment to the fields of nursing and education. This award will support a sophomore, junior or senior student who is pursuing a major in The School of Health Sciences and Professional Programs (which includes The Dept. of Nursing & The Dept. of Teacher Education). Recipients must demonstrate financial need, carry a minimum 2.5 GPA, and remain active in social justice initiatives, programs, or organizations on campus or off.

Anne Marie Cazeau York Graduation photo

Anne Marie Cazeau working with kids

Anne Marie Cazeau was a 1997 York College graduate who immigrated to the US from Haiti in 1970. Anne & her husband, Luc Robert Cazeau raised their family in Long Island City, Queens, and later, in Queens Village, NY.

From 1977 to 1997 Anne worked as a Nurse's Aide at Bird S. Coler Memorial Hospital on Roosevelt Island. During that time, Anne decided to pursue higher education by attending LaGuardia Community College where she earned an Associate’s Degree in Education in 1985. She accomplished this while working overnights at the hospital and part-time at a daycare center near her home. 

In 1994, Anne obtained a position with the Board of Education working at local schools in Long Island City. That same year, she decided to continue her education and enrolled at York College. She earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Education in 1997, at the age of 56. Later that year, Anne left her job at the hospital and devoted herself to working for the Board of Education full-time, first at PS 112 in Long Island City, and later at PS 171 in Astoria, Queens. Anne cared for her students, who she truly loved, until Oct 2016 when she finally retired after becoming too sick to work. 

Anne passed away on May 9, 2017, leaving a legacy that has inspired her children, grandchildren, family members, students, and many others to value the power and importance of education. Anne’s family is proud to offer this scholarship to support and encourage future generations of students who share her background and life experiences.