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The State Education Department has awarded the 2009 Marge A. Tierney Scholarship Award to Mr. Eli L. Albilia, of Syosset, NY.Ìý Mr. Albilia is a graduate student in the Rehabilitation Counseling program at Assumption College in Massachusetts.Ìý

This scholarship was established in memory of Marge A. Tierney, a State Education Department employee whose career in vocational rehabilitation spanned 33 years.Ìý Marge was a leader in the field of rehabilitation and a strong advocate for people with disabilities.Ìý Her career was dedicated to the development of quality services aimed at enhancing employment opportunities for people with disabilities.Ìý Under Marge’s leadership as the Director of District Office Administration from 1999-2003, 63,313 individuals with disabilities were placed in jobs.Ìý 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.Ìý

Mr. Albilia has been involved in the field of rehabilitation both personally and professionally for the past five years.Ìý As a survivor of a serious injury, Mr. Albilia knows first-hand how important it is for individuals who have experienced serious trauma to regain their self-confidence.ÌýÌý He recognizes that there will always be people who need help and support and is passionate about helping them meet their goals.Ìý Mr. Albilia believes in the value of employment and plans to use his experiences in his work as a vocational rehabilitation counselor to help others.

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