The Overbrook School for the Blind
Board of Managers is pleased to announce the recipients of the
2010 Distinguished Alumni Awards:
Louis Quay, Class of 1966
Joanne Malatesta Davidoff, Class of 1950
Mr. Quay was cited in his nomination for being a “dreamer” as a child who early on had strong interests in astronomy, history, and geography.
Mr. Quay majored in Political Science at Ursinus College and earned a Masters degree in International Relations from Lehigh University in 1972, pursuing advanced work in this area at American University in Washington, D.C. In 1976, he began work at the U.S. Commerce Department as an International Trade Specialist, traveling to many foreign countries including Australia, and various countries in Central and South America and the Caribbean. In his role as a member of the U.S trade delegation, he has met abroad with members of Chambers of Commerce and with Foreign Government Economic Ministers to promote U. S. trade opportunities. He has embodied his boyhood dreams and the young student who carried his atlas around Overbrook became the man who traveled to those places he read about.
As the parent of Christopher, Mr. Quay has served in the role of Cub Scout leader and as a single parent, balancing the responsibilities of gainful and successful employment and the demands of parenthood. Never one to be idle, Mr. Quay has been active in The Planetary Society, and bird watching activities (or bird “listening” as Mr. Quay notes). He has also served as President of the Overbrook Alumni association in 1976.
Ms. Davidoff’s nominations noted her lifelong involvement in promoting the use of Braille, and her willingness to work in service in various capacities in organizations in the field of work for the blind.
A graduate of Chestnut Hill College, Ms. Davidoff studied political science and secondary education. She has worked as an assistant teacher in a nursery school for blind children, as a principal in a daycare school, as a teacher at Overbrook and in the summers, as a rehabilitation teacher in the IDEAL program at an agency for the blind in Chester. Joanne also received her Masters degree from Temple University in Early Childhood.
Ms. Davidoff has twice been the President of the Overbrook Alumni Association and has been a board member and officer in organizations such as the Pennsylvania Association for the Blind, Associated Services for the Blind, the Pennsylvania Council for the Blind, and the Nevilaires. Her dedication to the field, to her students and the organizations she serves has been most noteworthy.
Please join us on June 9, 2010 at 9:30 a.m. for our graduation ceremony and to honor Mr. Quay and Ms. Davidoff for their hard work and achievements.
