This spring, Temple University’s College of Education and Human Development (CEHD) hosted its inaugural Constance E. Clayton Reception and Fundraiser, launching a new tradition that honors leadership, celebrates achievement and invests in future educators. 

The event pays tribute to Dr. Constance E. Clayton, a trailblazing educator and visionary leader whose legacy continues to shape education in Philadelphia and beyond. The celebration brought together donors, alumni, community members, education leaders, faculty and staff to recognize her enduring impact. 

Dr. Clayton made history in 1982 as the first African American and first woman to serve as superintendent of the School District of Philadelphia. Her pioneering leadership helped advance educational equity, strengthened schools and expanded opportunities for students across the city. Through this fundraiser, CEHD honors that legacy while investing in the future of urban education. 

The evening also highlighted the Constance E. Clayton Urban Education Leadership Award and the Dr. Constance E. Clayton Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Scholarship, which together recognize leadership in education and support future educators. 

“The inaugural Dr. Constance E. Clayton Fundraiser honors the legacy of Dr. Constance E. Clayton in leadership and service,” said Monika Williams Shealey, dean of Temple University's College of Education and Human Development. “The Urban Education Leadership Award reflects our commitment to leaders working to improve educational outcomes for urban communities, and the student scholarship provides access to higher education for a graduating senior in Philadelphia who is pursuing a teaching degree at Temple.” 

This year’s Constance E. Clayton Urban Education Leadership Award honoree was Dr. Michael D. Casserly, former executive director of the Council of the Great City Schools. He was recognized for a distinguished career dedicated to supporting urban school systems and improving outcomes for students nationwide. 

“I was honored and profoundly moved by this award because it bears the name of Constance Clayton, one of the most effective and beloved school superintendents in the history of our field. She was also my friend, my colleague and my mentor,” said Casserly.  

“I have worked at the Council of the Great City Schools for almost 50 years and have tried to do what Dr. Clayton hired me to do,” he added. “Her vision was always top of mind, and everything we did over the decades was the result of her inspiration.” 

The program also recognized the first-ever recipient of the Dr. Constance E. Clayton Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Scholarship, which was created to support incoming CEHD students from Philadelphia pursuing careers in education. The inaugural recipient, Anipsy Urena, represents the next generation of educators and the importance of investing in future leaders. 

Dr. Penny Sparks Nixon, a Philadelphia-based educational leader who serves as superintendent of schools and CEO of Universal Education Companies, member of the CEHD Board of Visitors, and a previous winner of the Constance E. Clayton Urban Education Leadership Award, served as the event chair, guiding a thoughtful and impactful program. She has also helped advance Dr. Constance E. Clayton’s legacy through her leadership in education and community advocacy, including scholarship and service initiatives in Clayton’s honor.  

Reflecting on the significance of the evening, Nixon emphasized both the purpose of the fundraiser and its lasting impact. “Bringing the first annual fundraiser honoring Dr. Constance E. Clayton to life has been both an honor and a privilege,” Nixon said. “What makes this fundraiser especially meaningful to me is that it is more than a celebration of her extraordinary legacy. It is an investment in the next generation of leaders, educators and changemakers. Seeing community members, partners and supporters come together in her name to support future scholars is deeply rewarding and ensures that Dr. Clayton’s legacy will continue to inspire generations to come.” 

Educational Leadership sponsors include Teamsters Local No. 502 Commonwealth Association of School Administrators, Freedom Credit Union, Elevate 215, Universal Charter Schools, Keystone Behavior Solutions, Council of the Great City Schools, and Harambee Institute of Science and Technology Charter School. Their partnership made this inaugural celebration possible and reflects a shared investment in public education and future educators. 

Fundraising for the scholarship fund is ongoing, and contributions may be made online.