The scholarship was established by Elon parents Mike and Karen Brocato P'16, in memory of their son Joey.
Izzie Crowley ’28 has always been good with children – so much so that her parents used to call her the “baby whisperer.” Now, she’s taking that skill to Elon University as a Teaching Fellow in the Dr. Jo Watts Williams School of Education and as the inaugural recipient of the Joey Brocato Memorial Teaching Fellows Scholarship.
The scholarship is thanks to Elon parents Mike and Karen Brocato P’16 who made a gift to the Elon LEADS Campaign in memory of their son Joey, who died in 2019 following respiratory complications. Their gift also established the Brocato Family Teaching Fellows Scholarship, with preference given to female students in a STEM field.
Joey was known for his joyful spirit, refusing to let Down syndrome limit or define him. His sister Courtney Brocato ’16 also credits Elon with helping her become an outstanding special education teacher. The Brocato family wants the scholarship to help students like Courtney, and now Crowley, reach their full potential.
“We had the distinct pleasure of meeting Izzie when we visited Elon last fall. Her enthusiasm and drive were extremely special,” said Mike Brocato. “Izzie impressed us as having the right demeanor and temperament for a special education teacher and we felt that if Joey would have had her as a teacher when he was in school, that he would have loved her.”
As a Teaching Fellow, Crowley knew she was receiving a scholarship, but didn’t know she’d get the chance to meet the Brocato family. It made the beginning of her Elon journey even better.
“I’m just so blessed to even be given the privilege to meet this family and hear their story, and then, on top of that, them be so generous is really just inspiring,” said Crowley, who is from Norfolk, Massachusetts. “It’s something near and dear to my heart.”
The Elon Teaching Fellows Program is a model for the preparation of teaching leaders and scholars who contribute significantly to the quality of birth-12 education and who are influential in decision-making on the local, state, national and international levels. Through an increasingly complex four-year experience, this program prepares future teachers to think critically and embrace diversity, lead within and beyond the classroom, and participate meaningfully in a global society.
“Izzie Crowley embodies the spirit of the Joey Brocato Memorial Teaching Fellows Scholarship through her dedication to special education,” said Erin Hone, instructor in education and director of the Teaching Fellows Program. “Her stellar academic achievements in high school set a strong foundation for success.”
The Fellows receive $7500 in scholarship funding, renewed annually based on academic performance. Included in the award is airfare during the semester abroad and program-funded enrichment experiences including two Winter Term courses, seminars and speakers.
Crowley chose to study elementary education and special education because of a cousin who also has Down syndrome.
“My family is really close and we were closest in age,” said Crowley. “We’d hang out all the time and I never really thought anything of it until middle school when it started to become a taboo thing and they were in a special needs classroom. I also had a good connection with her.”
She’s already had the chance to dive into education, tutoring students with the It Takes A Village Project and getting a chance to explore her passion for dance with Elon DanceWorks.
“As an Elon student, Izzie has continued to excel, demonstrating unwavering commitment to her studies and future students,” said Hone. “Known for her conscientious nature, kindness and enthusiasm for life, Izzie approaches every challenge with determination and heart. Whether in the classroom or serving in the community, she exemplifies the values of hard work, joy, and compassion that this scholarship honors.”