Syracuse University School of Education mourns the passing of Carol Berrigan G’74, G’79, SOE alumna, member of the Center on Human Policy, and founder of SOE’s Italy study abroad program.
From SOE, Berrigan held a master’s degree in Elementary Education (1974) and a doctorate in the field of instructional technology (1979). Former Dean Douglas Biklen knew her well: “The first time I met Carol was in the early 1970s, when her brother-in-law [anti-war activist] Dan Berrigan was underground. We were all part of the anti-Vietnam War movement.”
Biklen recalls that Berrigan began working at the Center on Human Policy during the 1970s, helping develop materials to accompany the PBS children’s series, Feeling Free, among other roles. In the 70s, she also assisted local parents of Deaf children as they successfully lobbied to have Deaf students mainstreamed in Onondaga County schools: “Carol spoke sign language and helped me connect with the Deaf community throughout this effort.”
In the early 1980s, Berrigan played a critical role fundraising nationally for the documentary Regular Lives (1988), which aired on PBS stations and which featured the Edward Smith and T. Aaron Levy schools in the Syracuse City School District, as well as transitional and community living developments in Syracuse. “Carol secured the participation of Martin Sheen to narrate it, as she knew him through her anti-war activism,” says Biklen.
“At some point along the way, Carol developed an interest in inclusive practices in Italy and set about developing her fluency in Italian,” recalls Biklen. “She was a compelling influence on so many aspects of life in Syracuse, in the community, and at the University. She never sought the limelight or public recognition, only progress for people in need. She always aligned her efforts to effect equality. She was one of the most generous people I’ve ever known.”
Professor Beth Ferri met Berrigan early in her career: “Carol designed and led a very successful study abroad class in Italy for over a decade, before handing it over—along with all of her contacts made over the years—to me in 2002. She was a fluent speaker of Italian and was quick to celebrate the Italian education system for its longstanding commitment to inclusion.”
Berrigan published two articles about her experiences in the TASH Newsletter: “Schools in Italy: A National Policy Made Actual” (1995) and “Integration in Italy: A Dynamic Movement” (1998). Now celebrating its 40th year, Berrigan’s class continues to evolve, and the study abroad program led by professors Ferri, Christy Ashby, Marcelle Haddix, and Kathy Hinchman over the years.
“Carol was an incredibly positive person and a force for change. She had energy and enthusiasm, and her commitment to social justice, human rights, and equity influenced everything she did,” remembers Ferri. “She was proud of her beloved husband Jerry, a professor at Onondaga Community College, as well as her family’s role in the peace movement. I am proud to have worked with her and to have known her.”
Professor Christy Ashby also remembers her former colleague, whom she knew as a graduate student: “Carol was a force for disability rights and inclusive education.”