äçÐÄvlogÃâ·ÑBÕ¾

Skip Navigation Back to Top
PAL 50 Years Logo

Celebrating 50 Years of Changing Students' Lives!

Having trouble viewing?

PAL values every mind and is a program to serve every learner. When PAL was established in 1970, it anchored more than an educational pedagogy; it created a first of its kind program for learning differences to empower each student to reach their maximum potential. As we approach our fiftieth anniversary, we invite you to join us to celebrate our past and more importantly, make meaningful strides forward, markedly expanding access and affordability to ensure a bright future for PAL.

If you are interested in supporting PAL and its impact on students, please contact Liz Matson at 617-333-2327 or liz.matson@curry.edu.

A Brief History of PAL

Dr. Gertrude M. Webb

1970

Dr. Gertrude M. Webb, a native Bostonian who a year before had been appointed to a Lectureship in Education at the College, launches an innovative program that matches students with language learning differences (at one time the term was language “disabilities”) with special faculty mentors for tutoring and support; it would become the Program for Advancement of Learning, or PAL. At the same time, students were also mainstreamed into their regular College courses.

The American Flag

1990

The College marks the 20th anniversary of the launch of PAL with a celebration at the John Fitzgerald Kennedy Library and Museum in Boston.

Dr. Gertrude W. Webb. and Dr. Lisa Ijiri

1992

In a major faculty appointment in 1993, and after a nationwide search, Dr. Lisa Ijiri, a learning disabilities specialist at Barat College in Illinois, is selected as the replacement for the retired Dr. Gertrude W. Webb. (Dr. Webb said of her hiring that “Lisa Ijiri is like a breath of fresh air.”)

The Massachusetts State House

1995

PAL celebrates its 25th anniversary at the Massachusetts State House, and Governor William Weld proclaims September 29, 1995 “äçÐÄvlogÃâ·ÑBÕ¾ Day.”

Donna Cataldo Bronson and Kenneth K. Quigley, Jr.

2009

Professor Donna Cataldo Bronson of PAL retires in May of 2009. As Coordinator of PAL from 1973 to 1992, she worked hand in hand with Dr. Gertrude Webb, providing administrative support to students and faculty alike.

Changing Lives through Metacognitive Relationships: LD/ADHD and College Success

2010

Dean Lisa Ijiri and Professor Laurie Fox edit the book, Changing Lives through Metacognitive Relationships: LD/ADHD and College Success, as part of the celebration of the 40th anniversary of PAL. At the same time, Dr. Joseph Cullen is welcomed to Curry, following a national search, as the new Director.

Dr. Laura Vanderberg teaches a student in the Webb Learning Center

2015

Dr. Laura Vanderberg becomes Director of the PAL program, bringing with her 15 years of experience designing curriculum and implementing educational program evaluations for various types of learners in settings both inside and outside the classroom.

College Magazine names äçÐÄvlogÃâ·ÑBÕ¾ on its Top 10 Best Colleges List for students with learning disabilities.

2018

College Magazine names äçÐÄvlogÃâ·ÑBÕ¾ on its Top 10 Best Colleges List for students with learning disabilities.

Dr. Laura Vanderberg

2019

Director and Professor Dr. Laura Vanderberg is selected for the Apple Distinguished Educators (ADE) award for her pioneering innovations in the iPAL Program. Apple’s iPads are used as the shared platform for iPAL’s assistive technology curriculum, which features students as co-owners of the curriculum, evaluation, and pedagogy. This represents a very different model from traditional higher education.

Dr. Laura Vanderberg

Learning Differently: Q & A with Dr. Laura Vanderberg

2020 marks the 50th anniversary of the Program for Advancement of Learning (PAL) at äçÐÄvlogÃâ·ÑBÕ¾. PAL Director Dr. Laura Vanderberg shares her passion for supporting students with learning differences, what inspires her work, and how she continues to adopt the legacy of Dr. Gertrude M. Webb.

Karina Murcia '20

Meet Karina Murcia '20, PAL

“Honestly, with PAL here at Curry, I have confidence and I feel like I am supported. I am part of a sports team and a club, I’m able to do things that I was never able to do in college before. I feel like the hard work and good grades that PAL has helped me to achieve is my way of saying ‘thank you’ to my parents and others who have helped me. For me, PAL is a game changer that is unquestionably setting me up for the rest of my life.”

Meet Karina Murcia (Class of 2020)

Highlights in PAL

Maddy Greene '26 poses next to her horse

From a Fresh Start to New Adventures: How Maddy Greene '26 Found Belonging and Confidence at äçÐÄvlogÃâ·ÑBÕ¾

Maddy Greene ’26 has always been open about her learning differences, but she’s never let them define her. When she transferred to Curry her junior year, she was looking for a new beginning and more support.
Chris Menton

A Journey of Gratitude: How Curry and the PAL Program Changed the Life of Chris Menton ’77

If there’s one word that Dr. Chris Menton, äçÐÄvlogÃâ·ÑBÕ¾ Class of 1977, would use to describe himself, it’s grateful. Grateful for his education. Grateful for his career. Grateful for his family–his wife and two children–and the beautiful life he built for himself. After struggling for many years with his schooling, it was äçÐÄvlogÃâ·ÑBվ’s Program for Advancement of Learning (PAL) that gave Menton the opportunity to redirect his life and receive a truly valuable education.
Maura McNamara

Neurodiversity Center for Excellence Appoints Maura McNamara as Executive Director

äçÐÄvlogÃâ·ÑBÕ¾ appointed Maura McNamara to serve as the inaugural Executive Director of the Neurodiversity Center for Excellence. This is an important role that will lead one of the College’s strategic plan initiatives that focuses on expanding Curry’s legacy of educating neurodiverse learners.
Faculty group photo in regalia

Fall 2024 Faculty Accomplishments

Curry faculty are continuously recognized in their craft, showcasing their hard work, dedication, and commitment to scholarly growth. Through their publications, awards, and/or presentations, we celebrate the many achievements of our faculty who work tirelessly to shape our students in the classroom while also advancing knowledge in their fields.
Tom Crisafulli poses outside Fenway Park during his internship

Summer 2024 Internship Spotlight

This summer, our students gained hands-on, professional work experience at various internship sites - see what some of them were up to!
Jay Gonzalez at the Podium during his Inauguration

äçÐÄvlogÃâ·ÑBÕ¾ to be First in Massachusetts to Offer Job Guarantee

President Jay Gonzalez announced at his Inauguration this afternoon that äçÐÄvlogÃâ·ÑBÕ¾ will be the first college in Massachusetts to offer a job guarantee program, called The Curry Commitment, beginning with the current freshmen Class of 2027.
äçÐÄvlogÃâ·ÑBÕ¾ Seal

äçÐÄvlogÃâ·ÑBÕ¾ Faculty Accomplishments Summer/Fall 2023

The cherished members of the äçÐÄvlogÃâ·ÑBÕ¾ faculty are known for their tireless dedication and support to our students - but they are also leading scholars, scientists, artists, and trailblazers in their respective fields. See their many accomplishments from this past summer and fall.
Jay Gonzalez, 15th President of äçÐÄvlogÃâ·ÑBÕ¾

Jay Gonzalez Appointed as President of äçÐÄvlogÃâ·ÑBÕ¾

äçÐÄvlogÃâ·ÑBվ’s Board of Trustees announced the appointment of Jay Gonzalez as the College’s 15th president. The board’s unanimous decision was the culmination of a thoughtful and thorough search process that was conducted over the past eight months. Gonzalez has a deep breadth of experience in the law, government, education, politics, advocacy, and business leadership.
Faculty pose at 2022 Convocation

Present, Publish, and Produce: Spring 2023 Faculty Accomplishments

Curry faculty are dedicated educators and caring mentors to students as well as leading scholars, scientists, artists, and trailblazers in their disciplines. They are regularly published in notable academic publications, quoted as experts in the media, and applauded among peers at prestigious industry conferences.