Carey-Simmons Scholarship

Salisbury Teachers College, now Salisbury University, gave Niel an opportunity to attend college, and later provided him with the knowledge and skill needed to enter the teaching profession. Although Helen’s bachelor’s degree was from Duke University, her interest in genealogy and family research enabled her to discover the wealth of information, data and records in the Nabb Research Center. With a desire to “give back” to Salisbury University, they established the Carey-Simmons undergraduate scholarship in education and later established the Carey-Simmons Graduate Grant in Education. They also endowed the Carey Family Research room at the Nabb Center.

Helen and Niel started their career teaching school math and/or science in junior high schools in Baltimore County. They both later achieved graduate degrees and became school counselors. Helen retired after 36 years, first as a teacher and later and primarily as school counselor in Baltimore County, initially in junior high school and later in high school.

Niel was recruited by the MD State Education Department to develop a state-wide program in career education, then a national education priority. He chaired the Maryland Education Department task force to develop a state plan for career education which would enable Maryland students to identify their career-related aptitudes and interests, to explore education and career options, to identify their career goals and to develop a plan to achieve them. Maryland’s state plan was one of the first in the U. S. and Maryland became a leader among the states in implementing this national priority. After a successful and productive career in Maryland, Niel retired. Soon after, he was recruited by the National Career Development Association (NCDA) as its first executive director to establish its headquarters in the D.C. area. After a decade of successful service in that capacity, he retired, but continues to be active as Executive Director Emeritus, member of the Association’s Brain Trust and member/chair of the NCDA Government Relations Committee.

Niel is a co-founder and president of the Carey/Cary Family organization which recently held its 25th annual reunion in the Nabb Center. He is currently editing a book, The Carey/Cary Family: Researching, Connecting and sharing Family history. The book will contain chapters written by family members and others who have researched the various Carey/Cary family lines, including two chapters by Helen. Helen was editor of Carey/Cary Family News for fourteen years, now archived for researchers on www.careycary.org . She continues to be actively involved as a researcher. Although she was not a Salisbury alumnus she has been actively supportive of SU over the years and recognizes the university’s important contributions.

Niel has served as the President of the SU Alumni Association, and as a member of the SU Foundation. He has served as a member of the Nabb Research center Board of Directors and chaired the committee which developed its first strategic plan. He later chaired the board of Directors and is a board member emeritus.

Niel and Helen are grateful to have benefited from impressive programs and rich resources of Salisbury University, and they are pleased to continue their support of this University of Distinction.