Dr. Renee (Genbauffe) O'Leary '50
Early Childhood Science Teacher, Caravel Academy
Educator. Assiduous. Determined.
“I’ve been giving back to Millersville forever. It’s a million-dollar feeling when you can make a difference for someone. I’ve often wondered, why doesn’t everyone do this?”
Current City: Newark, DE
MU Degree(s): B.S. in Education in Elementary Education
’Ville for Life Snapshots
- Has worked for 50 years teaching science to children, and she currently volunteers her time as the primary grade science teacher at Holy Angels School in Delaware.
- Named 1981-1982’s “Teacher of the Year”
- Earned a Ph.D. in early childhood science from LaSalle University.
- Designed and taught an early childhood science enrichment program for nearly two decades at Caravel Academy in Bear, DE.
- In 1994, was inducted into the National Teachers Hall of Fame – the only Delaware teacher to date to receive that honor.
- Active with her churches, the Newark Rotary Club, the Chapel Street Players, Delaware Teachers of the Year Organization, and the Brandywiners Limited.
- Has given over 200 workshops and numerous motivational, keynote speeches at conferences in the U.S. and internationally.
- Proud of her “Dolly Parton Chasing Rainbows Award,” which goes to teachers of the year who got there despite challenges.
- Has contributed to many, many funds at Millersville, including establishing the “John and Renée Genbauffe O’Leary Scholarship Endowment inScience Education,” which is awarded to a student majoring in the early childhood education program with a concentration in science.