Claire Conner

Degree: Bachelor of Arts in Dual Special Education, Early Childhood Special Education
Future Plans: Work in Portland, Oregon as an Early Childhood Special Education Teacher while attending the University of Oregon’s Masters program for Early Childhood Special Education and Early Intervention.
Honored Faculty: Dr. Lisa Beymer, Clinical Associate Professor, Department of Early and Special Education
Scholarships: IdahoSTARS Higher Education Grant, College of Education Dean’s Excellence Award, Wenden and Laura Waite Education Scholarship, Frances Woods Education Scholarship, Higher Education Research Council Fellowship, Hometown Challenge Scholarship, William H. & Gladys E. Langroise General Student Scholarship
When a high school instructor advised Claire to find something “respectable” to teach rather than early education, Claire set out to remind scholars that teachers are the reason academia exists and flourishes. She approaches her studies in early education and special education and leadership in Boise State student organizations with the same dedication to excellence.
When the pandemic canceled her plans to study abroad, Claire set out to challenge herself. She earned her Elementary French certificate, took on courses outside of her degree, and conducted independent research to understand the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on early education. About these experiences she said, “What appeared to be a ‘filler’ semester taught me how to write successful grants, network to the highest positions in the state, present concisely to individuals from a range of disciplines, and advocate for my work to national conferences.”
Claire’s motivation drew her to places of important leadership. As part of the Honor Colloquium “Advocacy in Action,” she partnered with the Idaho Access Project to research disability advisory committees across the country. She co-wrote a policy brief of their findings to the City of Boise, resulting in the approval and establishment of the Cross Disability Taskforce. Claire finds meaningful work in K-12 classrooms and is a proud leader within Boise State’s Campus Crusade for Christ, or Cru, teaching connection in diversity.
Claire Conner is from Corvallis, Oregon.
What is a top ten scholar
Presented by the Boise State Alumni Association and Boise State Honors College, the Top Ten Scholar Award is one of the highest academic honors granted to a Boise State University undergraduate student. Each spring the recipients are recognized, along with their honored faculty, at the annual Top Ten Scholars Award Ceremony.
Meet Other Top Ten ScholarsJoin the Celebration
Please join us for the 40th Anniversary of Boise State University’s Annual Top Ten Scholars Awards Ceremony on Thursday, May 4, 2023, at 5:30 p.m. in the Stueckle Sky Center.
Top Ten Scholars alumni and their honored faculty are invited to a reunion reception at 4:30 p.m. in the Loft (5th floor of the Stueckle Sky Center).
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The Boise State Alumni Association connects, celebrates and engages alumni and friends of the University to build lifelong relationships that support the future of our University. As part of our guiding values, we as alumni and your association, support students through several scholarships managed by the alumni association. Become a scholarship donor to support future members of the Bronco Family.
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