A Study in Service
Sherlock the tortoise is the beloved pet who inspired Prathibha “Sewwi” Madigapola-Liberty ’14,’15 and Taylor Liberty ’14 to write their estate plan at the early age of 29. Tortoises can live for 80–150 years, and the Libertys wanted to ensure that Sherlock had a safe future should he outlive them both. After designating a Malibu tortoise reserve as Sherlock’s home when the time came, Sewwi and Taylor divided the remainder of their estate between their two campus passions,UC Santa Barbara’s Teacher Education Program at the Gevirtz Graduate School of Education (GGSE) and the Department of History of Art and Architecture.
“I don’t think there was any question of it going anywhere else but UC Santa Barbara,” said Sewwi.
The Liberty family includes dogs, cats and a former classroom pet hissing cockroach. With her love of pets both household and exotic, it’s no surprise that Sewwi majored in zoology and minored in science education. As a student, she earned the Vernon I. Cheadle Award for Service for her volunteer efforts with the Cheadle Center’s Kids in Nature (KIN) outreach program. That work inspired her to pursue a teaching career.
“GGSE felt very family-oriented. The faculty saw what I could contribute as a student in the Teacher Education Program and as an educator,” said Sewwi, who taught for several years at a school that served youth with special learning needs.
In the yearlong Teacher Education Program, candidates earn a California teaching credential and can concurrently earn a master’s in education. The program focuses on constructive relationships, immersion in a full year of supported student teaching, and fieldwork that unites theory and practice.
This year, Sewwi launched a company that provides a holistic approach to academic support through the integration of social emotional learning, high-interest materials and outdoor education. Learn with Ms. M. involves students and their parents, with consultations on at-home academic strategies, support for receiving special education services through school, and advocacy work at IEP meetings. Inspired by her time at GGSE and KIN, Learn with Ms. M. reflects Sewwi’s passion for making a positive impact on students’ lives.
“While many teacher candidates receive some funding to cover their tuition, they are unable to cover living expenses as this intense one-year program requires full days at school sites and evenings spent in classes, precluding them from working. We are thankful for the legacy gift from the Libertys and other private fellowships that we can award to candidates with the greatest financial need. Private fellowships help to close the opportunity gap for students in K-12 schools by supporting the Teacher Education Program in preparing high-quality teachers who represent the diversity of California’s schools,” said Director Victoria Harvey.
The Libertys’ legacy gift, which was created through a living trust, represents both halves of their UC Santa Barbara experience.
“My classes at UC Santa Barbara really opened my eyes to how large and small decisions made in the built environment affect our daily life. I continue to apply the knowledge I gained every time I step into a new building, whether during my travels or while showcasing homes to my clients,” said Taylor.
Taylor’s love of architecture led him to switch majors from engineering to art history. The field gave him a new appreciation for the built environment. On a family trip to Spain, Taylor shared insight into the landmarks and cathedrals they toured. Taylor now works as a biller for a law firm and is building a real estate and notary practice.
“Donor support to the Department of History of Art and Architecture helps to provide essential resources and opportunities for students, enriches their educational experience, and prepares them for successful careers. It enables the department to offer specialized emphases, foster groundbreaking research, and promote inclusivity. The Libertys’ gift will shape the field’s understanding of visual culture,” said Professor Laurie Monahan, department chair.
The Libertys want to inspire their peers to consider planning early.
“We only have this one life,” said Sewwi. “As millennials who do not have kids, we want our wealth to help people. We feel like our time in college made us the people we are today. It is meaningful to make that experience more affordable for someone else.”