Outstanding Women of New Brighton: Adel (Gallagher) Aiken, Ed.D.

In 1953, Adel was born the fourth of five children to Udel and Alma Gallagher on Oak Hill in New Brighton. She graduated as valedictorian from both New Brighton High School (1971) and Geneva College, where she majored in Elementary Education. While at New Brighton High, she was involved in many activities, as well as had lead parts in the school plays.

Adel’s first teaching job was with South Side School District in Hookstown, as a remedial reading teacher. Eventually, Adel, and her husband, Bruce, began their family of four children, who all attended New Brighton schools. While staying home and being a mother, she worked towards a Master’s degree from Westminster College as a reading specialist.

In 1987, Adel was hired by Geneva College in their Education Department as a supervisor for student teachers. Soon she began teaching various courses related to reading, while also earning her Doctorate in Education from the University of Pittsburgh. In time, she helped to develop and became the Director of the Master’s Education in Reading Program at Geneva. As an educator, she has published many articles and given presentations. In 2008, she was selected to receive the Excellence in Teaching Award by her students and colleagues. She was always a favorite professor for many education students throughout her teaching career. Today, Dr. Aiken serves as the Chair of Geneva College’s Education Department. She takes pride in seeing the students graduate and become dedicated teachers throughout the country. Adel resides with Bruce in Daugherty Township, where she enjoys playing the piano and spending time with her seven grandchildren.

Activities:

• Serves on the New Brighton Library Board

• Involved with the Education Foundation for the New Brighton Schools

• Beaver County Reading Council

• Helps when she can to serve the New Brighton community where she has always lived

• Active church member

• Has done mission work, including going to Haiti