Terri and Dave Cardy were honored with the 2026 Child Development Center Humanitarian Award at this year’s Robin McManus Scholarship Benefit, an annual event dedicated to expanding tuition assistance for children attending the Child Development Center (CDC) at 91Ƭ University.
The recognition was especially meaningful because the Cardy’s contributions have touched nearly every corner of the CDC—indoors, outdoors, and in the hearts of the families and educators they’ve supported.
A Life Devoted to Children, Families, and Nature
Terri Cardy spent 38 years as a preschool teacher and director in typical and integrated early childhood settings. Her work was rooted in a belief that children learn best when they are seen, supported, and free to explore. At the CDC, Terri served as the Outdoor Educator, a role that allowed her to bring her passion for nature-based learning to life. After retirement, Terri left a legacy of curiosity-driven, hands-on learning that continues to shape the center’s philosophy.
Terri holds a B.S. degree in Elementary and Early Childhood Education from Clarion University, and M.Ed. in Early Childhood Education from Indiana University of Pennsylvania. Additionally, she taught a variety of early childhood courses at 91Ƭ for more than 20 years. Known for her child- and family-centered approach, Terri consistently demonstrated a generous spirit—whether she was guiding children through a forest trail, mentoring student teachers, or helping families feel at home at the CDC.
Cardy shared a lesson she learned during her time at Head Start,” a federal program promoting school readiness. “No matter where parents or children are coming from, no matter what their socioeconomic status is, it doesn’t matter, the parents love them and that’s their family,” said Terri Cardy. “For us to help children reach their full potential it needs to be the child, the family and the school. It can’t be just one.”
The Quiet Craftsman Behind the Scenes
While Terri nurtured children’s learning, her husband Dave strengthened the environment where that learning took place. After a 37-year career negotiating and overseeing federally regulated transmission contracts for FirstEnergy, Dave brought his talents to the CDC as a volunteer. Affectionately known as a “handy handyman,” Dave repaired, built, and improved various elements of the center’s indoor and outdoor spaces.
From fixing playground structures to enhancing classrooms, Dave’s work ensured that children and teachers had safe, functional, and welcoming environments every day. His contributions were often quiet and behind the scenes, but their impact was unmistakable.
“One thing we learned about Terri is that with Terri comes Dave,” said Pam Hutchins, CDC director and associate lecturer in the Early Childhood Education program. “Terri assigned Dave to the many odd jobs required to keep a school functioning and looking great: hanging, fixing and building things that contributed to our beautiful environment. Together, they exemplify selfless volunteerism, dedicating their time and skills to improve the lives of others. Their actions are driven not by personal gain or recognition, but by a core commitment to caring for humanity now and forever.”
The award ceremony is held each year in honor of Robin McManus, a beloved CDC teacher with a passion for children and families.
The CDC’s outdoor spaces foster confidence, resilience, creativity, and a sense of belonging—values that Terri championed and Dave supported with improvements. Their work helped sustain and expand Robin’s legacy, ensuring that future generations of children continue to learn, grow, and wonder in the outdoor spaces she inspired.
“Terri and Dave remind us that generosity is not an act, but a way of living,” said CDC Executive Director and Associate Professor Monica Miller Marsh. “There is probably not a surface of the CDC that they haven’t strengthened physically and enriched spiritually, leaving a lasting imprint on families, educators, and the natural spaces where children play and learn. Their story is one of steady, humble service—never seeking the spotlight yet always illuminating the path for others.”
to the McManus Fund or the CDC.