The Stamford Public Education Foundation honored Stamford residents Arthur and Vivien White Monday for their commitment to education in the City.  

  Arthur is the creator of "reading is fundamental", an internationally acclaimed literacy program for children, that's  used in Stamford.  Vivien has served on the board for SPEF, New England Foundation for the Arts, and Stamford Cultural Development.

First Niagara was also recognized for its support of SPEF's mentoring and educational programs.  

Rigano says last year 1,500 students were impacted by SPEF's services.  

The foundation's programs focus on improving literacy skills in elementary school students and preparing middle and high school students for college and career training.