A 1982 New Hampshire College graduate, Durham plans to graduate in the fall of 2001 with a master of science degree in teaching. Lahtinen Penfield received a master's degree from Plattsburgh State in 1991. For many years, she suffered from cystic fibrosis, a debilitating and often times fatal genetic disease that affects the lungs.
Transplantation is the only course available to cystic fibrosis sufferers.
Prior to her death, Lahtinen Penfield taught at Stafford Middle School in Plattsburgh and served as a councilor on the Plattsburgh Common Council. Her family and friends created the endowed fellowship in memory of a woman who loved her community, her students and her college. The Melissa Lahtinen Penfield Endowed Fellowship provides assistance to new or returning full-time graduate students attending Plattsburgh State in the field of education. Priority is given to applicants who graduated from Seton Catholic and Plattsburgh high schools. Durham graduated from Plattsburgh high school in 1978.