‘An Exceptional Leader’ is Appointed as New CHHS Dean
.jpg "Cada, Elizabeth - photo") Following a competitive national search, Dr. Elizabeth Cada, Ed.D., OTR/L, FAOTA, has been appointed to the position of Dean of the College of Health and Human Services (CHHS).
Dr. Cada has served as Chair of the Department of Occupational Therapy for the past 15 years. This past year Dr. Cada demonstrated excellence in the leadership of the college as Interim Dean.
GSU Provost Terry Allison noted that “Dean Cada was able to articulate an expansive vision for the College of Health and Human Services. It was clear that she would achieve this vision through involvement of faculty, staff, and the communities that GSU serves. Dr. Cada possesses a background rich in both education and real-world experience.
“Dean Cada will be focused on growing GSU’s current fully accredited health programs, as well as seeking opportunities to expand new specialties and new degree programs to meet the needs of GSU’s diverse region,” Provost Allison continued. “She is an exceptional leader at an exceptional time in GSU’s history.”
“I look forward to building on the college’s already strong foundation,” said Dr. Cada. “We will continue to develop programs that best prepare students for successful careers and meet the needs of the communities we serve.”
Dean Cada holds a bachelor’s degree in Occupational Therapy from Colorado State University, a Master of Science in Organizational Behavior from George Williams College, and a Doctor of Education in Adult and Higher Education from Northern Illinois University. She is an Illinois-licensed and national board-certified occupational therapist with a continuing professional practice in the field.
Dr. Cada has served as President of the National Certification Board for Occupational Therapy and has held several leadership roles in the American Occupational Therapy Association. Dr. Cada was a public member of the Council for Clinical Certification Board in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology of the American Speech and Hearing Association, and currently serves on the Roster of Accreditation Evaluators for the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education. She has also performed service or held professional roles with the American Medical Association, American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, the National Board for Certification of Occupational Therapy, and the National Down Syndrome Congress.
Back to top
Before and After Deployment: Military Forum Set for October 29
A f ree public forum, “Before and After Deployment: Trauma and the Impact on the Military Family,” will be held on Monday, October 29, from 3 to 6 p.m., in the GSU Center for Performing Arts.
This event is being sponsored by the College of Health and Human Services, the Department of Social Work, the Governors State University Intellectual Life Committee, and the University Honors Program.
Topics to be discussed include:
- Post-traumatic stress disorder
- Gay, lesbian, bi-sexual and transgender (GLBT) serving within the confines of the Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell policy
- Women serving as respected leaders in the military
- The family members of combat veterans
Reservations for this event are required by September 24 to Michael Griffin, 630.201.3485, or militaryforum2@yahoo.com
Back to top
A Special Night of Celebration for CHHS
The College of Health and Human Services hosted its annual Recognition Banquet last spring in the Hall of Governors.
“This is a night to celebrate the achievements of our students and to celebrate our relationship with community partners,” CHHS Dean Elizabeth Cada said in her opening remarks. “We thank you for all you do.”
Serving as emcee, Dr. Catherine Balthazar, Associate Professor of Communication Disorders, noted, “I’m a little biased. I think all our students are outstanding. They all make our college very proud. And always, education and professionalism are intertwined in the spirit of service.”
After they were recognized by their department chairs, many student awardees spoke eloquently about their experience as CHHS students.
Social Work Department Chair Gerri Outlaw introduced Beverly Akins, Outstanding Graduate Student in Social Work, as “a thoughtful, reflective practitioner, with an outstanding history of working on behalf of marginalized communities. She is a woman of such substance, living a meaningful life, and giving back 10-fold.”
Akins herself commented that “This is a culmination of 40 years. I’m the first in my family to get a master’s degree. It’s been a rugged journey ... This is for all the black girls from the projects who didn’t think this was possible.”
Outstanding Graduate Student in Health Administration, Akhilesh Duratkar, who originally hails from India, said he came to the United States “in quest for hope, changes, opportunities and exploring the world.”
But he also came to the U.S. to “get rid of a few of my ghosts. In my case, ghosts represented my unfulfilled potential and ideas that I never acted upon in my past academic life. At this point I can truly say I definitely got rid of a few of my ghosts … this is due to all these wonderful people who allowed me to use my potential and creativity to its full extent.”
Those honored as Outstanding Students include:
Addictions Studies & Behavioral Health
Outstanding Graduate Student: Jody McGuyer
Communication Disorders
Outstanding Undergraduate Student: Michael Congoran
Outstanding Graduate Student: Adontaus Chalmers
Community Health
Outstanding Undergraduate Student: Omosola Odusanya
Health Administration
Outstanding Undergraduate Student: Erin Maureen Lorenz
Outstanding Graduate Student: Akhilesh Duratkar
Nursing
Outstanding Undergraduate Student: Miyako Streeter
Outstanding Graduate Student: Anne-Gillian Roska
Outstanding Doctoral Student: Yvette Roberts
Occupational Therapy
Outstanding Graduate Student: Kimberly Beall
Outstanding Doctoral Student: Elizabeth Wanka
Physical Therapy
Outstanding Doctoral Student: Kristin M. Rauch
Social Work
Outstanding Undergraduate Student: Nina Lee
Outstanding Graduate Student: Beverly J. Akins
In addition, the following individuals were recognized for their outstanding service as supervisors, preceptors and field instructors for CHHS students across the community:
- Addictions Studies & Behavioral Health: Jamelia Hand
- Communication Disorders: Kimberlee A. Davis
- Health Administration: Victoria D. Ballard
- Nursing: Cathy Moynihan
- Occupational Therapy: Thomas Bancsi, MOT, OTR/L
- Physical Therapy: Phyllis D. Levine, PT, DPT
- Social Work: James W. Robinson (BSW)
- Social Work: Eleanor Harris (MSW)
CHHS Dean Elizabeth Cada and Dr. Catherine Balthazar, Associate Professor of Communication Disorders
Outstanding Graduate Health Administration Student Akhilesh Duratkar (left) and Professor Ning Lu, Interim Chair of Health Administration
Back to top
Two CHHS Faculty Accepted as Research Training Fellows
Congratulations to DeLawnia Comer-HaGans, Ph.D., MS, MBA, Assistant Professor of Health Administration, and Raven James, Ph.D., Assistant Professor of Addictions Studies & Behavioral Health, who have been accepted as training fellows for the 2012 Dr. M. Alfred Haynes Research Training Institute for Social Equity program.
Each year on ly 12 fellows are selected for this prestigious program. Drs. Comer-HaGans and James recently attended their first training session at Meharry Medical College in Nashville, TN.
The goal of the Institute is to focus on expanding the knowledge and understanding of health disparity research while improving and enhancing skills in health services research.
DeLawnia Comer-HaGans
 Raven James
Dr. M. Alfred Haynes, M.D., M.P.H., is a pioneer in addressing health disparities and professional health educational opportunities for underrepresented minorities. He has been a major architect of social justice for health care professionals in the health sciences, specifically in medicine and public health. He was also one of the first African American faculty members at Johns Hopkins.
Back to top
Hooding Ceremony Honors 43 Doctoral Graduates
In just the third ceremony of its kind at GSU, 43 students from the College of Health and Human Services (CHHS) were hooded last May in recognition of their achievement as Doctoral Degree recipients in their respective areas of study.
A jubilant crowd of parents, spouses, friends and other relatives — many armed with flowers and balloons — filled GSU’s Center for Performing Arts for the CHHS Hooding Ceremony.
In her remarks to the graduates just prior to the actual hooding, GSU President Elaine P. Maimon related the historical significance of the placing of the hood as a “ceremony of investiture . . . As doctoral degree recipients, you now hold the highest academic degree in the land . . . We expect you to use your educational attainment, not solely for your own advancement.
“We expect you to make society better,” Dr. Maimon continued. “It is your turn to reach out constructively to a society earnestly in need of your talents. As you go forward, invested in the hood of your achievement, please remember: Make us proud. Make us better. Make a difference.”
Recipients of Doctoral Degrees from CHHS are as follows:
Doctor of Nursing Practice
Patricia Kershaw
Cheryl Luster-Klemp
Alisa Murchek
Bernadette Pollard
Doctor of Occupational Therapy
Belinda Anderson
Cynthia Carr
LaTonya Easley
LaShanda Gayle
Lauren Gronowski
Steven Hansen
Elizabeth Wanka
Doctor of Physical Therapy
Christie Ader
Diana Biehl
Chinar Desai
Takara Ebbin
Randi Elliot
Allison Ernt
Jason Ferris
Brian Fletcher
Kellie Hodge
Oscar Jacome
Ashley Kayes
Robert Klee
Megan Kosek
Erika Kruchten
Dora Martinez
Kristin Morrow
Elizabeth Musil
Mary Noonan
Michelle Olson
Christine Oria
Lynn Pesavento
Rose Porod
Timothy Rachoy
Kristin Rauch
Kimberly Robaczewski
Jill Smith
Kali Smith
Kristen Ton
Alicia Uwumarogie
Michael Waters
Jessica West
Transitional Doctor of Physical Therapy
Melissa Murray
Dr. Nancy MacMullen (left), Nursing Department Chair and Associate Professor of Nursing, and 2012 DNP graduate Dr. Bernadette Pollard (right), who serves as the administrative supervisor for a facility in one of the largest healthcare systems in Texas.
Back to top
Addiction Studies Adds New Concentration
The Department of Addictions Studies and Behavioral Health is now offering a new Master of Health Science in Addictions Studies – Addictions Counseling Concentration. The Addictions Counseling Concentration is a full-time program that only begins in the Fall semester.
Students are eligible to enroll in this concentration if they meet the following criteria:
- Current student in the MHS in Addictions Studies program;
- Have achieved candidacy status;
- Have no grade of “C” or less in any core courses; and
- Have a G.P.A. of 3.5 or higher in all completed core courses.
For complete information and application forms, visit MHS in Addictions Studies – Addictions Counseling Concentration
Back to top
Henrietta Lacks' Legacy Explored at GSU Event
More than 200 people attended a compelling presentation in the Center for Performing Arts last spring; the event was co-sponsored by the College of Education and the College of Health and Human Services, and made possible by a grant from the GSU Intellectual Life Committee. .jpg "Henrietta Lacks Book")
David “Sonny” Lacks — a son of Henrietta Lacks, as featured in the New York Times bestseller, The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks — addressed his mother’s legacy in a lecture entitled, “The U.S. Healthcare System: Reflected in the Lives of Henrietta Lacks and Her Family.”
In 1951, a sample of cancer cells from Henrietta Lacks was taken without her consent and used for medical research. While the research obtained through the use of Henrietta Lacks’ cells led to advances in cancer treatment, the polio vaccine, in vitro fertilization and gene mapping, the Lacks family neither benefited from, nor knew of the research. Yet Henrietta Lacks’ cells are still the most widely used in worldwide medical research today.
Following the international success of Rebecca Skloot’s best-seller, Mr. Lacks has spoken of his mother’s important contribution to science in presentations at universities and libraries across the country. At GSU, Mr. Lacks and his daughter, Kim, autographed books at a reception and book-signing held in their honor on the day before their major presentation. And long after their presentation’s conclusion, Mr. Lacks and his daughter continued to graciously greet guests, sign books, and pose for photos.
Assistant Professor of Social Work Judy Berglund and Jo Anne Smith, Field Director in the Social Work Department, headed up the committee that organized this event. Also serving on the committee were Shea Dunham, Assistant Professor of Counseling; John Cook, Assistant Professor of Educational Administration (both from the College of Education); and Phyllis West, Assistant Professor of Social Work. Student Life donated the refreshments for the book-signing.
In her introduction to the Sonny Lacks presentation, Assistant Professor Berglund noted, “Social justice is one of the founding principles of the social work profession and is something that all social workers should actively strive for … When first hearing about and reading this book and the story of Henrietta Lacks, I was struck by the social injustice of the story…
“Women, people of color, and people in poverty are groups that suffer from social injustice. The story of Henrietta Lacks points out her inability to have power over her body tissues, the resulting research from them, and the lack of respect shown her as a human being with something to offer the medical community.”
Henrietta Lacks’ cells, Berglund pointed out, “launched a medical revolution and a multi-million dollar industry — all without consent and confidentiality. The ethics lessons are enormous. Today’s debate about health care in this country — whether it is a right or a privilege, and whether or not people should have access and the right to benefit from their own body in the process — are issues that this book brings to the forefront.”
In her comments at the reception for Sonny and Kim Lacks, GSU President Elaine P. Maimon noted that author Rebecca Skloot put “a human face on the book’s many themes. Stories create true immortality. We wouldn’t know or understand this if no one told the story. Thank you for coming to GSU and sharing your mother’s story.”
Pictured, left to right, are Kim Lacks, GSU President Elaine P. Maimon, David “Sonny” Lacks, CHHS Dean Elizabeth Cada, and College of Education Dean Deborah Bordelon.
Back to top
Faculty Spotlight
Congratulations to the following College of Health and Human Services professors who were recently granted tenure:
- Kim Boland-Prom, Ph.D., MSW, MA, Assistant Professor, Department of Social Work
- Rupert Evans, Sr., DHA, MPA, FACHE, Assistant Professor and Associate Director of Graduate Programs, Department of Health Administration
- Lorri Glass, Ph.D., LCSW, ACSW, Assistant Professor and Bachelor of Social Work Program Coordinator, Department of Social Work
Congratulations to Raven L. James, Ph.D., Assistant Professor in the Department of Addictions Studies and Behavioral Health, for her appointment as co-coordinator of GSU’s Faculty Scholarship and Teaching Center for the 2011-2012 Academic Year. Dr. James is serving alongside Tony Labriola, full professor of Media Studies in the Division of Digital Learning and Media Design. The appointments were made by Provost Terry Allison, upon the recommendation of the Faculty Development Advisory Council.
Further congratulations to Dr. James whose book, Sexuality and Addiction / Making Connections, Enhancing Recovery was recently published by Praeger.
Back to top
Social Work Professor Honored for Community Service
Congratulations to Elizabeth (Betsy) Essex, Ph.D., Associate Professor in Social Work, who has been recognized by the Celebrating Seniors Coalition of Oak Park, River Forest, and Forest Park for her community service.
Essex was nominated for this honor by AgeOptions, the Area Agency on Aging for suburban Cook County. Dr. Essex is secretary of the AgeOptions Advisory Council and a member of their Visioning Committee.
In his nomination letter, Jonathan Lavin, AgeOptions CEO, stated: “Dr. Essex is known in both the social services and academic communities for her high integrity and honed evaluation and leadership skills. An educator and researcher, she is also committed to community involvement and volunteer work. She consistently shows willingness to test an idea, refine it, and articulate an improved version based on the comments and reasoning offered within the group. We appreciate her dedication to older adults and the community, as well as her wonderful sense of humor and infectious warmth.”
Following their selection, the honorees were asked to submit their personal philosophy, or “Words to Live By.” Dr. Essex said, “Stand up for what you believe in. Together we can make a difference.”
As a scholar, Dr. Essex has focused her research primarily in the fields of disabilities, aging and family caregiving; she is a recipient of the Hartford Geriatric Social Work Faculty Scholar award. She was one of the first researchers to give attention to older fathers of adults with developmental disabilities. Most recently, Essex expanded her community-based research projects to include a study of the needs of Arab-American older adults.
Dr. Essex is also a consulting editor of School Social Work Journal and is on the Editorial Board of the Journal of Community Practice. She is a member of the Governors State Faculty Senate, for whom she chairs the Educational Policies Committee.
Back to top
Congratulations, Scholarship Winners!
Congratulations to the following College of Health and Human Services students who recently received scholarships.
Williette Asanji, who is enrolled in the RN to BSN Completion Program, received the James and Helen Hassett Scholarship in Nursing. Williette plans to continue her education to receive a master’s degree. She is currently a nurse and wishes to become a nurse educator in a college or university.
Johnny Burns, who is enrolled in the Master of Social Work (MSW) degree program, received the Monsignor Ignatius D. McDermott Scholarship. Johnny is currently a certified alcohol and drug abuse counselor. Johnny hopes to become an advocate for children and other oppressed and disadvantaged populations.
Monica Clanton, who is enrolled in the Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) degree program, received the Great Lakes Bank Endowed Scholarship. As a licensed social worker, Monica intends to make an impact on her community through the administration and implementation of services and programs that help those in need.
Takara Ebbin, who is enrolled in the Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program, received the Dr. W. Prince and Elsie McLemore Scholarship for Physical Therapy. Takara has a passion for helping others to achieve a better quality of life and a proven commitment to lifelong education .
Margaret Holden, who is enrolled in the Bachelor of Health Administration (BHA) degree program, received the Manilow Scholarship for Students Who Achieve Intellectual Excellence. Following graduation, Margaret would like to become a patient advocate in a hospital.
Aj’a Johnson, who is enrolled in the Bachelor of Health Science in Communication Disorders, with a minor in Social Work, received the Donald W. Hansen Memorial Endowed Scholarship. Aj’a plans to pursue a master’s degree.
Stephanie Kurcab, who is enrolled in the Master of Occupational Therapy (MOT) degree program, received the Virginia M. Pizza Endowed Scholarship in Geriatric Care. Stephanie wants to help people increase their functional life expectancy and would one day like to open her own rehabilitation facility.
Russh’a Maclin-Harris, who is enrolled in the Master of Social Work (MSW) degree program, received the Joyce E. Gordon Scholarship. Russh’a’s ultimate goal is to help communities plan organizations to address issues that concern the people in their communities and to work with government and corporations to influence policy that help communities.
Back to top
Addictions Studies Students Advocate for Treatment Funding
For the third year in a row, GSU Addictions Studies (ADDS) students and alumni descended on Springfield last spring for Advocacy Day. Students participated in Citizens Organized for Recovery and Education (CORE) advocacy presentations, as well as the State Capitol activities.
Accompanying the students were James Golding, MSW, MHS, CAADC, CCJP, MAC, Addictions Studies senior lecturer, and Beth Hawkins, adjunct faculty in ADDS.
According to Golding, the level of interest in Advocacy Day on the part of GSU students has grown tremendously over the past three years — starting with “a handful of students” and leading to this year’s full busload.
At the Capitol, students heard first-hand testimony (including research, statistics, and emotional appeals) on how limited state funding would impact various human services. Several students spoke with their state representatives regarding impactful legislation, and some shared similar concerns regarding social justice agendas with representatives of social service agencies from across the state.
“The importance of treatment advocacy is familiar to many of us in the field of addictions, as legislation and budgets can have a direct impact on the quality and quantity of service provision,” Golding said. “Treatment professions have an obligation to assist those we serve with overcoming systemic barriers to the degree that we can, including advocacy at the legislative level,” he said.
“For addictions professionals, it is so important to share the passion for advocacy with those entering the field of addictions, as they will represent the voices of those who are not heard,” noted Professor Golding.
Back to top
Record Number of Social Work Students Head to Springfield for Advocacy Day
For the second year in a row, GSU’s Social Work Department sent a record number of BSW and MSW Students to the Illinois State Capitol in Springfield for Advocacy Day. A total of 91 undergraduate and graduate Social Work students from GSU attended the yearly event; more than 20 Illinois colleges and universities were represented.
Advocacy Day gives Social Work students the opportunity to “engage and influence our state legislators to increase and sustain support of social work policies, programs, and services in order to meet the dire needs of the most vulnerable citizens and communities of our state,” noted Gerri Outlaw, Ed.D., Social Work Department Chair.
Dr. Outlaw congratulated Darwin Gordon, President of the Social Work Student Organization (SWSO), as well as SWSO officers and members, for their “magnificent planning and organizing. Thank you to Dr. Phyllis West, faculty liaison to SWSO, for her indefatigable student development work and our gratitude to Dr. Lorri Glass (Assistant Professor), Dr. Asabi Yakini (GSU Lecturer), and Dr. Judy Berglund (Assistant Professor) who escorted our 91 students to the State Capitol. Great job!!”
Dr. Berglund enjoyed her trip to Springfield with the students. “The students were tremendously organized and excited about representing GSU, and very excited about legislation and advocacy,” she noted.
Dr. Yakini commented, “Let’s hear it for TEAM work! Administration, students, faculty, and staff moving this machine together.”
“The participation of many of your social work programs made the event a great success and provided an invaluable lesson about social and legislative policy advocacy that simply cannot be replicated in the classroom,” noted Joel L. Rubin, MSW, CAE, Executive Director of the National Association of Social Workers, Illinois Chapter.
Back to top
Alumni Highlights: GSU Graduate Times Three Keeps on Excelling!
Congratulations to Dr. Cheryl Luster-Klemp, who became Dean of Nursing for.jpg "C Luster Klemp") South Suburban College on July 1, 2012.
A professional registered nurse for 23 years, Dr. Luster-Klemp has taught nursing for 16 years: 10 years at Richard J. Daley College in Chicago and six years at South Suburban College in South Holland.
And she is a GSU graduate three times over!
Her first GSU degree was a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN, Teaching/Education focus) in 1994; 11 years later, she went on to earn her Master’s in Education Administration from GSU. But most recently, Luster-Klemp completed the Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree program (focus on Leadership/Administration) at GSU.
“I am proud to say that my education at GSU has been practical in preparing me on my nursing education journey," Dr. Luster-Klemp said. "I’m very excited to practice what I have learned in the DNP, in order to lead a team of nurse educators in providing the best education for students at South Suburban College. Many of our students bridge over to GSU to continue to elevate their nursing degree. I am the best evidence that GSU professors provide quality instruction that is practical and related to real work-life experience.”
Dr. Luster-Klemp also received the Nurse Educator of the Year award in 2010 from the Higher Education Illinois Nursing Board.
Back to top
OT Student Elected to National Position
Second -year Master of Occupational Therapy (MOT) student Russ Thompson has been elected Vice Chairperson of the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) Assembly of Student Delegates.
As Vice Chairperson, Thompson presided at the National AOTA Conference in Indianapolis last spring. At the conference, Thompson and two other students presented a poster that was widely reviewed and very well-received.
“It’s a high achievement to submit a poster and have it accepted on the first try,” Thompson said. “We were very proud, and it’s a tribute to our faculty, a good affirmation. Thanks to Dr. (Danila) Cepa (Assistant Professor of Occupational Therapy) for her help.”
In addition to assisting the Chairperson in all duties, and serving as liaison to the Board of Directors in the Chairperson’s absence, Thompson’s primary role is Assembly of Student Delegates historian and parliamentarian. He also helps promote communication between occupational therapy schools, other delegates and other steering committee members.
According to Thompson, OT students at GSU are encouraged to “do bigger things, to seek out leadership roles, to get involved, vs. just going to school and going home at the end of the day. I credit the faculty and my peers for instilling the motivation in me to do this. Students are the future; we have to get excited about leadership,” he said.
GSU’s OT program can boast of 100 percent membership of its students in the American Occupational Therapy Association.
Thompson will graduate with his MOT in December. Currently he’s performing his Fieldwork Level II in the Rehab clinic at Ingalls Memorial Hospital in Harvey, where he’s working with a wide range of patients, including neurological, orthopedic, acute care, and traumatic brain injury (TBI). In August he’ll go to Midwest Hand Care, Inc., in Joliet for his final rotation. Eventually, Thompson may go on for a Doctorate of Occupational Therapy (DrOT), but he wants to work first — ideally, in an acute care or in a hand rehabilitation setting.
“The anatomist part of me finds the human hand to be a true marvel,” Thompson said. “So many intricacies. It’s fascinating what can happen —how much a broken finger can affect a person’s life.”
Eventually, Thompson would like to teach. “I’d like to inspire other students as much as I’ve been inspired at GSU,” Thompson said.
“GSU’s [occupational therapy] program has really prepared me to be a practitioner,” Thompson said. “They really gear us up for the field. Some schools just train you to be a generalist.”
In Thompson’s view, GSU’s OT faculty members are top-notch.
“As educators, they are on the cusp of the newest theories and latest models,” he said. “They encourage and promote excellence, and motivate you to do your best. They ingrain it in you that the learning never stops; we’re all lifelong learners. This program has been a really good experience for me. As OTs, we help people help themselves. We help the person with a disability, illness or disease get back to independence as much as possible. The Occupational Therapy brand is Living Life To Its Fullest™. I know I’ve picked the right profession,” Thompson concluded.
Back to top
Homewood Mayor Addresses Issues of Urban Dynamics
An obviously engaged and interested group of students from Professor Lorri Glass’ Social Work 530 Urban Dynamics class questioned guest speaker Homewood Mayor Richard Hofeld during a visit last spring.
“Mayor Hofeld was very inspirational to the students and encouraged civic engagement,” Dr. Glass noted. “He also provided useful information on community and economic development.”
Now in his fourth term as mayor, Hofeld is also president of the South Suburban Mayors and Managers Association.
“My goal, as mayor, is to see every community succeed. We’re not one town. It’s the Southland community we’re talking about. You don’t stand alone.”
Hofeld believes a community’s success is based on four key elements: fiscal stability, economic development, public service, and community events (“The glue that holds you together!”).
Hofeld strongly encouraged the students to get involved in their communities. “If you see things that are wrong, you can make a difference. You get out what you put in. But you have to set the example,” Hofeld said.
As mayor, Hofeld donates his entire salary ($2,500) to non-profit organizations across the community; his “office” is the foyer of the Homewood Village Hall, where he sits at a card table every Saturday morning from 9 a.m. to noon, chatting with residents, answering questions, and dealing with their concerns.
Being a public servant, Hofeld stressed, is about wanting to “make things better for others down the line. Like planting a tree. You don’t do it for self-aggrandizement. You do it for your grandchildren … If I encourage at least one person to get involved, then I’ve done my job here today.”
Back to top
CDIS Students Present Workshop for Early Childhood Educators
In a perfect example of interdepartmental and inter-college collaboration, graduate students from the Department of Communication Disorders hosted an evening workshop for early childhood educators at the College of Education’s Family Development Center last spring.
The interactive workshop, “Staging Your Early Childhood Classroom for Success,” provided strategies “that put a new twist on enriching language growth and development in young children,” noted Jennifer Armstrong, Ph.D., CCC-SLP, Assistant Professor of Communication Disorders, who helped facilitate the workshop.
Presentations included:
- Going Green with Language and Literacy! Using Recycled Materials to Enhance Sensory Awareness Skills
- Typical and Atypical Language Development
- The Power of Why: Turning the Tables on Children Asking ALL of the Questions
- Motor and Cognitive Stimulation through Music and Feeding … among others
The event was open to all parents, professionals, and students in education and related disciplines.
Back to top
Social Work Hosts 'Evening with African American Researchers'
The Social Work Department and undergraduate students from SOCW 325 Social Welfare Policy I Class sponsored “An Evening with African American Researchers” earlier this year. Asabi S. Yakini, Ph.D., LCSW, University Lecturer in the Social Work Department, served as key organizer of this event.
The purpose of the event was to expose students to research in various academic disciplines as presented by African American researchers. Social Welfare Policy I students explore the history and current developments of the U.S. social welfare system, with particular attention paid to marginalized populations and people of color.
Among the faculty members who presented synopses of their current or previous investigative research studies were: Dr. Anthony Andrews, Business and Public Administration; Dr. Crystal Blount, Psychology; Dr. John Cook, Education; Dr. Lorri Glass, Social Work; Dr. Elizabeth Johnson, Sociology; Dr. Christopher Robinson-Easley, Business and Public Administration; and Dr. Robin Washington, Physical Therapy.
In the program’s closing remarks, Dr. Lorri Glass commented that “We get so caught up in our silos, our departments, our committees. We need more interdisciplinary types of experiences like this.”
While talking to students following the program, Dr. Glass noted that the students felt inspired to pursue graduate and doctoral work. The students also commented on their impression that “the faculty presenters seemed very passionate about their area of research —and extremely knowledgeable —while remaining committed to social justice issues and student mentoring at the same time.”
Back to top
DPT Students Raise Triple the Funds at Second Annual Run 4 Rehab
Gloomy skies failed to prevent more than 80 runners and walkers to compete in the Second Annual Run 4 Rehab, a 5k (3.1-mile) run and 2-mile walk sponsored May 5 by GSU’s Physical Therapy Student Association (PTSA).
Serving  as co-directors of the 2012 Run 4 Rehab were Amy Flaherty and Andy Jellema, first and second-year Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) students, respectively.
This year the PTSA members raised $1,400 — more than triple the amount that was raised last year.
The Run 4 Rehab serves as a benefit to raise funds for the Miami-Marquette Challenge, a national competition between physical therapy schools to collect and distribute money for physical therapy research grants around the country.
The purpose of the PTSA is to strive to familiarize and enhance the students with knowledge of and participation in professional organizations such as the American Physical Therapy Association, Illinois Physical Therapy Association, and other physical therapy related special interest groups; develop and augment leadership skills in students; promote service learning through community outreach programs; enhance students’ and the public’s knowledge of the physical therapy profession and Governors State University’s physical therapy program.
For complete Run 4 Rehab Results, click here.
Pictured, left to right, are Joyce Sligar, PT, MBA, MA, University Lecturer in the Physical Therapy Department, Co-Director of Clinical Education and Faculty Advisor to the PTSA; Rebecca Wojcik, PT, Ed.D., GCS, Chair of the Department of Physical Therapy at GSU; Amy Flaherty and Andy Jellema, co-directors of the 2012 Run 4 Rehab, and both students in GSU’s Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) Program.
Back to top
|
