Inspired Living, one of Gannon University’s community partners, held an appreciation cookout for its 32 Gannon volunteers recently. From left is Stephanie Adams (Gannon advisor); Tyco Welch (Inspired Living program director); students Audrey Hoffman, Brittany Rosa, and Jenifer Farro; Ronald Headley (Caribbean Pan, Ruskin); and students Deandra Modesta, Jasmine Williams and Medine Mauvais. These students represent Florida, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Mississippi, New Jersey and Haiti.
South Shore benefits from Gannon University outreach
By PHYLLIS HODGES
This has been an eventful year for Gannon University’s Ruskin campus. Enrollment is climbing rapidly toward a goal of 500, the complex is expanding and partnerships with local organizations are multiplying. This active integration into the community demonstrates Gannon’s commitment to bringing its high-quality graduate programs to Florida. The university expects the new multi-floor building, which travelers on S.R. 674 have been watching with interest, to be completed this summer, and an open house is planned for Aug. 23 to give the public an opportunity to tour the campus.
The outreach program Gannon has been developing is impressive. Desi Herter, who heads up that effort, in addition to her associate director duties in the office of graduate admissions, said that inquiries from local organizations about Gannon’s master’s and doctoral degree programs are continually increasing. Guest speakers from the community are invited into the classrooms to talk about “real life” occupations, and Gannon students frequently volunteer at Tampa Bay charitable events, health fairs, food pantries, etc. Herter estimates that students now spend about 400 to 500 hours monthly serving outside the classroom. Their participation serves a dual purpose. The hands-on experience helps fulfill personal curriculum requirements, and these students are contributing to the community.
Inspired Living, a memory care community next door to Gannon, was one of the first to develop a partnership. Stephanie Adams, assistant professor and faculty advisor, coordinated the volunteer activities of Occupational Therapy students at Inspired Living this year. She said that 32 OT students, in the second year of their three-year program, worked in pairs, each pair being assigned to an individual resident. By nurturing a personal relationship, the students developed an understanding on how to engage with those who have cognitive changes. Based on their observations, they implemented interactive activities with cognitive and physical components (i.e. crafts, games, cooking, brain teasers, life stories, artwork, my favorite things poster, etc.). Tyco Welch, Inspired Living’s program director, worked with Adams to provide this hands-on opportunity for the students. “The staff was very positive, and the residents seemed to enjoy the students,” Adams added.
Another Gannon partner is Mary & Martha House, an emergency shelter for women and children, where Gannon students assist case workers with transitional skills training. Select Therapy, Camp Bayou and Salvation Army rehab are among its many other partners.
Nearly 200 students at the Gannon Ruskin campus are now pursuing master’s and doctoral degrees in Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, Athletic Training and Sports and Exercise Science. This fall will be an exciting period as the university adds a Physician’s Assistant program. Enrollment then is projected to be about 300 — all pursuing their dream of serving as health care professionals — and all community-minded in keeping with the social responsibility and personal selflessness that is part of Gannon’s roots. That’s a sure win for South Shore and the entire Tampa Bay area.
Visit www.gannon.edu to learn more about Gannon University campuses in Erie, Pennsylvania, and Ruskin.
