More Information

For more information about Phi Alpha, please visit its website at www.phialpha.org, contact Dr. Maristela Zell at 708.235.2235, or fill out a Phi Alpha Omicron Beta Chapter Request for Initiation form, and return it to Governors State University, c/o Dr. Maristela Zell, Social Work Department, 1 University Parkway, University Park, 60484.

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Occupational Therapy Students Celebrate OT Month

First year Occupational Therapy (OT) students exhibited student pride — as well as pride in their profession — when they hosted a fair in celebration of Occupational Therapy.  

The students, all members of the Student Occupational Therapy Association (SOTA), set up a variety of colorful, informational, and interactive displays in the Cafeteria Annex. Occupational Therapy students were on hand to answer the most frequently asked question: What does an Occupational Therapist do?

Representing GSU at the National Conference of the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) in Philadelphia in April were (pictured, left and right)  Russ Thompson, Vice President of SOTA, and  Ashleigh Goetz, President of GSU's SOTA.  

While networking at the conference in Philadelphia, Goetz and Thompson discovered that their GSU Occupational Therapy faculty members are widely known, respected, and held in very high regard across the Occupational Therapy profession. 

Next year's national conference will be held in Indianapolis; Goetz is hoping to see a large contingent of GSU students in attendance.

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PTSA Sponsors Successful, First-Ever Run 4 Rehab Fundraiser

The weather may have been a bit cool and cloudy, but that didn't keep approximately 80 individuals from participating recently in the first-ever Run 4 Rehab, a 5K (3.1 mile) run and 2-mile walk sponsored May 7 by the Physical Therapy Student Association (PTSA) of Governors State University.  

The Run for Rehab served 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; additional funds were to go to the PTSA.

According to event director Andy Jellema, first-year Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) student at GSU, a final tally is not yet complete, but he estimates that at least $400 was raised by the event.       

Participants all received an event T-shirt, a "goody bag," and were treated to refreshments at the conclusion of their run/walk.

Awards were given to the overall male and female finishers, as well as the top three finishers in each age group. Click here for complete race results.

The PTSA plans an even bigger event next year. 

Pictured above right are Joyce Sligar, University Lecturer in the PT Department and Faculty Advisor to the PTSA, and DPT student Andy Jellema, event director.  At left, several GSU Doctor of Physical Therapy (PT) students, as well as faculty members, volunteered or participated in the Run 4 Rehab, including (left to right) students Diana Biehl, Christie Ader, and Rose Porod; Associate Professor of PT, Dr. Dale Schuit, and students Randi Elliott, Tina Oria, and Ashley Kayes. 

 

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Social Work Students Out in Full Force for Advocacy Day 2011

Social Work students from the College of Health and Human Services came out in full force to support Social Work Advocacy Day in Springfield this past March.

GSU tied for first place with the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign for the most number of students participating in the day's events; both schools had 119 students in attendance. The second highest attendance (92 students) came from the University of Illinois at Chicago, followed by Illinois State University, with 87 students in attendance.

A total of 17 social work programs from across the state were represented in Springfield for Social Work Advocacy Day, culminating in a record number of close to 900 social workers and social work students participating in this year's event.

Coordinating the event with members and officers of the GSU Social Work Student Organization was Phyllis West, Ph.D., MPH, MSW, Assistant Professor in the Department of Social Work. Accompanying West were colleagues Lorri Glass, Ph.D., LCSW, ACSW, Assistant Professor in the Social Work Department, and Asabi Yakini, Ph.D, a lecturer in the Social Work Department.

Amazing School Spirit 

Commenting on the day's events, Dr. West noted that, "in addition to learning about urgent financial matters impacting human service organizations, throughout the day students demonstrated an amazing school spirit and a desire to learn more about policy."

First year Bachelor of Social Work student Jennifer Goudreau, of Bradley, said she had been to Springfield before on field trips, but had never had such an "enriching, hands-on experience" in observing government at work." Goudreau had the opportunity to sit in on a State Government Administration Committee meeting, at which State Representative Lisa Dugan was serving as vice-chairperson. "It was great to be in the middle of it all," Goudreau said.

The top issue of concern for the students was the financial budget, Goudreau noted. "Social services — things like mental health and domestic violence centers — you don't realize how important these programs are until you need them," she said. "We realize that cuts have to come from somewhere, but I'm hoping they can find somewhere else to cut."

According to the Executive Director of the Illinois Chapter of the National Association of Social Workers (NASW), Joel L. Rubin, MSW, CAE, writing on the NASW-IL website: "Our large numbers could not have come at a more important time: serious issues of budget cuts to human services ... are a significant area of focus, in addition to implementation of healthcare reform in Illinois and Medicaid reform in the state."

Thanks were extended to Sheree Sanderson, Director of Student Engagement and College Relations at GSU, who provided support services for the trip, and helped secure a second bus needed to transport the large GSU contingent.

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Students Conduct Project: We Care for Military Families in Need

Some Social Work students from Social Welfare Policy II class, led by Associate Professor of Social Work Dr. Adelle Sanders, DPA, MSW, took the College of Health and Human Services' mission ("Make Someone's Life Better") to heart recently when they conducted a fundraising initiative to support military families and veterans.

The students behind Project: We Care include Monica Clanton, Judy Marion, and Juanita Sanders. According to Clanton, the project was "in response to First Lady Michelle Obama and Jill Biden's "Joining Forces" campaign to help active duty military families facing a long list of unique challenges.

"We decided to extend our project to include military veterans," Clanton noted. "We wanted to thank these individuals for their commitment and service."

According to Clanton, the students sought donations of gift certificates, grocery cards, store gift cards and gas cards from local businesses. They also received donations of baked goods for their two-day bake sale held on campus. Food 4 Less in Chicago Heights was an extremely generous contributor to Project: We Care, as were Jewel Food Stores in Chicago Heights and Angelica's Bakery in Hazel Crest. The Chicago Heights Vet Center contributed giveaways for the families, and Project: We Care also received a great deal of support from Keith White, Coordinator for Veterans and Military Personnal at GSU.

The recipients of the students' fundraising efforts include: a soldier deployed in Afghanistan with five children whose wife was recently laid off; a reservist with two children at risk of becoming homeless; a 35-year-old unemployed Desert Storm veteran with five children, and an unemployed 41-year-old disabled Desert Storm veteran with two children, among others. 

Proceeds raised from this initiative were turned over at the University's  Military Appreciation Day Celebration in the Hall of Governors on May 27. Military Appreciation Day was spearheaded by Vanessa Newby, Director of Student Life and Development. 

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Congratulations to Spring 2011
Dean's List Students!

CHHS recognized 218 undergraduate students who made the Spring 2011 Dean's List. 

"I'd like to congratulate each and every one of our undergraduate students," said Linda Samson, Ph.D., Dean of the College of Health and Human Services. "Our students have shown a great deal of commitment to their course of study. They are poised to fulfill the mission of our College, which is to 'Make Someone's Life Better.'"

Dean's List honors come only to undergraduate students who earn a minimum of 3.70 grade point average or higher during the trimester and take at least six credit hours during the term.

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DPT Students Provide Free Scoliosis Screenings for Children  

Seven GSU Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) students paid a recent visit to St. Benedict's School in Blue Island where they screened approximately 40 children (6th through 8th grade) for scoliosis.

Joyce Sligar, PT, MBA, MA, University Lecturer in the Physical Therapy Department, and Robin Washington, PT, Ph.D., CRC, Assistant Professor of Physical Therapy, accompanied the DPT students, who included: Takara Ebbin, Victor Ferenzi, Brianna Lynch, Andrea Myles, Kristin Rauch, Amanda Schlitt, and Kali Smith.

Scoliosis occurs when the spine features one or more sideward curves, in addition to the normal forward and backward curves; sometimes the spine is also rotated, causing the ribs to protrude on one side. In addition to cerebral palsy, fractures, and bone diseases, other causes of scoliosis include unequal leg length, abnormal postural habits, and injury to the spine.

It's important that children be screened for this disorder, since it can progress to the point of pain, spinal damage, and interference with breathing. If caught early, various interventions such as posture training, exercise under a physical therapist's supervision, spinal bracing, or surgery may be needed to prevent further progression of the abnormal posture.

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CDIS Senior Awarded Research Grant

Aj'a D. Johnson, a senior in the Bachelor of Health Science (BHS) Program in Communication Disorders and a participant in the University's Honors Program, was awarded a $250 Student Research Grant grant from the Honors Council of the Illinois Region.   

Since September, Johnson has been working with Jennifer Armstrong, Ph.D., CCC-SLP, Assistant Professor of Communication Disorders, on a research grant related to literacy assessment. "I am studying the emergent literacy information in preschool classrooms, and comparing classrooms that use a literacy assessment to those that do not," Johnson said.  

"I am extremely proud of this student and her commitment to not only the completion of this project, but to the process of learning more about the need for emergent literacy activity in the preschool environment," said Dr. Armstrong.

"This project has grown from a review of current literature related to the topic, to exploratory qualitative research that will include the use of surveys, focus groups, and interviews. Aj'a will make a great addition to our graduate program in the fall."

According to Johnson, "the most challenging part of the project has been the whole design aspect — figuring out how to design a study that is feasible and valid.

"Being an undergraduate student," Johnson continued. "I have not had much experience with research projects. I received a great deal of support from Dr. Armstrong and Assistant Professor Dr. Tywanda Jiles in the Department of Early Childhood Education. It's been extremely interesting having the opportunity to learn firsthand what goes into the development and execution of a research project."

Johnson plans on completing the research project and beginning GSU's Master of Health Science (MHS) in Communication Disorders program this August. She is also serving as the incoming president of the GSU student chapter of the National Student Speech Language Hearing Association. 

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OT Student Coordinates Blood Drive

Thanks to GSU Master of Occupational Therapy (MOT) student Kimberly Land for coordinating a much-needed Blood Drive in February here at GSU.

A total of 25 individuals attempted to donate; 20 donors were accepted. According to the Heartland Blood Centers — the recipients of the donations — 20 donors is considered a successful blood drive.

Congratulations, Kimberly, and thank you GSU!

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Addictions Studies Students Advocate in Springfield

Graduate and undergraduate students from Addictions Studies 525, Clinical Approaches to Addictions Treatment, extended their learning beyond the classroom this spring by participating in the Second Annual Advocacy Day sponsored by CORE-Illinois, in cooperation with the Illinois 
Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse Professional Certification Association, Inc. (IAODAPCA)  

After accompanying their instructor, James Golding, MSW, MHS, CRADC, CCJP, MAC, to the three-day IAODAPCA conference held in March in Itasca, the students decided as a group to travel by bus to Springfield in order to advocate against state budget cutbacks to funding for addictions treatment and prevention services in Illinois. 

The students (and one alumna) who journeyed to Springfield with Golding include:

• Geniece Davis, Addictions Studies
• Lisa Dorr, Addictions Studies
• Susie Edwards, Interdisciplinary Studies
• Kimberly Heath, Psychology
• Monique Hopkins, Addictions Studies
• Jerrold Kershaw, Non-Degree Seeking Student
• Herliscia Roberts, Addictions Studies
• Ashley Thomas, Addictions Studies
• Timaka Wallace, Communication and Training
• Jackie Wilds, Addictions Studies
• Natasha Williams, Social Work
• Beth Hawkins, Alumna (Addictions Studies)

According to Golding, the students had an opportunity to meet with two senators, to whom they proposed an idea for obtaining additional revenue for addictions treatment and prevention services. Their idea? Take one percent of what the state earns from gambling, which, as Golding points out, is an addiction, as well. Use the one percent for prevention, since the state has cut the budget for prevention to zero. 

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Social Work Classes Create Bridge to Community

Members of the community had an opportunity to participate in two highly informative and interactive events earlier this year, hosted by Asabi S. Yakini, Ph.D., LCSW, a lecturer in the Department of Social Work.

As part of Dr. Yakini's Social Work 335 — Diversity and Social Justice —class, nearly 100 people attended "An Evening with African American Researchers" in February in the Hall of Honors at GSU. 

Discussing their experiences and challenges as researchers were Lorri Glass, Ph.D., LCSW, ACSW, Assistant Professor of Social Work at GSU; E. Jean Johnson, Ph.D., at GSU, Assistant Professor of Psychology and Counseling; Phyllis West, Ph.D., MPH, MSW, Assistant Professor of Social Work at GSU; and Yolanda Green-Rodgers, MSW, from the Department of Children and Family Services in Champaign-Urbana. A question and answer session followed the researchers' presentations.

Dr. Yakini's Social Work 320 — Introduction to Social Work — class presented a three-hour "Grant Writing and Community Development Forum" on June 15 in Engbretson Hall. Nearly 65 individuals attended this event.

Serving as panelists were:

• Christa Beall, Axelson Center for NonProfit Management at North Park University;
• Hilary Burkinshaw, Director of CenterPoint at GSU;
• Matthew Lucas, Chicago State University Foundation;
• Adelle Sanders, DPA, MSW, Associate Professor, Department of Social Work, GSU

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(Editor's Note: Hantack Happenings is a new feature of the E-Pulse newsletter, highlighting the activities and achievements of the College of Health and Human Services' Grants Office.)

On your way to campus, some of you may have noticed the white frame house near the red barn across the street from Tony Tasset’s sculpture, Paul.  Originally the home of a family named Hantack, this building has housed the College of Health and Human Services’ (CHHS) Grants Office since 2007. 

This building is the center of activity for two of CHHS’ grant projects:  

• Health Care Jobs for Chicago Southland (HCJ), funded by the Department of Labor’s Employment and Training Administration 
• Building Capacity in Health Disparities Research (HDR), funded by NIH’s National Center on Minority Health and Health Disparities.  

 The purpose of the first grant is to put unemployed, dislocated, and underemployed individuals to work by providing training and establishing career ladders in the health professions. 

  The purpose of the second grant is to build research infrastructure within CHHS.  Much has been accomplished on both projects over the last six months.  

Health Care Jobs for Chicago Southland  

The Health Care Jobs for Chicago Southland Program (HCJ) welcomed a new job developer, LaKia Colquitt, in February.  Formerly with the South Suburban Council in Hazel Crest, LaKia comes to the project with experience in community organization, community outreach, and job development.

On the HCJ project, LaKia’s role is to build and maintain relationships with local health care providers to facilitate the placement and hiring of individuals who complete the training programs offered by the project’s partners.  LaKia holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work (BSW) from GSU.  

On February 24-25, the HCJ project, in conjunction with one of the project’s partners, the Young Women’s Christian Association (YWCA) of Metro Chicago, offered a free Employment Boot Camp and Career Fair with priority for employment given to HCJ participants.  This event offered seminars on best practices for today’s job hunting that included use of social media, behavioral interviewing, resume/cover letter writing, family finances and credit repair.  

Featured guest speaker at the career event's opening night was State Senator Toi Hutchison (40th District).   In photo at left, Senator Hutchison speaks with Career Fair organizer Shari Lewis, Assistant HCJ Project Director/Case Manager Coordinator, and Robert Bliese, HCJ Project Director.

Senator Hutchison addressed the need for an educated workforce that would be ready to jump on opportunities made available to them.

"This recession may feel bottomless, but we're going to get out of this," she said. "Will you be ready? I'm doing everything possible to open doors as wide as possible and advocate for you the best I can," Senator Hutchison told the audience. 

In addition to the seminars, participants received one-on-one help with interviewing techniques, critiquing of resumes and setting up job hunt appropriate email and social networking accounts.  Participants who attended the boot camp activities were given exclusive access to employers during the first half of the job fair on the following day. 

Some of the healthcare employers attending the event were Aunt Martha’s Health Centers, Access Family Health Society, Advocate Health Systems, Franciscan Community Care, Franciscan-St. James Hospital, Bright Star Health Care and Alverno Clinical Laboratories.  Several participants were hired by employers at the job fair. 
 

In the News! 

The Healthcare Jobs for Chicago Southland Program was recently in the news. A full-length feature in the Chicago Sun-Times can be accessed here.  

R is for Research at Hantack House

Angela Davis, a graduate assistant based at Hantack House and supported by the HDR grant, was one of two students to receive this year's Outstanding Graduate Student Award from GSU's Department of Health Administration. Congratulations to Angela!

With Angela's graduation this June, we welcomed a new graduate assistant into the fold.  Jasmine Jackson, also a graduate student in Health Administration, started working on the HDR project in May, 2011. 

Jackson holds a bachelor's degree in Communications from the University of Illinois at Chicago. She will receive her Master of Health Administration (MHA) degree from GSU in the fall.

Three research-related workshops were held this spring, all funded by HDR.  In February, a workshop on the Analysis of Large Data Sets was presented by Dr. Richard T. Campbell, Professor of Biostatistics and Sociology, Institute for Health Research and Policy and School of Public Health, Division of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of Illinois at Chicago. 

In March, a workshop on Qualitative Research was presented by Dr. Lisa Sharp, Assistant Professor of Psychology in Medicine, Health Promotion Research, Department of Medicine, University of Illinois at Chicago. 

Most recently, Dr. Young Ik Cho, Clinical Associate Professor in the School of Public Health, Division of Health Policy and Administration and Research Associate Professor in the Survey Research Laboratory, University of Illinois at Chicago, presented a workshop on Survey Research. 

Finally, grants staff members supported CHHS Dean Linda Samson in applying for two comprehensive, multimillion dollar grants designed to build on the success of the HDR grant.  Both grants involve continuing CHHS’ partnership with the University of Illinois at Chicago and both focus on extending GSU's health disparity research.  

The first is an Exploratory Center of Excellence Grant submitted to National Center on Minority Health and Health Disparities; the second focuses on cancer research and training and was submitted to the National Cancer Institute.