Student Holiday Social

Ashley Marquis

Document Type

News Article

Publication Date

12-10-2013

Campus Unit

College of Nursing & Professional Disciplines

Abstract

The first annual College of Nursing and Professional Disciplines Student Holiday Social was held December 5, from 4 to 5:30 p.m. in the Northern Plains Atrium for students, faculty and staff from different departments in the college to network and learn more about the various student organizations.

"This is an amazing way to conclude the semester," Dean Light said, "What is unbelievable about this college is that as a college we all three are working, thinking and experiencing college together. When we come together we can do great things."

Students and staff enjoyed homemade treats and hot apple cider while listening to student representatives from various student organizations speak about what they have been doing throughout the year and what they hope to accomplish in the coming year.

Social Work student George Jirout spoke on behalf of both the Student Social Work Association (SSWA) and Phi Alpha, a social work honor society. SSWA and Phi Alpha work together to do service work around the community. This past year they worked with Global Friends Coalition, Children's Advocacy Center, the Big Event, Project Connect, and the Giving Tree. Social Work organizations also hosted a bone marrow swab drive, an Amazing Race, and a bake sale. A person who took part in the swab drive was contacted to be bone marrow match and will soon have the procedure done for that. SSWA and Phi Alpha plan to have another swab drive in the spring.

Meaghann Graber, recipient of the college's Student Nurse of the Year and President of Nursing Student Association (NSA) spoke on behalf of that organization. NSA hosted a bake sale December 9 and proceeds will go to help fund a trip to the state conference. In the spring NSA is planning a cystic fibrosis walk. Currently, NSA is taking park in the Giving Tree. Giving Tree allows individuals to pick an ornament from a tree that has a short description of a the child and what they would like for Christmas. People buy whatever the gift is and bring it to a drop off location to be wrapped. Giving Tree gifts will be wrapped on Reading and Review Day and anyone is welcome to help.

Student Council, who serves as a direct line of communication between students, faculty and staff mentioned the idea of doing a 5k/10k Health Expo directed towards nutrition next semester. It was also suggested that student council be represented by all three departments. Currently only nursing students are serving on student council.

President of the Student Association of Nutrition and Dietetics (SAND), Regin Gallagher said that during the fall 2013 semester SAND had a booth at the involvement expo, volunteered with Project Connect, and have been working on a mentorship program between pre or new nutrition and dietetics students and experienced students. SAND plans to hold a food drive in March for National Nutrition Month for St. Josephs. SAND also plans on participating in the Big Event and becoming more involved in nutrition based service projects.

With any luck, this inaugural and annual student social will lay the groundwork for all of the College's student organizations to come together and begin planning service projects.

Share

COinS