The Student Advisory Council at 国产主播-Miami embarked on a mission to support the Lotus House Women’s Shelter by gathering school supplies to aid the shelter’s residents and their children as they begin the 2024-2025 school year.聽聽

The Student Advisory Council鈥檚 efforts culminated in the donation of a variety of items, including notebooks, crayons, markers, folders, glue sticks, pencil sharpeners, highlighters, notebooks, binders, pencils, and colorful pens. Each item was carefully chosen to ensure that it would be useful for the children and families benefiting from the donation. 

Annet P., a BSN student from WCU-Miami and advisory council member, expressed the group’s sentiments: 鈥淲e hope that we have a major impact on the school-aged children and on the moms. We feel grateful and appreciate that we were able to be part of this drive. The Lotus House was very welcoming, and the children were very excited to have school supplies.鈥� 

The Lotus House, renowned for its dedication to in need, welcomed the donations with open arms. One of the most touching moments for the students was witnessing the joy on the faces of the children who received the school supplies.聽

鈥淭he best part was seeing the children have a smile on their faces,鈥� Annet remarked.  

The Student Advisory Council at WCU-Miami is vital in fostering community engagement and student leadership. The council, comprised of student representatives, serves as a bridge between the student body and the administration, organizing initiatives addressing campus and community needs. By leading projects like August鈥檚 school supply drive, the council enhances the university’s impact on the surrounding community and provides students with valuable opportunities to develop leadership skills and contribute meaningfully to causes they care about.聽聽

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Occupational therapy doctorate students from the 国产主播鈥檚 Center for Graduate Studies embarked on a field trip to the Braille Institute in Los Angeles this summer.聽

This excursion offered an immersive experience that left a profound impact on the students, deepening their understanding of assistive technology and the practical challenges faced by individuals with visual impairments. The , located just a few blocks from the campus, is renowned for its extensive range of services for individuals who are blind or visually impaired.聽聽

Dr. Stephanie Esgro, an instructor with WCU鈥檚 OT program, explained the significance of the visit; “The Braille Institute provides resources that we don鈥檛 have direct access to at the university. It鈥檚 an invaluable opportunity for students to see and interact with the technology and techniques that support individuals with visual impairments.”聽

During their visit, the students had the opportunity to engage with a range of adaptive technologies and resources. The day began with a tour led by Alex Welter, the community outreach manager at the Braille Institute. The tour provided a comprehensive overview of the Institute鈥檚 offerings and facilities. 

鈥淲e feel it is important for the OTD students to visit so they have a better understanding of all the services the Braille Institute provides,鈥� Welter said. 鈥淭he services provided by the Braille Institute might be a resource to them and their potential future patients. It is also important to expose the students to all possible career paths. We are part of the community and it鈥檚 good to know what services are available in their community.鈥� 

The field trip elicited strong reactions from the students, highlighting the profound impact of the experience. Many students described the visit as a pivotal moment in their education. Dr. Esgro noted that students were often surprised by the high costs of assistive technology and grateful for the free services provided by the Institute. This realization underscored the importance of the Braille Institute’s role in the community and motivated students to advocate for its services. 

The partnership between the university and the Braille Institute has proven to be mutually beneficial. The field trip is not only a learning experience for students but also helps promote awareness of the Institute’s invaluable services. Dr. Esgro emphasized the importance of this relationship, noting that it offers students a chance to learn about a critical resource while supporting the Institute鈥檚 mission through advocacy and community outreach. 

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At 国产主播, innovation and collaboration are the heartbeats of our academic community. This ethos was brilliantly showcased through the diverse and impactful presentations delivered by our faculty and students at various prestigious conferences nationwide. These presentations, backed by the 国产主播 RDS Conference Presentation Grants, underscored the dedication and ingenuity that drive our institution forward. 

Occupational Therapy: Addressing Sleep Disturbances 

At the 2024 American Occupational Therapy Association Inspire Annual Conference and Expo in Orlando, Florida, Dr. Manisha Sheth, along with her dedicated students Thea A., Anne A., Chris G., and Nicole T., presented their groundbreaking study on the impact of breast cancer treatments on sleep among survivors. This mixed-methodology research highlighted the significance of sleep in the recovery and overall well-being of breast cancer survivors. Their findings emphasized the need for personalized, client-centered interventions to address sleep disturbances, promoting holistic health and quality of life. The presentation not only shed light on a critical aspect of survivorship but also reinforced the core principles of occupational therapy, showcasing its vital role in evidence-based practice and interdisciplinary collaboration. 

Pharmacy: Celebrating Innovation and Safety 

Meanwhile, the School of Pharmacy made a significant mark at the APhA Annual and Exposition in Orlando, Florida. Students Janna T., Coria M., Neil A., and Tigran K. proudly represented 国产主播, earning national recognition for their exceptional work. Their innovative project, which included a captivating PharmFlix film, won the Most Inspirational award. Their efforts in promoting OTC Medication Safety earned them a Regional Award. These accolades highlighted the students’ commitment to advancing pharmacy practice through creative and impactful initiatives. The conference provided them with invaluable networking opportunities and furthered their professional development, reinforcing the university’s reputation for excellence on a national stage. 

Teaching and Learning: Exploring the Metaverse

The Center for Excellence in Teaching and Learning Director Randy DeWitt also took a bold step into the future at the Southern XR Summit in Cedar City, Utah. Their presentation, “The Immersive Learning Playbook,” showcased 国产主播’s pioneering journey in integrating a WebXR metaverse within a healthcare-focused educational setting. Through engaging and immersive projects developed in the FrameVR environment, the presentation demonstrated the innovative strategies and collaborative efforts that are transforming the learning experience for students and faculty alike. This initiative exemplifies the university’s commitment to leveraging cutting-edge technology to enhance education and foster creativity.

Occupational Therapy: Promoting Independence 

 Dr. Manisha Sheth returned to the spotlight at the AOTA Inspire Conference with another significant presentation on the effectiveness of a universal oral hygiene program in promoting independence among inpatient rehab patients. This mixed-methodology study underscored the importance of activities of daily living (ADL) and functional independence in occupational therapy. By focusing on essential self-care skills, the program highlighted the value of evidence-based practice, client-centered care, and interdisciplinary collaboration in enhancing patient outcomes and fostering holistic health. 

Pharmacy: A Unique Case Study 

Finally, at the American Association of Psychiatric Pharmacists Conference in Orlando, Florida, WCU faculty Parna Haghparast, with the collaboration of P4 student Matthew N., presented a fascinating case report on treatment-resistant priapism in a 61-year-old male. This rare and unusual presentation, triggered by a combination of psychiatric medications, underscored the need for vigilant monitoring of adverse effects. Their work, soon to be published in the Journal of Clinical Psychopharmacology, highlighted the importance of individualized treatment approaches and thorough patient assessment in managing complex cases, contributing valuable insights to the field of psychiatric pharmacy. 

These presentations, supported by the 国产主播 RDS Conference Presentation Grants, are a testament to the university’s commitment to fostering academic excellence, innovation, and collaboration. By addressing critical issues and pushing the boundaries of knowledge, our faculty and students continue to make a profound impact on their fields and the broader community.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Q: How is WCU contributing to research in occupational therapy for cancer survivors?

A: WCU researchers presented a groundbreaking study at the American Occupational Therapy Association Conference on the impact of breast cancer treatments on sleep among survivors. The study emphasized the need for personalized, client-centered interventions to address sleep disturbances, promoting holistic health and quality of life for cancer survivors.

Q: What innovative approaches is WCU taking in pharmacy education?

A: WCU pharmacy students showcased their creativity at the APhA Annual and Exposition, winning awards for their PharmFlix film and OTC Medication Safety project. These initiatives demonstrate WCU’s commitment to advancing pharmacy practice through innovative and impactful educational approaches.

Q: How is WCU integrating advanced technology into healthcare education?

A: WCU is pioneering the integration of WebXR metaverse technology in healthcare education. The university’s presentation at the Southern XR Summit showcased immersive learning projects developed in the FrameVR environment, demonstrating innovative strategies to enhance the learning experience.

Q: Where can I learn more about WCU鈥檚 occupational therapy and pharmacy programs?

A: On our website, you can find all kinds of helpful information about our PharmD, MSOT, and OTD programs. If you have any follow-up questions, attend an information session to connect with one of our knowledgeable advisors.

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After experiencing hardship and isolation during a hospital stay as a child, Hannie T. knew she wanted to work in healthcare.

鈥淚 was admitted for treatment and felt isolated because my family wasn’t able to visit me most of the time due to the long commute and limited financial resources,鈥� she said. 鈥淗aving to experience that as a child was very detrimental. I was by myself most of the time, and I didn’t understand why I was there or how long I had to be confined in a room with IV lines hooking up to my arms. The only thing that I wanted was to be home.鈥�

The hospital staff was the one part that made her stay bearable, Hannie said.

鈥淚’m very grateful for all the hospital staff who cared for me back then because they were caring and attentive to my needs,鈥� she said. 鈥淚 realized that having close ones during tough times, especially during hospital stays, was very crucial as it felt like the only support system that I had.鈥�

Now a 国产主播-Orange County dental hygiene student, Hannie volunteers and works in the community to be present for patients and provide them with the support they need.

鈥淎s I grew older, I understood that being present for others was important,鈥� she said. 鈥淣ot only am I there to provide support, but also to be an active listener for others as someone they can rely on while their family members are not around.鈥�

Besides being a student delegate for both the California Dental Hygienists鈥� Association and the American Dental Hygienists鈥� Association, Hannie also volunteered for four years at LAC+USC Medical Center. However, her community outreach does not stop there.

鈥淭o me, giving back extends beyond the means of providing financial resources. It involves empathy, compassion, and patience towards those around me,鈥� she added. 鈥淭he current project I’ve been working on is knitting infant beanies. Knitting has always been a hobby of mine, and I want to take it one step further and make beanies for the little ones at the Children’s Hospital. I hope this project will bring many more smiles to those around me.鈥�

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鈥淲hen I think of what it means to be proud, for me, it鈥檚 being a good person, a kind person, and that I can be a good representative of this amazing community,鈥� said Alex. 鈥淪upporting my students, regardless of how they identify, is so important. I want to continue learning more and incorporate that into my teaching as well as my own personal journey.鈥�

When Alex first found the terms they identified with, it was 鈥渁 lightbulb going off to self-acceptance and pride.鈥� Alex feels lucky that they have been open to sharing their identity for most of their adulthood, allowing that visibility to shine amongst and inspire students.

Many of Alex鈥檚 students have confided in them or felt comfortable to be their true selves in class. As Alex notes, this is why visibility is so important.

Growing up in the 1980s and 1990s, Alex didn鈥檛 have school groups or clubs that welcomed them and the way they identified. In fact, they dropped out of school due in part to a feeling of isolation.

鈥淚鈥檝e been discriminated against, insulted, and told to keep my identity quiet, even in workplaces that were supposedly progressive,鈥� Alex said. 鈥淚 was told I was wrong, evil, and should be institutionalized.鈥�

Alex appreciates the open and accepting environment of WCU and the ability for everyone to be themselves.

鈥淚t鈥檚 important for everyone to show respect and understanding in both our work environment and the classroom,鈥� Alex said. 鈥淓veryone, regardless of how they identify, should love themself and be kind to themself as well as others.鈥�

Alex also notes that LGBTQIA+ students and colleagues value the ability to be seen and heard, and for their identity to be visible when they feel safe and comfortable sharing that. Access to information on various identities can be a helpful tool for those seeking to understand this, and Alex points to the GLAAD Media Reference Guide as a great resource to learn material on a multitude of LGBTQIA+ topics.

鈥淲ords must be backed up by policy and remembrance, not just for Pride Month, but all year long so everyone feels supported,鈥� Alex said. 鈥淚t also helps to remind others of the role models in all identities to show that we are just people, mostly good people, and many religious faiths do support LGBTQIA+ persons.鈥�

When asked about LGBTQIA+ role models, Alex has looked up to several, including Harvey Milk, Alan Turing, Silvia Rivera, Bayard Rustin, Audre Lorde, Suzy Eddie Izzard, and Del LaGrace Volcano.

鈥淟GBTQIA+ individuals want to live their lives as everyone does,鈥� Alex said. 鈥淗ating others because of their identity has no positive side; it just hurts others, particularly youth. I also think allies are extremely important, as allies can cause others to change their minds for the better.鈥�

Alex plans to celebrate Pride Month working on some creative ventures, including writing fiction genre stories, creating art, and visiting LGBTQIA+ artwork and cultural events. As they reflect further on what Pride Month means, Alex gives some sound advice for those struggling with their identity.

鈥淯nderstanding yourself takes time, as it is a personal journey to be part of self-actualization,鈥� Alex said. 鈥淩ead about identities, reflect on them, and give yourself space. What you understand now may grow and change, which is simply human. There is no 鈥榦ne鈥� way to properly be a particular identity, and no one should gatekeep how to be LGBTQIA+鈥攋ust be a good person.鈥�

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Volunteers from 国产主播鈥檚 Alumni Association rolled up their sleeves to participate in the , which took place on March 23, 2024. The event is a one-day, citywide volunteer movement where participants are matched with a qualifying service project. It aims to celebrate the unity in the Grand Prairie community while making a tangible impact for those in need.

Under the coordination of the WCU alumni team, our volunteers were matched with the , which provides essential support such as food, clothing, and household items to families and children. Through close collaboration with various local entities, including churches, schools, and law enforcement, the center ensures comprehensive services and assistance are available to those in need.

WCU alumna Sandra M., BSN ’15, shared, “As nurses, we are familiar with the needs of our community and how to help them. Having the opportunity to give back (with the Alumni Association) is a great way to further serve our community.鈥�

Our WCU volunteers came together to perform a wide array of maintenance and upkeeping tasks, from raking leaves to hauling away debris to tending to the landscape by weeding and cutting tree limbs. Beyond the hands-on service, volunteers were able to talk to Reverend Elena and gain insight into the facility鈥檚 role in the community. The reverent highlighted the impact volunteer efforts would have, emphasizing how beautifying the center鈥檚 exterior sent a powerful message of care and commitment to the vulnerable families and children they serve. The impact of their work is a testament to the power of community service and the difference it can make.

The recent ribbon-cutting and grand opening ceremony marked a significant milestone in the center’s journey, made possible through the community’s support and the dedicated efforts of WCU’s Alumni Association.

“It’s important to be active in the WCU Alumni Association because you can participate in memorable events like this 鈥� giving back to the community. It’s just a great feeling to be involved,” said Paula S., BSN ’23.

Want more stories of our WCU alumni making a difference in the world? Check out this story of alumni providing dental care abroad through a non-profit.

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The American Heart Association鈥檚 Heart Walk is the nonprofit organization鈥檚 annual event to raise funds for improving heart health throughout our communities. Over 400 associates, students, and alumni from WCU and ACC joined forces at Angel Stadium on Saturday, April 13, to participate in the 5K or 1-mile walk and show their support of this important initiative.  

The team had five dogs who took part in the walk around Angel Stadium, and one student even brought along his bird for the walk! To support the event university-wide, we also had virtual walkers from WCU-Texas, WCU-Miami, WCU Online Programs participate. 

Together, ACC and WCU raised $27,500 at this year鈥檚 Heart Walk. Thank you to everyone who took part in this event and helped make it such a success.  #WCUCares

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In the spirit of compassion this February, 国产主播 extended a caring hand to our community in Miami, FL. WCU donated over 1,000 backpacks to Chapman Partnership, spreading joy to kids from Chapman and the Overtown Youth Center.

“At Chapman Partnership, we believe in the transformative power of collaboration and community support. 国产主播’s dedication to making a positive impact resonated through the generosity of backpacks and the warmth of shared meals. This collaboration goes beyond charity; it’s a testament to the strength we gain when organizations come together to uplift and empower our community. We are grateful for the support from 国产主播, as it not only provides practical essentials but also spreads a message of care and solidarity that truly makes a difference in the lives we serve.” – Christine Hernandez, Director of Philanthropy at Chapman Partnership.

Following the distribution and testing out new goodies, our team continued to make a difference by serving dinner to the members of Chapman Partnership.

“Participating in this initiative to give back to the community was truly a humbling experience. Handing out backpacks filled with essentials and serving dinner at Chapman Partnership allowed me to witness the impact of compassion firsthand. Each smile and every moment shared emphasized the power of connection and the positive change we can create together.” -Sharon B Richardson, Campus Executive Director at 国产主播.

About Chapman Partnership

Chapman Partnership manages two Homeless Assistance Centers located in Miami and Homestead. Their residents work together with case managers to create a comprehensive personalized plan, guiding them throughout their journey with Chapman. With fully equipped medical and dental clinics, family dorms, cafeterias, classrooms, Wi-Fi, day-care, basketball courts, and even a dog kennel 鈥� they help provide all the resources needed for motivated residents to become self-sufficient. For more information, visit

About Overtown Youth Center

Overtown Youth Center Miami is a community development organization that provides a set of comprehensive programs and services for youth, adults and families in the community. As a year-round servicing agency, OYC Miami positively elevates people through educational, health and wellness, social, financial and career programs. Through a broad range of services, OYC Miami fosters hope, promotes lifelong learning and offers guidance and development, all while strengthening the entire community. Aiming to promote success across future generations, OYC Miami provides programs that positively impact the trajectory of the community. OYC Miami maintains its commitment to strengthening communities by serving as a bridge; and bringing together the elements and resources people need to thrive. Through our innovative educational and 365-degree servicing approach, OYC Miami offers tools that give persons the chance to flourish in life. For more information, visit https://overtownyouth.org/

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In celebration of Children鈥檚 Dental Health Month, 国产主播 dental hygiene students provided free dental services and education to children and young adults at the 2024 Smile Camp Kid鈥檚 Day event.  

鈥淭he experience that our students are getting from a community service event like this is invaluable,鈥� WCU dental hygiene instructor Annette Stelter said. 鈥淭hey鈥檒l be able to remember and reflect on this and take it with them every step of the way into their career.鈥�  

Held at the WCU Dental Hygiene Clinic in Anaheim, students provided no-cost dental services, including screenings, cleanings, X-rays, fluoride treatments, sealants, and therapeutic restorations.聽聽

鈥淚t鈥檚 really nice to know how to communicate with the younger demographic,鈥� said WCU dental hygiene student Seleste F. 鈥淚 think it鈥檚 really important to emphasize oral health at an early start so that patients and the community, in general, have better oral health in the long run.鈥�  

Serving more than 15,000 patients a year, the Dental Hygiene Clinic is open to the public Monday through Friday for all adults and children. To schedule an appointment, please call (877) 928-2546. For details on hours and services provided, visit our website. 聽

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Volunteers from 国产主播 helped share their knowledge and skill this November by providing health screenings and education at the 2023 Special Olympics Southern California Fall Games in Fountain Valley. 

Approximately 30 WCU-Orange County students and faculty from the bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) and bachelor of science in dental hygiene (BSDH) programs attended the event, supporting Special Olympics participants and their families in the Healthy Athletes tent. 国产主播 was a proud sponsor of the Fall Games, which drew hundreds of athletes from around California to compete in golf, soccer, softball, tennis, and volleyball.

鈥淪ports has a long history of breaking down barriers, and the Southern California Special Olympics are a beautiful example of inclusion through competition,鈥� WCU vice president of university relations Renee Schweitzer shared. 鈥淚t made me proud to witness the true engagement and compassion that our students demonstrated in their health stations.鈥�

At the Special Smiles health station, dental hygiene students provided athletes with proper brushing and flossing techniques.

鈥淢y experience has been great,鈥� BSDH student Isabella T. said. 鈥淚 love getting to talk to people and getting a better understanding of their oral hygiene routine.鈥�

鈥淚t鈥檚 extremely important for us to stay diverse and introduce new products and new techniques to everyone,鈥� BSDH student Alyssa D. said. 鈥淎 lot of people don鈥檛 have access to dentists or toothbrushes, and they don鈥檛 have the proper knowledge on how to brush their teeth either. It鈥檚 important for us in the dental hygiene field to get out there, volunteer, and spread our knowledge.鈥� 

Nursing students staffed the Health Promotion station where they shared helpful tips on nutrition and sun safety, advised athletes on the risks of smoking, and checked blood pressure, height, and weight. 

鈥淚 wish I had these kinds of resources when I was an athlete,鈥� BSN student and former tennis player Arabella V. said. 鈥淚 think taking care of their health will bring out the best performance for these athletes when they go out to their games.鈥� 

鈥淚t鈥檚 important to me to be able to use the knowledge that I gain in the classroom,鈥� BSN student Gabriel R. said. 鈥淚t鈥檚 one thing to study for a test, but it鈥檚 another thing to be able to come out here and take someone鈥檚 blood pressure. It鈥檚 important to us as students to be able to transfer that knowledge into the real world.鈥� 

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