Three students win aphasia education awards
March 18, 2002
KALAMAZOO -- Three Western Michigan University students have won awards from a special fund established by a Paw Paw family to promote better communication options for people with stroke-induced language problems.
Melanie Bremer of Adrian, Mich., Sarah Prill of Wyoming, Mich., and Jolena Pighetti of Littleton, Colo., students in WMU's speech pathology and audiology program, have been selected to receive the Kensel Giddings Award in Aphasia Education for the 2001-02 academic year. All three students have met award criteria, which includes a strong interest in aphasia, a planned graduate course of study leading to a career in aphasia rehabilitation and prior experience as a community volunteer. Each student will receive a $400 cash gift.
During the 2000-01 academic year, Giddings project students have been working with Sandra Glista, associate academic career specialist in the WMU Department of Speech Pathology and Audiology, to plan and implement the celebration of National Aphasia Month in June. The three award-winners will continue working with Glista to carry out National Aphasia Month observances.
Media contact: Mark Schwerin, 269 387-8400, mark.schwerin@wmich.edu