Over 100 people gathered in the USF Gibbons Alumni Center for a night of celebration, sharing memories, and contributing to a better future for the Clinical Rehabilitation and Mental Health Counseling (CRMHC) program. In celebration of the program's 50th anniversary, the event reunited those who have contributed to CRMHC’s growth over the decades.
Several individuals from the program's past joined in on the celebration. Ben Pinkard, grandson of the founding Chair Cal Pinkard, accepted an award in honor of his grandfather and promised to drive it to him following the event. Joe Ferrandino, PhD and Jerry Wendlend, a graduate of the 1975 class, also attended the gala.
Former Department of Child and Family Studies (CFS) Chair Tennyson Wright, PhD, CRC gave a speech at the event. At the end of his remarks, he brought his daughter on stage and presented Dean Serovich, current CFS Chair Lise Fox, PhD and CRMHC Program Director Chih-Chin Chou with a donation to the RMHC program, in memory of his late wife, who passed away a year ago. He stated that he plans to make an annual gift in her memory.
Program Director Chih-Chin Chou, PhD, CRC gave a powerful speech and moving reflection on the many decades that the program has been on campus, saying she is "standing on the shoulders of giants."
Funding from the event will provide scholarships for students in the program. Click here to see how you can support CRMHC.