Fortune Favors the Alternate: Lilly Thompson Goes from Backup to Breakthrough

‘Alternate’ is a lucky word for Lilly Thompson.

The Honors College Scholar in International Studies from Atlanta plans to attend graduate school in international policy next fall, but that could change in a heartbeat. 

Thompson is a semifinalist for the Fulbright U.S. Student Program and was recently notified that she has been upgraded to an alternate. The same thing happened when she applied for an internship with the State Department last summer and made it in as an alternate. So, for Thompson, ‘alternate’ has been lucky for her in the past. 

“I made so many wonderful connections at the State Department,” she said. “I would just email people that I found, like a Foreign Service officer that I was interested in talking to. I’d email them and have coffee with them. It was great to make those connections because the people at State were all so friendly and helpful. And they were like, ‘Yeah, if you ever need something, email me, I would love to help you.’”

Her experience at the State Department was just one of the things that Thompson loved about Georgia Southern; another was its Model United Nations program.

“One of the reasons I decided to go to Georgia Southern for college is because Georgia Southern has a really prestigious Model United Nations program,” said Thompson. “It’s one of the best in the world, and we consistently outperform others at the New York competition.”

Model U.N. has taught Thompson skills she could not find easily elsewhere. 

“When I joined the Model United Nations team, it changed my college career,” she said. “I’ve made so many friends from this experience. I’ve learned so much about public speaking, critical thinking and analysis skills, interacting with other people, conflict management, compromise and negotiation skills. I’ve ended up this year being head delegate. Those types of things have helped me, especially for my future career.”

The Model U.N. program as well as Thompson’s experience studying a semester abroad in the Czech Republic drove her research interest in the Baltic States for her Honors Thesis. It is also why she applied to the Fulbright for research in Latvia, because of her visit there during her study abroad experience.

“My thesis is titled, ‘Examining Populist Political Parties in the Baltic States,’” explained Thompson. “Essentially I’m looking at what variables contribute to populist success in those three countries: Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia.”

Thompson is being mentored for her thesis by Jacek Lubecki, Ph.D. professor in the International Studies and Political Science Department, but counts many of her other professors as mentors as well.

“The professors here have been so amazing and helpful,” said Thompson. “Dr. Scalera, I don’t think I would have been able to make it through college without her, and some of the other professors like Dr. Biebuyck and Dr. Balleck made their courses so interesting.”

Thompson says her education at Georgia Southern has been world-class. Her experiences with the Model U.N. team helped her get the State Department internship, and the Honors College helped her in every way.

Whether it’s graduate school at the University of Texas at Austin, Boston University, the University of Georgia — or if she ends up in Latvia with the Fulbright, Thompson is sure she’ll be a successful alternate somewhere, and that’s just great with her.

Last updated: 5/9/2024

Rylee Stanton graduates Georgia Southern with an education from around the world

Rylee Stanton, a Georgia Southern graduate from Phoenix, Arizona, says she’s grateful to have had Statesboro as her home away from home for the past four years.

She’s a traveler. And anything closer wouldn’t do.

“My family has always made traveling a priority,” said Stanton. “So that was something that was a priority for me going into college. I wanted to be able to study abroad and study something that would lead me to a career that would allow me to travel.”

Stanton is an Honors Scholar in International Studies with a Spanish double major, all of which gives her a good foundation as a global explorer. And explore she did.

Her undergrad days brought lots of travel experiences. Her first stop was Colombia, a trip offered through the World Languages and Cultures Department at Georgia Southern.

“Colombia was wonderful,” said Stanton. “I absolutely loved studying abroad. I stayed with a host family and got to meet a lot of people from Colombia and other students. My experience really helped improve my Spanish-speaking and cross-cultural skills.”

Stanton’s trip was enjoyable, but also gave her the idea for her Honors College thesis.

“I got to go on some fun adventures with my classmates,” Stanton recalled. “We went to Tayrona National Park and Biosphere Reserve. I experienced the beauty of the landscape and talked to the locals about how it is managed. Those conversations ended up helping me with the language and inspiring my thesis in which I explore governance in biosphere reserves.”

Last summer, Stanton was able to experience quite a different visual and cultural landscape at the Wexford, Ireland, learning center.

“Wexford was wonderful as welI. I really enjoyed studying with the other students from the Honors College,” said Stanton. “We carried out  a lot of archival research, trying to create the stories that would eventually become part of a tour app and tour initiative in Savannah to connect Wexford and Savannah. I met and spoke with the former prime minister of Ireland, Bertie Ahern, who helped with the Good Friday Agreement. So that was really cool in terms of international relations and policy.”

Stanton says these experiences are important to her because of the career skills she’s learning along the way.

“I think studying abroad is very important when it comes to developing your personal confidence and problem-solving skills,” she said. 

Although overseas travel has been a highlight for Stanton, this year she visited New York City as a member of Georgia Southern’s Model U.N. delegation, pitting her skills against other prestigious schools throughout the U.S.

“Model U.N. has been a really great experience,” said Stanton. “It allowed us to travel to New York where we were able to meet people from all around the world. This enabled us to spend time learning collaboration skills, cross-cultural skills, diplomacy and soft diplomacy skills.”

International relations were on top of Stanton’s mind when she went through the process of applying for the prestigious Fulbright U.S. Student Program. With help from her professors, especially Francis Desiderio, Ph.D., associate dean of the Honors College, she worked on the application for several months.

Stanton was excited to be a semi-finalist for the award and now that she’s been upgraded to an alternate, there is a chance she’ll get in.

“Regardless if I get in or not, I’m really pleased to get this far,” said Stanton. “I know it is an achievement. Also, I’m very glad that I did that application process, because I think it’s helpful when you’re trying to think about applying for a master’s.” 

But while master’s degree is not Stanton’s immediate next step. She’s not going to simply relax after graduation.

“I’ve applied to several internships, and I’m waiting to hear back on those,” she said. “I’ve had interviews for several of them, and I’m waiting for the final response. Of all of them, I would like to be doing research in Wasington, D.C., talking about security studies in Latin America.”

Stanton has loved her experience at Georgia Southern and it shows by the three ceremonies in which she’s walking — one for the Honors Medallion Ceremony, another for the College of Arts and Sciences and another for the College of Behavioral and Social Sciences.

“People ask me all the time why I came to Georgia when they discover that  I’m from Arizona,” she said. “When I was a senior, I kind of found Georgia Southern on a whim while touring other schools in the areas of Florida and Georgia. And I had a really, really great campus tour here. And then after I had applied and got scholarships, the Honors College hosted an Honors Scholars event. As prospective students, we had the opportunity to network with the professors and the students. I realized then that Georgia Southern would be a great place for me. And it has turned out to be fantastic.”

When asked what has been her most memorable experience at Georgia Southern, Stanton is quick to answer.

“When I was asked to give  the speech at the Honors Scholars Day,” Stanton said. “I got to thank all the professors, and talk to the prospective students about the different activities offered at Georgia Southern. 

“I try to  encourage students to take risks, to try new things, to take the road less traveled and to challenge yourself.”

And that’s exactly what Stanton plans to do.

Last updated: 5/9/2024

Georgia Southern University Celebrates Faculty and Staff Excellence

On May 1, Georgia Southern University celebrated the outstanding achievements of its faculty and staff during the annual University Awards of Excellence and Years of Service Recognition celebration, held at the Fine Arts Auditorium on the Armstrong Campus in Savannah. 

This year, the awards were particularly competitive with 128 entries, from which 14 individual faculty and staff members, along with one team, were selected and honored. In addition, 446 employees from five years to as many as 40 years of service to the University were honored for their dedication and commitment to Georgia Southern.

“The Faculty and Staff Awards of Excellence Celebration is designed to identify and celebrate individuals that make outstanding contributions to the success of Georgia Southern University,” said Georgia Southern University President Kyle Marrero. “Through this celebratory awards process and ceremony, we are promoting employee engagement and recognizing individuals and teams who are demonstrating behaviors that embrace the strategic plan and represent University values and success.”

The Awards of Excellence are meticulously aligned with the University’s Strategic Pillars and Values, encompassing up to 25 annual awards divided among faculty, staff and teams. Winners are awarded $1,000 for professional development.

Student Success Award

• Staff – Tory Candea, Clinical Coordinator, RiteCare Center, Waters College of Health Professions 
• Faculty – Loren Mathews, Ph.D., Senior Lecturer, Department of Biology, College of Science and Mathematics 

Teaching Award

• Staff – Kira Jatoft, Assistant Director for Sustainability and Leadership, Office of Leadership and Community Engagement 
• Faculty – Salman Siddiqui, Ph.D., Senior Lecturer, Department of Electrical & Computer Engineering, Allen E. Paulson College of Engineering and Computing

Research Award

• Faculty – Bridget Melton, Ed.D., Professor of Exercise Science, Department of Health and Kinesiology, Waters College of Health Professions

Discovery and Innovation Award

• Faculty – Sevki Cesmeci, Ph.D., Assistant Professor, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Allen E. Paulson College of Engineering and Computing

Inclusive Excellence Award

• Faculty – Virginia Wickline, Ph.D., Associate Professor, Department of Psychology, College of Behavioral and Social Sciences 

Openness and Inclusion Award

• Faculty – Kip Sorgen, Ph.D., Associate Professor, Department of Leadership, Technology & Human Development, College of Education

Operational Efficiency, Effectiveness, and Sustainability Award

• Staff – Jenna Bayto, IT Support Manager, Department of Information Technology Services

Community Engagement Award 

• Faculty – Edward Mondor, Ph.D., Associate Professor, Department of Biology, College of Science and Mathematics 

Collaboration Award

• Staff –  Dyana Van Tassell, Administrative Assistant, Department of Biology, College of Science and Mathematics 
• Faculty – Barbara King, Undergraduate Coordinator, Department of Criminal Justice and Criminology, College of Behavioral and Social Sciences

Leadership Award

• Staff – Corine Ackerson-Jones, M.Ed., Director TRIO Student Support Services, Office of Organizational Effectiveness, Leadership Development and Inclusive Excellence  
• Faculty – J. Lowell Mooney, Ph.D., Director of Graduate Programs/MBA Director/Professor of Accounting, Parker College of Business

Team Award

• Facilities Planning, Design, and Construction
  Team Members: 
  • Tori Brannen
  • Kim Brown
  • Rusty Cartee
  • Toni Davis
  • Billy Harris
  • Mitch Mock
  • Pliny Ruluked
  • Matthew Shingler
  • Brian Sowell
  • Michelle Stewart
  • Tim Stillwell
  • Kirk Tatum
  • Chuck Taylor
  • Sandi Wilkinson

For more information on the awards and recipients, visit GeorgiaSouthern.edu/GSawards.

Last updated: 5/9/2024

TEDxSavannah to inspire, spark discussion on Georgia Southern’s Armstrong Campus May 16

TEDxSavannah is one of the city’s most anticipated annual events, offering individuals and organizations in Savannah a platform to meet, share ideas and collaborate.

In its 13th year, TEDxSavannah will take place in Georgia Southern University’s Fine Arts Auditorium on the Armstrong Campus on May 16 from 1 to 5 p.m. with special rates for Georgia Southern students, faculty and staff. Doors open at noon and a special TEDxSavannah speaker meet-and-greet will immediately follow the main event.

In line with this year’s theme, “Convergence,” there will be thought-provoking talks from 12 speakers who include Georgia Southern’s Wildlife Center executive director, a Stanford University fellow who specializes in artificial intelligence, a bestselling author, and other area leaders. Short breaks in between talks will be punctuated with high-energy, live performances.

Karla Jennings is a Georgia Southern communication senior lecturer and a TEDxSavannah speaker coach and organizing committee member. 

“I’m excited to be part of the team bringing TEDxSavannah to the Armstrong Campus,” said Jennings. “With 12 amazing speakers from our community sharing their ‘ideas worth spreading’ on stage, the half-day event is a chance to bring the greater Savannah community together. It’s a chance to step away from the day-to-day and discuss important issues in ways that we hope can affect change. And, the conversations can continue at the meet-and-greet after the main event.”

Sponsors of the event include Georgia Southern’s College of Arts and Humanities, Parker College of Business, College of Education and Waters College of Health Professions.

2024 TEDxSavannah speakers include:

●    Elizabeth Adams, affiliate fellow, Stanford Institute for Human-Centered Artificial Intelligence

●    Bruce Feiler, best-selling author, speaker and TV host

●      Lillian Grant-Baptiste, Gullah-Geechee storyteller and founder of Baobab Speaks Consulting Group

●      Dr. Deidre Grim, executive director, Forsyth Farmers’ Market

●      Steve Hein, founder and executive director, Georgia Southern University Wildlife Center

●      Mike Kentz, English teacher, Benedictine Military School

●      Suzanne Kirk, president and executive human resources consultant, Employee Development Strategies, Inc.

●      Jessica Leigh Lebos, award-winning writer

●      Briana Paxton, CEO, Hestia Community Partners LLC

●      Bonzo Reddick, M.D., M.P.H., district health director, Georgia Department of Public Health

●      Nina Samuels, Georgia Southern art student, sculptor working with clay and sustainable materials

●      Christian Shellman, community development manager, Housing Savannah, Inc.

For more information on TEDxSavannah and to purchase discounted tickets for Georgia Southern students, faculty and staff, visit here.

TEDxSavannah is an immersive event created to stimulate dialogue through engaging talks and session breaks designed to give individuals and organizations in Savannah a platform to meet, share ideas and collaborate.

Last updated: 5/2/2024

2024 Human Performance Optimization Summit on Georgia Southern’s Armstrong Campus provides holistic health and fitness education for military, tactical athletes 

Active duty military members, civilian providers for the military and tactical athletes joined acclaimed leaders for the 2024 Human Performance Optimization (HPO) Summit, recently held on Georgia Southern University’s Armstrong Campus in Savannah.

“Georgia Southern University has long been involved with the tactical athlete community with multiple programs working with military, firefighters and law enforcement,” said Waters College of Health Professions Dean Whitney Nash, Ph.D. “One of our military initiatives has been to establish two different educational models aimed at teaching soldiers different injury prevention topics.”

Keynote speakers included MG Shane Buzza, Chief of Staff of the U.S. Army Forces Command, and retired Col. Kevin Bigelman, who currently serves as the deputy director of the Holistic and Health Fitness (H2F) program at Joint Base Langley-Eustis.

MG Buzza, who has almost 40 years of military leadership and physical therapy experience, presented how to integrate the many facets of human performance into the way individuals can lead and provide health care. Retired Col. Bigelman showcased a synopsis of the H2F program and highlighted how Georgia Southern’s HPO Conference closely aligns with the Army’s H2F initiative. 

The summit included 25 speakers who also featured Kelly Starrett, DPT, author of two New York Times bestselling books and co-founder of The Ready State. Starrett is an expert in movement, mobility, recovery and musculoskeletal self-care who consults with athletes and coaches from the NFL, NBA, NHL, MLB, the U.S. Olympic Team and CrossFit. He also works with elite Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines and Coast Guard forces, and consults with corporations on employee health and well-being. At the conference, Starrett led a lab-based presentation, challenging the participants in the limits of their mobility while simultaneously explaining how to improve movement, recovery and self-care. 

“The Student Union ballrooms were full of leaders in their respective fields,” said Nancy Henderson, Ph.D., DPT, and assistant professor in Georgia Southern’s Doctorate of Physical Therapy Program. “Participants soaked up the expert wisdom from leaders in all facets of military operation and health care support who discussed many topics, including strength and conditioning, nutrition, sleep hygiene, mental and spiritual readiness and mobility and movement, among other subjects.” 

In its second year, the 2024 conference experienced a 30% increase from last year’s participation.

“We cannot wait to welcome even more next year,” continued Henderson. 

Georgia Southern’s Soldier Athlete Human Performance Optimization program is the in-person educational model that began in 2016. The intent of the program is to facilitate Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) students as force multipliers to teach educational classes to soldiers.

A partnership was formed in 2016 between the 3rd Infantry Division at Fort Stewart and the University which has allowed DPT students to educate numerous soldiers on various topics related to injury prevention.

Georgia Southern’s Tactical Athlete Certificate is a fully online educational model that was developed in 2021 to provide soldiers with injury prevention education via three college courses, each condensed into a three-week time frame. The intent of both educational models is to better educate soldiers on how to develop evidence-based physical training programs to improve physical readiness while minimizing injury risk.

Last updated: 5/2/2024

Georgia Southern University’s Business Innovation Group wins international recognition from InBIA

Georgia Southern University’s Business Innovation Group (BIG) returned home from San Antonio, Texas, with high honors from the International Business Innovation Association (InBIA) during its annual awards ceremony, which recognizes excellence in entrepreneur support. 

In an awards ceremony held during the 38th annual International Conference on Business Incubation, BIG received four awards including two of the organization’s most prestigious accolades, the Dinah Adkins Award for Non-Technology-Based Entrepreneur Support Organization of the Year, and the Randall M. Whaley Award, which is InBIA’s highest honor.

The Statesboro BIG location was named the Mixed-Use Entrepreneur Support Organization of the Year, while the Metter Business Incubator location received the Rural Entrepreneurship Support Organization of the Year. 

“I am honored that the InBIA recognized our efforts at the Georgia Southern University Business Innovation Group with the highest accolades for the support we offer to entrepreneurs,” said Dominique Halaby, DPA, director of the BIG and associate vice president for innovation. “These awards highlight the hard work the BIG teams put into making our business incubators an incredible resource for budding businesses and furthering our mission to advance the economic growth of our region.” 

BIG works to build an ecosystem throughout the state of Georgia to help entrepreneurs create, incubate and accelerate their for-profit business enterprises. BIG facilitates access to University resources, creates opportunities for student experiential learning and fosters an environment that supports a growth mindset throughout the state.

“Through the InBIA awards program, we celebrate exceptional organizations that catalyze entrepreneurship for their communities,” said President and CEO of InBIA Charles Ross. “Congratulations to the Georgia Southern University Business Innovation Group on their well-deserved recognition. Their commitment to high-quality programming, organizational excellence and community impact is truly inspiring.”

InBIA is a global nonprofit empowering entrepreneur support organizations in every U.S. state and in over 30 countries. With over 39 years of experience, InBIA has been a guiding force in providing industry best practices, fostering collaboration, mentorship and the exchange of innovative ideas for entrepreneurs worldwide. InBIA is the go-to organization for business incubators, accelerators, coworking spaces and other entrepreneurship centers.

Last updated: 5/6/2024

Georgia Southern engineering students win multiple awards at ASCE Southeast Symposium

Georgia Southern University’s American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) student chapter clutched several top finishes, including multiple first place honors for engineering at the 2024 ASCE Southeast Symposium held in Orlando in March.

The Symposium is an annual event that gathers civil engineering students from universities across a designated region to compete, collaborate and learn. It features a series of competitions designed to challenge students in practical and theoretical aspects of civil engineering. 

“By partaking in this hands-on and competitive event, students practice the application of engineering principles, theory and best practices,” said Gustavo Maldonado, Ph.D., professor in the Department of Civil Engineering & Construction and faculty advisor. “They gain valuable experience in structural design, advanced computational structural analysis, fabrication processes, construction planning and organization, project management and teamwork.”

At the event in Orlando, Georgia Southern students competed against — and outperformed — students from other prestigious universities in Georgia and Florida, including Georgia Tech, University of Georgia, University of Miami, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University and more.

Georgia Southern took first place in two categories in the Steel Bridge competition, in which students designed, fabricated and constructed a scale model of a steel bridge. The model was tested for structural efficiency, lightness, stiffness, construction speed and aesthetics among other criteria.

Anu Pradeep, ASCE student chapter president, was a member of the winning steel bridge team and says the experience has been irreplaceable in her career growth.

“ASCE has been my gateway to so many individuals, whether it’s through networking or by finding like-minded individuals within my major,” Pradeep said. “If Anu from two years ago could look at herself now, she would be extremely proud of the consistent growth displayed in all aspects of her life. Each victory isn’t just a personal achievement, but a testament to the woman I am and my dedication to engineering.”

The team also included students Ana Lanza Hernandez, Georgia Brown, Evan Hall, Trenton Clover, Dale Lee and Hunter Smallwood.

Georgia Southern students David Anderson, DJ Lee, Hunter Smallwood and Ethan Dent also took first place in the UESI Surveying competition, in which students performed precise surveying tasks using tools and techniques like total stations and GPS.

“This competition requires students to know how to survey, develop topographs, conduct measurements using pacing and the total station, along with having adept problem-solving skills related to actual issues engineers encounter in the field,” said Pradeep. “Moreover, they are required to present their pre-competition tasks, and perform field surveying the day of competitions.” 

In the Concrete Canoe Competition, a long-term symposium project, students construct and race a functional canoe made of concrete. ASCE members Bennet Toci, Grant Grosch, Stefon Persaud, Ryan LaPradd and Noble Langston took second place out of 18 schools for their project proposal. 

“Our students were able to test samples in the fall, and eventually started the mixing process and laid out the concrete on the mold in February, which typically needs a curing process of 28 days,” said Pradeep. “However, due to our materials arriving late, we did not get the full 28 days. Instead, we were only able to cure for around 21 to 24 days. Then the canoe was painted, the stands for it were made, and we headed to Orlando.”

This isn’t the first time that Georgia Southern’s ASCE chapter has been honored at the ASCE Southeast Symposium. The student chapter also earned several awards at the 2022-2023 symposium, the first year back after the COVID-19 pandemic. In that year, the students ended up winning first in Surveying, second in Steel Bridge Aesthetics, third in Steel Bridge Lightness, National Top Ten for Geo-Wall and third in Mystery. The team also created one of our best quality produced concrete canoes, GS Southern Rock III.

This year’s symposium was a huge accomplishment for the chapter, as many of the awards received were first-time awards for Georgia Southern. 

“It was our first time successfully completing the Timber-Strong project and our first-ever win for the Concrete Canoe in the university’s recent history,” Pradeep said. “Even our professors can’t remember the last time we won anything for the canoe.”

The ASCE student chapter plans to attend the Southeast Symposium again in 2025, and its student members are working to continue to grow the organization. For more information contact gasouthernASCE@gmail.com.

Last updated: 4/24/2024

Harmonies and healing: Georgia Southern’s RiteCare Center forms singing group to aid in Parkinson’s Disease therapy

If you asked Alyson Brinkley what her favorite day of the week was, her answer of “Monday” might surprise you. 

But Monday mornings are her favorite because Brinkley, a graduate student in the Communication Sciences and Disorders (CSDS) program at Georgia Southern University, teams up with fellow students and faculty to sing and harmonize while simultaneously helping Parkinson’s disease (PD) patients with therapy. 

Through a unique and collaborative singing group called the Savannah Songbirds, the RiteCare Center for Communications Disorders uses this group to raise awareness of PD while providing therapeutic support through the power of music.

“It is the best part of my week and the best way to start my Monday morning,” Brinkley said. “It has enhanced my experience as a student by providing a unique experience I would not have received at any other school. The Savannah Songbirds is the only choir for people with Parkinson’s in the nearby area.” 

Founded in 2023 by Tory Candea, clinic coordinator for the RiteCare Center, the Savannah Songbirds gather weekly for rehearsals. Inspired by The Parkinson Voice Project, the group’s formation reflects Candea’s dedication to functional communication, community engagement and enriching the lives of those battling neurological diseases.

“The therapeutic benefits of music and vocal exercises for PD patients are profound,” Candea said. “PD often impairs communication by affecting the muscles involved in speech production. Through singing and vocal exercises, individuals engage these muscles in a demanding yet enriching manner, enhancing communication abilities and overall quality of life.”

Candea partnered with Associate Professor of Voice Emily Grundstad-Hall, DMA, from the Gretsch School of Music to enhance the Savannah Songbirds choir. Grundstad-Hall directs the choir, facilitates the rehearsals, selects music and helps organize an end-of-semester concert. 

“This is a great collaboration between the two departments,” said Grunstad-Hall. “There has always been a positive outlook on departments and schools working together ‘across the curriculum.’ Singing is housed in the arts and speech is housed in health professions, but singing and speaking use the same instrument/anatomy to achieve a goal. It makes sense that we would work well together.” 

During their sessions, the Savannah Songbirds learn a repertoire of songs, including classics like “Moon River,” “Danny Boy,” “That Old Black Magic,” “Dona Nobis Pacem” and “Give Me Your Tired.” 

“I have enjoyed the collaboration with my colleagues and students in the CSDS department,” Grundstad-Hall said. “The singers that participate in the choir are amazing and I benefit from the community that being in a choir can bring. We are all working toward a common goal and we get to do it by singing songs. What could be better than that?!”

Participants describe the experience as both enjoyable and rewarding, highlighting the therapeutic value of music in their journey with PD, Candea said. Students like Moriah Pearce, also a graduate student in the CSDS program, see the benefits of participating. 

“This experience working with these individuals has cemented my passion for working with individuals with Parkinson’s disease,” said Pearce, whose interest in working with PD patients developed in her undergraduate coursework at Texas Woman’s University. “It has provided me with experience outside of a therapy room in a different environment. It is rewarding to see these individuals who are motivated and happy to be part of this wonderful group.”

Like Brinkely, Pearce describes the Monday meetings as her favorite way to start the week. 

“The most rewarding part of being in this choir is being part of a program that provides a sense of community and camaraderie for these individuals,” Pearce said. “Our weekly meetings provide these individuals an opportunity to spend time with people who may have the same or similar experiences with PD and who have a passion for music.” 

Seeing the motivation of participants has also been rewarding for Brinkley. 

“The most rewarding part of the choir is to see the members sing when they thought that their singing voices would be diminished due to Parkinson’s,” Brinkley said. “Although Parkinson’s is a progressive neurological condition, our members show up every Monday to rehearse. Some travel from South Carolina to be a part of the choir. It is so rewarding to see such strong motivation and to create a safe space for members to sing with their new voices and recognize what they are capable of.”

For the clinicians and faculty involved, the collaboration represents a unique opportunity to provide evidence-based therapy creatively and engagingly. By integrating music into therapy sessions, they aim to enhance outcomes and promote community service-minded efforts.

“Overall, working with the Savannah Songbirds has been immensely educational and rewarding, and one of the most enjoyable experiences of my professional career,” Candea said. “Being afforded the opportunity to provide evidence-based speech therapy services in a less traditional way has been engaging. Learning to enhance outcomes and the enjoyment of treatment through the addition of creative arts has been eye-opening. Promoting the importance of community service-minded efforts has been gratifying.” 

The Savannah Songbirds will host their next performance in the Fine Arts Auditorium on the Armstrong Campus on April 29 at 11 a.m. The event is free and open to the public. 

The partnership between the CSDS program, music department, and RiteCare Center offers a multitude of benefits for both PD patients and the broader community. Beyond therapeutic support, the collaboration fosters awareness and education about PD while showcasing the diverse programs offered by the RiteCare Center.

For those seeking assistance, the RiteCare Center for Communication Disorders, located in the Armstrong Center, offers comprehensive evaluation and treatment services for individuals of all ages impacted by speech, language, cognitive, or swallowing disorders.

Last updated: 4/24/2024