GRCA Fall 2013 Newsletter_October Volume 2

8/13/2019 GRCA Fall 2013 Newsletter_October Volume 2

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Graduate Rehabilitation Counseling Association

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Dr. Noreen M.

Glover-Graf,

Rh.D.,is aprofessor at the

Department ofRehabilitationCounseling at the

University of Texas-Pan American and a

certifiedrehabilitation

counselor. Dr. Glover-Graf sets the standard of higheducational excellence not only for herself but also forher students. Through her diligent work she earned a

Doctorate degree and a Masters degree inRehabilitation from the Rehabilitation Institute atSouthern Illinois University, Carbondale.

Dr. Graf inspires our students through her

state of the art teaching, promotes curiosity and new

discovery through her research, and ultimately deliversknowledge, expertise, and creativity to the widercommunities we serve. This in turn prepares studentsto become lifelong learners, critical thinkers and

develop global perspectives.

Moreover, Dr. Glover-Graf has published avast number of professional peer-refereed publications,presented at conferences at the National and

International level and served on various committees.Universities gain their reputation by the quality of their

research, the excellence of theirprofessors, and theextent and impact of their research on issues ofsignificance. Dr. Glover-Graf is among one of ourexemplary strong leaders in the RehabilitationDepartment who has helped revolutionize the field of

Rehabilitation Counselling.

In addition, Dr. Glover-Graf hasuccessfully received funding for multiple gran

writing: In 2010 she was the Principle investigator o

The South Texas Border health Disparities centerfor the amount of $10,500. In 2010 she co-authoreTrauma among Iraq and Afghanistan Combat WaVeterans in South Texas: Re-entry and Adjustmentfor the amount of 2,750.00 just to name a few of he

successful grant writing.Dr. Glover-Graf has received various awards includin

the 2010 Appreciation Award form from CaliforniaState University, Los Angeles Veterans Forum, 2010Appreciation Award from the UTPA veterans

Services, and 2010 Whos who in America. 2009College Excellence in Teaching Award from UTPA.The Graduate Rehabilitation and Counseling

Association (GRCA) would like to Thank Dr. Glover-Graf for her continuous contribution to UTPA, GRCA

and department of Rehabilitation and Counseling.

Thank you Dr. Glover-Graf, Rh.D.,,

GRCA E-Board.

Ruth E. Medina, B.S.,(24) is graduate student in theRehabilitation Counseling Department at the


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University of Texas Pan-American. GRCA would liketo recognize Ruth Medina for his remarkable

accomplishments and contributions.

Medina graduated from UTPA in fall 2012 with aBachelor of Science in Rehabilitative Services with aDeaf Concentration.

In addition to her academic distinction she ispresently working as a graduate research assistant for

the Deans office under the supervision of AssociateDean Dr. Shawn P. Saladin, PhD., who has also served

as one of her academic mentors. She chose to seekguidance from him due to his positive attitude, theexcellence he conveys through his published works,

expertise in D/deaf culture and assistive technology.

Furthermore, Ruth proudly and actively serves as theHistorian for the Graduate Rehabilitation CounselingAssociation (GRCA). She takes the initiative and

strives to further enrich her learning experienceoutside of the classroom by attending local workshopsand conferences. Most recently through the GRCA shehas helped facilitate the annual TexasRehab Action

Network (TRAN) conference, as a result she is nowbeing scouted by directors from the Division of

Rehabilitative Services as a potential intern for theHouston area. Ruth direction plans include graduatingby December 2014 and sees herself working for theDepartment of Assistive and Rehabilitative Services inthe public vocational rehabilitation sector, and

continue the ideal collaboration among peers, agencies

and universities.In 2012 Ruth not only did she devote her time

to service learning projects including; The Job Club

for the Deaf, Valley I-Can but she also eagerly sought

training from Audiologist Patricia F. Roldan, M.A.CCC-A in areas of assistive technology including;transmitters, FM Systems and Soundfield System. She

strives for a high quality of education and todaycontinues to build on her professional development

which in turn will better prepare her to be an effectiveVocational Rehabilitation Counselor.Ruth is also s

2013 Rehabilitation Service Scholars (RSA) recipient.GRCA would like to recognize Ruth for continuing torepresent and service GRCA, The Rehabilitation

Department, UTPA and the community.

Thank you Ruth Medina,

GRCA E-Board

GRCA is proud to announce that 4 o

our members were recently published

in the Journal of Life Care Planning.

(25) Ur inary Tract Infections and Spinal Cord

InjuryNoel A. Ysasi

Irasema Silva

Mariel Guerrero

(77) Shoulder I njury and Pain amongPersons

with Spinal Cord I njur yNoel A. YsasiAlicia Brown

Irasema Silva

GRCA is proud to have members who strive for

academic excellence. Thank you for being an

inspiration. A special Thanks to Dr. Irmo Marin

as he is the Editor for this issue.

GRCA E-Board


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Disability Awareness Days (DADs)

October 2nd

& 3rd

2013GRCA assisted the Disability Services and the Texas

Department of Rehabilitative Services with its annualDisability Awareness Days (DADS) on October 2nd &3rd, 2013. The event was held at the Student Unionwith guest speakers Maria Morin and Raymond Salas,

Helen Al-Anon and Lillian Maya- US Veteran. DADsparticipants were able to obtain information on

disability and related services from communityorganizations and resources and experienced the

simulation activities. Additionally we had an estimated20 community agencies such as DARS, Palmer DrugAbuse, Abundant Grace, VEIL, Student Health

Services among many others. Students were able to

obtain a better understanding of the many servicesavailable while connecting with future intern sites andpotential employers. GRCA was proud to assist by

donating the coffee and sweets for the agencies as well

as with volunteers who assisted with the speakers andthe simulation activities.

Please visit/share the link below, Ms. Gail Fagan fromUniversity Relation was able to publish a story

regarding the event at the UTPA website.http://www.utpa.edu/news/index.cfm?newsid=4956

GRCA Baked Goods Fundraiser

October 3rd

, 2013GRCA hosted a Baked Goods Fundraiser oOctober 3rd from 11:45-1:15pm/Chapel Lawn a

part of the Office of Student Involvement GooEats events. Eventhough it was extremely hot athe members had a great time getting to know othe

student leaders. A special thanks to all the member

who donated items for the bake sale an

volunteered. Thank you for your dedications t

GRCA!

-Veronica Vera -Judith Wilson

-Jeniffer Trejo -Iris Zarazua

-Elisa Gutierrez -Alondra Gonzalez

-Jennifer Mora -Annilu Cano

-Daniela Barrios -Alicia Brown

-Oscar Garza -Ruth Medina

-Lauren Matthews -Yvonee Hopkins

-Jacklyn Chavez -Maribel Araiza

-Elijio Hinojosa -Veronica Vera

-Berenize Delgadillo - Irasema Silva
http://www.utpa.edu/news/index.cfm?newsid=4956http://www.utpa.edu/news/index.cfm?newsid=4956http://www.utpa.edu/news/index.cfm?newsid=4956http://www.utpa.edu/news/index.cfm?newsid=4956


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2nd

Annual Trunk or Treat

October 29, 2013GRCA participated at the 2

ndAnnual Trunk or Treat

that took place on Tuesday, October 29th at the

Edinburg Municipal Park. Our theme was TheSpooktacular Kitchen and our safety slogan wasHalloween night is lots of funs but if you see astrager run, run, run. The purpose of the event wasto provide a safe and fun environment wherechildren were able to gather candy for Halloween.Student organizations had the opportunity todecorate their vehicle in a Halloween theme and

provide a service to the community. Instead ofchildren going house to house to pick up candy, theywere able do so in the trunks of every vehicle.GRCAs main purpose is to serve UTPA and oursurrounding community and we accomplished thatgoal as a team. In addition to our Trunk theme

GRCA had two games free of charge for the

children and we distributed Halloween safetybrochures to the adults. Our safety slogan was

Thank you to all the members who donated items

for the event and volunteered their time. GRCA

appreciated you for your hard work and dedicationto the association!

A special Thanks to Estella Alaniz for all her hardwork with decorations. To all the members who

donated decorations/candy, volunteered and dressed

up for the event! You guys rock! We couldnt havedone it without you

Games created by GRCA members Alexandr

Palacios and Lauren Mathews.

Cristina Zavala handling the games line.


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GRCA to assist a D.A.R.S ConsumerGRCA was happy to donate a pedal exerciser to a

DARS consumer with limited resources. DARS &the consumer wanted me to extend a Thank you to

all the GRCA members and the department for their

dedication to the field or rehab. Thank you

Fall 2013 T-ShirtsGRCA ordered the t-shirts for the Fall 2013

semester. The design was a collaborative effort

between members. Members who paid their dueswill be receiving two t-shirts. GRCA was glad to

invite nonmembers, faculty and staff to purchase the

shirt and support GRCA.

Upcoming Events! UTPA Celebrates Veterans Day:GRCA will

be assisting the Veteran Services Center with

their annual Veterans Day Ceremony. Wewant to invite all members, faculty and staff to

attend the event which will be hosted onMonday, November 11 from 9:00 -10:00AM at

the Student Union Theater honoring all whohave served. Guest speaker is Senator Juan

Chuy Hinojosa. Refreshments will be served.

Adopt an Angel:GRCA will be participating othe UTPA 19th Annual Adopt and Angelproject. The goal of the program is to provide

gifts to UTPA students who receive need-based

financial aid and who have children. GRCA wil

be adopting two angels but we want toencourage all members, faculty and staff to join

us in this great cause. Angels will be availablefor adoption at the Office of Student

Involvement (University Center 205).

Members Social:GRCA would like to thank althe members for their hard work and dedicationtrough out this Fall 2013 semester by having amembers social at the Flamingo Bowl on Wed.Nov. 20 at 9:00pm.GRCA will be paying for 1

game and your shoe rental. THANK YOU!!!

Turkey Donation for the Edinburg Care Project

Food Drive: The City of Edinburg Parks andRecreation Department along GRCA will visit needfamilies in our community that will be identifiedthrough school districts, salvation army, city ofEdinburg etc. and donate full Thanksgiving turkeydinners with all the trimmings. Donations will helpmake Thanksgiving dinner possible for these

families.We ask of all faculty, staff and members thelp us by donating a turkey or monetary donationto exceed our goal. We will be collecting turkeys/ordonations until Friday. Nov. 23. Turkeys will bedelivered to families on Tues. Nov. 25. GRCA Goalis 25!! If you want to donate please [email protected] our secretary
mailto:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]


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Lorie Zamarripa [email protected]

GRCA Graduate Ceremony: GRCA would like topraise all the graduating members of the Fall 2013.

We will be having a graduation ceremony on

Tuesday, December 3rd

at 8:00pm at the StudentUnion Theater in which all faculty, staff and

members are invited. Graduates can invite parents.

During the event we will be awarding a GRCAgraduation stole and introducing our new E-Board

for the Spring & Fall 2014. We will have Dr. Marini

and Dr. Blankenship as key note speakers. A

reception will be scheduled after the ceremony withsomehors d'oeuvre.Further details will be sent out.

GRCA would like welcome new members. This is

our second semester as active organization with the

purpose of serving as an advocacy group in thesupport of disability rights at UTPA and the

community at large. Our meetings are every otherTuesday at 7:30pm in the HSHW Room1.404. Refreshments will be available!!! We

encourage you to stop by and find out the many

wonderful events we have planned for this semester!

Although we are an association comprised ofprimarily Health Sciences and Human Services

master students, we do welcome any other

graduate/undergraduate student wanting to get

involved.

Meetings for the Fall 2013Day: Tuesday

Time: 7:30pmLocation: HSHW Room 1.404

Tuesday, November 26, 2013Tuesday, December 3, 2013

Contact us with any questions/ concerns at :

Email:[email protected] or call

(956) 206-6554Like us on Facebook GR CA!!!

Or at the UTPA bronc linkhttp://utpa.collegiatelink.net/

For special accommodations or for mor

information please contac

[email protected] or call Lori

Zamarripa at (956) 206-6554

We look forward on seeing you during our nexmeeting!!

Thank you,

Graduate Rehabilitation Counseling Associatio

(GRCA)
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_hors_d%27oeuvrehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_hors_d%27oeuvre

GRCA Fall 2013 Newsletter_October Volume 2

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