Here at UI REACH, we are proud to have many opportunities to celebrate the achievements of our students. In this Summer 2024 Newsletter, we would also like to take a moment to shout out the phenomenal work of our staff and to welcome new team members.
Direct Support Professional (DSP) of the Year Award
UI REACH Lead Mentor Regan Trexel was honored recently by ANCOR as Iowa’s DSP of the year. Regan traveled to Santa Fe on April 10 to receive the prestigious award at ANCOR’s national conference. Regan is one of 35+ students employed by UI REACH to assist enrolled students in the residence halls, on campus, in the classroom, and at internship sites.
Regan is featured in ANCOR’s Recognizing Excellence magazine on page 34. Please read and enjoy the story on Regan’s award that was published on the UI College of Education’s website by Natalie Dunlap.
We are thrilled to have Trexel return for one final semester this fall. Congratulations to Trexel and all of our student workers who are awesome examples of the work it takes to have our students feel valued, respected, and included here on campus and beyond.
Intern Spotlight
Over the years, UI REACH has been fortunate to have great interns, and this year was no exception. Avari Everts, an occupational therapy doctoral candidate at St. Ambrose University, joined our team this spring and immediately found her stride. She assisted students with a variety of tasks in the classroom and in specialty settings like person-centered planning labs and capstones for seniors. Everts also produced amazing graphics for our use during her time here.
Abby Goldberg, our therapeutic recreation intern, also came to us this spring. She organized five skill sessions for students including a variety of topics focused on personal care. The sessions were entitled “REACH for the Skills” and often featured special guests and product giveaways.
Everts and Goldberg worked well together and did a training for staff on assistive technology and how it can be used to make everyday tasks easier at home, on the job, and in the classroom. As a result of their presentation, they also created a lending closet with adaptive equipment that our students can test out to find which tools are most helpful to them. Students will also be supported in purchasing tools of choice as needed.
We’re sorry to see Everts go but know that she will do great things wherever she lands. We’re thrilled to announce that Goldberg will officially join the UI REACH team as a career program specialist this fall.
Introducing Bart Sonnenberg
We are excited to welcome Bart Sonnenberg to our team as a student life program specialist. Previously, Sonnenberg worked as the director of academic support programs at the University of Idaho. He joins the UI REACH program to help students with their person-centered plans, manage the UI REACH student life mentors team, and more. “The success stories of UI REACH students are amazing, and I want to be involved in this program where I have the opportunity to help students develop and achieve their goals,” Sonnenberg says. “I look forward to sharing my knowledge to help UI REACH students maximize their college experience.”
New Center for Advancement (UICA) team
The College of Education welcomed three new members to our advancement team this year. Mae Parker serves as the executive director of development for the College of Education. Parker is supported by the new development officer, Izabel Foerstner, and an advancement associate, Kara Batcheller. Please welcome the newer members as you encounter them.
Mae Parker
Executive Director of Development
Izabel Foerstner
Development Officer
Kara Batcheller
Advancement Associate
Save the Date!
Please join us as we celebrate the appointment of William Loyd, Jr. to the Charles and Mary Sukup UI REACH Directorship. We also will recognize Charles and Mary Sukup, who, with their philanthropic gifts, established this prestigious position within the UI REACH program
The University of Iowa College of Education UI REACH Investiture Ceremony
Friday, September 6, 2024, at 3 p.m.
Old Capitol Senate Chamber
21 N. Clinton Street
Iowa City, Iowa
Thank you to our many donors who thoughtfully and generously contribute to our scholarship funds and other UI REACH initiatives through UICA. Your support means that 25 deserving students received scholarship awards in the 2023-2024 academic year, and an equal number will receive support in the 2024-2025 academic year through existing and newly established scholarship funds. Your financial support also enables us to continue to launch new initiatives like Project EXPLORE, Bridge Camp, and student participation in international studies.