On May 3, the Counseling Center presented the 2017 Robert P. Larsen Human Development Awards. The award, named after a long-time Counseling Center staff member, has been presented annually since 1992. The award recognizes those in our campus community who are working to make a difference, enhance student development, and maximize student capabilities to make effective and satisfying life choices. This year's recipients were Patricia Morey and the College of Law Mindfulness Meditation Program.
Patricia Morey, Director, Women’s Resources Center
Patricia has worked tirelessly on behalf of our students and strived to make our campus a more socially just place for more than 25 years. She'll be retiring from the university next month. As one of the people who nominated Pat stated, “Pat's greatest legacy will be her advocacy services. She has helped countless students heal from gender-based violence by providing support, short-term counseling, advisement within the student discipline process, help in making a police report or getting an order of protection, academic accommodations, and more. Her services, to quote a student, ‘save lives.’”
College of Law Mindfulness Meditation Program
College of Law professors Suja Thomas and Heather Simmons know that law school is stressful and that this stress can take its toll on students. That’s why they’ve worked together to promote mindfulness and meditation for students there. This year, they have been hosting weekly mindfulness meditation practices sessions in the law library and also have created a website of multiple resources for students that they call “How to Survive Law School without Losing Your Mind.” As a nominator wroted, “This mindfulness initiative and the broader attempt to make mindfulness and other wellness resources available to students is a way to meet them where they are and allow them to build skills that will benefit them throughout their careers and lives."
This year's nominee pool was very competitive and a reflection of the many people on this campus who care deeply about the campus community and the students we serve. Thanks to everyone who nominated an individual or group for recognition!