University Letter

UND's faculty and staff newsletter

McBrien and Adams earn recognition from Global Friends Coalition

adams-and-mcbrien--50
With the New American family they volunteered with throughout the academic year are, from the left, Cynthia Shabb, Julia McBrien, Emily Adams, and Kathryn Kester.

On May 2, the Global Friends Coalition awarded occupational therapy graduate students Julia McBrien and Emily Adams the Occupational Therapy Student Award in recognition of their valuable contributions to Global Friends Coalition. The commitment they demonstrated to their New American family was above and beyond expectations. They exemplified compassion, problem solving, empathy, and engagement while working with their family. They always kept a positive attitude and a smile on their face.

Global Friends and the OT department have had an ongoing collaboration since 2014, partnering students with New Americans. The goal is to help New Americans connect to the greater Grand Forks community and provide students with the foundational skills for addressing occupational deprivation and advocating for clients. It has been extremely beneficial to both the New American family and the students, fostering ongoing friendship and support.

— Denis F. MacLeod, Assistant Director, Office of Alumni and Community Relations, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, 777.2733, denis.macleod@med.UND.edu