Community Outreach: September

Although the majority of us were savoring the final days of our summer vacation far away from Evanston on September 22, a few of our Illinois-based SAA members ventured into the city with Erica Wenner, Au.D. to participate in a health fair organized by the Northwestern University Medical School. Lauren, Nad, Lukas, and Sean set up a hearing screening station amid the variety of other services available. We'd like to thank the Medical School for the opportunity, and the Holy Family Lutheran Church of Cabrini Green for hosting the event.

Summer Updates

Consistent posting will resume shortly, now that our SAA members have returned from summer break and are ready to begin a new quarter back in Evanston. However, we were busy over the past few months, and have documented the highlights in our quarterly newsletter, which is available here.

Ricky Byrdsong Memorial Race Against Hate 2012

Our SAA chapter, along with representation from the Speech, Language, and Learning clinic, had a presence at this year’s Ricky Byrdsong Memorial Race Against Hate. This race, which took place on Sunday, June 17, was created to honor the legacy of Ricky Byrdsong and bring attention to the need to combat hatred in all forms. Proceeds from the event benefit the work of the YWCA Evanston/ North Shore, especially in areas of violence prevention and racial equality. The event consists of timed 5K and 10K runs, a 5K walk and a fun youth mile. Afterwards at Long Field, there are many tents and tables providing refreshments, music, community information, and fun for the whole family. Our SAA group was set up with our sound level meter mannequin, Kenny Pow-ears, to test the earbuds of the runners after they had finished the race. SAA members tested many sets of earbuds, advised people about safe listening levels, and promoted the clinical resources available to the community. 

 Eric Barrett, SAA Alumni Relations chair, poses with Kenny Pow-ears, our sound-level-meter mannequin.

L-R: Lauren Pasquesi, President; Eric Barrett, Alumni Relations Chair; Emily Love, Community Outreach chair; Sumitrajit Dhar, PhD; Diane Novak, Au.D.; Judith Greifer, Marketing Director of the NU SLL clinic.

Bake Sale

NU SAA's fundraising committee organized a bake sale this past week.  SAA members baked their favorite treats and everything was sold for $1 to benefit our chapter.  We raised an astounding total of $277!  Looks like there are some fabulous bakers in our organization!  See all the delicious goodies below.

YUM!

SAA Tailgate Social Event

Many of our SAA members donned sunglasses and purple to tailgate Northwestern's Spring Exhibition on April 14th.   While the NU football team scrimmaged, NU SAA grilled hot dogs and enjoyed the day.  It was a nice way to unwind on the weekend!

Eric '14 and Tracey '13 having fun

Becca '14, Emma '14, and Lauren '14 hanging out

Nick, Ariel '13, Dani '13, and Eric enjoying some food and coffee

Most of the group

AudiologyNOW!

Many of our students attended the American Academy of Audiology AudiologyNOW! convention in Boston, MA.  A great time was had by all!  Students attended educational sessions, met students from other universities, networked with current audiologists from around the country, and learned valuable information about audiology-related products on the show floor.  Our alumni meet-and-greet evening was a success.  A big thank you to the alumni who joined us!   We hope to see all of you again at AudiologyNOW! 2013.

Welcome sign for AudiologyNOW! 2012 in Boston, MA

The Boston Convention and Expo Center where the convention was held

The show floor!

Claire '13 showing off the SAA poster

An up-close view of the poster.  Looks great!

From Left: Courtney '13, Meghann '13, Ariel '13, and Erin '13

Meghann '13 meeting Wally the Green Monstah

From Left: Lauren '14, Emma '14, Becca '14, and Jamie '14

Most of the group and a few alumni at our SAA Alumni Meet & Greet

From Left: Lauren '14, Sean '14, and Becca '14 enjoying a clambake dinner

SAA Mission Statement

The Student Academy of Audiology is the national student organization of the American Academy of Audiology that serves as a collective voice for students and advances the rights, interests, and welfare of students pursuing careers in audiology. The SAA introduces students to lifelong involvement in activities that promote and advance the profession of audiology, and provides services, information, education, representation and advocacy for the profession and the public we serve.

Polar Plunge

This past weekend many members of NU SAA participated in the 2012 Polar Plunge to benefit the Special Olympics of Illinois.   The Northwestern Audiology team raised a total of $2,944.26!  A big thank you to our NU SAA members, family and friends!  Plungers braved the ice-cold waters of Lake Michigan dressed as an audiogram.  Clever!  Scroll through the pictures below to get an idea of what the event was all about and just how dedicated our student ice-cubes were.

Frozen beach

Assembling the costumes

Lauren '14, Sean '14 and Jamie '14

Meghann '13

Emily '13 plunging for loved ones

Already chilly :)

Meghann '13 and Courtney '13

The plungers (from left): Lauren '14, Sean '14, Emily '13, Meghann '13, Jamie '14, Courtney '13, Emma '14 and Becca '14

Braving Lake Michigan!

 

 

 

Warming up!

SAA Outing - SUSHI

All-You-Can-Eat Sushi was the theme of our latest SAA Outing.  Everyone ate as much as they could and had a great time cleaning their plates! YUM!

Sean '14 and Eric '14

Claire '13 and Tracey '13

Ariel '13, Gabby '13, Anna '13

Namita '13 and Meghann '13

Ben '13, Lauren '14, Lukas '14, Jamie '14

Britta '14, Nathan, Emma '14

Jamie '14, Courtney '13, Namita '13

Namita's fancy sushi!

This about sums it up.  (Emily '13 and Ben '13)

Ice Skating

A few SAA members enjoyed Chicago winter in style by ice skating at Millennium Park right near the Bean.  A great time was had by all!

Classic Chicago outing!

(From Left): Meghann '13, Nad '13, Erin '13

Skates!

ILAA

Some of our SAA members volunteered at and attended the Illinois Academy of Audiology (ILAA) convention in February.  Everyone had a great time meeting new people and attending interesting talks about our field!

Lots to see and do!

Student Volunteers (from left): Anna '13, Meghann '13, Courtney '13, Nad '13

Sound Experience

Four times a year, audiologists from Children's Memorial Hospital organize an event called "Sound Experience" for parents and families of children with hearing loss.  The parents listen to a speaker, have a discussion, and get to know each other while the kids play with student volunteers in another room.  Many of our SAA student members have volunteered their Saturday afternoons to spend some quality time playing with play-doh, making beaded necklaces, and playing tag with the kids.  A great time is had by all!

Craft time!

Playing with Play-Doh

Lots to color!

Some NU SAA members hard at work :)

Yummy snacks for the kids

2nd Years (From Left): Meghann, [Matt], Nad, Claire, Emily, Dani