Graduate Rehabilitation Counseling Association

Dr. Noreen M. Glover-Graf, Rh.D., is a

professor at the Department of Rehabilitation Counseling at the University of TexasPan American and a certified rehabilitation counselor. Dr. Glover-Graf sets the standard of high educational excellence not only for herself but also for her students. Through her diligent work she earned a Doctorate degree and a Masters degree in Rehabilitation from the Rehabilitation Institute at Southern 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 delivers knowledge, expertise, and creativity to the wider communities we serve. This in turn prepares students to become lifelong learners, critical thinkers and develop global perspectives. Moreover, Dr. Glover-Graf has published a vast 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 their professors, and the extent and impact of their research on issues of significance. Dr. Glover-Graf is among one of our exemplary strong leaders in the Rehabilitation Department who has helped revolutionize the field of Rehabilitation Counselling.

In addition, Dr. Glover-Graf has successfully received funding for multiple grant writing: In 2010 she was the Principle investigator of The South Texas Border health Disparities center for the amount of $10,500. In 2010 she co-authored Trauma among Iraq and Afghanistan Combat War Veterans in South Texas: Re-entry and Adjustment for the amount of 2,750.00 just to name a few of her successful grant writing. Dr. Glover-Graf has received various awards including the 2010 Appreciation Award form from California State University, Los Angeles Veterans Forum, 2010 Appreciation Award from the UTPA veterans Services, and 2010 Whos who in America. 2009 College Excellence in Teaching Award from UTPA. The Graduate Rehabilitation and Counseling Association (GRCA) would like to Thank Dr. GloverGraf 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 the Rehabilitation Counseling Department at the

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University of Texas Pan-American. GRCA would like to recognize Ruth Medina for his remarkable accomplishments and contributions. Medina graduated from UTPA in fall 2012 with a Bachelor of Science in Rehabilitative Services with a Deaf Concentration. In addition to her academic distinction she is presently working as a graduate research assistant for the Deans office under the supervision of Associate Dean Dr. Shawn P. Saladin, PhD., who has also served as one of her academic mentors. She chose to seek guidance from him due to his positive attitude, the excellence he conveys through his published works, expertise in D/deaf culture and assistive technology. Furthermore, Ruth proudly and actively serves as the Historian for the Graduate Rehabilitation Counseling Association (GRCA). She takes the initiative and strives to further enrich her learning experience outside of the classroom by attending local workshops and conferences. Most recently through the GRCA she has helped facilitate the annual TexasRehab Action Network (TRAN) conference, as a result she is now being scouted by directors from the Division of Rehabilitative Services as a potential intern for the Houston area. Ruth direction plans include graduating by December 2014 and sees herself working for the Department of Assistive and Rehabilitative Services in the 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 today continues to build on her professional development which in turn will better prepare her to be an effective Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor. Ruth is also s 2013 Rehabilitation Service Scholars (RSA) recipient. GRCA would like to recognize Ruth for continuing to represent and service GRCA, The Rehabilitation Department, UTPA and the community. Thank you Ruth Medina, GRCA E-Board

GRCA is proud to announce that 4 of our members were recently published in the Journal of Life Care Planning.

(25) Urinary Tract Infections and Spinal Cord Injury Noel A. Ysasi Irasema Silva Mariel Guerrero (77) Shoulder Injury and Pain among Persons with Spinal Cord Injury Noel A. Ysasi Alicia 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 Marini as he is the Editor for this issue. GRCA E-Board

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Disability Awareness Days (DADs) October 2nd & 3rd 2013

GRCA assisted the Disability Services and the Texas Department of Rehabilitative Services with its annual Disability Awareness Days (DADS) on October 2nd & 3rd, 2013. The event was held at the Student Union with guest speakers Maria Morin and Raymond Salas, Helen Al-Anon and Lillian Maya- US Veteran. DADs participants were able to obtain information on disability and related services from community organizations and resources and experienced the simulation activities. Additionally we had an estimated 20 community agencies such as DARS, Palmer Drug Abuse, Abundant Grace, VEIL, Student Health Services among many others. Students were able to obtain a better understanding of the many services available while connecting with future intern sites and potential 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 and the simulation activities. Please visit/share the link below, Ms. Gail Fagan from University 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, 2013

GRCA hosted a Baked Goods Fundraiser on October 3rd from 11:45-1:15pm/Chapel Lawn as part of the Office of Student Involvement Good Eats events. Eventhough it was extremely hot all the members had a great time getting to know other student leaders. A special thanks to all the members who donated items for the bake sale and volunteered. Thank you for your dedications to GRCA! -Veronica Vera -Jeniffer Trejo - Elisa Gutierrez - Jennifer Mora -Daniela Barrios -Oscar Garza -Lauren Matthews -Jacklyn Chavez -Elijio Hinojosa -Berenize -Judith Wilson - Iris Zarazua -Alondra Gonzalez -Annilu Cano -Alicia Brown -Ruth Medina -Yvonee Hopkins -Maribel Araiza -Veronica Vera Delgadillo Irasema Silva

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GRCA participated at the 2nd Annual Trunk or Treat that took place on Tuesday, October 29th at the Edinburg Municipal Park. Our theme was The Spooktacular Kitchen and our safety slogan was Halloween night is lots of funs but if you see a strager run, run, run. The purpose of the event was to provide a safe and fun environment where children were able to gather candy for Halloween. Student organizations had the opportunity to decorate their vehicle in a Halloween theme and provide a service to the community. Instead of children going house to house to pick up candy, they were able do so in the trunks of every vehicle. GRCAs main purpose is to serve UTPA and our surrounding community and we accomplished that goal as a team. In addition to our Trunk theme GRCA had two games free of charge for the children and we distributed Halloween safety brochures 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 dedication to the association! A special Thanks to Estella Alaniz for all her hard work with decorations. To all the members who donated decorations/candy, volunteered and dressed up for the event! You guys rock! We couldnt have done it without you

2nd Annual Trunk or Treat October 29, 2013

Games created by GRCA members Alexandra Palacios and Lauren Mathews.

Cristina Zavala handling the games line.

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GRCA to assist a D.A.R.S Consumer

GRCA 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

Upcoming Events!
UTPA Celebrates Veterans Day: GRCA will be assisting the Veteran Services Center with their annual Veterans Day Ceremony. We want to invite all members, faculty and staff to attend the event which will be hosted on Monday, November 11 from 9:00 -10:00AM at the Student Union Theater honoring all who have served. Guest speaker is Senator Juan Chuy Hinojosa. Refreshments will be served. Adopt an Angel: GRCA will be participating on the UTPA 19th Annual Adopt and Angel project. The goal of the program is to provide gifts to UTPA students who receive need-based financial aid and who have children. GRCA will be adopting two angels but we want to encourage all members, faculty and staff to join us in this great cause. Angels will be available for adoption at the Office of Student Involvement (University Center 205). Members Social: GRCA would like to thank all the members for their hard work and dedication trough out this Fall 2013 semester by having a members 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!!!

Fall 2013 T-Shirts

GRCA ordered the t-shirts for the Fall 2013 semester. The design was a collaborative effort between members. Members who paid their dues will be receiving two t-shirts. GRCA was glad to invite nonmembers, faculty and staff to purchase the shirt and support GRCA.

Turkey Donation for the Edinburg Care Project Food Drive: The City of Edinburg Parks and Recreation Department along GRCA will visit needy families in our community that will be identified through school districts, salvation army, city of Edinburg etc. and donate full Thanksgiving turkey dinners with all the trimmings. Donations will help make Thanksgiving dinner possible for these families. We ask of all faculty, staff and members to help us by donating a turkey or monetary donation to exceed our goal. We will be collecting turkeys/or donations until Friday. Nov. 23. Turkeys will be delivered to families on Tues. Nov. 25. GRCA Goal is 25!! If you want to donate please contact GRCA_UTPA2013@YMAIL.COM or our secretary 5|Page

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Lorie Zamarripa at GRCA_SECRETARY@YMAIL.COM GRCA Graduate Ceremony: GRCA would like to praise all the graduating members of the Fall 2013. We will be having a graduation ceremony on Tuesday, December 3rd at 8:00pm at the Student Union Theater in which all faculty, staff and members are invited. Graduates can invite parents. During the event we will be awarding a GRCA graduation 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 with some hors d'oeuvre. Further details will be sent out. Contact us with any questions/ concerns at : Email:GRCA_UTPA2013@ymail.com or call (956) 206-6554 Like us on Facebook GR CA!!! Or at the UTPA bronc link http://utpa.collegiatelink.net/

For special accommodations or for more information please contact grca_utpa2013@ymail.com or call Lorie Zamarripa at (956) 206-6554 We look forward on seeing you during our next meeting!!

Thank you, GRCA would like welcome new members. This is our second semester as active organization with the purpose of serving as an advocacy group in the support of disability rights at UTPA and the community at large. Our meetings are every other Tuesday at 7:30pm in the HSHW Room 1.404. 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 of primarily Health Sciences and Human Services master students, we do welcome any other graduate/undergraduate student wanting to get involved. Graduate Rehabilitation Counseling Association (GRCA)

Meetings for the Fall 2013

Day: Tuesday Time: 7:30pm Location: HSHW Room 1.404 Tuesday, November 26, 2013 Tuesday, December 3, 2013 6|Page