UNION, N.J. - Building on its tradition of community service, Kean University recognized Physical Therapy Month by supporting two local ALS charities. First, Kean and Barnes & Noble College presented the ALS Association Greater New York Chapter with a $40,000 check, then hosted a special screening of "Hope on the Horizon" for the HARK Association.
In September, Kean University President Dr. Dawood Farahi invited the university community to join him in the now renowned Ice Bucket Challenge to celebrate the grand opening of the new Barnes & Noble College Bookstore at Kean. With over 200 members of the Kean University community participating, the event raised $40,000 to fight amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), a progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and the spinal cord, commonly known as Lou Gehrig's disease.
"Kean's student body has a strong history of community service, providing nearly 34,000 volunteer hours last year, so the Ice Bucket Challenge is another great example of how our students lend a hand to those in need," said Dr. Farahi. "ALS is a devastating illness and it was a privilege to see the university community pull together to support such an important cause."
Four years in a row, Kean has been named to the President's Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll, which recognizes institutions that achieve meaningful, measureable outcomes in the communities they serve.
"Our patients and the entire ALS family, greatly appreciate the generosity and commitment of Dr. Farahi and the Kean University and Barnes & Noble College Division communities," said John Nolan, Chief Development Officer for the ALS Association's Greater New York Chapter. "We are fortunate to count Kean University as one of our new friends, as together we partner to find a cure for this awful disease and improved treatments for those living with ALS."
The event also featured a viewing of the documentary "Hope on the Horizon," presented by HARK, a charitable organization dedicated to ALS. The documentary is designed to bring attention to ALS by chronicling four hikers as they navigate the 48 highest peaks in the White Mountains of New Hampshire.
Kean's Executive Director of Physical Therapy Dr. Shannon N. Clifford discussed plans for the University's pending Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) Program.
"Our goal is to be accredited as a program by the Summer of 2016 and to develop clinicians who can support treatment for ALS and many other illnesses," said Dr. Clifford. "We are approaching this program with the mindset of bridging the gap between education and clinical practice and plan on heavily engaging the clinical community."