BACCHUS Alumni Newsletter
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Winter 2007 
 Alumni Newsletter
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Dear Alumni and Friends:

Welcome to another edition of the Alumni Newsletter. We hope you enjoy our recap of General Assembly, Alumni news and job postings.

Be on the lookout for the Alumni Survey to come out in early March. We look forward to hearing your feedback!

 Alum Highlight
 Mahaliel " J.R" Bethea

Alum 4 Alma Mater:

University at Albany, State University of New York
Degree: B.A in Political Science
Graduation Year: 2006, Cum Laude


Former peer education group:

Middle Earth Peer Assistance Program

Current position or job:

Faculty Advisor- Congressional Youth Leadership Council 2007 Teach for America Corps Member- New York City

Story:

After graduation I was a little unsure my next step. All I knew was that I needed a job and FAST! A BACCHUS Committee representative that I served with suggested that I apply for a position with the Congressional Youth Leadership Council. She said it would be the perfect job for me. I took her advice and applied for a position as a faculty advisor for the Junior National Youth Leaders Conference. I interviewed and was hired a few weeks after I had graduated. It was such as amazing experience, I switched programs and signed on with the National Youth Leaders State Conference at the end of the summer.

I currently work as a Faculty Advisor for the National Youth Leadership State Conference. My job is to teach leadership curriculum through the scope of internal reflection. I work with 8th and 9th graders all over the country working to show them their strengths and weaknesses in a variety of topics, as well as show them how to lead and understand their the styles and techniques they can use to lead their fellow peers. As of fall 2007, I will join the Teach for America New York City Corp as a secondary social studies teacher.


What drew you to this profession?

The chance to watch change happen. Since I was young, it was my goal to make change any way I could. Working with youth is something I have always enjoy, so joining the teaching profession has giving me the opportunity to work towards shaping the minds of our youth.

How do you use your skills as a peer educator in your job now?

My peer educator skills are put to work every second of the day when working with youth. From dealing with conflict resolution, or using the public speaker skills I gained from my time as a peer educator with Middle Earth, there is NO DOUBT is my mind that my time as a peer educator shaped my ability to be the educator that I am right now.

Do You Know of an Alum We Can Highlight???

We are looking to highlight a BACCHUS Alum each newsletter. If you know of someone, or would be comfortable in being interviewed yourself, please contact Valerie (valerie@bacchusnetwork.org). We want to hear about your accomplishments! :-)

 


 GA Re-cap
 Anaheim, CA

Julie Alum The Alumni Leadership Team was in full force - meeting, presenting, and letting all those interested of a great way to stay involved with The BACCHUS Network after college. Represented this year by our 2002-2003 Student Trustees, Valerie Mendralla and Scott Shields, from the Alumni Leadership Team. Scott and Val hosted a senior reception for 40 graduating seniors, presented programs and awards in Anaheim.

Valerie Mendralla and Scott Shields also presented their program on how to prepare yourself as you are getting ready to graduate and either continue on into higher education or enter the work place. This year’s attendance for this program nearly doubled and is a great sign that BACCHUS is a great venue to present the program. With rave reviews from the comment sheets, it was truly a success. We are hopeful that this program will be presented at each General Assembly.

After last year's successful debut, we continued the silent auction at this year's General Assembly. Participation from those donating items and those placing bids was intense. In the end, over $9,500 was raised for BACCHUS! Special thanks to Miriam Nicklaus of Tallahassee Community College and volunteer Florida State Coordinator for organizing this very successful charity event.

Every year at General Assembly, the Alumni Leadership team recognizes two individuals as an outstanding new alumnus and an outstanding alumnus. The award for Outstanding New Alumnus went to Ann Goding. She was a leader in her peer education group at Hastings College. She is described as “an advisor’s dream, she is self- motivated, intelligent, dedicated, reliable and through.” Ann was also widely recognized as a leader on her campus as she was recognized in campus’ Who’s Who at graduation. Throughout her time as a peer educator, Ann chaired events that always surpassed their goals. During her junior year, she traveled to Uganda and witnessed the AIDS epidemic first hand. The immense suffering she witnessed motivated her to initiate and organize a dinner and silent auction fundraising event in hopes to raise funds for prevention efforts in Uganda. The event raised $3,000 – three times the goal for the event. Ann is currently pursuing a Masters in Public Health and interning at the CDC. Ultimately, she would like to earn a Ph.D. and teach epidemiology and/or life sciences at a college or university.

Julie (Weissbuch) Knost (pictured above) from Bradley University received the Outstanding Alumnus at the 2006 General Assembly. Julie is described as a very enthusiastic, creative, and dedicated individual. During her four years at her at Bradley University, she was involved with many aspects of wellness including HIV/AIDS education and alcohol awareness. She was the “catalyst in improving [the campus’] programs in many ways.” Her work helped the campus gain its first recognition by the Inter Association Task Force on Alcohol and Other Substance Abuse Issues as one of the top 10 programs in the country for their yearlong work. Her work also prompted the peer education group to attend their first BACCHUS conference in the spring of 1999. Currently, Julie is working as a tobacco prevention specialist in Arizona and her recommendation stated that “Prevention is not just something [she] ‘does,’ but rather it is something that she is.” Julie is an educator, a leader, and a role model.

Congratulations to both of our outstanding alumnus! If you know of someone that you feel should be nominated for one of these awards please contact Terry Tumbarello at tumbaret@uww.edu or visit the Alumni website.

See You in Atlanta!


Read more in the last issue of the Peer Educator 


 Job Postings
 

We are looking for a Health Educator in our Temple Health Empowerment Office. Here is the posting:
SUMMARY OF POSITION:
The Program Coordinator (Health Educator) provides direct health education/health promotion services designed to empower students to make healthier choices to the Temple community via individual education sessions and group based activities. Topics include, but not limited to, sexual & reproductive health, time and stress management, nutrition, tobacco and other priority health concerns. Conducting presentations and trainings along with developing, implementing and evaluating health promotion programs in a variety of topic areas will be key functions for this position. The health educator will co-supervise peer health educators and is expected to work collaboratively across the University in programming and committee participation. Evening and occasional weekend hours will be required. This position is based at the Temple University Main Campus and will require occasional travel to other campuses in the Philadelphia region.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS OF POSITION:
1) Develop, implement and evaluate health promotion programs targeting priority health issues among the undergraduate population on 4 Temple campuses.
2) Conduct individual health education sessions on a range of health topics.
3) Coordinate and conduct presentations in residence halls, academic classes and with registered student organizations.
4) Supervise undergraduate peer educators in the development, implementation and evaluation of programming and outreach events.
5) Develop appropriate programs/campaigns for specific target populations (academia, athletes, new students) on health and wellness related topics.
6) Maintain ongoing efforts to remain current on contemporary and emerging health issues.
7) Assist the coordinator in the collection of health related data on Temple students.

OTHER DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
1) Supervise the functions of the office in the absence of the Coordinator.
2) Assist with the development of office policies and procedures.
3) Assist in the development of short and long range goals and project planning.
4) Assist in the collection and analysis of data related to health behaviors and program planning and performance.
5) Serve as departmental representative to key Division of Student Affairs and University-wide committees.
6) Supervise academic interns and volunteers.
7) Other duties as assigned

DIMENSIONS:
A. People Supervised: Peer Health Educators, Undergraduate Student Interns, Volunteers
B. Operating Budget: N/A
C. Education and Experience: Masters plus experience preferred; Bachelors Degree with a minimum of 2 years related experience
D. Other Pertinent Data: Excellent organizational and program development skills, outstanding presentation and communication skills
Equipment Used: General office equipment, computers, printers, fax, etc.
Physical Requirements: Must be able to lift and transport materials for workshop presentations and to travel between campuses.
Note: This description incorporates the most typical duties performed. It is recognized that other related duties not specifically mentioned may also be performed. The inclusion of these duties would not alter the overall evaluation of this position.

JOB QUALIFICATIONS:
The Program Coordinator (Health Educator) provides direct health education/health promotion services designed to empower students to make healthier choices to the Temple community via individual education sessions and group based activities. Topics include, but not limited to, sexual & reproductive health, time and stress management, nutrition, tobacco and other priority health concerns. Conducting presentations and trainings along with developing, implementing and evaluating health promotion programs in a variety of topic areas will be key functions for this position. The health educator will co-supervise peer health educators and is expected to work collaboratively across the University in programming and committee participation. Evening and occasional weekend hours will be required. This position is based at the Temple University Main Campus and will require occasional travel to other campuses in the Philadelphia region. Performs other duties as assigned.

REQUIRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:
Bachelors Degree with a minimum of two years related experience. An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.
Required Skills and Experience:
Excellent organizational and program development skills. Outstanding presentation and communication skills. Supervisory experience. Ability to work independently and in group settings. Ability to interact with people of all constituent groups. Demonstrated ability to handle and prioritize diverse tasks in a fast paced environment.

CONTACT:
Dina Stonberg, MPH Coordinator, THEO Program
(215)204-3854
FAX to (215)204 -9710
stonberg@temple.edu


Alcohol and Other Drug Health Educator
The Student Health Center at American University in Washington, DC has an opening for a health educator specializing in alcohol and other drugs.
Salary Range: $38,000 to $43,000 USD per Year
This position is responsible for the development and implementation of strategies and programs and providing outreach education and assessment in the areas of health and wellness particularly related to alcohol, tobacco and other drug use among university students. Specific responsibilities include counseling students referred by health practitioners, and developing, presenting and evaluating topic specific programs for small and large groups. This position assists in the developing, implementing and supervising of a peer education program. Educational programs will cover broad areas and are not limited to programs on alcohol and other drugs but also may include programs on such topics as safe sex practices, infectious diseases, nutrition, and healthy living. This position is also expected to assist in the promotion and coordination of an annual wellness fair or conference. This position reports to the Director of the Student Health Center and involves interaction with students and the university community at large to influence positive behaviors. The Health Educator is expected to have a significant impact on the alcohol and other drug choices of students generally, and those living in residence specifically. The Health Educator works directly and collaboratively with other Campus Life and university departments on behalf of student needs around health, fitness and wellness. This position works with a moderate degree of autonomy.

Principal Accountabilities
1. (50 % of Time) Administers, organizes, implements, and presents alcohol
and other drug education programs for students. 2. (20 % of Time) Develops strategies and creates, coordinates, and provides programs to increase students' knowledge of other health and wellness issues including, but not limited to, HIV / AIDS, infectious diseases, smoking cessation, contraception, and stress reduction.
3. (15 % of Time) Facilitates the provision of one on one and group counseling education sessions on the use and abuse of alcohol and other drugs.
4. (10 % of Time) Works cooperatively with, and provides consultation to campus administrators, Student Health Center staff, student organizations, athletics, and Housing staff concerning alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs as well as other health and wellness topics. Establishes and maintains relationships with internal and external health services and agencies.
5. (5 % of Time) Other duties as assigned.

Core survey results indicate rates of alcohol and drug use among AU students that are at the national averages and speak to the necessity of a more coordinated approach to these issues. This position is the point person for this coordination and will provide services that are important from a risk management as well as educational perspective.

Minimum Qualifications
Masters degree in Health Education or health-related profession with a specialization in alcohol and other drug issues and 2 - 3 years experience in coordinating health education programs. Professional certification in Health Education and work with college students preferred.

Other Skills and Abilities Required: Flexibility to work in structured and unstructured learning environments and to interact as a team member with professional and administrative staff members. Sensitivity to the confidential nature of health related information.

Additional Information About the Position
This position complements the activities of another health educator in the Student Health Center and provides the level of staffing in this area that the American College Health Association recommends for a campus the size of AU.

Contact Information:
Sara Waldron
Dean of Students Office
American University
4400 Massachusetts Ave., NW 408 Butler
Washington, DC 20016
Phone: 202-885-3319
Fax: 202-885-1560
waldron@american.edu


Need CHES credit? Self-Study Options for CHES credits available through www.ebasedacademy.org

 


 BACCHUS Alum in New Music Video!
 Judson Laipply

Jud Alum See BACCHUS Alum, Judson Laipply, in the new Barenaked Ladies video “Sound of Your Voice” which debuted February 7. A great compilation of various YouTube stars.

To learn more about Jud, visit his website, www.evolutionofdance.com or click on his picture.


Watch the Video 


THANK YOU for helping us build a legacy of leadership.

Please feel free to contact any of the leadership team members for more information on the Alumni & Friends Programs.

Terry Tumbarello
Coordinator of the Alumni & Friends Leadership Team
Director of Community Development University of Wisconsin- Whitewater
Email: tumbaret@uww.edu

Scott Shields
Student Trustee 2002-2003
Email: scott@bacchusnetwork.org

Valerie Mendralla
Student Trustee 2002-2003
Email: valerie@bacchusnetwork.org

Nikki Finch
Student Trustee 1999-2000
Email: nikkifinch@studentleadership.net

Bob Ruday
Dean of Students, University of Tampa
Email: bruday@ut.edu

Tom Goodale
Executive Director Sigma Alpha Epsilon Fraternity
Board of Trustees
Email: tgoodale@sae.net

KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK!

Sincerely,