JCU College of Health Newsletter - March 2025: Shaping the Future of Health & Wellness Education

As we advance toward becoming a nationally elite institution in health and wellness education, I want to thank every student, faculty, staff, and board member who contributed to our listening sessions. Your insights have been invaluable in shaping the College of Health's strategic direction for the next five years.

Together, we've refined a vision and mission rooted in Jesuit values—preparing ethical leaders in health and wellness who are committed to holistic, equitable, and socially responsible care. Through interdisciplinary education, experiential learning, and strong industry partnerships, we empower students to advocate for and implement transformative solutions that enhance health outcomes in all communities.

  • Developing Future Health & Wellness Leaders – Preparing an interdisciplinary, future-ready workforce.
  • Driving Healthcare Innovation – Advancing education and practice through emerging technologies.
  • Leveraging Cleveland's Health Ecosystem – Strengthening partnerships for hands-on learning.
  • Building a Resilient, Compassionate Workforce – Integrating holistic well-being into professional preparation.
  • Ensuring Financial Stewardship – Sustaining growth through strategic investments.

This is more than a plan—it's our commitment to shaping the future of healthcare. Together, we are Ethical Leaders. Innovative Thinkers. Compassionate Healers.

Melissa Cole
Dean, College of Health

JCU EMS

JCU EMS is a student-run organization of nationally certified EMTs dedicated to serving our campus. Our chief, Jake Gamble, an Exercise Science major, joined for the opportunity to engage in direct medical care, education, and training. Deputy chief Kaitlyn Kowalczyk, a Biology major, was drawn by her passion for healthcare and helping people in vulnerable states.

We offer a summer hybrid EMT certification class at a discounted rate using excess funds. Held at John Carroll and offered by University Hospitals, it meets in person just once a week, strengthening our department by connecting with incoming students. If you're interested, contact Jake Gamble at jgamble26@jcu.edu.

JCUEMS collaborates with campus organizations, including a skills pop-up lab with Pre-Med Society / Pre-CAA, Healthy Relationship Topics with the Wellness Center, and Narcan training for Labre. We'll also be at Kenston's STEAM night teaching K-5 students first aid and covering March events like club sport tournaments and a charity 5K. Looking ahead, we're planning a large-scale drill with the nursing department and University Heights Fire Department.

Student Photo

Student Highlight: Mariam Al-Saffar '22

As the first student to major in Public Health at JCU, I am dedicated to addressing health disparities and advocating for underrepresented communities. My passion for public health, rooted in cura personalis, drives my work with refugees and efforts to promote equitable healthcare. Balancing my Public Health major with a Pre-Med track, I apply my studies through service work, tutoring, and community engagement to create meaningful change. Through my studies and leadership role, I have gained a deeper understanding of how social determinants influence health outcomes and the importance of fostering inclusive, community-driven solutions.

Student Photo

Upcoming Events

JCU Health Professions Summit

Please join us for the inaugural JCU Health Professions Summit, on Saturday, April 5, 2025, from 2:00 – 5:00 PM in the Jardine Room within the D.J. Lombardo Student Center.

The event features a keynote presentation by Michael Anderson, MD, MBA, FAAP, FCCM '86, Principal at WittKieffer and former Senior Advisor for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

Michael Anderson

Michael Anderson, MD, MBA, FAAP, FCCM '86
Principal at WittKieffer

Alex Bierut

Alex Bierut, PA-C '18
Sleep Medicine, Cleveland Clinic Sleep Disorder Center

Dana Bierut

Dana (Bartolomeo) Bierut, BSN '18
Registered Nurse, University Hospitals

Parker Cavendish

Parker Cavendish, MD '17
Orthopedic Surgery Resident, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center

Emily Monteleone

Emily Monteleone, MBA '08
Director of Strategic Workforce Planning, Cleveland Clinic

This free event is open to all members of the JCU community, and includes hors d'oeuvres along with a hosted bar. For more information or questions, contact Tara Jenner-Donaldson, DMH, Director, Pre-Health Professions Program at tjennerdonaldson@jcu.edu or 216.397.1575.

Register Here

Alumni in Medicine Mass and Brunch

John Carroll University Pre-Medicine Society invites alumni physicians to our Second Annual Alumni in Medicine Mass and Brunch on Sunday, April 6. Mass will begin at 9:30 a.m. in St. Francis Chapel. After mass, brunch will be held at 10:30 am in the Jardine Room in the Lombardo Student Center.

Please RSVP by March 24th using this link to indicate if you have any dietary restrictions, or to note if you will be present for the brunch only.

If you have any additional questions or concerns, please feel free to reach out to premedicineclub@jcu.edu

Global Smile Foundation Fundraiser Dinner

We invite you to join us for a fundraising dinner on April 25 from 5:30 - 7:30 PM in the Dolan Science Center Atrium and Auditorium to raise money for the Global Smile Foundation to help fund life-changing comprehensive cleft care for underserved patients. For more information please contact Reina Katergi ('26) Chapter Founder and President at rkatergi26@jcu.edu

RSVP QR CodeScan the QR Code to RSVP!

News

Undesign the Red Line Event

On Monday, February 10th, the Pre-Health Professions staff hosted a discussion on redlining's impact on social determinants of health, with a focus on food deserts in Cleveland. Nursing students shared clinical insights on related health disparities, while attendees explored how JCU's Jesuit mission informs compassionate care. The exhibit ran from February 10th through March 6th.

Event Photo 1Event Photo 2Event Photo 3

JCU's Summer in the Heights Offers Pre-College Experience for High School Students

The one-week program, held July 14-18 at JCU's University Heights campus, offers high school students an immersive academic experience with six subject areas to choose from. Participants will engage with faculty, explore their interests, and connect with the surrounding community through hands-on learning and real-world applications.

The Health for the Whole Person course, led by nursing and exercise science faculty, offers insight into diverse healthcare careers. Students will develop practical skills, including CPR certification, while exploring holistic approaches to health and wellness.

The priority application deadline is March 20. For more information, and to apply to the program, please visit jcu.edu/summerintheheights

Health Education and Awareness League (HEAL)

HEAL is bringing Relay for Life back to JCU on March 30th! Sign up as an individual or a team to unite as a community in remembrance and support of cancer survivors and caregivers. All proceeds will go to the American Cancer Society. For more information or questions contact: iscarnecchia25i@jcu.edu

HEAL Event

Faculty & Alumni Updates

Dr. Jake Beiting '06

As the former head strength and conditioning coach of the Houston Astros, Dr. Beiting is currently working with Major League Baseball to measure anthropometric data of all major league hitters. This data will be used to create personalized strike zones for each player that will be used with the automated balls and strikes system. The "Robot Umpires" (or "Robo-umps") system will be used for this year's spring training major league games.

Nick Falbo (Exercise Science, '22)

Nick is entering his second year as a strength coach in the Miami Marlins minor league system. Nick is specifically providing the strength and conditioning services to all minor league players performing long term rehab at the team's facility in Jupiter, FL.

Mentor the Next Generation of Health Professionals

Do you work in healthcare or a healthcare-related field and are interested in mentoring current JCU College of Health Students? Please complete the survey form below to express your interest in providing networking, shadowing, or research opportunities for our students!

SUBMIT INTEREST FORM

We Value Your Feedback!

Help us make the College of Health newsletter a valuable resource by sharing your thoughts, suggestions, and stories. Let us know what topics interest you, how we can improve, or if you have an inspiring healthcare or education story to share.

Please send your input to coh@jcu.edu - we greatly appreciate your contributions!

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