The UIS campus was quiet on just another Friday evening but inside the PAC Restaurant tables were being set and a delicious aroma filled the air. It was October 28, 2016 and the UIS Sigma Phi Omega (SPO) Eta Chapter was preparing to add to its ranks with the induction of three new members; Sarah McCoy, Clarissa Shea, and Charlon Thomas.
During this invitation only ceremony and dinner, Dr. Carolyn Peck, Associate Professor of Gerontology and Department Chair for the Human Services Department at UIS, along with Ruth Bixby, SPO alumni, charged the highly deserving students with their duties and presented them with their certificates and pins. Esteemed colleagues and family members watched on as the background of the inductees was shared.
Sarah McCoy, a Program Service Specialist at SIU School of Medicine, is no newcomer to being acknowledged. She was awarded with the Harbinger of Goodwill Award in May 2016. A graduate of the UIS Bachelor’s of Social Work program, Sarah intends on pursuing a Master’s Degree in Social Work in addition to her current pursuit of a Master of Arts in Human Services, Gerontology concentration.
Clarissa Shea, an Admissions Counselor at UIS, was driven to pursue studies in Gerontology from a close and significant relationship with her grandparents. She has hopes of becoming an Ombudsmen in the future, in order to advocate for elderly living in facilities such as assisted living and nursing homes.
Charlon Thomas, a United States Air Force veteran, currently is employed as a Medical Assistance Consultant II with the Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services. She is the first person to earn a college degree in her family and plans to pursue a career in social services and as an advocate for those with disabilities and in the prevention of elder abuse.
Sigma Phi Omega, is one national Gerontology Honor Society, recognizes those studying aging and serving with and on behalf of the older population. The organization has been in existence for over 30 years, internationally, and has been a part of the UIS community since 1981.