Bill Youngs, EWU’s longest-serving faculty member and philanthropist, found out firsthand what a difference he makes recently when he visited with first-year occupational therapy (OT) graduate students presenting their research.
Youngs took his time meeting students, looking at their presentation posters and hearing about their research areas, such as assessing the impact of music and dance on dementia patients.
Held at the Health Sciences Building in the University District, the event also provided a great opportunity for students to thank Youngs for his support.
As an OT patient following a stroke a few years ago, Youngs was compelled to create the first OT-specific scholarship at EWU for Giving Joy Day last April. When Youngs met with the first four scholarship recipients in December, they all expressed their gratitude for his generosity and their surprise at receiving a scholarship at the graduate level.
For Spokane native Grace McEachran, the scholarship provided through Youngs’ gift enabled her to decrease work hours and focus more time on her education and future. She currently holds down three jobs, is active in her church and serves as president of EWU’s Student Occupational Therapy Association Club.
For Tori Ruiz, a first-generation student who is also Spokane native, receiving this scholarship was particularly special as she didn’t feel there was much of a chance of getting a scholarship as a graduate student. “A weight is lifted off. Thank you,” Ruiz said to Youngs.
Nikki Macy is working 20-30 hours a week, raising two children, and going to graduate school. She shared that, with all the juggling, she doesn’t feel like she can give everything to any one of these areas. The scholarship afforded her more time to spend with her family.
Sofie Yangursky, who is from Western Washington, came to Eastern because she heard so many good things about the OT program.
“People rave about it!” she said. “It is hands on and community based.” Growing up in an immigrant family, Yangursky shared that she is the only one in her immediate or extended family earning a master’s degree.
“Dr. Youngs’ gift is a gift with heart behind it,” said Serena Dewey, faculty-clinical assistant and academic fieldwork coordinator, given that Youngs inspiration stems from personal experience and successful rehabilitation after his stroke.
Youngs hopes that sharing the story about his personal recovery and subsequent gift will inspire others to give and increase awareness of the difference between occupational therapy and physical therapy.
The moment was indeed full circle as there was hardly a dry eye in the room after the students shared the impact that Youngs’ scholarship made in their lives
