Idaho State University-Meridian’s NSSLHA Chapter awarded national honor for raising awareness about communication disorders

MERIDIAN—The National Student Speech Language Hearing Association has awarded the NSSLHA Chapter at Idaho State University-Meridian with 2018 Gold Chapter Honors.

The national organization lauded the Meridian student chapter for: 

• Increasing awareness among state and federal legislators about issues relating to communication sciences and disorders.
• Contributing to the American Speech-Language-Hearing Foundation’s NSSLHA Scholarship fund which provides scholarships for students in communication sciences and disorders programs.
• Helping the national student chapter raise more than $15,250 in the 2017-2018 NSSLHA Loves campaign. Proceeds went to the John Tracy Clinic, a global organization that provides services for children with hearing loss and their families.
• Supporting clients, students, and organizations in local communities and across the nation.

ISU-Meridian students spent a day at the state capitol this year, talking to lawmakers about legislative issues that impact the speech-language pathology community. They also participated in Rake Up Boise and the Buddy Walk for Down syndrome, volunteered at an assisted living complex and raised $700 at a cycling fundraiser at the CycleBar in Meridian. 

“Through collaboration and support from our members, officers, and advisers, our NSSLHA chapter at Idaho State University-Meridian has reached a new milestone and hopes to continue its commitment to our ever growing organization, university, and community for years to come,”  said co-presidents Thomas Gonzalez and Michaela Huntington. The two spearheaded activities that led to the national NSSLHA honor. 

National NSSLHA Chapter Honors are awarded to affiliated NSSLHA chapters that demonstrate an outstanding effort to inspire, empower, and support students in communication sciences and disorders programs.

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About the NSSLHA Chapter at Idaho State University-Meridian

The NSSLHA Chapter at ISU-Meridian includes both undergraduate and graduate students pursuing a career in the field of speech-language pathology and/or audiology.  Students learn what it means to be an involved professional within their community through activities focused on service, advocacy, fundraising and continuing education. 

About National NSSLHA

The National Student Speech Language Hearing Association is the only national student organization for pre-professionals studying communication sciences and disorders recognized by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. Established in 1972, National NSSLHA is headquartered in Rockville, Maryland, and supports 13,400+ members and 300+ chapters at colleges and universities nationwide.