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Laughter, hugs, and proud stories filled the air as graduates from the first 10 years of Midwestern University’s Speech-Language Pathology (SLP) Program reunited this May on the Downers Grove Campus. The celebration marked a decade of incredible growth for the program and the hundreds of compassionate, career-driven clinicians it has launched into the world.

A Vision Realized

In a moving tribute during the ceremony, Associate Professor Kimberly Hoffer, M.A., CCC-SLP, honored the program’s founding leader, Fred Romano, Ph.D., Dean, College of Health Sciences, Downers Grove. “No one would be present today celebrating the Downers Grove Speech-Language Pathology Program if not for you. As representatives of 425 graduates, 19 full-time academic and clinical faculty, and 5 staff members over the past twelve years, this group gathered here is a result of your efforts. Your vision and your intent to add SLP to the College of Health Sciences were the impetus for creating this strong and highly respected program,” she said.

A Program Built on Pioneers

The program’s early cohorts began their journey while the (SLI) was still under construction, resulting in clinical observations scattered across 41 school partnerships. Once the SLI opened its doors, it quickly became an essential training ground for SLP students, providing them with hands-on clinical experience under the guidance of expert faculty mentors. Students gained real-world experience working with clients across the lifespan, while receiving close supervision and support.

This foundation helped shape the program’s emphasis on practical learning and high-quality care. Students were placed with clinical supervisors at the SLI and participated in multiple mini-placements before their full-time externships. Their success laid the groundwork for a growing network of preceptors and clinical experiences.

“You were the inspiration,” said Ms. Hoffer to members of the inaugural class. “With every passing quarter in which you succeeded, we could see the program taking shape.”

Alumni Reflections: Friendships, Growth, and Gratitude

Among the many voices at the celebration was April Seef Gabel, M.S. (CHS-SLP ’15), a member of the inaugural class and current alumni board representative. “I’m so grateful for the first-class education, top-tier learning opportunities, and the incredible, dedicated faculty and staff,” she said. “But what I want to especially acknowledge are the friendships and relationships I made, many of which still carry me today. MWU didn’t just give me a degree, it gave me lifelong friends, professional confidence, and a career that lets me be the SLP, mother, and wife I want to be.”

Her classmate Ashleigh Pierce, M.S. (CHS-SLP ’15), also spoke at the event. “Amongst the many memories of my time in the program, I will always remember when we sampled different pureed foods and thickened liquids in Dysphagia,” she said. “After trying pureed meat and thickened water, I will forever be grateful for my ability to eat solid foods and drink thin liquids.”

While some graduates couldn’t attend in person, alumni from across the years shared stories about their favorite memories and lasting takeaways from the program:

• “I’ll never forget my outpatient experiences at the Multispecialty Clinic. Every time I drive by the clinic, it brings back great memories, not only of my clients but also the friendships I built during the program.”
  — Lisa (Hotwagner) Hebda, M.S., (CHS-SLP ’19), SLP at Turning Wheels Pediatric Therapy
   
• “I remember treating my first pediatric client who said ‘lellow’ instead of ‘yellow.’ Mrs. Post peeked in and suggested a technique. After I tried it, the difference was immediate. That small piece of advice taught me how powerful small steps can be. That’s something I carry into every session today.”
  — Rainu Thomas, M.S., (CHS-SLP ’21), SLP at Addison Early Learning Center
   
• “I smile thinking about it all—the faculty support, learning how to study in a way that stuck, the friendships, and especially the conversations with supervisors and professors that shaped how I view this field and my role in it.”
  — Stephanie Lemus, M.S., (CHS-SLP ’21), school-based SLP in Katy, Texas
   
• “None of (my career) milestones would have been possible without the exceptional education and mentorship I received from the MWU SLP faculty. I carry your lessons with me daily—in the decisions I make, the patients I serve, and the clinicians I now mentor.”
  — Chris Sutton, M.S., (CHS-SLP ’17), Director of Therapy for two skilled nursing campuses in Indiana

Looking Ahead

The reunion was not only a celebration of the past but a moment to focus on the future. As Midwestern University’s SLP Program on the Downers Grove Campus marks its first decade, it continues to graduate speech-language pathologists who are making positive contributions in communities across the country.

SLPs trained at Midwestern address communication and swallowing disorders across the lifespan, helping individuals participate fully in school, work, family life, and society. From hospitals to schools to private practice, they are improving lives every day.