CSDI students present donors with patient-created quilt

Students from East Carolina University’s Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders presented a group of long-time donors with a unique gift during several representatives’ visit to campus this April.

Students and staff from the College of Allied Health Sciences present members of the Scottish Rite organization with a quilt created by pediatric patients in ECU’s Speech-Language and Hearing Clinic. (Photos by Gretchen Baugh)

The Scottish Rite Foundation has supported the department – housed within the College of Allied Health Sciences – for more than 20 years, and members regularly tour the Speech-Language and Hearing Clinic and meet with the faculty, staff and students working to combat childhood language disorders and dyslexia.

“We just really appreciate everything you do for us,” said Kate DelGreco, who is working toward a master’s degree in speech-language pathology. She and two other graduate students presented members with a quilt created by the clinic’s pediatric patients, who range in age from 2 to 18.

Clinical Operations Director Lori Kincannon said meeting the students shows the full impact of a gift to the clinic or department.

“We want them to know that not only do their donations help the children in our clinic, but they’re also supporting the training for future clinicians who will go on to help hundreds of children over their lifetimes,” she said.

Speech-language pathology graduate student Kate DelGreco speaks with Scottish Rite masons Michael May and Tom Broderick about the pediatric programs they sponsor in ECU’s Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders.

Scottish Rite Sovereign Grand Inspector General Dr. William Brunk said it’s a pleasure to meet the people who further the foundation’s ongoing work to improve speech, language and literacy across the state and nation.

“(I get) the joy of knowing I’m a little part – just a very little part – of something that’s doing good for other people,” he remarked. “Our job it to try and make society just a little bit better.”

The ECU Speech-Language and Hearing Clinic averages 3,000 patient visits each year. Providers at the clinic offer comprehensive services to individuals of all ages experiencing speech, language, hearing, balance and communication disorders. For more information or to make an appointment, call 252-744-6104.

–Kathryn Kennedy