August 1, 2012

On July 11, the College of Nursing and Health Professions hosted a reception for alumni and friends at the Westin Savannah Harbor Golf Resort and Spa in Savannah, Georgia. The event took place in conjunction with the American Art Therapy Association’s 43rd Annual Conference and served as an opportunity for alumni to connect with fellow graduates, current students, and faculty. More than thirty CNHP alumni attended the reception. “We had a really nice turnout,” reported Nancy Gerber, PhD, Director of the PhD in Creative Arts Therapies program.

Betty Hartzell, PhD, Assistant Director of Art Therapy Programs, said that “The reception took place in a beautiful setting in Savannah and the presentations at the conference were of good professional caliber. The conference and reception were both well-organized and run. It’s always great networking time. We form connections with one another and plan for the conference in the upcoming year. We say, ‘let’s present together. Let’s collaborate.’” Hartzell presented on the theme of art therapy education and using art in supervision at the conference. And “in a very big coup,” Hartzell said, recent graduate Kate Peterson also presented. This is quite the achievement, as Kate graduated just a few short weeks before presenting nationally at the conference in Savannah.

At the reception following the conference, alumni and their guests enjoyed catered hors d’oeuvres, wine and beer. They were welcomed that evening by Susannah Hunter, Assistant Director of Development, and listened to remarks made by both Gerber and Donna Kaiser, Director of Art Therapy Graduate Programs.