Cathy and I recently had the pleasure of hosting a dinner with students in the CFS Honors Learning Community. The dinner celebrated the completion of a community service project they had been involved with throughout the fall semester supporting the local United Way campaign.

Despite being in their first semester at Purdue, these honors students took on the additional responsibility of meeting with local businesses that had not yet participated in the annual United Way campaign. The students were matched with businesses that related to their majors and career interests, including restaurants, hotels, health clubs, and retail stores. Each student visited about five businesses and was responsible for creating a professional and compelling presentation. Prior to making their visits, students received training from Kate Walker, campaign director for United Way of Greater Lafayette. She met with the students regularly during the semester and did a fantastic job. Students also met weekly with members of the local United Way leadership team.

What a wonderful opportunity for our students to become involved in the community and demonstrate the importance and value of giving back! They gave of their time — which is a precious commodity for any student, but especially freshmen — and their talents. For our local businesses, the project created awareness of how vital United Way is in our community.

At this time of year, I’m thankful that our students not only excel in academics, but also are learning the values of compassion and giving.

Have a wonderful holiday!
Dennis Savaiano
Dean

The majority of relationships between parents and their adult children improve as parents transition to old age, according to research conducted by Karen Fingerman, associate professor in the Department of Child Development and Family Studies. The study found a majority of parents and children mentioned positive changes in their relationship, even as parents experienced declines in health. Read more about Fingerman’s research.

Gift cards can be a lifesaver for last-minute shoppers or for that person in the family who’s hard to buy for. But this holiday season, gift cards will be anything but a last resort. Retail expert Richard Feinberg, professor in the Department of Consumer Sciences and Retailing, estimates that more than 60 percent of gift givers will purchase gift cards this holiday season totaling about $30 billion. Other research shows that half of all people who expect to receive gifts would like gift cards. Read more about Feinberg’s holiday shopping forecast.

Julia Becerra, a graduate student in family studies, and Kerry Canarsky, a senior in youth adult, and family services, show off their saris at the CFS Study Abroad Fair. Both women traveled to India in summer 2007 for a three-week study abroad program. At the fair, they displayed their photos and souvenirs from the trip and talked with students about the study abroad opportunity. There were about 15 students who presented displays at the fair, which was attended by more than 150 students. For more information on study abroad, visit the CFS Web site.

Christina Wright has joined CFS as a development director responsible for fundraising efforts across the college. A Lafayette native and 2006 Purdue graduate in communications, Wright previously worked at Salin Bank & Trust Co. as bank sales manager. Her experience also includes sales and marketing for the Simon Property Group in the Tippecanoe Mall Management Office. Read more about Christina on the CFS Alumni Relations and Development Web page.

Need a gift for a December graduate? Looking for a unique present for the holidays? Shop the CFS E-Store! Merchandise changes often and includes a variety of clothing items for men and women as well as warm fleece blankets, baseball caps, and golf umbrellas. When you purchase items from our online store, a portion of each sale is given to the CFS Student Council to support student activities. Show your CFS and Purdue pride with a purchase from the CFS E-Store!

CFS Extension
The Ronald McDonald House of Indiana presented CFS Extension and the Indiana Extension Homemakers Association with its Helping Hands Award during its Volunteer Recognition Celebration in October. The award recognizes individuals, groups, and businesses that have provided significant support to the Ronald McDonald House through events, in-kind gifts, and fundraising.

December 16: Commencement
January 30: CFS Study Abroad Fair
February 5–6: CSR Career Conference
February 9–11: President's Council Weekend in Naples
March 29: Spring Fashion Show “runAway”

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