Since 2000, the Military Family Research Institute (MFRI) at Purdue has studied military families and worked to improve their quality of life. Now, thanks to an $8.95 million gift from the Lilly Endowment, the institute, under the direction of CFS Associate Dean and Professor Shelley MacDermid, and with collaboration from faculty and students across campus, will be able to expand the resources and support it provides to those who work with military members and their families, as well as continue its research program.

The need for this type of support is critical. Increased reliance on National Guard and Reserve troops means that even military families who live most of the time as private citizens must often adjust to repeated deployments. This is especially true in Indiana, which ranks fourth in the number of men and women who are part of the National Guard and Reserve.

The three-year gift will focus on three areas: assistance for military family support workers throughout Indiana; strengthening the resources of professionals who are likely to work with, treat, and provide services for military families in our communities; and research into the needs and challenges of military families, especially after deployment. In addition, the funding will provide a permanent home for MFRI in a 3,000-square-foot space in Bill and Sally Hanley Hall.

An increasing number of our armed forces overseas are men and women who must leave families, communities, and careers behind to serve their country. With the support of the Lilly Endowment, MFRI will be able to help military families better adapt to the challenges of repeated deployments and the stresses of raising and connecting with their children during wartime.

Hail Purdue!
Dennis Savaiano
Dean

Read more about the Military Family Research Institute and the gift from the Lilly Endowment.

A celebration was held October 30 for a new $12 million facility to house the top-ranked Department of Hospitality and Tourism Management. Marriott Hall will be located on the northwest corner of State and University streets and was made possible by a $4 million gift from the J. Willard and Alice S. Marriott Foundation. Read more about Marriott Hall.

A ceremony to celebrate successful fundraising efforts for Bill and Sally Hanley Hall was held October 29. The $11.5 million facility will house the Human Development Institute and foster research on families and aging that will have a wide-reaching impact, not just for the University, but also for the state and beyond. Read more about Hanley Hall.

Researchers from the Marriage and Family Therapy program and the School of Nursing are working to evaluate the effectiveness of a psycho-social/behavioral treatment designed to reduce pain associated with bone cancer. Cleveland Shields, associate professor in Child Development and Family Studies, is among those investigating whether a guided imagery and relaxation intervention for cancer patients (when added to the usual care) can effectively reduce patient-perceived pain, reduce patient use of analgesics, and improve patient quality of life. Read more about the study.

Twenty-five CFS students have been selected to serve as CFS Ambassadors during the 2007–08 year. Ambassadors act as representatives of the college, speaking with prospective students at recruiting fairs and attending alumni events. Meet the new CFS Ambassadors.

Carl Behnke, chef and HTM instructor, says a little extra planning can go a long way toward preparing holiday meals that are healthier and still taste special. By making simple changes to traditional holiday dishes, you can reduce fat and enjoy them guilt-free. Read Chef Carl’s holiday baking tips.

CFS Extension
Peggy Ehlers, BS ’79, an Extension Educator from Dearborn County, was named the Paul B. Crooks Distinguished Extension Educator by Purdue Extension. Her area of expertise is foods and nutrition, and she has focused on positively impacting the lives of families by reaching out to minority populations and promoting healthy living to slow the obesity epidemic and to reduce chronic diseases. The award honors educators who have demonstrated significant impact in their areas of assignment, excellence in teamwork and collaboration, and exceptional Extension programming.

Peggy Davis, Jackie Baumann, Polly Gettinger, Sue Berg, Alice Anderson, Lori Bouslog, Linda Reynolds, and Deanna Franklin received the Consumer and Family Science Team Award from the Indiana Extension Educator Association for their work on “Disaster Preparedness: Prepare to Lead, Lead to Prepare,” a program that educates participants on how to prepare for emergencies.

Brenda Hagedorn of Perry and Spencer counties received the Consumer and Family Science Individual Award from the Indiana Extension Educator Association for her food safety training.

Jane Ann Critchlow, BS ’73, MS ’74, of Dubois County was presented the CFS Career Award from the Indiana Extension Educator Association. She is a trainer for Real Color and ServSafe, and works with Annie’s Project, ServSafe, Dining with Diabetes, and Professor Popcorn.

Consumer Sciences and Retailing
Thelma Snuggs, assistant professor, received the 2007 Outstanding Community Ally Award from the Latino Faculty and Staff Association for her continued support, commitment to excellence, and dedicated service in promoting the voice of all Latino faculty, staff, and students at Purdue.

Foods and Nutrition
Dorothy Morré, professor, was recognized by the Purdue Research Foundation at its annual Inventors’ Recognition Dinner.

Hospitality and Tourism Management
Ray Kavanaugh, head and professor, received the 2007 North American Foodservice Equipment Manufacturers Association Doctorate of Foodservice medallion. This honor recognizes elected leaders of major foodservice industry associations who have given their time and energy to the foodservice industry. He received the award for his work while serving as chairman of the board of trustees for the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation.

November 9: Fitzsimmons Young Faculty Scholar Reception
November 10: CFS Scholarship Luncheon
November 12: HTM Alumni and Friends Reception in New York City
November 19: Family Impact Seminar
December 16: Commencement
February 5–6: CSR Career Conference
February 9–11: President's Council Weekend in Naples

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