Pendergast 8th Graders Get Hands-On Experience at Glendale Campus

On Wednesday, April 17, 2024, Midwestern University hosted Pendergast District Superintendent Dr. Jennifer Cruz and a group of 23 students, representing twelve schools in the Pendergast Elementary School District.

These students are members of the Pendergast 8th Grade Superintendent's Student Council. The Student Council was founded in 2014, and the goal of the Council is to build strong connections to schools and the district and to prepare student members for the future. Together, members of the council learn about opportunities available beyond high school and gain leadership, presentation, and teamwork skills. They take an active role in fundraising, volunteering, decision-making, and building goals for post-high school experiences and are given a variety of experiences, including visiting university campuses.

During their visit to Midwestern, the group participated in various activities led by faculty and students. Angela Breitmeyer, Psy.D. (CHS-Glendale), Associate Professor, Department of Behavioral Sciences, presented the “A Look Inside Your Mind” activity and talked about Clinical Psychology curriculum and careers. This was followed by a presentation from Melanie Jordan, Ph.D. (CPG), Associate Professor, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, and students from the College of Pharmacy, Glendale Campus, which included a compounding and prescription reading activity and discussion about careers in Pharmacy.

After enjoying lunch in the Stagecoach Dining Hall, the group participated in another interactive experience at the College of Dental Medicine-Arizona’s Pre-Clinical Simulation laboratory, led by Cara Copeland, D.M.D. (CDMA), Director of Community Service and Outreach, and other faculty. Before leaving campus, the Pendergast students participated in a campus tour visiting the Arizona College of Optometry Preclinic Laboratory, Sahuaro Hall, the Auditorium, and other buildings, learning about the many healthcare programs Midwestern offers.

Susan Serin, Vice President of the Pendergast District Governing Board, was also present during the field trip and thoroughly enjoyed her time on campus. "Our Superintendent's Student Council visit to Midwestern University wasn't an ordinary campus tour; it was an enriching, hands-on opportunity for our students. By actively engaging in tasks resembling those of pharmacists and dentists, they gained invaluable insight into these professions. This experience provided them with a tangible glimpse into the daily responsibilities and challenges faced by healthcare professionals, fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation for these fields."

"The recent visit by the Pendergast Superintendent's Student Council to Midwestern University was nothing short of awe-inspiring,” agreed Dr. Jennifer Cruz, Superintendent of the Pendergast Elementary School District. “Every student actively participated and was captivated by the engaging activities offered. Their enthusiasm was palpable, and they couldn't stop raving about the experience. Our tour guide's exceptional dedication ensured that each student felt valued, making this visit truly unforgettable."

This event came to fruition through a community partnership between Midwestern and the Glendale Chamber of Commerce. Dr. Cruz and Victoria Franks, Midwestern University Vice President of Multicultural Affairs and Community Outreach, serve as board members of the Chamber’s Board of Directors. Last year, after Dr. Cruz shared about the Student Council and the activities they do, Ms. Franks invited them for a tour. Midwestern sponsored the lunch and activities for the students, and the Pendergast Elementary School District coordinated transportation and other logistics so their students could attend.