Lewis University nursing student Bonnie Johnson of Orland Hills personally delivers check to Greek clinic

2015 Jul 10

Lewis University College of Nursing and Health Professions students personally delivered $1,400 to the Doctors of the World clinic in Chania, Crete. The stop at the healthcare clinic was one of several places in Greece during the 11-day Lewis University Travel Study Abroad trip. Orland Hills resident Bonnie Johnson was one of the students on the travel study trip.

"The trip was really a wonderful experience for all," said Eleftheria Karapas, assistant professor of nursing and trip coordinator. "Everyone was exposed to many different professional, social, cultural and historical aspects of Greece." It was the second consecutive trip to Greece led by Assistant Professors Eleftheria Karapas and Jane Trainor.

The students gained knowledge of a new place and its people, insights from the local healthcare professionals and tour guides and an increased awareness of culture diversity and recognition of common beliefs. They also received a new understanding of the effects that economic and political processes can have on the health and well being of a society.

The group spent time visiting the city of Athens with tours of the Acropolis and New Museum, Cape Sounion and the island of Crete. They enjoyed a boat excursion to the island of Spinalonga with a tour of the former leper colony, as well as a day trip to Santorini. On Crete, there were also tours of the Minoan Knossos Palace, Heraklion Museum, the Holy Trinity Monastery, and the Doctors of the World (Medicins du Monde) free community clinic.

The Lewis University nursing students shared a meal with nursing students from the University of Athens, School of Nursing. There was also a visit to the University of Crete, School of Public Health.

Lewis University students who participated in the trip included: Kimberly Bodinet, Tempest Burt, Gianna Caperino, Melanie Deckelmann, Alexandra Franzese, Catherine Hiemenz, Bonnie Johnson, Lauren Kamenczak, Savannah Koszala, Ilse Luna, Darette Ly, Mariel Pinela, Alexandra Scalpelli, Emily Thomas and Yvette Zuniga.

The students held a fundraiser before the trip to raise the donated $1,400 for the Doctors of the World Clinic.

The Study Abroad office provides students at Lewis University the unique chance to complement and enhance their academic careers with a variety of international academic opportunities. Programs run anywhere from a few weeks to an academic year and offer Lewis courses that can fit into general education, elective, minor, and/or major credits depending on the program. More information about study abroad experiences is available by contacting Chris Swanson, director of Study Abroad at 815-836-5993 or studyabroad@lewisu.edu.

Lewis University is a Catholic university in the Lasallian tradition offering distinctive undergraduate and graduate programs to nearly 7,000 traditional and adult students. Lewis offers multiple campus locations, online degree programs, and a variety of formats that provide accessibility and convenience to a growing student population. Sponsored by the De La Salle Christian Brothers, Lewis prepares intellectually engaged, ethically grounded, globally connected, and socially responsible graduates. The seventh largest private not-for-profit university in Illinois, Lewis has been nationally recognized by The Princeton Review and U.S. News & World Report. Visit www.lewisu.edu for further information.