Nearly 100 alumni and friends of IMPACT filled the Women’s Building to celebrate the program’s 35-year history.
“IMPACT is a signature program in our college and a source of pride,” says Sheryl Thorburn, associate dean for academic and faculty affairs. “Not only is it important in research and education, but it also plays an important role in our community and in the lives of more than 90 children and their families.”
Jeff McCubbin, former executive associate dean in the College of Public Health and Human Sciences and now dean of the College of Health and Human Sciences at Colorado State University, reflected on how IMPACT has been replicated across the nation. “Our ‘secret sauce’ happened to build a sense of loyalty and commitment that goes way beyond pride for Oregon State, but pride for the profession, and in creating programs that make an impact across the country and the world,” Jeff says.
IMPACT co-founder John Dunn expressed gratitude for the commitment of student volunteers and current IMPACT leaders. John was the former chair of exercise and sport science in the college and is now president emeritus at Western Michigan University.
During the event, Jeff and Debbie McCubbin and John and Linda Dunn pledged to support students connected with IMPACT and the adapted physical activity graduate program. Their generosity creates an IMPACT Leadership Endowed Fund.
After their surprise announcement, Professor JK Yun was floored. “My sincere thanks to you all for a thoughtful and inspiring commitment to the program,” he said. “It warms my heart to know the strong community you represent for the IMPACT program and you continue to propel our vision forward. Our future is bright!”
If you would like to join the McCubbins and the Dunns and contribute to the IMPACT Leadership Endowed Fund, you can make a gift directly on the OSU Foundation’s website, or for more information, please email Heather Brust at the OSU Foundation.
Visit our Flickr page to see photos from the event.
If you’d like to see how IMPACT for Life has evolved over the years, we invite you to watch these videos.