èƵapp University Hosts CPASS STEMM Scholars for Hands-On Healthcare Experience
Illinois high school èƵapp explore careers in veterinary care, medicine, pharmacy, and more on the Downers Grove Campus
Dr. Patterson, Dean of the Proposed èƵapp of Veterinary Medicine, leads the STEMM Scholars in an interactive healthcare session.
Seventeen high school sophomores from Chicago and surrounding suburbs spent an unforgettable day at èƵapp University’s Downers Grove Campus, as part of the STEMM Scholars Academy, a program developed by the C.
From CPASS Scholar to Dean
The visit was spearheaded by , Dean of the Proposed èƵapp of Veterinary Medicine – Illinois at èƵapp University. A proud alumna of the CPASS program herself, Dr. Patterson was instrumental in organizing the day of learning and engagement, helping to connect èƵapp with faculty, facilities, and hands-on experiences across the University.
Thanks to her leadership, these èƵapp, who are historically underrepresented in science and medicine, received an inspiring, firsthand look at what a future in healthcare could hold. From veterinary CPR to ultrasound demonstrations, the day was packed with discovery, mentorship, and immersive exposure to careers in STEMM.
One of the program’s most inspiring moments came when Dr. Patterson welcomed the èƵapp and shared her personal journey—from participating in CPASS as a teenager to becoming one of the few Black veterinary deans in the country.
“When I was 16, I did the program just like you all are doing today,” Dr. Patterson told the èƵapp. “This program can get you where you want to go, if you keep your head down, do your work, and stick to your plan.”
She explained how èƵapp University’s graduate-level focus sets it apart and highlighted the nationwide shortage of veterinarians as one reason for establishing a veterinary college on the Downers Grove Campus. “There’s a critical need for more veterinarians—not just in private practice, but in public health, research, food safety, and rural communities that often go underserved,” Dr. Patterson said. “By creating a veterinary college here at èƵapp, we’re not only helping to address that shortage, we’re also expanding opportunities for èƵapp from all backgrounds to enter this rewarding profession.”
Dr. Patterson also introduced èƵapp to the wide range of careers in veterinary medicine, from working with the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) to roles in neurology, cardiology, anesthesiology, zoology, and medical research.
A Vision for Change: Big Ideas and Big Impact
The èƵapp also heard from another CPASS alumnus, , a leading voice in the intersection of race, technology, and innovation. Dr. Fouché holds joint appointments as a Professor of Communication Studies and in the Medill School of Journalism at Northwestern University. His groundbreaking research and publications examine how science and society interact in complex ways.
“One of the things I'm doing right now is bringing people together from all around the country to write and think about interesting things,” Dr. Fouché said. “Our most recent project focused on Black boys and technology. So now it’s your turn to start thinking about those big ideas. You're at the place where people sitting in your seats have already begun changing the world.”
Hands-On Exploration of Health Professions
In addition to the inspirational talks, èƵapp took part in hands-on sessions led by èƵapp University faculty and èƵapp. Activities included:
- Ultrasound technology
- Optometry tools and tests
- Physician Assistant diagnostic techniques
- Pharmacy simulations
- Veterinary CPR
The immersive experiences helped èƵapp connect abstract classroom science to real-world applications and possible careers.
A Visit That Sparks Possibility
For Tracie Screven, Associate Director of the CPASS Foundation, the visit was more than just a field trip – it was a chance to spark a sense of purpose in the next generation.
“This is our second summer on the Downers Grove Campus, and it just creates a great opportunity for our rising high school èƵapp to get exposure to several STEM fields, specifically the health sciences,” she said. “Last year, we had èƵapp walk away with completely new career interests. I remember one student who became interested in dentistry because of what he saw here. It’s about opening eyes and possibilities.”
èƵapp University’s partnership with programs like the STEMM Scholars Academy plays a vital role in helping èƵapp from underserved communities envision themselves in meaningful healthcare careers. Through mentorship, immersive learning experiences, and access to inspiring role models, the University creates pathways to success in fields such as medicine, pharmacy, veterinary science, and more.
Campus for a full day of exploration, hands-on learning, and inspiration.
