Cranston receives 'Educating Illinois in Action' honor

Mary Cranston, an instructional assistant professor in Mennonite College of Nursing, is the recipient of an “Educating Illinois in Action” honor. The honor, presented by the Educating Illinois coordinating team, recognizes individuals, offices or programs that exemplify the goals and strategies of the Educating Illinois 2008-2014 strategic plan.

Cranston received the honor in recognition of the active learning experiences she provides for her nursing students. A partnership with a local grade school and an assisted living facility brings nursing students, elementary school children and older adults together for an intergenerational learning experience. The Age to Age project exemplifies the Educating Illinois core value of civic engagement.

The Age to Age project began in the fall of 2008 when Cranston partnered with Deb Foster, a fifth grade teacher at Prairieland Elementary School in Normal, and Janette Jones, activity director at Evergreen Village Supportive Living. The partnership brought together fifth grade students and older adults as “buddies” during the spring of 2009. The buddies met bi-weekly to share stories and learn more about each other. Cranston’s undergraduate nursing students gained a unique perspective on caring for older adults while helping to coordinate the intergenerational activities. The success of the Age to Age program is being carried on this academic year as a new class of fifth graders from Prairieland Elementary is buddying up with older adults at Evergreen Village.

Additional “Educating Illinois in Action” honor recipients will be named monthly throughout the academic year. Recipients of the award are chosen from nominations submitted to the Educating Illinois Coordinating Committee. Nominations will be accepted throughout the year and can be made online at www.educatingillinois.ilstu.edu. For additional information on the “Educating Illinois in Action” initiative, contact Angela Engel at 438-3305 or akengel@ilstu.edu

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