Barbara and Mark have been integral to the creation and flourishing of the Social Science Scholars Program. Their generosity in 2013 made it possible for us to build an initiative which has allowed us to nurture richly diverse cohorts of undergraduates for more than a decade. In fact, Barbara and Mark’s willingness to invest in this unique program has now given over 200 students the support and resources to thrive and go onto meaningful careers. Their kindness really came into its own after the Scholars Program had been in existence for less than a year when it became apparent how great the mental health burden is for many undergraduates at MSU. On hearing of how out-of-depth we felt, the Gersons - with exceptional selflessness - established the Gerson Mental Health Initiative, by which our students receive access to mental health care in MSU’s Psychological Clinic, regular classes devoted to psychoeducation and stress management, and referrals to additional care where appropriate. Under Dr. Natalie Moser’s expert direction, The Gerson Mental Health Initiative has now been going strong for more than 10 years.
The effects of this program have been life-changing for its beneficiaries. Not long ago, we sent out an anonymous survey to current and former Scholars to ask what we’re doing right and where we can improve. A significant number of the respondents singled out one thing that we’re definitely doing right: providing skilled mental health support. One student wrote:
“It is important to me to emphasize that my background is low-income and this status constrains every action I take. That includes seeking mental health care. The Gerson Mental Health Initiative is a program funded through donor support, meaning that I can seek therapy at no cost to me. This is how it came to change my life. I cannot adequately emphasize how much GMHI has made me the person I am. I am who I am today because of GMHI and Social Science Scholars, which means I am who I am today because of the generosity of its alumni and the college.”
Another student reflected: “My mental health is the greatest obstacle to my success and daily functioning. Reducing distress is essential and everything counts. I do not come from privilege and have no family resources at all. That’s why the Gerson initiative has been my saving grace.”
As designed by Dr. Natalie Moser, the Gerson Family Mental Health Initiative (GFMHI) is designed to provide preventative and intervention-based mental health and wellness support to the Social Science Scholars. Its goals are to reduce stigma related to mental health, increase the accessibility of services, and ensure that all Social Science Scholars have the support they need to remain academically engaged and successful.
More specifically, in partnership with the Department of Psychology and the MSU Psychological Clinic, the GFMHI offers a suite of services, tailored to meet the needs of the Scholars. Some examples of supports include:
- Quarterly wellness seminars for first years
- General mental wellness programming and consultation for students, faculty and the program
- Crisis management
- A limited number of complementary counseling slots at the MSU Psychological Clinic, reserved for Scholars
Distinguished Speaker Series
In addition, the GFMHI hosts a distinguished speaker series, occurring every other year. These events are intended to bring together students, faculty, and staff from across campus to engage in collaborative learning and discussion related to mental health and wellbeing in college-aged populations. Accomplished academics, whose research reflects the spirit of the GFMHI, are invited to visit Michigan State University and the Department of Psychology to deliver a colloquium talk. Social Science Scholars then have the opportunity to meet with the visiting speakers.
The Inaugural GFMHI Distinguished Speaker was Dr. Stephen Russell (he/him), Regents Professor in Child Development, and Amy Johnson McLaughlin Director of the School of Human Ecology at the University of Texas at Austin. Dr. Russell is an expert in adolescent and young adult health, with a focus on sexual orientation and gender identity. Here is the overview of Dr. Russell’s superb presentation: “There is clear scientific consensus that LGBTQ+ youth and young adults are among those at highest risk for compromised mental health. Sexual orientation and gender identity disparities in mental and behavioral health remain high despite decades of social change in visibility and social acceptance of LGBTQ+ people. At the same time, research has identified strong evidence of policies and practices that are associated with positive adjustment and wellbeing for LGBTQ+ and all young people. I share a developmental understanding of contemporary LGBTQ+ youth and mental health: Why disparities persist despite societal change and acceptance. I then identify strategies that create supportive communities, reduce mental health risk, and promote wellbeing for LGBTQ+ and all young people.”
Very well attended and received, Dr. Russell’s talk sets an excellent precedent for future GFMI events. His visit also provided a valuable opportunity for current students to speak directly to a highly accomplished academic; below is a photograph taken at a restaurant where Dr. Russell, Dr. Katy Thakkar, Dr. Waller, and Dr. Moser gathered with eight Social Science Scholars to debrief and discuss our guest’s research.
We are deeply grateful to Barbara and Mark Gerson for giving the Social Science Scholars the support for them to flourish.