2016 ANNUAL REPORT
THE STARS OF
ISTAR th
ANNIVERSARY ISSUE
ISTAR is an academic institute of the
Message from the Executive Director
Institute for Stuttering Treatment and Research Suite 1500, College Plaza 8215 112 Street Edmonton, AB T6G 2C8 T: 780.492.2619 E: istar@ualberta.ca
As I write this message, I am beginning my s econd
centre for stuttering treatment, research and speech
month as the new executive director of ISTAR. Since
improvement. As the Faculty of Rehabilitation
joining, I have been touched by a large number of
Medicine is in the process of creating its own
individuals and organizations who believe in what we
strategic plan, we too need to develop a new plan
do and support ISTAR. The passion and pride of all
for ourselves. In coming months, I will be meeting
of our supporters says a lot about the respect that
many of you to discuss p riorities, resources and the
ISTAR has earned and sustained over 30 years. I look
structure of the institute. This will help us to develop
forward to personally meeting each of our partnership
a vision shared and owned by all.
organizations and members of our executive council. I have no doubt that I have inherited an organization
I want to thank ISTAR’s founders Deborah Kully and
that has a world-class reputation and strong brand
the late D r. Einer Boberg, as well as the other past
loyalty.
executive d irectors— Marilyn Langevin, Deryk Beal
The last few months have been a particularly exciting
All of this would have been difficult to achieve w ithout
and busy time for ISTAR. We have received $500,000
the skills, work and dedication of our c linicians and
from our long-standing partner organization, the
staff. A big thank you to you all.
and Holly Lomheim—for their contributions to ISTAR.
2016 Annual Report Managing Editor Amanda McCarthy Copy Editor Laurie Wang Writers Amanda McCarthy Laurie Wang istar.ualberta.ca
Alberta Elks Foundation. This donation will help grow ISTAR’s presence in Calgary and will contribute to
In addition, we are proud to be an institute of
our new Client Assistance Fund.
the F aculty of Rehabilitation Medicine, the only free-standing faculty of rehabilitation medicine in
We also celebrated our 30th anniversary this year,
North America. We will continue to work together for
which
the public good.
was
recognized
during
a
well-attended
event in May 2016. A large number of partnership organizations, donors, volunteers, former clients and
Thanks for letting us share this report with you. Enjoy.
their families, and staff were present to celebrate all of ISTAR’s accomplishments. It was a truly humbling
Sincerely,
experience for me. Aside from regular client sessions, our staff and clinicians were busy running two separate intensive programs for adults and teens. In addition, the ISTAR
Anwar Haq, PhD, MBA
Edmonton and Calgary locations have been home to
Executive Director
nine trainees from across the country in these recent months. To understand the impact of these intensive therapies, one has to attend final speeches. Each speech is inspiring to hear. The
Faculty
of
Rehabilitation
Medicine,
in
collaboration with the Department of C ommunication Sciences & Disorders and ISTAR are in the final s tages of recruiting a research chair in stuttering. This recruitment will enhance our ambitions and r esearch portfolio,
and
continue
ISTAR’s
long-standing
tradition of research excellence. While building on our strengths, we want to be even more ambitious—we want to be an international
1
Dreaming BIG in Belgium International student finds inspiration, career goals during internship at ISTAR By Amanda McCarthy Hundreds
of
people
seek the help of ISTAR for
fluency
treatment
each year—clients come from all over the world to work with therapists specialized
in
helping
reduce the instance of stuttering. But did you know that ISTAR not only helps clients, but also its student clinicians?
currently conducting her studies in B elgium can vouch for that. Leblanc, who became interested in stuttering after taking a course during her p rogram, was recommended to ISTAR through her professor. Ever since then, she’s been keen on following the fluency career path, and in part, has ISTAR to thank for it. “I had never heard of Edmonton or ISTAR before. But after I knew where my internship would take place [ISTAR], I was very excited and looked for more information on the internet. I was very curious and was attracted to the story of ISTAR—how it all started,” Leblanc
[
“ISTAR gave me the motivation I needed to dream bigger.”
also grew her knowledge of stuttering and fluency treatment, which opened up a whole new world for her. “I have learned a lot about stuttering—the treatment itself as well as the research. I had the chance to be part of an Intensive Clinic for adults, so I could follow the whole process,” she says. This internship was the best decision I made during my education to become a speech-language pathologist. Not only because of the experience that I have gained with specializing in stuttering, but also because I was able to overcome a new, challenging part of my life. It was a life-changing period!” A life-changing period for her and the clients she helped treat. “I remember one particularly great day. We were working with a group of clients who were at the end of their treatment. At the end of treatment, clients are required to give a presentation to a group of people, this time it was a group of 25. Another intern from the U of A and I were coaching the clients, with the help of the ISTAR
Julie Leblanc, a master of speech and language pathology graduate
explains.
But Leblanc didn’t just gain the benefits of personal growth; she
]
Leblanc says that she’s always found it hard to meet new people, and was very motivated to improve her English. This is why she chose to take the internship at ISTAR—an institution that deals with correcting speech would be a sure-fire way to help her with her own language issues, she thought. And she was right. “I really wanted to get to know myself, to improve myself, to become more fluent in English. ISTAR definitely helped me do that. I was able to grow as a person, with all of the
team, telling them it was going to be okay and that they were going to do great. And they did,” she smiles. I was amazed at the progress they had made. It was a great m oment, just to see how happy they were that they had overcome a major challenge in their lives. That’s what this is all about.” Now that Leblanc has graduated from her master’s program, she plans to follow her dreams of becoming a speech-language pathologist in her native Belgium. “ISTAR gave me the motivation I needed to dream bigger. Now that I’ve g raduated, I plan on working in a stuttering institution here in Belgium, with an extra specialization—European Clinical Specialization Fluency Disorders.” While she is indeed dreaming bigger and moving forward in her career, she won’t forget everything ISTAR has done for her. “ISTAR has really helped me reach my goals. I would highly recommend the institution for other students who are interested in stuttering and want to delve further into the subject,” she says. “The team at ISTAR is very structured, p rofessional and supportive. They really give you what you need to succeed.” “ISTAR is not only a champion in helping individuals with stuttering, but also in helping students pursue their dreams.”
feedback the therapists gave to me, and was able to work on my English-language skills.”
*Photo: Julie Leblanc (right)
2
ISTAR: One Man’s Dream Created a Legacy Wife, son of late Dr. Einer Boberg create endowment fund in his honour
explains. “It wasn’t until he started feeling the stress of wedding planning that the issue started to re-emerge.” The stress of wedding planning and also the stress of meeting his future wife’s family continued. When Dr. Boberg arrived in En-
By Amanda McCarthy
gland, he wasn’t able to speak to anyone. On top of that, he was
What started as a chance meeting in a hot tub at Fairmont Hot Springs Resort in Columbia Valley, BC has now resulted in a world-renowned stuttering treatment facility. The Institute for Stuttering Treatment and Research (ISTAR) was founded in 1986 by Dr. Einer Boberg, a stutterer himself, who vowed to help other sufferers. In honour of Dr. Boberg’s legacy, wife J ulia Boberg, together with her son Dr. Peter Boberg and his wife S unwoo Kahng have created the Dr. Einer Boberg Memorial Endowment Fund, which will provide approximately $150,000 to help with the institute’s operational costs.
[
their
marriage
ceremony.
So he did what he thought was
best—he left. “After our wedding, E iner left me a note saying that he was leaving and he wouldn’t be back until he had his stuttering under control,” Julia remembers. “After
some
time,
we
met. He told me that
“If one man’s dream has already made it this far, I can’t wait to see what the future holds.” Peter Boberg
]
Since its inception, ISTAR has garnered thousands of clients, making it a huge success. But the journey to establish ISTAR wasn’t as simple as one may think. In fact, Julia Boberg remembers her husband’s journey as a quite remarkable story filled with p erseverance, dedication and passion. “Einer and I met in Vienna in 1960 when he was a music student carrying on a career as a violinist,” Julia says. “Shortly after, we were engaged. And that’s when his stutter started to flare up.” Dr. Boberg’s trouble with stuttering dates back to his childhood, when he was living on a farm with his family. His speech issues dissuaded him from s peaking to people, so he spent most of his time conversing with the animals, which acted as soothing and non-threatening outlets for practice. “When I met him, I wouldn’t have known he was a stutterer,” Julia
3
expected to read out an excerpt from the Anglican Church during
he had re-thought his whole life. He had quit music and was going to make a career in s p e e c h - l a n g u a g e pathology to figure out why people stutter.” And the most c rucial part of his realization was going
that
this
was
to
be
his
mission for the rest of his life. And it was. In 1986, with the help of co-founder Deborah Kully, ISTAR was founded. What happened after that was nothing short of a miracle. In a hot tub at the Fairmont Hot Springs Resort, the Bobergs’—and ISTAR’s—journey had taken an unexpected turn. “When Einer went to take a soak in the hotel’s hot tub, a nother gentleman was also there,” Julia explains. “They got to talking,
mostly about ISTAR, and as it turns out, the man was Don Fowler, a
He showed before and after tapes of stutters, and I remember being
member of the Alberta Elks Association who said they were looking
so happy to see how impressed everyone was by my dad’s work
for a project to fund.”
with stuttering and the efficacy of the treatments.”
After many meetings with the Elks, the national Elks Purple Cross
After that, Peter knew that he also wanted to help those who were
Fund offered a start-up grant, while the Alberta Elks Association
suffering from speech issues. He went on to become a volunteer
agreed to make an annual pledge for five years. This pledge
with ISTAR, c onducting interviews with clients, both during the pre
agreement turned into a relationship that is still going strong to this
and post-treatment stages.
day, much past the five-year agreement. “I conducted interviews and was an interview subject myself, for “Without
the
help
them to practice on,” he smiles. “Those interviews had a very deep
of the Alberta Elks,
and lasting impression on me. It really taught me to understand and
ISTAR
respect what my father had accomplished.”
wouldn’t
be
where it is today,” says Julia.
Peter’s deep respect for his father’s achievements and all the good that comes out of ISTAR gave him the motivation he needed to
As ISTAR grew, so did
continue his involvement with the institution, and to keep his
the Boberg family. Einer
father’s legacy going—to keep ISTAR within the family and support
and
the institute and the clients as a whole.
Julia
welcomed
two sons, Charles and Peter. Peter, who is now
“Setting up an endowment fund in my dad’s name was a way to
a successful economist
both celebrate and contribute to the future of the institute, as well
living in Boston, helped
as a way for me and my family to remember the dedication he had
create
to treating stuttering.”
the
ISTAR
endowment fund in hopes of sharing some of his
And Julia’s sentiments are much the same.
success with the institute his father cared so dearly
“I want to make sure his legacy goes on and that ISTAR continues
about.
to thrive.”
“He was very driven to help
“I know how deeply the institute affects the lives of individuals—
people—that was always his
whether they’re stutterers, family members, or the clinicians who
thing,” Peter says. As a young
are out there in the field,” Peter adds. “So I sincerely hope that ISTAR
boy, he remembers watching the natural growth of his father’s pas-
continues its mission of research and treatment. If one man’s dream
sion for stuttering treatment.
has already made it this far, I can’t wait to see what the future holds.”
“I remember the first time I was truly exposed to my dad’s work,”
*Photo: The Boberg family: Charles, Julia,
Peter says. “My eighth grade science class took a field trip to his
Peter and Einer in Ann Arbor, MI, 1994
office. This was before the institute was formed and my dad was conducting clinical research out of the Faculty of Rehabilitation Medicine at the U of A.
4
‘The World is Her Oyster Now’ Grateful mom thanks ISTAR for giving teen daughter her life again By Laurie Wang, with reports from Michelle* “She’ll grow out of it,” people would often say to Michelle about her daughter Jaiden. “Just spit it out!” Michelle was tempted to scream in frustration. At four years old, Jaiden seemed different to her mom. Michelle noticed she never wanted to play with other kids. Even in playschool, the teacher said she just loves to play by herself in the little kitchen and doesn’t like to interact with other kids. “I noticed when she wanted to tell stories – and she’d get excited to tell them – she would get stuck looping her sentence. Much like a broken record: ‘Mom do you know…Mom do you know…Mom do you know…that Jonny’s cat…that Jonny’s cat...had kittens!” Michelle explained. “Not knowing what was g oing on, often I would encourage her to speak faster by rolling my wrist to encourage speed and say ‘OK, OK, hurry up.’” Feeling as though something might be amiss, Michelle sought out speech therapy at the time, but the therapist said that all was common for a f our-year-old and that Jaiden would “grow out of it.” But Jaiden didn’t “grow out of it.” As the years passed, she got more and more frustrated and it seemed the only time she could communicate clearly was when she was very angry. “I often would brush her off, or worse, ignore her,” Michelle admitted. “The other kids couldn’t understand her and would leave her out, so she got used to playing alone at recess.” Jaiden was always very intelligent, as evidenced by her posters and journal entries growing up. But as the years through school continued, her ability to avoid, change the subject, daydream and ignore teachers grew stronger. “She became a master of avoidance. She would often go into her own world, pretending she was a fairy rather than pay attention in school. After all, she was very hard to understand when she spoke and while the teachers tried, I have no doubt if I was tuning her out,
5
they were too. She spent most of grades one, two and three in a daydream.” By the time grade four hit, it was obvious to Michelle that s omething was very wrong. Jaiden was unable to hold a conversation and would only speak at people, not with them. Her lack of attention and jitteriness when speaking continued to affect her grades in school. ADHD, Asperger’s and Tourette syndrome were ruled out in t esting. Stuttering was never brought up as a possibility at this time. In grade five, Jaiden did psychological, intelligence and ability testing as recommended by a teacher. The test revealed she was extremely intelligent, achieving the 98th percentile in comprehension. She was a child with the ability to excel at school. But Jaiden was in a very dark place. She was angry, frustrated and defiant. “I believe her inability to communicate and ask a simple question just made her want to lash out at the world. She was often in tears. She wouldn’t look a person in the eye when speaking to them or when spoken to. She was also selectively mute. She had few friends and didn’t fit in at school at all,” Michelle said. By this time her grades had eroded so badly, she was no longer passing. Her confidence was destroyed. “My sweet, intelligent and passionate daughter cocooned herself into the only safe place she knew – her mind,” said Michelle. “After watching my curious, happy child spiral on this downward trajectory to the place she was now, I was extremely fearful she would commit suicide by the time she was an adult.” “Our only beacon of hope was she still enjoyed being with her family. However, she would never engage with us and was always on the perimeter. I felt like we may be losing her emotionally. She had become depressed and rarely smiled. She was on a slippery slope and I didn’t know how to get her off of it.” It was at this time that Michelle heard about the Institute for Stuttering Treatment and Research (ISTAR) through a friend. “She was a true friend. She defied social convention to keep quiet and out of compassion and kindness, offered me an olive branch in my time of pain and said ‘I heard this show on CBC about this intensive stuttering program at the U of A. This woman spoke about how it has transformed her life,’” Michelle said.
At that point, it was as if a light bulb went off for Michelle. Oh my
and words cannot describe how very grateful we are that ISTAR
God! Jaiden stutters!
exists today.”
[
“My sweet, intelligent and passionate daughter cocooned herself into the only safe place she knew – her mind”
]
These days Jaiden still cries but it is tears of joy and acceptance. Recently, she completed a one week refresher session at ISTAR. When her mom picked her up, she was in tears. “Hon, what’s wrong?” Michelle asked her daughter.
“The stuttering she exhibited was not in the stereotypical sense of
“Mom, I don’t know,” Jaiden replied. “I’m overwhelmed. It’s just
bbbbbbbbbaby. I just thought her brain was working faster than
so nice to be around people who get you and are like you. They
her mouth so she couldn’t get the words out on time. We had lived
understand what you’re going through ‘cause they’re going through
with this peculiarity of Jaiden’s for so long, and we were always told
it too.”
she’d grow out of it, so it became the norm.” “Jaiden, I think you have found your home.” Jaiden warily and enthusiastically enrolled in the intensive teen workshop at ISTAR. “I remember leaving her there. The first day they had to do cold calls.
.
After the terror I saw in her eyes, it took all my power to show tough love, to walk away, to leave her in the hands of the p rofessionals and to not run back to make the cold calls for her. I cried for her that
*Photo: Jaiden (right) with her younger sister
day,” Michelle admitted. However, even though the work was hard, the mornings were early, the cold calls were scary and speaking to strangers was terrifying, Jaiden persevered. “She did it!” Michelle said. “To this day, she still does daily exercises to maintain fluency. After all, contrary to what we have heard her whole life, this is something she will not ‘outgrow.’” Her parents, teachers and loved ones all saw a transformation in Jaiden. She is your typical lively 14-year-old now. “She has numerous friends and is constantly increasing her conversation skills to communicate with people. She is willing to ask for directions to the bathroom. She will answer the phone even if she doesn’t know who it is! She will order food at the kiosk. She asks questions. She expresses her opinions. She gets up in front of a crowd and speaks. She joined the school play! Her marks have skyrocketed and she is top of the class,” Michelle beamed. Michelle shudders at the thought of where J aiden would be without ISTAR. “Stuttering stole her childhood but it will not take her a dolescence and adulthood! ISTAR has given that time back to her to be the best she can be. The world is her oyster now
6
Creating Masterpieces: The Art of Research Researcher, speech therapist talks about the impact her research has made on lives of ISTAR clients
Fate or coincidence? Langevin believes that this is the field she was
By Amanda McCarthy
fluency class, which was taught by Dr. Einer Boberg, and that was
meant to be in all along. And with all of the people she’s touched, the research she’s completed, and the impact she’s made during her time with ISTAR, she may just be right. “After being accepted into the speech-language program I took a it—I knew stuttering treatment was for me. I never wavered.”
When looking for the best possible way to treat patients, research is After the first fluency class, Langevin went up to her professor,
one of the most important channels.
Boberg, and told him of her dream to become a speech-language pathologist. “I walked up to him and I said ‘I’m Marilyn Langevin and
And that’s something that Marilyn Langevin knows to be true.
I want to work in your clinic,’ and that’s where it all began.” Langevin, who recently retired from her role as director of research at the Faculty of Rehabilitation Medicine’s Institute for Stuttering
Langevin was lucky enough to have been able to complete her
Treatment and Research (ISTAR), spent much of her 20-year career
practicum with ISTAR, where she was offered a full-time position
deeply involved in the behind-the-scenes research that goes into
upon completion.
finding effective treatments for patients who stutter. “I started out as a clinical coordinator, and then from 1996 to 2002 I was clinical director. In 2002, I went to Australia to complete my
And she loved every minute of it.
PhD, and was recruited back to ISTAR in 2007. It was quite the “Before I came to ISTAR, I was a paralegal working in a law firm.
journey,” she grins.
One day, I just decided that I wanted to work more directly with Before Langevin travelled overseas to complete her doctoral degree,
children,” she says. “In particular, children with special needs.”
she was immersed in the world of stuttering research. Her focus was While many people simply dream of switching careers, Langevin
on clinical research, conducting her own research and reviewing
made it happen. Once she had the idea in her head, she decided to
studies from other institutions and researchers and incorporating
move forward, and applied at the University of Alberta.
it into clinical practice. And when she returned to ISTAR in 2007, it was as if she never left.
[
“I walked up to him [Dr. Einer Boberg] and I said ‘I’m Marilyn Langevin and I want to work in your clinic,’ and that’s where it all began.”
]
“Research is such an important part of what we were doing at ISTAR—what we were trying to achieve. Not only conducting our own research, but also taking into account other people’s research and looking at some of the things they have learned that maybe we haven’t considered. And using that, along with our own extensive
“I went into sciences, and during my time there, I met a girl who
knowledge about stuttering, to produce effective treatments for
said she was planning on going into speech-language pathology. I
clients,” Langevin says.
thought it was an interesting field, but I wasn’t sold at that moment. “Another important aspect of research is equipping future
7
Then when I had to look for a new course to take in the winter
speech-language pathologists with the expertise we learn from
semester, in order to replace one I had dropped, I picked up the
our research, so that they can carry on providing these effective
academic calendar and it literally fell open to the introductory
treatments. That is one of the many things I truly enjoyed doing
course into speech-language pathology that was being offered at
during my time at ISTAR. And I was able to do that by teaching a
that time,” she smiles. “Three days after it started I knew that’s what
fluency class, supervising trainees at ISTAR and mentoring students
I wanted to do.”
in research.”
Aside from producing great fluency therapists, Langevin has made
and school-aged children, and how they are affected by bullying
a big impact during her time at the institute on clients as well.
resulted in the creation of an e ducational program that aims to prevent bullying toward all children. This program is currently being
“I like to think that the patients we’ve treated have achieved the
used by speech-language pathologists all over the world.
things they wanted to achieve in their lives. And I truly believe that one of the greatest gifts we can give to another person is o urselves—
Although Langevin is taking a step back from her role at ISTAR, she
our values, knowledge, laughter,” she says. “I really hope that my
won’t be shying away from her love of research. After winning the
impact has been able to help people do that—to share themselves
American Journal of Speech-Language Pathology Editor’s award
with the world the way they want to.”
in 2009, a major milestone in her career, and taking on a research fellowship this year in Australia, it’s very clear that research is very
During her time as clinical director and director of research,
much a part of who she is.
Langevin has worked very closely with clients who come to ISTAR looking for help with their fluency. Her relationships with her clients
“There’s still lots of work to do yet when it comes to my research,”
and progress they have made with her assistance are her biggest
she says. “But I will also be enjoying life in other ways. I’m actually
accomplishments, in her eyes.
going to be taking a Bachelor of Fine Arts in September 2016 from the U of A, believe it or not!
“Hearing from the clients after therapy—about their lives, what they’ve done, how they’ve had children and gotten a new job, or
I fully intend to have a career as an artist. But, I guess, in a way, I
made a phone call that they wouldn’t have been able to before.
kind of already have, haven’t I? Research and treatment is kind of
That’s what it’s all about,” Langevin says with a look of pride. “They’re
a form of art—we’re helping people re-shape themselves into who
out there doing things as easy as playing baseball, or going to their
they want to be. We’re creating pieces of art—masterpieces. That’s
children’s hockey meetings. They’re able to say their names—they’re
what all my clients have been to me, and to ISTAR, I’m sure.”
not afraid to introduce themselves anymore.” When Langevin was not working with her clients directly, she was busy coming up with new ways to assist speech-impaired children.
*Photo: Marilyn Langevin (middle) with former client Shelli Teshima
Her research into the social impact of stuttering on pre-school
(left) and former student Catherine Leonard (right)
8
‘Generosity, Kindness & Loyalty’ Elks member praised for contributions to ISTAR By Amanda McCarthy When Don Rush began his career in installation services for farm equipment right out of college, he never would have imagined he’d be where he is today. After seven years in the farm equipment and building sales industries, Rush tried his hand at dairy equipment sales and installation, later becoming owner-operator of a registered purebred jersey herd for over 20 years. When it came time to retire and spend some much-needed time relaxing, he just couldn’t fight the feeling that he needed to be doing something more—something bigger. Thus began Rush’s stint with the Alberta Elks Association—an unexpected role with an organization that would change the operations of an up-and-coming institution, now known as ISTAR. The relationship between the Elks and ISTAR began in 1985, when a chance meeting between Dr. Einer Boberg, founder of ISTAR and Don Fowler, Elks past president took place in a hot tub at Fairmont Hot Springs Resort in C olumbia Valley, BC. Ever since, the Elks have been a prominent source of funding for ISTAR, providing support for operational costs, scholarships and the like. Rush’s personal journey with the Elks began in 1978. And some years later, ISTAR entered his radar. “In 1993 I was asked to serve on the judiciary committee with the Elks Association, and that’s where it all began. After that, I served on a variety of committees, and in 1999, decided to run for an elected position on the Alberta Elks Foundation.” Rush was a part of the Foundation for three years, acting as chair for his third year, which qualified him for an automatic seat on the ISTAR board. This was the start of his ongoing relationship with ISTAR. “I ran for various positions on the Elks Foundation when available, and when my qualification as an automatic Elks member for the
9
ISTAR board expired, Deborah Kully asked me to serve as a member-at-large,” he explains. As a member of the Elks, Rush also served the Alberta Elks Foundation as the secretary treasurer for five years before serving the Elks Association as secretary treasurer for another three years. With all of the hard work he’s done for ISTAR under his belt, Rush decided it was time to take a step back, officially resigning this past June. “I’ve seen a lot of good come out of the Elks Association and Elks Foundation, and of course, ISTAR,” Rush remembers. “There have been many changes throughout the years, and I’m happy to have been a part of that. I am proud to be have been able to help in developing both the Boberg and Kully scholarships, which are currently being award by the Elks.”
[
I can’t say enough about Don as a person. He’s generous, kind and loyal.” Holly Lomheim, ISTAR Clinical Director
]
But that’s not all Rush has contributed to. In 2003, ISTAR was nearly out of a home. In a car, travelling home from an ISTAR meeting in Edmonton, Rush and another Elks member, Bill Ward, came up with a plan to save the institute they believed in so dearly. They presented their plan to the Elks conference in Brooks, Alberta, and fundraising for a new location began that summer. “We were also at that time maintaining a discussion with the University of Alberta to make ISTAR into an official institute of the university. It ended up working out, and the university took over responsibility of housing ISTAR, placing them on campus in College Plaza, which is where they remain today,” he says. And Rush’s contributions only went up from there. He was also a major part of presenting ISTAR with a donation for $500K earlier this year, and an a dditional $100K to be paid out over the next three years.
With the major impact Rush has made during his Elks career, he still
“I’m going to be taking some time to catch up on some promises I
remains humble about his role in making ISTAR the great institution
made to myself, mostly spending more time with my family. ISTAR is
it is today.
like another family to me, though. So I definitely won’t be completely gone.”
“I only looked at things as doing my job. I saw what needed to be done and I did it,” he says. “It was impossible to leave a visit with ISTAR without feeling better than when you arrived. The positive energy that showed in the entire staff was unavoidable and contagious. It made it easier to want to make a difference.” While Rush may refer to his efforts as a duty, the ISTAR staff saw it a little differently, especially ISTAR clinical director, Holly Lomheim. “Don’s support for ISTAR over the years has been steadfast and
*Photo: Don Rush at the ISTAR 30th anniversary celebration
immeasurable. In his role as our ISTAR Foundation Board Chair
with ISTAR clinical director Holly Lomheim
and Elks representative, he has been instrumental in helping ISTAR bring in donations to help us continue to work with clients who stutter,” she smiles. “I can’t say enough about Don as a person. He’s generous, kind and loyal.” Now, a month after his retirement, Rush is taking some time for leisure activities. But he insists he won’t be completely out of the picture.
10
YEARS A 1971 Dr. Einer Boberg becomes founding chair of the Department of Speech Pathology and Audiology at the University of Alberta
1972
1985
1986
Dr. Boberg starts i ntensive program for the treatment of stuttering
A chance meeting brings together Dr. Boberg and Don Fowler, then chairman of special projects for the Alberta Elks
Financial support secured from Alberta Elks Foundation
Former student clinician Deborah Kully hired as clinic coordinator
1987 ISTAR launches first three-week intensive clinic
ISTAR incorporated under the Alberta Societies Act as a not-for-profit centre affiliated with U of A Julia Boberg, wife of Dr. Boberg, takes position of office manager for ISTAR
Marilyn Langevin, research director for ISTAR, publishes Teasing and Bullying: Unacceptable Behavior (TAB) – a first-of-itskind bullying prevention program
11
MORE 3,000
IMPACTED
Kully uses interactive audiovisual technology to assess and treat stuttering at a distance
Julia Boberg retires from office manager with ISTAR
ISTAR formally stablished as a e university institute in the Faculty of Rehabilitation Medicine at the U of A
1998
2000
2004
Satellite office established in Calgary
A dedicated research position is created thanks to a grant from an anonymous donor group
2005
2007
AT A GLANCE 1988 Communication I mprovement Program founded as an affiliated program of ISTAR
1992 20th anniversary of the first intensive clinic celebrated
1993
1995
1996
A new Elks Purple Cross grant for the Elks c linician for children position established, along with new therapy materials for the Elks Children’s Clinic Room
Dr. Boberg passes away
Kully appointed executive director of ISTAR
THAN LIVES
D TO DATE
ISTAR celebrates its 30th anniversary Largest single gift in ISTAR’s history ($500K) received from the Alberta Elks Foundation
Dr. Boberg/Kully Clinical Research Fund launched
ISTAR Endowment established
Research including f irst-of-its-kind DNA bank for genetic analysis conducted
2012
2014
2015
Dr. Anwar Haq ppointed as new a executive director of ISTAR
2016 12
THANK YOU For 30 years, donors have been making a difference in the lives of ISTAR clients. Children, teens and adults have been able to receive much-needed fluency treatment thanks to the generous gifts we receive. A BIG
THANK-YOU also goes out to our dedicated volunteers for making this past year, and the past 30 years, a
great success.
January 1, 2015 to March 31, 2016: Over $100,000
Hairy Hill Elks Lodge #304
Big Valley Elks Lodge #147
Hanna Royal Purple Lodge #258
Block, Garth & Paula
Alberta Elks Foundation ($500K donation made to ISTAR Foundation March 22, 2016)
Hardisty Elks Lodge #167
Boser, Kelvin & Callista
Hythe Royal Purple Elks Lodge #106
Cameco Corporation
$20,000 - $100,000
Johnston, Dr. David & E. Jun
Camrose Elks Lodge #70
Leduc Elks Lodge # 156
Camrose Royal Purple Lodge #49
Mannville Royal Purple Elks Lodge #205
CanadaHelps.Orga
Marshall, Geoff & Dr. Colette Fournier Marshall
Connelly, Phil & Kirsteen
Boberg, Dr. Peter & Sunwoo Kahng Burke, Gail, Mark & Ashley Estate of Ruth Newell TELUS Community Board (2014-15 fiscal)
Cormack, Robert Craig, Garth
Picture Butte Elks Lodge #268 (2014-15 fiscal)
Crowsnest Pass Elks #584
Pilger, Richard & Marion
Dew, Linda
Pope John Paul I Assembly #2754 Knights of Columbus
Drayton Valley Elks Lodge #391
Boberg, Julia
Rowlett, James & Margaret
Edson Royal Purple Lodge #51
Calgary Elks Lodge #4
Rumbold, Arnold & Grace
Ellenwood, Darrel
Donovan, William & Christine
Sherwood Park Elks Lodge #481
Flynn, Dr. Peter
Fondation Franco-Albertaine
Stavely Royal Purple Elks Lodge #99
Grande Prairie Elks Lodge #285
Fort Macleod Royal Purple Lodge #28 (2014-15 fiscal)
Stettler Royal Purple Lodge #60
Grimshaw Royal Purple Elks Lodge #80
Superfluity Shop
Hardisty Royal Purple Lodge #156
The Dinner Optimist Club of Edmonton
Heisler Elks Lodge #305
Valleyview Royal Purple Elks #42 (2014-15 fiscal)
Hering, Abe
The Elks & Royal Purple Fund for Children
$5,000 - $19,999
Martens, Terry & Deborah Kully-Martens RealtorsÂŽ Community Foundation
$1,000 - $4,999
Vegreville Elks Lodge #143
Edson Elks Lodge #87
Hernandez, Dr. Ivonne Hodge, Dr. Megan
$250 - $999
Hussein, Ibrahim
Bara, Dr. Barry & Sheelagh
Acme Elks Lodge #216
Joy, Dr. Anil & Anila
Barons Elks Lodge #224
Ahorro, Nathania
K J Roofing
Chapman, Allan
Alberta District #14 Elks
Kanabel Inc
Delburne Elks Lodge #206
Barrhead Elks Lodge #332
Kassam, Shamez
Desaulniers, Dr. Pierre
Benalto Elks Lodge #404
Knight, Dr. Brian
Eaglesham Royal Purple Lodge #318
Benjamin, Marc & Laurie
Kovacevic, Dejan
Edmonton Community Foundation
Bentley Royal Purple Lodge #264
Leaker, Rick & Sandra Foy
Acme Royal Purple Elks Lodge #103 Agrium Inc
13
Okotoks Elks Lodge #31
Johnston, Gord
Lung, Dr. Kevin
Crnogorac, Rajko
Murray, Dr. Frederick
Mannville Royal Purple Elks Lodge #205
Crowsnest Pass Royal Purple Lodge #159
Officer, Benjamin & Lisa
Medicine Hat Elks Lodge #412
DeGryse, Shirley
Olds Elks Lodge #100
Myrnam Royal Purple Lodge #242
Dunn, James & Sandy
Orlecky, Loretta
Olds Elks Lodge #100
Edgerton Royal Purple Elks Lodge #224
Penn-co Stucco Limited
Pemberton, Dr. George & Teresa
Fedak, Lori
Penney, Audrey
Phoenix Fence Inc
Felts, Dennis
Pietrusik, Celina
Piché, Allen & Lorna
Gardner, Greg & Nancy
Pietrusik, Donna
Pill, Jaan
Gateman, Richard
Pilgrim, Craig
Ponoka Royal Purple Lodge #27
Green, Marie
Piorkowski, Gregory
Raymond James Canada Foundation
Greenberg, Sheila
Pooley, Erwin & Arleen
Rogers, Alex
Haley, Dr. Frank & Eva
Prokopetz, Murray & Angela
Sexsmith Elks Lodge #284
Hall, Lisa
Rapp, Christine
Sexsmith Royal Purple Elks Lodge #266
Hamm, Cheryl
Ross, John
Stanford, Henry & Dr. Lois
Hansen, Ray
Rowlett, Dayna
The Madill Family
Haverland, Lyle
Saunders, Rose
The Wagners
Hebb, Kevin & Fran De Beer
Siroski, Kelly
Trenville Royal Purple Elks Lodge #248
Holowaychuk, Dennis
Spence, Dr. Matthew & Cynthia
Wainwright Royal Purple Lodge #92
Hughes, Dr. David G.
Stawnichy’s Meat Processing
Warner Royal Purple Elks Lodge #72
Irma Elks Lodge #366
Swanson, Leonard & Ruby
Wetaskiwin Elks Lodge #91
Janet Gibson Speech Pathology & Audiology Services
Tsoukalas, George
Wightman, Laird Zaps, Dale
Kelvin Investments Ltd Kennard, Lawrence
$50 - $249
Kumar, Ashok
Alderliesten, Hans & Jannie
Lawson, Ronald
Aboughoushe, Samia
Leduc Royal Purple Lodge #41
Bacque, Crystal
Leiman, Peter & Diane
Bell, Dr. John
MacNab, Jean
Bloomer, Vaughan
Magee, Dolly
Dieleman, Dr. Levinus & Anne Bradley
Manning Elks Lodge #286
Brown, Patrick
Maris, Victor
Chamberlain, Barbara
McIsaac, Adam
Chernausava, Hanna
McLeod, Lloyd & Helen
Christensen, Dale & Cathie-Lou
Moore, Gordon
Larsen, Robert
Vermilion Elks Lodge #131 Viking Elks Lodge #83 Warren, Douglas Webster, William Welwood, Ruth West, Catherine Wiegand, Derek Wilson, Janet Wolch, Ronald Zalmanowitz, Connie
PL ANNED GIFTS
Desaulniers, Dr. Pierre Schoenberger, Jacqueline
14
Your gift to ISTAR will ensure that 足children and adults who are 足experiencing fluency 足issues will be able to one day communicate with 足confidence.
Give to the ISTAR Client Assistance Program CONTACT: John Voyer t. 780-248-5781 e. jvoyer@ualberta.ca You can also donate online at istar.ualberta.ca *Tax receipts will be issued from the University of Alberta.
giving.ualberta.ca