A year in review: Impact, engagement, and progressive change

What began as the Institute of Adlerian Psychology in 1952 has flourished into a multicampus university educating socially responsible practitioners across 27 master’s and Ph.D. programs. Every year, the faculty, staff, and students at Adler University work within classrooms and communities to continue living out the mission set forth 70 years ago by our institution’s founders.  

As 2022 comes to a close and we prepare for the year ahead, we are looking back at the people, programs, and partners showcasing the progressive change being made by those who are part of the Adler University community. 

 Among the continuous complex political, economic, environmental, racial, and societal challenges, along with others we’ve all faced personally, Adlerians remained steadfast in working to create a more just society. By producing social action and change through advocacy, mental health programs, policy development, and engagement, we are working towards progressive change that creates momentum and pushes boundaries. 

 This collective impact speaks to what makes our institution truly unique and how we can create and support sustainable and healthy communities together.  

Impactful education: Graduating socially responsible practitioners 

This year, more than 400 students received their master’s or doctoral degrees between Adler’s three campuses. The University also welcomed two new honorary graduates to its family of alumni. Meet some of the students who were part of the Class of 2022.  

• The Class of 2022: Four graduates share what’s next after Adler 

• From military mom to couples therapist: Graduate looks back at Adler journey 

• Combating PTSD: Adler graduate seeks to expand mental health access for veterans, homeless populations  

Engaging communities  

Our University’s collaborative partnerships with more than 1,700 organizations play an instrumental role in strengthening communities, providing service, and preparing students. Together, students contribute more than 550,000 hours of direct service to nearly 23,400 people annually. Engaging communities doesn’t stop with our students. Across our three campuses and our institutes and centers, faculty, staff, and students are working with communities to make lasting change.  

• Adler University, After School Matters partnership expands Chicago’s youth access to mental health  

• Restorative justice: New statewide collaborative creates healing for crime survivors  

• Fulbright Canada establishes research chair at Adler University focused on community mental health 

 Creating a more just society  

While every aspect of the University is focused on advancing social justice, this work isn’t only taking place in our classrooms and with our students. This year, the Adler community made strides toward progressive change by sharing their knowledge with others.  

• Virtual symposium offers latest in research, advances in military psychology
   
• For nonbinary and transgender patients seeking reproductive health care, medical family therapists play unique role
   
• Community Engagement in the Online Space: Adler faculty highlights best practices in new book

• Neal Rubin to chair keynote program at 2022 Science, Technology and Human Rights Conference 

 A lasting impact: Alumni accomplishments 

After our students turn their tassels, their work to create a more just society is just beginning.  

• Serving others through mental health advocacy in British Columbia
   
• From Adler to British Columbia Art Therapy Association president
   
• ‘Proud of my journey’: From Adler student to art therapy professor
   
• Becoming the change she wanted to see
   
• Creating opportunities to build a diverse counselling workforce