It's Almost Time!!

Our team is anxiously awaiting our departure this Saturday, March 2nd. While we wait, here are some more introductions of our team.

Meet Ally Gates:
Hi, I'm Ally Gates and I am a Junior Physician's Assistant major co-leading the Ruskin trip this year. I am so excited to be able to get to know the women going on this trip as well as learning about how to help the victims of human trafficking and domestic and sexual violence. I look forward to sharing our journey with you this year!

Meet Marian B. Collin Franco:
My name is Marian B. Collin Franco. I am a first year legal studies major from the Virgin Islands with a Hispanic background. I enjoy learning new things and meeting new people. I chose ABST because I enjoy helping people and I enjoy traveling. I chose the Ruskin trip because I can relate to this one the most. I hope to help as much as possible and gain more knowledge. I also can't wait to feel the sun!

 

Meet Elsie Stich, Mortuary Science major:
I chose this trip because I am a survivor of sexual assault. Seeing this trip as an option really resonated with me. I want to help people with a similar experience as I to be able to recover and cope healthily. I've always been interested in helping people in any way I can, so using my spring break in service is a ideal opportunity to me.

Meet Julia DelPonte, Biology major:
I wanted to do and be on an ABST because I enjoy traveling and helping others. I heard countless stories of the life changing experiences other students have had and wanted to be part of that as well.

Meet Muriel Very, Nursing major:
I wanted to originally go on this trip because doing service for others is really where my heart belongs. I thought that this trip had a really interesting and important topic. I am super excited to be of service and learn lots on this trip!

Thanks for your time and we'll see you in Ruskin!

Meet Erika Ramalho

Erika Ramalho is Gannon University’s Director of Community and Government Relations. She facilitates Gannon’s commitment with community called Erie-Gannon Alliances to Improve Neighborhood Sustainability (Erie-GAINS).  Erika has worked for the Commonwealth of PA, the County of Erie and Gannon Alumni, Tom Kennedy.  She is married to John Ramalho and they have 2 children – Anna, 17 and Jacob 15 – as well as 2 dog children – Chloe and Marco.

Meet Almi Clerkin!

My name is Almitra (Almi) Clerkin and I am one of two accompaniers going to Ruskin Florida for the 2019 Gannon Spring Break.  I am a proud GU graduate with two degrees - a BS in Business Management (1985) and a MA in Health Communication (2017).  When I retired after 25 year on staff from the Erie Playhouse, I wanted to continue to work downtown for an organization that makes an impact in our community, both locally and globally. I had to look no further than my alma mater! I  am fortunate to be on staff, working with 15 awesome people in University Advancement who put our students first.



Speaking of students first, our students are the best and Erika Ramalho and I are joining eight selfless young women to serve children and women who are victims of trafficking and abuse.  These students are putting their needs aside to put others first. I am excited to learn from them and honored to stand side-by-side with them as we help make other lives better.

Introduction to the 2019 Ruskin Team

Hello friends and family,

Mari Lohitai here. It's that time of year again! Here at Gannon's Erie campus, students are emotionally and physically preparing for an amazing ABST experience and we are no different. This year our roster consists of Erika Ramalho and Almi Clerkin as our wonderful accompaniers. Ally Gates and I are the co-leaders of this amazing team.

I would like to introduce myself. I am a junior Public Service and Global Affairs major. I recently declared my Business Administration minor and am working on a French Language minor. I've had a long history with the Alternative Break Service Trip program. I had my first experience as a first year student. I traveled to DC where I learned about hunger and homelessness. The trip had a profound impact on me. I enjoyed learning about the complexities of social issues. The following year I had my first leadership opportunity with the program. I got to go back to DC and curate the experience for new students. I fell in love!

The Ruskin ABST focuses on power-based violence. This includes domestic violence and sex trafficking. I can't wait to educate myself and my team on this terribly important issue.

To keep up with our transformative experience, follow this blog. We will be introducing the rest of our leadership team as well as our students over the next few weeks. From March 3rd to March 8th we will be updating this blog daily with our discoveries.

Thank you so much for your time,
Mari Lohitai