SXU Alumna Julie Geraghty '09 Shares Personal Connection to Ludden Clinic
The Ludden Speech and Language Clinic at Saint Xavier University (SXU) has helped to make a difference for thousands of clients since its inception in 1959. For sixty years, the clinic has been a source of hope for individuals suffering from a wide range of disorders and trauma as well as an academic powerhouse for those studying to enter the medical field as a speech-language pathologist.
SXU alumna Julie Geraghty '09 holds a deeply personal connection to the Ludden Speech and Language Clinic that ultimately led to her career in speech pathology.
"I was really inspired to become a speech-language pathologist because my brothers had sustained traumatic brain injuries and the Ludden Speech Clinic at SXU played a very important part in their rehabilitation," said Geraghty. "One of my brothers continues to attend the clinic to increase his overall communication."
Geraghty studied at SXU to earn a Master of Science degree in Speech-Language Pathology, a two-year graduate program that offers students the rigorous academic and clinical preparations needed to join the medical workforce.
"SXU was an excellent experience," said Geraghty. "I gained so many life-long friends and colleagues through the two-year program. I graduated with about 30 others and it's amazing to see just how many opportunities this degree offers. Some of my peers went on to home health therapy, the schools, early intervention and even their own practice. The possibilities in this career field are endless."
During her studies, Geraghty planned to work in the medical setting and went on to achieve that goal. She currently works as a speech-language pathologist at Advocate Christ Medical Center.
"My advice for current students is to continue following your dreams and explore all that this degree can do for you," said Geraghty. "The Ludden Speech and Language Clinic is an excellent resource for the community to assist those who continue to benefit from speech services and to help educate people working toward becoming a speech-language pathologist."
SXU and the Ludden Speech and Language Clinic continue to offer new and unique educational opportunities for its students and the community abroad. In its commitment to SXU's values of providing a vibrant learning community dedicated to continuous improvement, the School of Nursing and Health Sciences (SONHS) invites all to join for a panel discussion on traumatic brain injury, concussions and post-concussion syndrome on Thursday, March 28. Before the beginning of the discussion, attendees will have the opportunity between 5:30 and 7 p.m. to network and to tour SONHS learning spaces such as the Center for Interprofessional Health Care Simulation, the Human Performance Lab and the Ludden Speech and Language Clinic. Registered Nurses are also eligible to receive one CEU.
Admission is free and registration is required. Please submit your name -- nurses should submit their RN license number as well -- to Alumni Relations at alumniFREESXU.
Saint Xavier University is proud of its many distinguished alumni's great accomplishments. The University is delighted to continue to provide services to the community and is honored to share the inspiring stories of alumni like Geraghty.