Each year, NSSLHA chapters participate in the National NSSLHA Chapter Honors program—competing for gold, silver, and bronze recognition. Chapters showcase their impact through initiatives in community outreach, advocacy, fundraising, and diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI).
From this year’s impressive submissions, the Executive Council selected Purdue University NSSLHA as the 2024–2025 Chapter of the Year. Here’s a look at how their chapter made a difference—and ideas to inspire your own Chapter Honors application.
Innovative Community Outreach
Purdue’s chapter went above and beyond to raise awareness and support for their community. They hosted a Zoom presentation with a guest from the Parkinson Voice Project, discussing her experiences with Parkinson’s disease and the SPEAK OUT! therapy program. The virtual session drew 76 attendees, and a subsequent boba tea fundraiser raised money for the organization.
In April, Purdue NSSLHA brought the fun to their local community through Spring Fest, with the theme “Say It, Play It: Springtime Speech Fun!” Members led games, obstacle courses, and crafts, and they distributed prizes—engaging hundreds of children and families while fostering hands-on learning about the discipline of communication sciences and disorders.
Dedication to Legislative Advocacy
Purdue NSSLHA was a driving force in legislative advocacy. They hosted Student Advocacy Day events, collaborating with the Purdue Student Academy of Audiology and the Student Advocacy Council. The event encouraged students to write letters to legislators and participate in a friendly penny-war fundraiser, raising money for the Indiana Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ISHA) to help fund more students and faculty participating in their state’s annual Legislative Day. Participants sent more than 90 advocacy letters, demonstrating the chapter’s commitment to the professions.
A few members also attended ISHA’s Legislative Day in Indianapolis. The chapter prepared for this event through a Zoom training session led by faculty and graduate students, ensuring effective advocacy for patients and professionals.
Commitment to Cultural Competence
Purdue NSSLHA prioritized meaningful conversations on diversity, equity, and inclusion. Their February meeting, themed “A Single Story,” included a TED Talk screening followed by small-group discussions on identity, stereotypes, and cultural competence in patient care. A film screening of Out of My Mind engaged members on topics like augmentative and alternative communication (AAC), cerebral palsy, ableism, and inclusion. More than 90 members attended these initiatives, highlighting the chapter’s dedication to DEI.
Membership Growth and Engagement
The chapter saw remarkable growth, increasing local membership from 117 to 182 students—a 55% increase. To boost National NSSLHA membership, they offered incentives like free chapter merchandise, goodie bags, tumblers, and stoles for seniors. By making membership personal and meaningful, Purdue NSSLHA inspired members to see the value of joining the national community.
A Legacy of Collaboration and Leadership
Purdue’s chapter fostered partnerships across campus and in the community, collaborating with the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee, Student Academy of Audiology, and various local organizations. They hosted panels, guest speakers, fundraisers, socials, workshops, and volunteering opportunities—all designed to empower members and strengthen the field of communication sciences and disorders.
Chapter President Zoe Zhang shares her advice: “Collaborate with your board, seek out partnerships, find your community, and always make your events meaningful and fun. And don’t be afraid to shoot your shot—whether that’s inviting a guest speaker or applying for Chapter Honors!”
Congratulations to Purdue University NSSLHA for their outstanding achievements and well-deserved recognition as 2024–2025 Chapter of the Year!
As your chapter plans events and builds initiatives for your members this year, keep track of your accomplishments directly on our Chapter Honors application. Congratulations again to Purdue University!
Celebrate Purdue and all NSSLHA Honors winners at the National NSSLHA Awards and Celebration during ASHA Convention on Thursday, November 20, 2025, 7:00–9:00 p.m., ET.
Learn more about all NSSLHA events and activities at Convention.