Each year, NSSLHA chapters participate in the National NSSLHA Chapter Honors program—hoping to achieve gold, silver, and bronze status. Their dedication is evident through impactful work in community outreach, advocacy, fundraising, and initiatives related to inclusion and equity.
From those NSSLHA Honors applications, the Executive Council selects one chapter that has demonstrated exceptional commitment and impact in their communities. This year, we are thrilled to spotlight the University of Central Florida (UCF) NSSLHA Chapter as the 2024 Chapter of the Year.
Check out what their chapter did in 2023–2024, and get ideas for your chapter’s 2024–2025 Chapter Honors application.
Impactful Legislative Advocacy
The UCF NSSLHA Chapter’s dedication to legislative advocacy was truly commendable. They kicked off their advocacy efforts with a Student Advocacy Day event, where they engaged more than 40 students in painting pumpkins while scanning QR codes to send Take Action letters for important causes affecting CSD professions. They also made their meeting accessible to students who could not attend by adding a virtual component, which further increased engagement. The chapter’s creative approach led to the signing of more than 500 advocacy letters, clearly demonstrating their commitment to making a difference.
In response to a bill impacting inclusivity initiatives across Florida universities, UCF’s chapter officers also wrote a letter to central Florida legislators discussing their concerns with this legislation. Their proactive efforts demonstrated how seriously they regarded the importance of legislative advocacy.
Commitment to Inclusivity
The chapter’s commitment to inclusivity was evident through their various initiatives. They organized a donation drive for the Conductive Education Center of Orlando, collecting 170 essential items for children and adults with neurological motor disabilities. Additionally, they participated in National NSSLHA’s Raw Conversations event and hosted their own seminar on cultural competence and humility, reflecting their dedication to ongoing learning and improvement.
Their collaboration with UCF’s National Black Association for Speech-Language and Hearing (NBASLH) Chapter further underscores their commitment to inclusivity. By offering a $350 donation to the organization and a discounted membership rate, the UCF NSSLHA Chapter supported this emerging organization and its mission by alleviating financial burdens for members.
Exceptional Community Outreach
The UCF NSSLHA Chapter made significant strides in community engagement. Their Valentine’s Day bake sale and flower sale was a standout event. With hundreds of baked goods and personalized flower bouquets, they raised more than $250 for Operation Smile, supporting individuals with cleft lip, cleft palate, and other facial conditions. This event not only raised funds but also fostered meaningful connections with more than 300 students and recruited 17 new members.
In another impressive outreach initiative, the chapter participated in UCF’s Knights of the Round Table Club Showcase during Spring orientation week. Through personalized flyers and engaging discussions, they educated hundreds of students about communication sciences and disorders (CSD), resulting in more than 50 new-member sign-ups.
A Legacy of Impact
Beyond their exceptional outreach and advocacy efforts, the UCF NSSLHA Chapter has made a lasting impact through their endowment of a scholarship fund. They donated $12,500 to establish a scholarship for NSSLHA members at UCF, ensuring ongoing support for undergraduate and graduate students. This initiative reflects their dedication to fostering the next generation of leaders in the field.
Their numerous achievements—including being named UCF’s Registered Student Organization (RSO) of the Month in October—highlight their outstanding contributions and commitment to the National NSSLHA mission. We extend our heartfelt congratulations to the UCF NSSLHA Chapter for their remarkable accomplishments and their well-deserved recognition as Chapter of the Year.
UCF Chapter President Karly Bello offers this advice to chapters: “Remember to work hard, be intentional with your goals, but—most importantly—have so much fun. It really was the best experience being able to lead with my best friends.”
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 the University of Central Florida, Orlando!
Come to the National NSSLHA Awards and Celebration at ASHA Convention on Thursday, December 5, 2024, from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m., PT, to celebrate the University of Central Florida NSSLHA Chapter—and all of the 2023–2024 NSSLHA Honors winners.
Learn more about all NSSLHA events and activities at Convention.