Harper College Health Careers welcomed Command Sergeant Major (Ret.) Gretchen Evans
on August 25, 2023 for the Fall semester Interprofessional Education Immersion Day.
She spoke to 130 students from 8 different health careers programs about resilience
and the power of hope. Her inspiring story highlighted her impressive 27-year military
career, which was ended suddenly by an injury that left her with a traumatic brain
injury and the loss of her hearing. Afterwards, Gretchen visited The Center for Student
Veterans and Military-Connected Students on campus. The health career students participated
in interprofessional breakout groups following the presentation to discuss teamwork,
collaboration and how to address hopelessness in patients.