Prepared by Nancy J. Olin, 2004-2005 President of NSSLHA at the University of Colorado at Boulder
Under Dr. Brewer’s guidance and encouragement, our chapter has grown more than any other time in our history. Last semester, we held a raffle to raise funds for the various charities we support. We actually were able to raise over $2,000! This is by far the most successful fund raising event ever accomplished by our local chapter and much of this success is owed to Dr. Brewer’s invaluable participation. We have been able to donate to charities such as, Hands & Voices, the Mante Mission, Adopt-a-Family, our clinic’s transportation fund, the MS Walkathon and the tsunami relief fund sponsored by the University of Colorado Credit Union.
Favorite Teacher
Dr. Brewer was awarded the “Favorite Teacher of the Year” award last year for good reason. She is extremely knowledgeable about our field and in particular her areas of expertise, speech motor issues and aphasia. Her students are privileged to sit under her teaching and leave her class well equipped to work with clients.
Dr. Brewer also teaches a multicultural course called Multicultural Communication Disorders, which is available to students campus-wide. Reports about the excellence of this class have spread, resulting in a huge waiting list each semester of students who want to be in her class. I have personally taken this course and can attest that it is a life-changing event.
Mentor and Counselor
As a student, I have found a true mentor and counselor in Dr. Brewer. When I have had questions, or have been frustrated or discouraged in my scholastic or personal life, Dr. Brewer has been a source of encouragement, wisdom and guidance. She is down to earth and truly listens to you and later will inquire how things are going. I am not alone in this discovery. Her office is always open for students and usually filled with one seeking advice from her, with a line of others waiting their turn.
As president of our local NSSLHA chapter, I have had the great honor and joy to work with her on a regular basis. Dr. Brewer always goes the extra mile to help us make sure our chapter is the best it can be. She worked tirelessly to help us with our fundraiser and also to recruit members from all the students in our department, including undergraduates, leveling students and first and second year graduate students. Our membership has grown as a direct result of her efforts. She has an innate sense of leadership, stepping in when needed, but also empowering the students to take on the major responsibilities of running the chapter.
Dr. Brewer is an intelligent, caring, and thoughtful woman. She is a wonderful role model for students and she is highly respected and loved by everyone in our department. In addition to her contributions at the University of Colorado, she is also involved in her own community and in the leadership of her church. I can think of no one more deserving of this award.