Mac's Story and The Stride Initiative at Northern Kentucky University

Philip Mac Mattheis, NKU Student           Molly Mattheis, School Age Coordinator DSAGC

Being in the Right Place at the Right Time

PoSec Conference Columbus Ohio 2007              PoSec Conference Cincinnati Ohio 2009

STUDENTS

     Making strides toward learning, independence, self-reliance, personal responsibility, self-advocacy, adulthood....

the NKU community

     Making strides toward awareness, diversity, outreach, accessible instruction, seamless support, inclusion.

Making Strides toward Inclusion

It began with one student’s dream of going to college. Inclusive communities mean everyone, all the time, no exceptions, in all environments. Universities should be no exception

EXCLUSION is not about difference; it is about our responses to difference.

                                                                                                   Mara Sapon-Sevin

It started small with one student. Mac agreed to be the trailblazer at NKU taking two freshmen classes fall 2007. Mentors sat in on classes. Tutoring was provided as well as help with assignments.   Peer Mentoring is usually juniors or seniors, special education majors, who received course credit.

Why I Choose Northern Kentucky University!

I wanted to learn, to make new friends. It is close to home. I wanted to be a college student.

Courses I took At NKU!

Modern Dance, Stagecraft, Stagecraft Lab, Photography, Jazz Dance I & II, Concepts of Lifetime Fitness

NKU Jazz & Fitness Dance Troupe

Next year I have been asked to join the dance troupe. This group goes into schools to dance and also teach about keeping healthy and fit.

I have taken other classes:

The History of Rock & Roll,  Creative Expression,  Intro to NKU Theater & Dance,  Weight Training

Courses I Am Taking Now

Public Speaking  - Acting - Yoga

I also am working on my book with Dr. Jones.

My favorite classes were History of Rock and Roll were I got to learn about music from the 50’s, 60’s, 70’s, and 80’s; Jazz Dance where I danced a lot. I love dancing at the Norse Nights Block Party.

My Typical Day At NKU:

Go to classes

I got involved on campus….

I take a lot of pictures.....

I want to take pictures for The Northerner, the newspaper for Northern Kentucky University.

I want to take pictures for sports and everything at NKU.     

I work at the Recreation Center

I have a job at the Albright Health Center. I clean the work out equipment; keep the center safe and healthy. I scan student Id’s or ALL CARDS for students to enter the center to work out.               At the Campus Recreation Center my boss is Jen.  My friend Ron

What I Like Most About NKU

I like learning more, working in the Health Center, meeting, new friends and teachers, NKU Basketball games, and PARTIES with my work crew!  I like  the new Student Union Center, playing pool and games with friends.

Norse Nights Block Party 2008

Waiting for the Block Party to begin

Me and my dancing team

Words from one of the Professors....

"I simply embraced the courage and spunk that Mac posses and brings to our class."

"We (who are untrained) need not be afraid of what may or may not happen."

"I really believe that Mac being in class has to help students accept and maybe even appreciate others who are not similarly able."

   "NKU is Home to me! I LOVE BEING A STUDENT AT NKU!!!! Thanks to Dr. Missy Jones for making my dreams come true." 

                                                                                                                                                                                                 Mac Mattheis