St. John Fisher College hosted "Discover at Fisher Day" for 50 local elementary–aged students during the Buffalo Bills Verizon Wireless Training Camp on August 8, 2011.
The area youth participated in interactive sessions, met some of the college's athletes, and received VIP treatment at the Bills afternoon practice. Mrs. Meg Bain, wife of Dr. Donald Bain, St. John Fisher College president, conceptualized the day to reinforce the importance of careers, nutrition, and literacy for young people.
The 50 elementary students are participants in the Rochester Public Library's "Safe to be Smart" summer program. Dr. Bain provided the welcome to the students and other volunteers included Mrs. Meg Bain, Fisher faculty and staff members, Fisher athletes and Buffalo Bills team members.
Students were rotated through educational group activities including; Discover News (presented by Dr. Jack Rosenberry, Chair, Communication/Journalism Department, Fisher), Discover Healthy Habits (presented by School of Pharmacy faculty; taught students how to make their own hand sanitizer), Discover Through Reading (presented by Fisher Literacy Program graduate students; students performed a fun skit), Discover Careers in Sports (presented by Buffalo Bills executive marketing staff), and Discover Nutrition (presented by Fisher athletics staff and trainers).
"St. John Fisher College and the Buffalo Bills have collaborated on this event for the past four years, and we were delighted to do so once again," said Dr. Donald Bain, St. John Fisher College president. "The participating students worked together in interactive sessions all focused on discovering through literacy. They were exposed to our college campus, and had the unique opportunity to interact with NFL players who also promote literacy. It was a win-win for us all, as we help young people work to create careers and build their lives towards a more successful future."
After the group activities, the students enjoyed a healthy lunch and met with St. John Fisher College athletes outside on the LeChase Lawn in front of Lavery Library.
The students wrapped up their day by visiting the Buffalo Bills Verizon Wireless Training Camp practice where they watched practice, relaxed in the community relations VIP tent, enjoyed snacks and beverages, and received autographs from some of the Bills players after practice.
