Robert P. Casey Jr.
Casey to students: Health care needs you; Senator pleased to learn 75 percent of Misericordia graduates remain in area
February 21, 2008
Source: Wilkes-Barre Times Leader
By Bill O'Boyle
DALLAS TWP. – Christine Pierce will graduate in May from Misericordia University with a degree in psychology, and her daughter, Olivia, will be at her side, as she has been for the past four years.
Pierce is one of six women who participate in the university’s Women With Children Program – one of eight programs of its kind in the United States.
The program, designed for academically qualified single mothers of all ages, allows them to attend classes while living on campus with their children.
U.S. Sen. Bob Casey, D-Scranton, spoke with Pierce and her daughter Wednesday before the freshman lawmaker addressed more than 100 students majoring in health sciences.
Pierce, 22, and Olivia, 6, live in a house on Lake Street on campus with five other women and 13 children. They share common areas in the house and sleep in their own rooms. Room and board and expenses are covered by the university.
Casey, who was greeted by Misericordia President Michael McDowell and a host of university staffers, commended Pierce for her hard work. He said he was pleased to hear she would stay in the area following graduation – a message he continued during his address.
Casey was pleased to learn 75 percent of Misericordia graduates remain in the area after graduation – especially those who pursue careers in health care.
“There is a tremendous need for you to stay in the area and work,” Casey told the students. “Northeast Pennsylvania has a high percentage of older residents, many of whom need health care. You are the future leaders in that field to assure our people receive a high level of care.”
Casey quoted the late Martin Luther King, who said, “Everyone can be great because everyone can serve.”
Casey said the careers chosen by the Misericordia students “will provide some of the best ways to serve, to be great.”
Casey took time to reflect on his personal experiences with the health care industry and talked about his father, the late former Gov. Robert Casey, who suffered from amyloidosis – a disease that attacks all organs of the body and gradually shuts them down.
During the governor’s later years, the Casey family dealt with all aspects of the health care field, the senator said. He said the personal experience gave him a true perspective on the health care industry.
Because of his experience, Casey said, he vowed to oppose any cuts in federal health care allocations.
