Two notable research institutes at Purdue to celebrate milestones

December 18, 2014  


mrfi anniversary logo

Logo created for 2015 anniversaries of CFF and MFRI.  (MFRI photo)
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WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. – The Center for Families (CFF) and the Military Family Research Institute (MFRI) are using their 20th and 15th anniversaries, respectively, to honor "Strong Families, Strong Communities" and the idea that families in all forms play a central role in creating resilient, vibrant communities. "Strong Families, Strong Communities" will be reinforced throughout the year with various CFF and MFRI engagement opportunities such as events and online activities.

On April 25 CFF and MFRI will host a celebratory gala at the Conrad hotel, 50 W. Washington St., in Indianapolis. More information about the gala, including online registration, is available on the anniversary website.

"We hope everyone will come and enjoy an evening of wonderful food, inspiring speakers and uplifting entertainment," said Shelley MacDermid Wadsworth, who is director of both organizations. "The gala is a chance for us to thank those who have worked diligently to serve families over the last 20 years and for those who support stronger families and communities to see what we are all about."

Founded in 1994 as part of Purdue University’s Department of Human Development and Family Studies in the College of Health and Human Services, CFF is a reminder that families, in all of their diverse forms, are the foundation of society. Serving as a catalyst to integrate outreach, teaching, and research activities that support families, the center continues to increase and enhance collaboration among academic disciplines, professionals, policymakers, corporations and community organizations. Examples of this include the Family Impact Seminars, Rosabeth Moss Kanter Award for Work-Family Research and MFRI. 

In 2000 the center created MFRI with funding from the Department of Defense. MFRI’s original mission was largely research-based, but it has expanded to include outreach, thanks in part to increased funding from the Department of Defense, and funding from Lilly Endowment Inc., Sesame Workshop and others.

MFRI's mission is to extend and strengthen the ability of military and civilian organizations to help service members, veterans and their families. By designing and implementing outreach activities that assist military families and conducting research with and for these families, MFRI helps generate new knowledge about their experiences and how the systems around them can better operate to improve their lives. Both centers operate under the philosophy that working with other high-quality individuals and organizations brings the most substantial benefits.

"Collaborative partnerships increase the breadth and depth of each institute's impact," MacDermid Wadsworth said. "CFF and MFRI offer a way for Purdue faculty, staff, students, alumni and friends to bring about change focused on families. We are able help families become more resilient by building relationships with collaborators around the country including federal agencies, state legislatures, employers and community organizations. We believe that, in turn, will create stronger communities." 

Writer: Beth Johnson, 703-927-7429, bethjohnson@purdue.edu 

Source: Shelley MacDermid Wadsworth, 765-494-6026, shelley@purdue.edu 

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