Anniversary celebration for two Purdue University research organizations

Who: Purdue University’s Center for Families and Military Family Research Institute

When: 6 p.m. Saturday (April 25)

Where: Conrad Indianapolis, 50 West Washington Street, Indianapolis, Indiana, 46204, USA

What: Anniversary Gala: Center for Families and the Military Family Research Institute (MFRI) will come together to celebrate two anniversaries: 20 years for the Center for Families and 15 years for the Military Family Research Institute. During this celebration, an announcement will be made that Gov. Mike Pence has signed a proclamation designating April 25 as Indiana Military and Veterans Appreciation Day.

Why: "This evening gives us a chance 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." said Shelley MacDermid Wadsworth, director of both organizations. “We will also have several announcements about our sustainability and future that we are excited to share.”

MFRI and the Center are part of Purdue University’s Department of Human Development and Family Studies in the College of Health and Human Sciences. 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 and the Rosabeth Moss Kanter Award for Work-Family Research.

Founded in 2000, MFRI’s original mission was almost entirely research-based. It now works to extend and strengthen the ability of military and civilian organizations to help military families through research and outreach to assist military and veteran families. Signature programs include Star Behavioral Health Providers, which trains mental health professionals in military culture and clinical practices, then links these professionals with military-affiliated families who need services. SBHP started in Indiana and has now spread to seven states. The Family Journeys research project is studying the impact of deployment on families.

Contact: Beth Johnson, Director of External Relations, MFRI, 703-927-7429 (cell).

Note to Journalists: Any media wishing to cover can contact Beth Johnson, director of external relations, MFRI, at 703-927-7429.