Introduction To Our Group

Hello everyone! We are all so excited to be on this trip to the Navajo Nation, and are happy you will be following us on our journey through this blog. For our first post, we will be giving short introductions to the group members along with why we each wanted to go to the Navajo Nation.

Rachel McKernan: Freshman Physician Assistant Major
I chose the Navajo Nation trip to broaden my horizon in my understanding of others' culture and home so that I can bring back new ideas to Gannon.

Maddy Kosinski: Junior Physician Assistant Major
I am a sister of Alpha Gamma Delta, and university Ambassador and a TA in the human gross anatomy lab. I am thrilled to have this opportunity to go to the Navajo Nation. I know I will learn a lot from this experience and can't wait

Evan Moore: Freshman Physician Assistant Major
The Native Americans have always fascinated me, so when I say that this trip as an option, I had to select it. Being immersed in a totally different culture in an eye-opening experience that everyone should partake in. I am very excited for this rip and to being back everything that I experience.

Emily Hartz: Sophomore Occupational Therapy Major
I chose Navajo Nation as a trip because I wanted to be pushed out of my comfort zone. Having a trip where my main purpose is to be present and experience is new or me. I have built on a few trips but everything about the Navajo Nation will be new and exciting.

Ally Gates: Sophomore Physician Assistant Major
I come from Buffalo NY and wanted to have an experience where I was forced to step our of my comfort zone. I am so excited to submerge myself in another culture and can't wait to experience this with the people I am going with. This will be a time where I can step back and reflect on the way I live my life and be open to make changes based on everything I will learn during this trip.

Michael Rizzo: Sophomore Physician Assistant major

This is my first ABST with Gannon and I couldn’t be more excited. Going on this trip for me isn’t to go there and change the world but to gain a greater understanding of the hardships and challenges of people different than myself. By going to the Navajo Nation, I hope to challenge myself, step out of my comfort zone and form relationships with people whose stories can influence the way I look at things.

Lauren Dellinger: Freshman Physical Therapy Major 

I chose the Navajo trip because the Native American culture is fascinating to me and I'd love to learn more while helping them with anything they need. 

Kassidy Deuber: Junior Occupational Therapy Major
I am so excited to be student leading this trip the Navajo Nation. I have always had a passion for social justice, so when I saw this brand new trip, I knew this is where I wanted to go. I hope to be immersed Navajo community and to connect to the Navajo people. I can't wait bring back new experiences and knowledge to the Gannon Community.


Michael Awungnkeng: Senior Philosophy Major and seminarian Roman Catholic Diocese of Buffalo
I am originally from Cameroon and currently live in Blasdell, NY. The reason I decided to lead this trip is due to it's cultural immersion. I have been to a couple of countries and seen the beauty in these cultures so I am always glad to get to know one more culture. 

Mary Jean Taylor: Director of University Wellness
I chose this trip because I really want to learn more about the Navajo and their way of life. They have endured much hardship and shill they persist. I'm looking forward to hearing their stories.

Doug King: Professor in the English Department

I have taugh at Gannon since 2001, and love teaching a variety of courses including Shakespeare, Renaissance Drama, Literature and Film, The Art of Film, and Poetry.  I also love hiking, biking, and kayaking, as well as walking with my dog Ranger.

I have led nine trips to Europe with students, and this is my 1st ABST.

In summer of 2016 my son and I did a 12 day backpacking trek through the Philmont Scout Ranch in Cimarron, New Mexico--the high desert.  This rekindled the love I've always had for the Southwest (though I'd barely been there before, I have always been drawn to the terrain, and to Native American literature and culture).  Upon returning, I conceived of taking students to experience Native American territory and culture, and thought that an ABST would be the perfect vehicle.  I researched a bit and found Amizade, then took the idea to the wonderful people at CSC; they gave their wholehearted support; and so was born this trip! 

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