200 interns in 20 years

Melpomene Journal, Wntr, 2002 by Jenny Maxted

Interns are an essential component of the Melpomene community. Their skills and talents have been the keys to assisting with so many of our activities. More than 200 women (and two men) have served in this role, so it's been difficult, if not impossible, to keep in touch with everyone. However, for this 20th Anniversary issue, we have put together a group of 20 and brought their lives up to date as best we could. Some details are missing and so are some photos, but we have supplemented the missing photos with others from our abundant collection.

Lillian Abelson - 1991

Lillian interned at Melpomene while she was a student at St. Cloud University. She coordinated the fall conference, worked in the media center/library and helped initiate the development of an information packet on breast health and exercise. She describes her internship as a "fabulous experience." Lillian has worked as a county health educator, completed her coursework for dual majors in public health and social work from the University of Minnesota, and become a grandmother. Now the chemical health-violence prevention coordinator for a school district in Elk River, Minnesota, she has developed a love of kayaking and biking.

Barbara Crea - 1996

Barbara did a 50-hour Melpomene internship for a women's studies class she was taking at Century College in White Bear Lake, Minnesota. She subsequently received her Women's Studies certificate and graduated from Century's Accelerated Nursing Program. Barbara went on to do an internship in surgery at St. John's Hospital in Maplewood. Two days after starting, the hospital hired her and she's been working as an RN in surgery ever since. She says, "I work full-time and, as far as I'm concerned, it is the best job in the world."

Aubrey Borland - 2000

Aubrey, 30, is the women's rowing coach for the University of Minnesota. She was drawn to Melpomene by the organization's approach to improving women's health through the promotion of physical activity. She was most impressed by "the dedication, commitment and creativity of the Melpomene staff. From this example, I know that it is possible to make a difference in people's lives when you really believe in an idea." Fitness plays an important role in Aubrey's life. After competing in soccer, squash and crew during high school and crew during college, her concept of fitness has changed from training to working out for health and feeling good. Aubrey recently joined the Melpomene staff as program director.

Nancy Garelick - 2000

Nancy, 23, taught preschool at the Children's Country Day School in Mendota Heights, Minnesota, and is now studying for her master's degree in teaching. Her internship taught her that there is a need for more information and research on women and exercise. "We need to keep studying and learning what is beneficial to women and their health," she said. Melpomene made her think about her lifestyle and the everyday choices she makes. She knows that exercise and healthy habits in her 20s can be beneficial later in life. Nancy works out several times a week, walks every chance she gets and enjoys ballroom dancing and playing golf.

Deborah Gustafson - 1988-89

Deborah is an assistant professor in the Department of Nutrition and Food Sciences at Utah State University. She is currently in Sweden for a two-year research project studying obesity and Alzheimer's Disease in older women. She is also exploring genetic factors related to vascular susceptibility for Alzheimer's.

Jean Howard - 1996-97

Jean, 46, worked on the osteoporosis packet during her internship, which gave her great information and insight about this disease. She says that the people at Melpomene are "exceptional role models. They show the energy and strength women can have at any age." Jean is the director of administration for Vital Works, a software company in Minneapolis. She also is an adjunct professor in the School of Accelerated Learning at Concordia College in St. Paul where she teaches group dynamics and effective communication. Jean runs three miles "nearly everyday," uses a Stair Master when she cannot run and, during the summer, plays golf once or twice a week.

Barbara Jones - 1997

Barbara, 24, is a research assistant in a microbiology lab at Montana State University. She says Melpomene sparked her interest in women's health, which has also been strengthened by her involvement in women's health, which has also been strengthened by her involvement in women's athletics. She hopes to pursue this interest in medical school and plans to attend in the fall of 2002. Barbara is a professional cross-country skier who is competing in the 2002 Olympic Games in Salt Lake City, Utah.

Dee Langley- 1991

Dee, 47, is a professional musician and orchestra director for the Ethnic Dance Theater in Minneapolis, Minnesota. As an intern, she learned how a non-profit organization works and about interfacing with an Apple computer database. She says that her experience with Melpomene made her realize "how important women are to other women and that it is okay to talk about menopause.