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By Susan Occhipinti

SGA Reporter

Graduate assistants at the University Counseling Services are bringing an organization to Oklahoma State to give support to college students who are grieving the loss or illness of a loved one.

Through his position as the grief and loss graduate assistant at the University Counseling Services, Andrew Dunkle has decided to bring students of AMF to OSU.

“Basically, Students of AMF is a national organization that has been formed to support college students grieving the illness or death of a loved one, and it is made up of a service component as well as a peer support group,” Dunkle.

AMF began at Georgetown University when a student named David Fajgenbaum lost his mother to a brain tumor and felt the need for a support system, according to studentsofamf.org.  AMF originally stood for Ailing Mothers and Fathers, but to be more inclusive, the name was changed to the National Students of AMF.  The letters continue to be a tribute to Fajgenbaum’s mother, Anne Marie Fajgenbaum, according to the website.

“For students  who don’t feel comfortable talking to a stranger or someone that they don’t know [Students of AMF] would be great,” freshman Jessalyn McAlister said.

When this organization becomes official, it will become one of about 70 chapters of Students of AMF nationwide. Being a completely student-run organization, each meeting is different. The national support network distributes an optional outline to use as a guide, but it is completely up to the students to decide how to run the meetings.

“It really opens people up,” Dunkle said.

Students of AMF does not necessarily take the place of formal counseling. Rather, it is a different way for students to deal with these problems using the help of students who are facing similar challenges, Dunkle said.

Dunkle said many times a lot of people facing these challenges feel isolated. Students of AMF was created so students who are also overcoming challenges can support each other, whether that be in addition to or in place of counseling.

One of the many ways Students of AMF assists in dealing with grief is by sharing positive memories of loved ones, acknowledging the loss, and sharing those things with peers Dunkle said.

For those interested in becoming a part of Students of AMF, whether it be as a volunteer to raise awareness and support or to use its services, visit the Facebook page “Students of AMF at Oklahoma State” where there is a link to the national website as well as information about an upcoming start-up meeting for OSU’s chapter.  The date for the meeting has not been decided but is likely to soon.

May 22, 2012:
The National Students of AMF Support Network is pleased to announce a search for a passionate, self-motivated leader to serve as the full-time Executive Director. He or she will be responsible for programming, fundraising and day-to-day management of the organization from its headquarters in Raleigh, NC. Incorporated in 2006, the organization’s mission is to provide support to college students grieving the illness or death of a loved one. The organization helps students start Campus Chapters, provides information and grief support through www.studentsofamf.org, and raises awareness about college student grief through programs and events nationwide. Experience in nonprofit leadership, fundraising, and volunteer management is essential for success in this role. This is a unique opportunity to grow this position and create a legacy within this vibrant, young organization. A competitive salary will be offered with the opportunity for significant performance bonuses.

The application process will be open from May 2 through May 28, 2012. For the complete application, go to: www.studentsofamf.org/edsearch

Please email info@studentsofamf.org with any questions that you may have about the position.

Hello from Danville Kentucky! My name is Patrick Cho and I am a junior at Centre College. I returned to school this year after taking a leave of absence from college to help care for my mother, who had ALS (Lou Gehrig’s Disease). The period of her illness was the worst of my life. I felt lonely, isolated—I did not know anyone else my own age who could understand what I was going through. Establishing Students of AMF at Centre has been an amazing opportunity to reach out to other college students who have experienced a similar loss. The response, both from students and faculty, has been amazing.

Earlier this year we were approved as an official organization at Centre. As a new organization, our biggest goal was to boost awareness of our new chapter of Students of AMF at Centre. I met with the dean of students and various faculty to make connections with professors so they could refer students to Students of AMF; an email was eventually sent out to all faculty and staff at Centre. We placed informational cards in every student mailbox, and were featured in an interview in the school newspaper. I also met with all the RAs on campus, explaining the goals of AMF and distributing flyers that were put up in every dorm around campus. RA’s have a very personal connection with the residents on their hall, and they have been so helpful in getting the word out among students.

The response has been fantastic. A group of core officers formed quickly, and together organized our first service activity as a chapter this October. We helped distribute candy at a college-sponsored trick or treat for the local community, and our booth was a great success!

As a chapter leader, the most rewarding aspect of AMF has been the support group. Centre is a small school, and most people know, or at least recognize, everyone else. Yet death is never discussed. It’s astonishing to see how many people attend support group meetings that I had no idea has experienced a loss. One of the most valuable aspects of Students of AMF has been the ability to connect people who share this common bond and support one another. The more we grow, the more apparent it is just how important Students of AMF is on campus.

Our chapter advisor, Director of Campus Counseling Kathy Miles, has been a wonderful resource, and I am so grateful to the other students who have helped make Students of Amf at Centre such a success—Jen Abraham, Louesa Akin, and Lan Nugyen. I look forward to the coming year and to building students of AMF at Centre!