Susquehanna University opens new Center for Adolescent Research and Education

Susquehanna University, in Selinsgrove, Pa., announced the opening of its new Center for Adolescent Research and Education (CARE) at a gala event Dec. 1 at the John Fitzgerald Kennedy Library and Museum in Boston. The Friends for Life Inaugural Gala celebrated the 30th anniversary of Boston-based Students Against Destructive Decisions (SADD) and marked the achievements of departing board chairman and CEO Stephen Wallace, who will serve as director of CARE at Susquehanna University.

L. Jay Lemons, Susquehanna University president, served as honorary co-chair of the event, which celebrated Wallace's 15 years of service to youth and families through SADD (formerly Students Against Driving Drunk), the nation's leading youth-based, peer-to-peer education, prevention and activism organization. Author and medical journalist Jeanne Blake served as mistress of ceremonies, with speakers including SADD Board Chairman Danna Mauch and SADD Executive Director Penny Wells. Some 225 people attended the dinner and awards presentation, including students who are members of SADD chapters in their schools.

A portion of event proceeds will help fund future CARE at Susquehanna University research. Operating under Wallace, a 1981 Susquehanna graduate, the center will study factors in teen attitudes, behaviors and decision-making.

"At Susquehanna, we will continue to go beyond just 'what' teens are doing to analyze the 'whys' of teen behavior," Wallace said. "And we will create communication tools to empower parents and other adults to play a more active role in guiding the choices young people make on their way to maturity."

The center will pursue private and public funding to support research on teens and tweens, including personal development, underage drinking and drug use, sexual behavior, driving, bullying, violence and suicide. SADD will collaborate with Susquehanna's CARE in research projects.

An advisory board will be appointed to help guide the new center. It will include representatives of Susquehanna University's administration and faculty as well as prominent individuals in the fields of psychology, sociology, medicine, business, and secondary and higher education.