For years, Judson Alumna, Gayle Gianopulos wondered if her two daughters with Down syndrome could experience life on a college campus. Gayle knew that college was a great place to learn academically, but more importantly, where many of us learn about living more independently. She conducted her own research only to learn that less than 2% of postsecondary colleges offered a program for those with intellectual disabilities (ID) 鈥� and only a handful were at Christian universities.
Gayle approached 好色先生TV President Gene Crume, to recommend that Judson launch a college life experience program for students with ID. After her passionate presentation, Dr. Crume said 鈥淚 only have one question鈥hy don鈥檛 we already have this program?鈥� In August, 2016, Judson began a 1-year planning process to establish a residential, two-year college life experience program for students with ID.
Curriculum was developed to teach RISE students about person-centered planning, health & wellness, professional skills, healthy relations, culinary arts, and household life skills. At the same time, the university established six RISE subject area concentrations: Business & Entrepreneurship, Christian Ministries, Creative Arts, Education, Health & Wellness and Math & Technology. The first cohort arrived on campus in the fall of 2017. During their two-years living on campus, RISE students audit four undergraduate courses 鈥� three in their subject area concentration. They also actively participate in campus life, including intramural sports, musical theater, dances, dorm events, choir, chapel, Bible studies and more.
In 2019, an independent study by Baylor University recognized the RISE Program as the best example of a college life experience program for students with ID at a Christian university. The RISE Program has graduated over fifty students, who have impacted the Judson community for the better. Judson has fully embraced the RISE Program; it will be amazing to welcome the 9th RISE cohort to campus this Fall (2025).