Page 48 - 2025 Van Buren Chamber Community Profile

EDUCATION

its state-of-the-art building includes establishment focusing on health for Physical and Occupational
a pro-bono Physical Therapy and transformation. The first floor, which Therapy research in the nation. The
Occupational Therapy Clinic benefiting opened in spring 2023, has hosted third floor will also be composed of
the community and providing hands- art receptions, facilitated ceramics five centers: Center for Oncology,
on experience for students under classes, art workshops, and organized Center for Genetics and Personalized
professional supervision. Fabrication Lab sessions. This diverse Medicine, Center for Hypertension
In August 2024, ACHE launched range of activities has served as a and Cardiovascular Disease, Center
its fifth program, the Master of Public vibrant canvas for creativity to thrive. for Diabetes and Obesity, and the
Health (MPH). The program is a two- ACHE’s commitment to health and Center for Neuroscience, Aviation, and
year online initiative tailored for working wellness is unmistakable through Aerospace.
professionals with concentrations nutrition initiatives, cooking classes, and As ACHE reflects on its remarkable
in Rural and Community Health and vertical garden programs. Additionally, journey from humble beginnings to a
Nutrition. its offering of fitness and dance classes thriving institution over the past ten
Over the past decade, the ACHE play a pivotal role in enabling individuals years, the anticipation for the next
campus has undergone substantial throughout the community to embrace decade is apparent. From the roots of
growth, expanding to 542 acres. The a healthier, active lifestyle. pine trees to the flourishing branches
Village at Heritage, a mixed-use, Ongoing renovations on the of innovation, ACHE is poised to
new urban neighborhood, has been second and third floors of the ACHE continue its legacy of transformative
integrated, featuring restaurants, RIHWC showcase a 95,000-square-foot contributions. Here’s to another
retail spaces, wellness facilities, and biomedical research facility. The second decade of excellence, growth, and
student housing. The campus also floor will feature an animal vivarium making a lasting difference in the field
boasts the serene Celebration Garden facility. Completed in mid-2024, the of health education and beyond. For
and Wellness Park, spanning eight Center for Rehabilitation Research more information on ACHE visit www.
acres. This thoughtfully designed is the third-largest space designated achehealth.edu
space incorporates water features, a
playground, labyrinth, pavilion, and a
scenic mile-long walking trail, all aimed
at enhancing the overall well-being of
the community. The Celebration Garden
holds special significance as it serves
as a tribute to the anatomical donors,
individuals who selflessly contributed
their bodies to educate students in the
intricacies of human gross anatomy. The
thoughtfully profound gift stands as a
constant source of inspiration for the
entire ACHE community, serving as a
poignant reminder of the transformative
power inherent in acts of generosity.
Within the ACHE campus, Mercy
Clinic and Mercy Rehabilitation Hospital
serve as venues for clinical rotations
and fieldwork for ACHE students.
Future announcements on the ACHE
campus include a national grocery
store, expected to open in 2025.
Just 15 minutes away lies the ACHE
Research Institute Health & Wellness
Center (RIHWC), a 317,000-square-foot
facility acquired in 2020. Following a
generous $32 million gift, the facility
began undergoing a major renovation
to transform it into a cutting-edge
48 Van Buren Chamber 2025 Community Profile vanburenchamber.org