We, student and alumni of GSE, are asking the president of University of Pennsylvania to uphold the university standard it sets forth by renewing the employment of one of it’s innovative lecturers.

Dr. Helen Garinger is an exceptional educator whose passion for education, research, and her students captures the essence of the University mission. Dr. Garinger has channeled her extensive counseling experience into inspiring new generations of counselors by teaching great respect for human dignity. She has channeled this passion for teaching and her care for her students into her work alleviating the suffering of bullied children.

As a students and alumni of GSE, we feel it is necessary to voice our concerns regarding the dean’s decision to not renew Dr. Garinger’s contract. Dismissing her would be an immense loss to us students and to the department. Dr. Garinger is one of the most active faculty members, helping students broaden their experiences of therapeutic techniques with annual visits to the Elis Institute and the Psychodrama Institute. Not only that, she goes above and beyond to help both students and alumni in personal matters. Dr. Garinger’s willingness to go above and beyond for her students insures that we receive the support and knowledge necessary to be exceptional members of the work force and representatives of the University of Pennsylvania.

We implore the president of the University of Pennsylvania to stand with the students and alumni who believe that Dr. Garinger is and should continue to be an integral part of the counseling program at GSE. Please help us by renewing Dr. Garinger’s contract for another year, until the new dean can decide the future of Dr. Garinger’s employment.