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When Alex Summers ’22 began work on his capstone project for the Master of Public Health program, he knew exactly where he wanted to use his knowledge and skills to make a difference.

“ helps individuals with special needs — neurological, physical or mental health-related — through riding and interacting with horses,” Summers said.

Since 2007, the farm has hosted programs in therapeutic riding, grief management and mentoring for foster and adopted youth. Most of the horses are rescue animals.

“Even before I enrolled at LR, I knew about the work they do at Rising Hope Farms through my family, so when I joined the MPH program, I was ready to use any opportunities I could to support their work,” shared Summers.

In his capstone project, Summers wrote two grants and organized a dinner and bingo fundraising event, bringing in almost $17,000 total for Rising Hope Farms.

“I felt like they were doing me a favor, so I wanted to make my help count,” Summers said.

Gail Wartner, executive director of Rising Hope Farms, expressed mutual admiration. “It was a blessing and a joy to partner with Alex as part of his MPH studies. He has enhanced our ministry with his work ethic, knowledge and skill.”

Out on the farm

Rising Hope Farms in Claremont, North Carolina offers therapeutic horse riding, which provides physical, mental and emotional benefits for a vast range of conditions, including cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, multiple sclerosis and sensory disorders, among many more.

“When you put an individual on a horse, the movement of the horse’s walking stimulates the rider’s spine and hips, which provides physical therapy, relief and exercise,” Summers explained.

Variations in the horse’s gait and pace vary the therapeutic focus. Riders also benefit from socializing with the animals and their riding support team.

“It’s all very empowering for the riders, and during each session, volunteers accompany each rider to ensure safety,” Summers said.

In cooperation with the Palliative Care Center and Hospice of Catawba Valley, the farm offers Hooves for Hospice, a program for children who have recently lost loved ones. The farm provides a healing space where participants can ride or just be with the horses.

“They also have a partnership with the North Carolina Boys Academy called Reigning through Life, where they teach horsemanship and horse care. It’s about getting to know all sides of an individual’s life, helping them grow,” said Summers.

“My goal for the fundraiser was to include individuals who had little or no knowledge of all these programs, so Rising Hope Farms could expand its network of volunteers and contributors.” 

Back to School

Before enrolling at LR, Summers held a bachelor’s degree in environmental science and spent much of his career working in municipal water treatment. Seeking more flexibility in his work, Summers started looking at a career change.

“I got interested in public health because it was a bigger umbrella over multiple fields — including environmental science,” Summers explained. “When I was looking at programs, LR had the most affordable program and the best online program for my area of interest.”

While Summers completed his degree online, he felt fully supported and immersed in his program. He now works for a company that facilitates clinical trials and has plans to move into project management there.

“The sum of what is great about the MPH program is the professors’ willingness to come out and push you to go beyond, help communities and learn new things,” Summers shared.

Summers credits program coordinator Randall Bergman, Ph.D., with supporting and encouraging him to find success with the Rising Hope fundraiser.

“Before this project, I had zero experience with fundraising or grant writing. Dr. Bergman told me, ‘You have the knowledge and drive to do this,’” Summers shared. “Our professors want us to succeed. They want us to make a big change.”