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The School of Education and Human Development (SEHD) will host a panel discussion: “Combating the Loneliness Epidemic: Science. Connection. Healing.” on Monday, Sept. 23 from 6 to 8 p.m., at the Dolan School of Business Event Hall.

A recent report from the U.S. Surgeon General highlights a growing public health crisis in America: loneliness, isolation, and a lack of connection are pervasive issues affecting millions. These feelings of disconnection can profoundly impact both physical and mental well-being, contributing to the alarming statistic that more than one in five adults — and over one in three young adults in the U.S. — are living with a mental illness.

"As we launch the inaugural Dean's Dialogue series, we confront a critical issue facing our society: the loneliness epidemic. This series reflects our school’s unwavering commitment to serving our communities and building meaningful connections,” said Evelyn Bilias Lolis, PhD, interim dean of the School of Education and Human Development. “Through dialogue, collaboration, and interdisciplinary expertise, we aim to foster understanding, compassion, and solutions that truly connect and uplift our shared humanity.”

Dr. Bilias Lolis will engage a panel of experts to discuss the impact of loneliness and offer strategies for creating connections. This event is ideal for K-12 educators and mental health providers, first-year students new to Fairfield, and undergraduate and graduate students. 

• Michael Pisseri, MA’00, principal of Davenport Elementary School, Stamford Public Schools 
• Samantha Miller, portfolio director, Connecticut Opportunity Project; Dalio Education
• Paula Gill Lopez, PhD, chair and program director of School Psychology at ÌìÃÀ´«Ã½ÊÓƵÎÞÏÞÖƹۿ´, and co-founder of the Connecticut Center for School Safety and Crisis Preparation 
• Clinesha Johnson, PsyD, licensed psychologist and assistant dean of students at ÌìÃÀ´«Ã½ÊÓƵÎÞÏÞÖƹۿ´
• Wendy Mendes, MS, NCC, LPC, professional counselor and director of student well-being at Fairfield Bellarmine

Attendees will:

• Increase their awareness and understanding of the widespread issues of loneliness and isolation, particularly among youth and young adults.
• Explore the effect of loneliness and isolation on youth, including implications for healthy development, purpose, and leading a meaningful life, from the perspectives of K-12 education, higher education, research, and community stakeholders.
• Learn practical strategies for fostering feelings of connectedness in schools, on college campuses, and in communities, including tips and anecdotes shared by panel members.
• Strategize ways to build communities of connection through interactive activities such as Padlet, group discussions, and table talks.

Prior to the panel discussion, attendees will have an opportunity to learn about helpful resources that support and connect students from members of ÌìÃÀ´«Ã½ÊÓƵÎÞÏÞÖƹۿ´’s Campus Ministry, the Center for Social Impact, Counseling and Psychological Services, and the Koslow Center for Marriage and Family Therapy.