James Madison University - Bluestone / Schoolmaam Yearbook (Harrisonburg, VA)

M ommunity Service-Learning (CS-L) created Alternative ■ Spring Break (ASB) trips to " train and immerse stu- B dents in a purposeful service experience designed to ^^^^^^^ connect students and community members while en- hancing personal growth, mutual awareness and life-long learning, " according to the CSL Web site. After an ASB trip to the Gesundheit! Institute in Hillsboro, W.Va., a group of university students found a new, fun way to help people — clowning around. The Clowning Club, though not yet an official university organi- zation, was created after the ASB trip and Patch Adams ' 2006 visit to the university, in which he spoke about philosophies and his clown- ing health care. " My clowning story evolved starting with leading the ASB trip to Gesundheit! Institute last year where I learned about the vision of Patch Adams and his organization, " said senior Kourtney Rusow. " I realized living was much more than going through your daily routine, but caring about people along the way, and being conscious of the pain going on around you. His vision is linked to the idea that happiness creates wellness, and that is what our current health care system is missing. I want to put that back into society ' ' The group still dressed in silly clothes and played funny stunts and games, but the main difference between the Clowning Club and its big top cousins was the audience. Seated alongside a local niHsirv^ home patient, junior Caitlin Boyer spends an afternoon clowning. Both the young and the young at heart were amused by the clowns ' attention. Photo by Karen McChesney Smiling Irom e.ir to ear, senior Kourtney Rusow interacts with an elementary school student. Since Patch Adams built his hospital, clowning has become widespread throughout the i.AjnIinc*nl. Photo courtesy of Kourtney Rusow whole #% by Walter Canter Patch Adams ' work inspired students to heal others through happiness. 1