February 19, 2025
Celebrating inclusive and diverse support in all aspects of life, the eighth annual Healthology Symposium takes place on Wednesday, March 12, 2025 in the Oakland Center on the campus of Oakland University.
The 2025 event focuses on Achieving Health Diversity – exploring Healthy Literacy, encouraging Communication and Advocacy, discovering Community Resources, and inviting commitment to Restorative Well-Being.
A unique experience planned by diverse health leader from the School of Health Sciences, Oakland University at large, and the community, this event features lightning talks, interactive presentations, keynote speakers Michael Spehn and Gina Kell Spehn, networking, refreshments and more.
“We invite the public to join in discussions with health leaders and practitioners, higher education professionals, researchers and students, as we strive for health transformation for all people – in purpose for health,” said Dr. Kevin Ball, dean of the School of Health Sciences.
The keynote speakers, Michael Spehn and Gina Kell Spehn, founders of the New Day Foundation for Families, bring an impactful perspective to the event. After both losing their first spouses to cancer, Michael and Gina became friends and ultimately formed a blended family. They set out to help others in similar situations, forming their Foundation in honor of Cathy Spehn and Matthew Kell, and have continued to tell their story of faith, hope, and love. Their memoir, “The Color of Rain,” is a New York Times bestseller and was adapted into a Hallmark Original movie, and the Spehns have spoken nationally on The Today Show, Huckabee, and ABC World News.
“Through the New Day Foundation for Families, the Spehns provide financial and emotional support to individuals and families struggling with the immense burden of cancer,” said Dr. Ball. “How this family found hope in the midst of tragedy, all while pouring back into their community, is truly inspirational. We are honored to celebrate this Rochester Hills, Michigan couple at Healthology."
The 2025 Healthology Symposium is free to attend, thanks to a growing list of generous sponsors that include: McLaren Health Care / Karmanos Cancer Institute, Oakland University’s Division of Student Affairs and Diversity, Oakland University William Beaumont School of Medicine, MedNetOne Health Solutions, Easterseals MORC, United Dairy, DirectRx, Kevin A. Ball and Margaret J. Afheldt Health Symposium Endowment, Priority Health, and M Dunbar Safety Consulting LLC.
While offered without cost, the School of Health Sciences greatly appreciate contributions to help provide funding for the annual Healthology Symposium. The funds raised ensure the sustainability of future Healthology events and, in turn, help support our students and faculty as they conduct meaningful health research. Please click here to give.
For more information and to register, visit nlxgca.zzsghm.com/shs/community/healthology.
Event Schedule
2 p.m. | Welcome and Event Kick-Off
2:10 p.m. | Health Literacy
3:10 p.m. | Communication and Advocacy
4:10 p.m. | Community Resources
5:10 p.m. | Restorative Well-Being
6:10 p.m. | Student Research Poster Session
6:30 p.m. | Dinner and Awards
7 p.m. | Keynote Address