By Travis DiRuzza November 14, 2015
CIIS Drama Therapy Professor Gary Raucher was named recipient of this year's annual Service Award at the North American Drama Therapy Association (NADTA) annual conference in New York. The Service Award recognizes members who have given substantial time and effort serving the organization and the field of Drama Therapy.
In his remarks presenting the award, incoming Association President Jason Butler stated, "Your service to the organization as a teacher, a board member and as a resource to the board continues to be an ongoing source of great strength and support. Your continual contributions to the field and the NADTA are profound and countless."
Mention was made of Raucher's efforts in organizing the original Northern California Chapter of NADTA, editing the regional newsletter, DT Tickler, serving on the NADTA board and in ongoing committees, organizing conferences, and coordinating NADTA's efforts as a provider of continuing education units for California licensed therapists. In his acceptance remarks, Raucher shared "a dirty little secret: Service is its own reward."
Also recognized at the conference was CIIS Adjunct Professor Suraya Keating who received the annual Excellence in Performance Award for her work directing inmate performances at San Quentin State Prison in association with the Marin Shakespeare Company.
Through this program, Keating has provided supervised fieldwork opportunities for numerous Drama Therapy students at CIIS over the years.
