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This version of NSU News has been archived as of February 28, 2019. To search through archived articles, visit nova.edu/search. To access the new version of NSU News, visit news.nova.edu.
This version of SharkBytes has been archived as of February 28, 2019. To search through archived articles, visit nova.edu/search. To access the new version of SharkBytes, visit sharkbytes.nova.edu.
NSU Employee is Good Samaritan After Tragic Airport Incident
NSU’s Dr. Wren Newman returns lost backpack to young girl (courtesy WPLG)
Friday, January 6, 2017 turned tragic when a lone gunman shot at innocent people at the Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport, leaving several people dead or wounded. The incident displaced thousands of people, many of whom were separated from their belongings in a foreign city.
Wren Newman, SLP.D., CCC-SLP, chair of the Department of Speech-Language Pathology in Nova Southeastern University’s College of Health Care Sciences, followed the news and wanted to help. While driving near her home, the Fort Lauderdale-resident encountered countless people waiting in lines to get inside the Broward County Convention Center for temporary shelter. She rolled down her window and asked a woman and her daughter if they needed anything. Cabs, buses and ride sharing services were all tied up transporting others and the mother, Nancy Reis, and her 11-year-old daughter, Gabby Lugo, took Newman up on a ride to meet a family member about 20 minutes away.
Upon arrival, the grateful family thanked Newman and parted ways. But there was only one problem. Gaby left her backpack filled with Christmas presents in Newman’s vehicle. What’s more, Newman had no way to reach the family. She turned to Facebook and was able to track them down three hours later. The next day, Newman was able to return the backpack to the young girl, who thanked her with flowers and a big hug.
NSU commends Dr. Wren Newman for her kindness in the wake of tragedy.
The story was featured in several media outlets. Click below to learn more.