History
In 1881, Dr. Dudley Allen Sargent founded the Sargent School of Physical Training in Cambridge, Massachusetts. During the decades that followed the establishment of the School, Dr. Sargent built a reputation as an innovator in physical conditioning and health promotion. At the Sargent School, students learned training techniques to strengthen and improve the physical capabilities of all people, including both disabled and healthy individuals. This emphasis on comprehensive health care remains a focus of the College today. Sargent College became part of Boston University in 1929, five years after Dr. Sargent’s death. His son and administrative successor, Ledyard, tendered ownership of the School to the University, establishing a relationship that has strengthened the College’s curriculum of arts and sciences through the years.

The College moved to Boston University’s Charles River Campus from Cambridge in 1958.  Today, BU Sargent College of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences is located in an extensively renovated facility at 635 Commonwealth Avenue. The six-story building is fully equipped with outpatient health care clinics, research and practice laboratories, an instructional media center, computer labs, student lounges, an alumni room, faculty and staff offices, and modern classroom facilities.

As knowledge about health expands and society’s health care needs become more complex, BU Sargent College continuously improves its degree programs to meet the needs of future health professionals.

BU Sargent College offers basic and advanced professional degree programs in more than fifteen specialized areas, including athletic training, speech, language and hearing sciences, health science, nutrition, occupational therapy, physical therapy, rehabilitation sciences, human physiology, and more. Visit the Programs section of the College’s website (www.bu.edu/sargent) to learn more about the specific programs and degree offerings at BU Sargent College.

There are many specialized research and teaching laboratories located throughout Sargent College, giving students the opportunity for hands-on experience. BU Sargent College is also affiliated with centers that conduct research and offer clinical services to the community. Visit the Research section of the College’s website to learn more about BU Sargent's research centers and faculty research.

Annual Fund

In 2008, Sargent hopes to raise $200,000 through its Annual Fund.  Alumni participation is crucial as the College hopes to increase the number of donors by 10 percent this year. Some important initiatives that require continuous funding include:

Scholarship Support
Funds are used to provide immediate support when a student’s existing financial aid does not cover tuition or any unforeseen expenses.

Renovating and Upgrading Spaces
The College’s building, at 635 Commonwealth Avenue, is seventeen years old. In order to compete with similar institutions, continuous renovations and classroom upgrades must be made. These improvements create an environment conducive to teaching and learning for faculty and students, and provide a welcoming atmosphere to the various clients who attend Sargent College clinics.  During the 2007–2008 academic year, the Makechnie Media Resource Center will undergo a complete renovation to provide a better space for students to study and collaborate with faculty on projects.

Improving Technology
In order to provide cutting-edge equipment and technology, Sargent must upgrade and replace computers and other tools. It is important to expose students to the latest innovations to better prepare them for their careers. Immediate technology advancements include:

• The provision of an LED video and electronic information display system in the Makechnie Atrium that serves to welcome and direct Sargent College visitors and inform students of events
• The purchase of “smart” podiums, allowing faculty to control all media aspects of the classroom without interrupting class to set up equipment

Enhancing Student Life

• Sargent Camp:  Funds are used to help send first-year students to Sargent Camp. This provides an opportunity for students to get to know one another in an informal setting and to begin their Sargent experience on a positive note.
• Guest speakers:  Funds help cover the cost of featuring relevant speakers to enhance the educational experience.
• Conferences and events:  Funds are used to send students to conferences and exhibits that complement classroom learning, giving students a competitive edge.

           
Improving Faculty Development

• In order to attract and retain outstanding faculty members, funds provide junior faculty members with start-up packages, seed money, and reduced teaching loads that help them launch their research careers.
• Travel funds are used to help research and clinical faculty members enhance their educations by staying current in their fields.
• Funds provide release time and summer salaries for faculty members to pursue their own scholarly interests.

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