By Ariana Beck and Evelyn Harrington
Judson University is an institution dedicated to giving everyone a chance to pursue their dreams. Because of that, it boasts a richly diverse community of individuals who are all working together to shape the world. Whether in chapel, classes, or just hanging out on campus, students have the privilege to continually interact and learn from people of different backgrounds and giftings. In 2017, the Judson community was blessed to launch the RISE program, and ever since, the RISE students have been an integral part of what makes Judson, Judson.
RISE is an acronym that stands for Road to Independent Living, Spiritual Formation, and Employment. With that objective, the RISE program provides post-secondary education for students with intellectual disabilities. In 2017, when the RISE Program began at Judson, it was the first program of its kind at a Christian University in the state of Illinois. Even today, less than 3% of higher education offers a program specifically for students with intellectual disabilities. In the last seven years, 53 RISE students have graduated from Judson, a number that will continue to increase.
Heather Johnson, Judson’s Dean of Academic Support Service, teaches in the RISE Program and assists RISE students in the Student Success Center. While the RISE Program is unique in that there are so few programs in the U.S. like it, Heather Johnson explains that what really makes the program unique is “The amazing students that come from all over and form a bond with each other and the rest of the Judson Community. They may be learning life skills, but it is the JU Community that is learning and growing from them too.”
I had the opportunity this semester to spend some time with several girls that are a part of the RISE Program, and I was encouraged and inspired by their kindness and enthusiasm to make the most of their college experience. While we were painting our nails, Caroline and Violet discussed their plans to attend the Homecoming Dance. This is just one of many events that the RISE students are a part of. Heather Johnson explains, “Since the first year the RISE program began, the students have made an impact on the whole Judson Community. They are involved in choir, athletics, theater, clubs, etc. They attend many JU social events on campus and off. They are a part of the JU Community and not simply part of the RISE program. Faculty, staff, traditional students, and non-traditional students have been positively impacted and are seeing Christ through our RISE students.”
I can attest to the fact that the RISE students make a difference every day here at Judson. Spending time with them was not only an encouragement to me, but it reminded me of the many ways that I can be a blessing to others as well. Undoubtedly, the RISE students bring so much to the Judson community. They set a worthy example of bravery, persistence, and strength. Ultimately, the RISE Program is a beautiful program that benefits RISE students and the rest of the JU community as well. It gives students with intellectual disabilities an option after high school and allows them to pursue their goals.
The differences that are a part of the Judson Community are essential to what makes Judson so vibrant. Like snowflakes, no two human beings are the same, but we all share the dignity and value that comes from being made in God’s image. Because of that, each of us are fearfully and wonderfully made, having the capacity to both glorify God and bless the people around us. Here at Judson, we celebrate our differences, knowing it’s always a great day to be a Judson Eagle.
The Judson Mosaic 
It would be nice if more schools would adapt the Rise program