ALLIANCE – The University of Mount Union has been awarded a 2026 Innovation Grant from the I'm Still Here Foundation (ISHF) to launch Campus Connections, an intergenerational program designed to engage people living with dementia through social connection, movement, creativity, and sensory engagement. 

The University of Mount Union is one of seven organizations selected nationwide for ISHF's 2026–2027 Innovation Grant cycle, chosen from a competitive national pool of applicants. Each grantee receives seed funding and mentorship to bring their project to life, incorporating the “I'm Still Here” philosophy—the conviction that people can live well with dementia—into their program.

Campus Connections will bring people living with dementia and their care partners into the heart of university life to participate in monthly, themed experiences led by staff, faculty, and students across campus. From the nature center and athletics to the arts, sciences, and student Greek life, this program will enable participants to experience connection, dignity, and the opportunity to remain active, creative, and engaged.

“This grant allows us to meet people exactly where they are and remind them, and their families, of everything they can still do," said Andrea Williams, director of academic coordination for Mount Union's Doctor of Physical Therapy Program. “We are honored to be part of the I'm Still Here Foundation's work and to bring this program to our campus community.” 

In addition to providing seed funding, ISHF partners with grantees by providing mentorship, guidance, and sharing research-backed best practices. By helping innovative ideas grow and disseminating successful approaches to the community, ISHF works to ensure that all people living with dementia can experience connection, purpose, dignity, and hope.

“Hope in Action is more than a slogan—it is the guiding principle behind everything we do,” said Sharon Johnson, Executive Director of the I’m Still Here Foundation. “Organizations like the University of Mount Union demonstrate what is possible when we focus on strengths, abilities, and opportunities rather than limitations. Their work reminds us that people living with dementia can continue to experience purpose, connection, growth, and joy throughout their dementia journey.”

Campus Connections will meet one time per month July 2026 through June 2027. People living with dementia and their care partners are invited to learn more and sign up by contacting Andrea Williams at (330) 829-8192 or williaal@mountunion.edu.

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About the I'm Still Here Foundation
Founded in 1995 by Dr. John Zeisel, the I'm Still Here Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that helps communities and organizations implement research-informed, non-pharmacologic engagement programs that enable people living with dementia to continue to experience connection, dignity, and hope. ISHF works in close partnership with Hopeful Aging LLC, a National Institutes of Health-funded leader in non-pharmacologic dementia research, also founded by Dr. John Zeisel. Learn more at imstillhere.org.