Lori Stevic-Rust, Ph.D., who has compiled lessons on overcoming adversity from some of the most powerful women in the world, will share those insights with the Notre Dame College and Cleveland communities.
Rust, a psychologist and national health advocate known professionally as “Dr. Lori,” will present on Tuesday, February 18, 2020, at 7:30 p.m. in the Performing Arts Center in the College Administration Building. She is the author of “Put on your Big-Girl Shoes: Stepping into Courage, Resilience and Gratitude” which reveals how famous and successful women surmount self-doubt, tragedy and trauma.
The event is free and open to the public.
The book, which has been endorsed by former U.S. Secretary of State Madeleine Albright, features personal life stories from Rena Finder a Holocaust survivor whose story was featured in the movie Schindler’s List; Rachel Maddow, a MSNBC host; and Stefanie Schaefer, a Cleveland TV anchor; among others.
“‘Put on your Big Girl Shoes’ was one of the hardest and most rewarding books to write,” Rust has said. “I had the opportunity to meet and have meaningful, raw and at times painful conversations with many amazing women.”
She also has written “Lily’s Red Shoes of Courage Beyond,” which is inspired by women’s experiences with bullying and encourages children of all ages to become “upstanders” rather than to be bystanders. Stevic-Rust has been involved in mentoring programs for young women and has helped women who have been victims of violence regain their sense of self- esteem.
Holistic Living
Through magazine columns, television appearances and her internet portal, called “Dr. Lori: Live Well. Live Greedy for Life,” Stevic-Rust is dedicated to a holistic approach to living that integrates mind and body.
“I am committed to sharing information to educate and inspire us all to live our best lives,” she has said. “What we think, how we feel, what we eat and our physical and social environment all influence our health. My goal is to offer strategies and information to help you navigate your own path to a healthy and purposeful life.”
Generational Connections
A board-certified clinical health psychologist, Stevic-Rust also has founded a nonprofit organization in her grandmother’s memory called Nana’s Tribe Foundation to bring seniors and youth together to eliminate isolation and bias through generational connections. She currently serves as the director for integrative medicine and senior services for Lake Health Hospital and is the national director of clinical and operational programming for Artower Advisory Services, LLC.
Stevic-Rust earned a doctorate in psychology and a Diplomate from the American Board of Professional Psychology. She consults nationally to hospitals, post-acute care facilities and assisted living facilities on clinical issues of senior care including anxiety/depression, caregiver stress and the creation of innovative programs for the care of those with dementia.
She has written a total of five books on topics ranging from depression to heart disease and wellness and most recently completed a personal memoir on the art of aging with gratitude.
Speaker Series
The address from Rust continues Notre Dame’s “From ME 2 WE” speaker sequence. The theme of the series that started in the fall semester illustrates Notre Dame’s distinctive campus culture in which departments across the College work together to develop individual students, faculty and staff into a cohesive “Falcon Family.”
Notre Dame welcomes the extended Northeast Ohio community to join in that formation by opening these addresses to the public.
The series continues with Romona Robinson, television news anchor and author, who will give two presentations on Wednesday, February 26, 2020, at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. in the Performing Arts Center on the College campus. She also will host a book-signing at 11:15 a.m. in the Administration Building foyer.
Robinson is the author of “A Dirt Road to Somewhere: An Emmy Award-Winning Anchor ‘s Incredible Journey of Faith Over Fear” and “Your Voice is Your Power: Stop Believing Thoughts of Fear and Start Becoming Who God Says You Are.”
January 2020
About Notre Dame College
For almost a century, Notre Dame College has educated a diverse population in the liberal arts for personal, professional and global responsibility. Founded by the Sisters of Notre Dame in 1922, the College has grown strategically to keep pace with the rapidly changing needs of students and the dramatic changes in higher education. But it has never lost sight of its emphasis on teaching students not only how to make a good living but also how to live a good life.
Today, the College offers bachelor’s degrees in 30 disciplines plus a variety of master’s degrees, certification programs and continuing and professional development programs for adult learners on campus and online. Notre Dame College offers NCAA Division II intercollegiate athletic programs for men and women and is located in a picturesque residential neighborhood just 25 minutes from the heart of Cleveland. Hallmarks of the Notre Dame experience include stimulating academics, personalized attention of dedicated faculty and staff, and small class sizes.
Notre Dame College is located at 4545 College Road in South Euclid. For further information contact Brian Johnston, chief communications officer, at 216.373.5252 or bjohnston@ndc.edu.