Faculty member and student perform testing in the Hearing and Balance Center

A Towson University faculty member and student perform testing at the Hearing and Balance Center in the Institute of Well-Being.

Towson University is proud to announce its partnership with the Greater Baltimore Medical Center (GBMC) to host Rally Caps—the university's inaugural cochlear implant event. Scheduled for Sat., Sept. 28 at 10 a.m. in the new Health Professions building, this event aims to provide valuable resources for individuals who are hard of hearing.

Esteemed author Jodi Cutler will be the keynote speaker, sharing the inspiring journey that led to her book, Rally Caps, which has been adapted into a feature-length film. Her presentation will focus on her personal experience with her son's hearing loss and his journey to cochlear implantation.

Jodi's story underscores the importance of empowering individuals to take charge of their health in collaboration with healthcare providers. Attendees will have the opportunity to hear her empowering message, meet Jodi in person, and receive signed copies of her book. Additionally, participants can connect with cochlear implant suppliers and other community members.

"We are thrilled to collaborate with GBMC on this event, bringing the Towson community together to enhance awareness and support for those who are hard of hearing or know someone who may be," said Lisa Plowfield, dean of TU’s College of Health Professions.

Towson University’s Institute for Well-Being (IWB) plays a pivotal role in supporting individuals with hearing loss through its comprehensive services. The Hearing and Balance Center at the IWB provides state-of-the-art care, with students in the Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology programs gaining hands-on experience under the supervision of licensed and certified faculty.

These programs, including the Doctor of Audiology (AuD) graduate program, prepare students to become leaders in the field of hearing health. Events like Rally Caps allow students to engage directly with the community, offering guidance and support to those on their journey to improved well-being.

“As neighbors, we provide health and well-being support to our mutual community and to future colleagues currently in the graduate and undergraduate programs at Towson University. GBMC is proud to partner with Towson University to bring not only an inspirational message, but information regarding the importance of good hearing health for all,” Dr. Regina Presley, director of audiology at the Presbyterian Board of Governors CI Center of Excellence at GBMC, said.  “We are looking forward to spending the morning sharing valuable insights and interacting with individuals within our community.”

All attendees are encouraged to take advantage of free parking available across from the building entrance at 211 University Avenue or in the Towsontown parking garage.

For media inquiries, please contact Jamie Abell at .

About Towson University

Towson University is Maryland’s university of opportunities. With more than 150 years of experience pushing possibilities, TU is a nationally recognized leader in inclusive excellence, social mobility, research and discovery. As the largest university in greater Baltimore, TU’s momentum is always accelerating, with more than 20,000 students and 100 bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degree programs in the liberal arts and sciences and applied professional fields. Located amid one of the East Coast’s cultural and economic epicenters, TU is a beacon and powerful catalyst in the Mid-Atlantic, partnering with hundreds of businesses and organizations, impacting communities and fueling change. TU meets the holistic needs of each student to achieve success, a result of a deeply inclusive culture with a focus on equity among all students, faculty and staff.

About GBMC HealthCare

Since its founding in 1965, GBMC has been known as an outstanding, independent community hospital, validating the vision of our founders to combine the best of community and university-level medicine. Our 257 licensed bed, acute and sub-acute care hospital in Towson handles more than 23,000 admissions and more than 52,000 emergency room visits annually. With GBMC Health Partners, we have established 12 advanced primary practices throughout the region, working to keep people well by coordinating preventive care and the management of chronic disease. We are also committed, in every specialty, to provide culturally competent care and service of the highest quality to every patient, every time with the goal of health equity for all.