Student Health Services unveils grand opening in Health Sciences Building 

Augusta University’s Student Health Services celebrated its relocation to the Health Sciences Building, suite 1500, with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Friday, Jan. 9, joined by campus leaders, partners, faculty, staff and students. 

AU President Russell T. Keen and Shelli Larkin, DNP, director of Student Health Services, shared remarks celebrating the grand opening and the university’s continued commitment to student health, access and research. The relocation supports the construction of the new translational research building that will replace Pavilions I and II. 

“The grand opening provided a time for Student Health to highlight its commitment to our service standards of safety, quality, professionalism and compassion,” Larkin said. “This time was set aside for students, staff and faculty to interact with us, learning of all the services that are provided within the walls of the new clinic space.” 

To bring those values to life, Student Health Services hosted a campus-wide mural competition asking students to submit designs representing the department’s service standards to help students feel invited, encouraged and cared for in the clinic environment. 

“This space is for each and every student at Augusta University – a safe and collaborative space focused on improving one’s health in order to achieve success in their personal and professional lives,” Larkin said. “Through their designs, we are able to open up communication and meet them where they are as they manage health issues, academic stressors and requirements, and individual growth in the landscape of higher education.”   

Eshika Patel, an undergraduate third-year biomedical systems engineering student, won first place and $500. Located in the clinic’s waiting room, her mural incorporates Augusta University’s jaguar mascot, Augustus, branding colors and various hands encircling the school’s logo.  

“We have so much stress as college students, so I wanted visitors to look at my mural and see how we are supported by adults who truly care about our well-being,” said Patel. “That’s where the swirls of inspiration originated from, along with the more structured piece on the top. I really wanted to emphasize the university’s organizational foundation of unity.”  

Courtney Forlemu, an undergraduate second-year biomedical systems engineering student, won second place and $250. Her piece features a medical professional surrounded by and connected to the values of integrity, innovation, reliability, community, pride and hope.  

Her mural is featured in one of the clinic’s triage rooms, where students will be reassured while waiting for and receiving medical attention.  

“I wanted to create a woman whose hair flowed with the letters that represented her character, so that when a student sees my mural, they’ll feel the spirit of Augusta University and the spirit of creativity, community, wealth and happiness,” Forlemu said. 

Avni Sawant, a fourth-year student at the Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University, won third place and $125. Featured in a laboratory room, her creation reflects her passion for family medicine by embracing Augusta University’s diverse campus culture and access to healthcare.  

“My piece is a waiting room with a lot of different, diverse students sitting in the room, with posters of the services that Student Health Services offers,” Sawant said. “As a future family medicine doctor, I drew a lot of inspiration from the idea that family medicine is all inclusive. You get to see all types of patients. I also wanted people to know that they’re represented, and they can be cared for no matter their age, gender or circumstances.” 

All students can visit Student Health Services, now in the Health Sciences Building, for physical and mental health care. Visit the SHS webpage to stay updated on operating hours, learn about services or to schedule an appointment.