The documentary was co-directed and produced by John Heapes, senior professor of Sociology at Harrisburg Area Community College, and Gale Largey, professor emeritus of Sociology at Mansfield University.

            It was edited by MU Director of Media Services Mark Polonia. Graphics assistance was provided by Phillip Ogden, instructional developer at MU, and Andy Worthington of Wellsboro.

            McPheeters, a psychiatrist, was a noted leader in the deinstitutionalization movement of the 1960s and 70s.  During that time many institutions for the mentally retarded and mentally ill were closed, and individuals were brought back into their communities.

            McPheeters is widely recognized as the founder of human service education because of his untiring efforts to create programs to train human services workers for community mental health programs.

            The 32-minute production came about through the cooperation of faculty and staff of Mansfield University and Harrisburg Area Community College. “It underscores Mansfield University’s endeavor to work with other institutions, and to recognize the critical importance of leadership in bringing about social and educational progress,” Largey said.

            The documentary is available on DVD. For more information on purchasing a copy, contact John Heapes by email at jrheapes@hacc.edu or by mail at Harrisburg Area Community College, 1 HACC Drive, Harrisburg, PA 17110.

            All proceeds from the sale of the documentary will go to the Harold L. McPheeters Scholarship Fund, which will be awarded through the National Organization for Human Services.

            Production of the documentary was sponsored by Mansfield University, Harrisburg Area Community College and the Council for Standards in Human Service Education.

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