WESTERN CONNECTION Volume 20 | Spring 2016
Colgate Classic
The Colgate Classic was a huge success last year! Please join us again this year on Friday, July 22, at the Harry Mussatto Golf Course. Your participation helps support Campus Recreation with professional student development funds; we raised over $3607 last year.
NEWS From the Director
The Spencer Student Recreation Center has become a tremendous asset to Western Illinois University. Our staff understands the significance of the economic challenges ahead, and they continually seek to be a part of the solution. Providing meaningful and quality experiences to our students and community continues to be our priority. We have had a great year of programming, some quality facility improvements, and restructuring within. We are leaner and our priorities are evolving. Through change, we can see opportunity, new ideas, and new energy. Our efforts to promote our events and services are shining even brighter! We have excellent designers and staff utilizing Snapchat and Periscope to reach our students. Our branding and cross- campus promotional efforts have increased with many more plans for the future.
Fresh Fitness
We added a fresh twist to our fitness classes by reinventing the way students workout. These innovative workouts mix up the traditional training methods to deliver fun and engaging fitness. Featured on the right are some of the popular sessions.
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Lewis Frazier (current GA) was named as WIU Student Employee of the Year for the entire campus! This is the second time Campus Recreation has had the most outstanding employee of the year. Other highlights include the tribute we initiated to honor the first director of Campus Recreation, John Colgate; the great progress and naming rights for the Arthur D. and Roslyn Chown Golf Learning Center; our new Olympic lifting room and the Wellness Plaza; and the memorial grant for the late personal trainer Adam Fox. I am blessed to work with such fine professionals, graduate assistants, and students. They exemplify integrity and character! WIU Campus Recreation is a leader among institutions with our positive image of the caring and creative nature. We know we are headed into some extremely challenging times, but we are a strong team and will weather the storm.
Judy Yeast Retired Judy Yeast filed her papers, cleaned out her office, and retired on December 31, 2015. Judy began her career in recreation at WIU on September 1, 1981 at a time when facilities used for campus recreation were scattered across campus. Judy served on a universitywide committee to pass a referendum for the building of a student recreation center in the early 1990s. The Donald S. Spencer Student Recreation Center opened on October 1, 1997 and to this day the facility continues to serve WIU students. WIU is the home of the original Big Pink Volleyball tournament. Judy and two college students began the event in 2001 as a fundraiser for breast cancer prevention. Since its inception, this event has raised almost $120,000 for mammograms
for individuals in the community, and has involved thousands of college students and community members in a fun event played with a giant KINBALL®. Big Pink Volleyball is now played at over 40 universities and corporations. In 2010, Judy was awarded NIRSA’s Horace Moody Award for outstanding commitment to student development. Throughout her 34-year career, Judy mentored over 300 graduate assistants at who are now spread from coast to coast. Many stay in touch with Judy and continue to turn to her for guidance. “Judy’s passion for helping others and attention to detail will be qualities that are long remembered by her students and anyone who worked with her. These traits allowed Judy to become the major champion on campus for employee wellness
efforts” said Milly MacDonell, Director of Campus Recreation at Western Illinois University. “Judy’s tireless efforts to mentor students and impact her colleagues’ health, will be irreplaceable.” Kari Osborne-Albarado, Associate Director of Programming and Staff Development, Texas A&M Univiersity–Commerce said, “Her commitment to student development and instilling the importance of networking to the graduate assistants she has mentored, has created such a strong connection among Western Illinois University alumni within NIRSA. If I am able to impact one student’s life and career in the way she has mine, I will consider my career in campus recreation a success,” Judy continues to serve as the historian for the Illinois Intramural Recreational Sport Association and plans to spend time with her grandchildren.
NEWS Power Hour
In January 2016, we replaced our original Cybex selectorized equipment with the new Cybex EagleNX line. Each piece features a QR code to access video demonstrations from mobile devices. Students have been very enthusiastic and have been enjoying the new branded equipment.
Campus Recreation launched Periscope with the big Cybex install in January 2016. Periscope is an app owned by Twitter which allows users to broadcast live events. The broadcast can be captured and replayed at a later time also. This was Campus Rec’s first trial with Periscope and it was successful.
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Play It Your Way Intramurals
Adam Fox Grant
The Adam Fox Grant was established to offer assistance to members of the WIU campus community. Personal training or adult swim lessons are offered for those who have qualifying health and financial burdens. On average, four grants are awarded per semester or summer term.
Moving In
Vian Neally, Assistant Director of Marketing, joined our staff in August. Her skills in graphic design and social media have added a new creative edge to our promotions. Vian comes to Campus Recreation with a very solid Western background having worked in both Student Development and Orientation and Admissions. She is enthusiastically adding splashes of branding and creative outreach to our building and across campus.
Moving On
Pat McGrath, former Assistant Director of Aquatics and Outdoor Pursuits, is the new Associate Director for Facilities at Northern Kentucky University. Pat left in August to join the NKU staff and open their new renovation.
Olympic Strength Room
The Olympic Strength Room is a new addition to the Student Recreation Center; it benefits strength training with the state-of-art platforms, bumper weights, and Ivanko bars. The area is utilized for Olympic lifting programs including snatch, clean, and jerk; deadlifting is permitted as well. Students and members who wish to use the area for Olympic lifting are tested on their lifting proficiency by an Olympic Strength Room attendant. Students and members who pass their test may utilize the room during open lifting hours.
ALUMNI UPDATES The University of Iowa Recreational Services and Development’s Imagine Award. Kari and Jonathan Director JT Timmons (MS ’02) was featured in the fall Albarado are the proud parents of twin girls, Peyton and edition of Campus Recreation magazine. Marleigh, born on October 10, 2015. She is an Associate Director of Programming and Staff Development at Texas Congratulations to Shawn Touney (MS ’04) and wife A&M University-Commerce in Commerce, TX. Lindsey, on the birth of their daughter Catherine Marie on March 9, 2016. Congratulations to Mary Shore (BS ’11) who was named Employee of the Year for Grandview, MO city’s park James Wayne (BB ’03, MS ’06), formerly Coordinator – district. Sport Clubs at Illinois State University in Normal, Illinois is now Assistant Director, Business Operations and Katie Thomas (MS ’13) presented “Life-sized Games: Recreation for the Town of Normal Parks and Recreation Bringing Non-traditional Games to Your Campus” for in Normal, Illinois. NIRSA Day at WIU on February 22, 2016. Congratulations to Nick Knowles (BS ’02, MS ’07) on receiving one of the McDonough County Community Quality of Life Awards. He was one of eight deserving local residents selected to receive the award on September 15, 2015. Nick was recognized for his volunteerism with sports and recreation.
Brandon De Cook (MS ‘15) is the Director of Recreation and Community Center City in Lamoni, IA.
Matt Suellentrop (MS ’07) and wife Molly, had a son, Reid Walter Suellentrop on July 9, 2015.
Kristi Tschudin (anticipated MS ‘16) is the Tournament Coordinator with LPGA in Dallas, TX.
Patrick Thomas (MS ‘15) is pursuing a PhD in Educational Leadership at Prairie View A&M University in Prairie View, TX.
Congratulations to Dr. Mary Petrus Huffman (BSE ‘01, Jeffery Lindsey (anticipated MA ’16) is applying to MS-ED ‘08) for being named the 2015 National History Doctorate programs. Teacher of the Year by the Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History in August 2015. Mary, who teaches at Charles Pinckney Elementary in Mount Pleasant, SC Congratulations to Matt Schaefer and Stephanie Nielsen, recipients received a $10,000 award of the Tena and Shane Bennett Scholarship. This scholarship is and attended a ceremony funded by two former WIU alumni, Shane (MS ‘04) and Tena in her honor at the Yale Wurdeman Bennett (MS ‘00), who were graduate assistants of Club in New York City Campus Recreation; it helps support students in their professional in October 2015.
Bennett Scholarship Winners
development. The scholarship requirements include:
Congratulations to Kory Schuckman (BB ‘08) and Jennifer Jones Schuckman on the birth of their daughter, Hailey Lyn Schuckman on January 26, 2015. Congratulations to Kari Osborne Albarado (MS ’09) who was the recipient of the Campus Life and Student
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• • • •
3.5 cumulative GPA Minimum second semester graduate student at the time it is awarded Member of Recreational Sports Professional Society US Citizen or permanent resident
The Drive to Excellence
Arthur D. and Roselyn Chown Learning Center will be the finishing touch on “ourThechampionship golf facility. It will offer a learning and gathering space for our golf teams, Western Illinois University, and the greater Macomb community. This project has been a long time in the making; I’m thrilled and grateful to see it coming together. ” Lia Biehl Lukkarinen, Women’s Head Golf Coach
Fundraising for the Chown Learning Center is ongoing. For additional information, contact: Mel Blasi 309-298-3676 MB-Blasi@wiu.edu
GRADUATES
Graduate Assistant: Rec Events & Facility Management Hometown: Princeton, Illinois Degree & Specialty: M.A.: Law Enforcement & Justice Administration; Post Baccalaureate Certification: LEJA–Police Executive Administration Where are you looking for jobs? I am looking for jobs in the police/ security field hopefully west of the Rocky’s. What are some of the best experiences you have had at WIU? Some of the best experiences I have had at WIU have been building lasting friendships, and the experience that the Recreation Center has provided me during these last four years of employment. What are your career goals? My career goals are to one day be on and lead a Special Weapons and Tactical unit or a Strategic Response Team. I also want to pursue a career in Federal law enforcement, with agencies such as the United States Marshalls, Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA), or the Department of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms (ATF).
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Graduate Assistant: Intramural Sports Hometown: Greenwich, Connecticut Degree & Specialty: M.S.: Sport Management Where are you looking for jobs? Facility Operations, Competitive Sports (Intramurals, Club Sports), and Special Event positions within Campus Recreation. At this time, open to anywhere in the US. What are some of the best experiences you have had at WIU? Some of my best experiences at WIU have been developing relationships with the other graduate assistants and my intramural student staff. I have also enjoyed working with the professional staff of Campus Recreation. Without these individuals, my time at WIU would not have been the same. I don’t think I would have been able to adjust to moving so far away from my family without them! Oh, and of course, experiencing “Chicks!” Not sure what I’ll do without the lips! :) What are your career goals? I would like to pursue a career within Campus Recreation.
Graduate Assistant: Aquatics & Outdoor Pursuits Hometown: Fairbury, Illinois Degree & Specialty: M.S.: Recreation, Parks, & Tourism Administration; Natural Resource Management
Graduate Assistant: Personal Training Hometown: Rockford, Illinois Degree & Specialty: M.S.: Kinesiology; Strength & Conditioning
Where are you looking for jobs? Retreat and Camp Coordinator positions in central Illinois, Nature Preserves, or a Natural Area at a university in their student development department
Where are you looking for jobs? I am looking for a job in athletics as a Strength Coach or in Campus Recreation as the Fitness Director.
What are some of the best experiences you have had at WIU? Meeting the other Graduate Assistants and planning my future with my professors and professional staff. What are your career goals? I hope to work with students, young professionals, and community members to educate and assist them with their professional and personal growth. I hope to build a career around enlightenment and positive experiences for the people around me.
What are some of the best experiences you have had at WIU? My best experience at WIU was the opportunity to work with Coach Kramer to help improve sports including football, softball, men’s basketball, and women’s golf. Another experience was being able to foster the new community of the Olympic Strength Room at Campus Recreation. What are your career goals? To become a Head Strength and Conditioning Coach at the collegiate level and one day own my own sport performance facility.
GRADUATES
Graduate Assistant: Intramural Sports Hometown: Batavia, Illinois Degree & Specialty: M.S.: Sport Management; M.A.: Law Enforcement & Justice Administration
Graduate Assistant: Rec Events & Intramural Sports Hometown: Jefferson City, Missouri Degree & Specialty: M.S.: Sport Management
Where are you looking for jobs? Looking for intramural/competitive sports jobs within campus recreation preferably in the southeast states.
Where are you looking for jobs? Currently looking for campus recreation event and/or intramural coordinator positions
What are some of the best experiences you have had at WIU? Working and living with some of my closest friends. Winning an intramural championship in Flag Football after three attempts.
What are some of the best experiences you have had at WIU? My best experiences at Western have been while working at the recreation center. My coworkers are great and we have a fun time organizing recreation events/leagues.
What are your career goals? Become a director within campus recreation or become an athletic director at a university.
What are your career goals? At this time, I would love to stay in the field of campus recreation, assume more directorship roles, and eventually direct a campus recreation program.
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Graduate Assistant: Outdoor Pursuits & Student Development Hometown: Okotoks, Alberta, Canada Degree & Specialty: M.S.: Recreation, Park, & Tourism Administration
Graduate Assistant: Marketing & Multimedia Design Hometown: Manitou Springs, Colorado Degree & Specialty: M.B.A.: Business Administration; Information Systems
Where are you looking for jobs? Got one already! I’ll be working as the Program Coordinator of Climbing and Outdoors at Mount Royal University Recreation in Calgary, Canada
Where are you looking for jobs? I’ve found work in lovely Boulder, Colorado at a startup company called JumpCloud.
What are some of the best experiences you have had at WIU? Building personal and professional relationships with colleagues at the Rec and student participants, and designing my thesis with my graduate committee What are your career goals? Growing in the field of outdoor campus recreation, participating in leisure studies research, and mentoring students professionally
What are some of the best experiences you have had at WIU? With so many of my best memories being at Western, it’s difficult to narrow down. I was lucky enough to meet some of my best friends to this day through sports clubs. I have WIU to thank for who I am today. What are your career goals? I am aspiring to become the CTO/CIO of a tech startup.
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