Hello Alumni! We now have our annual (or quasi-annual as the case may be) newsletter on-line. With Randy Burtz's help we're moving headfirst into the 21st century!
We've included Charlie Sylvester's newsletter comments below. If you'd like to read the rest of the newsletter, click here for the full version.
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COORDINATOR'S COMMENTS - JANUARY 2009
Greetings! I hope this year’s Recreation Program Newsletter finds you and your family well. As usual, there are several significant developments to share with you. First, this marks my 25th year with the Recreation Program. (A quarter of a century! I know; most of my classes felt that long!) More importantly, this is our first year without Jim Moore as an integral member of the faculty and the Phase. As many of you know, Jim retired at the end of this past summer. We had a couple of great retirement events to celebrate Jim’s amazing contributions to the Recreation Program and Western Washington University. Jim and his wife, Jan, have taken a break to spend time with Jim’s family in California. Jim has been taking advantage of the California sunshine to sneak in a few games of baseball. At last report, he’s enjoying his surroundings, the company of family, and a glass or two of wine. Jim will be returning in the spring to continue his new career of playing baseball, enjoying his grandsons, and discovering new interests. He expressed his deepest appreciation to everyone who had a hand and kind thought during his “retirement tour” last year.
On a related front, Keith Russell, who took Jim’s position on faculty, is fully on board and is doing a fantastic job. He’s already made quite an impression with his splendid teaching, substantial scholarship, constant kindness, and enduring encouragement. Keith has great energy and many ideas that will enhance the Phase. You’ll hear more from Keith later in the Newsletter.
It’s been a busy year for the Recreation Program. Jill Heckathorn and I were joined by several students at the National Recreation Inclusion Institute in Eugene, Oregon during early September. Jill also accompanied students to the North American Ecotourism Conference in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. Not to be outdone, Keith traveled with students to the International Association for Experiential Education Conference in Vancouver, Washington. By all reports, students and faculty had a terrific time, learned a great deal, and made important career contacts. By the way, we’re able to make it possible for students to attend conferences and participate in other professional activities thanks to your donations to the Recreation Program. And needless to say, we appreciate your ongoing support so we can continue to involve students in these and other professionally-enriching opportunities.
Near the end of October, the faculty met with its Professional Advisory Committee. Attending was Mickey Fearn of Seattle Parks and Recreation, Brit Kramer of the Washington Parks and Recreation Association, Tammy Leland of Crooked Trails, and Larry Otos of Mt. Vernon Parks and Recreation. In the morning, the Professional Advisory Committee met with Phase 4 students to discuss professional preparation and getting ready to enter the field of recreation and leisure services. In the afternoon, the Professional Advisory Committee talked with faculty about ways to improve the curriculum, focusing on developing outstanding leaders.
Also, by the time you read this we will have completed our 21st Annual Phase 4 Senior Banquet, where 240 students, faculty, staff, family, and friends joined in celebration! Western Washington University’s new President, Dr. Bruce Shepard, and his wife, Cyndie Shepard, also attended the Banquet. Dr. Karen Bradley, interim Chair of Physical Education, Health, and Recreation, also attended. Mr. Mickey Fearn, Manager of Community Connections for Seattle Parks and Recreation, was the inspiring featured speaker. As usual, Phase 4 students were fantastic. Several students were singled out for their accomplishments. Emily Malsack and Sarah McGloghlon received Academic Excellence Awards. Greta Olson was recognized with the Leadership Award for her contributions to the Phase. Finally, Abby Quarterman received the Outstanding Senior Award and delivered a moving speech. Capping off the evening, Morgan Olson, a Phase 2 student, performed a beautiful song.
We also want to take this opportunity to update you on fundraising efforts that support our students. As usual, we greatly appreciate your generous contributions to the Recreation Program Foundation. Your donations have made it possible for us to enrich students’ education through resources, such as media and equipment, and trips to workshops and conferences. Taking students on fieldtrips where they can witness and engage in programs has made a huge difference in their development. There is also the Phase 4 Legacy Scholarship, which was started by 2006 Phase 4. The scholarship is intended to support deserving students during their internship. We’re still growing the fund, and our plan is to make it a fundraiser for each group of Phase 4 students—a chance for them to contribute to the legacy of the Phase. So they’ve been busy raising money this quarter (no pun intended) and we’ll let you know how they do. One other scholarship is the newly conceived Recreation Faculty Scholarship. It’s common for departments to start scholarships in honor of a particular faculty who has retired. The faculty didn’t feel, though, that this represented the way things are done in the Phase. We’ve always tried to submerge ourselves individually, emphasizing instead ourselves as a team of educators working together toward a common goal. So we decided to call it the Recreation Faculty Scholarship to honor all faculty members who have retired from the Recreation Program. Right now that’s Ron Riggins and Jim Moore (Jill and Charlie are hot on their heels, but students will have to put up with them for awhile longer). If you’d like to honor Ron and Jim for their outstanding work as teachers, we encourage you to make a special donation to the Recreation Faculty Scholarship. Again, your support for all of our efforts is greatly appreciated, especially during this fiscally difficult period when budgets are being slashed. Every little bit helps.
Well, Jill, Keith, and Randy will be catching you up with their busy lives next. You’ll also be hearing from one of our standout students, Christine Bultedoab, and catching up on alumni news. I just want to express what I’m always privileged to state on behalf of faculty and students, which is to thank you for your support and commitment to the Recreation Program. Faculty and students are inspired to do our best because of the legacy of excellence that you have had a major hand in creating. We’ll continue to do our best, knowing that our alums are behind us with their amazing support and achievements.
Best wishes, Charles Sylvester
Still the Uncoordinated Coordinator (cdsyl@wwu.edu)
