HPER
2007 News
Minds in Motion is the Department of Health, Physical Education and Recreation’s newest promotional tool for undergraduate programs. The 8 ½ minute video includes testimonials from current HPER students describing their course of study and the benefits of a WMU education. The fast moving visual portion of the DVD features students conducting fitness testing in the exercise science lab, injury treatment by athletic training students, health and physical education student teachers working at sites throughout the region, community health students working in South Africa and students enjoying the recreation facilities available to all WMU students. The HPER faculty worked with Stephen Kettner of WMU Video Services to plan and produce the video. “Steve did a great job translating the vision of various faculty members into a seamless production that included many students with no previous on-camera experience. We are very grateful for the dedication and expertise offered by Steve,” remarked Dr. Lee J. deLisle, chair. The department plans on using the video on its Web site, producing copies for student recruitment activities across the state and possibly posting it on YOUTube!
The National Council for Accreditation of Coaching Education has accredited WMU at Level V for its coaching education program. WMU's coaching education program is the first to be accredited by NCACE at Level V and will serve as a prototype for other organizations seeking to promote excellence in coaching preparation.
Congratulations to Milos Galecic, graduate student in exercise physiology, who was awarded a Graduate College Student Research Grant for his thesis project “Effects of Different Intensity Bouts of Resistance Exercise But Equal Work on Excess Post-Exercise Oxygen Consumption.”
WMU’s Center for Disability Services and HPER are teaming up to offer “healthy lifestyles” classes to individuals with cognitive impairments in Kalamazoo. The Healthy Lifestyles class provides service learning opportunities for students enrolled in special population classes under the direction of Dr. Carol Weideman and Dr. Jody Brylinsky. Dawn Robarge from the Center for Disability Services coordinates the training of WMU students and the recruitment of class participants. This partnership has been a win-win situation for all resulting in positive physical and social changes for individuals with disabilities as well as WMU student’s increasing their knowledge of different populations.
On Nov. 11, 2007, Aimee Pienta, the WMU Undergraduate Athletic Training Professional Program clinical coordinator, and Jennifer O’Donoghue, program director, organized a trip for 36 WMU Undergraduate Athletic Training Majors to the Fourth Annual Athletic Training Student Seminar and Bowl held at Central Michigan University. The seminar and bowl were attended by 136 students from 11 CAATE-accredited programs.
Students were provided with opportunities to meet and hear from Marjorie Albohm, MS, ATC, LAT of OrthoIndy and NATA president-elect. Ms. Albohm gave her keynote address "Becoming a Successful Athletic Trainer: What You Need in Your Toolbox," sponsored by a GLATA Leadership grant.
In addition, attendees also experienced morning breakout sessions on "Preparing for the BOC Exam" by Meg Frens MS, ATC of Hope College; "Making Yourself More Marketable" by Marje Albohm MS, ATC; and "Internship: The Ability to Go Above and Beyond," by Christina Eyers MA, ATC of Central Michigan University and Jodi Johnson MS, ATC of Eastern Michigan University. After lunch, participants had the opportunity to select two of three panel sessions:
- "Family and the Athletic Trainer" with Destiny Teachnor-Hauk, MS, ATC, of Michigan State University; Bill Salfi, ATC, CSCS, formerly of Mid-Michigan Medical Center; and Jennifer O’Donoghue, MA, ATC, CSCS of Western Michigan University
- "Athletic Training Administration" with Marjorie Albohm, MS, ATC and Rene Revis Shingles, Ph.D., ATC, of Central Michigan University
- and "Ethically Risky Situations" presented by Ann Berry ATC.
At the end of the day, 23 teams from 11 schools competed in the Fourth Annual MATS Bowl, a knowledge-based competition. After two rounds of grueling competition and suspenseful sudden death overtime, Grand Valley State University earned the right to represent the state of Michigan in the 2008 GLATA Bowl in Toledo, Ohio. Hope College was the runner up and our own Western Michigan University team came in third. This is the second year the WMU-ATPP has attended this event and the first time it has competed in the MATS Bowl. The WMU-ATPP is very proud of Michael Wieczorkowski, Erin Thorne and Molly Mattea for representing the program well; Great Job Western!
In 1997 a special partnership was formed between Special Olympics Michigan and the Department of Health, Physical
Education and Recreation. Seeing a need for real-world experience in
preparing teachers and coaches to serve people with intellectual
disabilities, a service learning program was created to match
physical education teacher-coach students with local Special Olympic
sports programs. An initial Christmas Record Grant from Special
Olympics Inc. provided the base for creating the service learning
curriculum, now referred to nationally as “The SOI University
Curriculum” and the establishment of a Unified Sports program for
Special Olympics Michigan Area 16. Unified Sports is a unique
opportunity where people with and without intellectual disabilities
train and complete on the same team. Since the partnership’s
inception WMU has trained and certified over 550 coaches for 8
sports, many offered on the campus of WMU. This fall over 45 HPER
students have trained and participated in unified sports of golf and
poly hockey and will receive a National Certification in Unified
Sports Coaching from Special Olympics Inc. Special Olympics Area 16
serves the local Kalamazoo and Portage areas, providing sport
opportunities for over 200 athletes a year. Anyone interested in
participating in Unified Sports or volunteering for the spring
semester may contact the Department of Health, Physical Education,
and Recreation.
President Dunn is pictured with the students initiated into Phi
Epsilon Kappa.
On Oct. 28, 2007, the Epsilon Alpha Chapter of Phi Epsilon Kappa,
initiated President John M. Dunn as a member of the local chapter.
Dr. Dunn and 13 students were initated at the fall initiation
ceremony held in the Student Recreation Center. Phi Epsilon Kappa
is a national physical education fraternity for physical educators
that promotes scholarship and service associated with the allied
fields of physical education. The local chapter was established in
1998 and has a current membership of fifty students and faculty
members.
The National Council of Phi Epsilon Kappa further recognized Dr.
Dunn as an honorary member. This honor is awarded to a member of the profession who is, or has been engaged in the
field of Physical Education, Health, Recreation, Dance, Human
Performance, Exercise Science, Sports Medicine and Sports
Managements and who has, over a period of years, been doing
outstanding work for the profession, or has been rendering
commendable service to the profession. Recipients are awarded a
lifetime membership to the fraternity.
Dr. Deb Berkey, adviser of the local chapter and Past-President
of the National Council and Dr. Ray Cool, Midwest Representative of
the National Council awarded the Honorary Membership to Dr. Dunn.
Dr. Timothy Michael, associate professor in Health, Physical Education and Recreation, Dr. Joseph Morris, professor in Counselor Education and Counseling Psychology, Mozhdeh Bruss, associate professor in Family and Consumer Sciences, and Dr. Linda Dannison chair of Family and Consumer Sciences, along with Jackie Quitugua and Rosa Palacios of the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands co-authored a book chapter on "Childhood Obesity: Caregivers' Perceptions, Attitudes and Behaviors Related to Physical Activity and Inactivity" published by Nova Science Publishers, Inc. in 2007.
Congratulations to Matthew Norris (pictured with President John Dunn) and Darci Eisenlohr who will receive awards at the Annual MAHPERD Convention in Traverse City. Matthew will receive the MAHPERD Student Honor Award representing the Physical Education Majors and Darci, health education major, will receive the Western Michigan University Health Education Major Award.
Congratulations to Dr. Marianne Frauenknecht, professor of school health education, for completing her term as president of Eta Sigma Gamma. Eta Sigma Gamma is the only professional organization devoted exclusively to professional development of preprofessional health education students. The organization marked its 40th anniversary at the annual business meeting and conference in Alexandria, VA, in partnership with the Society for Public Health Education.
Dr. Amos Aduroja, associate professor, received the
prestigious Warren B. Schaller Presidential Citation at the national
conference of Eta Sigma Gamma, the national health education honor
society. This award recognizes a professional member's significant
contributions to the discipline of health education.
On Oct. 14 the HPER 3710 (Recreation Programming) students put
on the Special Olympics/Unified Sports Golf Outing at
Grand Prairie Golf Course. The class raised money, solicited donations and prizes, managed
registration and conducted the outing. All the athletes and participating
partners walked away with prizes. It was a huge
success and everyone had a great
time!
Four physical education majors in the Department of Health, Physical Education and Recreation, represented WMU and the state of Michigan at the Midwest District of the American Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance Student Leadership Conference. A total of 48 students representing Michigan, Ohio, West Virginia, Illinois, Indiana and Wisconsin participated. The Western students, all seniors, were: Julie Binkowski, Alex Scott, Sarah Palmer and Beth Leeb.
HPER Students Put Their Minds in Motion
Over 100 Health, Physical 
Education and Recreation majors and minors gathered in the Read Field house for a few hours of food, prizes, live music and networking with fellow students, faculty and student club representatives on Friday Oct. 5.
Dean Gary Wegenke welcomed new and returning students to the department with a talk that emphasized the unique role that HPER professionals have in reaching young people and adults through sport and healthy living. Dr. Wegenke mentioned that he minored in physical education, seeing it as a useful compliment to his degree in mathematics.
Dr. Lee deLisle, interim chair, emphasized to the students the need for involvement beyond the classroom in order to be adequately prepared for a competitive job market. deLisle also complimented the students for choosing majors that “will not 
necessarily make you millionaires” but will provide a rewarding career of instructing and caring for others in the important areas of health, personal fitness and recreational opportunities. He stated that these important areas of contemporary living contribute greatly to the quality of life of an individual and a community and offer the potential for personal and professional satisfaction.
deLisle also mentioned the development of a video entitled Minds in Motion that will be made available as a DVD in order to reach the next generation of HPER students. The video features program information and testimonials from current students regarding their experiences as HPER majors at Western.
de Lisle concluded by inviting the students to offer suggestions for an end of the year celebration for all the students involved in departmental programs.
HPER faculty participate in WMU's second annual "Major Excitement" academic fair on Thursday, Sept. 20. The event helped undecided undergraduate students and incoming freshman comprehend the extensive variety of majors available.
Congratulations to Dr. Jody Brylinsky and undergraduate Denise Peters who received the 2007 College of Education Strengthening Community Connections Award and the Rising Star Award, respectively. In addition, Denise Peters was selected as a WMU Presidential Scholar. The Presidential Scholar is the highest academic award the WMU can bestow to an undergraduate. Selection is based on the students' general academic excellence, academic and/or artistic excellence in their major and intellectual and/or artistic promise.
Dr. Deb Berkey, professor, will be inducted into the West Virginia School of Physical Education 2007 Hall of Fame. In order to be accepted into the hall of fame, the following criteria must be met: the person must hold a degree from the WVU School of Physical Education and must have made significant contributions to the school, their profession and/or society. Only 90 alumni have previously been inducted. Deb completed her master's and doctorate at WVU. An awards dinner and presentation will be taking place on Oct. 13.
Jeff Kingma and Jeff Engbers, graduate Pedagogy students presented a poster at American Association of Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance (AAHPERD). Their poster addressed Integrating and Applying Fitness Concepts with Physical Best and FITNESSGRAM.
Special Olympics of Michigan tournaments and a health fair were held Saturday, Mar. 24. More...
The following research projects will be presented by Athletic Training graduate students and faculty in June at the NATA national convention:
A Comparison of Tissue Temperature Differences between the Midpoint and Peripheral Effective Radiating Area during 1 and 3 MHz Ultrasound Treatments
Michael G. Miller, Janae R. Longoria, Christopher C. Cheatham, Timothy J. Michael, Robert J. Baker.
The Effects of Dexamethasone Iontophoresis on an Acute Muscle Injury of the Biceps Brachii
Andrew T. Doyle, Christopher C. Cheatham, Michael G. Miller, Timothy J. Michael, Robert J. Baker, J. Spitsbergen.
Self-Reported Health and Fitness Habits of Certified Athletic Trainers
Jessica G. Groth, Suzan F. Ayers, Michael G. Miller, W. Arbogast.
Effects of Cubed Ice, Crushed Ice and Wet Ice on Cutaneous and Intramuscular Temperature Changes of the Gastrocnemius
Joe H. Dykstra, Holly M. Hill, Michael G. Miller, Christopher C. Cheatham, Timothy J. Michael, Robert J. Baker.
The Influence of Exercise Protocol on the Determination of Lactate Threshold
Monica L. Lininger, Christopher C. Cheatham, Michael G. Miller, Timothy J. Michael.
Community health education majors, Mickey Neph and Stephanie Beutel, recently completed field experience work based at the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University (NMMU) in Port Elizabeth, South Africa. This capstone experience focused on improving the health of both students attending NMMU as well as populations living in shantytown communities surrounding Port Elizabeth. Skills and experiences garnered from majoring in the community health education program (http://www.wmich.edu/hper-chp) at WMU were the main focus of the internship experience.
Neph and Beutel worked directly with students at NMMU in developing and implementing programming designed to promote healthy living. Poor nutrition, widespread HIV infection and alcohol use are major factors impacting the health of South Africans, including those attending NMMU. “HIV infection rates are estimated to be 10% of student populations at many universities in Southern Africa,” commented Dr. Andre de Jager, Director of Student Counseling at NMMU and preceptor for the NMMU-WMU joint internship program.
Neph’s responsibilities included working with the Khanani Women’s’ Care Centre, a volunteer-based soup kitchen and resource center providing food, education and services to TB and HIV infected populations living amidst the widespread rampart poverty (South Africa cont.) inherent with Southern African communities. Her responsibilities focused on determining how best to assist the Khanani Centre in continuing to move toward providing wellness opportunities for the population they serve. The Khanani Centre was established with the help of Dr. Bensley and his family during their 6-month stay in South Africa in 2003.
The ongoing relationship between NMMU and WMU was established during a Fulbright-sponsored sabbatical Dr. Robert Bensley, professor of community health education in the department of Health, Physical Education and Recreation, undertook in 2003. Bensley’s 6-month experience resulted in a number of continuing projects, including the establishment of the community health education internship. WMU alumni Sarah Wroblewski previously engaged in an internship at NMMU in 2004.
The director of the project, Ms. Nomhamha Mfunda, was employed at a local primary school in 2003. A visit by Bensley to the school resulted in Bensley assisting the school repair a plumbing problem that had prevented the use of the school toilets for the previous 4 years. This effort resulted in a transformation of the school, complete with student painted murals in the toilet building and community celebration of the transformation. “It was the most significant effort, both professionally and personally, that I did while in South Africa,” remarked Bensley. “I was able to not only throw a
pebble into the water, but see the ripples hit the bank on the other side.” Upon retirement, Ms. Mfunda, with the support of Bensley and his family, established the Khanani Centre. The Bensley family has raised over $3,000 to help support the ongoing operation of the center.
The community health education program at WMU incorporates courses that provide skills for assisting both individuals and communities impact precursors to and behavioral practices resulting in poor health. A wide range of issues addressed within these skills, including substance abuse, disease prevention, responsible sexuality decision making, nutrition issues, and self-care.
The 16th Annual Southwest Regional Conference for Physical Educators was held on Mar. 9, 2007 at the Student Recreation Center. This conference was planned by teachers for teachers in order to offer cost effective, professional development for physical educators at the local level led by leading practitioners/educators in the area. The conference was opened with an update on physical education state standards, graduation requirements and new legislation led by Ms. Trina Boyle-Holmes, Michigan Department of Education Physical Education Consultant and current President of the Michigan Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance (MAHPERD) and Dr. Deb Berkey, professor. Dr. Tom Peterson, Medical Director of Quality and Healthier Communities at Spectrum Health and DeVos Children’s Hospital in Grand Rapids, Michigan, delivered the keynote presentation entitled, "Prevention and Wellness: Is It The Future of Health Care?" Mr. Pat Ryan and Dr. Ray Cool, faculty members in the Department of Health, Physcial Education and Recreation, served as speakers during the daylong event.
The members of the Planning Committee graduated from either the undergraduate physical education teacher education or the graduate pedagogy program and are teachers employed in Southwest Michigan or Northern Indiana. This committee included: Amy Nieuwenhuis, chair, Otsego Public Schools; Lori Bronkem, Otsego Public Schools; Darcy Bentley, Otsego Public Schools; Bridget Cote, Harper Creek Community Schools; Kyle Uramkin, Otsego Public Schools; Nicole Cartwright, Edwardsburg Community Schools; Angie Sixberry, Hastings Public Schools; Cherie Owens, Parchment Public Schools; Sherry Johnson, Centreville Public Schools; Steve Kulczyk, Schoolcraft Community Schools; and Carrie Martin, Westview School Corporation (IN).
Western Michigan University researchers are working with a $190,200 Department of Defense Army Research Office grant to create an environmental physiology laboratory that will be the only one of its kind in Michigan and will be used to study the effect of hot and cold temperatures on the human body in combination with other factors, such as nicotine intake. The grant is part of the Defense University Research Instrumentation Program. Faculty in the Department of Health, Physical Education and Recreation have been busy buying and installing diagnostic equipment and creating an 11-foot-by-11-foot, state of the art laboratory, housed in the Student Recreation Center.
The environmental physiology lab can measure a subject's cardiovascular system, body temperature, blood flow and other physical reactions to heat and cold in high or low humidity, says Dr. Chris Cheatham, assistant professor and the grant's principal investigator. Cheatham is being assisted by co-principal investigator Dr. Timothy Michael, associate professor. The Department of Health, Physical Education and Recreation and the College of Education each contributed $10,000 to cover renovation costs.
Cheatham says the body's physical response to high heat and nicotine might be of particular interest to the U.S. military, since soldiers today are often deployed to hot parts of the world. “Since upward of one-fourth of service people use tobacco products, the Army would be interested in funding further research on the combined effect of heat and nicotine on humans.”
On Apr. 14 the department honored the outstanding achievements of the graduates inducted into the HPER Department Alumni Honor Academy. This program provides public recognition of the outstanding professional accomplishments, contributions, recognition and service of distinguished graduates. Also recognized were current students receiving scholarships, awards, those holding leadership positions in their professional fields of study and individual achievements of HPER faculty.
The American Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance (AAHPERD) will awarded the following faculty at its national convention in Baltimore, Mar. 13-17:
- Dr. Suzan Ayers, assistant professor, has been named Research Consortium Fellow. Attainment of Fellow status is one of the most prestigious honors the Research Consortium can bestow on a member. Fellows are recognized for their contributions in the areas of research publications, presentations and professional service. Research Consortium Fellows demonstrate an ongoing commitment to research and a high level of achievement in their field.
- Dr. Debra S. Berkey, professor, will receive the Honor Award recognizing persons of personal integrity who exemplify the spirit of devoted service and who have made an outstanding and noteworthy contribution to the advancement of health, physical education, recreation, or dance.
- Dr, Jiabei Zhang, associate professor, will receive the Adapted Physical Activity Professional Recognition Award recognizing significant contributions to the promotion of physical activity to individuals with disabilities.
Jim Horn and Ron Winter's Theory of Coaching class has partnered with Special Olympics Area 16 to offer quality coaching for the various programs in the community. Over 50 students and 75 participants with special needs are learning from each other to value competition and recognize personal achievement. Dr. Linda Law, associate professor, continued her long-standing history of involving her classes in meaningful community works as well, by having a recreation major class manage the Special Olympic State Bowling and Basketball tournament at WMU on Mar. 24. In addition, the department’s undergraduate athletic training students have volunteered to offer first aid assistance during many of the above activities.
On Saturday, Feb. 10, the Department of Health, Physical Education and Recreation honored 33 high school student-athletes during the WMU celebration of National Girls and Women in Sports Day (NGWS). The breakfast reception featured remarks from Dr. Debra S. Berkey and a keynote address delivered by Ashley Vogl, Katie Eberling and Jill Mitchell, tri-captains of the WMU Women’s Volleyball Team. The event was organized and staged by Ms. Terri Hires, student services coordinator, Dr. Suzan Ayers, assistant professor, Dr. Jody Brylinsky, professor and Dr. Berkey. The student-athletes honored for their athletic, academic and community service activities were from the following schools: Schoolcraft, Wayland Union, Mattawan, Vicksburg, Comstock, Parchment, Kalamazoo Christian, Gobles, Allegan, Gull Lake, Climax-Scotts, Galesburg-Augusta, Decatur, Lawton, Bangor, Otsego, Vicksburg, Kalamazoo Central, Portage Central and the KPS Young Adult Program.