Health education seniors receive award
The Health Education faculties have selected two seniors to receive an AAHE “Outstanding Health Education Majors of the Year” award. Each year, the American Association of Health Education (AAHE) recognizes undergraduate students majoring in health education/promotion from colleges or universities across the country that provide professional preparation health education programs. The outstanding majors representing WMU are Katie Rietkerk (School Health) and Kirsten Henry (Community Health). These awards will be presented during the AAHE/AAHPERD Annual Convention in Charlotte, North Carolina on April 26.
Posted April 23
Students raise money for American Heart Association
On April 7th, 2013, the Phi Epsilon Kappa Western Michigan student organization hosted a Jump Rope for Heart Fundraiser for the American Heart Association in the University Recreation Center. The event consisted of activities such as jumping rope, hula hooping, 2-on-2 basketball, a football accuracy challenge, basketball shooting challenge, partner jump roping, and a volleyball bump competition, all designed to get the participants heart rates up.
Approximately 20 students participated in the event to raise heart health awareness. Those who joined in the activities were broken into pairs and competed to earn the most points in the various activities, although final scores were not the most important part of the day, some teams earned over 2000 points! We appreciate all of the time and effort everyone contributed and as a result of this wonderful outpouring of support from our student body, Phi Epsilon Kappa has been able to donate nearly $500 to the American Heart Association. The money raised will help fund heart and stroke research and also help individuals of all ages in need of assistance paying for medical costs related to heart health.
Posted April 22
Michigan Unified Special Olympics Basketball State Tournament
On March 16, 2013 Western Michigan University hosted the Michigan Unified Special Olympics Basketball State Tournament for the 15th year. This event was successful thanks to the combined coordination efforts of Phi Epsilon Kappa along with their mentor, Dr. Debra Berkey, as well as the southwest Michigan Tournament Coordinator Jaime Gunderson. Most important to the tournaments success were the 100 volunteers that helped out from the surrounding community as well as Western Michigan Students.
This year's tournament included 24 teams from across the state. About 200 Special Olympians were able to walk away with a medal around their neck thanks to this event. The event offers the athletes an opening ceremony, awards presentation, hospitality room, lunch for participants and volunteers, and a game room for young siblings. Members of Phi Epsilon Kappa are honored to be able to provide this service to the community. They hope to continue to provide service through the Special Olympics community in years to come.
Posted April 22
Epsilon Alpha chapter at WMU wins awards
The Phi Epsilon Kappa National Counsel recently announced recipients of the 2013 awards. WMU Human Performance and Health Education students Charlynn Blumberg, Jessie Burton, Tray Crusciel, Sawyer Duncan, Brianna Fielder, Joanna Lewis Hall, Stephanie Hoff, Carly Kirkpatrick, and Jason Schut were all 2013 recipients. In addition, the Epsilon Alpha chapter at WMU won the Chapter Development Award and Jason Schut won the R.R. Schreiber Distinguished Service Award.
Posted April 18
SPASM sponsors fundraiser for Athletic Training Alum
In March, the Student Professional Association for Sports Medicine (SPASM) began selling wristbands to raise money for WMU Alumni David & Marissa Meinema. David graduated from the WMU Athletic Training Professional Program in December, 2012 and passed his Board of Certification exam in February. Three days after taking the exam, David was involved in a serious car accident, which left him with significant head trauma and facial fractures. Over $2500 has been raised to this point to assist David & Marissa with the medical expenses of his rehabilitation. David continues to show improvements in his recovery.
More information on David
Posted April 16
Professor speaks at China conference
Dr. Deb Berkey, professor of physical education/teacher education, was one of four invited featured speakers for the East Asia Regional Conference of Overseas Schools. The conference was held in Shanghai, China from March 26-30 at the Concordia International School in Shanghai, China.
Posted April 16
Faculty and graduate students in Human Performance and Health Education published
The research paper completed by four personnel of a completed federally funded project, Dr. Jiabei Zhang, Dr. Carol Weideman, Ms. Melissa Bogard, and Ms. Amanda Chiotti, has been published in the 2013 issue of Volume 10(1) in an internationally recognized peer-reviewed journal, Asian Journal of Exercise & Sports Science. This research paper is titled Effectiveness of a Recreational Physical Activity Program for Young Adults with Mild Intellectual Disabilities. It evaluates and presents positive outcomes obtained in the implementation of Project Integrated Recreational Sport Activity Program for Young Adults with Disabilities.
Posted April 9
Gagne selected for CCHA's All-Time First Team
Wayne Gagne (BS '87, Physical Education) is one of 12 players selected for the CCHA's All-Time First Team. In honor of the Central Collegiate Hockey Association's final season, top performers were chosen from across all 42 seasons as part of their 'Celebrate the Legacy' initiative.
Posted March 28
Phi Epsilon Kappa Spring Initiation
The local chapter of Phi Epsilon Kappa (National Honorary Fraternity for Physical Education, Exercise Science, Recreation, Health and Sport Management) conducted their Spring Initiation on Sunday February 10th in the Student Recreation Center. The following new members were inducted: Ben Hinz, Ben Conklin, Tray Crusciel, Monica Toso, Kimberly Turner, Brianna Fielder, Michael Potrykus, Shannon Corcoran, Jenny Kubik and Jeremiah Wakeman. The Epsilon Alpha Chapter is led by Jason Schut (President), Stephanie Henderson (Vice- President), Robert Keller (Secretary), Carly Kirkpatrick (Treasurer), Wil Jackson (WSA Rep), Tyler Boyd (Historian) and Dr. Deb Berkey (Faculty Adviser).
Posted February 19
Dr. Suzan Ayers appointed to 21st-Century Student Initiative
Dr. Suzan Ayers, Associate Professor of Physical Education Teacher Education, has been named Chair of the 21st-Century Student Initiative. This university-wide committee focuses on helping instructors and advisors better serve our millennial learners.
Posted January 8