Health, physical education and recreation alumni honored
Aug. 1, 2002
KALAMAZOO -- The Western Michigan University Department of Health, Physical Education and Recreation has named nine exceptional graduates to its 2002 Alumni Honor Academy, an annual program recognizing the professional contributions select alumni have made in their chosen fields.
HPER honorees for 2002 have worked as educators, coaches, health advisors, athletic administrators, entrepreneurs, and community sports. They are: J. Patrick Clysdale, the late Dr. Mary Dawson, Dr. Wanda Jubb, Marilyn Kibbie Maurer, Dr. Daryl Seidentop, Thomas C. Slaughter, Barbara Stephenson, Mary Jo Deboer Warner and Randy Werner.
2002 HYPER Alumni Honorees
J. Patrick Clysdale, B.S. '52, M.S. '53, worked in coaching and teaching positions in South Haven and Allen Park, Mich., before joining WMU in 1958. During his 33 years at the University, Clysdale served as an assistant basketball coach, assistant athletic director, associate athletic director and as an associate professor of health, physical education and recreation. He retired in 1991.
Dr. Mary Dawson, who died in April, joined WMU's health, physical education and recreation department in 1979 after spending time as a public school teacher in Battle Creek, Mich. Using her expertise in biomechanics, motor behavior and exercise physiology, Dawson helped establish WMU's graduate program in exercise science. She also received of the 2002 WMU Alumni Teaching Excellence Award.
Dr. Wanda Jubb, B.S. '54, M.A. '57, M.A. '66, has helped develop policy, consulted politicians, and influenced health education throughout Michigan's public schools. In addition to being active on the school health front, Dr. Jubb also is a recognized leader in national health education circles. Recently, she was named a mentor with the Public Health Education Leadership Institute.
Marilyn Maurer, B.S. '68, M.S. '71, briefly taught high school in Battle Creek, Mich., before going to work for Kalamazoo College where she has coached women's tennis, cross country and golf. Currently, Maurer is a physical education professor, director of athletics for women and the women's swim coach.
Dr. Daryl Seidentop, M.S. '63, worked at the Ohio State University School of Health, Physical Education and Recreation and College of Education from 1970 to 2001, and is an internationally- recognized scholar on the teaching of physical education.
Thomas C. Slaughter, B.S. '35, was a longtime WMU associate professor who also coached freshman football, basketball and baseball teams, and for 17 years, worked as a varsity football scout. Slaughter, who helped launch the Michigan Family Camping Association, also is considered a pioneer in the nation's family camping movement. He retired in 1975.
Barbara Stephenson, B.S. '49, taught public school students in Michigan and California, and at the University of Wisconsin before returning to WMU to teach. Stephenson specialized in aquatics and organizing students for synchronized swimming, and often served as a consultant to other colleges and universities.
Mary Jo Warner, B.S. '75, M.S. '77, transitioned from a competitor to WMU's assistant swim coach during her graduate school days. She later worked as a teacher at the International School of Geneva, Switzerland. For nearly 25 years, Warner has worked at George Washington University where she is senior associate director of athletics and senior women's administrator. As part of her job, Warner oversees 17 sports, 30 coaches and the sports communications department.
Randy Werner, B.S. '75, worked as an acclaimed Gull Lake, Mich., elementary school teacher until funding cutbacks pushed him into the corporate realm. Since 1976, he has enjoyed a successful career with sporting good manufacturing organizations like Shakespeare Fishing Tackle Co., Anderson Needham Sales Co., and Carerra-Werner Sales Co., where he is an owner/partner.
Media contact: Gail H. Towns, 269 387-8400, gail.towns@wmich.edu