WMU Home > About WMU > WMU News

WMU News

HPER honors outstanding alumni

March 25, 2006

KALAMAZOO--Six alumni of the Department of Health, Physical Education and Recreation at Western Michigan University will be recognized for their achievements and contributions during a luncheon program, noon to 2 p.m. Saturday, April 1, in Room 1035 of the Fetzer Center.

The six alumni, some of whom were graduated from the formerly separate physical education departments for men and women, will be inducted into the HPER Department Honor Academy. The academy was established to provide public recognition of the outstanding professional accomplishments, contributions, recognition and service of distinguished graduates. Also honored during the program will be current HPER students receiving scholarships and awards and those holding leadership positions in their professional fields of study. Achievements by HPER faculty also will be recognized.

HPER Department Honor Academy
2006 Inductees

Mary Bretscher graduated in 1973 with an emphasis in aquatics. She is the associate athletic director and swimming coach at DePauw University.

Augusta Lipsey earned a bachelor's degree in 1977 and a master's degree in 1981 in physical education pedagogy. She is retired from the Kalamazoo Public Schools and works as a coach with Michigan-USA Gymnastics and as a judge for the National Association of Women's Gymnastics.

John Miller received a bachelor's degree in 1961 and a master's degree in 1967. He coached WMU football and is retired from the WMU HPER department.

Jenny Moshak received a bachelors degree in physical education in 1985, with coaching emphasis and minors in athletic training and health education. He is the head athletic trainer for Women's Intercollegiate Athletics at the University of Tennessee.

Christine Rupkey earned a bachelors degree in health education in 1992 and is the residency coordinator for the Department of Emergency Management at the University of Michigan.

Roy Vultaggio received a bachelor's degree in recreation in 1981 and is the deputy director of recreation for the city of Oak Park, Mich.

Edie Wirtshafter received a bachelors degree in physical education in 1978, with an adapted emphasis. She is the southwest region manager and director of outreach for Special Olympics Michigan.

The HPER recognition luncheon is open to the public. The cost is $15 per person, and reservations are required by Wednesday, March 29.

For more information or to register, please contact Linda Law at linda.law@wmich.edu or (269) 387-2687.

Media contact: Thom Myers, (269) 387-8400, thom.myers@wmich.edu

WMU News
Office of University Relations
Western Michigan University
1903 W Michigan Ave
Kalamazoo MI 49008-5433 USA
(269) 387-8400
www.wmich.edu/wmu/news