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WIU Recreation, Park and Tourism Administration (RPTA) Professor Michael McGowan and Student Therapeutic Recreation Society President Daniel Garcia, a graduate student in the RPTA department at Western.
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RPTA Faculty Donates Raffle Prize to Help Student Club

May 2, 2012

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MACOMB, IL – A professor's generosity helped a few more members of the Student Therapeutic Recreation Society (STRS) at Western Illinois University attend the Midwest Therapeutic Recreation Symposium in Springfield (IL) last month.

According to STRS President Daniel Garcia (Des Plaines, IL), a graduate student in the recreation, park and tourism administration (RPTA) program, during the month of March, members of the student club organized an iPad 2 fundraising raffle to raise money for students to attend the symposium. Garcia noted that the student group's plan was to use the profits from the fundraiser to help members attend the annual professional-development conference (which was held April 16 and 17).

"The winning ticket was drawn April 3 by RPTA Professor Michael McGowan," Garcia said. "After notifying Dr. McGowan he had won, he decided to donate the winnings back to the club. This donation enabled more students to participate in the conference, and they were able to network with other professionals."

Garcia added that five student STRS members attended the Midwest Therapeutic Recreation Symposium.

"The raffle was a great way for students to raise funds and be able to attend this conference. We are grateful for Dr. McGowan's generosity," said Rachel Smith, RPTA instructor and STRS adviser.

For more information about the Student Therapeutic Recreation Society, contact Garcia at (847) 722-8398 or via email at DA-Garcia@wiu.edu.

Posted By: University Communications (U-Communications@wiu.edu)
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