University News

RPTA Reaches 50th Anniversary Fundraising Goal

July 16, 2018

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MACOMB, IL – The Western Illinois University Department of Recreation, Park and Tourism Administration (RPTA) has reached the $100,000 matching goal set as part of the department's 50th anniversary celebration.

Because the goal was reached before June 30, WIU RPTA Chair Emeritus Dan Yoder and his wife, Sheryl, matched the donations, bringing the fundraising total to $200,000.

"Sheryl and I are so proud of the faculty, staff and friends of the Recreation, Park and Tourism Administration department," said Dan. "I must admit that I thought raising $100,000 might be too much, but people believe in this department and they stepped up."

The money raised will be used to provide scholarship assistance and internship opportunities to incoming freshmen and transfer students, to buy a reliable van to transport students to conferences and learning experiences outside the classroom and to host professional development and alumni engagement opportunities throughout Illinois.

"These new resources will allow the RPTA department to continue to make a positive impact on the lives of individuals and communities," said Dan. "We send a heartfelt thank you to all who helped achieve this goal."

WIU RPTA Assistant Professor Jeremy Robinett said the donations will make it possible for the RPTA department to enhance its abilities to "train students to meet the needs of local and global leisure industries."

"This year has been a tremendous one for our department," said Robinett, who helped organize events as part of the anniversary. "In addition to celebrating our 50th anniversary, our alumni, students, friends, faculty and staff rose to the $100,000 match challenge issued by Dan and Sheryl Yoder. We're proud of what our department has been able to do, and so excited to see what these gifts make possible for our future."

WIU College of Education and Human Services Development Director Suzanne Woodward said the Yoders' gift allowed the donations made as part of the anniversary celebration go twice as far.

"I am so thankful and pleased that our RPTA alumni and friends stepped up to the plate to meet the challenge that Dr. and Mrs. Yoder put forth," said Woodward. "Their generosity will have a lasting impact on the program and its students for years to come."

The department was created in 1968 after Professor Emeritus Tony Mobley advocated for the development of a recreation program at WIU. After the University's Board of Governors approved the new program in May 1968, the department began using Horn Field Campus as an extended classroom.

Tourism was added to the department's name in 1989, and RPTA is now one of the University's signature academic programs.

For more information about the WIU Department of RPTA, visit wiu.edu/RPTA.

Posted By: Jodi Pospeschil (JK-Pospeschil@wiu.edu)
Office of University Communications & Marketing