University News
Inaugural Thompson Wellness Lecture to Feature Professor Emeritus of Recreation, Park and Tourism Administration
October 13, 2011
MACOMB, IL - - Gil Belles, Western Illinois University professor emeritus of recreation, park and tourism administration (RPTA), will deliver the inaugural Jackie Thompson Lecture at 4 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 19 in the University Union Grand Ballroom, University Room. Belles' talk is titled "The Importance of Wellness in Your Life."
The lecture series was established by the Employee Wellness Committee in recognition of Jackie Thompson, vice president emeritus for Administrative Services, for her diligent advocacy of employee wellness, said Judy Yeast, associate director of Campus Recreation.
"The lecture series is designed to recognize the importance of employee health and wellness to the long-term success and well-being of WIU employees and the surrounding community," Yeast explained. "It's a way to celebrate the contributions and benefits of promoting and living a healthy lifestyle."
Thompson retired from Western in July 2011 after 41 years of service. Under her direction, WIU created a wellness program for University employees, including Western Walks, which led to a full-time employee in Human Resources dedicated to training and development.
As vice president for administrative services, Thompson served as the University's chief administrative, business and financial officer, and as treasurer for the Board of Trustees. She was responsible for contract approval and administration, management of the University's facilities and construction programs and Western's legal compliance, in conjunction with contracted legal counsel. Thompson has also served as the University liaison to the Civil Service Employees Council and the Council of Administrative Personnel. In the community, she has served on the McDonough County United Way Board, the McDonough County Republican Central Committee, and many other organizations.
According to Yeast, the Employee Wellness Committee will annually select a speaker based on a set of criteria, including being a WIU employee and an advocate for wellness.
Belles has a long history of promoting wellness, having served as a swimming coach for the YMCA, high school teams and for the WIU Water Polo team, which won the NAIA national championship in 1969. Belles created the first WIU TinMan Triathlon in 1980, and served as the event's director through 1985.
Belles, who taught history before joining the RPTA department, retired from teaching in 1996, but remains an active supporter of many WIU and Macomb initiatives. He has been involved in the Performing Arts Society, Tri States Public Radio, the Western Illinois Museum, the McDonough County Historical Society, Meals on Wheels, Friends of the Macomb Public Library, and the annual Homecoming run/walk.
For more information about the lecture series or the Oct. 19 event, contact Yeast at (309) 298-1670 or JA-Yeast@wiu.edu.
Posted By: University Communications (U-Communications@wiu.edu)
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