University News
RPTA Department Awards Students and Alumni
April 27, 2015

MACOMB, IL — The Recreation, Park and Tourism Department (RPTA) at Western Illinois University hosted its annual Professional Development Conference April 17.
The conference, which first started as a class project, now provides alumni, faculty and students the opportunity to gather and share knowledge. The annual event celebrates the outstanding achievements of current students, community partners and dedicated alumni.
"This was a wonderful celebration of our department. Many alumni returned to share their experiences with current students. We also recognized the achievements of current and past RPTA students. These people are doing great things in our field, and the current students will carry on that tradition," said Dan Yoder, chair and professor of the RPTA department.
Students and alumni honored include:
RPTA Students of the Month
September 2014-Rachel Sensabaugh (Galesburg, IL)
October 2014-Holly Gloodt (Orland Park, IL)
November 2014-Derek Hoffman (Bartlett, IL)
February 2015-Elizabeth Flesher (Benton Harbor, MI)
March 2015-Kevin Williams (Chicago Ridge, IL)
April 2015-Jenna Savoia (Macomb, IL)
Developing Scholar
Maureen Fitzgerald (Breese, IL), sophomore, RPTA
Arthur F. Clayton Award
Andrew Busker (Rockford, IL), senior, RPTA
Outstanding Senior
Hannah Cecil (Maquon, IL), senior, RPTA
Anita H. Magafas Nontraditional Student Award
Margaret Barks (East Moline, IL), senior, RPTA
Outstanding Graduate Student
Allen J. Rudicil (Canton, MO), graduate student, RPTA
Graduate of the Last Decade Award (GOLD)
Julie A. Eggleston, alumna, 2002 and 2008, Executive Director of the Kishwaukee Special Recreation Association
Undergraduate GOLD Award
Katie Newport, alumna, 2009, Recreation Supervisor for the Arlington Heights Park District
Distinguished Service
Jim Lustig, Direcor of Aztec Adventures at San Diego State University
Distinguished Alumni
Mary Parr, alumna 1988 and 1992, associate professor at Kent State University (Kent, OH)
For more information about the RPTA department, visit www.wiu.edu/coehs/rpta/.
Posted By: Mary Friday (WIUNews@wiu.edu)
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