Western News 19
College of Education and Human Services A day with the ‘World’s Fittest Man’ By Teresa Koltzenburg ‘92
Joe Decker, who graduated from WIU in 1998 with a bachelor’s degree in kinesiology, was the recipient of the College of Education and Human Services’ 2009 Distinguished Alumni Award and visited campus during COEHS Week (April 13–17) to speak to and work out with students. Once overweight and out of shape, Decker is an ultra-endurance power athlete, renowned fitness trainer and syndicated columnist who has helped thousands of women, men, kids and seniors get into shape and lose weight. In 2000, Decker made his mark on the fitness world by breaking the Guinness Book of World Records’ 24-Hour Fitness Challenge, giving him the right to claim the title of “World’s Fittest Man.” Decker is a personal testament to overcoming addictions and obstacles, and he has founded his own high-speed fitness company working with individuals, groups, and corporate clients. In addition, Decker is regularly involved in charity work and has established a research fund at WIU for childhood obesity from his winnings on the television show “The Weakest Link.” While on campus, Decker led an intense fitness
workout for students, faculty and staff, and presented to Honors students and the public about his experiences and sticking with a healthy lifestyle. He was also honored for his contributions to WIU and the fitness community. “Receiving the COEHS Distinguished Alumnus award was an incredible honor and a wonderful experience,” Decker said. “Getting the opportunity to return to WIU to work with the students and hang out with the staff made me realize how much I truly missed and appreciated my
years here. WIU rocks!” “Joe was the perfect choice for the Distinguished Alumni award,” said Smith-Skripps. “His willingness to return to Western to address the campus community and work out with students fit well with the University’s 2009 theme of health and wellness. It was a great day full of energy and enthusiasm.” To learn more about Decker, visit his website at joe-decker.com or gutcheckfitness.com.
Decker led students and staff on a “Fatness to Fitness” exercise challenge.
Decker (far right) poses with, l-r: wife Nicole Decker; retired COEHS dean Bonnie Smith-Skripps and Bill Griffin, WIU Board of Trustees.
By Teresa Koltzenburg ‘92
The rainbow, throughout human history, has been a symbol used to explain various propositions thought up by humankind. Pots of gold and promises among them, the rainbow is also as an emblem of beauty and hope—meanings not lost on Western Illinois University student Becky Hoelscher (Monmouth, IL). A senior majoring in social work, Hoelscher volunteers at the Rainbow Becky Hoelscher Riders Therapeutic Horseback Riding Center in Monmouth (IL), so she knows first hand how the center provides hope and is a place of beauty for those its serves. “Rainbow Riders’ official mission statement is ‘to provide safe, professional and affordable therapeutic horseback riding opportunities that contribute positively to the physical, cognitive, emotional and social well being of children with special needs,’” Hoelscher explained. “But to really understand what Rainbow Riders does for children and their families, people have to experience it for themselves.” Hoelscher began volunteering at Rainbow Riders about three years ago, first as an arena assistant, helping instructors with riding lessons, then as a side walker, which involves assisting riders. Helping others comes naturally to Hoelscher, who noted her social work major is a direct result of her frequently finding herself helping family or neighbors. With her love of animals, of horses in particular, for Hoelscher, Rainbow Riders provides a perfect fit for her social activism and humane interests. “I try to help out the center any way I can,” she said.
“It’s an amazing place that does amazing things for people.” Hoelscher’s help at Rainbow Riders has also resulted in an $8,000 grant, which was recently awarded to Rainbow Riders through the Illinois Equine Industry Research and Promotion Board. As part of her degree coursework, Hoelscher enrolled in a social work policy course in Fall 2008 taught by Michael Fimmen, interim chairperson of WIU’s social work department. The “Barn and Paddock Restoration in Support of Rainbow Riders” grant proposal was the result of what she learned in Fimmen’s class; a grant-proposal writing assignment in a general practice class taught by Rebekah Clark, social work instructor; and her volunteer efforts at Rainbow Riders. “Dr. Fimmen provided step-by-step instructions for writing grant proposals, and Rebekah gave students the freedom to write proposals for any that we chose. My first thought was to compose a proposal for Rainbow Riders. I figured this assignment would be a perfect opportunity for another way to help,” Hoelscher said. Clark noted that Hoelscher’s initiative on the grantproposal assignment demonstrates the type of professional she will be in the world of social work. “Instead of just treating it like another assignment, she used the opportunity to stretch herself educationally and make a real-life impact on her community,” Clark said. “Becky is an exceptional student and will make an incredible social worker—I would be thrilled to one day call her my co-worker!” Hoelscher humbly attributes, in part, the success of the grant proposal to Fimmen and to Clark. She also noted that Drew Angotti, the executive director at Rainbow Riders, helped her with the proposal. “Becky gathered the information and then wrote the first draft of the grant proposal. It was then revised, but most of the work was put in by Becky,” Angotti said. “The
Photo courtesy of Caren Bordowitz
WIU student helps Rainbow Riders achieve pot of gold
Drew Angotti (on left) and a volunteer side walker, walk with nine-year-old William Bordowitz. money was used for a new roof over the barn and is now finished. The barn is totally dry for the first time in quite a while,” he added. After she graduates, Hoelscher has plans to continue to volunteer at her hometown Rainbow Riders Therapeutic Horseback Riding Center. “Rainbow Riders provides an excellent volunteer opportunity for those who love to help and work with people and horses,” Hoelscher said. “As I said, it’s an amazing place, and it really does provide hope and offer a beautiful and therapeutic experience for the children and their families.” To learn more, visit rainbowridershome.org, contact the center at (309) 734-4848, or email Angotti at drewangotti@rainbowridershome.org.