REC PROGRESS
Alumni Newsletter Spring 2021
Mission Campus Recreation provides the UH community an inclusive environment that cultivates the development of life skills through engaging and meaningful recreation programs, facilities and service.
Vision UH Campus Recreation aspires to create a culture of: INTENTIONALITY by creating experiential learning opportunities that meet the needs of the diverse UH community ENGAGEMENT by providing opportunities for involvement through the utilization of extraordinary facilities, programs, and services STUDENT SUCCESS by creating a student driven department with professional leadership
Values SERVICE We are committed to providing quality service to the UH community through intentional patron interactions, safe and reliable equipment, well-maintained facility spaces, and knowledgeable staff. INTEGRITY We are driven by our mission, vision and values in all decisions. Through our actions, we will demonstrate knowledgeable and consistent decision-making that results in beneficial outcomes for all stakeholders. EMPOWERMENT We foster the personal growth of our stakeholders through opportunities for self-discovery, team building, and engagement in experiential leadership and learning. FUN We strive to provide an enjoyable and challenging environment for participants and employees, in an attempt to improve personal success and strengthen the connection to UH. SAFETY We are dedicated to providing an environment free from physical, mental, and emotional harm. We will utilize risk management training and techniques to prepare all staff members to recognize and correct any potential hazards, as well as respond to accidents and emergencies. INCLUSION We demonstrate our commitment to inclusion by providing intentional programming and services for all. We embrace a full spectrum of opportunities that challenge the UH community to grow and think differently.
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" It had helped me build new relationships and explore all the programs the Rec has to offer. The rec is the place where I can relax and take some stress out by being in the rec my mindset is free and calm. " NASPA Consortium 2020
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CAMPUS REC
Department Initatives Hosting the Children Learning Center By: Sandi Martin | Director of Marketing and Communications for the Division of Student Affairs and Enrollment Services (DSAES)
The Children’s Learning Center needed space, and Campus Recreation had it. When Winter Storm Uri blasted Texas with arctic temperatures in late February, it caused widespread property damage from water outages and frozen pipes. The University of Houston wasn’t immune to the winter wreckage: Not only did Housing and Residential Life do emergency repairs, but burst sprinklers and pipes shut down the Children’s Learning Center’s Wheeler location completely. The storm caused extensive water damage in the lobby and seven of nine classrooms to sheetrock, carpet, ceilings, cabinets, and counters that took weeks to repair. This unfortunate situation could have left dozens of parents scrambling to find alternative childcare for their toddlers and preschoolers. Until Campus Recreation offered a solution: Turn the offline spaces in the Rec Center into temporary classrooms. After Campus Recreation Executive Director Kim Clark made the offer, UH’s Facilities team did the heavy lifting by moving undamaged heavy furniture to the Recreation Center. Teachers then came in and moved other supplies they would need to teach, while Campus Recreation erected barricades to keep the new children’s space separated from other visitors.
Credit: DSAES
Clark said offering the unused space for such an essential part of the University was an easy decision. Because of the pandemic, she said, Campus Recreation has been operating its facilities at a reduced capacity for safety reasons. “It has been a tough year for everyone between the pandemic, families having to teach kids at home, having limited childcare options, and working remotely. We were simply happy to be able to offer a possible solution to one of our campus partners,” Clark said. “We hope this helped relieve a little stress for those families who count on the Center.” Parents were not required to bring their children to the temporary space, Skopal said. All families had the option of not returning until the Center was fully operational in its permanent location. But when the Wheeler Center reopened on March 9, teachers welcomed 51 children back into the classrooms after being closed for three weeks.
Credit: DSAES
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“Seeing the joy on the parent’s and children’s faces this morning at drop-off made this process all worthwhile,” she said. “Everyone settled in nicely. The Campus Recreation Center staff have been so welcoming and accommodating to our needs. I cannot thank them enough!”
PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS Fitness “It was very comforting, and I struggle with knowing what to do and how to work out. The group fitness classes definitely helped to pull me out of my comfort zone but not in a bad way. They make it easier for me to come to the rec and the instructors are all so nice and caring.” NASPA Consortium 2020
Miles to Madness February 27 – March 14 Miles to Madness was a competition between schools to see who can log the most cardio mileage using any equipment that tracks miles, including wearable technology. The event was against schools across the country from Tennessee, Iowa, South Carolina, Alabama, and Mississippi. Universities would face head to head in a bracket-style competition with four rounds, and only the winner of that bracket will move forward to the next round. In our first round, we were up against the W, the Mississippi University for Women, the previous year’s champions. It was looking promising that we would beat the victors by the end of that round, but the W won. We were leaving the University of Houston in the total miles bracket, where we collected 123.7 miles.
Love Every Body Week February 8-14 Many people suffer from low or distorted body image because the representation of natural bodies is minimal in our society. It’s time for us to embrace that everyone is beautiful! We dedicated the week leading up to Valentine’s Day to encourage our staff and patrons to practice self-love and body positivity. Check out the tips we came up with: Take a moment to thank yourself and your body. We always focus on our bodies’ results/final transformations instead of embracing our bodies at every phase. Think about what you love about your body, and say it out loud. It is so easy to compare yourself to someone else’s journey. Every journey is unique because of the different obstacles you may face. Stop comparing and reflect on your journey! We see that the ideal fitness body on social media can be unrealistic. Body positivity is about feeling good in your body and its capabilities. If you are experiencing this at any time of the day, take a break from social media, get out, and move!
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“I usually go to the rec with a friend so that has given me an excuse to have dedicated time to spend with my friends even if we are super busy. It has brought us so close we have decided to be roommates next year” NASPA Consortium 2020
Outdoor Adventure Early February, top rope reopened at the Climbing Wall, a frequently requested program offering during the Fall semester. To prepare for the reopening of the top rope, staff members went through extensive training on changes to operations to ensure physical distancing and sanitation measures. Minimizing the potential spread of the virus has been a top priority with top rope reopening; while we ask patrons to bring their gear if they have it, there is an opportunity to check out equipment when visiting. Our program ensures we are staying up to date on the latest industry resources and guidelines to ensure the safety and comfort of our program staff and patrons.
At UH Outdoor Adventure, the team strives to offer fun, new and educational outdoor experiences which our participants love! In March, Outdoor Adventure led a canoeing trip to Spring Creek in North Houston. This beautiful paddling trail is quite remarkable; it offers a remote and wilderness character, unlike most other streams in the area. Most of our trips do not require experience to attend; OA staff will teach you everything you need to know from canoeing to camping, standup paddleboarding, kayaking, backpacking, and even surfing too!
“I managed to make friends and feel more included through outdoor adventure trips. Apart from their adventurous nature, it acts as an icebreaker event if you don’t have a lot of time to attend social events in campus.” NASPA Consortium 2020
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Sport Clubs Due to COVID guidelines and procedures, UH Recreation Sport Clubs were very limited in what activities they could participate in. However, that did not extinguish their desire to stay involved and active with each other during such uncertain times. Throughout the semester, our club leadership has attended multiple leadership workshops, including an Inclusive Leadership workshop with the Center of Diversity and Inclusion and a Sexual Misconduct and Bystander training with the Women and Gender Resource Center. Officers have also had the opportunity to participate in a two-part book series covering sports journalists, Sam Walkers, The Captain Class: A New Theory of Leadership. With these opportunities, we have offered our sport clubs valuable time with each other while staying committed to their personal development. Although our clubs have been unable to compete, they decided to touch the UH and Houston community with their service efforts. At the beginning of the year, the Women’s Ultimate team hosted a drive collecting supplies to send to areas affected by Hurricane Laura. The Sport Club Council put together two service opportunities for club participation. Through these service opportunities, our sport clubs donated 473 cans of food in fall 2020 to the Houston Food Bank and 91 pounds of clothes to a local homeless shelter! We can hardly wait for our Sport Clubs to kick things off this fall semester with more practices, competitions, and community service efforts!
“I enjoy the powerlifting club. The powerlifting club has been a great experience for me. I love the other club members and we have a great sense of community and support. “ NASPA Consortium 2020
“Being part of a sports club changed my life. Also, I had decided to start regularly working out to transition into a healthier lifestyle. I have been working out regularly for over 8 months now, and I most definitely could not and would not have done it without access to the Rec center.” NASPA Consortium 2020
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Cougar Dance Sport
UH Cycling & Triathlon
Houston Kendo
UH Wushu/ Kung-Fu
UH Wall Crawlers
UH Powerlifting
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Rec Fam Corner
Alex Kasymkanov
Laura Fouad
How has Covid impacted your experience at the Rec? “It’s definitely slowed down things here, you know we don’t allow basketball right now and actual physical contact playing. It has picked up more but we still have regulars coming in everyday working out and we try to maintain social distancing and sanitize all equipment after we are done.”
How has Covid impacted your experience at the Rec? “It’s changed a lot actually. We used to have 250 people in the weight or fitness zone at one time. It has lessened a lot since then which is great, but there has been a lot of new things to implement like enforcing mask policy. We have had to double on the cleaning, and really just make sure we are being safe. We have had to implement a lot of new things but it has been helpful in terms of less amount of people coming to the Rec to work out.”
What is one thing you look forward to working at the Rec? “Meeting people. It’s kind of like an organization on its own so I meet a lot of students with a common interest with me. We come to work and we talk about UH being in the final four and stuff like that so we do have a lot of common interest and you get to know one another from all types of majors.”
What is one thing you look forward to working at the Rec? “I look forward to my coworkers. I love the family dynamic that we have at the Rec, especially the Fitness Zone. We are all pretty much friends. As a supervisor, I feel like I can enforce things to them and they respect me and we are also comrades. But they are fun to work with and they make me want to come back at the end of the day.”
Have the new procedures and policies made you feel safe? “Yes. We have tried to separate and close a couple pieces of equipment to maintain the six feet distance. Like closing every other treadmill and spreading out benches on the fitness floor. We also still have our workout classes they are just in the gym now so everyone is spread out.”
Have the new procedures and policies made you feel safe? “Yes, definitely! I think that we were slacking a little bit before on cleaning measures because I guess we didn’t have a good idea on the importance. Cleaning has been an important thing that we have been focused on. As well as, we are always thinking about everyone social distancing and everyone wearing mask. We are very serious about the mask policy. So I think in that case we are doing a good job about being safe and secure.”
What does working at Rec mean to you? “It means a lot. I am really appreciative of the job. Like I said earlier, you get to meet a lot of people and it is like an organization of its own. There is also a lot of growing opportunities.”
What does working at the Rec mean to you? “The Rec means a safe and fun place for college students to come and enjoy themselves. It’s not just a place for working out. Because of covid, I feel like we have lost a lot of our college experience, but coming here to the Rec it’s like you get a little bit of it back because we are all college students who are trying to make it so it is a great place to be.”
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Eric Salazar
Juliana Meraz
How has Covid impacted your experience at the Rec? “My experience at the Rec before Covid was very busy, the Rec was very hectic. And then after Covid, things really calmed down. There hasn’t been too many people here, and I think the work environment here is a little more relaxed. But at the same time, we have to be more alert of our policies to keep people safe from the spread of Covid.”
How has Covid impacted your experience at the Rec? “It’s been a little hard not seeing all the students anymore that we used to see. But I think it’s cool to see how technology’s kind of brought a lot of people together in different ways. But I do miss seeing all the students that used to come here more often. “
What is one thing you look forward to working at the Rec? “The people. You know, I love my coworkers. I love coming in and work with people who I consider to be my friends, definitely. And then just working with the patrons as well, most people that come in here are very nice.”
What is one thing you look forward to working at the Rec? “I look forward to everyday, there’s something new that happens I feel like with Covid. A lot of unprecedented changes have occurred. And so kind of solving that and finding a way for everybody to come together makes it interesting.”
Have the new procedures and policies made you feel safe? “Sure, you know we implemented the [Plexiglas] screens, we implemented the masks, you know. It has been more social-distancing both in the fitness zone and right here on the courts. So I felt pretty safe working at the Rec, for sure.”
Have the new procedures and policies made you feel safe? “Definitely. I think the Rec is actually one of the most stringent, I think on their policies. Of all places, I think Covid-related wise, I think the policies have definitely kept us really safe in terms of social distancing and what-not.”
What does working at Rec mean to you? “I think I’ve grown more as a student here. I definitely gained some leadership experience and customer service experience that I think I can carry on to my career. And more than that, I’ve been able to connect with people here on campus that I don’t think I would have the opportunity to if I didn’t work at the Rec.”
What does working at the Rec mean to you? “I think it means togetherness. I think everybody here is always coming together and trying to be one unit and one student body, to kind of help everybody achieve their goals and really lift each other up. So I think “Togetherness” is the word to describe all that.”
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Corey Sigue
Keynote Speaker
On January 15, we virtually held our semi-annual all-staff training to kick off the remaining semester of this school year. This year we were fortunate to have one of our former Rec employees join us as our Keynote speaker. Corey Sigue, a previous building supervisor, imparted long-lasting motivational words centered around professional and leadership development.
“impact is created through inclusivity and a wider scope. There will always be an elevation change; whether things bring you up or down, you will have to adapt. It doesn’t matter where you are; you still have to get out and lead.”
Corey is the founder of Elevation Change, who traveled from Louisiana after Hurricane Katrina in 2008. Upon his arrival at the University of Houston, he met Kevwe Zoma, who allowed him to be a Court Attendant at UH Campus Recreation. Although his initial position was small, Corey took the initiative to learn those around him to move up as a leader. After encouragement and conversations with our Director Kim Clark and Assistant Director of Member Services, Jean Sanders, he sat on the Associate Director search. Around the same time, Corey obtained an internship at Texas Children’s, working with Medical Directors. Once seeing his work ethic, they requested they he is on the hiring committee for their next medical board. Corey encouraged the students to learn the principle of “drowning the noise out,” which he developed during his time as a building supervisor. To drown the noise out is to still be aware of the goal even with all the moving parts in your life while creating impact. Corey notes that “impact is created through inclusivity and a wider scope. There will always be an elevation change; whether things bring you up or down, you will have to adapt. It doesn’t matter where you are; you still have to get out and lead.” Corey recounts a time in 2012 or 2013, a building supervisor’s worst nightmare radio call a code blue. Code blue at the time signifies an active shooter is present in the building. At that moment, the overwhelming mission that Corey felt was to get his friends out. His best friend and the community of people he cultivated while working at the Rec, was at the forefront of his mind. He expressed that he “didn’t care if something had happened to me, I just wanted all my friends to be ok.” Through this experience, his takeaway was “family,” which comes through bonding and community. Corey notes that our students are a part of the most potent communities ever –UH Rec!
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Campus Recreation Strengthening the Pride
YOUR SUCCESS STORY IS OUR SUCCESS STORY
BE OUR GUEST SPEAKER We would like to invite you to be a guest speaker in our Leadership Academy and/or All Staff Training. Please tell us how UH Campus Recreation helped you grow as a professional and how you might be utilizing those skills/lessons now. Thank you for considering and best wishes on your continued success. http://bit.ly/RecGuestSpeaker
SHARE YOUR STORY We would love to hear from you, where you are, what you have done since graduation, and all your fun stories! Please copy this url into your browser: bit.ly/UHCRalumni
“From my participation in Campus rec activities, i have created a lot of lasting friendships that I enjoy being a part of. “ NASPA Consortium 2020
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Graduating Seniors Fitness Angeliki Mavrantza Kristin Powell Melody Rios Maggie Yip Aquatics Ramy El Dowek Cesia Perez Rec Sports Andrea De La Garza Kayla Malveaux Garrett Reid Kosisochi Udozorh Operations Kameron Bass Katie Blake Angela Khuat Eric Salazar Kyle Swisher Sara White Tymani Williams Outdoor Adventure Laura Snavely Member Services Mahelet Zewdu Marketing Vivan Khuat
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Semesters of Service
Fitness Melody Rios Joanna Sacha Maldini Sakah Aquatics Derek Adrion Christina Carpenter-Lopez Will Erwin Anna Galvan Luke Hahm Bailea Miller Cesia Perez Adrian Perez Amairani Rodriguez Rec Sports Nithin Abraham Charles Azubuike Eddie Lwate Elizabeth Magelky Kayla Malveaux Garrett Reid Kosisochi Udozorh Outdoor Adventure Patrick Foy Bailea Miller Operations Gabriel Amenson Glafira Elizondo Kenny Huynh IAlex Kasymkanov Izzy Pena Nakouzi Eric Salazar Kyle Swisher Isabella Vellejo Member Services Josh Hambright Reggie Hollins Elijah Jedkins Juliana Meraz Faith Ogbah Marketing Jessica Nguyen
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EMPLOYEE OF THE YEAR Aquatics Josue Perez Fitness Angie Mavrantza Rec Sports Liz Magelky Marketing Kimberly Perez Member Services Juliana Meraz Outdoor Adventure Patrick Foy Operations Kenny Huynh
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DEPARTMENTAL AWARD RECIPIENTS Productive Positivity Award
Aaron Duran
This award is presented to a student staff member who makes every shift better through their infectious positive attitude. Their company and charisma inspire others to put their best effort forth, creating a positive and productive work environment! Everyday Initiative Award
Kayla Malveaux
This award recognizes the consistent efforts of a student staff member who takes the first steps towards improving the culture of Campus Recreation for the participants and staff. Everyday initiative can manifest in small actions that culminate in a safe, welcoming, and clean environment. The recipient of this award seeks out opportunities to improve Campus Recreation on their own volition and demonstrates a genuine interest in making the Campus Recreation and Wellness Center a great place to work and play. Outstanding Customer Service Award
Alejandro Cruz
This award is presented to a Campus Recreation student staff member who exemplifies the departmental value of service by continuously engaging, educating and empowering our patrons. This individual makes every Campus Recreation patron feel like a priority. He or she consistently engages patrons, is knowledgeable of all programs and services offered by the department, and goes above and beyond the specifications of his or her job responsibilities to serve the University of Houston community. Outstanding Leadership Award
Elijah Jedkins
This award recognizes a Campus Recreation student staff member who exhibits exceptional leadership skills. Student leaders hold themselves and their peers to a high standard of professionalism and integrity while demonstrating genuine compassion for those around them. Exceptional student leaders go beyond managing the duties of their shift to engage the Campus Recreation staff to strive for excellence. Campus Recreation Employee of the Year
Izzy Pena Nakouzi
This award goes to a student employee who demonstrates strengths in UH Campus Recreation and makes a positive impact on behalf of the Division of Student Affairs and Enrollment Services. This person exemplifies the model Campus Recreation employee by providing quality customer service, exhibiting a positive attitude, and an unrelenting dedication to this department and the community we serve. Rec Progress
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Where Are T
hey Now?
Cougar Cub Camp Counselor
Elvia Barrera
What was your most memorable moment at UH Campus Recreation? The most memorable moment was when we went outside to throw water balloons. We had so much fun. Where have you been since you graduated from UH? My first graduation was in 5/2005 from the College of the Arts and my second graduation was in 12/2017 from the College of Education. Since my last graduation, I have been working for HISD (Houston Independent School District). What will be your next big adventure/journey you would like to share? Becoming a certified art teacher.
Karla Ontiveros
Lifeguard, Swimming Instructor, Head lifeguard
What was your most memorable moment at UH Campus Recreation? I loved All Staff Training! It was a great way to meet other people who worked at the rec center. I made so many friends through All Staff Training and just working at UH Rec. There were so many events happening at the Rec Center and it was so fun to be a part of them and to interact with so many other students and staff. It was also great participating in the Career Fair and having a chance to interview potential future Rec Center Staff. It made me feel like my opinion was important and it was very exciting to be a part of the hiring process. Where have you been since you graduated from UH? After graduation I moved to South Korea to teach English for 3 years. In summer 2019 I returned home to spend time with family. I’ve since been working with children with Autism and currently with Child Protective Services. What will be your next big adventure/journey you would like to share? I am planning to move abroad again in the fall of 2021. I will be applying for a master’s program in Spain and will hopefully be moving there in September!
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Jeremy Chance
Graduate Assistant, Fitness
What was your most memorable moment at UH Campus Recreation? “Two big ones come to mind. My final year there, UH hosted the NIRSA Championship Series Region IV Basketball Regional tournament. I was pulled in by Brian Mills to be a part of the committee as the “”Chair of Hospitality.”” I had never been a part of an event like that or the NCS, but it was a really great experience. The Competitive Sports team pulled together a great tournament, and setting aside my fitness experience, and just helping out to run a great tournament was so much fun. Plus, I was asked to sing the National Anthem for both championship games, and that was a very cool experience. The second “”event”” was actually a recurring event, and it was our semester student appreciation events. In the fall, the Rec would close early, and we catered some food, but more importantly shut the building down and allowed our students to just play and hang out throughout the facility. We set up a karaoke station in MP1/2, and had a lot of fun singing with all the students. I got to sing a little bit as well, which is always fun! A few other “”honorable mention”” moments would be our TexFit trips. One of my years it was at Texas A&M and the other at Texas State. Taking a group of fitness students to engage with fitness colleagues was always really fun! “ Where have you been since you graduated from UH? After graduating in Spring 2016, I accepted a full-time position at UCLA as the FITWELL Coordinator of the Strength and Conditioning Zones at the John Wooden Center. Basically, I was doing “fitness operations,” managing the fitness space and students that supervised those spaces. I was there for a little over two years before moving back to the Midwest. I accepted a full-time position as the Senior Coordinator of Operations with the University of Kansas Recreation Services. I’ve been in this role since September 2018, managing the facility operations student staff, including some interim memberships experience. What will be your next big adventure/journey you would like to share? My wife, Katie, and I are very happy with where we are. We bought a house just over a year ago in Kansas City, and we’re both enjoying success in our professional lives. No real major adventures ahead, just enjoying life!
Jasmine Jackson Marketing Ambassador, fitness attendant, Aquatics Office assistant What was your most memorable moment at UH Campus Recreation? One of my favorite moments had to be at training. Just to have everyone in every department coming together was awesome! So many different people and so much fun. I never had such a good time, it literally felt like one big party! We were like family after that! I definitely learned team work and how to work with people with different perspectives through each of my roles and the amazing time I had at Camp rec. While there it was so refreshing to be around people who want you to win and become the best version of yourself. Where have you been since you graduated from UH? I just graduated in May 2020 with my Business degree and I am currently in a new Human Resources role. I am also on my way to becoming a law student and real estate investor in 2021. What will be your next big adventure/journey you would like to share? My next big adventure will be me tackling my first year of law school and my first year as a business owner simultaneously. Also once it safe to do I plan to finally travel to Japan!
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Graduate Assistant, Operations
Riley Spenningsby
What was your most memorable moment at UH Campus Recreation? “My favorite moments at UH Campus Recreation always revolved around times spent with my student team members. I always had so much fun when we were all getting together whether it was for a meeting, a picnic, or a formal event; spending the time together in a fun and relaxed environment was always something I looked forward too because I know it helped bring our team together and keep us close. Where have you been since you graduated from UH? We once did a team building day for the Building Supervisors where we toured UHCL and Rice’s Rec Centers, had a lunch, and then did a very long bike ride in the August sun. It was difficult but it was truly one of my most favorite memories and at times I catch myself laughing at something that might have happened that day. It was truly an awesome crew to spend the day with!” I am currently at Illinois State University working as the Facility Coordinator for their Campus Recreation. I’ve enjoyed being closer to my family but also being able to travel to all of the nearby(ish) cities such as Chicago, St. Louis, Milwaukee, and Nashville. What will be your next big adventure/journey you would like to share? My next big adventure is all a mystery right now! This upcoming semester should be full of fun surprises I hope to share with you all soon!
Alwyn Brownewell
Graphic Designer / Marketing
What was your most memorable moment at UH Campus Rec? One of my most memorable moments at UH Campus Recreation was creating themed interactive pieces with the marketing team for the student body and guests visiting the rec. These pieces formed many conversations with and between students and their peers. Our boss, Vicky, was a great mentor and I cherish all she has taught me. Where have you been since you graduated from UH? I went and visited Japan after graduation and before working full time at CORE Design Studio here in Houston, TX. It has been a wonderful experience so far! What will be your next big adventure/journey you would like to share? A trip to France when the pandemic has subsided.
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“Campus recreation activities helped me improve my communication skills, task management and confrontation skills in a huge way. It helped me be a more of assertive person rather than being a mildtimid personality that doesn’t leave an impression or presence which helped me develop professionally.” NASPA Consortium 2020
Dai Nguyen
Building Supervisor
What was your most memorable moment at UH Campus Recreation? My most memorable moments would have to be whenever we did closing time at the Rec. Being able to connect with patrons as well as the staff during these times were really what made the Rec feel like a second home! Where have you been since you graduated from UH? Right after UH I moved to Austin to pursue my doctorate degree in physical therapy. I graduated virtually as Class of 2020, and am now currently working as a pediatric physical therapist in Austin. What will be your next big adventure/journey you would like to share? My current journey is learning and growing as a pediatric physical therapist in Austin. I hope to inspire and change the lives of many families and help their children grow to their most optimal function. Aside from that, I am excited to check more things off my life bucket list, such as traveling to Japan, camping in an airstream, and attending more concerts of my favorite artists (guess I’ll have to wait a bit for some of these events!)
Chris Robinson Building Supervisor What was your most memorable moment at UH Campus Recreation? I truly enjoyed my co-workers, I didn’t realize it at the time but being a student worker and working with full time staff was molding me into the positions i have now. UH Rec gave me an opportunity to see that I enjoyed helping others reach their goals from a leadership standpoint. And watching my coworkers go from Rec employees to blossoming in their professions. Where have you been since you graduated from UH? I’m still in Houston being a Creative. What will be your next big adventure/journey you would like to share? I’ve accepted a role as a GM for a paint party company.
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Once a Coog, Always a Coog
TOGETHER, WE CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE! Big or little it can sometimes be hard to find the “how” to make change happen around you, but we believe change begins with you and ends with us. If you want to see a difference, start by being the difference. We don’t need to tell you that campus recreation is more than just a gym, it is an opportunity to experience life, make long lasting relationships, and a place to call home. Give today. There’s never been a better time to make a difference. To donate go to giving.uh.edu/studentaffairs or text CAMPUSREC to 71777.
Alumni Memberships We offer Alumni Memberships because we care. Our commitment to provide opportunities for students to enagage in meaningful programs doesn’t stop when you graduate. We want the same mental and physical benefits for you as before so we provide two different alumni membership options: Pre-pay or Recurring To sign up for a membership you can stop by the Welcome Desk/Member Services, and present your Alumni Association Card and ID. Pre-paid memberships can be purchased in annual and summer terms. Recurring memberships are annual contracts with recurring monthly payments. Our alumni membership includes access to the indoor climbing wall, natatorium, group fitness classes, basketball, racquetball, squash, multi-activity court and much more! UH Alumni are eligible to purchase one reloadable CRWC parking permit for $10 at the Welcome Desk/Member Services. This parking permit can be used in the Welcome Center Parking garage 3rd and 4th floors.
Primary
Primary + 1
Family Rate
Annual Rate Pre-Pay
$399
$723
$900
Annual Monthly
$33.25
$60.25
$98
Month-To-Month Pre-Pay
$80
$145
$190
Summer Pre-Pay*
$200
$360
$874
*June 7- First Day of Class
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"I have had a great increase in my sense of cougar pride at the rec, there’s a sense of belonging there!" NASPA Consortium 2020
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LI VE STRENGTH TIME MANAGEMENT
CONFIDENCE
FRIENDSHIPS
R
WELL-BEING
RESPECT
HEALTH
QUALITY
SLEEP
REACH OUT KIM CLARK Executive Director 713.743.5478 kdclark@central.uh.edu
RACHEL O’MARA Associate Director, Operations 713.743.9502 romara@uh.edu
JOSEPH SECREST Assistant Director, Leadership and Assessment 713.743.8469 jrsecres@central.uh.edu
MARIA VICTORIA AVILA Assistant Director, Marketing and Communications 713.743.9501 mavila2@uh.edu
JEAN SANDERS Assistant Director, Member Services 713.743.0397 bjsanders@uh.edu
DANIEL BELCHER Assistant Director, Operations 713.743.8468 dkbelche@central.uh.edu
RODNEY RODGERS Director, Aquatics Program 713.743.5747 rrodgers@central.uh.edu
CARA GREEN
Graduate Assistant, Rec Sports and Family Programs 713.743.5576 acmurphy@central.uh.edu
ARLEEN RODRIGUEZ
Graduate Assistant, Outdoor Adventure 713.743.9512 jtcolli5@central.uh.edu
Assistant Director, Outdoor Adventure 713.743.4482 arrod22@central.uh.edu
COURTNEY ROREX Coordinator, Fitness 713.743.0852 ccrorex@central.uh.edu
KATHERINE GETER Coordinator, Rec Sports and Family Programs 713.743.9592 kgeter@central.uh.edu
ZAREAH HORTON Graduate Assistant, Marketing 713.743.9260 zlhorto2@central.uh.edu
CHRIS PORRAS Graduate Assistant, Operations 713.743.7709 cporras@central.uh.edu
@uhrecreation | uh.edu/recreation #UHREC
LEXIE MURPHY
Assistant Director, Aquatic Operations 713.743.7614 cagreens6@uh.edu
JONATHAN COLLINS
DANI WILLIS Graduate Assistant, Fitness 713.743.1621 dwillis3@central.uh.edu