REC REFRESH STRENGTHENING THE PRIDE
CAMPUS RECREATION ALUMNI NEWSLETTER 2018-2019
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UH Campus Recreation
CAMPUS RECREATION
MISSION, VISION & VALUES
The Campus Recreation team provides daily opportunities to make a difference in the lives of UH students and community.
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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ONCE A COOG, ALWAYS A COOG
ALUMNI MEMBERSHIPS We offer Alumni Memberships because you deserve it.
Our commitment to provide opportunities for students to engage 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
Pre-paid memberships can be purchased in annual and summer terms. Recurring memberships are annual contracts with recurring monthly payments. To sign up for a membership, you can stop by the Welcome Desk/Member Services. You will need to present your Alumni Association Card and ID. Our alumni membership includes access to the indoor climbing wall, the natatorium, group fitness classes, basketball, racquetball, squash, the 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. The parking rate is $2 per hour. You can reload your parking. permit at the Welcome Center Garage Parking and Transportation Desk.
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 1 - First Day of Class
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HOW YOU CAN HELP TO
STRENGTHEN THE PRIDE. LIVES CHANGE DRAMATICALLY HERE.
Private gifts sustain and enhance Campus Recreation’s mission of providing a diverse and intentional recreational program in a safe, inclusive and accessible environment. Your contributions help us create opportunities for the entire University community to enhance their social, mental and physical well-being. Campus Recreations helps students receive internships, become leaders and get ready to embark on their chosen career. We provide mentorship to student employees, job readiness workshops, and organize team building activities for student groups. We create a home away from home while ensuring each student is receiving everything they need outside the classroom.
YOUR GIFT’S IMPACT
Your generous support helps in ensuring students, employees, and family members of the Univerity of Houston community and CRWC constituents have opportunities to engage in recreational programs that promote a healthy and active lifestyle. Looking forward we hope to utlilize your gift to award deserving student employees scholarships that help defer the cost of their education.
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UH Campus Recreation
WAYS TO GIVE MOBILE/ONLINE bit.ly/GivetoUHREC TEXT CAMPUSREC to 717-77 MAIL CHECKS
please enclose a check and a letter stating the nature and purpose of the gift to: UH Campus Recreation c/o Kim Clark 4500 Univeristy drive Houston, TX 77204-6056
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GRANTS & HONORS GRANT FUNDING
The University of Houston Campus Recreation Center was awarded grant money by the USA Swimming Foundation in 2019 to fund the Make A Splash initiative. As one of the top 100 aquatic programs in the nation, the awarded money has been allocated towards the Campus Recreation’s continued efforts to provide free or reduced cost swim lessons. The USA Swimming Foundation awarded a total of $436,515 to programs across the country that will provide swim lessons to an estimated 16,000 children. “We are thrilled to be chosen for this The University of Houston Learn to Swim program has been serving children in the grant,” Director of Aquatics Programs, community for 15 years and typically has Rodney Rodgers said, “The Make A about 100 participants each year. The Splash grant that our department introduction of this grant has created an receives is being pumped straight additional 60 spots and increased lesson back into our community by opportunities to individuals who may not have the means to otherwise learn to swim. providing the opportunity for 60 children to learn the skills necessary Campus Recreation has offered the American Red Cross Learn to Swim program to swim, a life-saving skill.” to teach children the valuable life skill of swimming and has expanded the program to reach adults too. Swimming is not only an excellent exercise, but knowing how to swim and be safe around the water can potentially save a child’s life.
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UH Campus Recreation
AMERICAN RED CROSS HONORS CAMPUS RECREATION
The University of Houston, Department of Campus Recreation received the honor of being named a Top Training Provider by the American Red Cross for the third year in a row. On March 20, 2019, Campus Recreation was awarded as one of the top 10 training providers in South and Central Texas. The Red Cross gives this award to institutions that provide its instructional programs to over 1,000 people. This year, Campus Recreation provided training for lifeguarding, swimming, and First Aid/CPR/AED to approximately 1,100 unique employees and participants.
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CAMPUS RECREATION
NEW & IMPROVED
NEW FITNESS EQUIPMENT & FACILITY IMPROVEMENTS
This year, the Rec gained a number of additions to its facility in the forms of new equipment and brand new programs never seen before in Fitness. The fitness floor got new equipment and fitness programs. In addition to the new equipment, the Fitness department provided new fitness programs; Women on Weights Group Fitness Class, Nutritional Counseling, Fundamentals of Training with Weights, Downsizing and Monthly Challenges. Facility improvements included the installation of new carpet, classroom furniture, and a fresh coat of paint in many high traffic areas. Power and portable lights were also added to racquetball court 6 when it was repurposed to a cycle studio.
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DIETETIC INTERNSHIP PROGRAM
Since August 2018, the REC has been able to provide patrons nutritional interns on rotation thanks to the Dietetic Internship Program offered by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND). The UHDI program is a full-time 26 week program that offers quality instruction and broad-based site training. The program covers Medical Nutrition Therapy, Food service management, community nutrition, wellness and sports and an elective rotation where the Campus Recreation and Wellness Center is offered. Thanks to this program, REC patrons were able to schedule and meet with the 3 interns stationed at the REC for nutrition consultations. All 3 interns were fully booked throughout their rotation. The consultations covered how to keep a food diary, client’s goals, the creation of a plan to improve dietary habits, and tips for clients. This program will continue into the fall semester of 2019 and because of its success the Campus Recreation is hoping to hire a part-time dietician to continue providing the service in the future.
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UH Campus Recreation
POWERLIFTING TOURNAMENT HOSTED
For the very first time, the UH Powerlifting Club hosted a Powerlifting Tournament on December 15, 2018. “The Cougar Classic was the University of Houston’s first USA Powerlifting meet to be hosted on campus. Many Texas schools such as UT Austin, Texas A&M, and UTSA have annually hosted respective Powerlifting competitions as a tradition. Inspired to follow suit, Head Coach of the UH team Michael Jin had the desire to try his hand as a meet director while serving as a Graduate Assistant of Fitness for the Campus Recreation.” The Cougar Classic successfully hosted 57 competitors from all over Houston, from the members of the UH Powerlifting team, all the way to gym owners, accountants, and lawyers. Well known competitors such as Jonnie Candito of CanditoHQ on YouTube with over 200,000 subscribers participated in the competition with praise of how efficiently the competition was conducted. The members of the University of Houston team were proud to fund-raise for travel and housing costs to compete in the annual Collegiate National Championships hosted at The Ohio State University in April. The officers are excited to start preparations for the next Cougar Classic, hoping to make a comeback in January 2020.
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FITNESS
HIGHLIGHTS DOWNSIZING
Downsizing Through Movement uses a three pronged approach to helping participants bring their body fat percentage to a healthy range by providing education, activity and behavior change support. By targeting behavior and integrating in depth knowledge, consistent exercise, and proper nutrition, they are able to integrate some healthy behaviors into their lives.
Based on the assessment the group achieved the following self-reported results: Subject
% Increase
Exercise Days Per Week
70%
Grains, Fruits, & Veggies
85%
Water Per Day
15%
Self Esteem
39%
Perception Of Being In Control Of Weight
94%
Familiarity With Exercise
84%
Comfort Using Fitness Center
47%
Familiarity With Nutrition
55%
Improved Mood
26%
W:H Ratio Down
10%
“I truly enjoyed participating in the Downsizing program and learned several skills from Bre! She made going to the rec worth the walk and time. Since the end of the program, my boyfriend and I have continued the healthy habits of buying groceries together on Sundays and working out twice a week. I even still bring sets of workout clothes on the first day of the week to make sure I have no excuse for not working out. For me, I have always been trying to lose weight but my weight loss never stuck. Through the program, I learned the importance of building healthy habits, and so I was able to lose 10 pounds since the start of the program. I also used to be very intimidated about going to the rec because everyone looks like they know what they’re doing and it’s so overwhelming with all of the scary machines. Last Monday was the first time I went to the rec (without having to meet Bre) and it was so busy -- the most my boyfriend and I did was cardio and some squats on the Smith machine. After that, we went to the rec again on Thursday and finally did a full “Total Body” workout! We’re a work in progress, but Bre has equipped us with confidence that we can do this together. Bre is a wonderful trainer and I hope she leads the Downsizing program again. I’ve done a variety of programs from UH CRWC over the years (UH Biggest Loser, five-week training program, etc.), but so far this program has been the most rewarding and also the one that stuck for me. Thanks so much for having a great, effective program!” Campus Recreation Participant 14
UH Campus Recreation
WOMEN ON WEIGHTS
Women on Weights teaches women proper weight-lifting etiquette, technique and routine. The goals are to assist women in improving posture, increasing strength and losing body mass. You’ll see positive transformation to your body and you will get stronger. Many female patrons feel intimidated to go into the weight room and lift alone, Women on Weights was designed by Lexi Williams in order to combat that! For women who cannot afford or are unsure of hiring a personal trainer, Women on Weights help by providing a safe space with female trainers to work out among like minded or similar experienced individuals. Women on Weights is growing in popularity and is a success, as the classes are maxed out in occupancy and a second trainer is needed in order to accomodate the extra guests. We have had a total of 82 participants in 7 sessions!
“I took Women on Weights class last Wednesday and it was great! It was in a private setting and small group.“ Campus Recreation Participant
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SPORTS CLUB
HIGHLIGHTS On April 23, Campus Recreation hosted the Sport Club Banquet in the Student Center Ballroom to recognize our clubs and student leaders for all of their accomplishments and hardwork throughout the year. With over 100 people in attendance, we celebrated a night of food, fun, and friendship! During the event we honored the best and the brightest of our UH Rec Sports Club program.v
Program Highlights • 24 Sport Clubs • 82 trips taken total, all the way from Maryland to California • 37 home events hosted • 900 student athletes participated in the program • $9,000 fundraised in 2018 – 2019
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Club Accomplishments • Men’s Soccer qualified for the NIRSA Regional Championship Tournament in Tulsa, OK in October • Powerlifting Club competed in the USA Powerlifting Collegiate Nationals in Columbus, OH • Roarin’ Raas earned 1st place in UH’s Cultural Explosion • Billiards competed at the ACUI Collegiate 9-Ball Championships at the University of Illinois • Cricket Club competed in the OMS College Premiere League 2019 of NCCA and placed first
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SPORT CLUBS 2018-2019 AWARDS
MVPs
ARCHERY
MEN’S RUGBY
Vivek Wadhia
Aidan Morrison
BADMINTON
WOMEN’S RUGBY
Kaitao Lin
Elizabeth Blessing
BILLARDS
MEN’S SOCCER
Dillon Lippold
Moyo Akinyemi
COUGAR DANCE SPORT
WOMEN’S SOCCER
Christina Soisson
Johana Anaya
CRICKET
TENNIS
Vimarsh Patel
CYCLING & TRIATHLON Nicholas Meadow
GYMNASTICS Leonard Chambers II
KENDO Sarah Fordan
MEN’S LACROSSE Nathaniel Hafner
POWERLIFTING Marcel Tumer
ROARIN’ RAAS Sonali Shah
Emma Erskine
MEN’S ULTIMATE FRISBEE Woodley Simon
WOMEN’S ULTIMATE FRISBEE Christy Pham
MEN’S VOLLEYBALL Coach Ricci
WOMEN’S VOLLEYBALL Dani DeWitt
WATER POLO Andy Barnes
WUSHU KUNG-FU Abigail Nava
CLUB OFFICER OF THE YEAR
ROARIN’ RAAS
CLUB OF THE YEAR
MEN’S SOCCER
COUNCIL MEMBERS
ROARIN’ RAAS
WOMEN’S VOLLEYBALL
Rohini Kambhampati
Caroline Creaven Tracey Klembus
Rohini Kambhampati
WATER POLO Felipe Farris
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UH Campus Recreation
COMPETE AT UH CULTURAL EXPLOSION
ROARIN’ RAAS
Roarin’ Raas was established in August of 2011 by a group of enthusiastic individuals ready to promote Indian culture on our campus, and also instill strong school pride. In their first year they were very successful in competitions across Texas, while also cultivating a close-knit family of friends. In their 2nd year, they took place in 8 competitions, at which they had placed 2nd four times and 1st two times! Their third year is where all their hard work payed off and Roarin Raas was crowned NATIONAL CHAMPIONS. Continuing on from their third year, they have reached the national championship 4 years in a row. In their sixth year, Roarin’ Raas was ranked as the National Runner-Up. This year, for the second year in a row, Roarin’ Raas won 1st place and $500 for its colorful and well-choreographed dance routine in the UH Cultural Explosion (an annual signature event hosted by the Council for Cultural Activities. It’s a talent competition where registered student organizations get the opportunity to showcase their culture and promote diversity through dancing, singing, acting).
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COMPETE AT NATIONALS
POWERLIFTING CLUB This semester Campus Recreation Sport Club’s Powerlifting team has done an amazing job at the USAPL Collegiate Nationals in Columbus, Ohio. Out of 33 teams, the University of Houston’s Powerlifting team’s abilities and hard work were showcased and distinguished. Matthew Anderson placed 2nd in the 74kg division (696.44kg = 1,535lbs). The male ranking was 22 out of 34 and the female raw ranking was 18 out of 29.
“UH Powerlifting is dedicated to the development, community, and inclusion of all University of Houston students interested in Powerlifting. This sport has given many of us a positive outlet within our busy schedules, studying for our coursework, and commitment to improving our general fitness and health. Seeing the exponential growth of the team over the last few years has been an inspiration and as Head Coach it is my goal to set a welcoming culture for individuals of all experience levels to participate within our club to meet their respective goals.” Head Coach, Michael Jin
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UH Campus Recreation
COMPETE AT NATIONALS
CRICKET CLUB The UH Cougars Cricket Club went to the National College Cricket OMS Premier League of 2019 and finished as champions! Last year they won regionals and beat the 2018 runner-up team in the process. With the support, encouragement, and commitment, they were able to win the national tournament this year.
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WHAT’S NEW?
STAFF SPOTLIGHTS We have had some amazing changes as the semester ends and a new one begins, Campus Recreation would like to welcome all of the new staff to the Rec Family! We would also like to congratulate all our staff that are moving to the next level and reaching new heights. We appreciate all the hardwork they have done for us thus far!
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UH Campus Recreation
W E L C O M E
T O
T H E
R E C
F A M I L Y !
CHRISTINE CURTIS Christine came from the Florida International University and is our new Operations Coordinator. She has been working with us since January 2019 and oversees the operations staff, meaning she recruits, hires, and trains new staff, and helps with daily operations.
KATHERINE GETER Katherine came from Spelman College and is our new Coordinator of Rec Sports and Family Programs. She has been working with us since January 2019 and helps coordinate Recreational Sports and Family Programming which include Intramural Sports, Sport Clubs, and Cougar Camp.
COURTNEY ROREX Courtney came from the University of Mississippi and is our new Fitness Coordinator. She has been working with us since June 2019 and assists Andrew oversee the department’s comprehensive fitness program, including the operations of the Fitness Zone, Group Fitness, & Personal Training.
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ANDREW JONES Andrew came from the Western Kentucky University and is our new Assistant Director of Fitness. He has been working with us since June 2018 and oversees the department’s comprehensive fitness program; including operation of the Fitness Zone, Group Fitness & Personal Training.
ARLEEN RODRIGUEZ Arleen came from Parks and Recreation and is our new Assistant Director of Outdoor Adventure. She has been working with us since May 2019 and is responsible for program development, implementation, scheduling, and evaluation of all outdoor adventure programs. She is also in charge of the planning, preparing, and presenting in the field instruction of techniques, skills, outdoor ethics, and risk management implementation.
JON JANIS Jon came from the Univeristy of Tennessee and is our new Assistant Director of Rec Sports and Family Programs. He has been working with us since June 2018 and oversees Recreational Sports and Family Programming which includes Intramural Sports, Sport Clubs, and Cougar Camp.
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C
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RILEY SPENNINGSBY Two years ago Riley came to work with us from the University of Central Florida as a Graduate Assistant of Operations. She provided assistance in the supervision of daily operations and the operations staff for the Department of Campus Recreation. She always brought a smile to our faces, and we will miss her as she moves on to bigger things. Congratulations to Riley on graduating this semester and on the new position as the Facility Coordinator at Illinois State University! The Rec will always welcome you with open arms!
RODNEY ROGERS Congratulations Rodney on your new position as Director of Aquatics! Rodney has been working with us since February 2017 as a coordinator and as the Assistant Director of Aquatics. He now oversees all aspects of aquatic programs and facilities including daily operations, aquatic rservations, and the execution of swim and dive meets.
JOSEPH SECREST Congratulations Joseph on your new position as Assistant Director of Leadership Development and Assessment! Joseph started working with us in July 2016 when he joined our team as the Fitness Coordinator. As Assistant Director of Leadership Development and Assessment Joseph oversees all aspects of leadership development programs for the CRWC Staff. He also manages departmental leadership development programs and assessment planning.
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CONGRATS TO OUR
GRADUATING CLASS OF 2019 CONGRATS TO THE 2019 GRADUATING GRADUATE ASSISTANT RILEY SPENNINGSBY!
AQUATICS
MARKETING
Maryam Moghadden Sharo Rodriguez Diana Shmoysh Eric Trudelle Kyle Tollestup
Karen Alvarenga Thahn Vo Shane McEwen
MEMBER SERVICES Amahra Browne Heet Kaku Tyler Luna
FITNESS Ryan Berkey Sam Branum Rachel Collins Pranathi Dhulipala Mary Kirollos Jennifer Pineda Ksenia Yuskova Clarice Zehri
OPERATIONS Miranda Burke Zixuan Gong Ashlee Hyman Siddharth Naik Ana Salas Megan Roberts Loeza Faiza Zaki
OUTDOOR ADVENTURE Branden Barley James Buitran Griffin Jones Safiyya Zaidi
REC SPORTS Siddhart Naik Casey Nwachukwu Andres Perez
BY PROGRAM
AQUATICS
MARKETING
EMPLOYEE OF THE YEAR
Krislyn Kayworth
Nosakhare Egbon
MEMBER SERVICES
OPERATIONS
Chantrel Hutchings
Miranda Burke
FITNESS
OUTDOOR ADVENTURE
Stephen Garcia
Kyler Hearn
INTRAMURAL SPORTS
SPORTS CLUB
SEMESTERS OF SERVICE This award recognizes our students who been employed for four semesters.
Eddie Lwate
Augustine Egan
AQUATICS
MARKETING
Cass DeCarolis Krislyn Kayworth John “Jack” Lewis Maryam Moghddam Morgan Stahl Owen Zinkweg
Karen Alvarenga Kayla Graver
MEMBER SERVICES Chantrel Hutchins Hai Tran
FITNESS Sam Branum Stephen Garcia Christian Ibanez Mary Kirollos Alex Romero Andrew Solis Clarice Zehri
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OPERATIONS Miranda Burke Ashlee Hyman Andrea Rivas Megan Roberts Loeza Ana Salas
OUTDOOR ADVENTURE Heather Ayllon Juan Equsquiza Michael Hernandez Russell Griffin Jones Lauren Jones Brandon Thorpe
REC SPORTS Andres Perez
RECOGNIZING OUR
STUDENT SUCCESS UH CAMPUS RECREATION EMPLOYEE OF THE YEAR
BRANDEN BARLEY The University of Houston Campus Recreation prides itself on providing opportunities for student leadership & growth. Each year, Campus Recreation selects a student employee of the year that exemplifies what it means to be a leader. This past year, Branden Barley took on the leadership role for Outdoor Adventure. If it wasn’t for his willingness to attain this role, the OA programs would have unfortunately been paused for a semester. Barley is also a safety instructor and serves on UH Campus Recreation Red Manikin Team. He has coordinated and facilitated staff schedules, trainings, and monthly in-service meetings. He has managed the climbing wall operations, conducted regular inspections and took the initiative to ensure that Campus Recreation continued to comply with the UH standards. He helped plan and execute the spring 2019 OA program, which is comprised of over 24 trips and clinics. His knowledge, charisma, and technical skills helped him stand out. He has made a significant impact, not only for the Outdoor Adventure area but for UH Campus Recreation as a whole.
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PRODUCTIVE POSITIVITY TIMOTHY HICKMAN The Productive Positivity Award is presented to a student staff member that exhibits a positive, charismatic, and respectful attitude in the workplace. The recipient for this award was Timothy Hickman. Hickman inspires his peers to create a positive and productive work environment for others. He is known for having exemplary customer service and a friendly attitude. He has demonstrated his leadership skills and has been actively involved in other program areas. From assisting staff members with the Job Fair to representing his program in the Student Council Leadership Council. Timothy makes it a priority to maintain a welcoming environment for everyone at Campus Recreation.
EVERYDAY INITIATIVE MARYAM MOGHADDAM The Everyday Initiative award recognizes the consistent efforts of a student staff member who takes the first steps toward improving the culture of Campus Recreation for the participants and staff. 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. Maryan Moghaddam was named this year’s recipient for the Everyday Initiative award for improving the work culture within the aquatics program and Campus Recreation as a whole. She treated her coworkers like family and looked for ways to improve the team.
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OUTSTANDING CUSTOMER SERVICE ELISHA FISHER The Outstanding Customer Service 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. Elisha Fisher was awarded this year’s Outstanding Customer Services award for making every patron feel like a priority through his consistent engagement, knowledge of programs, and willingness to go above and beyond. He went out of his way every shift to make sure everyone who passes ID check or Welcome Desk is greeted and acknowledged.
OUTSTANDING STUDENT LEADERSHIP ASHLEE HYMAN The Outstanding Student Leadership 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. Ashlee Hyman was awarded this year’s recipient for the Outstanding Student Leadership award. Through her knowledge and experience within several program areas, she had the opportunity to demonstrate her leadership skills.
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WHERE ARE THEY NOW?
REC ALUMNI
Catch up with some of our Alumni! See where they are heading for the future and how Campus Recreation impacted them!
ENNY AUDU PERSONAL TRAINER/FITNESS ATTENDANT Enny fondly remembers spending her leisure time at UH having fun with her coworkers playing basketball as part of the Co-Rec team. She plans to hopefully coach track & field and teach high school level English in the near future. Enny is currently set to come back to UH to receive a masters degree in Curriculum and Instruction. “I just couldn’t stay away! Go Coogs!”
AVERY BLASI ROCKWALL SUPERVISOR Avery’s favorite #UHRec memory is the Trip Leader Training when they rode bikes all around Houston and went to the farmers market! Earlier that morning she had gone canoeing with their awesome GA “which was a plus!” Since graduating from UH, Avery worked as Director of League Operations for GUS Leagues in Houston. Avery just recently relocated to LA and is loving it!
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ANNABELLA BRUZUAL FITNESS ZONE ATTENDANT Annabella’s favorite #UHRec memory is socializing with students and being able to connect with people who are passionate about fitness and wellness. Her passion for health and wellness took her down the unlikely path of communications. Currently, Annabella works as a Corporate Communications Lead. In her spare time she is training for the Spartan Beast in Austin after having finished the Spartan Super last year.
DEVANSHI PATEL GROUP FITNESS INSTRUCTOR Devanshi’s favorite #UHRec memories are the moments when he could spend time learning more about his fellow group fitness instructors during their early morning meetings! He is also thankful for the training he received which taught him many currently applicable safety skills. Since UH, he has spent time working in a behavioral therapy clinic, has enrolled in a PhD clinical psychology program and is now attending school in Oklahoma! As for what’s next in Devanshi’s journey: he looks forward to finishing his studies soon and officially becoming a doctor!
TIM SUBEALDEA PERSONAL TRAINER Tim looks back at every day at the Rec as a new and fun experience. He recalls that attending the Cat’s Back event at the rec as was one of his favorite memories! He’s thankful for all the friendships and connections he made at the rec as they’ve helped him prepare for his career in health and wellness. Currently, Tim serves as a Performance Coach intern at Fairchild Sports Performance where he works with high school, collegiate, and professional athletes to improve their game and fitness levels. Additionally, Tim has the opportunity to work with one of the best strength and conditioning coaches in the industry and is grateful for the opportunity to access his knowledge and expertise. “Working at the campus rec was one of the best decisions I made in my college career.”
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DAN WYTHERS MASTER TRAINER As a graduate student, Dan worked at the Rec as a Master Trainer his last semester. He currently works as a Movement Specialist in California with a Tier II Certification. He specializes in running and sport performance for gen pop (people who run marathons or do different amateur sports).
BLAKE BURNS OUTDOOR ADVENTURE Blake remembers his experience working for Outdoor Adventure as being incredible! His #UHRec memories are filled with fun at the rock wall, trips and having fun outside of work with coworkers. He recalls a semester where they tried to make an intramural soccer team and the only person to score all season was the person who had the least experience! Since graduating, Blake has moved to Covington, LA, and is working at Christ Episcopal Church where he works with 6th-12th graders. Blake utilizes skills honed from the Rec to encourage and support students as they venture through their adolescence which he describes as being “a perpetual time of awkwardness and uncertainty, much like first time climbers�. His favorite trip is leading a backpacking trip through Maroon Bells Pass back in 2014 with Erin Daniels and Tim Wilder. and he hopes to go on another road trip or camping trip soon.
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BROOKLIN CORBINS MEMBER SERVICES Brooklin Corbins attended UH from 2011 to 2017. During her time at the Rec she had the pleasure of working in Member Services with Ms. Jean. She believes that the skills learned and the relationships she made during her time at the Rec helped her work in her current position. Since leaving UH Brooklin has become the Executive Director of a small nonprofit in Dallas called Southern Dallas Link. “We work to help the people in the southern sector of Dallas gain livable wage employment, find affordable housing and other things that will help them to thrive in life.” Southern Dallas has recently been accepted into United Way’s Social Innovation Accelerator Program for their 2020 Fellowship where she will be the youngest executive in this year’s fellowship!
VANESSA WHITMIRE DAVIS MEMBER SERVICES Vanessa remembers member services’ Christmas potluck dinners as well as music and dance filled locker clean up nights as her favorite UH Recreation memories. Post-graduation, she has spent time as a behavioral therapist for children with autism at the Houstonian, Steps to Progress and is now teaching 10th grade English in addition to serving as a track coach at Jack Yates Senior High School. Vanessa is a creative and loving soul who was widowed by her high school sweetheart and is now raising an adorable 5 year old power ranger. It was with great sadness that we learned of the passing of Vanessa’s husband; we express our sincerest condolences and wish her family all the best.
» 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
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REACH OUT KIM CLARK
CARA GREEN
RACHEL O’MARA
JONATHAN JANIS
JOSEPH SECREST
ARLEEN RODRIGUEZ
MARIA VICTORIA AVILA
CHRISTINE CURTIS
JEAN SANDERS
KATHERINE GETER
DANIEL BELCHER
COURTNEY ROREX
ANDREW JONES
MICHAEL JIN
RODNEY ROGERS
CLAUDIA COOPER
Director 713.743.5478 kdclark@central.uh.edu Associate Director, Operations 713.743.9502 romara@uh.edu Assistant Director, Leadership & Assessment 713.743.8469 jrsecres@central.uh.edu Assistant Director, Marketing & Communications 713.743.9501 mavila2@uh.edu Assistant Director, Member Services 713.743.0397 bjsanders@uh.edu Assistant Director, Operations 713.743.8468 dkbelche@central.uh.edu Assistant Director, Fitness Programs 713.743.7881 aljones22@uh.edu Aquatic Program Director 713.743.5747 rrodgers@central.uh.edu
Assistant Director, Aquatic Operations 713.743.7614 cagreens6@uh.edu Assistant Director, Rec Sports & Family Programs 713.743.6872 jjanis@central.uh.edu Assistant Director, Outdoor Adventure 713.743.4482 arrodr22@central.uh.edu Operations Coordinator 713.743.9597 ccurtis2@central.uh.edu Coordinator, Rec Sports & Family Programs 713.743.9592 kgeter@central.uh.edu Coordinator, Fitness 713.743.0852 ccrorex@central.uh.edu Graduate Assistant, Fitness 713.743.1621 mojin@uh.edu Graduate Assistant, Rec Sports & Family Programs 713.743.5576 cecoope2@central.uh.edu
UHRecreation
uh.edu/recreation 38
UH Campus Recreation
