Sept. 15, 2003

CONTACT: Gordon Ovenshine (724) 738-4854; e-mail: gordon.ovenshine@sru.edu

SRU STUDENT NAMED ONE OF TOP THERAPEUTIC RECREATION MAJORS IN NATION

           SLIPPERY ROCK, Pa. – The American Therapeutic Recreation Association has named Slippery Rock University senior Amanda Breindel one of eight top therapeutic recreation students in the nation.

           Breindel, of Kersey, has received the association’s 2003 Peg Connolly Scholarship, awarded to the nation’s best majors in the field. She is the only college student from Pennsylvania named.

           The $1,000 scholarship covers her housing and meals at a five-day, professional development conference in Atlanta, hosted by the American Therapeutic Recreation Association.

           “Amanda Breindel is an excellent leader, both inside and outside of the classroom,” says SRU’s Dr. Colleen Cooke, assistant professor of parks and recreation/environmental education, who nominated her for the scholarship.  “She consistently adds insights to class discussions and takes a leadership role in classroom activities.”

Numerous accomplishments

           Breindel won for her scholarship, leadership and volunteer work. She maintains a 4.0 grade-point average in therapeutic recreation (3.6 overall) and volunteers to help those who have developmental or mental disabilities. She won SRU’s Outstanding Therapeutic Recreation Student Award twice and is involved with an adapted aquatics program.

           She has served as the specialty floor council representative for the Fine Arts and Humanities Floor and, for a time, as the captain of the SRU Marching Pride Color Guard.  She is treasurer of the Slippery Rock University Therapeutic Recreation Club and president of Rho Phi Lambda, the national parks and recreation honorary society.

PN, PR, PgN

Erie Times