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Oct. 26, 2004
Contact: Gordon
Ovenshine – 724-738-4854; gordon.ovenshine@sru.edu
SRU FACULTY COLLEEN COOKE SELECTED FOR
NATIONAL AWARD
BY AMERICAN THERAPEUTIC RECREATION
ASSOCIATION
SLIPPERY ROCK, Pa. – For her leadership,
published writings and teaching excellence, Slippery Rock
University associate professor of parks and
recreation/environmental education Colleen Cooke has received
a 2004 Certificate of Recognition for Meritorious Service from the
American Therapeutic Recreation Association.
She was one of four
recipients nationwide.
Cooke organized the
association’s newest chapter affiliate the Western
Pennsylvania Therapeutic Recreation Association, association
President Melinda Conway said. She was one of the first
participants in its new Leadership Program and has written numerous
articles about the field and given professional presentations, both
locally and nationally.
“She is a
knowledgeable and motivating educator,” Conway said.
“You can always find Dr. Cooke at each and every ATRA
conference surrounded by her ‘green-shirted’ Slippery
Rock University students.”
Cooke is spearheading
the development of criteria for the ARTA’s new Centers for
Academic Excellence designation. University therapeutic recreation
programs will be able to apply for this recognition, which will add
prestige, she said.
“It is an honor
to be recognized. ATRA is working hard for the recreational therapy
profession, and it is wonderful to be part of the process and
progress of the profession,” said Cooke, who has taught at
SRU since 1997.
“We’re
proud of Dr. Cooke, and we’re proud of our students in
therapeutic recreation,” said Dr. Jane Fulton, dean of the
College of Health, Environment and Science. “To produce
professionals for this field, it starts with excellent
teaching.”
The American
Therapeutic Recreation Association was founded in 1984 to advance
therapeutic recreation. The nonprofit dedicates its resources
to promoting therapeutic recreation professionals in health care
and human services.
#PN, PgN,
Pr
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