Oct. 1, 2002
CONTACT: Gordon Ovenshine (724) 738-4854;  e-mail: gordon.ovenshine@sru.edu 

ONE OF THE BEST IN THE COUNTRY---
SRU’S THERAPEUTIC RECREATION PROGRAM RECEIVES NATIONAL AWARD

           SLIPPERY ROCK, Pa. – Slippery Rock University’s program in therapeutic recreation has received the 2002 Award for Excellence in Education from the American Therapeutic Recreation Association – a national honor recognizing it as one of the best programs in the country.

           Association members bestowed the award at the agency’s annual conference held recently in Keystone, Colo. Members selected SRU over several other universities.

           “It was pretty exciting, first of all because there are some pretty prestigious universities involved with the association, such as Indiana (Bloomington), Temple and the University of North Carolina,” says SRU’s Colleen Cooke, assistant professor of therapeutic recreation. “It’s nice to get this program recognized. Receiving this award is a tribute to our hard work and the support we receive from our department and university.”

           “The recognition comes as the result of the commitment and hard work of many individuals, including alumni and past administrators who have provided input and support to curriculum improvement over the years,” says SRU’s Deborah Hutchins, program coordinator and assistant professor of therapeutic recreation.

           About therapeutic recreation at SRU:  

        Therapeutic recreation, a program option within the department of parks, recreation and environmental Education, prepares graduates to work with people with disabilities or illnesses in hospitals, nursing homes, prisons and pediatric centers. About 60 students are enrolled this semester

        Nationally accredited by the National Recreation and Parks Association/American Association for Leisure and Recreation Council on Accreditation.

        Includes 11 professional courses and seven support courses.

        Students also have the option of selecting a minor or emphasis in adapted physical activity and rehabilitation, gerontology, psychology or exceptionalities.

        Slippery Rock graduates are scoring above the regional and national average on the National Certification Examination (National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification)

Source: Colleen Cooke, SRU assistant professor of therapeutic recreation       

PN, PgN, PR, PT