March 18, 2003

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

SRU STUDENT FROM MILLERSBURG RECEIVES NATIONAL HONOR FOR WORK WITH PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES

           SLIPPERY ROCK, Pa. – The quality of Slippery Rock University’s adapted physical activity minor has been recognized once again: Senior Kelly Dreibelbis has been named the nation’s outstanding undergraduate in the field by the Adapted Physical Activity Council.

           Dreibelbis travels to Philadelphia April 3 to receive the “Undergraduate Student Recognition Award,” one of two awards given by the council each year. APAC is part of the American Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance.

           The Upper Dauphin Area High School graduate won for her commitment to helping children and adults with disabilities and involvement on campus. Dreibelbis was also awarded a $1,000 grant this semester so that she and 11 other students can attend the American Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance National Convention.

           SRU’s adapted physical activity minor attracts students from five majors, including athletic training, exercise science, physical education and special education and therapeutic recreation. Students work with adults and children with disabilities in aquatic, fitness and recreation environments. The program develops skills in professionalism, leadership and advocacy.

           “Slippery Rock’s program is amazing,” Dreibelbis, a physical education major, says. “It offers you lots of hands-on experience. I worked with lots of children and adults.”

           Earlier this year, the Christopher Reeve Paralysis Foundation gave SRU a $23,265 Quality of Life grant – second largest in the country – to offer scholarships to students with spinal cord injury who enroll in the program – the only one of its kind in Pennsylvania.

About SRU’s minor in adapted physical activity:

• A 24-credit program that prepares graduates to work with and develop exercise programs for people with disabilities The minor is within the department of exercise and rehabilitative sciences, College of Health, Environment and Science.

• Approximately 60 students are enrolled from five different majors

• Students lead exercise programs for 160 children and adults with disabilities each week

• Students provide equestrian therapy (horseback riding for individuals with disabilities)

• Students are enrolled in a number of pertinent majors, including exercise science, therapeutic recreation, athletic training, special education and physical education-teaching

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