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The RecWell Wire

“When You Get the Choice to Sit it Out or Dance..”

Student Recreation Center, Youth and Family

Emotions of excitement, exhilaration, and exhaustion were flowing in the BGSU Student Recreation Center this past weekend. Dancers, Moralers, Visitors and more gathered for BGSU’s 15th annual Dance Marathon.

For 32 straight hours students are on their feet raising money for the children of Mercy Children’s Hospital that are ill or injured. This year students provided hope and inspiration to the miracle children and families by raising an impressive $152,119.61.

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Although there was a decrease of 200 dancers this year, the results proved that hard work and dedication can allow students to hokey pokey their way to big achievements.

Sponsorship Chair Amy Helm has been a participant of Dance Marathon for four years now. “There is no better feeling than watching your hard work payoff,” she said. “Seeing the faces on our miracle children and families is a life changing experience.”

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In order for Dance Marathon to be successful, a year-long effort is required. BGSU Students play different roles to ensure everything pulls together come the day of the event. Dancers are students who are on their feet for the entire 32 hours raising money with every dance step they take. Moralers are the students who provide physical and emotional support to the dancers, whether it be a back massage or words of encouragement.  Bikers are a different component of Dance Marathon. They bike 180 miles from Cincinnati to Bowling Green, raising money for “Bike for Tikes”. And of course, Dance Marathon would not be possible without the Steering Committee, a group of students selected to run Dance Marathon.

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First time Dancer Andrea Maas expressed how thankful she was to be able to play a role in Dance Marathon. “Not only are you changing the lives of the kids, but you change your own life as well,” said Maas. “I made so many friends, made money for kids, and made memories that will last a lifetime.”

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For 15 years now BGSU prides itself on having “One of the largest and most active Dance Marathon Organizations in the nation,” according to the BGSU Dance Marathon Web Site. Students are encouraged to continue this successful tradition by signing up. More information can be found on BGSU’s Dance Marathon Web Site. We’re giving you the chance to sit it out or dance, and we hope you dance.

“Attitude Reflects Leadership, Captain.”

Student Development and Leadership Program, Student Employee Programming, Youth and Family

In a riveting scene from the motion picture, Remember the Titans, Julius Campbell says one of the most defining lines of the entire movie. After arguing with the team captain he states, “Attitude reflects leadership, captain.” Although this scene does not exactly represent Recreation and Wellness’ Student Development and Leadership Program, this phrase certainly describes the leaders within.

 

The Student Development and Leadership Program (SDL) is designed to teach and enhance the leadership skills of employees within the Recreation and Wellness Department. The sessions are conducted by professional staff, graduate assistants and other experienced and knowledgeable people linked to the University.

 

SDL is beneficial to RecWell employees because it is informative and motivational at the same time. The program prepares students for their current jobs in RecWell, as well as their future. No matter what career paths they choose, this program will motivate them to be successful.

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Because the program is completely voluntary, incentives are offered to the participants. The incentives include: Learning to be a leader, opportunities for promotion, career development, recognition events, Rec Bucks and of course CASH! Students can make up to $50.00 for attending every session.

 

During the sessions, students participate in a variety of activities both individually and in teams. Student Supervisor Joanna Larkin described the activities as an interactive setting that helps students better understand the message. “At one SDL, we met at the climbing wall and practiced team trust building,” she said. “At our money management session, we did an activity that allowed us to figure out what type of person we were when it comes to saving vs. spending.” Other sessions have included activities such as resume building, a starlit night hike, and a tour of the behind the scenes in RecWell.

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Larkin emphasized the fact that even though most of the sessions are held on a Friday and may seem boring, they are actually very fun. “They are a great way to build your resume, build your relationship with your co-workers and peers, and ultimately build your character,” Larkin said.

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The last workshop for the spring semester is on Friday, April 23 at 3:30 PM. The workshop is titled, “How to Measure UP” and will cover focus groups. It will be held at the Student Recreation Center Youth and Family Room. The session is open to those students who have attended at least one SDL session. In order to attend, sign up at https://sa.bgsu.edu/forms/sdl-classes.php.

 

The “captains” of Recreation and Wellness are obviously aware of the relationship between attitude and leadership. They set aside time in their busy schedules to ensure their employees are receiving the proper training and leadership experience they need.  If it were not for these “captains” reflecting positive attitudes upon their players, the program would not be as successful as it is.

BGSU RecWell Recognizes Excellence

Student Development and Leadership Program, Student Employee Programming, Student Recreation Center, Youth and Family

The Department of Recreation and Wellness employs 200 to 300 BGSU Students each year. These students are all individuals who believe in RecWell programs and are passionate about their work. In order to continue the excellence these students offer to the program, it is critical to show them the recognition they deserve.

 

One of the most traditional ways RecWell implements recognition into the workplace is selecting an employee of the month. Students are chosen by the Student Employee Board each month. The board submits names of students they feel have earned this title, discuss the nominees and then vote.

 

Associate Director of Programs, Cathy Swick, explained students were chosen for this departmental honor. “Student Supervisors from every group in the department, Aerobics to Zamboni, nominate a student employee whom they feel deserves the recognition, then usually one student is chosen.”

 

So far this year, eight student employees have earned the Employee of the Month title.

 

September-Ellen Borer

October-Adie Heyne

November-Lindsay Helm

December-Jeremy Lewis, Mike Swartz, Rob Whitaker

January- Ryan Rampe

February- Kaitlyn Koby

 

Student Recreation Center Employee, Ellen Borer, discussed her reaction to receiving this honor. “To me, being awarded Employee of the Month means that hard work and completing assigned tasks pays off (in the delicious form of Cookie Jar), and that doing a little extra can make a big difference.”

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When named Student of the Month, students receive a certificate that reads “Employee of the Month”, their name and picture on the RecWell web site, and the student favorite: a gift certificate to The Cookie Jar.

 

Lindsay Helm, SRC Employee, explained how nice it is to be recognized. “As a student worker, a lot of the time it feels like you are assigned the grunt work,” she said. “It is an honor to receive this award, because it makes you feel appreciated for all of the hard work you put in to the high standards of the department.”

Lindsay Helm Nov. 2009 Employee of the Month

While Employee of the month is a monthly incentive program, there are other incentives that encourage students to work hard on a daily basis. Incentives such as Rec Bucks, the Student Development and Leadership Series and end of the semester banquets ensure that students receive the recognition they deserve year round.

 

The Department of Recreation and Wellness is extremely proud of the student staff. “Our students tend to go above and beyond,” said Swick. “We are very lucky.”

BGSU has Big Plans for Ice Arena

Ice Arena, Youth and Family

In the 1960’s BGSU planned to expand when the Board of Trustees approved the construction of a building that would “improve and advance the health and physical education program on campus.” This building opened in 1967 and is known as the BGSU Ice Arena.

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Since then, the BGSU Ice Arena has brought opportunity for both students and the community of Bowling Green. Whether it is ice skating, hockey, curling, or other physical education activities, the Ice Arena is home to many different recreational and competitive activities.

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Over the years the Ice Arena has undergone numerous renovations and expansions making it stand out from other arenas around the area. This year, BGSU has big plans to improve and expand facilities. The complete renovation includes:

  • New ice plant (including new compressors, chillers, dehumidification system(s) and boilers)
  • New lighting over the Main Ice (three times stronger than the current lighting)
  • New roof and gutter system
  • Masonry cleaning
  • Conversion of the Curling Ice to “multi-purpose” ice with boards, glass, and netting for hockey/skating while maintaining three curling lanes
  • Renovation of current locker rooms with benching, paint and skate tread
  • Addition of four new locker rooms on the footprint of the current Studio Ice

Director of the Ice Arena, Jeff Crawford, emphasized how beneficial these renovations are to BGSU. “These improvements make our facility viable and bring us, the BGSU Ice Arena, in line with other facilities in and around Ohio,” he said.

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The Ice Arena is a significant part of the Bowling Green community. It is home to many skating greats such as Scott Hamilton, Alissa Czisny, and Ken Morrow. The University eagerly anticipates this renovation and has high hopes of the new arena.

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The last day of operation for the 2009-2010 seasons is on March 28th. The Ice Arena is scheduled to reopen in late summer. For more information, or to contribute to the renovation click on the “Bring Back the Glory” tab on The Department of Recreation and Wellness Web Site.

BGSU Employees Have Opportunity to Compete

Golf, Student Employee Programming

Every hard worker deserves some time for leisure. This spring Recreation and Wellness is offering an opportunity for BGSU faculty and staff to get out of the office and on to the golf course.

The 2010 BGSU Employee Wellness Golf League is a 16-week league that takes place every Thursday at 5:30 PM. The league begins on April 8th and goes through July 22nd at Forrest Creason Golf Course. The cost of the league per player is $13.00/week walking and $19.00/week with a cart. Each team will only play 9 holes per week.

Teams are made up of two people, at least one of them being a BGSU faculty/staff member. Employees can team up with family, friends, or another BGSU employee.  Each team is paired with another team of two every week to create a four-some at tee off.

The first two weeks are played to determine golfer’s averages and handicaps. They are played with the same format and rules as regular league play.  Actual league play will begin on the third week.

Scoring is determined on a point scale. Teams of two compete against other teams in the league and the other team in their foursome. Two points are earned for every team victory and one point is earned for ties. Team scores are recorded by each team on scorecards and must be complete and accurate when turned in.

Coincidently, golf is one of the most utilized social mediums in the corporate world. The sport consists of friendly competition as well as a great deal of communication and socializing. Why discuss business around a boring conference table when you can discuss it on the golf course?

 

Open positions are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis so contact Caitlin Spontelli today and register by phone, 419.372.9309 or email, cspont@bgsu.edu.

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