Therapeutic Recreation News & Awards
Natalee Stiles - 2011 Kathi Kowalewski Dunn Award Recipient
Natalee Stiles is awarded the 2011 Kathi Kowalewski Dunn Award. She has a GPA of 3.67, is the President of the TR Society at Utica College, and is a Student Liaison for the New York State Therapeutic Recreation Association (NYSTRA). Ms. Stiles receives $500 to purchase books and supplies for her senior year. Kathi Kowalewski Dunn ('86) majored in Therapeutic Recreation and minored in Psychology. During her career, Kathi was the director of a facility serving people with developmental disabilities in Mocksville, NC. She then became a case worker serving people who used mental health outpatient services. Kathi's last position was with Therapeutic Alternatives where she presented in-service programs to nursing home staff throughout the Winston-Salem area. What distinguished her was a sincere love and compassion for those she cared for. She treated everyone she touched with dignity and respect. Kathi died in an automobile accident in 2007 and this award is given in memory of her.
Natalee Stiles & Dr. Burnett-Wolle - Inducted into Alpha Eta Honor Society
The following criteria must be met to be considered for admission to the Alpha Eta Honor Society. Undergraduates must have a minimum grade point average (GPA) of 3.5 and show capacity for leadership and achievement within their chosen Allied Health field. Faculty must demonstrate distinguished scholarship, leadership, and service to Allied Health education. Ms. Stiles has a GPA of 3.53, she is the President of the TR Society at Utica College, and she is a Student Liaison for the New York State Therapeutic Recreation Association (NYSTRA). Dr. Burnett-Wolle's work applying theory to recreation programming has been cited in numerous national and international publications. September 2010
Professor Emeritus Joan Kay - Inducted into Hall of Fame
Kay joined Utica College in 1974 as women’s athletic director, women's basketball and fencing coach, and instructor of physical education.She led the UC women’s basketball team to two consecutive NCAA Division II Tournaments (1982-1984), advancing to the second round each time. The tw...o-time Division II Upstate Women’s Basketball Conference Champion coached for 11 seasons (1974-1985) and compiled a 147-77 overall record. She had a winning record in 10-of-11 seasons at the helm.
Kay coached All-American and 2008 Pioneer Hall of Fame inductee Sharon Lyke and she held the program record for wins by a coach until that long standing record was broken this past season by current head coach Michele Davis.
She was also a major contributor to the Empire State games as a coach, director and regional/state chairperson. In 1978 she was named the Mohawk Valley Woman of the Year and in 1991 she was named the YWCA Woman of the Year for her accomplishments in athletics.
As an athlete Kay found great success in the world of fencing. She was recognized as a nationally-ranked fencer for nine years (1969-78), winning the All-Ohio State Championships twice in that span. Her fencing career continued to blossom as she earned fifth place in the team competition at the United States National Championships. She was even recognized on an international stage after being named the top foreign fencer in La Harve, France (1974).
In 1981, the College asked her to develop a degree program in therapeutic recreation. In the three decades that have followed, she has brought the program into national prominence in the discipline.
As associate professor and director of therapeutic recreation she was selected as the 2004 recipient of Utica College's Dr. Virgil Crisafulli Distinguished Teaching Award.
The award, named for Professor Emeritus Virgil Crisafulli and underwritten by The Crisafulli Fund for the Faculty, is presented annually to a professor in recognition for teaching excellence, dedication, and effectiveness.
Recently, Kay's status at Utica College was elevated to Professor Emeritus with Distinction.
Video of the Pioneer Hall of Fame acceptance speeches is available on youtube at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mmy6JAXudnw
May 2010
Courtney Lojewski - 1st Recipient of the Kathi Kowalewski Dunn Award
Kathi Kowalewski Dunn ('86) majored in Therapeutic Recreation and minored in Psychology. During her career, Kathi was the director of a facility serving people with developmental disabilities in Mocksville, NC. She then became a case worker serving people who used mental health outpatient services. Kathi's last position was with Therapeutic Alternatives where she presented in-service programs to nursing home staff throughout the Winston-Salem area. What distinguished her was a sincere love and compassion for those she cared for. She treated everyone she touched with dignity and respect. Kathi died in an automobile accident in 2007 and this award is given in memory of her. The first recipient of the Kathi Kowalewski Dunn Award is Courtney Lojewski. Courtney is a junior Therapeutic Recreation major that demonstrates a passion for the profession. In addition to the award, she receives $500 to purchase books and supplies for her senior year. May 2010
Kristine Wowelko - Empire 8 Sportswoman of the Year
Senior TR Major Kristine Wowelko (Bridgeport, NY) of the women's Swimming and Diving teams was named the Empire 8 Sportswoman of the Year. Honorees are selected by the coaches and chosen because they compete "with honor and integrity". March 2010
Jessica Leclerc - Salutatorian 2009 Class
Jessica Leclerc completed duel majors in Therapeutic Recreation and Psychology. She and two other students had the highest grade point averages (GPA) in their graduating class. Since the GPAs were identical, decisions regarding who was awarded valedictorian and salutatorian were based on the number of credits earned at Utica College. May 2009
