Transitioning from active military service to the classroom is never easy. Kinesiology student Richard Erfuth, 34, knows firsthand, and his adaptability and dedication has paid off. After his graduation from the CPHHS next month, he will continue his education and journey toward becoming a physician assistant.
Society of Health and Physical Educators (SHAPE) America recently recognized adapted physical activity PhD student Jill Pawlowski for her outstanding dedication and research contributions to the field. Jill attended the awards ceremony with CPHHS Professor J.K. Yun on April 7 in Minneapolis to accept her outstanding student recognition award.
The college’s renowned Adapted Physical Activity Program continues to be a national stand-out, receiving consistent funding for the past 25 years. The only program in the United States to receive funding from the U.S. Department of Education training future leaders in adapted physical activity for both master’s and PhD students. The program attracts students from around the country who want to be leaders in helping individuals with disabilities. Thanks to Kinesiology faculty JK Yun, Megan MacDonald and Sam Logan, the program recently received another $1.2 million grant to fund five PhD students over the next five years.
Physical activity has important physiological benefits for children, but it also is a vehicle through which children can engage with their peers and interact with their surroundings, Logan said. One way researchers are now encouraging children with mobility disabilities to move more is through the use of modified toy ride-on cars.
“What I love most about my job is getting the opportunity to positively impact those who take my classes,” says Physical Activity Courses Instructor Melinda Ameele.
Participating in the Hood River Roy Webster Cross-Channel Swim was an accomplishment in itself for the more than 400 swimmers, but for Heidi, it was an incredible feat that only a few years ago seemed virtually impossible.