Spotlights
GVSU Recreational Therapy Celebrates 50th Anniversary
On April 17, GVSU’s Recreational Therapy Program celebrated its 50th anniversary.
Established in 1975, the recreational therapy program was the first advanced-practice program in the U.S. within a college of health professions. Since then, the program has consistently prepared future recreational therapists to change lives through the transformative and innovative application of recreation and leisure. As one of the oldest in the College of Health Professions, the program is a cornerstone of the Health Campus, featuring a two-story laboratory space, featuring adaptive sports courses, and a high-ropes course.
To celebrate this achievement, the program has been highlighting numerous alumni on their social media, sharing their current roles, stories, and populations served. Some have stayed close to home, with six alumni ranging from the Class of 1989 to the Class of 2022 working at Mary Free Bed just down the hill. Others have built careers across the country, with one alumna starting her own recreational therapy retreat business in Maine.
In true recreational therapy spirit, the program hosted an alumni reunion at Lucky Strike Bowling Alley. Over 45 alumni attended from across the state, including notable former faculty and former program director Glenda Taylor, who gave remarks at the event.
She humorously noted the program’s growth, recalling beginnings in what she called “the stinky basement of the fieldhouse.” Other guests and faculty at the event shared the impact of the program on their lives and careers, with many laughs and memorable moments from their time at GVSU.
The following day, the program opened the recreational therapy lab space to alumni to showcase its growth and exceptional facilities, alongside the professionals who helped shape it.
We spoke with Teresa Beck, Senior Associate Dean of the College of Health Professions (and recreational therapist), about her experience at the events. Teresa has worked at GVSU for over 30 years, beginning as an Assistant Professor in Recreation Therapy.
She shared a running theme of impact throughout the event, sharing, “What came to light as alumni spoke about their experiences was the fact that the program helped them to establish their identity [and] connectedness to peers, many of whom are still good friends today. The support the faculty gave in mentorship allowed them to pay that forward. There was also a lot of gratitude to the faculty for the foundation they provided for life and the profession.”
Reflecting on the program’s longevity, Beck credits the stability and dedication of program leadership as well as the program’s unique offering for health students.
She notes, “I think our program also offers a good alternative for students who want to be in healthcare and hands-on with people, but want something that is not purely clinical and is holistic in its approach to working with patients. Additionally, I think that people understand and value the role that activity and engagement have in feeling connected, enhancing mood, building confidence, and having an impact on physical health.”
This celebration highlights both the program’s history and its continued mission to prepare recreational therapists to make a meaningful difference in the lives of their clients.
Interest Area(s)
Recreational Therapy
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