Category: Recreation, Sport, and Tourism

Freshman Todd Marshall talks about campus and COVID

April 03, 2024 | Ethan Simmons

Freshmen are entering college in a unique environment, and that includes students in the College of Applied Health Sciences at the University of Illinois. The AHS communications staff spoke with new AHS students about campus life, why they decided to come to campus—or stay home—and how COVID-19 changed their expectations. Today, we speak with Todd Marshall, a Recreation, Sport and Tourism major with a concentration in sport.

Q: Are you on campus?

A: I do not live on campus, but I grew up in Champaign so I live at my house off campus.

Q: What made you decide to be on campus?

A: It was a cheaper option to stay home especially with classes being mostly online. Although I am still able to attend my in-person classes since I live close.

Q: What challenges have you found in navigating campus?

A: I’ve been on campus quite a lot and navigating is not very difficult to me.

Q: Have often are you in a classroom, as opposed to taking remote classes?

A: Two days a week I go to in-person classes, (but) only the Spring semester, though. I spend much more time on computer classes than in-person.

Q: What challenges are you discovering with remote classes?

A: Deadlines often conflict or get mixed up with each other. I have not had very many technology barriers, other than having to pay for services teachers use.

Q: Tell me what you think about the COVID testing process. Has it been easy to find a testing site?

A: I believe the university is doing a great job providing testing and access to students health history through the app. The U of I has taken this opportunity to actually demonstrate their innovation and commitment to student safety, and as a student that is very valuable.

Q: What are the differences between your high school remote learning experience, and here at Illinois?

A: Not much is different, other than more Zoom calls with university classes.

Q: What is the one thing you can’t wait to do when you get to campus?

A: Go to Kams (bar in Champaign).

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Former RST department head Joe Bannon dies at 89

April 02, 2021 | Peter Bannon

It is with great sadness that we report the passing of our dear friend, mentor, leader, and colleague, Dr. Joe Bannon. Joe was the bedrock of our field. Joe’s legacy of devotion to students and the Department of Recreation, Sport and Tourism at the University of Illinois lives on. He was central in establishing an interdisciplinary leisure research program at the University of Illinois in the 1970s that led the way for other programs around the country. He was such an inspired and energetic leader as all his accomplishments demonstrate, but it was his friendship that we appreciated most and that we will all miss dearly. — Carla Santos, department head, Recreation, Sport and Tourism

Joe Bannon, right of center in sweatshirt, was central in establishing an interdisciplinary leisure research program at the University of Illinois in the 1970s.

Joseph (Joe) J. Bannon, 89, of Champaign passed away March 30, 2021, at his home in Champaign.

Joe was born on May 30, 1931, in Glens Falls, N.Y., to parents Leo and Elizabeth Bannon. Joe was preceded in death by his wife, Ann, and his grandson, Keegan. Joe is survived by his two sons, Joseph Jr., and Peter, and their spouses, Jill and Amy. Joe was blessed with eight grandchildren: Kelsey, Keegan, Erin, Sophie, Regan, Doug, Leo, and Rory, and one great granddaughter, Keegan Rose.

Joe was a loving and devoted father, grandfather, brother, uncle, cousin, boss, mentor, and friend. He was a wonderful role model for his family and was fiercely loyal to those he loved. When Joe was not busy working or spending time with family and friends, he enjoyed running, golf, and spending his summers with his family at his mountain retreat in upstate New York.

Professionally, Dr. Joseph J. Bannon graduated Cum Laude from Ithaca College in 1957. In 1958, he was awarded an assistantship at the University of Illinois in the Department of Park and Recreation to pursue his master of science degree. Upon graduation, he assumed the position of Superintendent of Recreation in Leonia, N.J. In 1963, he became the General Superintendent of the Topeka, Kansas, Recreation Commission where he served until 1966. In 1966, he returned to the University of Illinois to become the Chief of the Office of Recreation and Park Resources. During his tenure as Chief, he completed his Ph.D. in 1971. In 1973, he assumed the headship of the Department of Leisure Studies.

Dr. Bannon was a prolific writer, having authored or co‑authored nine books, contributed a number of chapters to edited books, and wrote more than 50 journal and magazine articles. He is a co-founding editor of the Journal of Park and Recreation Administration. Dr. Bannon was a founding member of The Academy of Leisure Sciences and the American Academy of Park and Recreation Association. He was presented numerous awards in his lifetime for his decades-long service to the park and recreation profession. In 2001, Dr. Bannon was honored with the Pugsley Award, the most distinguished award for park and recreation conservation given in the profession.

Dr. Bannon consulted extensively throughout the U.S. and Japan, China, Korea, South Africa, Germany, Netherlands, Italy, and Peru. In 1988, he spent an extended period of time in China consulting with universities as well as city officials in Beijing, Shanghai, and Suchow about fitness and recreation programs.

Joe developed the newsletter Management Strategy in 1977. The publication was dedicated to disseminating management information to parks and recreation professionals throughout the world. This led to the formation of the Sagamore Publishing Company, which he built and worked at full time, acquiring and developing titles after retiring from the University of Illinois alongside his son, Peter Bannon. Joe continued to maintain his close ties to the recreation field he loved throughout his life, advising and mentoring countless young professionals in the field.

He will be greatly missed by all of us.

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Alumni Spotlight—Andy Szabo

April 01, 2021 | Vince Lara-Cinisomo

Alumni of the College of Applied Health Sciences have myriad career options thanks to the tremendous diversity of programs. We periodically will put the spotlight on an alum to find out what they’re doing now, what experiences they had and what AHS means to them. This week, we talk to Andy Szabo, who got his B.S. in Recreation, Sport & Tourism (Sports Management) and Leadership Studies Minor in 2013 and is now Director of Partnership Development for MLB’s Oakland Athletics.

Q: Why did you pick AHS?

A: I entered the university in general studies as an undeclared student. Through a year or so of discovery and exploration, I was denied by the College of Business and at a loss. At a similar time, I was introduced to the College of AHS, specifically Sports Management. Ultimately, I chose AHS for its people, experiential opportunities and practical application to my aspirational career path—a college basketball coach, collegiate athletic director or professional sports team/agency executive. 

Q: Which professors had the most impact on you?

A: LoriKay Paden, Don Hardin, Kim Shinew, Ryan Gower, Michael Raycraft and so many others created an inclusive, collaborative, challenging and supportive educational experience. Specifically, LoriKay for her unconditional positivity and Professor Hardin for his mentorship and coaching.

Q: What course did you most enjoy?

A: Loved any Leadership, Strategy or Philosophy course… And Sports Law with Kyle Emkes was a great introduction to the business of sport. For a Leadership/Comms class, I recall having to reenact Jack Nicholson’s courtroom scene in ‘A Few Good Men’—mortifying but hilarious lesson in owning a room and breaking down mental barriers.

Q: Did you enter AHS knowing your career path, or did AHS help you decide?

A: A healthy mix of both. I had a vision to explore a few different paths. Through the AHS/RST curriculum, you learn so much about yourself. I did my best to focus on diversifying my experiences and it not only led to a discovery of what I was interested in, but most importantly why.

Q: Did your AHS experience lead to your current job?

A: Yes—in a variety of ways. First and foremost, it revealed to me my passion for the business of sport. Secondly, it taught me the value of relationships. One of the joys of my Illinois experience was the planning and execution of the annual Sapora Symposium, where we had the opportunity to host some of the most talented professionals in sports and entertainment for a two-day event. Dan Migala, Co-Founder and Chief Innovation Officer at 4FRONT, was kind enough to be our keynote speaker and offered an opportunity with his sports marketing agency upon graduation. Our then-Head Men’s Basketball Coach John Groce and then-Director of Basketball Operations Mark Morris also supported the event and went so far to recommend me for the Ohio University Sports Administration MBA/MSA graduate program. What was intended to be a simple volunteer opportunity, turned into an event that fundamentally changed the trajectory of my life and professional career. I owe a lot to Dan, Mark and Coach Groce for believing in me and showing me how to effectively navigate the industry through authentic relationships. 

Q: What is your current job?

A: Currently, I serve as the Director of Partnership Development for the Oakland Athletics of MLB. My role primarily consists of establishing marketing, business and community partnerships on behalf of the organization, working as a revenue generator, storyteller and strategist, while managing a partner portfolio of 20+ local, regional and global brands.

Q: What was your favorite on-campus experience?

A: Too many to count! As a team manager for the Fighting Illini men’s basketball team, I was grateful to learn from amazing coaches, build impactful relationships within the athletic department and represent the university as a whole. Winning the Maui Invitational, beating Gonzaga on the road and taking down No. 1 Indiana at home at the buzzer made for a memorable senior year, to say the least.

Q: What would you say to recommend AHS to a prospective student?

A: The University of Illinois is world-class, and the College of AHS provides a world-class, student-first experience. It felt like a family and there was reason for everything we did. Not an education for the sake of a degree and not a test for the sake of a grade. It is what you make of it, and there are plenty of chances to lean in and create your own personalized journey.

Editor’s note:

To reach Vince Lara-Cinisomo, email vinlara@illinois.edu.
 

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Alumni Spotlight—Brian Smith

March 15, 2021 | Vince Lara-Cinisomo

Alumni of the College of Applied Health Sciences have myriad career options thanks to the tremendous diversity of programs. We periodically will put the spotlight on an alum to find out what they’re doing now, what experiences they had and what AHS means to them. This week, we talk to Brian Smith, who got his bachelor’s degree in 2005 in Recreation, Sport, and Tourism Management, and got his master’s in Sports Management in 2007. Currently, Smith is a digital strategist and social media manager at an advertising agency.

Q: Why did you pick AHS?

A: I just had and still do a real passion for sports, concerts, and events. I love the idea of working as a team to accomplish goals, problem solve, and to put something on that’s fun for people. I also enjoy the rush of the moment of things like live events that are happening in real time.

Q: Which professors had the most impact on you?

A: Professors Ryan Gower and Michael Raycraft, because they made learning fun. And as a disabled individual with a speech impediment, they made me feel very welcome and treated me just like any other student.

Q: What course did you most enjoy?

A: It was a long time ago so I don’t remember the names, but basically the ones that dealt directly with sport and event management.

Q: Did you enter AHS knowing your career path, or did AHS help you decide?

A: They helped me decide. I was debating between going into sports management or just a business degree.

Q: Did your AHS experience lead to your current job?

A: Unfortunately no. After I graduated I had went through some physical changes due to my disability, which hindered some of my capabilities, so my job search took some twists and turns.

Q: What is your current job?

A: I’m a digital strategist and social media manager at an advertising agency.

Q: When did you graduate and with what degree?

A: I got my bachelor’s degree in ‘05 in Recreation, Sport, and Tourism Management. I got my master’s in Sports Management in ‘07.

Q: What was your favorite on-campus experience?

A: I just enjoyed being a part of a major university and there’s nothing like a Big Ten atmosphere, and all the great friends I made. One great memory I have is celebrating the ‘05 Final Four basketball team.

Q: What would you say to recommend AHS to a prospective student?

A: You won’t regret your time at U of I and the College of AHS.

Editor’s note:

To reach Vince Lara-Cinisomo, email vinlara@illinois.edu.
 

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Sapora Symposium: Lou Henson

Oct. 26, 2020 |

The panel discussion of legendary coach Lou Henson will include his family members and colleagues. The theme of this year’s Sapora Symposium is Sports and Social Justice.

Lou Henson

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Alumni Spotlight—Skylar Peters

June 15, 2021 | Vince Lara-Cinisomo

Alumni of the College of Applied Health Sciences have myriad career options thanks to the tremendous diversity of programs. We periodically will put the spotlight on an alum to find out what they’re doing now, what experiences they had and what AHS means to them. This week, we talk to Skylar Peters, who got her Master of Science in 2016 in Recreation, Sport, and Tourism, and who is now a 4-H/Youth Development Educator with Penn State Extension.

Q: Why did you pick AHS? ​

A: I knew I wanted to choose a master’s program in the Parks and Recreation Management field. I am passionate about outdoor and environmental education and the use of our public land to encourage outdoor exploration, especially in the younger years. While exploring online options for master’s programs with that in mind, I came across this program at University of Illinois. After speaking with Tim Tiger, the academic advisor, I knew that AHS was the place for me! I am so grateful I chose this program!

Q: Which professors had the most impact on you? ​

A: Because I completed an online master’s degree so I could work full-time in Extension, I wasn’t able to meet any of my professors personally. They all were wonderful and understanding of our schedules as adult learners and often were graceful when we turned in late assignments. I was always so thankful for that! My advisor, Tim Tiger, had a huge impact on me, he had so much confidence in my abilities and was so supportive that it made the online process a lot easier and more enjoyable! I am very grateful for him and all that he does for his students!

Q: What course did you most enjoy? ​

A: I really enjoyed my first class I took, which had me exploring the start of parks in the United States. It set a solid foundation for me to remember the “why” in our goal in parks and recreation programs. When you can understand and appreciate the history behind your passion, it helps to support your goals and vision for the future.

Q: Did you enter AHS knowing your career path, or did AHS help you decide? ​

A: I entered AHS already working professionally as an Extension Assistant working with youth development and the 4-H program in Pennsylvania. AHS helped support my professional career so I could be promoted to an Extension Educator (my current role) and support the events and programming that I develop. I knew I had a passion for parks and recreation and knew that AHS would help me explore that passion while I completed my degree. Because of AHS, I know my future career options are wide open in both the agriculture and parks fields. 

Q: Did your AHS experience lead to your current job? ​

A: My master’s degree and the work I did in AHS aided in my promotion to Extension Educator. In AHS I refined my research abilities and my evaluation skills to finish a project that directly impacted the work I was doing in Extension. Without AHS, I would not be where I am professionally. 

Q: What was your favorite on-campus experience? ​

A: Because I completed an online master’s degree, I only have one experience on campus. I was lucky enough to be able to make the trip to receive the Outstanding Online Masters Degree Student Award before I graduated. I explored campus, tried local favorites and was able to meet my advisor in person! It was a great trip!

Q: What does AHS mean to you? ​

A: AHS means the opportunity to explore my passion, challenge my thinking and develop new ways of thinking about the industry that is near and dear to my heart. AHS means establishing a future for myself while supporting my professional career. AHS was a chance for me to learn more about myself and my capabilities and learn from peers in the field. AHS was a chance for me to grow and become a better educator. 

Editor’s note:

To reach Vince Lara-Cinisomo, email vinlara@illinois.edu. 

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RST senior Alex Yi talks about alternate internship in wake of COVID-19

August 02, 2020 | Vince Lara-Cinisomo

Students in the Department of Recreation, Sport and Tourism in the College of Applied Health Sciences at the University of Illinois have had to adjust their internships because of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Periodically, we will speak with them about how those changes have affected their summer plans and potentially career paths. Alex Yi was supposed to work at a law firm, but instead was part of the inaugural Illini RST Undergraduate Consulting (IRUC) program, created by RST department head Carla Santos and clinical assistant professor Mike Raycraft. He talked to AHS communications about his experience working for the NBA’s Oklahoma City Thunder and The Specialized Marketing Group.

How are your experiences different from what you expected?

My experience is exactly as I expected. Even though it is my first time participating in a remote internship, I had a good idea of how the internship would proceed. 

Are you doing something for your internship than what you originally planned?

Before COVID-19, I was expected to intern at a law firm. The internship I am doing right now does not lead me to think about a different career path because I have always wanted to partake in an internship like this. 

Has anything been frustrating about your change in internship status?

Nothing has been frustrating about the change in internship status because this internship is also extremely beneficial for me and helped me create a strong network for myself. I have always wanted to be in a position to network, but just never had the opportunity, so this internship is excellent in that sense. 

What are you missing out on because of the pandemic, in terms of working face-to-face with people?

Working with people face to face is definitely the ideal way of getting things accomplished, but in the sports field, I think that people must be able to adapt to any and every situation possible in order to make things work. So, working with other people through video chat is a good experience to have because I will definitely have to do work through video chat or online again. 

What advice do you have for future students who might have disrupted internships?

The best advice I can give other students who might have disrupted internships is to constantly try finding opportunities to connect with other people. Working and having an internship experience is extremely important, but knowing a lot of people within your field of work can sometimes be your best weapon or tool when finding an internship/job opportunity. 

What other ways has COVID-19 affected you? Have you traveled? Have you been able to go home, see family?

I have been stuck on campus not being able to go home because of COVID-19, but this is still a good experience for me because this time period is teaching me to adjust to unexpected situations.

Editor’s note:

To reach Vince Lara-Cinisomo, email vinlara@illinois.edu.
 

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RST student Javier Maldonado talks about how COVID changed his summer

July 28, 2020 | Vince Lara-Cinisomo

Students in the Department of Recreation, Sport and Tourism in the College of Applied Health Sciences at the University of Illinois have had to adjust their internships because of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Periodically, we will speak with them about how those changes have affected their summer plans and potentially career paths. Javier Maldonado expected to work at a field house in Chicago, but instead was part of the inaugural Illini RST Undergraduate Consulting (IRUC) program, created by RST department head Carla Santos and clinical assistant professor Mike Raycraft. He talked to AHS communications about his experience working for The Specialized Marketing Group and the NBA’s Oklahoma City Thunder.

Q: How are your experiences different from what you expected?

A: My experiences are very different from what I had expected from my internship; I expected something where I would be hands-on and not behind a computer screen. 

Q: Are you doing something different for your internship than what you originally planned?

A: No, not from when I found out about this internship and what it would be like. Since it’s begun, I don’t believe I have done anything different then what was originally planned. 

Q: Does your internship lead you to think about a different career path?

A: It doesn’t necessarily drive to a different path, but it does open up my eyes to different fields within my major. 

Q: What happened to your original internship?

A: I was waiting to hear back from a field house in Chicago but because of COVID-19, they didn’t know how many people they would actually need. Unfortunately, because of time, they weren’t able to give me an answer. 

Q: Has anything been frustrating about your change in internship status?

A: The only frustrating part is being at home and having to work from home.

Q: What are you missing out on because of the pandemic, in terms of working face-to-face with people?

A: I feel like face-to-face is the biggest thing I am missing out on; I am a very hands-on learner and would have liked to learn from a professional face to face. 

Q: What advice do you have for future students who might have disrupted internships?

A: The advice I have is to try and maintain a positive view on things. It’s going to be hard when things don’t go the way you expect but making the best out of situations goes a long way. 

Q: What other ways has COVID-19 affected you? Have you traveled? Have you been able to go home, see family? 

A: COVID-19 has just been a bummer and being stuck at home all the time hasn’t been fun, either. 

Editor’s note:

To reach Vince Lara-Cinosomo, email vinlara@illinois.edu.
 

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Large Lot Program demonstrates the power of private land stewardship in addressing urban vacancy

July 14, 2020 | Vince Lara-Cinisomo

In the past five years, Chicago residents have purchased nearly 1,300 vacant lots and replaced weed trees and sagging fences with gardens and children’s play areas. In doing so, they have demonstrated that transferring city-owned vacant lands to local residents can be a successful strategy for cities seeking to reduce blight and strengthen neighborhoods. 

In assessing the potential benefits of the City of Chicago’s “Large Lot Program,” a team led by scientists Paul Gobster of the USDA Forest Service’s Northern Research Station and Recreation, Sport and Tourism professor William Stewart of the University of Illinois examined the visual and social effects of resident-driven urban greening efforts in high-vacancy areas of the city’s south and west sides.  In their most recent paper, published last week in the journal Landscape and Urban Planning, the research team found that the program has resulted in continued improvements in the condition and care of the purchased “large lots” over a five-year period and that these improvements were consistent across all five community areas studied. 

“While planners around the world are experimenting with ways to address urban vacancy, few cities have the tools to assess how well their programs work after they are implemented,” Gobster said. “In this latest paper we develop a practical monitoring tool, the condition-care scale, and detail how it can be implemented by planners to assess the progress of vacant lot repurposing programs. The scale also holds promise for other applications related to urban greening and we encourage others to adapt it to their particular needs. 

Previously reported findings from the study showed that visible changes to large lots in the year after purchase Ied to increases in lot “cues to care” including ornamental and vegetable gardens and social and recreational features, and that levels of lot condition and care were highest for owners who lived closest to their purchased large lot.

“In focus groups and a mail survey of large lot owners, we also found that residents who are improving the lots are gaining a stronger sense of place and belonging to their neighborhood, and they see the program is fulfilling community goals,” said Stewart of the College of Applied Healthj Sciences at Illinois. “Together our visual and social assessments show that ownership matters, and that through private stewardship of vacant neighborhood lands the Large Lot Program is helping to address issues of environmental and economic justice in communities that have been disenfranchised for decades.” The researchers’ next step is to try and quantify whether participating in the Large Lot Program is leading to broader social outcomes, including reductions in crime.

The City of Chicago collaborated with community groups to launch the Large Lot Program in 2014. Initially focused on the Greater Englewood area on the city’s south side, the program aims to reduce the inventory of more than 11,000 city-owned vacant lots by offering them to neighbors for $1; nearly 1,300 vacant lots have been purchased to date.

Co-authors of the new paper, “The Condition-Care Scale: A Practical Approach to Monitoring Progress in Vacant Lot Stewardship Programs,” include Alessandro Rigolon of the University of Utah and Sara Hadavi of Kansas State University. The paper is available through the Northern Research Station at https://www.nrs.fs.fed.us/pubs/60442

Editor’s note:

To reach Vince Lara-Cinisomo, email vinlara@illinois.edu.
 

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RST senior Cristina Guerrero talks about alternate internship in wake of COVID-19

July 01, 2020 | Vince Lara-Cinisomo

Students in the Department of Recreation, Sport and Tourism in the College of Applied Health Sciences at the University of Illinois have had to adjust their internships because of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Periodically, we will speak with them about how those changes have affected their summer plans and potentially career paths. Cristina Guerrero was supposed to work in the special events department of the Cincinnati Art Museum, but instead was part of the inaugural Illini RST Undergraduate Consulting (IRUC) program, created by RST department head Carla Santos and clinical assistant professor Mike Raycraft. She talked to AHS communications about her experience working for the NBA’s Oklahoma City Thunder and Niagara Falls.

Cristina Guerrero

Q: How are your experiences different from what you expected?

A: Overall, I don’t think this internship experience would be that much different than many internship experiences. While there is not in-person interactions, we are still working very collaboratively with our peers and the RST professionals. However, since there are been so much change in every aspect of our lives, this change in internship adds to that difference. 

Q: Are you doing something different for your internship than what you originally planned?

A: My original internship was in special events. So no, I am not doing anything that I originally planned. 

Q: Does your internship lead you to think about a different career path?

A: No, so far this internship has not changed my aspiring career goals. 

Q: What happened to your original internship?

A: My original internship was with the special events department of the Cincinnati Art Museum. The program has not been officially canceled yet, but has been postponed with no new start date. 

Q: Are you working remotely?

A: Yes, I am working remotely. I am back home in Denver. 

Q: Has anything been frustrating about your change in internship status?

A: I am very grateful for the IRUC internship and it has been a great experience. However, it was frustrating having to change all my plans for the summer and fall semester. 

Q: What are you missing out on because of the pandemic, in terms of working face-to-face with people?

A: Yes, even though we are working in teams and trying to be as collaborative as possible. Working remotely rather than face-to-face makes your work much more independent. 

Q: What advice do you have for future students who might have disrupted internships?

A: My advice for anyone who is having difficulty with finding an internship or changes to their internship is to take what you can get. It might not be exactly what you’re are hoping for, but any experience is really important. And you’ll always be able to apply the experience you gained to other jobs/internships. 

Q: What other ways has COVID-19 affected you? Have you traveled? Have you been able to go home, see family?

A: COVID-19 has affected my future plans quite a bit—I was supposed to study aboard in the fall as my last semester, however that was canceled. I decided to drop my Spanish minor and graduate in August rather than December. So I’m graduating a lot sooner than I was expecting and have no job prospect, which has been stressful. But other than that, I’ve been pretty lucky—I went home during spring break and have been home since. I haven’t traveled anywhere (expect to move out of my apartment in Champaign), but since I’m home in Colorado I’ve spent a lot of time in the mountains hiking and camping. 

Editor’s note:

To reach Vince Lara-Cinisomo, email vinlara@illinois.edu.
 

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College of Applied Health Sciences
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